What do you think?
Rate this book
Chasing Butterflies #4
Craving Dragonflies
One of us is innocent and the other far from it.
College senior Willow Young has two goals this year: to graduate and lose her v-card. The first seems easy and the second almost impossible. Guys don’t notice her when Celeste, her roommate and step-sister, is considered the hottest girl on campus. When Ashton Westborough, a gorgeous football player, comes to her rescue in more ways than one, she stupidly falls hard for him even though the walls to his heart are impenetrable.
When they end up in his room... his bed, he’s powerless to stop what happens next.
Ashton Westborough has no intentions of playing professional football after graduation no matter how good he is. Though he has no idea where his future will lead him, anywhere is better than the shitty childhood he’d endured. The one thing he knows for sure is he’s done with love. Yet the idea of losing himself in someone to forget the past might be the best idea. When Willow and her mass of sunlit curls repeatedly find their way in his thoughts, he vows not to let his darkness consume her. After one sizzling night together, he’s the one surprised to find himself unable to let go.
College senior Willow Young has two goals this year: to graduate and lose her v-card. The first seems easy and the second almost impossible. Guys don’t notice her when Celeste, her roommate and step-sister, is considered the hottest girl on campus. When Ashton Westborough, a gorgeous football player, comes to her rescue in more ways than one, she stupidly falls hard for him even though the walls to his heart are impenetrable.
When they end up in his room... his bed, he’s powerless to stop what happens next.
Ashton Westborough has no intentions of playing professional football after graduation no matter how good he is. Though he has no idea where his future will lead him, anywhere is better than the shitty childhood he’d endured. The one thing he knows for sure is he’s done with love. Yet the idea of losing himself in someone to forget the past might be the best idea. When Willow and her mass of sunlit curls repeatedly find their way in his thoughts, he vows not to let his darkness consume her. After one sizzling night together, he’s the one surprised to find himself unable to let go.
380 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2018
819 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Terri E. Laine
76 books1,235 followersTerri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age.
Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.
You can find more about her books at www.terrielaine.com.
Faceboook: www.facebook.com/TerriELaineAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TerriLaineBooks
Instagram: www.instragram.com/TerriLaineBooks
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUePk8
Website: www.terrielaine.com
Newsletter sign up --> http://eepurl.com/bDJ9kb
Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.
You can find more about her books at www.terrielaine.com.
Faceboook: www.facebook.com/TerriELaineAuthor
Twitter: www.twitter.com/TerriLaineBooks
Instagram: www.instragram.com/TerriLaineBooks
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1YUePk8
Website: www.terrielaine.com
Newsletter sign up --> http://eepurl.com/bDJ9kb
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 23, 2018
Dragonflies and true romantics...
I'm new to the story, so heads up if you're like me--I had no trouble picking up this book and being completely consumed.
Ashton's story is heartbreaking. The flashbacks of his childhood trauma and how he found the way out was sometimes hard to read. Then you have Willow who is so damaged by the careless words of others.
These two finding each other and finding healing in each other is a beautiful thing. It's an emotional, beautiful love story full of heart and healing. I highly recommend it!
Now to catch up on the series...
I'm new to the story, so heads up if you're like me--I had no trouble picking up this book and being completely consumed.
Ashton's story is heartbreaking. The flashbacks of his childhood trauma and how he found the way out was sometimes hard to read. Then you have Willow who is so damaged by the careless words of others.
These two finding each other and finding healing in each other is a beautiful thing. It's an emotional, beautiful love story full of heart and healing. I highly recommend it!
Now to catch up on the series...
September 18, 2018
4.5 Dragonfly Stars
Wow. Terri E Laine pulled me in with a powerful prologue. All I could do was squeeze my eyes shut and hope the pain didn’t get any worse before it got better.
Ashton Westborough was raised in a home with no love. My heart bled for him. It was almost too difficult to read. The pain thrashing through those pages cuts deep. It’s a backstory no one should ever have to live through. But he also has a kind heart and loves hard even though at times he’s not even sure he knows what the meaning of love is. His growth and realizations are evident in the writing and as the story builds.
Willow Young is in the shadow of her beautiful step-sister Celeste. She needs to step out of it but doesn’t seem to have the confidence to do so. She’s beautiful in her own right. Her patience and understanding is exactly what Ashton needs. Every encounter peels back a small layer and adds to the growing attraction they share and their blossoming relationship. In each other they find that missing something. But there are insecurities and doubts and other things going on in the background that make the journey a little bit harder.
Their story is uniquely told with layered, dual POVs. This is a stand-alone but it could be beneficial to read the other stories in this series because several characters, especially Sawyer, play pivotal roles. With that said, I loved Ashton and Willow’s journey and hated to see it end.
