Parts of this book are wonderful; there are funny moments, wry moments, and heartwarming moments, as well as several tense scenes. On the whole, I enjoyed the relationship between Josh and Caitlin, although I was slightly uncomfortable with the speed with which Caitlin jumped into it. Emily March's use of Josh's diary entries to reveal his backstory works really well, giving the reader insight into his psyche and making it easier to empathize with him. And the author gives an excellent portrayal of family dynamics with the Timberlake family.

I had some personal issues with one aspect of the book, significant enough to bump my rating down to "Like" rather than "Love." (I can't go into details without major spoilers, sorry!) It may not bother other readers at all, so I would give The First Kiss of Spring a positive but qualified recommendation, particularly for fans of the series. It's solidly written and enjoyable overall.

I love small town stories with strong characters, a fast moving and interesting plot and a little humor. Emily March has covered all the bases in this return to Eternity Springs. Ms. March has the ability to touch all emotions and engage readers in her story. She is a master storyteller.

Caitlin Timberlake is a strong woman who returns from working in New York to settle in her hometown. She has a definite plan for her future and the future of the town.

Josh Tarkington moves to Eternity Springs from Oklahoma. He has overcome a troubled past to start his own auto repair shop. After surviving several tragedies, he is ready to settle down and live a quiet life . . . A quiet single life.

This book follows the rocky romance of Caitlin and Josh. Caitlin wants what most young women want . . . marriage and children. Josh wants to be friends with benefits.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance. Ms. March never disappoints.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this book!

A nonstop read, you'll fall in love with the characters.

Eternity Springs does it again – taking the bruised, broken and fearful and restoring hope, love and courage to its citizens.

Caitlin has returned home after years designing textiles: she’s braving her parents’ displeasure to open a Day Care center in town. She wants to be home and close to family after her brother’s near-loss as a photojournalist, and she’s itching for a new challenge. Her first trip back to Colorado nearly a month earlier, she met a man and his wheelchair-bound dog, Penny, and it awoke a sense of possibility and excitement in her for the next chapter: new career, new business, new love, marriage and family of her own. No one was more surprised than Caitlin when she is locked in a secret room in the house she is looking to convert to her daycare, only to be rescued by the man she met a month ago, his grey eyes and the overwhelming chemistry are just as strong.

Josh has had a rough life: we are treated to much of his thoughts and feelings on his past through journal entries: these give us a sense that he’s got plenty he hides from everyone around him, and helps to show why he claims to want no attachments or relationships where others count on him. Unfortunately for him, the existence of Penny the paralyzed dachshund with her custom-made wheeled buggy and necessary daily physical care she requires belies that statement. And, this is where Caitlin decides that she will change his mind: Josh is the one for her – she knows this as well as she knows there will be snow in winter, and she is determined to convince him.

Slowly and surely, we see Josh and Caitlin start to fall for one another: she’s far more aware of her developing attachment and her love for him –his own self-esteem issues, guilt and secrets that he fears will get out and destroy him yet again, combined with his own sense of being ‘bad luck’ for those around him have the two separating: heartsick and battling demons, until sense, time and some potential tragic news for Caitlin brings them together again.

March skillfully wove the issue of abuse and addiction into Josh’s story and attitude, from true tragic events that happened to send him into drugs and alcohol to retreat, to his own shame, guilt and sense of ‘wrongness’ in what he sees as weakness and an inability to overcome his family history. From his own real fights and fears to those he brandished before him to keep Caitlin away, his character and caring nature showed through more clearly to everyone who encountered him. These two make a lovely couple – both before they both realized they were in love and after: their own desires and wishes for the future almost mirror one another, and it’s only when the need to ‘direct’ things (from both sides) is less important than the need to be together, do we see just what a formidable and perfect match they are.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9Dg/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

A heartwarming town, a close-knit family and secrets galore! I was intrigued from the first page. There are two sides to this story. There's the flirty, happy-go-lucky romance that brings a smile to your face often as you read it ... and there's a glimpse into a childhood of terror that through luck and hard choices came out on the other side. It's a little unorthodox of a method of giving us past recollections, and a tad confusing, but the overall story line was rich. The characters were really easy to fall for and the outlying community of family and friends added enrichment to the story. A satisfying read!

