She’s forbidden.Too young, too pure, and not mine.I’ll break all the rules to be with her. She belongs to me, even if she doesn’t know it yet.He’s taboo.Too old, too experienced, and my stepfather.I’ll cross every line to be with him. He’s not mine, and never will be.It’s not about the danger of what’s forbidden, it’s about the pleasure we get from it.All consequences be damned.
Firsts
By clmatthews
Silas,Leia,and Brax oh my. This book was explosive from the first page I was hooked Silas play the older man in this tale who has shown affection towards our young heroine Leia. Brax Leia bestfriends is one hot man who has some secrets of his own to tale.Things are not what they seem. This book takes you on a wild ride journey of discovery heartbreak and relevaltion. I am dying to read the second book in this tale. No spoilers here check out this awesome book
WHAT. THE. F. DID. I. JUST. READ?!?!?!?
I do not think I have EVER read a more taboo book in my life! I went in knowing it was going to a bit taboo. What I didn’t know? That it was going to be DOUBLE TABOO! That it was going to be fan-freaking-tastic! (though I thought it was going to be pretty great) That I was going to NOT want to put it down at all! I had thought that I was going to be #TeamBrax because I really did get quite mad at Silas. But then by the end I was all over #TeamSy!!!
This book has all the great sides. The sweet best friend guy. The asshole older man. The crazy dad (or is he?). The young hot female in the process of exploring her body and feeling. Her sexuality is all her own…. or is it? This book had me hooked! I finished it in one day (would have been one setting if I didn’t have to work…booooo grown up responsibilities!) I am super pumped for the next book!
I. CANT. WAIT!!!!!!!
Sy and Leia wasnt supposed to be with each other.. the total opposite between crossing the line. The fine line between a young woman with Sy, a man who isnt available.. everything is forbidden.. The frustration between the chapter… I cant deny the curiousity about whats next? Lele is a naive young woman.. can she notice the world wasnt just about Sy?
The attraction is hot.. steamy.. the story is smooth.. suspense with lace of romance…. I want more.. Every sides of story are engaging.. im stopping with hopeful excitement
4.5 stars
Firsts is steaming hot, fast paced, intriguing, captivating and all shades of wrong.
“She’s too young, too pure, and not mine to have.”
To be honest: I’m not a huge fan of taboo lovestories. I’m really not. But from time to time I give them a chance. And often I get surprised how much I enjoyed reading them. Firsts by C.L. Matthews is one of those surprises. It was also my first book by her and I have to say she got me hooked.
“From the moment I saw you, my heart stopped. And since then, I’ve forgotten how to make it beat for something other than your smile.”
This story is fast paced, not once the storyline felt dragged and the rush Leia and Silas get when seeing each other, is felt deeply in your readers bones. Even though you know its the wrongest kind of wrong, you are caught in their web of attraction. You don’t want to see but you are unable to look away.
“This is every shade of wrong, but I can’t help myself. I want her so badly, and I’ll break all the rules to have her.”
I know this is a novella, but it surely doesn’t feel like one. Nevertheless I wished for a little more insight of Sila’s mind. Explore it deeper, his background/childhood. And I would have loved a little more insight into the relationship between Brax and Leia.
Reading this story will leave you breathless, desperately wanting to know more. Craving for the next book. Where does it go from the ending?
Do you know what I love? Books that have you going in with a particular mindset, a particular guy I’m going to love, a particular storyline that will play out. But then BAM! You end up with the surprise of your life, you get twitchy and frustrated and end up falling in love for the underdog (#TEAMBRAX). I have no words for this story. But any author that can have me obsessing over one guy going in and then have me change my mind by the end is a genius in my book. I don’t know how that’s possible when I absolutely LOVE alpha assholes, but this guy takes the cup & put me off and I guess that’s why I leaned towards the underdog (#TEAMBRAX).
This is quite unlike any forbidden love story I’ve ever read. It’s grappling, it’s intense, it’s oh so sexy and hot, and it blew my mind. I thought I knew what to expect when I went in, but there is so much mystery, heartache & confusion, I literally did not know which was up. There are so many unanswered questions which I need answered NOW because my mind is just gonna go into overdrive trying to figure everything out.
If you haven’t already figured by now, I’m all for Team Brax and despite having loved Sy in the beginning, he needs to get his shit together. And don’t even get me started on how I feel about Leia right now *cue eye roll*
Grab your copy of this book and read the story that has the entire book community torn in two. Such a hot read, I can’t wait for Lasts.
Wow! Just wow! I feel I need to catch my breath after this and it is only book 1. I have not been drawn into a book like this for a long time. I found myself sneaking moments to return to the world of Lele, Sy and Brax.
This story will not disappoint!
This book is the perfect age gap, forbidden romance. This story is dark, gritty and oh so steamy. The chemistry between this couple is undeniable. They collide together like magnets, unable to control their attraction. I devoured this story from the first page until that jaw dropping ending. C. L. Matthews delivers a beautifully written taboo story with an intriguing plot and complex characters. This was my first book by this author but it will definitely not be my last. I highly recommend this five star, one click book.
This was my first CL Matthews read, and HOLY MOLY- what did I get myself into? I love a good taboo story, and when the taboo is an age gap? I’m sold. But this one really stood out to me. CL Matthews isn’t scared to really GO there with this taboo- to explore the emotional complexities of someone you shouldn’t, to unabashedly in the conflict that comes from having (and acting) on romantic urges that are well outside of what is considered socially, or morally acceptable.
This is the first of a yet to be completed series- and our heroine Leia is very young, like 13 years old when this story begins. She has a challenging relationship with her parents and is grappling with questions around her own identity and the pains of having adult urges and feelings while still being a child. Her soul is older than her body- she’s had to fend for herself for quite a while. And her world is rocked when she meets Silas, a long time friend of her mother. She’s attracted to him- not just his looks but his essence, his solidness and the security she feels which she’s never felt with another, let alone a reliable adult. Innocent enough- but CL doesn’t back down-because Silas too is attracted to this young girl- her innocence, her fire, her heart. He knows it is wrong, and he’s not going to act on it, but now that he’s back in their lives, their relationship and connection begins to grow, platonically at first. CL explores this this beautifully dynamic gray area- the overlap of fatherly instincts and protectiveness with emotional attraction and jealous longing. And, as if things couldn’t get any more complicated, CL throws another barrier in their way- out of the blue Silas becomes her mother’s husband and now he’s her stepdad. And soon, Leia has another suitor in the form of her close male friend Brax.
I just LOVED how CL reveled in the messiness of this story. It was agonizing in times- the angsty of seeing Leia love a man she now cant have, a man she’s too inexperienced and young for, and a man that won’t seem to let her in but won’t let her go either. I loved how we get so many shades of her personality- she’s bold in places, shy and innocent in others, at times shockingly mature and together, and other times we remember just how emotionally immature she is. The juxtaposition of her coming to age as a woman side by side with the evolution of feeling for silas is truly inspired- it adds so many layers to the taboo element that make this love story feel both even more forbidden and even more inevitable. And Silas- lordy, who is this man? I don’t think we fully know- he’s complex, mysterious, dark and passionate. Their situation and age gap feel so impossible, yet you just can’t fight the chemistry between them- to be honest, it’s indescribable, practically inexplicable, but so keenly realized in this story. Like our characters, we FEEL it, even if we don’t understand it. Yet, we also can see the toxic elements between them. I felt like I was living Leia’s confusion myself- CL just made the emotions so visceral.
This story is just so deliciously complicated. We have so many secrets- not just secrets we know that our characters are keeping but secrets we don’t know and don’t yet fully understand. It is not only entertaining and plays to all my taboo age-gap trope favs but it also challenged me intellectually as I started to unpack just why I wanted them together and what drew me to their love. The cliffhanger is brutal, and their story is not happy, at least not yet- but the pain of the forbidden, the at time unrequited, and incomprehensibly young, ALL that angst, I felt down to my hearts core. This is a love story that may make you uncomfortable, and it may not be for everyone, but WOW was it riveting to me. (4.5 stars)
I don’t know what it is about this authors stories that draw me and don’t let me go until the pages run out, but after reading the prequel novella and this book in the space of a week, I’d say I’m obsessed.
This is taboo. Very. It won’t be to everyone’s taste and I get that. And honestly the only character in this I don’t like/don’t care about is Xo.
I stayed up until 4am reading this and I don’t regret a thing. I need all of the words and I need them now
Firsts was most definitely interesting and I’m still processing how I feel about it. Now I love me some taboo and this one neck deep in it. I”m not gonna lie and say that it wasn’t completely wrong for Silas to lust after a 13 year old girl after he assumes she like 17. Not only that she becomes his step daughter. Silas plays mind games with Leia and strung that poor girl along. Things are definitely hot between them as Silas does all the demanding and taking from her.
Its understandable for Leia to feel sex driven and mistake that for love. She battles with how wrong her feelings are and nothing Silas does nothing to stop them. So I was very happy when Leia finally realized that her best friend Brax is possibly the person she should want and deserves. I was hoping for Leia to find someone else to clear the lust filled fog Silas puts over her. Brax is exactly what she needs.
I’d be lying and say that I’m not looking forward to what happens next and I want Brax to fight for Leia. Firsts was an interesting set up for what is to come next.
This book pulled me in and left me questioning how I felt about so many things. I loved the way CL Matthews told the story, going back and forth between Leia and Silas’ POV, answering some questions while adding new ones and making me reevaluate my own emotional attachments. I was just sure I knew how I wanted the story to go, then a new factor came into play and I wanted to go in a new direction entirely. CL Matthews brilliantly designed characters that kept me questioning my allegiance until the very last page.
Definitely has promise in the taboo department. I love age gap stories and the whole stepfather part definitely works for me. Curious to see where this story will go
Firsts is a taboo read that will push your limits. You are either going to love or hate it. I honestly don’t know what took me so long to read this story, but I am so glad that I finally did because I could not put it down. This book was intense and I was not as prepared for it as I had previously thought. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. There were points that I was angry, anxious, sad, etc. You name it, at some point, I probably experienced it. I loved the characters and OMG that cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read book 2 to find out what happens next! If you enjoy taboo reads this might just be the book for you! Give it a shot, what do you have to lose?
Loved reading this and can’t wait for more.
This is a taboo age gap read and when it starts at Leia being 13 yrs old, I weren’t so sure I could read all this book. But I stuck with it and I’m so glad I did, nothing happens with her at that age. Yes Sy is atracted to her but it runs deeper than just attraction. And nothing happens between them till years later.
Leia is confused over her feelings for both Brax and Sy. I like them both. I feel sad for Brax though and at times really mad at Sy. There seems to be so much more to Sy, I’m intrigued by him.
I find the author wrote this book tastefully and the story flowed beautifully. I am hooked on these characters now and can’t wait to read the next book.
I was honestly feeling squicky when I read the blurb. I have never before been interested in Stepfather romance. The thought has allways made me extremely uncomfortable. Due to the age Leila is in the beginning, its hard not to conti ue that feeling. However, CL Matthew’s has me and has me good. I fell down the rabbit hole of desire, longing, and unrequited love. I even fell for the complicated best friend.
I’m a mess trying decide where my heart a d mind lie. The problem is I think they want the forbidden…
#audiobookobsessionreviewer
Silas is Leia’ s Stepfather. He lusts after Leia, He gives her a taste of what it would be like with him. Leia is torn between Silas and her best friend Brax. One she lusts, the other she loves. One is gentle, one is rough. How did it get to this? If her father finds out, he would kill Silas. Leia is at the young age of experiencing life, but she never realized she would be experiencing it with her stepfather. Leia is confused, aroused, and angry with herself for betraying her mother. The is one hot forbidden romance.
Lacy Laurel and Aaron Shedlock narration told the story with such emotion. Giving each character their own voice and personality
audiobookobsessionreview
HANDS DOWN THE MOST TABOO BOOK I’ve ever read! Somehow this year I’ve made it my mission to read taboo books and push that line of comfort as far as I can. Author warnings and trigger warnings seem to make me want to read it even more! Going in…what I was worried this book was more about turned out to not even be the biggest part of it…there was so much more and I’m not surprised that I enjoyed it! This book pushed me past that comfort line and I came out on the other side of it LOVING IT! I really enjoyed this group of characters! Loving the relationships that were built! UGH! One thing Matthews does is make you want to scream in frustration to give you exactly what you want. She does eventually but boy does she take you on one heck of an emotional & CRAZY rollercoaster before it’s all said and done!
Sy…holy smokes! This dude was HOTTTT and supposed to be OFF LIMITS! That just makes it all more exciting though right! The attraction between Leia and Sylas is immediate and hard to let go of…even when someone comes along that might be better for her. I’m Team Sylas ALL THE FREAKING way!!!!
I buddy read this series with a friend and that made it a lot of fun but also gave me someone to talk to when it started blowing my mind. I’m positive the author would get a kick out of our messages while reading it! If you love taboo and enjoy pushing yourself to test what you truly enjoy….I say go read it!
Firsts was a steamy, extremely forbidden romance that will shock you yet have you hooked until the end. The story will push your boundaries and test your limits and I will admit the age factor threw me a bit at the start of the story. It was fast paced and steamy, and you will feel the intense chemistry between the main characters. You will be choosing sides before the story is done. However it all ends in a cliff hanger which will leave you screaming for more.
I listened to the audible version of this novel which was narrated by Lacey Laurel and Aaron Shedlock. These two did an amazing job with the story. Their accents were unbelievable and they were able to capture and relay the essence of these characters. They certainly brought the story to life and I enjoyed listening to them.
This taboo love story continues in the next book and I can’t wait to see what happens.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
This was my first book by C.L Matthews and it was super sexy, steamy and taboo!! This is the beginning of Silas and Leia story.. a roller coaster of emotions and moments that will keep you intrigued and hooked to this story wanting to know more. She has been in his life since she was just a teenager, she keeps luring him into temptation and love.. She can’t resist him, but at the same time feels very confused about her feelings and the emotions he evokes.. time will show if they belonged together no matter the circumstances, no matter, that he is her new stepfather.
Great beginning of the series, I really can’t wait to know more about this story and characters. what is going to happen, who is going to stay with Leia, everything is so confused right now that I’m dying to know more..
Great secondary characters. The Narrations by Lacy Laurel, Aaron Shedlock were great, bringing the characters to life and giving them more depth and character.
Overall it was a good start of the series.
AudioBookObsessions.
This story is wrong, taboo in so many ways. Silas is old enough to be her father, he’s her mother’s business partner, then her mother’s husband. In Leila’s innocent, naive mind he really wants only her and in the end Silas tales advantage of that notion.
Lacy Laurel and Aaron Shedlock are spot on in the narration.
Reviewed for Audiobook Obsession