First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan

Publisher: HQN Books
Publish Date: February 24, 2015
Series: Puffin Island, Book 1
ISBN-13: 978-0373785049
Genre: Fiction – Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis: Windswept, isolated and ruggedly beautiful, Puffin Island is a haven for day-trippers and daydreamers alike. But this charming community has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected ways…

It’s been a summer of firsts for Emily Donovan. From becoming a stand-in mom to her niece Lizzie to arriving on Puffin Island, her life has become virtually unrecognizable. Between desperately safeguarding Lizzie and her overwhelming fear of the ocean—which surrounds her everywhere she goes!—Emily has lost count of the number of “just breathe” pep talks she’s given herself. And that’s before charismatic local yacht club owner Ryan Cooper kisses her…

Ryan knows all about secrets. And it’s clear that newcomer Emily—with her haunted eyes and the little girl she won’t let out of her sight—is hiding from something besides the crazy chemistry between them. So Ryan decides he’s going to make it his personal mission to help her unwind and enjoy the sparks! But can Puffin Island work its magic on Emily and get her to take the biggest leap of trust of all—putting her heart in someone else’s hands?

I spend a fair amount of time in the romance genre. I enjoy the relationships between two adults, trying to find their own way to each other, and ultimately discovering their own selves.

First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan is a story of just that.

For Emily Donovan, Puffin Island is an escape. She has had a year full of trials and many tribulations. Aside from different changes that her life has undertook, Emily has taken on becoming the guardian to her niece under devastating circumstances. Emily brought them both to escape to Puffin Island, and to Castaway Cottege. Despite her own past with the island, and her fear of water, Emily thought it beset to escape to a place she was familiar with. Ryan Cooper has his own battles. Recently injured during a journalism assignment, he returns home to Puffin Island for good. He reinvented his life as a restaurant and bar owner on the island. But Ryan’s nose for information and secrets has curiosity knocking, and Emily has become the new focus. Together, they both start a change in each other’s lives, a first in forever.

Emily has a lot of baggage. At first, it was a little difficult to get to know her. She was guarded, and her life was hectic. I enjoyed breaking down the layers to get to know her. I appreciated Emily’s voice as a character. She was realistic and truthful. Ryan was someone to instantly fall in love with. He is swoon-worthy and charming, fitting for a restaurant owner.

There was a realistic aspect about these two characters. It wasn’t just instant chemistry, hearts, and cupid’s arrows. There was hesitation, as it should. As a reader, I’m lucky enough to predict what will happen to the characters as the story plays out. I liked how Morgan slowed down the progression of the relationship. It allowed for the tension between Emily and Ryan to build, perfect for a bit of angst in the story.

Puffin Island is a wonderful setting. From the beautiful scenery portrayed, and the close-knit community, it provided for the perfect story setting.

First Time in Forever was an enjoyable read, perfect for a weekend escape.