#thoughts I really enjoyed the first half of this book as it told the interesting story of Colton’s life pre-Bachelor and was well written. The second half, however, seemed like not much more than a Bachelor recap blog, with a few extra insights coming from the bachelor himself. If you hadn’t watch the season, I can’t even imagine how boring and annoying these chapters would be, as he simply rattled off who he sent home, who he thought was cute, who he went on dates with, etc. Because I did indeed watch the season, I also found it fairly boring because I had seen at least 90% of what he described on my TV. I appreciated the tidbits about him knowing it was Cassie fairly early on, but other than that, there was very little juicy, insider info I was hoping for as a Bachelor fan. Luckily, it was a quick read, so I don’t regret reading it, but I also wouldn’t highly recommend it to anyone else.

As a fan of the Bachelor series, I was so excited to get an inside look into not only The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but more importantly about Bachelor in Paradise. There was some insight given into what happens beyond what ABC plays on Monday (and often Tuesday) nights but honestly, there was also a lot of Colton rambling on about his sporting career. I don't think anyone is picking up this book because they thought Colton was an NFL rockstar and wanted to hear about his journey so I'm not sure why he decided to spend so much of the book on this topic.

Fans of the Bachelor franchise who watched Colton's season will enjoy this book but they shouldn't expect and earth shattering secrets to be exposed.

For reference, I have watched half of one episode of the Bachelor. I'm not one of the major fans who knows every person who has ever been on the show and follows them religiously. However, I do have friends like that so I was instantly intrigued when the guy that jumped a fence and ran from cameras was writing a book.

The thing I liked most about this book was the insider look at the production itself. The relationship between Colton and the producers was so genuine and I really enjoyed hearing that they legitimately cared (and not just about drama). He was super respectful when he talked about all the people he has come in contact with, which was probably tricky when you kicked most of them off the show.

I wish that he had shed more light about his family, especially his mother who wasn't a fan of the whole reality-TV-wife thing. Also, bigggg buildup about the whole virginity thing which led to a kind of disappointing end. I understand the need for privacy, but I wish he wouldn't have baited it so much.

This book really helped me see Colton in a different way, which is a reason I love memoirs so much. He isn't just a hunky guy that you would think could get any girl he wanted to, this book showed us a whole new side of him and I respect him so much more for that.
I thought this was going to be a tell all on how the producers steered him the wrong way because he was off his contract, but instead I think it was a love letter to Cassie. My favorite parts were the beginning when he was explaining how he became Colton, the guy not ashamed of his virginity, and the NFL career we knew nothing about (sorry Colton, seems like you had a rough go of it). It was also really interesting to hear about when he knew Cassie was the one and how he processed the rest of the show knowing he loved her. So, Colton and Cassie- I am rooting for you!

I am a reality TV junkie. I have seen every episode of the Bachelor (and all of the spin-offs) ever made and so Colton Underwood is a name we know in this house. He will forever go down in history as the Bachelor who jumped the fence for love.

If his story will carry over to books count me in. I didn't go into this with high expectations, but I found it was what I was expecting, no more, no less. I didn't find the writing to be top-notch, and he was just as proud of himself as I planned. I guess if he's writing the book he should describe himself any way he seems fit.

It was an entertaining look at what was happening behind the scenes. I appreciated the little bit of history that helped make him who he was. Overall a fast read. If you like the Bachelor you might like it.

Thanks NetGalley and Gallery Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Who here loves all things "Bachelor"?! If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I am casually working my way through all the bachelor/bachelorette franchise books I can get my hands on. If they've ever been on anything bachelor related, I want to read their book. Mainly because I'm curious about the process AND I want to see the process through their eyes (was so and so really that awful? Wait. She was actually sweet... what?!).

Of course, after Colton Underwood's seasons on the bachelorette, paradise, and the bachelor I was curious to see what his book would look like. One of the big topics around Underwood was his virginity. As ridiculous as it seems, this took up a fair portion of his story. I think that in a world where people take it so lightly, it was nice to see someone who was saving it for love. Even his own book focuses on this topic for a decent amount of pages.

Underwood writes well, so this book was easy to flow through. He went step by step through his relationships and show experiences so it read more like a story than anything else. I appreciated his honest and his willingness to be vulnerable.

I gave this book 4 stars, which is probably more generous than the writing deserves. BUT I enjoyed the story and liked getting to learn more about all things "Bachelor." If your in #bachelornation, add this one to your list!

The First Time gives us a behind the scenes look at Colton Underwood's experience with The Bachelor shows. I was excited to read this as a long time fan of the franchise. I've always been interested in what's really going on in the parts that viewers don't see.

Unfortunately, this showed me a side of Colton that I would've rather not known. He gives the impression that he knew how to "turn it on" for the cameras and wasn't his authentic self on the show. The gossip was juicy and I did enjoy the peak behind the curtain, but Colton came across as unlikeable and annoying.

I really enjoyed this story. It explained a lot his season on the Bachelor. Any one who watches the Bachelor should read it. I am a Bachelor/Bachelorette follower and have read most of the books by the different one. I highly recommend this book. A GOOD READ.

This is an okay memoir that will probably please Bachelor fans who already liked Colton Underwood but is unlikely to interest anyone else. I found it fairly dull, especially the first half that is basically his whitewashed biography. We get no real sense of what his family was like, though I get a sense that he was parented pretty awfully -- not in an abusive way but in a really detached way. His father seems to have been the classic macho type to make him work and work and suffer through injuries, and he doesn't seem to have developed much of any relationship at all with his mother. He grew up fairly rich with no real guidance from anyone in terms of how to have emotions or relationships, and then he used his two skills (being very athletic and knowing how to charm people) to go pretty far despite serious insecurities, social awkwardness and the emotional intelligence of a small child.

Much of the book felt like it was a checklist of ways that he got to say his side of the story and excuse or explain his behavior. It honestly felt like a checklist at times -- here's what really happened with my shoulder injury and how the Raiders (or whoever) lied about it, here's what really happened with my relationship with Aly and why I talked about her sexual abuse, here's what really happened with this and this and this.... Most of his life seems left out unless it was on the list of ways he wanted to give his version of something.

The behind the scenes Bachelor information was a little bit interesting, but there was nothing juicy or scandalous. You get a sense of how manufactured and tedious it all is. They don't even actually eat their dinner when they go out on a date because it's talk for a few minutes, both get pulled aside for long interviews, then talk for another few minutes and so on.

Colton makes it clear that he was playing the game from his days on Bachelorette, and especially so on Bachelor in Paradise. He clearly never felt anything for Tia, and he also didn't feel anything for most of the women on his season. He casually shares information like the fact that he kept Tayshia (sp?) longer because he wanted to split up Cassie and her friend Caelynn, even though he liked Caelynn better than Tayshia. He thought their friendship might keep Cassie from furthering her feelings for him. He doesn't seem to have ANY remorse about hurting any of the women, but maybe that's because he thinks it's not real for them either??? He clearly wasn't really into Becca either when he was on Bachelorette and was trying to last in order to have a shot at being the Bachelor, so maybe that's the way most of them are even when they fake it for the camera. He does seem to feel bad for Hannah G., whom everyone thought he was going to choose (himself included, occasionally), but only mildly.

He also seems to have thrown in a couple of juicy tidbits just to sell the book. He randomly shares that he binge watched gay porn in high school to make sure he wasn't gay (and that he told his father... why????), and then he brings it up like 3 more times. I have no idea why, other than maybe wanting to create buzz.

In the end, he comes across as so emotionally stunted that it's hard to imagine that his relationship with Cassie stands a chance. I kind of want her to just run. He's a nice guy in that bland, not-a-rapist, privileged white guy way, but not in a way that actually seems to mean anything. Yes, he has a charity that helps kids with CF, but that seems to be a huge ego thing for him as much as a way to really help. He seems to love his identity as a philanthropist and the feelings he gets from giving medical equipment to the kids. He clearly likes the spotlight, he likes attention, he likes being liked. He mostly just comes across as a wounded child too broken to think much outside of himself, harmless and well meaning but also self absorbed and shallow.

Fans of the Bachelor franchise will probably get enough out of it, but I can't see anybody else caring about any of it. You won't really get any new information, but it is mildly interesting reading his personal recap of what you saw on TV.

I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

I am a big Bachelor Nation fan and I love any behind the scenes information I can get. I have been more intrigued by Colton’s behind the scenes story since I listened to an episode of This American Life (681: Escape from the Lab) where part of the episode is an interview with Colton about his season of the Bachelor and how the whole thing is partially a game that the producers play with you. So when I saw this book existed, I had to immediately read it.

I find this behind the scenes look at Colton’s life and time in Bachelor Nation interesting. Was it as juicy as I wanted it to be, no (dang non disclosures), but it did provide some interesting information. If you are a fan of the Bachelor and especially if you watched Colton’s season, you will enjoy this read. And there are some definite jabs at certain other members of Bachelor nation written between the lines that I quite enjoyed.

I am a big bachelor fan and newer to the franchise. I’ve been watching for about three years and have loved the details of behind the scenes. I listen to countless podcasts and watch interviews all the time. I enjoyed this book when it got to the bachelor info but the first part was strange to me. I understand the desire for Colton to share his heart and life story but some of it felt strange. I really struggled with the portion where he shared how his life may have been easier if he had been gay. It felt inappropriate. Overall, I loved the behind the scenes look at his time in the series but in some ways I didn’t walk away with any more adoration for him. He wasn’t my favorite bachelor and this book continued that theme. I appreciated him sharing his heart and if you are a bachelor franchise fan it’s a light read during this time of limbo.

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my opinion.

I finished this in 4 sittings over 3 days. I am a huge Bachelor Nation fan and this is definitely one of the best books at the top of list having to do with it because it was by Colton Underwood, one of the more recent Bachelors. It was heartfelt and very honest from start to finish. I like how he explained his background in football and his one other relationship before entering the Bachelor franchise of shows.

Without giving too much away, this book has all the ups, downs, triumphs and everything in between in finding purpose and love. Again, definitely one of the top books of actual Bachelor/Bacheloette books. I read Courtney Robionson's "Not here to make friends" and that was an eye opener because she was so misunderstood after you finish it. I thought Emily Maynard's book "I Said Yes" was boring and was more of a self help book. I also read the book "Bachelor Nation" and didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would.

This is a must read!! Plus supposedly he leaves his phone number towards the end if you are a loving fan. Don't know if it is legit or not, hmmm.

Thanks to NetHalley, Colton Underwood, and Galley Books, part of Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be recommending this to my other friends and family who love Bachelor Nation related stuff.

Available: 3/31/20

I fell in love with Colton on his season of the bachelor. He has this boyish grin, a playful spirit, and the upmost respect for women.

While Colton isn't a great writer, I found his story to be interesting. There is a ton of content in the book that I already knew, but also a lot that I didn't. At the end of his book, I felt like we were the best of old friends.
Weird, huh!?

I think its well worth a read if you are a fan of the bachelor and Colton!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The First Time by Colton Underwood. As a fan of the Bachelor franchise, it was obvious that I wanted to pick up this book. I read it in less than a day and loved it for what it was. You get a little background on Colton's childhood, a walk through his college and NFL career, and then he takes you from the Bachelorette to Bachelor in Paradise to being the Bachelor. I wouldn't say I really learned anything ground breaking, but I really appreciated the honestly Colton brought to the book. He was very open and didn't come off as hiding anything or only telling you what he wants you to think. It set it up so you felt like you really got a good explanation and behind the scenes of his time as the bachelor. I learned a bit, got some questions answered, and overall enjoyed the book. If you're a fan, pick this one up.

