Liked but didn't love. The author has the most distinct voice I've read in a while, and it gives the story this unique quality that reminded me of an old school contemporary romance, which isn't a bad thing, at least not always. I can't speak of how accurate the representation is or of how sensitive its portrayal might be, but nothing stood out as being egregiously bad. The biggest issue I had with it is that, as usual, there's an evil ex, which is a trope I hate and a shade of sexism that looks bad in every book and every author.

I probably wouldn't recommend the book, but I will read this author again for sure.

4.5 Stars

Andie is an Occupational Therapist who devotes her time to helping others. She devotes herself to her work to help distract her from the tragedy of her past. Due to cut backs at her job she was let go, but is given an opportunity by the very handsome Rhys Griffiths and his autistic son.

When Rhys's son Will spoke his first word and it was Andie's name he knew he would do anything to have Andie work with his son. Andie accepts the position as a live in therapist for Will at Rhys's home. Andie and Rhys soon find out they have unmistakable chemistry, but along the way there are obstacles. The abrupt reappearance of Rhys's ex, Will's mother who abandoned them when Will was 6 months old. She will do anything now to be back in there lives including ruining the relationship Andie and Rhys are developing.

Andie also needs to overcome her demons from her past in order to move forward. Can they find there way through this and have a happy ending?

This was a well written book that kept me hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the characters and their growth throughout the story.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

The First Word's synopsis intrigued me and I was in the mood to try a new author so off I went to read without any real expectations.

There were some good points and not so great. One thing I did enjoy are the characters. Rhys is a little odd (he thinks he is probably somewhere on the Asperger's spectrum) but he's also very swoony and an amazing father. I've seen some criticism of the author's portrayal of autism and I am certainly no expert. I do feel that the son's portrayal is more in line with what I've seen. As for Rhys... honestly, I think he's just a bit of an odd duck with some sensory issues. To say he is on the spectrum I'm afraid may be glorifying autism (making it sound sexy and intriguing rather than being a difficult disease to manage).

Andie is a wonderful heroine but she's a bit soft in that she needs some confidence. However, a difficult past has influenced her behavior and you can see moments of spunk that come out and give her character a little color.

My main problem with this book is the endless inner monologue and wordiness. There's a lot of words and really not a whole lot happening for the first half of the book. So it's not that I didn't enjoy it but I did skim over several parts to keep the book progressing. It does pick up and I enjoyed the overall story and the way Andie and Rhys fell in love. I'm not sorry I read it and I love the potential this author has.