First off I have to say what a pretty cover! Job well done to the person who designed this cover. The colors are so pretty together and the scene is so inviting. Who wouldn't want to spend time in Eternity Springs?

I was sent an invitation to read this book from the publisher. Not one to say no to a book (and especially a free book) I downloaded the book to my Kindle and wrote the release date down on my calendar. When it came time to read the book I was a bit hesitant because it's book 14 in the series and it is 360ish pages long. Not that I'm scared of series or long book but I was a bit worried that I was going to be completely lost reading this book and that it was going to be repetitive to no end. Oh, how wrong I was!

Even though this is book 14 in the series I wasn't one bit lost while reading. This book completely stands on its own. There was no repetition to be found either. I found this story moved along at a nice pace and kept my interest from beginning to end. In fact, I was able to read most of this book in just one day.

I immediately liked the two main characters in this book. There was just something about their chemistry from the very beginning that drew me to them. I liked the way they flirted with each other and had a natural attraction. Caitlin and Josh were two characters that I liked individually but even more as a couple.

The author did a great job in describing the town of Eternity Springs and making me feel as if I were there. Her descriptions gave this story the perfect small town feel easily found in books such as those by Debbie Macomber.

This story is the perfect mix of fun romance and serious issues. The author does a great job of balancing the two to make the story fun to read without being too chic-lit-y. I liked the journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. I thought they really added to the story and learn about Josh more.

I definitely recommend this book. It has a good, solid storyline and characters that can be found in any American small town. After reading this book I want to read more in this series and I bet you will too!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Caitlin couldn’t possibly imagine finally meeting the man of her dreams. Always a bridesmaid that caught the bouquet but never going any further. Unlucky in love she heads to Colorado for her friend’s wedding. One decision changed her life and reminded her it truly is a small world. Meeting Josh was unlike anything she ever expected and he fit her in every way possible. Josh was extremely unlucky and didn’t want to tempt fate in his new town. Staying far away Fromm Caitlin was an absolute necessity. Will his intentions help him in the long run or will he fall down the slippery slope of Love?

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is book fourteen in the "Eternity Springs" series. This is the story of Josh Tarkington and Caitlin Timberlake. This can easily be a standalone book.
Caitlin decided to take a chance and move to Eternity Springs and pursue the connection she felt with Josh. But Josh is keeping something back that might hurt his new relationship.
This was overall a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading.

Caitlyn Timberlake has reached the top of the food chain in NYC, no less. Now, she feels she needs something else, slower pace, quieter, nicer people and, maybe a real man to spend her life with. She relocates to Eternity Springs to start a Day Care Facility. She meets Josh Tarkington, the town's mechanic and, falls in lust hard and fast! Josh feels the same way but, having a long history of bad luck with women, he's decided long ago to keep his "hook-ups" quick and simple with NO emotions involved! Caitlyn has a totally different take in this new "relationship" and, is determined to make Josh realize what he'll lose if he lets her go!!!

I have to admit the cover for this book really drew me in. Who wouldn't want to live in a small town with houses,friends and family like this? This is my first book I've read in the series but I as able to enjoy it as a stand alone, which is a big bonus! The book kept me entertained and reading it quickly. Loved reading how Caitlin and Josh met. Fun, realistic book. I need to make time to read more books in this series.
Pub Date 27 Feb 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.

Loved, loved, loved this book! I so wish Eternity Springs was a real place. I would move there in a quick minute. After 14 books you might think this series would be going stale but I find the opposite to be true. Each story feels fresh and unique while also making you feel like you've gone home again, catching up with old friends, and meeting new people. Don't be afraid to jump into this series at any point. Each story is free standing and you'll never feel lost or confused.

In this book we meet Josh Tarkington. He's new to Eternity Springs but already it feels like a great place for a new beginning. Josh is just trying to lay low and hopefully keep his bad luck from affecting any one else. He finds that hard to do after getting stuck in a Gondola with Caitlyn Timberlake. She's in his head and has him dreaming of more. Then Caitlyn moves back to Eternity Springs leaving her career behind her and starting her dream of opening a day care facility. Hopefully along the way she will catch the eye and heart of Josh Tarkington. Will his bad luck and past keep them from having the future they both dream of??

Put this one on the must read list. I highly recommend it.

This was my first book from this series so I can say it can be read as a standalone book. I liked the story of how Caitlin and Josh met. It was a good meet cute and how their story progress started off quick but it slowed down and progressed at a more normal pace.