The First Time is an open and honest memoir about Colton's life before, during, and after The Bachelor. I know The Bachelor Nation is going to adore this book!

I have a confession to make. I have never seen Colton's season of The Bachelor. *Bachelor Nation please forgive me. * The first time I heard about Colton Underwood was when he made an appearance on 'The View'. He was talking about being the bachelor and his virginity. I was stunned. How could this attractive, confident man have kept his v-card for so long? As I read the book, I found a deeper respect for Colton. He details the reason behind his decision and you can't fault him for his honesty.

He really talks about it all. If you have ever wanted a real behind the scenes look of being the bachelor, you will love it. Of course, everyone likes to hear secrets but his vulnerability is my favorite part. He details how he put up a front in his teens and early twenties, especially because he was an athlete. Through all of his experiences, he learned that being himself is such a relief.

I also really loved every time he talked about Cassie. You could tell how much he loves and respects her in a way that is so pure. It wasn't always a perfect fairytale for the two but they put in the work and it paid off.

I give The First Time 5 stars. It's a dazzling memoir filled with truth, honesty, and growth. Although I don't know Colton personally, I feel like he let all of us into his life to learn how important staying true to yourself is. There are so many swoon-worthy moments even in the midst of drama. Readers will get to see a softer side of Colton that his fans will absolutely adore. I have to add that just because you haven't seen his season of the bachelor doesn't mean you won't enjoy this book. In fact, if you haven't seen it yet it will make you want to binge-watch his season with a new perspective.

I liked Colton when he was on the bachelor so I was excited to read this. Not much was said that most didnt know but reading how he got where he is from his own words was pretty cool. I definitely enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was everything I expected it to be - a mostly surface level story of his life and experience with reality tv. But it was a great, mindless quarantine read. It didn’t make me like him more or less. Didn’t surprise me except for a few little tidbits he shared about the show (Demi scared him, he wanted to send Kirpa home earlier, etc). But good for Colton and Cassie. Hope they stay together, or else this whole book is just awkward

The first quarter of the book is for true Colton Underwood fans. I skimmed through a lot of it. I'm not a football fan at all, that part of his life took up that part of the book. For Bachelor fans, the rest of the book was perfect. An insider's look at what actually happens. And since Colton was in Bachelor, Bachelor in Paradise and Bachelorette. We get the trifecta.

I really enjoyed . this book and wasn't sure that I would. I'll admit I do watch the Bachelor series so I did know who Colton was, and had formed somewhat of an opinion of him based on the show.
I enjoyed reading about his past, and also found it interesting reading about the dynamics of his parents' divorce and how well they handled it as a family and moved on. It was refreshing.
Colton also wrote a lot about his football career and the many ups and downs he went through to survive injuries and rejection.
To me, the best part, was his Bachelor experience. I absolutely loved reading about the backstory and the ins and outs of the show. It amazed me how ( it shouldn't) manipulative the show was and is still to get the narrative they feel obviously will get the best ratings. It really just reaffirms to me how totally ridiculous the show really is! And that's why I watch it, to escape and I don't buy into most of it. It's just entertainment, however, people do get hurt along the way, but they did choose to go on this show. So there you go.
I also felt that this book was a love letter to Cassie. He really couldn't praise her enough. Obviously, he's certain she is the one for him and they have been together for over a year.
I do recommend this book. If you're looking for a light and entertaining read, this is for you.

A great read for all of the fans of The Bachelor Nation franchise! It gives one a much closer look inside to who Colton Underwood really is and how he got his start before he became one of the iconic bachelors of the show. #TeamFenceJump
From past relationships to gymnast Aly Raisman and bachelor alumni Tia Booth, days of pro football, secrets of the show, and insight into life with Cassie Randolph after the bachelor he allows you a private look into his life.

Huge thank you to @Netgalley and @gallerybooks for allowing me to read this early readers’ copy in exchange for an honest review.