Blog Tour & Giveaway : First Time in Forever (Puffin Island #1) by Sarah Morgan

First Time in Forever

Puffin Island #1

By:
Sarah Morgan

Published:
February 24, 2015

Publisher:
Harlequin

Add to Goodreads

GR's Summary:

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?

Puffin Island Series:

Add this Series to Goodreads Here

Lindy's Thoughts:

Sarah Morgan writes the sweetest romances.  I adore her O'Neil Brothers Series.  When I heard that she was coming out with a new series; I was so excited!  First Time in Forever lived up to my expectations of a Sarah Morgan story.  We get a tender feel good romance, and a story based on friendship, family, community, and healing.  

Ms. Morgan is very talented at bringing a sense of setting to her readers.  First Time in Forever takes place in Castaway Cottage and the breezy, beautiful, windswept, Puffin Island, Maine.  I could picture the cozy and intimate setting perfectly.  I appreciated the view of clear crystal blue water, adorable Puffins, and sand where kids loved creating sandcastles and digging for seashells and sea glass.  I could hear the breeze, wave-pounding cliffs, and shrieking Seagulls.  I could feel the sun on my skin, and see the yachts, schooners, and ships anchored at Penobscot Bay.  Ms. Morgan took me to another place, and I felt like I was on a beautiful vacation getaway.

In First Time in Forever, we get the story of Emily and Ryan.  Emily's estranged half-sister died, and left her custody of Lizzy.  Emily is out of her element when it comes to parenthood.  She has never wanted children, and is now stressed and saddled down with a six-year old little girl.  Unfortunately, Emily's sister was a famous actress, which has the paparazzi ruthlessly searching for Lizzy.  One of Emily's best friend's Brittany, offers up her cozy cottage.  Castaway Cottage has fond memories for Emily.  She used to go there with her best friends, Brittany, and Skylar, whenever life got difficult, and they each have a key to the place.  It is the perfect place to hide and protect Lizzy.

Ryan use to be a journalist, until he severely injured his shoulder.  He has decided to return to his childhood roots on Puffin Island, and is now a successful business owner.  Ryan's parents died when he was young, and he shouldered the burden of caring for his younger siblings, along with their grandmother.  He has decided that he doesn't want to be saddled down with children, and wants to be free of serious commitments.  When his friend Brittany, who is on an Archeological dig asks him to check on her good friend Emily, and be there for whatever she needs, he quickly agrees.  However, when he meets Emily and Lizzy for the first time he doesn't realize how much they will impact, and completely change the direction of his life.

First Time in Forever, was such a warm, touching, and tender story.  It was a feel good story.  I loved watching friends, Ryan's family, neighbors, and the community band together to be there for one another in difficult times.  I enjoyed watching the vast character growth that both Emily and Ryan made in this story.  Emily learned how to be courageous, face her fears, and open up her heart.  Ryan learned what was important in life, and showed great maturity as he began a transformation on his views, priorities, and opening himself up to love. 

My Rating:

I give, First Time in Forever 4 Island Paradise, Unbreakable Bonds, Romantic, Sweet, and Meaningful Stars!  Fans of Nicolas Sparks, and tender and touching romances will love this story!

My Favorite Quotes:

"He drew in a deep breath.  'Honey, nice sex is for people in retirement homes with dodgy hips and a heart condition.  At your age you should be having clothes ripping, mind-blowing, animal sex that leaves you unable to walk or think.'"  (eARC, Loc. 1808)

~Ryan

"Sometimes you run from the things you want most, because those are the things that scare you."  (eARC, Loc. 2754)

~Ryan's Grandmother

Mikki's Review:

First Time in Forever, by Sarah Morgan, was such a wonderful reading escape! I’m so happy that I got the chance to read this book. I loved it from beginning to end! Emily, Lizzy, Ryan and the whole gang from Puffin Island are absolutely amazing! If you are a fan of small-town romance, this book is exactly what you are looking for! It’s romantic, realistic and heart-melting!

I have to admit that every time I read a book from Harlequin there is a big smile on my face. This is where my love for reading started. I lost count of how many Harlequin books I read. I always get lost in the stories and I know for sure that my reading journey will be a memorable one. First Time in Forever was not exception. I absolutely loved it! 

First Time in Forever is the story of Emily Donovan and Ryan Cooper. When Emily moves to Puffin Island with her niece, Lizzy, the last thing she wants is to be noticed. Taking care of Lizzy is something that she's not comfortable with. When Brittany's friend, Ryan Cooper, welcomes them to Puffin Island, Emily is confused by the attraction she feels towards him. As days go by, Ryan gets closer to discovering Emily's secrets. Ryan never expected to find such a fascinating woman in Bethany's house. The more Emily pushes him away, the more he wants to get close to her. Will Emily and Ryan learn to trust each other and give their relationship a chance?

Emily and Ryan were such great characters to follow. Their chemistry was amazing! The romance was slow-building, but their attraction to each other was instant. Ryan got under Emily’s skin and made her feel things she has never felt before. The more time they spent together, the more they grew closer. Ryan was amazing! He was a character full of life. The way he took care of Emily and Lizzy was just wonderful! I was happy that the author gave us his story as well. His life has not been easy, If there is one person that could help Emily heal and find the real person that was hiding behind those walls, it was Ryan. He made her feel alive when she least expected it. I was left speechless with Emily’s transformation. She was a totally different character by the end of the story. I loved how she took charge of her life and faced her fears. Go Emily!!! 

What I really loved about this story is how the author created outstanding supporting characters for Emily and Ryan’s story. They all had an important role in this story. Lizzy is such a wonderful kid. She will steal your heart! She stole the show with one scene in the book that left me speechless. She’s a smart cookie that one! ;) 

Skylar was another character that I loved. Brittany's book is next in this series. I was expecting Skylar's book next, but I can't wait to read Brittany and Zach's story! I want to know what happened all those years go! I'm super excited about this new series! Sarah Morgan’s previous and new books will find their way on my TBR list without a doubt. Her writing style is captivating! I had a blast reading First Time in Forever!

Rating:

I give, First Time in Forever, by Sarah Morgan, 4 swoony, romantic, healing, captivating stars!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Harlequin
Google Play | IndieBound | BAM! | Book Depository

About Sarah Morgan:

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humor and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. Described as ‘a magician with words’ by RT Book Reviews, she has sold over 11 million copies of her books. She has been nominated three years in succession for the prestigious RITA© Award from the Romance Writers of America and won the award twice; in 2012 for her book ‘Doukakis’s Apprentice’ and 2013 for ‘A Night of No Return’. She also won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their ‘Top Pick’ slot. 

As a child Sarah dreamed of being a writer and although she took a few interesting detours along the way, she is now living that dream. 

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

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Giveaway:
A Copy of First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan 

a Rafflecopter giveaway