Wow. Terri E Laine pulled me in with a powerful prologue. All I could do was squeeze my eyes shut and hope the pain didn’t get any worse before it got better.
Ashton Westborough was raised in a home with no love. My heart bled for him. It was almost too difficult to read. The pain thrashing through those pages cuts deep. It’s a backstory no one should ever have to live through. But he also has a kind heart and loves hard even though at times he’s not even sure he knows what the meaning of love is. His growth and realizations are evident in the writing and as the story builds.
Willow Young is in the shadow of her beautiful step-sister Celeste. She needs to step out of it but doesn’t seem to have the confidence to do so. She’s beautiful in her own right. Her patience and understanding is exactly what Ashton needs. Every encounter peels back a small layer and adds to the growing attraction they share and their blossoming relationship. In each other they find that missing something. But there are insecurities and doubts and other things going on in the background that make the journey a little bit harder.
Their story is uniquely told with layered, dual POVs. This is a stand-alone but it could be beneficial to read the other stories in this series because several characters, especially Sawyer, play pivotal roles. With that said, I loved Ashton and Willow’s journey and hated to see it end.
September 18, 2018
Wow words are very hard to describe this book. It’s deep,heartbreaking and soul touching. Ashton at the prologue I was glued to this story and couldn’t wait to find out more about this lost boy. Willow a beautiful girl with curly blonde hair who just wants to find love. Willow reminded me of myself in a way her strength and love she shows surrounds you in this book. Ashton made me cry for his character many times while reading but also the strength he has just stole the breath out of me. This is a very touching hard story to read but in the end the dragonflies live through us all and just need love to let go. 5/5 stars deserves a 10
September 22, 2018
Ashton stole my heart ❤️❤️❤️
I was SO excited to get Ashton’s story. I knew there was so much more to it and Terri delivered that to us on every level. His childhood was nothing short of traumatic. The details of his past are relived as we bounce back from past to present flawlessly. The how and why of his actions as a young adult are tied to his past experiences. Your heart will ache for Ashton on every level as he tries to navigate his feelings for his best friend, Sawyer, and what Sawyer means to him. The bond these two have is simply amazing. The love and devotion they have for one another is epic. But is it more than just best friends?
Willow is a kind, soft spoken soul that has always felt second best to her step-sister. To see her flourish and become more confident of herself as time moves on in this love story was great. Her calm, enduring manner pulled Ashton to her on every level. She was a soothing balm to his aching heart. She is exactly what Ashton needs in his life. I could have not asked for a better heroine to fit in Ashton’s jagged puzzle.
I loved Ashton on every level. He was sensitive, kind, yet insecure. He was a beautiful soul that simply needed someone to listen and understand him. Willow did that for him. She helped to show him what they were both missing in their lives. She was patient with him as they navigated the undeniable connection they had for one another. The complimented each other on every level. Although they were unsure of themselves, to see them open up and trust one another was a beautiful journey to be on. This is a beautiful cast of characters, I highly recommend this book, as well as the rest of the series.
I was SO excited to get Ashton’s story. I knew there was so much more to it and Terri delivered that to us on every level. His childhood was nothing short of traumatic. The details of his past are relived as we bounce back from past to present flawlessly. The how and why of his actions as a young adult are tied to his past experiences. Your heart will ache for Ashton on every level as he tries to navigate his feelings for his best friend, Sawyer, and what Sawyer means to him. The bond these two have is simply amazing. The love and devotion they have for one another is epic. But is it more than just best friends?
Willow is a kind, soft spoken soul that has always felt second best to her step-sister. To see her flourish and become more confident of herself as time moves on in this love story was great. Her calm, enduring manner pulled Ashton to her on every level. She was a soothing balm to his aching heart. She is exactly what Ashton needs in his life. I could have not asked for a better heroine to fit in Ashton’s jagged puzzle.
I loved Ashton on every level. He was sensitive, kind, yet insecure. He was a beautiful soul that simply needed someone to listen and understand him. Willow did that for him. She helped to show him what they were both missing in their lives. She was patient with him as they navigated the undeniable connection they had for one another. The complimented each other on every level. Although they were unsure of themselves, to see them open up and trust one another was a beautiful journey to be on. This is a beautiful cast of characters, I highly recommend this book, as well as the rest of the series.
September 24, 2018
5 HEARTBREAKING STARS FOR ASHTON!! My heart is still recovering from all the trauma it went through. Ashton's story is painful but will touch your heart in so many ways. Willow is a beautiful person inside and out, but thinks she is always second best to her sister. These two are ready to take you on their ride and believe me you will want to go. This author has written a beautiful heartfelt story that I could not put down. Make sure to 1-Click this book.
Read
October 18, 2018DNF. Couldn't get into this, found the narrative style to be a bit stilted. Too much effort to push through it, sorry.
October 3, 2018
I really wanted to like this book. I am ALL about the geeky-girl-gets-the-hot-guy-in-college trope and the blurb got me super excited. Unfortunately, a few pages in, I was left wondering if I had blacked out for a bit, if maybe my downloaded book was missing the first few chapters, or if I'm really not as smart as I think I am. Or possibly all of the above because I was utterly confused with the whole storyline. I think in order to really get this book, you really - and I mean REALLY - have to read the books prior to this one with related characters. Otherwise, you have no idea what the heck you are reading. And you really have to love the author's style of writing (which I did not) because she jumps all over the place and includes too many details where they aren't necessary, but doesn't include them where they are needed. And honestly, the heroine ended up bugging me. Who the hell is THAT pathetic in college? And, really - she wants to study bugs, but doesn't like how her professors keeps live bugs around for lab work? THEN DON'T STUDY ENTOMOLOGY, EINSTEIN! Ugh, I hate it when authors try to make the reader so sympathetic to a character that he / she is pretty much a caricature. We are supposed to fall for and root for the poor, lost girl who can't get any attention from boys and who only loves to study and set bugs free. Gag. I gave up after a while because the writing wasn't that good, the characters seemed weird and kind of creepy (so I didn't care what happened to any of them), and I didn't like feeling like an idiot when I'm reading what is supposed to be a simple, New Adult storyline. Next ...
January 30, 2022
An epic love story!
Ashton, broken because of horrible experiences in his past, and Willow, self-critical and insecure because of inferiority complexes, randomly meet time and again on campus. They are fascinated by each other but believe that the other is not interested in them …
The story is told in numerous flashbacks to reveal Ashton’s past to be as broken as a mirror, waiting for the reader to put the pieces together to comprehend the whole extent of his horrific past … to get the whole picture …
There are so MANY ups and downs in this novel that it has to be the bumpiest story I have ever read … suspense and thrill on a very high level alternating with quieter and occasionally passionate moments …
A very clever and well done concoction!
This is one of those books you have to stop reading once in a while to process and digest the just read passages and to take a breath to calm down …
This is one of these books that are difficult to read because of the emotional effects it has on the reader due to some very sensitive topics (including some serious triggers) …
And it is one of those books that are unforgettable because of its intensity …
I absolutely loved this book and wished I could make it unread only to experience it anew once again!
Ashton, broken because of horrible experiences in his past, and Willow, self-critical and insecure because of inferiority complexes, randomly meet time and again on campus. They are fascinated by each other but believe that the other is not interested in them …
The story is told in numerous flashbacks to reveal Ashton’s past to be as broken as a mirror, waiting for the reader to put the pieces together to comprehend the whole extent of his horrific past … to get the whole picture …
There are so MANY ups and downs in this novel that it has to be the bumpiest story I have ever read … suspense and thrill on a very high level alternating with quieter and occasionally passionate moments …
A very clever and well done concoction!
This is one of those books you have to stop reading once in a while to process and digest the just read passages and to take a breath to calm down …
This is one of these books that are difficult to read because of the emotional effects it has on the reader due to some very sensitive topics (including some serious triggers) …
And it is one of those books that are unforgettable because of its intensity …
I absolutely loved this book and wished I could make it unread only to experience it anew once again!
September 22, 2018
I went into this book pretty blindly. From the blurb, I knew I wanted to read it, I also knew it belonged with a series of books I hadn't read. But after reading this, I am downloading all the others, because there are characters from this book, Ashton's friends, their story.
From the getgo, Ashton just pulls you right in. My heart, I really wanted to hug him and never let him go. He just had a miserable miserable childhood. The only bright light in his life is his savior/best friend, Sawyer.
Willow lives in the shadow of her beautiful stepsister. One day, she is having a rough start, and a guy comes to her rescue, quiet, a little brooding, a beautiful man, but there is something haunting about him. She does not know who he is but she wants to know why there is such a pull to him.
There is something about Willow that Ashton wants to be around and protect. He goes back and forth with wanting to explore his feelings, his desire about her because he's never felt it with anyone but 1 person and thats even questionable.
I loved this story. There are triggers. Lets just say, it will make you angry, helpless and sad for this beautiful boy. Ashton's story was really tough to read. But, understanding how and where his mind was helped me comprehend his present time thoughts and how he was living his life and trust with anyone. It was his journey in figuring out who he was on his own. A boy who grew up with a terrible past but conquered past it and wanted his happiness. LOVE LOVE LOVE
From the getgo, Ashton just pulls you right in. My heart, I really wanted to hug him and never let him go. He just had a miserable miserable childhood. The only bright light in his life is his savior/best friend, Sawyer.