A chance meeting at an out of town wedding has Caitlin Timberlake setting her sites on the new man in town ... before she's even relocated! She's ready to leave the big city lights of New York City and head to Eternity Springs, Colorado to be close to her family again and to embark on a new and exciting venture! It doesn't hurt that she met a sexy man who happens to live in the same town!

Mechanic Josh Tarkington is all for a casual fling with the vivacious Caitlin, but he's had his fill of hoping for forever, so he's not willing to risk trying again. If she's happy to settle for that, he's her guy! As the story unfolds, we get to know Josh's past and how it shaped him into the person he is today, and why he's so gun shy of life outside his circles.

The First Kiss Of Summer
Eternity Springs, Book #14
Emily March
5 Stars


Synopsis:

Spring has come to Eternity Springs in the newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series by Emily March.
When Josh Tarkington gets stuck on a gondola with the lovely Caitlin Timberlake, he thinks his consistently bad luck might have changed.
After their blossoming romance is interrupted, Caitlin realizes that her encounter with Josh was a sign that she needed to make a major life change. So she packs up her things and moves to Eternity Springs, opens a day care, and sets her cap for the town’s mechanic—Josh.
But Josh is hiding a well of secrets that would ruin him, and his relationship with everyone in Eternity Springs—especially Caitlin. When tragedy strikes, Josh and Caitlin find themselves, and their relationship, tested beyond imagining. Will they be able to find their way back to each other? (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to meet Caitlin and Josh. Caitlin is a small town girl who made a name for herself in New York as a textile designer. But she starts feeling like she wants to return home to be near her family and do something different in her life so that is what she does. Josh has a lot of baggage that he carries with him. He does not want a relationship or a happily ever after with anyone. He has too many bad memories from his past and he has too many secrets that he feels he must keep. But when Caitlin meets Josh, she knows that he is the one for her. Now she just has to convince Josh of that fact and that will not be easy. I thought that they made a great couple and I was pulling for them to get together.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in writing an emotional book and much of what happened pulled at my heartstrings. I really enjoyed that she included journal entries that helped with the backstory of the person writing the journal. She took some serious issues in our society, such as drug abuse, and wrote about them in a touching way. That could not have been easy.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written contemporary romance. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride but sometimes as a reader we all need that. It is not only a love story, it is a story about second chances, fighting for what you want and forgiving yourself as well as others.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

She's found her man and wants his heart. He knows his limits and doesn't have a heart to give. Emily March goes beyond the romance. Caitlin and Josh are only a tiny piece of a puzzle. There path is full of snow drifts not easily plowed, but waiting to be explored. Amidst the bad choices, heartbreaking moments and personal setbacks, lies a chance at redemption. Eternity Springs is the beginning of the rest of your life. No matter the road travelled, count on Emily March's Eternity Springs to point a wanderer home. The First Kiss of Spring is a sentimental, second chance love song.

This small-town romance tackles some big issues…but once again Eternity Springs works its magic to keep the hope of love alive.

Josh has had to deal with so much in his life. You would think that someone with his background would have an easy life, but instead his is one of darkness and secrets…and has him convinced that bad luck follows him everywhere he goes – so much so he won’t even consider opening his heart to someone and dragging them into the “quagmire of misfortune and bad luck that sucked at his shoes wherever he went.”

Caitlin has decided to come home and follow her dream of opening her own business. Even though she knows she will have to face disappointment from her parents, she misses Eternity Springs and knows that the path to her happiness is returning home. When she meets Josh in Colorado at a wedding and finds out he lives in Eternity Springs, she also gets the feeling that he may be part of that path.

