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The First
Whoever said falling in love was easy, lied.
Turning 18, Cora never envisaged her world would fall apart. After an abrupt return to her childhood town, she is thrust back into a life she had so desperately tried to escape. An unexpected meeting, with a handsome stranger, leads to the first kiss of her dreams. The attraction is undeniable. As their lives unexpectedly intertwine, it makes her question everything. Cora tries to navigate this romantic twist of fate. Falling in love for the first time, wasn’t anything like she had ever imagined.
The first love is always the most memorable and this forbidden teacher-student love story will leave you wanting more…
Turning 18, Cora never envisaged her world would fall apart. After an abrupt return to her childhood town, she is thrust back into a life she had so desperately tried to escape. An unexpected meeting, with a handsome stranger, leads to the first kiss of her dreams. The attraction is undeniable. As their lives unexpectedly intertwine, it makes her question everything. Cora tries to navigate this romantic twist of fate. Falling in love for the first time, wasn’t anything like she had ever imagined.
The first love is always the most memorable and this forbidden teacher-student love story will leave you wanting more…
229 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2023
23 people want to read
About the author
Frances Fleur
10 books1 followerHi, I am Frances. I have been in Education for the last 12 years either as a primary school teacher, teaching assistant or tutor. I am a mother of two based in Nottinghamshire with my husband and crazy dog!
I love writing books. I have wanted to do it from such a young age, but unfortunately, I had 'that' teacher who said I wasn't great at writing. But fast forward twenty years, and I realised actually, it doesn't matter what that person thought anymore because I love writing. It was getting to that point where I would be reading 1 or 2 books a week and becoming so frustrated with the ending or, wanting something different to happen that I was desperate to write my own and these books exploded out of me!
So I hope you love them as much as I do!
I love writing books. I have wanted to do it from such a young age, but unfortunately, I had 'that' teacher who said I wasn't great at writing. But fast forward twenty years, and I realised actually, it doesn't matter what that person thought anymore because I love writing. It was getting to that point where I would be reading 1 or 2 books a week and becoming so frustrated with the ending or, wanting something different to happen that I was desperate to write my own and these books exploded out of me!
So I hope you love them as much as I do!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 27, 2025
At last, I've finally managed to pick up the first book in The Purple Hearted Series.
You may remember that I started this series a while back, but completely in the wrong order and although each of the stories featured different characters, I was determined to fill in the blanks and complete the series.
This book sees Cara returning to the UK after taking some time abroad as a family.
Her first night out back home and she meets Zach in the pub and they form an instant connection.
Their story, however, is super complicated for many reasons that I definitely won't go into - to avoid spoilers - but it's quite a sad one and an emotional rollercoaster.
I love how Fleur manages to create characters that I'm not totally sure that I love - again for reasons I can't say - but I still find that I'm rooting for them throughout.
I knew the circumstances and saw their interactions, but I still felt their connection and held out hope.
They were both totally down to earth and relatable and I think this is why it's so easy to connect and immerse myself within their tangled story.
This storyline deals with some real life issues that lots of young adults will relate to and I love that the writing style reflects real life and real situations - unlike some stories where everything is perfect.
Issues in school with bullying and friendships -and within family life with parent and sibling troubles and health as well as open talk about sex and periods all combine to make a really great read.
This again was a super quick read and I devoured it in one sitting.
My only slight negative is that the narration on the audio took a little getting used to - I can't describe what it was - but honestly, stick with it because the story is well worth it!
You may remember that I started this series a while back, but completely in the wrong order and although each of the stories featured different characters, I was determined to fill in the blanks and complete the series.
This book sees Cara returning to the UK after taking some time abroad as a family.
Her first night out back home and she meets Zach in the pub and they form an instant connection.
Their story, however, is super complicated for many reasons that I definitely won't go into - to avoid spoilers - but it's quite a sad one and an emotional rollercoaster.
I love how Fleur manages to create characters that I'm not totally sure that I love - again for reasons I can't say - but I still find that I'm rooting for them throughout.
I knew the circumstances and saw their interactions, but I still felt their connection and held out hope.
They were both totally down to earth and relatable and I think this is why it's so easy to connect and immerse myself within their tangled story.
This storyline deals with some real life issues that lots of young adults will relate to and I love that the writing style reflects real life and real situations - unlike some stories where everything is perfect.
Issues in school with bullying and friendships -and within family life with parent and sibling troubles and health as well as open talk about sex and periods all combine to make a really great read.
This again was a super quick read and I devoured it in one sitting.
My only slight negative is that the narration on the audio took a little getting used to - I can't describe what it was - but honestly, stick with it because the story is well worth it!
August 24, 2023
I really love the cover photo of this book. It is so simple and beautiful. 'The First' is a captivating and emotional read that explores the themes of love, trauma, and healing.
The author, Frances Fleur has flawless writing skills. With her vivid imagination she has created beautiful and relatable characters. The Storytelling is great and I really love the character developments of Cora and Zach. Their relationship has been portrayed very nicely. The plot is quite engaging and I also loved reading the dual POVs which helped me to understand both the characters' feelings towards each other.
I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading books with forbidden romance and student teacher tropes. You will definitely enjoy reading it.
The author, Frances Fleur has flawless writing skills. With her vivid imagination she has created beautiful and relatable characters. The Storytelling is great and I really love the character developments of Cora and Zach. Their relationship has been portrayed very nicely. The plot is quite engaging and I also loved reading the dual POVs which helped me to understand both the characters' feelings towards each other.
I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves reading books with forbidden romance and student teacher tropes. You will definitely enjoy reading it.
July 25, 2023
Cora has been living with her dad and sister, Daisy in Dubai when they have to unexpectedly leave and return to her childhood home. It just so happens that the day they return it is Cora’s 18th birthday. So she decides to go to the pub to celebrate and there she meets Zach and the two bond and talk about music. During the evening they share a kiss and then Zach disappears without a trace. But that’s not the last that Cora will see of Zach, because it transpires that Zach is Cora’s music teacher at school. They say you never forget your first love and Cora is about to find out why?
This was a short and quick, coming in at just under 175 pages. I read the books within a few hours and adored it. It had everything that i wanted in a quick read: forbidden romance, spice, chemistry and emotions. As I love the forbidden romance trope I knew this was a book I needed to read. The first meeting between Cora and Zach did remind me of Aria and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars. The story is narrated by both Cora and Zach and I liked seeing each of their perspective’s on their first meeting. It was clear that they were both attracted to each other. It was quite interesting to see how Cora and Zach reacted to each other when they realised that Cora was a student and Zach was her teacher. They both were a little shocked and unsure where that left them. Although there's not a large age gap between the two of them, they have started something that they can’t make or pursue because of their roles. Although they know they can't be together, they are still drawn to each other and that pull is something that neither of them can deny. Despite the fact that they can’t be together they still show signs of jealousy when someone shows an interest in the other. I loved all the scenes between Cora and Zach. They are able to be vulnerable with each which further strengthens their connection. One of my favourite scenes had to be when Cora punched Stefan. To find out why you’ll have to read the book.
When I started to read I didn’t realise this book is the first in a series. This book ended on a whopping cliff-hanger and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series to find out what happens next.
If you like books that include forbidden romance and the student teacher trope, this is the book for you.
This was a short and quick, coming in at just under 175 pages. I read the books within a few hours and adored it. It had everything that i wanted in a quick read: forbidden romance, spice, chemistry and emotions. As I love the forbidden romance trope I knew this was a book I needed to read. The first meeting between Cora and Zach did remind me of Aria and Ezra from Pretty Little Liars. The story is narrated by both Cora and Zach and I liked seeing each of their perspective’s on their first meeting. It was clear that they were both attracted to each other. It was quite interesting to see how Cora and Zach reacted to each other when they realised that Cora was a student and Zach was her teacher. They both were a little shocked and unsure where that left them. Although there's not a large age gap between the two of them, they have started something that they can’t make or pursue because of their roles. Although they know they can't be together, they are still drawn to each other and that pull is something that neither of them can deny. Despite the fact that they can’t be together they still show signs of jealousy when someone shows an interest in the other. I loved all the scenes between Cora and Zach. They are able to be vulnerable with each which further strengthens their connection. One of my favourite scenes had to be when Cora punched Stefan. To find out why you’ll have to read the book.
When I started to read I didn’t realise this book is the first in a series. This book ended on a whopping cliff-hanger and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series to find out what happens next.
If you like books that include forbidden romance and the student teacher trope, this is the book for you.
July 19, 2023
This is a trope I haven't read before, a taboo romance, but I have to admit I enjoyed it.
I felt like the start could have been explored more - why were Cora and her family in the UAE, the backstory with her mum, her fathers sexuality, the sisters' relationship? There were definitely themes that, if explored further, would have enhanced the story.
The tale is told from primarily Cora's POV, though a few chapters are told from Zach's, and I liked seeing both sides.
I felt like Cora's teenage hormones were written well, not being dramatised or blown over.
As the book was nearing the end, I felt like the pace started to speed up too much. The author was trying to get everything finished, and it could have just been done with a little more time.
Saying this, I can't wait to see where book 2 goes!
I felt like the start could have been explored more - why were Cora and her family in the UAE, the backstory with her mum, her fathers sexuality, the sisters' relationship? There were definitely themes that, if explored further, would have enhanced the story.
The tale is told from primarily Cora's POV, though a few chapters are told from Zach's, and I liked seeing both sides.
I felt like Cora's teenage hormones were written well, not being dramatised or blown over.
As the book was nearing the end, I felt like the pace started to speed up too much. The author was trying to get everything finished, and it could have just been done with a little more time.
Saying this, I can't wait to see where book 2 goes!
July 25, 2023
4.5⭐️
The First is about the forbidden romance between a teacher and a student. There is whole range of issues that had to be dealt with (you will have to read this to find out)
This is a book that had me vested from the first page. I was infuriated, angry and frustrated with both main characters.
It was very easy to get into the plot and take on the persona of the characters. It was very realistic.
The setting was fantastic and very accurate. From the UAE to the school, all the places fit perfectly.
It ends in a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading the conclusion of the ‘dance’ between Cora and Zach.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine.
The First is about the forbidden romance between a teacher and a student. There is whole range of issues that had to be dealt with (you will have to read this to find out)
This is a book that had me vested from the first page. I was infuriated, angry and frustrated with both main characters.
It was very easy to get into the plot and take on the persona of the characters. It was very realistic.
The setting was fantastic and very accurate. From the UAE to the school, all the places fit perfectly.
It ends in a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading the conclusion of the ‘dance’ between Cora and Zach.
I received a copy of this book and the review is entirely mine.
July 19, 2023
Let me tell you about this book it's amazing everything about it. Zach and Cora's story is so good but yet so frustrating I want to shake them both cause they are being so ahhhh I can't handle it !!! I loved that Cora was funny and sarcastic and I laughed out loud at parts of this book!! The messages in this book are powerful too especially from Cora's dad. The writing style the setting the characters everything was done so beautifully !! I devoured this book in less than 4 hours. Couldn't put it down and can I just say cliff hanger?? How you gonna do that to a gal !!!! I can't wait to read the next book !! Sign me up now !!! Y'all go get this book you won't be disappointed!!!
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December 31, 2023This book doesn’t deserve the mention of a star and I definitely will not be continuing with the rest of the series because I honestly could not care less about the characters. The first is only meant to be a novella yet it was just doing too much in a short amount of time and it was just annoying. Zach (the male mc) was annoying and a literal walking ick - why did he have to say “eejit” literally gross. Do not recommend.
December 30, 2023
DNF. Page 13, the main character expresses a desire to “lick” a man she just met at a bar who has said fewer than ten words to her. Page 14, her inner monologue gives us this eloquent excerpt: “… some interesting stirrings radiating down in my lady parts. Well, this is new! I hope it is not wee. Why would I wee myself?”
I can’t read any further.
I can’t read any further.
April 25, 2024
Omg this book was just so good. I loved it. I couldn’t put it down and I flew through it in pretty much one sitting. I was drawn to this book by the description and I love the beautiful cover too.
I loved Cora and Zach! Their first meet was so cute. 😍 I was so immersed in the story and the characters I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
I liked the dual POV so we got hear from both Cora and Zach. Thing’s definitely got steamy and there is always the possibility of getting caught with a forbidden romance.
I have ordered the second book today as I need to read the next book and see where the story goes next. I’m sure I’ll be purchasing the third book soon.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
I loved Cora and Zach! Their first meet was so cute. 😍 I was so immersed in the story and the characters I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen.
I liked the dual POV so we got hear from both Cora and Zach. Thing’s definitely got steamy and there is always the possibility of getting caught with a forbidden romance.
I have ordered the second book today as I need to read the next book and see where the story goes next. I’m sure I’ll be purchasing the third book soon.
Thank you to Love Book Tours and the author for having me on the tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
November 4, 2024
it was an addicting read and good if you don't overthink it. but! we! do! not! need! exclamation! points! and i have questions:
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews