Great story about finding love. Note: I received an ARC in exchange of an honest and unbiased review.

The First Kiss of Spring is a good fit for readers who enjoy stories about determined women finding love and building families while overcoming challenges in small-town settings.

The First Kiss of Spring was my first book in the Eternity Springs series, and I really enjoyed it! I do wish I had read this series in order because I know I was missing information on some of the secondary characters, but that's my fault and not the author's! And I love the characters I met, so I'm definitely interested in reading the other books in the series. I love Eternity Springs, too. Small towns are so wonderful, and this one is dreamy and sweet. I loved the journal entries that each chapter opens up with, even though some of them are quite sad. I enjoyed learning about the pasts of these people, though. The romance is very sweet, if not a bit frustrating at times (as is always the case for me with second chance romances). All in all, this was lovely!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March
(Telluride)
Caitlin is a in Telluride for a college friends wedding when she gets stuck in a gondola with Josh and his disabled dachshund Penny. When they become trapped in the gondola have have to be rescued together things heat up quickly.
Much to Caitlin’s shock he had moved to her home town of Eternity Springs. She too had been contemplating a move home from NYC.
She finally bites the bullet and tells her parents she’s moving home to open a daycare center. Only for Josh to make it very clear they will never be more than just friends with benefits.
Josh is hiding so many secrets from her. He knows he can’t bring his bad luck to her too. Caitlin however is determined change his mind. The question becomes will he?!?
Thanks to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the galley of this book.

THE FIRST KISS OF SPRING - Emily March

#14 in the Eternity Springs romance series

GREAT CHARACTERS! - 5 stars

Plot - 5 stars - After an accidental meeting at a friend's wedding, Caitlin and Josh realize that they both live in Eternity Springs and are bound to run into each other frequently. Josh is trying to avoid this because of his less-than-happy background and his desire to avoid a relationship. But Caitlin is very interested in Josh and wants to get to know him better.

Writing - 5 stars - As always, March has created a warm and loving setting filled with appealing characters. I always look forward to returning to Eternity Springs, especially because March writes in an easy-to-read and pleasant style that captures my attention while also providing a peaceful interlude.

Characters - 4 stars - In this case, I continue to find Mac and Allie Timberlake to be my least favorite characters in the whole series. They tend to jump to conclusions, often thinking they're right without considering what others think. This book is no exception. But Caitlin is sweet and attractive, and I enjoyed watching her stick to her guns about her career and lifestyle. Her relationship with brother Chase is cute, and their conversations are typical brother/sister banter. Josh obviously has secrets in his past, but his background is becoming clearer with each chapter. I like the format of his journal entry beginning each chapter and giving us a bit more information each time. He's a good guy, although I was surprised that there wasn't more about his relationship with Brick.

Title - 5 stars - This title becomes clear at the very end of the book and is a lovely sentiment about Josh's feelings.

Cover - 5 stars - This has a beautiful outdoor cover, as do all of the books in this series. Eternity Springs is peaceful and beautiful, and this cover definitely reflects that feeling.

Overall - 5 stars - This series just keeps getting better and better. There is a complete romance (and sometimes mystery) within each book, which makes them good standalones. But to get the full richness of the story, it's a better idea to read all of the books in order. I had been looking forward to this one because I liked Josh in the previous book, but I had no idea what to expect from his background (which was a surprise). He's such a good guy, despite his demons, and I was definitely rooting for him. And his turn of phrase at the end when he's telling Caitlin about his feelings is so beautiful. I loved that message. Caitlin is a Timberlake (which is a negative), but I was happy that she only once in a while showed that judgmental side of herself. Otherwise, she's helpful and kind and just trying to find her happiness. They made a great couple, and I was glad of their HEA.

I’ve been reading the Eternity Springs series by Emily March since it started in 2012. Well, kinda. I faithfully read the first six or so books and then fell off the wagon. Then I picked up The First Kiss of Spring, book 14 in the series, and decided to get it off my to-read list.

With The First Kiss of Spring being so far into the Eternity Springs series, it’s probably best if you go into the book after having read some part of the series before. It does stand on its own, but so many supporting characters had their stories told earlier. And there’s a wedding of one of the previous couples that I couldn’t get excited about because I hadn’t read their book.

This installment follows Josh and Caitlin. The two meet in Telluride while on vacation and then discover they have ties to Eternity Springs. Caitlin, who has been looking for a change, decides to move to town to be closer to family, but the fact that Josh is there is icing on the cake.

Josh has a major secret, and straight-up tells Caitlin that he’s not interested in marriage and family, but she just sees that as a challenge. And so their road to happily ever after begins.

I liked Josh more than Caitlin. Not that she was terrible or anything. Caitlin was likable but maybe a little underdeveloped. Josh was just more complex. He has this sweet side that wants to fall in love and have a family, but then there’s this dark, secret side that messes with his head and threatens his happiness. And just when you think everything between the two will work out, you realize that you’re only two-thirds of the way through the book, and BAM—everything changes.