From the first moment Josh and Caitlin lock eyes, you can feel the heat between these two. I never doubted the connection these two had, but some of their story was a bit dark and dealt with some serious and troubling issues. Josh’s past has come to rule his present, and although Caitlin has worked her way into his life, he can’t move forward until he comes to terms with his issues. This love story is not one for the faint of heart, but seeing these two finally come together was so satisfying. There was a lot going on with Josh’s past and at times it seemed to slow the story down, but the end result was worth it all.

As usual in Eternity Springs, the town and its residents play a big part in this story. And my favorite, Celeste, was full of good advice and introspect.

Emily March has crafted such an endearing small town in Eternity Springs, one that makes me wish I could find it on a map so I could move there. Although there was a bit of darker material in this book, the hope and magic of the town were there to help Josh and Caitlin find the happy ever after.

Another wonderful read!

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review.

This beautifully written small town romance with memorable characters, genuine emotions, family drama, secrets, a heartwarming love story and so much more kept me entertained and intrigued from the first word to the last. I loved the instant attraction and dynamic between Caitlin Timberlake and Josh Tarkington and didn't want their story to end when I got to the last page.

Fans of this genre will love this can't-put-down book that will leave a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

The First Kiss of Spring is not the first of Emily March's books I have had the pleasure of reviewing. In 2017, St Martin's Press invited me to do a blog tour for A Stardance Summer, (Eternity Springs book 13). That was my first ever Emily March book. This time, I'm pleased to be able to participate in the blog tour for The First Kiss of Spring. With winter being here as it is now, I always love a read that's set on the cusp of spring.

The title is the first thing about this book that jumps out at me and grabs my attention. The phrase "the first kiss of spring" insinuates new beginnings in more ways than one, as a first kiss is a new beginning romatically and spring is a season of growth and rebirth after the cold of winter.
The cover is very eye-catching as it was with the previous book.

I was very glad to "go back" to Eternity Springs in this book, as after book 13 I had begun to wonder whether there would be any more books released in the Eternity Springs series. I jumped at the chance to review this.

The book does not disappoint. In book #14. Josh Tarkington is trying to escape from his past and keep secrets buried. Working as a mechanic in the small homely town of Eternity Springs, he is content with his life. Caitlin Timberlake works in New York but returns to Eternity Springs to attend a friend's destination wedding.

What will life be like for them when they are back in Eternity Springs together? Caitlin and Justin face some trying times in this book. There's an additional challenge in that Justin only wants friendship.
. It is lovely to see them together, and I was rooting for them. I like how Caitlin 's family were there for her whatever happened in her life. As with life itself, there are good times and bad times for everybody.

The First Kiss of Spring is about overcoming obstacles, it is about fighting for what and who you really want. Josh's dog, Penny, is a delightful addition to this book.

Emily March's writing is top notch and in Eternity Springs she creates a small town that is very atmospheric and realistic. Her characters are very well fleshed out and her writing just absorbs me and keeps me hooked. She has a real skill for showing small town life, and for getting inside the characters she writes. I felt happiness sadness fear anxiety and more emotions whilst listening to this. The story had unexpected twists and turns but always remained very true to life.


I'd recommend her books to anyone who loves small town romances! Emily March's books are 5 stars for me.

A huge thanks to Emily March and St Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the small town setting. The characters were very interesting and had personality. I liked the book.

Welcome home to Colorado is what Caitlin feels coming back to be a bridesmaid for a friend. Her relationship with her family has had her running away but with the return of her brother from the Middle East has her wanting to see him. The bridal venue is not far from her home town. She accidentally meets a man who makes her feel things (not knowing that he's from her hometown). He has a dog with disabilities and his caring touches her heart. She invites him to the wedding and things go well from there. The interesting about this book is that the author has Caitlin writing a journal from when she was young and each chapter introduces her feelings and emotions about her family and her life to give the reader some info as to what fuels her actions. The storyline moves along quite nicely as Caitlin moves home and out the man she met is a local. Mystery and romance abound and the story concludes quite nicely. I really liked this book.