Willow lives in the shadow of her beautiful stepsister. One day, she is having a rough start, and a guy comes to her rescue, quiet, a little brooding, a beautiful man, but there is something haunting about him. She does not know who he is but she wants to know why there is such a pull to him.
There is something about Willow that Ashton wants to be around and protect. He goes back and forth with wanting to explore his feelings, his desire about her because he's never felt it with anyone but 1 person and thats even questionable.
I loved this story. There are triggers. Lets just say, it will make you angry, helpless and sad for this beautiful boy. Ashton's story was really tough to read. But, understanding how and where his mind was helped me comprehend his present time thoughts and how he was living his life and trust with anyone. It was his journey in figuring out who he was on his own. A boy who grew up with a terrible past but conquered past it and wanted his happiness. LOVE LOVE LOVE
September 21, 2018
10 *fanfuckingtastic* Stars
I had been waiting forever for this story and it was absolutely worth it!! Sawyer and Ashton will always be my favorite book boyfriends. I love them with all my heart and I feel very protective of them. From the very beginning when they appeared in this series I was enchanted by them. So, when this story drifted into darker territory (which I anticipated, considering what I already knew about Ashton), my heart broke irrevocably into thousands of tiny pieces when I read what Ashton had been through in his younger years. I knew certain things would happen but it didn’t lessen the ache and pain I felt with him. And although I expected this story to be very raw and touching, I did not count on it to be so deeply emotional and affecting.
Ashton's story brought me to tears. It was painful to read at times but it was also hopeful and beautiful in so many ways.
Obviously, Sawyer played a big part in this book and he even managed to burrow himself deeper into my heart. I knew from his story how selfless and caring he was but witnessing his part in saving Ashton was heartbreakingly beautiful. Those two boys totally captured my heart.
Part of why I love Ashton so much comes from the connection I feel to him and how similar he is to me in so many ways. Willow as well though because she caught me by surprise. I was very anxious with whom Ashton would end up with but I think that Willow was just perfect. She was no arrogant or showy bitch but rather an inconspicuous and very sweet person who showed compassion to every living no matter how small or seemingly insignificant to others. I liked her a lot and approve of her for Ashton. =P
There were some sensitive scenes in this book which had me break out in goosebumps and tears because of the rage filling me. I have no words to describe it but Ashton’s story brought me to my knees and ripped me in shreds. It was beyond heartbreaking, so it might sound bad but I don’t mean it to, when I say that this was the most perfect outcome of a story for him. It’s tragic, but in a way that’s exactly his signature.
The Story:
Willow didn't have it easy with Ash because there wasn't just another girl but a boy that meant the world and so much more to Ashton. But that wasn't even all of it, as Ash still struggled with the demons of his past. He's only ever known to follow Sawyer who had taken the lead. Now, since Sawyer cut the ties to Ash he feels lost, alone and abandoned by his best friend. He's hurt and doesn't know how to live his life without him because he can’t remember a time when he wasn't there. It's hard enough even before Willow became a constant in his thoughts and then it got a lot more complicated and confusing for him.
Thoughts:
The slow burn romance was expected, as well as the fact that Ashton needed to find himself first to get his life under control. I knew this wasn't going to be an easy or light read but rather a tough story because Ashton was a very complex character. The author did a fantastic job and surpassed all my expectations with this phenomenal book. Even now I struggle to find the right words to say. Ash’s story was beyond perfect. No matter how heartbreaking it was, this story had Ash written all over it. Perfectly imperfect and absolute perfection.
When you've read the series and know Ashton and his struggles I'm sure that you'll understand what I mean.
This is definitely a must read book and one of the best releases of 2018!! But I recommend reading the previous books first (if you haven’t already) before going into Craving Dragonflies because it would give a better understanding of Ashton and Sawyer’s intricate friendship, although there was a lot explained about their history in this book as well.
-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by the author. --
I had been waiting forever for this story and it was absolutely worth it!! Sawyer and Ashton will always be my favorite book boyfriends. I love them with all my heart and I feel very protective of them. From the very beginning when they appeared in this series I was enchanted by them. So, when this story drifted into darker territory (which I anticipated, considering what I already knew about Ashton), my heart broke irrevocably into thousands of tiny pieces when I read what Ashton had been through in his younger years. I knew certain things would happen but it didn’t lessen the ache and pain I felt with him. And although I expected this story to be very raw and touching, I did not count on it to be so deeply emotional and affecting.
‘Fate had only ever been a bitch to me. I didn’t expect anything less.’
Ashton's story brought me to tears. It was painful to read at times but it was also hopeful and beautiful in so many ways.
