First Time in Forever - Contemporary Romance Review

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

Rating: Good

Source: NetGalley

Description: 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?

Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book: I've been in a cozy mystery phase lately and I've found I'm really missing romance.  It's been awhile since I read Sarah Morgan so I thought I'd give it a try.

My Impression : This was a sweet romance with a gorgeous setting and a great friends group.  I normally am not a huge fan of children in romance but Lizzie was a darling and yet a believable 6 year old.  I love the Puffin Island community and Emily and her two friends have romance trilogy written all over them.  I loved that this little house on Puffin Island was their bit of peace and they’re still very c,one but not constantly together.

Ryan was a good hero.  He’s incredibly kind and patient and not judge-y in the slightest.  He’s sympathetic to Emily’s issues and while he’s supportive and offers suggestions he doesn’t become overbearing.  I thought his anti-kids baggage was a little over the top.  Yes, he had to become essentially a parent at a very young age he clearly enjoys being around children.

Emily was a bit harder to warm up to.  She’s so tightly controlled and worried and hard on herself that it took a long time before I really felt like I got to know her.  Her baggage felt a bit over the top too.  Yes there are a few traumatic experiences but she also has a great group of friends and has put more than a little space between her present day self and her childhood.

Because of my annoyance with the issues I’m not sure how much I really rooted for them as a couple.  When it came down to it I was mostly rooting for a HEA for Lizzie!  However, despite that I did enjoy the visit to Puffin Island and this read.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Maybe.  While I didn’t love this I did enjoy quite a bit of it and I’d like to see Emily’s friends get their stories.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy contemporary romance I’d recommend her earlier O’Neil brothers series over this one though this is a good summer read.