First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan

February 24th, 2015 Kimberly Review 68 Comments

24th Feb
First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan
First Time in Forever
by Sarah Morgan
Series: Puffin Island #1
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star

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?

First Time in Forever is the first book in Sarah Morgan’s new Puffin Island series and I fell in love with the characters and island folks. I am packing my bags folks and hope you decide to come with me. The series will center on Emily, Skylar and Brittany. They are friends who met in college and have remained friends who support each other. Each book will focus on one of them and it all takes place on Puffin Island.

Coffee dates with First Time in Forever

First date: We meet Emily and Lizzie her niece as they make their way on the ferry to Puffin Island. Emily has an overwhelming fear of water and is very unsure of her new role as Emily’s stand-in Mom. Morgan allowed me to connect to both of them and I am anxious to see what develops. Enter Ryan Cooper. He owes Brit a favor and when she asks him to check in on her friend staying at the Castaway Cottage he agrees. She isn’t his type and the kid should be an instant warning but he cannot help getting involved. She is frightened by Ryan and yet drawn to him.

Second date: Ryan instinctively knows Emily is hiding something but there is no denying the chemistry between them. It was fun unraveling their secrets and getting to know the characters, the island and the town folks. Emily kept folks at arm’s length but here on the island she is finding it hard, especially with Ryan who awakens things in her. Morgan takes time to flesh out the characters, sharing their backstory and giving the reader a sense of what makes them tick. She allowed me to connect and become caught-up in their story. Lizzie is adorable and I dare you not to fall for her. From Ryan’s grandmother to the ice cream shop Morgan brings the island to life. Skylar one of Emily’s best friends visits and we see some chemistry between her and Ryan’s friends. When and if these two tango it should be delicious. Skylar has a tendency to speak her mind and the banter was hilarious. Morgan also hinted at what direction Brit’s story will take and it looks like a second chance romance.

Third date: Watching Ryan and Emily tango gave me the warm fuzzes. The island is transforming Emily and she is slowly breaking out of her shell. The romance developed slowly and was not without obstacles as each realizes what they wanted is not what they need at all. Danger, a fright and a little angst surround our final date but it was not overly done. A meddling grandma and townsfolk added to the charm and endeared me to the island.

Fans of Robyn Carr and Bella Andre will love First Time in Forever and Puffin Island. I have enjoyed all of Sarah Morgan’s small-town romances and look forward to Some Kind of Wonderful, Brittany’s story coming in August of 2015.

Puffins

 

Here is a fantastic article from the Smithsonian regarding Puffins off the coast of Maine- A Puffin ComeBack

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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68 Responses to “First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan”

  1. Lorna

    Oh this looks like a good start to a sweet series, I am telling a friend about these as well 🙂 Thank you!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I adore this author, and hope you both enjoy it :0

  2. Teddyree

    Aww who could resist Puffin Island, what an adorable name. I love a small island setting and nothing better than getting in on the ground floor of a new series … packing my bag 🙂

  4. Jess

    This sounds so sweet! The setting sounds perfect! I love the picture of the puffin and will have to read the article. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  5. Candace

    I love books that take place on islands! I don’t know what it is. Maybe the small town feel and the vacation’y bits of it all. Even when they aren’t on vacation… I don’t know, but this sounds great!

  6. sherry fundin

    Puffins are an odd looking bird, but so colorful. Normally, I would look at the cover and title of the book and pass it by, but I read the blurb and anything near the water deserves a closer look. At least for me. LOL Thanks for sharing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I really enjoy her books, and she offers more then just a straight up romance

  7. Lexxie

    I love small-town romances, they are just so cosy and sweet most of the time, even with some characters meddling where they really shouldn’t – it just adds to the charm for me.
    I have this one, so I should get to reading it 🙂
    Have a wonderful Wednesday, Kim 🙂

  8. Bookworm Brandee

    I’ve not read anything by Morgan before but this one had caught my attention I’m glad to see you enjoyed it so well. I’m curious about what Emily’s hiding and I’d also like to watch the romance build. 🙂 A meddling grandma is always something fun and it sounds like Lizzie added a lot to the story. I like when children aren’t just “background noise.”

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do too Brandi and Lizzie was great. Meddling grandma’s always make me giggle,

  9. Sharon

    When I was reading the title of this book I actually sang it, as it’s part of a song on the Frozen soundtrack. LOL Yep my daughter loves that movie, so I’ve endured it many times.
    I do love a book that gives you the warm and fuzzies, this one sounds good. Thanks for sharing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      That happens to me all the time Sharon..titles make me break out in song.

  10. Lupdilup

    One these days all her book are going to be on audio! She has some, but none of the ones you have review and that I want to listen to…Soon, I hope!
    Great job as always!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      That would be nice, although I can read these in a single sitting

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It is and I loved the side story about this endangered species

  13. Kathryn

    Cute picture of the Puffin. It took me awhile to warm to Emily in this story but I did enjoy the book and I am looking forward to the next one. August huh? Not too long to wait!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awe, that is a shame, I knew she was holding back and glad you warmed up eventually.

  14. fran

    Puffins are truly adorable birds! I have always wanted to live on an island. I see myself all sunburned and windswept and looking forward to tourist season yet dreading it. Selling cool homemade beauty products or crafts or eclectic clothing or maybe work in the library. IDK.
    Your review of this book made me think of all is. So the book must be good. Thats my logic and I am sticking to it. lol.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh nice dream Fran..I could get use to that as my reality 🙂

  17. Aurian

    Ooo I want this one! Great review Kimberly, and thanks for posting a picture of a Puffin, what a fun looking bird!

  18. Heidi

    The cover screams sweet and warm and says read me. You know I adore a good small town romance and I bet this was the perfect pick me up winter read while you watched the snow fall outside.

  19. Debbie Haupt

    Kim, great review, I also LOVED First Time in Forever. Sarah has become a go-to author for me and I have the privilege of reviewing her for RT magazine it started with her HQN Presents titles and now that she’s writing mainstream fiction it’s continuing.
    This is the debut to the series but she introduces us to the series in a Presents novel titled Playing By The Greek’s Rules, here’s a link to her website about it-http://sarahmorgan.com/books/playing-by-the-greeks-rules/

  20. Laurel-Rain Snow

    This series sounds wonderful! I love stories (and movies) set on islands…there is just something magical about the setting. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh good, I enjoy her stories from the settings to the characters

  24. Jenny

    *packs bags and prepares to join you on Puffin Island* I really like the sound of this one Kim! I’m glad to know the drama and angst at toward the end aren’t overdone, I hate it when a slow build romance suddenly devolves into over the top craziness before the HEA. Adding this to my list!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Nope it was just enough to get you caught up. I am glad your bags are packed. Bring books, quite a few of us are going to hit the beach, drink margaritas and read.

  25. Ramona

    Oh, goodness! Not only does this sound like it’s got substance, but just thinking of the setting where the story unfolds makes me warm and fuzzy inside… I want to read this right away! A beautifully constructed review, Kimba – as always. It’s a pleasure to read your thoughts.

  26. Red Iza

    It looks like one of those lovely small town series that I love so much, if I love it too, I’ll pack my cases too 😉

  27. Katherine

    Love the puffin picture. I just want to give him a hug though I suspect that wouldn’t go well. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this series! I have this one but haven’t been able to get to it yet but I’m really excited about it.

  28. kindlemom1

    I really need to pick up another one of her books soon and this would be a great place to jump back in I think.
    Wonderful review Kim! 🙂

  29. Nick

    Puffins are adorable!! I love the sound of this book. It sounds really sweet. And the budding romance seems so cute!
    Great review!

  30. Silvia

    This one sounds so sweet! I heard a lot about this author, I confess, and I would like to read some of her works. You know what? Perhaps I’ll do just that when summer comes! 😉

  31. alreem

    this book sound like a summer read, sound like a really great book 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes..or you could do what I did and sit by the fire pretending I was there 🙂

  32. Em

    I adore sarah Morgan and have been waiting for this release!! Cannot wait to read it!! Xxx

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do too, she brings her characters to life and love the settings she chooses.

  33. Melliane

    oh you always have the sweetest romances, that’s so nice! Always making me discover some new ones. Thanks for this new book! I’m once again curious.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I do love mixing in these sweet romances..it is the small-town setting that draws me to them

  34. Faye

    Awww that Puffins is bloody cute @_@ Reminds me of a Penguin… that flies. LOL.

    In any case, small-town romances definitely have their own charm. It kinda matches with slow burn romances, if you think about it, especially since in the countryside, time is usually slower because of how peaceful and leisurely the surroundings are. Plus, a meddling grandma? Come on, who wouldn’t want that?