‘Rain was one thing that didn’t burn when it touched my skin.’
Obviously, Sawyer played a big part in this book and he even managed to burrow himself deeper into my heart. I knew from his story how selfless and caring he was but witnessing his part in saving Ashton was heartbreakingly beautiful. Those two boys totally captured my heart.
Part of why I love Ashton so much comes from the connection I feel to him and how similar he is to me in so many ways. Willow as well though because she caught me by surprise. I was very anxious with whom Ashton would end up with but I think that Willow was just perfect. She was no arrogant or showy bitch but rather an inconspicuous and very sweet person who showed compassion to every living no matter how small or seemingly insignificant to others. I liked her a lot and approve of her for Ashton. =P
‘I felt too visible, longing all my life not to be seen at the same time, hating to be alone in my own skin.’
There were some sensitive scenes in this book which had me break out in goosebumps and tears because of the rage filling me. I have no words to describe it but Ashton’s story brought me to my knees and ripped me in shreds. It was beyond heartbreaking, so it might sound bad but I don’t mean it to, when I say that this was the most perfect outcome of a story for him. It’s tragic, but in a way that’s exactly his signature.
‘When you love someone so unconditionally, the consequences of what they needed from you didn’t matter even knowing I could never have what I wanted.’
The Story:
Willow didn't have it easy with Ash because there wasn't just another girl but a boy that meant the world and so much more to Ashton. But that wasn't even all of it, as Ash still struggled with the demons of his past. He's only ever known to follow Sawyer who had taken the lead. Now, since Sawyer cut the ties to Ash he feels lost, alone and abandoned by his best friend. He's hurt and doesn't know how to live his life without him because he can’t remember a time when he wasn't there. It's hard enough even before Willow became a constant in his thoughts and then it got a lot more complicated and confusing for him.
‘I’ve relied on his being there for so long, I can’t see what life looks like without him.’
Thoughts:
The slow burn romance was expected, as well as the fact that Ashton needed to find himself first to get his life under control. I knew this wasn't going to be an easy or light read but rather a tough story because Ashton was a very complex character. The author did a fantastic job and surpassed all my expectations with this phenomenal book. Even now I struggle to find the right words to say. Ash’s story was beyond perfect. No matter how heartbreaking it was, this story had Ash written all over it. Perfectly imperfect and absolute perfection.
When you've read the series and know Ashton and his struggles I'm sure that you'll understand what I mean.
This is definitely a must read book and one of the best releases of 2018!! But I recommend reading the previous books first (if you haven’t already) before going into Craving Dragonflies because it would give a better understanding of Ashton and Sawyer’s intricate friendship, although there was a lot explained about their history in this book as well.
-- I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given by the author. --
September 23, 2018
It’s not often that I get so caught up in a book that the time passes me by and I don’t even realise but because I’ve been waiting on this book since we first meet Ashton in Craving butterflies that I just couldn’t stop reading it.
Ashton, his story was brutal at times and hard to read and I did shed a tear or two for him but I also fell for him so hard his relationship with sawyer was one that was such a push and pull one I had no idea how it was going to go .
Willow she was perfect for Ashton and I couldn’t have asked for a better match for him and I liked the fact that the relationship wasn’t rushed but played out in a way that really suit who Ashton was.
Terri did an amazing job on writing his story and gave him one that he truly deserved and I’m so happy that he got the ending that was for him such a great ending to what has been an excellent series !!!!
Ashton, his story was brutal at times and hard to read and I did shed a tear or two for him but I also fell for him so hard his relationship with sawyer was one that was such a push and pull one I had no idea how it was going to go .
Willow she was perfect for Ashton and I couldn’t have asked for a better match for him and I liked the fact that the relationship wasn’t rushed but played out in a way that really suit who Ashton was.
Terri did an amazing job on writing his story and gave him one that he truly deserved and I’m so happy that he got the ending that was for him such a great ending to what has been an excellent series !!!!
October 11, 2018
I was so looking forward to Asher's story. I really wanted to love this book but it was a little all over the place for me. So much was going on and one thing after another kept coming up. Even though Ash and Willow were very cute together, I just I did not feel the connection between them.
After saying that though, this book kept my interest and I could not put it down. I needed to finish this book. After all that Ash had been put through, I needed to know if him and Willow would find their fairy tale ending.
After saying that though, this book kept my interest and I could not put it down. I needed to finish this book. After all that Ash had been put through, I needed to know if him and Willow would find their fairy tale ending.
April 10, 2021
Un libro non facile da leggere e digerire ma che si divora in poco tempo, tale è la curiosità di scoprire la storia di questi due protagonisti. Per quanto anche Willow sia un bel personaggio, qui il fulcro è Ashton e la sua storia che spezza il cuore e ti scava un buco dentro, il vero protagonista è lui, con i demoni che deve affrontare. Molto bello anche se con qualche dettaglio che avrei approfondito.
September 5, 2018
Review to come.
September 27, 2018
This book TORE me into pieces.
It's chilling...
It's gruesome...
It's painful...
And it's something that I can't unread.
Yes, this book is not for the faint of heart. But this is effin happening in society, and Terrie E. Laine is brave enough to cross bounderies and talk about taboos that we have long forgotten, or we have blinded ourselves of.
Craving Dragonflies is my first book in the series, and it made me want to read everything else, only after my heart recovers from Ashton's story. Yep, it needs to heal first. Because the story will break your heart.
The blurb sounded so simple, and so promising - Willow just wanted to graduate and lose her V-card along the way. But then she meets the complicated Ashton - whom confused and intrigued her at the same time. She heard things about him, but she wanted to know him better rather than believe all the rumors. After all, she was warned against him, and yet he keeps on saving her when she needed help.
Ashton has secrets - deep, dark, and dangerous secrets that he wants to keep to himself. He just wanted to be alone - to think. What he really wants in his life, what he really is and what he is going to do with himself. What he didn't expect was Willow - the girl who came rushing into his life and set his world into a new orbit he never realized existed.
Craving Dragonflies was pure torture at some points, but there was redemption. It is more than just a sexy, sports-college romance (although it's a given). It's a story of devastation, of pain, and yet somehow along the way, it became a story of hope and love. That in the darkest of hours, in the deepest pain that we can ever feel - hope will always be there.
ARC given in exchange for an honest review
October 6, 2018
College seniors with flashes back to childhood. Sad and depressing but with a decent ending. A lot was hard for me to reconcile and a lot of unanswered questions remained. Not really my cup of tea -- and I won't read any of the other books in the series. I'm looking for some happy laugh-out-loud moments with my next book choice.
September 23, 2018
I Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!
Terri E Laine brought me to my knees in this spellbinding emotional second chance love story. It was raw and too real but it was also cathartic and inspiring to say the least. My core was shaken, stirred and melted when my heart broke for Ashton. Let's just say that this book is something that you will forever think of for a long time after reading and absorbing it.
I really don't want to have any spoilers in here. What I will say is that Ashton was always in the background behind his best friend, Sawyer, and his past has shaped him into a few broken pieces here and there. I'm actually surprised by the amount of sanity Ashton is able to reflect given his traumatized past. I have seen and read few others that would be as strong as him to withstand college life and be able to function normally or to the capacity that he did on a daily basis. I truly believed that Sawyer had a huge role in why Ashton could function. However, meeting Willow allowed him to break free of the Sawyer confines and be his own person. Willow allowed his own dragonfly to fly separately before finding his soulmate. Life can give you battles and wars and then it can leave you with ashes. I am so heartbroken but yet I am also relieved to see that Ashton was so much better than the by product he came from. Not all is lost and when you have an adventure-scientist enthusiast near you, you are bound to float freely.
This was by far a difficult and complex read. It had you swallowing a lot and welling the tears not to come but it also made you seek for a better future for your charachters and be thankful that the creator behind the pages did it flawlessly and incredibly beautiful with so much patience, understanding and without prejudice. Beautiful job, Terri E. Laine! SIMPLY and truly stunning!!!
6 STARS if that was entirely possible
Terri E Laine brought me to my knees in this spellbinding emotional second chance love story. It was raw and too real but it was also cathartic and inspiring to say the least. My core was shaken, stirred and melted when my heart broke for Ashton. Let's just say that this book is something that you will forever think of for a long time after reading and absorbing it.
I really don't want to have any spoilers in here. What I will say is that Ashton was always in the background behind his best friend, Sawyer, and his past has shaped him into a few broken pieces here and there. I'm actually surprised by the amount of sanity Ashton is able to reflect given his traumatized past. I have seen and read few others that would be as strong as him to withstand college life and be able to function normally or to the capacity that he did on a daily basis. I truly believed that Sawyer had a huge role in why Ashton could function. However, meeting Willow allowed him to break free of the Sawyer confines and be his own person. Willow allowed his own dragonfly to fly separately before finding his soulmate. Life can give you battles and wars and then it can leave you with ashes. I am so heartbroken but yet I am also relieved to see that Ashton was so much better than the by product he came from. Not all is lost and when you have an adventure-scientist enthusiast near you, you are bound to float freely.
This was by far a difficult and complex read. It had you swallowing a lot and welling the tears not to come but it also made you seek for a better future for your charachters and be thankful that the creator behind the pages did it flawlessly and incredibly beautiful with so much patience, understanding and without prejudice. Beautiful job, Terri E. Laine! SIMPLY and truly stunning!!!
6 STARS if that was entirely possible
September 22, 2018
I’ve never read a book with tears in my eyes until I read Ashton’s story. I knew from all the other books that he was different but I didn’t expect to be so emotional while reading it. The things he went thru as a kid was unbearable. He wasn’t capable of love until he met Willow. She was a breath of fresh air with her own insecurities. Both of them were troubled but nothing can compare to what Ashton suffered.
Willow had huge insecurities and was a loner but something about the quiet Ashton pulled her in. And for some reason they kept running into each other. This was a sort of slow build because of all the rumors surrounding Ashton that Willow heard about. Good thing she followed her heart. And Ashton that poor boy had lots of letting go of his past in order to move on. But the most beautiful was his bond with Mason, his godson. I like that nothing was rushed and that Ashton wasn’t “cured” over night. Willow has lots to do with his improvements. She was also a bit sad but she knew how to get out of things.
The epilogue brought on the waterworks because I was both sad and then it turned into happy tears. I can’t wait to read more on these amazing characters. As always the secondary characters mainly Ashton’s close knit brothers added here and there to his story. You’ll definitely get answers on why he is the way he is and clearly understand.
Willow had huge insecurities and was a loner but something about the quiet Ashton pulled her in. And for some reason they kept running into each other. This was a sort of slow build because of all the rumors surrounding Ashton that Willow heard about. Good thing she followed her heart. And Ashton that poor boy had lots of letting go of his past in order to move on. But the most beautiful was his bond with Mason, his godson. I like that nothing was rushed and that Ashton wasn’t “cured” over night. Willow has lots to do with his improvements. She was also a bit sad but she knew how to get out of things.
The epilogue brought on the waterworks because I was both sad and then it turned into happy tears. I can’t wait to read more on these amazing characters. As always the secondary characters mainly Ashton’s close knit brothers added here and there to his story. You’ll definitely get answers on why he is the way he is and clearly understand.
October 6, 2018
Emotional, Heartbreaking, & Amazing!
Although I am new to this series and had not heard or read these books until recently, and also had not heard of this author before, I am truly amazed by her writing. I have loved every story she has told about the bond between Kelley, Chance, Sawyer, and Ashton. And couldn't stop myself from reading story after story.
That being said, I chose to leave a review for Ashton's book because his story was harder to read than the others. And I felt he was the one we all wanted to know more about. I will not give anything away but in reading Ashton's story you start to understand why his relationship with Sawyer was so special. And I couldn't put this down until I knew more. With every flashback scene you start to put the pieces of Ashton's past together, and it's super emotional. I started crying at 12% of this book. And it breaks your heart for him. How could those monsters be cruel to such a sweet boy. Just heartbreaking.
I enjoyed Willow, and was happy that she was patient and understanding with Ashton. I so enjoyed the time they were getting to know each other and how he was coming to terms with everything that's gone on.
As I said not giving anything away, but it was so worth the emotional journey to learn more about Ashton and to have him finally find happiness. I can't wait till the next series.
Although I am new to this series and had not heard or read these books until recently, and also had not heard of this author before, I am truly amazed by her writing. I have loved every story she has told about the bond between Kelley, Chance, Sawyer, and Ashton. And couldn't stop myself from reading story after story.
That being said, I chose to leave a review for Ashton's book because his story was harder to read than the others. And I felt he was the one we all wanted to know more about. I will not give anything away but in reading Ashton's story you start to understand why his relationship with Sawyer was so special. And I couldn't put this down until I knew more. With every flashback scene you start to put the pieces of Ashton's past together, and it's super emotional. I started crying at 12% of this book. And it breaks your heart for him. How could those monsters be cruel to such a sweet boy. Just heartbreaking.
I enjoyed Willow, and was happy that she was patient and understanding with Ashton. I so enjoyed the time they were getting to know each other and how he was coming to terms with everything that's gone on.
As I said not giving anything away, but it was so worth the emotional journey to learn more about Ashton and to have him finally find happiness. I can't wait till the next series.
September 23, 2018
Terri ALWAYS writes an AMAZING story. I knew this book would be a tough read because of learning bits and pieces in the others about Ashton’s childhood. This is his story and we learn so much more. My heart ached for him. No child should ever have to go through what Ashton experienced. His heart is huge and confused. Willow lives in her step-sister’s shadow and attends the same college as Ashton. She doesn’t really believe she’s beautiful or that anyone would find her to be. As their paths cross, their hearts learn understanding, love, and acceptance. Their journey to love is bumpy, emotional and absolutely beautiful. I just cannot get enough of Terri E Laine’s books!!!
September 19, 2018
Absolutely AMAZING read. Ashton has always been the mystery in the chasing butterflies series and this book is truly his story inside out. So many questions that were unanswered are finally answered and so much more is revealed.
His love story is the sweetest and leaves you wanting more. He finds love in the most unexpected place.
Willow is the poster child of sweet, innocent and good student. She keeps finding herself drawn to Ashton and keeps getting warmed by people including him, he is not for you. But she is like the moth attracted to the blue flame and keeps finding herself drawn to him.
This book will definitely leave you wanting more and Will leave you a little sad that the series is over. My solution is to reread the series :)
Don’t forget to one click this great read.
His love story is the sweetest and leaves you wanting more. He finds love in the most unexpected place.
Willow is the poster child of sweet, innocent and good student. She keeps finding herself drawn to Ashton and keeps getting warmed by people including him, he is not for you. But she is like the moth attracted to the blue flame and keeps finding herself drawn to him.
This book will definitely leave you wanting more and Will leave you a little sad that the series is over. My solution is to reread the series :)
Don’t forget to one click this great read.
September 19, 2018
My favorite book of this series!! I don’t even know where to begin....the waves of emotions while reading Ashton’s story were brutal at times. I found myself having to set my kindle aside but quickly picking it back up because I had to read Ash and Willow’s journey. I loved both these characters so much. I loved that they were what each other needed and found ways to let each other in their life. Sometimes it takes one moment to gives us that spark of hope when it seems it may never be possible.
September 23, 2018
5++++ STARS
Craving Dragonflies ~ Chasing Butterflies Book 4
OMG!! FLOVED IT AND THEN SOME!! Sad to see this series end. I did floved the series as well!
Ashton and Willow ~ heartache to pure joyfulness, love, trust
"In the fading light, his eyes held mine like I was the apple of his eye."
"I think the true romantics are dragonflies."
Craving Dragonflies ~ Chasing Butterflies Book 4
OMG!! FLOVED IT AND THEN SOME!! Sad to see this series end. I did floved the series as well!
Ashton and Willow ~ heartache to pure joyfulness, love, trust
"In the fading light, his eyes held mine like I was the apple of his eye."
"I think the true romantics are dragonflies."
October 5, 2018
I couldn't stop reading
Wow did this book suck me in! I bought the book based on nothing more than the title catching my eye. I do feel I should mention that this story is not cozy and comfortable. There are a lot of triggers member in these pages.
I'd rather not include spoilers because I truly enjoyed letting the story unfold in its own time. I thought that the flashback scenes worked really well, giving the necessary insights while not feeling completely separate from the main storyline. I also enjoyed the story being told by both main characters points of view, it works well in this book.
Wow did this book suck me in! I bought the book based on nothing more than the title catching my eye. I do feel I should mention that this story is not cozy and comfortable. There are a lot of triggers member in these pages.
I'd rather not include spoilers because I truly enjoyed letting the story unfold in its own time. I thought that the flashback scenes worked really well, giving the necessary insights while not feeling completely separate from the main storyline. I also enjoyed the story being told by both main characters points of view, it works well in this book.
November 21, 2018
I don't know what it was about that book that didn't connect with me. We had the tortured hero (that I always love) but I think it was the unresolved feelings for Sawyer that left me questioning if the HEA was for real.
September 23, 2018
There’s so much to say and really not enough words to put out to properly give this book justice. It is for sure a fall must read. Though saying that there is content that may be upsetting. Saying that you have to read it for your self.
You can’t help but fall I love with willow and Ashton I know I did and I hope that Terri will give us all something again from this gang of friends we learned to love
You can’t help but fall I love with willow and Ashton I know I did and I hope that Terri will give us all something again from this gang of friends we learned to love
September 21, 2018
Hands down my favorite book in this series! When I first started this book I was not sure I was going to enjoy it but, I absolutely loved it. I felt so many different emotions when I read this story from pain, to heartache to pure joy! This entire series is amazing and glad to see it is going to continue.
October 8, 2018
Felt so many emotions
Great read true love always wins out in the end was hooked from the start was a riveting story from start to finsh.
Great read true love always wins out in the end was hooked from the start was a riveting story from start to finsh.
October 30, 2018
This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Ashton completely stole my heart!!
October 5, 2018
Extraordinary read....
It was a very interesting experience to read and the drama within the characters were astounding. This is not for the easily triggered in some situations. But it was a excellent book to read on overcoming fears and taking chances to finding oneself and choosing the choices for themselves.
It was a very interesting experience to read and the drama within the characters were astounding. This is not for the easily triggered in some situations. But it was a excellent book to read on overcoming fears and taking chances to finding oneself and choosing the choices for themselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews