Review: First Time in Forever (Puffin Island #1) by Sarah Morgan

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?

Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: February 24th 2015 by HQN Books

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher HQN Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.  The expected publication date is February 24th.

This is the kind of story that fits in my guilty pleasure category.  Its a feel good read with some sizzling chemistry between the main characters that must be denied.  Or does it have to?  The anticipation is killing me.  You know how it goes.  You can sit and relax and enter a world where the characters are hot and outcome is almost always pre-determined.

There were two main aspects of the story that appealed to me.  The first being the setting of a small island where the community really helps it's own.  Although fictional I would like to think that places like this exist.  In fact I know they do as coming from a small town I have seen it first hand.  The second was Lizzie.  She was just too cute and added to some of the angst between Emily and Ryan.

Ultimately this is a story you turn to when you are looking for an escape.  Morgan knows how to string together some interesting characters and storylines.  I am anxiously anticipating the future instalments to this series as there are several characters that I would like to know what happens next with.  the only thing I am a little unsure of is how the title of this story came to be.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated four years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot.

Sarah lives near London, and when she isn't reading or writing she loves being outdoors, preferably on vacation so she can forget the house needs tidying.

Website:  http://www.sarahmorgan.com
Twitter:  SarahMorgan_