Josh feels like he has the worst luck ever and has sworn off relationships to protect his heart and other people. He can't help fall for Caitlin though. Caitlin is a force to be reckoned with, so determined with what she wants and she knows she wants Josh. She moves back to her hometown to be with him and start a daycare. When Josh finds his luck taking a turn, it's unclear whether he can hold on to Caitlin for the long term relationship that Caitlin needs.

A lot of drama, lots of real life struggles and finding the strength to overcome.

WOW!!! AMAZING!! I just loved, loved, loved reading this First Kiss of Spring by Emily March. Josh Tarkington is a man with a past who has a target on his back, okay on all parts of him. He seemed to be a magnet for trouble or bad luck. Despite all of that he was the perfect match for Caitlin Timberlake. Caitlin needed someone who not only saw the person she truly is, but needed her caring touch and love. Caitlin returned to Eternity Falls to be closer to family and to open a daycare for the town. Josh came from a famous theatrical family and a childhood spent in movies and television. He hoped a name change, time living in foster care, and getting his life together as an adult would keep his demons and troubles away. It didn’t quite happen that way but with the help of Caitlin and many of the people of Eternity Falls he found the courage needed to beat those demons away and live a normal life. To understand Josh compare him to Drew Barrymore: her life, her family, her addictions or rehab, and her acting career. Ms. March does an excellent job developing a storyline that takes us along the lives of Caitlin and Josh and their path toward falling in love.

I really, really loved reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. Ms. March is an outstanding story teller, drawing me in and not letting go until I read the last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I love Emily March. She can pull me into the story and into Eternity Springs on page 1. I fully believe there's a bit of magic in Eternity Springs and sometimes I'd love for Celeste to pop up at just the right time and give me some advice. It was nice to check in on the couples from previous books - but if you're new to the series no worries. It's not so heavy handed that it takes unnecessary page time or becomes confusing. I liked Josh and Caitlin and their chemistry when they're together felt very authentic. Caitlin's reasons for moving home felt very true and I'm not sure I've met a character with more reason to not want to be in a relationship or talk about his past than Josh.

I did have some hiccups with the book. While I liked both Josh and Caitlin her conviction that Josh is the only one for her so early into their meeting was a bit mystifying. She was so rational and so prepared regarding her decision to move home to Eternity Springs so her focus on a relationship even after Josh is very clear about not wanting a relationship and tells her his very real reasons for feeling that way.

My other issue was Caitlin's father. While he did redeem himself somewhat in the end for the bulk of the book I wanted to slap him. I get that he doesn't want his daughter to be hurt but his intense and very vocal dislike of Josh despite all the evidence that's he's really a good guy seemed irrational and his need to have Caitlin settled down with a good man of his choice was insulting. All the other characters just kind of shrugged it off as him just being overprotective but it was way too controlling for me. He essentially handpicked a guy and kept hurling that particular guy at Caitlin at every possible opportunity.

Despite my issues I did enjoy this read. March pulled me into the world of Eternity Springs and kept me reading. I'm looking forward to my next visit already!

The worst thing about a book I am enjoying is.... that it finishes! And much as I rue it, that's it! I have to accept I have to leave the world that I have been enjoying and come back to reality.

First Kiss of Spring takes place in Eternity Springs, the place where so many people come to heal - and therefore when that is done, there are many well rounded, healthy families living there, plying their interesting trades and supporting each other.

Josh Tarkington has come here, he is a talented mechanic and has set up his own business. However he has a back story and we gradually learn that story as each chapter starts with an entry in his journal. Josh has had it hard, while some might think he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, that sure had a very dark lining. But... he has already fought many of his demons and while he doesn't trust himself altogether, he really should. And he has certainly taken on board more wisdom than he realises from all the friendly people who have shared their learnings from the gently hand of Celeste - the local wise angel.

Caitlin Timberlake has returned home, she was a talented designer of homeware, but that no longer fulfils her, she has plans to open a new business in Eternity Springs. She is a little afraid of disappointing her mother, with this change of plan, but... her mother seems to have something else worrying her. And the intuitive Caitlin is picking up the vibes that all is not well in her family. Meanwhile she is really falling for Josh and his little dog Penny.

This is another delightful story in the Eternity Springs series - #14 actually, and easily can be read as a stand alone although personally I am happy to say I have read and enjoyed all 14! If you like small town, interesting characters, plenty happening then most likely you'd enjoy this one too.