This book has some heavy themes that I won’t give away and ruin the story. If you’re looking for a romance full of sunshine and flowers, this isn’t it. Not that there aren’t moments of light-heartedness and fun. But the overall tone was darker than I expected, and it wasn’t entirely unwelcome.

I recommend The First Kiss of Spring to fans of the Eternity Springs series. But if you’re new to the series, I wouldn’t recommend starting here.

In the end, The First Kiss of Spring was a middle-of-the-road read for me. If I’d read more of the recent books in the series, I might’ve been able to connect to the secondary characters a bit more. I felt the development of the two leads was unbalanced, with more focus on Josh’s growth. But the romance was well-rounded while tackling some tricky topics.

Caitlin Timberlake has been seriously considering moving back home to Eternity Springs and opening a day care. What luck that the handsome stranger she meets in nearby Telluride turns out to be the town mechanic in Eternity Springs, Josh Tarkington. Josh had a rough childhood and horrible luck in his adult years, and he tells Caitlin upfront that he is not interested in marriage or a family at all. However, Caitlin has decided he’s The One and is determined to win him over.

This was the first book in the Eternity Springs series I had read, and I really enjoyed it for the most part. Good writing, characters you care about. I got the impression that other characters or couples featured in the book had been the main focus of previous entries in the series, and I was right. I love that idea because it creates the small-town feeling that you know everyone in town just like people who actually live in small towns do.

There was moderate bad language, but my main hang up was the sexual content. There was a bit more than I was comfortable with, and it was a bit more descriptive than I was comfortable with. I’d put it at a high PG-13, not overly graphic, but just enough to be too much for me. I’m super bummed because I would have loved to read more in this series and recommend them to my friends. Thanks to NetGalley for the free ebook.

Contemporary small town romance. This story is the fourteenth in the series and can be read as a stand alone.
These stories are always heart fulfilling. Emily March is a master storyteller. Happy Reading!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I have read and enjoyed every Eternity Springs book, but this one was my least favorite of the series. The main character Josh is dealing with ALOT of heavy issues, and unfortunately love doesn’t fix everything, and it is really hard to have a relationship with someone that has not dealt with all of their issues, and bring ‘sorry’ doesn’t fix everything. Caitlyn is very trusting, and doesn’t really understand what is going on with Josh as he struggles. People can beat their demons, but it does take time and work, and the ending seemed like it came a little sudden.

When I first decided on this book I thought I was going to get a fun, light-hearted, small town romance. And although there is some of that here, there is also so much more.

I enjoyed the small-town aspect of the story, the quirky secondary characters and the humor sprinkled throughout. But it was Josh's story and struggle that ultimately made the story a 5-star read for me.

I loved the characters and upon meeting them I immediately wanted to get to know more about them. Especially Josh. He came across as a charming, free-spirited man. But as the story progressed, the author made sure to make the reader aware that there was more to his story. I was intrigued. Surprised and ultimately, heartbroken by his ordeal. Which was made even more poignant by the emotions the author brought to the page as his past was revealed.

Although this is book 14 of the series, I don't think it is necessary to read the other books to enjoy Josh and Caitlin's story. However, they all been added to my TBR in the hopes I'll get to them someday! :)

All in all, touching read. I loved it!

The idea that the man needed saving, and by the woman no less, is one I'm all on board for. With an incredibly promising premise I had high hopes and expectations that we'd get a strong female lead and a good man with a good heart but a less-than-pleasant past. The reality didn't exactly meet those expectations, however, and a really nice ending didn't make up for some pretty big red flags for me.

Suffering from any kind of abuse is awful and Josh had suffering in spades here. I loved the title with the vague connection to Spring, rebirth and renewal, in relation to the kind of freedom Josh needed to find. It's presumed Caitlin would be instrumental in pushing him toward that path, but it was pretty clear from the get-go that she was just kind of pushing.

Determined and strong-willed are nice ways of saying that Caitlin is an immature, spoiled brat that had to have her way no matter who stood between her and her goals, even if one of the goals was also the roadblock. Her pursuing Josh only to turn her back on him like her father turned me off from her.

In addition to not liking Caitlin much throughout much of the story there was a serious lack of treatment mentioned. Spending a lot of time mired in the unhealthy coping mechanisms, thoughts, reminiscences, and traumatic insistence that Josh bare all of that awful requires some kind of treatment or healing plan. Triggers will always be there, recovery doesn't mean a cure, and relapse is generally a constant worry. None of that is addressed.

So while there is romance and a good amount of steam, there were some glaring issues in the content of the story that I'm rating this story with only an average star rating.

A sweet romance filled with love, friends, family, secrets and hope. Eternity Springs reminds me of the location of a hallmark movie, leaving you feeling warm and comforted.

The First Kiss of Spring is a sweet, sexy romance. While it's the fourteenth installment of the Eternity Springs series, it's my first foray into this small Colorado town where it seems hope springs eternal. The story line is interesting, the settings easy to picture, and the Characters well written. This title can easily be read as a stand alone, but when you've finished, you'll likely want to read more. I know I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the environs of this not-so-sleepy little town.
I was given copy of this title by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found The First kiss of Spring was filled with complex characters and interesting characters. I can handle complex stories and characters but there were several times I was confused and felt that the story seemed forced.

Josh is the spawn of Hollywood royalty. Including himself, his grandfather, father, mother , brother and sister’s were famous or in the spotlight. Because of his family, he’s been in and out of rehab, suffered mental and sexual abuse as well as becoming a drug addict. He moves away from his family to concentrate on his mental health but tragedy continues to follow. Over the past several years he’s loved and lost and vows never to love again. He also has a knack of being a hero which I found ironic due to his past tragedies. While I could overlook a few sad circumstances, his story left me sad and depressed. I also thought it odd that no one recognizes his looks of name in Eternity Springs.

Caitlin is immediately smitten with Josh. She befriends Josh and forces herself in his life. She leaves her job in NYC as a textile designer to open a day care in Eternity Springs. This career change I found odd and didn’t make sense. Because of this I found her to be flighty and wishy washy.

The pair kept their relationship secret but another tragedy forces them to bring it to light. Despite them dating, I had a hard time finding a love connection between the two. They survive family discord and to get their HEA but it was a struggle to get there.

This was my first Emily March book but it won't be my last! I loved this book from start to finish. I was engaged from the start and was very satisfied with it throughout. The connections between our main characters felt real and believable. The story flowed well. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

This is the first book I have read by Emily March and Eternity Springs sounds like an awesome place to live. Caitlin meets Josh and his handicapped dog on a gondola ride when she had nothing to do in Tellride while waiting for the bride whose wedding she is in. Caitlin likes Josh so she asked him to be her plus one for the wedding and until they are interrupted by seeing her parents who are not supposed to be at that hotel they were well on their way to getting to know each other better. When Caitlin comes home to tell her parents she is moving back they are not happy about it and when she sees Josh he tells her they can be friends with benefits but he will never love or get married. Can Caitlin deal with that and what is going on with her parents? It’s a good thing she has decided to open a daycare right here in town because with all the secrets around her she is going to need the distraction. Caitlin was one tough cookie even though she may have meltdown here and there she is exactly what Josh and her parents need.

A well crafted modern love story that will keep the reader enthralled from beginning to end. A chance meeting between two visitors, when a ski cable car breaks down, leads to life changing events for both parties. A true girl meets boy and falls head over heels in love. However, like all good stories, the road to happiness loaded with pitfalls which the two star crossed lovers must traverse. A feel good story that must be read to be appreciated.

I have rated this book 5 stars.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my unbiased review.

I really enjoy Emily March's books. They are often a balance between light and dramatic. I especially enjoyed this one and the main characters. I haven't read this series from the beginning and don't feel it is necessary.

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is the 14th book in Eternity Springs and the first that I’ve read. Set in a small Colorado town, I found myself charmed by the people and open to the sweet romance the book seemed to promise. However I wasn’t prepared for the heart-aching story of redemption.

Caitlin Timberlake is the youngest of the Timberlake clan and, if you ask her mother, the most successful. An interior designer in New York, on the surface Caitlin has it all. Yet she is missing something. Once home she realizes what it is – home and a family to call her own. She’s been following her mother’s dreams and not her own. I respect that Caitlin knows what she wants and goes for it. It was refreshing to read a character that was so driven. She’s determined to move back to Eternity Springs and start a daycare. The mechanic is a bonus 😉

Josh Tarlington is not at all what I expected. He is dead set against a relationship of any kind. But he can’t seem to get Caitlin out of his mind. SO he is upfront and honest with her from the start. He will not commit to a relationship, not with her or anyone. I found his honesty refreshing. As the reader, we get glimpses into his past through journal entries and letters. I was not expecting the dark turn in his story. It’s heartbreaking and I ached for him.

The First Kiss of Spring is more than a romance. It’s a story about people with real-life problems, goals and ambitions. I loved the meet-cute between Caitlin and Josh. I love her determination from the start that Josh is her one, how she pursues him despite his own warnings that he won’t commit. It was different than other contemporary romances I’ve read. I loved the setting of spring too. Spring is a promise of rebirth after a long dead winter. It mimics Josh and Caitlin’s story perfectly.

Overall I enjoyed The First Kiss of Spring. While it can be read as a standalone in the Eternity Springs, I don’t recommend it. I recommend reading from the start as I suspect there is some world-building I missed surrounding the town and characters. Plus there will be spoilers in the story to previous books as characters crossover and appear here. If you enjoy small-town romance, I highly recommend it.

Do you write in a journal? I remember writing in a diary when I was growing up. Do you think writing is therapeutic? I think our character survived by writing down those thoughts. This story shows that love can help see us through all kinds of problems. I think it also shows that it’s easier to handle our problems when we share with the ones we love. I loved the character’s in this story. I think we all wish for a little Caitlin to be in us. She knew what she wanted and went after it. Who wouldn’t want to be loved and respected like Celeste was. I love small towns and this story just deepens that love.
I got this book through NetGalley and am so thankful I did. My opinion is my own.