This book was received through Netgalley. I’m always very excited to read new authors for me! This book is part of an already long-standing series, set in the magical town of Eternity Springs, where it seems all hurting souls come to find happiness.
In this story Caitlin, whose parents are now fixtures in Eternity Springs, meets Josh at an out of town event. They hit it off tremendously well, but her parents, specifically her father, does not approve. Afterward, Caitlin decides it’s time to move back home to Eternity Springs, giving up a successful career, to follow her passion and open a daycare center! Little does she know that Josh is a new resident of Eternity Springs. They find each other and embark on a secret courtship because Josh refuses to commit due to a complicated past, and Caitlin has decided she’ll change his mind eventually.
Everything seems to be going her way until Josh ends up having a serious accident, which forces him to face some old demons & shows Caitlin a side of Josh she hadn’t yet known.
They separate but when Caitlin gets some heartbreaking news, it’s Josh she turns to for support. And although he struggles to forget her, he just can’t conquer his demons and refuses to let her in that part of his life she knows nothing about.
Just when it seems everything is over, a mysterious Eternity Springs resident, stirs things up.
This was a very fast fun read with some very real issues. I was surprised a bit and I enjoyed that. I also fell in love with Eternity Springs & hope to return again soon.

The First Kiss of Spring is a well written romance. I enjoyed the plot, characters and setting. I always enjoy a book by Ms. March. I recommend to readers who enjoy a good romance.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about The First Kiss of Spring. This was probably one of the first romances I've read where some of the harsher truths of reality were brought to the forefront. Definite trigger warnings for addiction and drug abuse, as well as child abuse in lesser detail.

Let's start with Caitlin. She acts like a child around her parents despite being nearly 30. Decides to suddenly move home and chase after this guy she just met despite him making it clear that he wasn't interested in anything more than a quick fling. And when I say chase, I'm saying she literally forced herself in his path. Josh, the guy in question, has a lot of secrets and is just trying to make it one day at a time. He can be ungrateful and grumpy but, to be fair, he made his desires clear from the beginning. 

Their romance was lukewarm at best. Sure, when it came to the physical chemistry, they seemed to have it but there was so much more to this book than that. I never felt like they really had what it took to create a solid relationship with all the secrets and jumping to conclusions. Which was disappointing because the previous book in the series (which features characters who return in this book) was a fun book with a couple I enjoyed reading about.

But this book. . . well it really forces you to face what Josh is dealing with in terms of addiction, as well as trying to forget a past filled with abuse. The First Kiss of Spring gets dark and if you're looking for a lighter read then this might not be the right pick for you. And, I'll freely admit, that's what I had been looking for going into this. I'm not against a romance taking on those sorts of themes but it's simply not what I read romances for so that affected my personal enjoyment of the book. Josh's whole past made a huge impact on his dynamic with Caitlin and the whole situation just wasn't working for me. 

Also, maybe I didn't notice it as much in A Stardance Summer because it was only set at the camp, but this small town of Eternity Springs seems too perfect (yes, that's totally possible). Everything works out and everyone's happy and it's all sunshine and rainbows. Yet this book tackles abuse and addiction which definitely don't fit into that? Now I get why contrast would be good for a book but in this case they didn't mesh in any way so the whole thing felt disjointed. 

To be honest, I really just didn't click with this book. I'm sure it has its audience out there but it's not me. I still think I'll read other books by this author, and in this series even, but so far the odds are 50:50 if I'll enjoy it so we'll see.

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, and overall it was a pretty good read. Loved Eternity Springs where the book ultimately spends most of the time in. It’s a place where you would love to start a family, everyone knows each other, and it’s definitely a small town feel. Really liked how Caitlin and Josh meet, and any man that adopts a special needs dog like Penny is number one in my book. Celeste was a hoot, every small town has a person who can read people and predict the outcome of relationships, Celeste was that person in Eternity Springs. Josh is from a very talent oriented family, but has been abused mentally and physically, along with being introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age. He has beaten his demons and chose Eternity Springs to settle down and make a life alone for himself, but then Caitlin enters the picture. This couple is completely opposite from one another, but they definitely have chemistry. The only thing I didn’t care for in the book and found rather confusing was about midway through when Josh begins to fall into old habits. The first journal entries leads you to believe that it’s referring to a different character, so that was a bit of a surprise for me. Loved the characters in this book as a whole, would love to find this little town and experience it for myself.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Caitlin Timberlake has had her fill of the fast-paced, big city life. She’s ready for a change and when she travels home to Colorado for her best friend’s wedding, her mind is already made up. Move back to Colorado and start her own business in a quiet little mountain town. And could it be a positive omen, when on her first day back, she’s stuck inside a stalled gondola with a handsome Telluride auto mechanic?
Josh Tarkington feels the same crazy attraction to Caitlin. As much as he’d like to pursue a relationship with her, he can’t risk revealing his closely guarded secret. Everyone in town knows him and accepts him as Josh Tarkington. Best to leave well enough alone.
Caitlin’s powerful, overprotective father isn’t thrilled with the idea of his daughter giving up her successful New York City career. And he’s even less enthused with her choice of men…an auto mechanic of all people. Ugh. The last thing Mac needs is something else to worry about, especially now that he has a secret of his own to protect.
First Kiss of Spring has it all. A beautiful mountain setting, a sweet, small town romance, a meddling parent, and plenty of conflicts and secrets. And oh yes, a happily ever after!

This is a solid entry into the Eternity Springs series. This time the focus is on Caitlin (part of the second generation for the series) and Josh. If you have followed the series, Caitlin is a character that you’ve met several times in the books for her parents and brother. Josh is newer to town, but was a secondary character in his foster brother, Brick’s, story.
The First KISS of Spring follows the established pattern for books in the series. But, while there are no surprises in the real flow of the book, our characters have a few things up their sleeves. The dynamic and likeable characters are what keep this series fresh as it continues with book 14.
The fact that Ms March focus of a smaller group of towns folk for the secondary cast helps as well, it keeps the secondary characters impactful without letting them overwhelm the core couple.
Well written, this continues the theme for the series. That love, family, and friends can help heal the worst of our wounds - when we give things a chance.

From the very first meet-cute to the HEA ending, I adored this book!  It's packed with real emotion, lovingly mixed with flirtatiousness and fun. 

Although I have to say that the blurb kinda gave me the wrong impression.  Based on the description of Caitlin I was expecting someone a little harder and more corporate, but she's not that at all.  The woman is planning to open a daycare and you can't get much gooey-er than that!  She's definitely a lady with a plan, though, and she's not going to let much deter her.  It's so much fun seeing her "lay siege" to Josh.  And readers are going to be absolutely delighted at his struggles as he fights THAT losing battle :) 

But Josh does have his reasons for not wanting to get involved - and they are really good ones, the poor guy - but he has it bad.  And though he tries to resist, he'll quickly find Caitlin difficult to ignore.  Unfortunately those demons of his are really hard to shake.  I have to give him massive props for everything he's done so far ... too bad he doesn't see it, too.  Pride, insecurity, and doubt sure can cause a whole mess of trouble.     

*Minor spoilers ahead so stop now if you don't want to know any more!*

  

I will admit that it seemed to me when the going got tough Caitlin didn't fight like I expected her to.  She knows that something is wrong with Josh but her own doubts and hurt feelings get the better of her.  It is suggested that she's not done but her actions don't really back that up.  Luckily Josh gets a little help in figuring things out and proves himself to be the man we know he is, but that it took him a little longer to recognize.  It's so awesome to see and I love him even more for doing it.  (I guess I just really wanted her to a little more soul-searching of her own and find a bit more strength too.)    

Full of sweetness and fun, but with a few bumps to make it interesting, The First Kiss of Spring is a real delight.  With her deftness at creating characters to cherish and story-lines that captivate until the very last word, March is continuing to show her fabulous talent.  I am so starting to fall under her spell!

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is part of the Eternity Springs series but it can be read as a stand-alone story. I liked her writing styles and the characters were well developed. This is a story about Josh and Caitlin and their journey to find their happily ever after. I enjoyed reading about their relationship and recommend this story. I look forward to more books from Emily March in the future.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.