What do you think?
Rate this book
The Island #1
First Forever
Plunged into a world of heartache after his wife's untimely demise, Nathan Woodhouse is a man trapped in grief and a bisexual secret too heavy to bear. His world turns upside down when he journeys to Garfield Island, his wife's childhood home, to seek closure but instead finds a new, unexpected connection. In the wee hours of morning, 3 a.m. in a motel hallway, Nathan's path intersects with Lucas Mirren, a passionate photographer drawn to the island's allure. Despite their limited time together, an immediate and intense connection sparks between them, rekindling Nathan's dormant spirit, and shaking his heart to its core. As their brief time together slips away, they grapple with the abrupt end of their bond. But destiny has other plans, unexpectedly casting them together once again on the scenic shores of Garfield Island in Lake Michigan. Nathan must decide whether to take a chance with Lucas or risk losing him forever. First Forever is a 57,000-word gay romance. It includes first time, age gap, and hurt comfort themes. It is the first book in the series The Island . Some characters featured in the Sanderson Brothers series make appearances in this book.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2023
74 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 26, 2023
This certainly wasn’t one of my favorite books by DeClan Rhodes. I’m a big fan and can almost always count on a good time reading one of his books. I just didn’t feel the romance with Nathan and Lucas. I also felt like the most levelheaded character was Jason. I liked it ok. DeClan’s worst books are still worth reading. I’m sure I’ll read the sequel.
May 28, 2023
The author did some teasing with this story. Each MC had feelings of attraction for another man while they were working out how their relationship would go. It was unusual to read thoughts of their physical reactions to other handsome men while one MC was wanting the other to make a commitment to trying a relationship and the other MC was deciding to end the possibility of a relationship. It was nerve wracking to me! I was worried they would each sleep with someone else. I won’t say if they did or did not, but some of the narrative went into soap opera territory for me.
I get that emotions were running high for Nathan during his first time with a man, and it happening less than a year after his wife’s death. Lucas had his interior drama with wanting to work out a long distance relationship with Nathan after their island stay ended.
There was no bubble of being alone for a period of time, a trope I enjoy, and the interruptions bothered me. There was a parting, too, that blindsided poor Lucas. I could see the plot line was more of a mature MC taking it slow into this new world and the younger MC having to go along with it while trying to understand where the hesitancy was coming from. I even chided myself at one point that every relationship doesn’t have to be full steam ahead, but I hope any MM that I read after this will be! I enjoyed the chemistry between the two men and their passionate sex was explosively written. The two and a half scenes were not enough for me.
The story took an odd turn that after their decision to be together there was another chapter of being with their friends and planning future activities. There was a long scene of a trivia contest at a local bar. There had been a scene like this earlier. This was a peculiar way to wind up a romance story. The epilogue was strange, too, with off page sex and in the last paragraphs Lucas’s talk of having a child after just months together. A weird ending!
Nathan’s college age son had yet to meet Lucas. I haven’t mentioned him in the review because his role was two telephone conversations and he had no surprise at his father’s admission of bisexuality and a romance with a man. This didn’t read as realistic.
Writing this review has me realizing that the book was bland and uneven, even with the occasional hot sex. It was a hodgepodge of one off scenes and characters that appeared and disappeared. I cannot recommend.
I get that emotions were running high for Nathan during his first time with a man, and it happening less than a year after his wife’s death. Lucas had his interior drama with wanting to work out a long distance relationship with Nathan after their island stay ended.
There was no bubble of being alone for a period of time, a trope I enjoy, and the interruptions bothered me. There was a parting, too, that blindsided poor Lucas. I could see the plot line was more of a mature MC taking it slow into this new world and the younger MC having to go along with it while trying to understand where the hesitancy was coming from. I even chided myself at one point that every relationship doesn’t have to be full steam ahead, but I hope any MM that I read after this will be! I enjoyed the chemistry between the two men and their passionate sex was explosively written. The two and a half scenes were not enough for me.
The story took an odd turn that after their decision to be together there was another chapter of being with their friends and planning future activities. There was a long scene of a trivia contest at a local bar. There had been a scene like this earlier. This was a peculiar way to wind up a romance story. The epilogue was strange, too, with off page sex and in the last paragraphs Lucas’s talk of having a child after just months together. A weird ending!
Nathan’s college age son had yet to meet Lucas. I haven’t mentioned him in the review because his role was two telephone conversations and he had no surprise at his father’s admission of bisexuality and a romance with a man. This didn’t read as realistic.
Writing this review has me realizing that the book was bland and uneven, even with the occasional hot sex. It was a hodgepodge of one off scenes and characters that appeared and disappeared. I cannot recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2023
could have been good but
About 25% or so in this just didn’t make sense. A man who is grieving, who loved his wife of many years who was in a tragic accident is killed all the sudden and then 9 months later is ready to be close to a man and is thinking I’d being in a relationship with? It doesn’t make sense. While he says his wife would want him to be with a man 9 months later after many years in a happy marriage doesn’t make for a relationship so soon. Nope, not even going there.
About 25% or so in this just didn’t make sense. A man who is grieving, who loved his wife of many years who was in a tragic accident is killed all the sudden and then 9 months later is ready to be close to a man and is thinking I’d being in a relationship with? It doesn’t make sense. While he says his wife would want him to be with a man 9 months later after many years in a happy marriage doesn’t make for a relationship so soon. Nope, not even going there.
May 28, 2023
Another Chance For Love
This is a good hurt/comfort story with a bit of an age gap as well. It started off a bit slow for me but I'm glad that I kept going. It really was an interesting read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is a good hurt/comfort story with a bit of an age gap as well. It started off a bit slow for me but I'm glad that I kept going. It really was an interesting read.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
May 27, 2023
Lucas and Nathan are both interesting, likeable characters, and despite their twelve year age gap, are both at a crossroads in their lives. Nathan is still grieving his late wife and is now beginning to open himself up to the male attraction side of his bisexuality, while Lucas is on the cusp of moving his photographer skills on to the next level.
They have an instant attraction and a connection that builds quickly over a few days. But they're both only on the island for a short time and they happen to live a fair distance from each other, making possibilities more difficult. Their first few days together are really sweet with a bit of spice tossed in, but there seem to be too many obstacles for them to try to make a real relationship out of what they've found together. Perhaps there's a bit of island magic happening as they both find themselves back on the island, neither man has been able to forget the other, and this time they work together to determine a future for themselves. Love is quick to come but genuine, and followed by a satisfying HEA.
There were many wonderful secondary characters that added much to this book and the lives of Lucas and Nathan.
As I read an ARC of this book, there was still quite a bit of polishing to be done to fix things like sentence structure, missing words, cut down on repetition, and smooth out the flow of the story. Hopefully these will be fixed in the final copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They have an instant attraction and a connection that builds quickly over a few days. But they're both only on the island for a short time and they happen to live a fair distance from each other, making possibilities more difficult. Their first few days together are really sweet with a bit of spice tossed in, but there seem to be too many obstacles for them to try to make a real relationship out of what they've found together. Perhaps there's a bit of island magic happening as they both find themselves back on the island, neither man has been able to forget the other, and this time they work together to determine a future for themselves. Love is quick to come but genuine, and followed by a satisfying HEA.
There were many wonderful secondary characters that added much to this book and the lives of Lucas and Nathan.
As I read an ARC of this book, there was still quite a bit of polishing to be done to fix things like sentence structure, missing words, cut down on repetition, and smooth out the flow of the story. Hopefully these will be fixed in the final copy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2023
😢Guys with open feelings: refreshing!
This story had a lot of emotion, sweet connection and a few well-placed bouts of steam. I was surprised and pleased that this MM romance set on an island in the Midwest has leads that show their feelings, including bouts of tears and crying, so readily. Neither widower Nathan nor younger, first male lover Lucas, can hide behind a stoic facade and I thought that was great. Whether crushed by disappointment and heartbreak or brimming with love and happiness, these guys don't hold it in or deny what they feel.
Nathan still mourns his wife who died in tragic circumstances. He's a really sympathetic character because he wants to honor his dead wife and their marriage but also wants to surrender to his attraction to Lucas. And Nathan's job and future promotion prospects don't really mesh with a new relationship, especially with a man. I liked how Nathan resolves his dilemma and looks to his son Jason for acceptance, advice and support.
Lucas seems to be all in for a continuing relationship from the get-go. He's less concerned about the logistics , maybe more open to the possibilities because of his profession and youth. I find him a good foil for Nathan.
I think, based on my enjoyment of this first novel, I will be following Rhodes' Island series.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
This story had a lot of emotion, sweet connection and a few well-placed bouts of steam. I was surprised and pleased that this MM romance set on an island in the Midwest has leads that show their feelings, including bouts of tears and crying, so readily. Neither widower Nathan nor younger, first male lover Lucas, can hide behind a stoic facade and I thought that was great. Whether crushed by disappointment and heartbreak or brimming with love and happiness, these guys don't hold it in or deny what they feel.
Nathan still mourns his wife who died in tragic circumstances. He's a really sympathetic character because he wants to honor his dead wife and their marriage but also wants to surrender to his attraction to Lucas. And Nathan's job and future promotion prospects don't really mesh with a new relationship, especially with a man. I liked how Nathan resolves his dilemma and looks to his son Jason for acceptance, advice and support.