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March

Emily March is a new author for me, so reading one of her books from the middle of her series was a bold adventure. The First Kiss of Spring was a lovely read. There was angst, heat, love, secrets and a town full of family. What more could you ask for? For Caitlin, a long term relationship ending in marriage and children. For Josh Tarkington, friends (maybe with benefits) but NO long term commitments...ever!

Caitlin has decided that her life needs to change! She want to live in a small town working with children. She wants a long term relationship called marriage and children. So it is time to change. However, it is hard to change when your family is questioning your wisdom or your choices, especially the choice of Josh…

Josh has started over again. He thinks he is the original bad luck person of all time. He does not want to love again - it hurts too much! He just wants his garage, his little house and the small town where no one knows his background and maybe more time with Caitlin, but not love…

Surprises and secrets are the reality in a relationship where everyone does not share the truth. Caitlin hates that. Josh needs to save her but pushing her away… The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is a good read!

I loved this book . It is such a sweet story Caitlin and Josh has an believable romance true to life. Eternity Springs is a town everyone wants to live in.

I’ve read every book in The Eternity Springs series and have really enjoyed them all.

While this isn’t my favorite one it was well written and captivating enough to hold my attention. I had a hard time warming up to Caitlin. There just seemed to be something off with her character.

The addition of some of the other characters from previous books help pull everything together and, in the end, I was glad that I finished the story.


I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. 4 stars

God bless good small-town romance contemporaries. This book had me on a roller coaster of emotions from the very first chapter. It's my first Emily March read, and for heaven's sake, I'd read anything she'd write if it's half as good as The First Kiss of Spring.
The chemistry between Caitlin and Josh was obvious from their first encounter. The fact that Josh owns a crippled dog called Penny for whom he's made a friggin wheelchair did crazy things to my heart. Caitlin somehow knew, after that weekend they spent together, that Josh was the one for her. And although that sounded crazy, it totally wasn't. The chemistry that Mrs March portrayed in the book was clear as day, I couldn't help but ship those two from the moment they met.
So Caitlin basically decides to turn her whole like upside down in order to build a life for herself that allows her to pursue the guy she has set her sights on. As crazy and creepy as that might sound, I found that totally influencing and honestly? it was unconventional in a very feminist-friendly way. I high-five you Caitlin Timberlake. You rock, girl.
So Caitlin moves back into Eternity Springs, leaving her mother's dream job of textile designing behind in NYC. She tries to build her relationship with Josh, but he's pretty closed off and what they eventually agree on is a, and I quote, "a friend affair". Of course, being in a small town requires hiding said affair and sneaking around, which I admit was fun and sexy as hell. But eventually, a series of events puts Josh and Caitlin's relationship through hell.
I loved the town's fairy Godmother, aka Celeste, Harriet, Brick and Lili, Chase and Lori, Mac and Ali. The familial vibe Eternity Springs gives off reminds me why I love small town contemporaries so much.

This is romantic, engrossing and suspenseful. The further into you get, the more you want to figure things out. Josh is mysterious, romantic and captivating. He doesn't want to care about people, but the pull of attraction for Caitlin has him wanting to give in. Caitlin decides that he us "the one" within hours of meeting him. Josh has secrets, secrets of his past that threaten his current and future life. Caitlin goes after him hard, and the closer she gets, the more information of his past is revealed. It's a gripping storyline and has some interesting characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

I honestly didn’t think I’d enjoy this love story when I started. I mean, come on. Two attractive people, attracted to each other, stuck together to get to know each other and simmer in their attraction. Add a cute, diabled dog and stir. Really?! But what did it for me, what kept me reading was the mystery surrounding the journal entries, and the cryptic hints that there was more to Josh Tarkington that he let show. Add Caitlin’s sweet but strong personality, and obvious love for her family (I’m a sucker for a close knit family) and a supportive close knit community, I was drawn right in as one of Eternity Springs own residents, rooting for Caitlin and Josh as if I were an old friend watching soulmates fall in love.

It was a simple story that we’ve all ( if you’re a romance junkie like me) have seem before. But Emily March’s well crafted story still managed to capture my heart and deliver the feel good happily-ever-after I always long for at the end of every good romance.

Other than a few short dragging spots throughout the novel, this is still a story I’d recommend. Especially to the die hard romance junkie like myself.

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is the latest in the Eternity Springs Series but can be read as a stand alone book.
Caitlin Timberlake is working at her dream job in New York City until she realizes it’s not her dream job at all. She moves back to Eternity Springs, her hometown to open a daycare. Josh Tarkington also moved to Eternity Springs and owns a business in town.
Caitlin is looking for a forever love to marry and have children. She finds Josh except there is a problem. Josh has had a hard and unlucky life with many secrets in his past and has vowed never to get married and have children.
Will Caitlin be able to find out Josh’s secrets? Will she be able to convince Josh to settle down and marry her? IF she does find out about his secrets, will she still want to marry him? I definitely recommend reading this book to find out the answers to these questions. You will thoroughly enjoy it as I did and look forward to reading the prior books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Eternity Springs is the idealistic setting for this chance encounter novel. It's dreamy, healing, romantic and friendly.

Josh is a newcomer to Eternity Springs and is settling in well with his business venture. He is well liked by the community even though he doesn't talk about his past.

Caitlin is a successful designer in New York, but she is getting itchy feet and wants to start her own business in Eternity Springs to be near her family.

Caitlin is attending her friend's wedding in a resort near Eternity Springs when she bumps into Josh. An unfortunate occurrence gets them talking and they start an easy camaraderie. She is besotted by him whilst she is a breath of fresh air to him.

Josh has a dark past which has led him to where he is now. Even though his past is a well guarded secret, he is content with his new way of life. Fate puts him in Caitlin's path yet again and they can't deny the attraction. He makes it clear that he isn't looking for a serious commitment. His past has led him to believe that tragedy follows him. Caitlin is patient and is prepared to go along. A friendaffair as she calls it! When Josh puts himself at risk to save someone else, he finds himself in a situation where his past comes back with a vengeance. He is now regarded as a hero, but he feels more unworthy than ever. Will he push Caitlin away and succeed or will love prevail?

Josh's past is not what I expected and I admire him for fighting his demons to become who he is now. Caitlin's honesty, perseverance and caring nature are admirable. I wasn’t sure about her father's behaviour until his own secret is unveiled. I like Celeste and her wisdom.

It's a beautifully portrayed story with strong primary and secondary characters. Despite the dual dark sides of the story, there is light, fun and laughter. It's very well developed and the feelings are tangible. A beautiful romance with a wonderful conclusion.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I know I have read this author in the past but not recently. This was a welcome return to a small town romance for me, something I know about having grown up in a Midwest small town.

In this story, the characters are attracted to each other but at one point or another, they don’t want to be. A little different twist on a perfectly wonderful love story – Caitlin has what she wanted in life and then realizes that it isn’t making her happy so she’s changing directions. The same could be said for Josh but what he wanted was ripped away from him more than once. He’s not ever going to give his heart again but Caitlin is determined to change his mind and she’s ready to wait for him.

I enjoyed this story at a time when my life gets stressful – it was just what I needed to relax!

I received an ARC from the publisher/NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.

Publisher's Description:

Spring has come to Eternity Springs in The First Kiss of Spring, the newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series by Emily March.

Life could be a dream...

Goal-oriented and gorgeous, Caitlin Timberlake's dreams took her to the top of the corporate ladder in New York City. Now years later, her goals have changed. She wants to come home to Eternity Springs and build a business and a family of her own—with the new man in town. So what if sexy mechanic Josh Tarkington wants nothing more than a fling? Caitlin is a patient woman who knows how to work hard and strategize to win what she desires. She desires Josh. Unfortunately, he has other plans.

If only things were different...

Josh craves Caitlin and all she has to offer. However, he is a man with secrets. He has worked hard to overcome his tragic past, but he's afraid to risk having a future because he knows trouble is never very far away. When a selfless act brings that trouble to his door, he stands to lose everything he cares about—including Caitlin. Will her love and the healing magic of Eternity Springs be enough to save him?

My Thoughts:

This is actually the first time I have read an Emily March book. This is surprising as I enjoyed every minute of this fast paced book full of lies of omission, heartbreak, bad luck and an unstoppable love.

It seems by what I have read about this series there are pets abound in all of the books. I really enjoyed Josh's love and attachment to his handicapped dachshund and her obvious attachment to the man.
To this reader life without a dog around is just about unlivable. So our main character's love for this endearing little creature drew me in.

This book is both heartbreaking at times and delightful. I know that this book is # 14 of the series and considering it is the first one I have read, I feel it reads well as a standalone. That may sound strange but I was never lost due to not having read the other books.
Eternity Springs is surely a place to come to heal and change one's life. Getting your life back on track is what this town seems made for.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy isn't mild but it isn't explicit either.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book by invitation from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.