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 … 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?
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The First Kiss Of Summer
Eternity Springs, Book #14
Emily March
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Spring has come to Eternity Springs in the newest installment in this New York Times bestselling series by Emily March.
When Josh Tarkington gets stuck on a gondola with the lovely Caitlin Timberlake, he thinks his consistently bad luck might have changed.
After their blossoming romance is interrupted, Caitlin realizes that her encounter with Josh was a sign that she needed to make a major life change. So she packs up her things and moves to Eternity Springs, opens a day care, and sets her cap for the town’s mechanic—Josh.
But Josh is hiding a well of secrets that would ruin him, and his relationship with everyone in Eternity Springs—especially Caitlin. When tragedy strikes, Josh and Caitlin find themselves, and their relationship, tested beyond imagining. Will they be able to find their way back to each other? (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I really enjoyed getting to meet Caitlin and Josh. Caitlin is a small town girl who made a name for herself in New York as a textile designer. But she starts feeling like she wants to return home to be near her family and do something different in her life so that is what she does. Josh has a lot of baggage that he carries with him. He does not want a relationship or a happily ever after with anyone. He has too many bad memories from his past and he has too many secrets that he feels he must keep. But when Caitlin meets Josh, she knows that he is the one for her. Now she just has to convince Josh of that fact and that will not be easy. I thought that they made a great couple and I was pulling for them to get together.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in writing an emotional book and much of what happened pulled at my heartstrings. I really enjoyed that she included journal entries that helped with the backstory of the person writing the journal. She took some serious issues in our society, such as drug abuse, and wrote about them in a touching way. That could not have been easy.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written contemporary romance. This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride but sometimes as a reader we all need that. It is not only a love story, it is a story about second chances, fighting for what you want and forgiving yourself as well as others.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Emily March has done it again with the “First Kiss Of Spring” this book continues the rich tradition of great storytelling that has been established in the Eternity Spring series. Caitlin Timberlake is all grown up and her story of falling in love with Josh Tarkington does not disappoint. The characters are well developed and once again we as reader and listeners are invited to take part in their journey to their happily ever after as they face life challenges.
Favorite characters has been revisited without overshadowing Caitlin and Josh’s story. It is always nice to caught up with old favorites.
If you are looking for a page turning read or a good book I recommend “The First Kiss Of Spring”, Emily March is true to form and this series of books is always good.
The First Kiss of Spring (Eternity Springs #14) by Emily March …. Let me just say…I want to move to ETERNITY SPRINGS… Celeste is back and who wouldn’t wan her angle touch?… this is Josh and Caitlin’s story…Josh is hiding his past…Caitlin wants to move back to Eternity Springs… I was so lucky to get to preview this book through #NetGalley. It is always fun to get back in touch with all the wonderful characters who live in Eternity Springs and see how their lives are going… Emily always gives us plenty of laughs, love and tears of both kinds on our way to a HEA…Oh…and I can’t forget Penny…I can’t wait for my next visit to Eternity Springs…
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What a powerfully compiling and emotional romance. To have such a tortured male protagonist, is truly remarkable. I totally fell in love with Josh. He tried to be so strong in the shadow of his troubles. But the love for a good woman helped him to turn another corner and make it through. Such a story that I really hated for it to end. I really hope that there are more of this couple in future Eternity Springs books.
Ms. March is a new author for me and one that I look forward to reading more of. I will definitely be going back and reading prior novel by this wonderfully and truly inspiring woman. I so highly recommend this story to anyone. It is NOT your typical romance.
Love the series.
“The First Kiss of Spring” by Emily March
Josh and Caitlin’s story and that magical town of Eternity Springs, CO. I do believe I have read every Eternity Springs story and have loved each one the very best. I whole-heartedly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance story. Be warned if you are a reader that gets emotionally involved in your story… be sure to have your tissues handy.. you probably will have need of them, but you also will have your smiles and chuckles, too. Happy Reading !!
She’s found her man and wants his heart. He knows his limits and doesn’t have a heart to give. Emily March goes beyond the romance. Caitlin and Josh are only a tiny piece of a puzzle. There path is full of snow drifts not easily plowed, but waiting to be explored. Amidst the bad choices, heartbreaking moments and personal setbacks, lies a chance at redemption. Eternity Springs is the beginning of the rest of your life. No matter the road travelled, count on Emily March’s Eternity Springs to point a wanderer home. The First Kiss of Spring is a sentimental, second chance love song.
This small-town romance tackles some big issues…but once again Eternity Springs works its magic to keep the hope of love alive.
Josh has had to deal with so much in his life. You would think that someone with his background would have an easy life, but instead his is one of darkness and secrets…and has him convinced that bad luck follows him everywhere he goes – so much so he won’t even consider opening his heart to someone and dragging them into the “quagmire of misfortune and bad luck that sucked at his shoes wherever he went.”
Caitlin has decided to come home and follow her dream of opening her own business. Even though she knows she will have to face disappointment from her parents, she misses Eternity Springs and knows that the path to her happiness is returning home. When she meets Josh in Colorado at a wedding and finds out he lives in Eternity Springs, she also gets the feeling that he may be part of that path.
From the first moment Josh and Caitlin lock eyes, you can feel the heat between these two. I never doubted the connection these two had, but some of their story was a bit dark and dealt with some serious and troubling issues. Josh’s past has come to rule his present, and although Caitlin has worked her way into his life, he can’t move forward until he comes to terms with his issues. This love story is not one for the faint of heart, but seeing these two finally come together was so satisfying. There was a lot going on with Josh’s past and at times it seemed to slow the story down, but the end result was worth it all.
As usual in Eternity Springs, the town and its residents play a big part in this story. And my favorite, Celeste, was full of good advice and introspect.
Emily March has crafted such an endearing small town in Eternity Springs, one that makes me wish I could find it on a map so I could move there. Although there was a bit of darker material in this book, the hope and magic of the town were there to help Josh and Caitlin find the happy ever after.
Another wonderful read!
From the very first meet-cute to the HEA ending, I adored this book! It’s packed with real emotion, lovingly mixed with flirtatiousness and fun.
Although I have to say that the blurb kinda gave me the wrong impression. Based on the description of Caitlin I was expecting someone a little harder and more corporate, but she’s not that at all. The woman is planning to open a daycare and you can’t get much gooey-er than that! She’s definitely a lady with a plan, though, and she’s not going to let much deter her. It’s so much fun seeing her “lay siege” to Josh. And readers are going to be absolutely delighted at his struggles as he fights THAT losing battle 🙂
But Josh does have his reasons for not wanting to get involved – and they are really good ones, the poor guy – but he has it bad. And though he tries to resist, he’ll quickly find Caitlin difficult to ignore. Unfortunately those demons of his are really hard to shake. I have to give him massive props for everything he’s done so far … too bad he doesn’t see it, too. Pride, insecurity, and doubt sure can cause a whole mess of trouble.
*Minor spoilers ahead so stop now if you don’t want to know any more!*
I will admit that it seemed to me when the going got tough Caitlin didn’t fight like I expected her to. She knows that something is wrong with Josh but her own doubts and hurt feelings get the better of her. It is suggested that she’s not done but her actions don’t really back that up. Luckily Josh gets a little help in figuring things out and proves himself to be the man we know he is, but that it took him a little longer to recognize. It’s so awesome to see and I love him even more for doing it. (I guess I just really wanted her to a little more soul-searching of her own and find a bit more strength too.)
Full of sweetness and fun, but with a few bumps to make it interesting, The First Kiss of Spring is a real delight. With her deftness at creating characters to cherish and story-lines that captivate until the very last word, March is continuing to show her fabulous talent. I am so starting to fall under her spell!
(I think this one is a little easier for new readers to follow. Like A Stardance Summer there are returning characters but enough of this one focuses on the main couple that it makes it easier to jump in.)
*** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March
Eternity Springs #14
Do you believe in love at first sight? Caitlin Timberlake may or may not have “known” Josh Tarkington was “The One” at first sight but she was definitely sure they were meant to be together very soon after that first meet-cute. I mean, Josh was gorgeous, had a way with words, was fun, adopted a disabled dog, was s*xy and absolutely perfect…well…nearly. He has secrets and no desire for a relationship with strings and is up-front in saying so BUT Caitlin knows what she knows so gave up her job, moved to Eternity Springs, started a business, put her heart on the line and laid siege to Josh’s heart.
What I liked:
* Josh’s journal entries that gave hints at his past and what he had to deal with
* Josh’s character: strength, charm, honesty and openness in not being willing to discuss his past
* Caitlin’s openness, warmth, charm and ability to know what she wanted
* The effort of both Caitlin and Josh with honest communication that eventually allowed their HEA
* The side story of Caitlin’s parents and a medical issue they were dealing with
What I disliked:
* The childhood Josh experienced
* The unwillingness of Josh to be honest with himself, his doctors and Caitlin after his accident
* The streak of bad luck Josh had before meeting Caitlin
I truly enjoyed this book and with a few days between reading and writing this review I realize how well written it is. The issues Josh had to contend with were not easy and though some reviewers felt they were glossed over I don’t agree. I believed in Josh and knowing gradually learning just what he went through made me understand him and his beliefs and needs as well as his unwillingness to share unless he truly trusted someone.
Did I like this book? Definitely
Do I recommend this book? Yes
Will you like this book? My guess is yes but every reader’s tastes aren’t the same – if you don’t like the mention of child abuse and overcoming addiction then perhaps you won’t but the story is solid and very well told so perhaps you will.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
I have completely fallen in love with the residents of Eternity Springs and I couldn’t be happier. I have never read this author and as much as I love a small town romance, she has sunk her claws into my heart with this read so I will definitely read more. I love the characters and really love the handling in this story of addiction and it’s impact. The characters made this an enjoyable red the addiction and the process made it difficult but so worth it. Josh is a fighter and has been fighting for so long on his own that it was wonderful and less painful watching how this author handled his healing. I love Celeste and know someone who she reminds me up with the same heart and words of wisdom everyone needs and appreciates. And how can I not mention the simple love and acceptance, tenderness and yes naiveté yet all that was needed in just the right way, Caitlyn is awesome and over the top and just what Josh needed. Great story and yes as a standalone you wont need anything else from Eternity Springs but I think I will try to worm my way into more from this author so I can meet more of the residents and get more wisdom from Celeste (not to mention find out about Mac). Awesome read.
I received an advanced copy of of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is part of the Eternity Springs series, but you can read it as a stand-alone, like I did, and not be lost. This is the story of Caitlin Timberlake and Josh Tarkington. She is from Eternity Springs, he is a newcomer. They meet while in Telluride, not in her hometown. Sparks fly! They go their separate ways. Weeks later they see each other again in Eternity Springs and start a “friendship”. She wants more, he is scared and won’t give her more than stolen nights together in each other’s homes. Things go okay for a while, until an incident happens and changes everything. There are secrets that Josh is hiding about his life before he landed in Eternity Springs. This was a great read and definitely made me want to read more of the series! Definitely one to pick up!
ARC for honest review with no compensation received from NetGalley
The First Kiss of Spring is a wonderful addition to the series Eternity Springs by Emily March and you don’t want to miss it! We find Caitlin Timberlake grew up in Eternity Springs but left for the bright lights of New York City. Now years later she decides to come back home to build a new life which she hope consists of a family, new business and an everlasting love with the mechanic in town…but Josh Tarkington has lots of secrets and has worked so hard to overcome his past but knows that at some point it will come back so having a fling with Caitlin is all he has to offer..no forever love…
Can Caitlin show Josh how to overcome his past and heal so they can find their forever love together??
Wow! The First Kiss Of Spring is a fantastic read by Emily March. Ms. March has given us a well-written book. The characters in this book are outstanding and for me, the best part of the book. Caitlin has decided to quit her job and move back to her hometown but first, she has to get through her friend’s wedding weekend. Josh meets Caitlin while he is on vacation and she is waiting for her friend, the bride, to arrive. Caitlin and Josh’s story is a see-saw of ups and downs. There’s plenty of drama, humor, sizzle and bit of suspense to hold the reader’s attention. I enjoyed every page of The First Kiss Of Spring, it’s one of those stories you can’t wait to get to the end to see what happens, but then want more when you do reach the end. I look forward to reading more from Emily March in the future. The First Kiss Of Spring is book 14 of the Eternity Springs Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.
“The First Kiss of Spring” (Eternity Springs Book 14) by Emily March is a fantastic read. I absolutely loved Josh and Caitlin’s story. This is another wonderful addition to the Eternity Springs Series, packed with romance, passion, entertaining and interesting characters, humor, sadness, close friends and family, new beginnings, and more. I loved catching up with all the residents of Eternity Springs. I can not wait to see what happens next in Eternity Springs. Highly recommend to all fans of romance, small towns, entertaining characters, and series.
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.
Caitlin Is a textile designer and comes home for a wedding. She meets Josh and they get stuck in a gondola together. They hit it off and she invites Josh to the wedding. Josh was an actor but now he owns a garage and is living a peaceful life. Caitlin makes the decision to quit her job, move back home, open a daycare center, and win over Josh. But bad luck follows Josh and he has sworn never to get married or have kids. He can’t stay away from Caitlin so they decide to be friends with benefits but do it secretly. Josh has demons and has to start fighting them again, he breaks up with Caitlin. Can Josh get his head out of his butt and get the girl?
Good story. Sex but not too graphic. First time reading this author and it was good. It was slow going at first but it gets better on in the book.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
This latest entry in the Eternity Springs series revisited lots of familiar faces while also giving Caitlin Timberlake a chance at romance. Once again, Emily March has created a heartwarming story that immediately pulled me into the romance of Josh and Caitlin. This one actually featured occasional journal entries from Josh that hinted at his troubled upbringing which inevitably caused problems with Caitlin and his life in general. There are some difficult issues mentioned in the book, however, I believe the author handled them well. Sadly, the issues are straight from reality but that didn’t detract at all from the story, if anything it made the story more realistic which isn’t always the case in a romance novel.
To start off with I have not read any of the other books in this series but you don’t need to, to be able to read this book. Josh has so much to overcome to be with the love of his life. Will Caitlin be able to stick it out to be with Josh? There is a fun wedding with steak, I mean who has steak at a wedding, awesome!! Caitlin makes big changes in her life but in the end they are what make her the happiest. This is a HEA book. This book also makes me want to read other in the series.
*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*
First off, I should have read the description more carefully. This book was too steamy for me. Hence, the 3 star rating. Those steamy parts did not add to the story and could have been toned down. Now that said, I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The story line kept my attention and the writing was easy to read. The town of Eternity Springs sounds delightful as do the inhabitants. At times, I could guess where the narrative was leading, but that didn’t spoil the story. It was a nice escapist read.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.