Lucas seems to be all in for a continuing relationship from the get-go. He's less concerned about the logistics , maybe more open to the possibilities because of his profession and youth. I find him a good foil for Nathan.
I think, based on my enjoyment of this first novel, I will be following Rhodes' Island series.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 6, 2023
What a time to meet your "one". Nathan a recent widower, is still grieving the death of his late wife, Gayle. He struggles with his bisexuality which he's kept long buried, while grieving and travels to Garfield Island, Gayle's homeplace to visit her burial site and say goodbye and visit friends and family. In a hotel hallway, he meets young attractive Lucas, who stirs hidden longings. Lucas, is in town for a bit on a photog assignment. Both men are on the cusp of moving to the next phases of their lives. They live in opposite geographic locations but are wildly attracted to each other and are faced with dilemmas. Family concerns, geography, career upward mobility, age and acceptance are all on the table stirring up with a potential relationship. This story is delicious because of the main characters and their support structure being so likeable. Is there a workable solution? The author did an excellent job creating real life concerns and problems and brought us in to Team Nathan-Lucas with likeable characters. Great story, well done! Nice cover art! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2023
AN AGE GAP HURT COMFORT SECOND CHANCE LOVE!
Two strangers meet in a motel hallway- was it fate or a coincidence!
This is where Lucas Mirren and Nathan Woodhouse’s journey to find happiness starts although it is a slightly bumpy ride so hold on tight!
Their chemistry was instant from the first meet cute to the last but as with all journeys there will be obstacles in the way such as grief, closeted bi-sexual acceptance and distance and heartbreak!
“I now knew that I wanted a relationship with a man.”
They both know this is so much more but will Nathan take this second chance at happiness that life is giving him?
“He was the missing piece I never knew I needed in my life.”
Will Lucas accept Nathans choice and decision after one spectacular unforgettable evening?
Was it the right decision to break both their hearts?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Two strangers meet in a motel hallway- was it fate or a coincidence!
This is where Lucas Mirren and Nathan Woodhouse’s journey to find happiness starts although it is a slightly bumpy ride so hold on tight!
Their chemistry was instant from the first meet cute to the last but as with all journeys there will be obstacles in the way such as grief, closeted bi-sexual acceptance and distance and heartbreak!
“I now knew that I wanted a relationship with a man.”
They both know this is so much more but will Nathan take this second chance at happiness that life is giving him?
“He was the missing piece I never knew I needed in my life.”
Will Lucas accept Nathans choice and decision after one spectacular unforgettable evening?
Was it the right decision to break both their hearts?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2025
I had bought this book some time ago because the subect the sounded good. I belong to a group of Husbands who are out to their wives. Some lost their marriages; some lost to death; but the majority are still with their wives. In this case a plane accident has taken a supportive wife. But Ben has found it hard as she was the only one he was out to and as a pillar in a small community wants to keep it that way.
Lucas, much younger is attracted to and is mature for his age.So am I partneews with a younger Asian man. The writing is good although the sex the couple of times is too extensively covered and some other issues detract from the goal of getting the two together.
The book is one I will seek out others in the series.
Lucas, much younger is attracted to and is mature for his age.So am I partneews with a younger Asian man. The writing is good although the sex the couple of times is too extensively covered and some other issues detract from the goal of getting the two together.
The book is one I will seek out others in the series.
June 6, 2023
Time to Love Again ? . . .
Nathan Woodhouse lost his wife through a plane crash and is still mourning her. When Nathan visits her burial site on Garfield Island and stops to see old friends and family, he meets Lucas Mirren and the two find an immediate attraction. They spend their time together, but are only on the island for a limited stay and don’t plan on anything further. But finding themselves back on the island later, still thinking about each other, will they take a chance on a real future now? Can Nathan move forward from his grief to begin a life with Lucas? Or is he still not ready?
Nathan Woodhouse lost his wife through a plane crash and is still mourning her. When Nathan visits her burial site on Garfield Island and stops to see old friends and family, he meets Lucas Mirren and the two find an immediate attraction. They spend their time together, but are only on the island for a limited stay and don’t plan on anything further. But finding themselves back on the island later, still thinking about each other, will they take a chance on a real future now? Can Nathan move forward from his grief to begin a life with Lucas? Or is he still not ready?
June 10, 2023
LOVE THIS BOOK ,,,,40 is not old but when you were married for 20 of those year to someone you lose because of a accident it's hard but then when you meet someone younger but there is alot of sparks you get scared but then you only know what your missing until it's gone ,, as Nathan understands there is no time date to grieve but only you know that as they both find out in this book and it helps that Nathan has a smart son And Lucas to help him and his island friends ,,,I read this book for this author for my honest opinion
September 8, 2024
Nathan & Lucas
Nathan is on the island to deal with grief. Lucas is there to photograph for his grant. The two fall into each others arms but Nathan is not ready to make a commitment. Still raw from his wife’s death and new to acting on his bisexuality, he ends things with Lucas pretty quickly after it started. Given a second chance, the two take it slower and realize the magic of Garfield Island. This is a place they can be happy. Good book, I will most likely read the series.
Nathan is on the island to deal with grief. Lucas is there to photograph for his grant. The two fall into each others arms but Nathan is not ready to make a commitment. Still raw from his wife’s death and new to acting on his bisexuality, he ends things with Lucas pretty quickly after it started. Given a second chance, the two take it slower and realize the magic of Garfield Island. This is a place they can be happy. Good book, I will most likely read the series.
July 6, 2023
I like this mm romance with a bi and gay main characters.
They meet in a hotel on a island, not how you think 😉.
They have a click, but are in differwnt stages of tgeir life and return to their daily 'grind', but soon find they are both back at the island unbeknownst to the other. I really enjoyed the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They meet in a hotel on a island, not how you think 😉.
They have a click, but are in differwnt stages of tgeir life and return to their daily 'grind', but soon find they are both back at the island unbeknownst to the other. I really enjoyed the writing style.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2024
Sweet age-gap romance. The older MC is a widower who's always known he was bi - and had come out to his wife early in their marriage - who also has a college-age son. The younger MC is a fairly mature, independent creative photographer. Their meet-cute is a little silly, though not unrealistic. The story is not too angsty for the MCs on their way to an HEA. There are a couple minor continuity issues that briefly pulled me out of the story, though they didn't spoil my enjoyment.
September 8, 2023
A nice 'gay for you' age gap story, both I always enjoy. Nathan is still struggling with the loss of his wife, he travels to her home town, a quaint island full of interesting characters who more than added to the enjoyment of this tale. And then there's Lucas, a photographer on the island for work. A touching, sweet story, a nice read.
September 28, 2023
This is the first book of a new series set on Garfield Island we were introduced to the island and some of its characters in the last book of the Sanderson brothers series so some of the characters will be familiar if you’ve read it but if not you can still read this as a standalone new series, the story is good, characters great and sets up what looks to be another great series.
May 19, 2023
Such a heart warming read.
Nathan is still mourning his late wife and struggles with his feeling toward Lucas. Lucas is just really sweet and from the start is open to any relationship between them.
Fate finally comes together and they are able to have the HEA they deserve.
Nathan is still mourning his late wife and struggles with his feeling toward Lucas. Lucas is just really sweet and from the start is open to any relationship between them.
Fate finally comes together and they are able to have the HEA they deserve.
May 27, 2023
Nathan's grief is very real. His fear is a bigger obstacle to finding happiness though. I liked that Lucas was willing to take a second chance. Their commitment to working out the barriers once they reconnected made me cheer for them.
Recommended author and series
Recommended author and series
June 3, 2023
A great start to a new series from Declan. Though the story started a bit slow it soon picked up. Great characters and an interesting storyline. Looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2023
First Forever was a wonderful read. It's a second chance at life and love for one of the MCs. I enjoyed reading it. I was happy to see them both find their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2023
Finding love on that magical Garfield Island is easy but it's hard to navigate. We are taken along as Lucas and Nathan fall in love and find their happily ever after. The two make a couple of false starts but get it right in the end!
September 30, 2023
Age doesn't really matter.
Nathan is still suffering from the lost of his wife but goes to Garfield Island, his wife's birth place, for composure. Lucas is there on a great for photography. What happens to one when they forget to take their motel key card, leads to many things.
Nathan is still suffering from the lost of his wife but goes to Garfield Island, his wife's birth place, for composure. Lucas is there on a great for photography. What happens to one when they forget to take their motel key card, leads to many things.
November 26, 2023
Bi-awakening
Two visitors to the island off the Wisconsin shore of Lake Michigan chance to meet. Rhodes writes with skill, albeit there are a couple of continuity disconnects. The passion is high, the angst manageable and the crisis believable. Good read.
Two visitors to the island off the Wisconsin shore of Lake Michigan chance to meet. Rhodes writes with skill, albeit there are a couple of continuity disconnects. The passion is high, the angst manageable and the crisis believable. Good read.
July 25, 2024
The writing is just bad. It's awkward and choppy. I really tried to give it a chance, but I was picking apart all the mistakes, and that's no way to read a book. I didn't care about the characters either, they didn't think or talk like real people.
June 1, 2023
Nathan and Lucas meet on Garfield Island and feel like they have something special. Nathan thinks there might be too many things in their way. I really enjoyed this book.
June 3, 2023
Really good read with a nice age gap. Loved the wonderful characters and the story. I couldn't put it down once I started.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews