“The most delightful cast of characters I’ve met in ages…a modern romance masterpiece.“ —New York Times bestseller Christina Lauren “Constantly revealing new layers of lyricism… A
“At the end I was left with that warm, glowing love for humanity.” —The New York Times
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A sparkling and tender novel from the acclaimed author of Love Lettering, full of bickering neighbors, surprise reunions, and the mysterious power of love that fans of Christina Lauren, Sarah Hogle, and Emily Henry will adore.
Sixteen years ago, a teenaged Will Sterling saw—or rather, heard—the girl of his dreams. Standing beneath an apartment building balcony, he shared a perfect moment with a lovely, warm-voiced stranger. It’s a memory that’s never faded, though he’s put so much of his past behind him. Now an unexpected inheritance has brought Will back to that same address, where he plans to offload his new property and get back to his regular life as an overworked doctor. Instead, he encounters a woman, two balconies above, who’s uncannily familiar . . .
No matter how surprised Nora Clarke is by her reaction to handsome, curious Will, or the whispered pre-dawn conversations they share, she won’t let his plans ruin her quirky, close-knit building. Bound by her loyalty to her adored grandmother, she sets out to foil his efforts with a little light sabotage. But beneath the surface of their feud is an undeniable connection. A balcony, a star-crossed couple, a fateful meeting—maybe it’s the kind of story that can’t work out in the end. Or maybe, it’s the perfect second chance . . .
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Will Sterling and Nora Clarke’s story captured my heart from the very beginning. Their story of people who left impressions on their young lives shaped the way they felt love was. Will is struggling with his emotions after inheriting an apartment from an uncle he didn’t really know. Nora is grieving her grandmother and also trying to hold onto memories made in the apartment building.
When their first encounter starts a small feud between them, it can’t hide the sparks and the electric undercurrent that runs through them when they are near each other.
You will root for Will and Nora, as well as the rest of the cast of characters in this story.
Kate Clayborn has another winner with this sweet romance.
Thank you to SheSpeaks for my copy. Opinions are my own and are freely given.
#LOVEATFIRSTBOOK #SheSpeaks #KensingtonBooks
I really liked this book. It was the first I’ve read from this author. Will was very sweet, at times I wish he tried harder but overall he was a good character. Nora was very cute. I really liked their chemistry and all the side characters were very funny and interesting. Really enjoyed this book. No ow/om drama.
I’ve never been one to shy away from a “romance” novel. I certainly don’t refer to them as my “guilty pleasure” because there is nothing guilty about being wrapped up in a good book. And Love at First will completely wrap around you.
Clayborn manages to completely capture those feelings. It’s one of my favorite things about this genre. She’s able to remind you and pull you in to how you felt when you first started dating someone. That quick heartbeat, the constant blushing (maybe this one is just me), not being able to get enough of that person. Clayborn puts you in Will and Nora’s relationship like it’s your own and you’ll just sit there sitting in happy feelings from the echoes of their romance.
Will is a doctor. He hasn’t had the easiest childhood – his parents died young and he didn’t have a lot of help or influence by any sort of parental figure in his life. He does everything he can to hide that though. He is strict with himself. Anything to avoid being thought of as “rash, reckless, or .” He’s been running from those traits since he was 15 years old. Now a wrench has been thrown into his life plan when an uncle he truly didn’t know bequeaths his apartment to Will. Will is stuck with this apartment that has all sorts of messy emotions and memories tied to it for a full year. He is anything but thrilled. Until the idea of using it as a short-term rental comes up. This, THIS, he can work with.
Enter Nora. Nora is lives in the small apartment building Will has just gained residence to. She and the other residents are steadfast and firm in their discontent with this “short-term rental” development. These are people whose whole lives are in this building. None of the residents have been there for less than the long-haul. Even Nora, the youngest resident, inherited her apartment from her Nonna and has been an extended member of the apartment family since her childhood.
What ensues is a charming game of sabotage. Innocent ploys to get Will to change his mind end up building up to a fun and flirty relationship with Will and Nora. But each of them has their own baggage to unpack.
This was a charming and fun escape just when I needed it. I can’t wait to read through all of Clayborn’s backlist and eagerly wait on baited breath for her next novel!
This was my first read by Kate Clayborn and let me tell you, it wont be my last!! This was a truly lovely read!!!
I really like the colorful cover. It’s fun and whimsy just like the story. Nora is a fun loving quirky woman living on the third floor of an apartment building. She meets Dr Will Sterling at the “Golden Hour” of 4am on the balcony one morning after the death of building owner, Donny. Nora has yet to learn that Will has inherited the old building from his Uncle Donny and she is still grieving the loss of her “Nonna” in whose apartment she now lives. He is desperate to off load the old building but he isn’t prepared to meet resistance from the long term apartment owners. Since he needs to wait a year before he can sell, Will enlists the help of his boss’s ex-wife to renovate and list his unit for short term rentals. Nora launches a campaign to change Will’s mind with the help of the other tenants. They hope that he might change his mind once he gets to know the people who knew his uncle and love the old apartment building.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookishFirst in exchange for an unbiased review.
Love at first by Kate Clayborn is my second book by the author and I must admit that I enjoyed it much more than the first one.
A second chance at love between two cross stars lovers, a beautiful friendship that blooms into something more beautiful, a love story that has a bit of everything. From mending their own past to the butterflies of a real romance, Will and Nora are a great couple that will overcome any obstacles to make it to their happily ever after.
There are a few things that I didn’t agree with or just couldn’t relate to, but that didn’t deter me to enjoy this book.
This book was exactly what the doctor ordered. My romance loving heart was extremely happy. It gave me that exact giddy feeling I had when I had my first crush, and yes that includes the abundance of butterflies. I was left with a permanent smile on my face, the kind of smile that left my cheeks hurting but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Can I just say that if there was an award for doorframe leaning then Dr. Will Sterling would take top honors. Honestly, my swoon-o-meter was at high level I was so smitten with him.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adored Nora and Will. They’re both navigating through their own personal grief and both brought the emotions which only made my heart ache for them. Their story didn’t start off on the right foot, but slowly they started to open up to one another and a friendship bloomed which then turned to something more. It’s a fact that that Nora and Will had my heart hiccuping at max level.
I loved everything about this book. The story and characters touched my heart and filled it with joy. I loved that this story centered around connections be it family, friendship and love. And at the heart of it all it doesn’t matter if you aren’t blood related, family is what you make it and of that special bond you form.
Love at First was a heartwarming, lighthearted, and heartfelt romance. Filled with laughs, lovable characters, witty banter, and tender moments. My heart is overflowing and still basking in the feel-good happy feelings this book gave me. I highly recommend this book.
Love At First
By Kate Clayborn
I absolutely enjoyed Kate Clayborn’s previous novel, Love Lettering – it was amazing, tender and just gripped me throughout the story. I still remember to this day that CH 11 made me tear up from the beautiful moments, the dialogue and the gorgeous New York landmarks.
Love at Fist was no different. It really established Clayborn as a master of our hearts and emotions, where in she is able to control and reel, release and tighten our heart in just the most precise of moments. This was an absolute heart melting story for me, where you fall in love just hearing someone’s laughter and voice, and only to rediscover that many years later. These are what love stories and dreams are made of and I am here for it. With a little banter, some misunderstanding, this was another winner for me. Will and Nora’s story is bound to be one of my favorite love story couples.
When I think of family I generally think of a mom and dad, brother and sister. The two main characters, Will and Nora, both had unusual families growing up. Neither had a close relationship with their parents. Will had never even heard “I love you” from either parent. But when he inherits an apartment in a building from an uncle he had only seen once, things change. He wants to rent it out since he can’t legally sell it for a year. The other five apartment owners strongly object. They are a “family” unto themselves. Nora feels a closeness to each one. She spent summers with her grandmother there until she passes away and inherits her apartment. I enjoyed seeing to what lengths Nora would go to dissuade Will from renting his “unit” for short term guests. It’s also interesting to see how the hearts and minds are changed over time of each individual character. My biggest negative issue with the book is the unnecessary foul language and descriptive sex scene that could have been left to the reader’s imagination.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through #SheSpeaks.
Family doesn’t always consist of those related to you; sometimes family is the people you choose to surround yourself with and who you choose to share your life with. Nora Clarke has created her own family, made up of the caring individuals who share an apartment building with her in Chicago. Sadly a member of her family, Donny, has passed away, leaving his apartment to his nephew, a doctor named WIll, who he saw only once sixteen years prior. A wrench is thrown into things, however, because Will must hold on to the apartment for a year, according to Donny’s will. Left with no options, Will opts to rent the apartment out to short-term renters, a decision that is met with not only resistance from the other residents, but sabotage, led by Nora. Little does Nora know, Will happened to see her for the first time sixteen years ago as well, which is when he first fell in love with her. u2063
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Love at First was a novel that started out great, but seemed to fizzle out as it went on. It seemed like some of the events became a little redundant, and I began to lose interest. The characters really were the saving grace for me. They were all very unique, interesting and realistic, and they were characters that I could often relate to. I really liked the idea of the family and community that they created amongst each other. There were some sections that were a little too descriptive for me, and honestly I kind of glanced and skipped over them. It’s not that they were necessarily too graphic, it’s just that I prefer blood-and-guts graphic to sex graphic. Plus, I didn’t feel like they added much to the narrative. Overall it wasn’t for me, but I do believe that people who are big fans of romances will enjoy it more than I did.u2063
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Thank you to Kensington Books and Kate Clayborn for gifting me a copy of Love at First, given in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.
I received an early release of this book. It is beautifully written; the author uses many rhetorical devices, which make the writing come to life. Loved the book. Looking forward to reading more of her books.
I liked Kate Clayborn’s other books and this one was just as good
Love at First by Kate Clayborn is a lovely novel about a small apartment house in Chicago that has long since become condos and the inhabitant of the six condos therein. The youngest and most aggressive of the inhabitants was Nora Clarke who had inherited from her grandmother (Nonna) after coming and spending summers there for most of her life. It was her home; her grandmother the person she loved the most. She had sworn not to allow it to change, just as her grandmother had so long ago. Donny Pasternak had just died; thereby opening up the can of worms Nora was dealing with presently. Also there were married couples Mr. and Mrs. Salas, Marion and Emily, Benny, and Jonah who was 90 and lived on the third floor. They were a family and she would not allow Dr. Will Sterling, Donny’s nephew, to change everything. That was easier said than done.
Love at First was a lovely, slow-moving romance with all the people involved making many changes and moving forward. Things change and, the fact was, they were all happy about it. They just hadn’t realized it. Nora was stuck in the past with her grandmother. She though it was a great place to be, and it was, but so was the present and the future, it turned out. She was a terrific character, written from the heart and finding a place in the heart of the reader. She had to learn what to keep from the past and what to discard…a lesson for all of us. Will was 31 years old before ANYONE told him that they loved him. Too long to wait, certainly, but worth the wait, conversely. These people were family and they proved it every day, and allowed others in as well. A truly moving book, well written and difficult to put down. A joy!
I was invited to read a free ARC of Love at First by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #loveatfirst
Love at First Sight is the second novel that I’ve read by Kate Clayborn, the first one being her sparkling and heartwarming romance Love Lettering. I feel such joy and wonder when I finished this book and I read through the night to get to the end but I also lingered on every word and every encounter and every feeling that Will and Nora experienced. Love at First Sight will have you laughing and crying, emphathizing with every regret and hurt and joy these characters had. And its not just the main couple that gets your attention. Its the whole ensemble cast of the apartment building, Will’s boss and Nora’s co worker/bff who will no less leave you breathless with laughter. Love at First Sight gives you that near heart stopping joy of finding the one but then teaches you that you need to be able to work on it to realize its full potential. Will and Nora will definitely leave you wanting more of their own brand of happy ever after.
This book has such a fun combination of humor & emotional depth. I loved the cast of characters Kate Clayborn created, especially the inhabitants of the apartment complex; it truly did feel like a family! I also got a particularly good chuckle out of the cat fiasco. Nora and Will had plenty of their own personal challenges on their way to happily ever, but they all made the story richer. This was one “enemies to lovers” story that I thought was really well done & I super enjoyed!
I really enjoyed Love Lettering by this author, so I had high expectations for her next novel … which were exceeded!
Nora and Will’s story, set in Chicago, features an Airbnb-esque apartment, definitely a unique reflection of our time. The novel includes several additional themes (poetry, parental loss, progress vs. honoring tradition) with the most important: friendships can be found in the most surprising circumstances, and family is defined by love and support rather than by blood and genetics. The moment when the author explains the title’s meaning – just 20 pages from the end – was completely worth the wait.
This is an open door romance with a moderate amount of details. Thank you to Kensington Books for the gifted ARC; all thoughts are my own.
This book was so soft, and lovely, and wonderful. I loved it so much. The author’s prose is truly beautiful.
Will Sterling is a doctor, but he wasn’t always the practical man he is now. His parents were neglectful of him, as they were obsessed with each other, and he was basically an afterthought. They both died when he was a teenager, and ever since he’s worked to not be like them: “Rash, Reckless, and Selfish.” And he’s mostly succeeded at it, until he inherits an apartment from an uncle he only met once, as a teen. And his entire world is upended by seeing a woman he never thought to see again. He’s never forgotten the first time he saw her, and heard her laugh, though they never met.
Nora Clarke lives in her Nonna’s apartment in Chicago, which Nora inherited after her death. She grew up coming here every summer, while her archaeologist parents were traveling the world, and she loves all the building’s occupants. They’re all like a quirky family unit. But when Will shows up to claim his inheritance, with plans to turn it into a short-term rental, Nora is aghast. Every one of the neighbors hates the idea, but since it isn’t against the rules, it doesn’t seem like they can stop him. Perhaps a bit of light sabotage is in order? Even if she’s drawn to him like no other man before, she can’t let him disrupt the building, or her family, this way.
Will and Nora had fiery chemistry, but both of them had what they considered valid reasons for ignoring it. Will is worried that the pull he feels toward Nora is bad for him, given his parents’ obsessive relationship. Nora is terrified of changing anything about the apartments, after the upheaval of losing her grandmother, and Donny (Will’s uncle), so recently. She feels a strong sense of loyalty to her Nonna, and thinks she’ll be disloyal if she allows things to be changed. Will and Nora both had a lot of unresolved issues from their childhood, and they didn’t even realize how much those issues were affecting their everyday lives until it came to them falling in love.
All of the neighbors in the building were hilarious side characters, and I loved getting to know them, in all their unique glory. They were all interesting in their own right, and I also loved seeing their differing relationships with Nora. I also enjoyed watching Will eventually charm them all too. Will’s boss Gerald, and Gerald’s ex-wife Sally, were delightful, and I loved Will’s separate connections to each of them.
This story was a bit of a slow burn, but it was so lovely the entire time that you weren’t really in need of anything more than you were getting. This author paints such fantastic pictures in her books. The visions of the main characters, and their blooming relationship. Of their friends, and family, even when those connections cause the main characters pain. She is a masterful writer, and her prose is so evocative. I always enjoy every moment of reading her stories, even when some parts are painful to me.
Nora and Will were clearly soulmates, and I adored their powerful connection, especially once they learned how to successfully navigate it. They fit each other so perfectly, and the whole thing was just magical. I cannot recommend this one highly enough!
I never get tired of getting lost in a great love story. Love At First by Kate Clayborn was one of those stories for me. I was immediately sucked in and happily went along for the ride. What a ride it was!
I think every character in this book was in some way damaged by love. Either their parents couldn’t show them proper love or they were spoiled by the love they had and lost. There were many kinds of love. Love between family, friends and friends that became family.
One of the main characters in the book is an apartment building with six partments. One apartment was recently vacated when it’s owner died. One apartment was left to the owners granddaughter who spent many summers there. The other four apartments have older inhabitants. They all have a love for their home that has brought them together as family. I loved the character and feel of the old building that plays a strong part in the story.
If you’re like me and love family, generational love stories, I highly recommend this book. This is my first novel by Kate Clayborn and it certainly has me interested in reading more of her books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and #Netgalley for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
This book is pure romance for me. Angsty, found family, love at first sight, a little bit of fate, characters who fall in love and learn to love both, beautiful imagery and sense of place. I highlighted a million passages, the language is gorgeous. Pacing is excellent, though I slowed and savored this one, I did not want it to end. Will and Nora will stay with me. Not only can I not wait to read it again but this will remain a comfort read forever on the keeper shelf.
I might do a longer review another time. Right now I just need to stay in all the feels for this gorgeous book.
I read an e-ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. I’ve ordered my own physical copy and am awaiting delivery. All opinions are my own.
I really loved this book! I didn’t expect it to be everything it was which made it that much better! Funny, heartwarming, and quirky, this book left me with a smile on my face!
This book was so funny! I would say a good part of this humor came from the descriptions the characters have of things and from the residents living in the same apartment complex as Nora, one of the main characters. Clayborn had a way of describing characters and experiences through the POV of the main character that had me cracking up. It was like I was living inside Nora and Will’s minds and working through each awkward encounter and fun situation with them.
And the apartment complex residents…HA! They were the absolute best. I’m so glad they were such a big part of this story. They made things fun, and interesting, and I very much enjoyed their comments and unsolicited opinions to the different things that happened in this book. Most of the residents are older and have no filter on what they say or think which was just the best. I loved all of them so much!
I also really liked getting to know Gerald. I didn’t expect for him to be such an important character in this book, but I was glad he was by the end. As well, it was awesome seeing the development in the relationship between Will and Gerald. It was unexpected and completely welcome.
Lastly, Will and Nora’s relationship is so wonderful! It’s a minor enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn relationship and I enjoyed every bit of it. Will is so sweet and wonderful and it was so great to see how Nora brought him out of the stupor he was living in. And Nora was this amazing fireball that desperately needed to move forward and on with her life. They complemented each other so well and it was great seeing their individual and relationship progress.
Overall, I loved this book! It had an interesting plot, fun characters, and taught many great lessons on change. A++
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.