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I Loved You First
First Love. Second Chances.
Fiona Willis always wanted a big, exciting life. At twenty-seven, she has one: great friends, a Seattle condo with an amazing view, and a killer job as a senior events planner with a world-renowned firm. So why can’t she forget the man who shattered her dreams and broke her heart?
Cameron Bennet has his hands full. As a single dad and head construction manager at Bennet & Sons, he’s an expert at the juggling act. Between playdates, soccer practices, and his hectic work schedule, he rarely has time to relax. Yet even on his craziest days, he’s never stopped thinking about the one who got away.
When an emergency forces Fiona to return to her hometown, she discovers that nothing is how she thought it would be. Fiona tries her best to avoid Cam and their undeniable chemistry, but Cam is determined to right his wrongs before Fiona disappears from his life again.
Fiona Willis always wanted a big, exciting life. At twenty-seven, she has one: great friends, a Seattle condo with an amazing view, and a killer job as a senior events planner with a world-renowned firm. So why can’t she forget the man who shattered her dreams and broke her heart?
Cameron Bennet has his hands full. As a single dad and head construction manager at Bennet & Sons, he’s an expert at the juggling act. Between playdates, soccer practices, and his hectic work schedule, he rarely has time to relax. Yet even on his craziest days, he’s never stopped thinking about the one who got away.
When an emergency forces Fiona to return to her hometown, she discovers that nothing is how she thought it would be. Fiona tries her best to avoid Cam and their undeniable chemistry, but Cam is determined to right his wrongs before Fiona disappears from his life again.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
1369 people are currently reading
1086 people want to read
About the author
Cate Beauman
22 books537 followersCate Beauman is the multi-award-winning, international bestselling author of The Bodyguards of L.A. County series and the Carter Island Novels. She is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense and contemporary stories.
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
Subscribe to Cate's monthly newsletter and receive Morgan's Hunter for FREE! Subscribe here: http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreeb...
Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor.
You can follow Cate on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman
Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.
Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.
Subscribe to Cate's monthly newsletter and receive Morgan's Hunter for FREE! Subscribe here: http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreeb...
Cate can be reached at www.catebeauman.com and www.facebook.com/CateBeaumanAuthor.
You can follow Cate on Instagram at www.instagram.com/realcatebeauman
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
January 14, 2025
Same old, same old.
They break up after a fight and hours later he impregnates another woman, that is btw his ex.
The heroine didn’t know a thing and came back some weeks later thinking they could make up and sees him while he’s moving his preggo new gf in.
Nice guy.
Six years later she’s back in her hometown and meets him and the kid.
There’s no mother. She left them after the kid was born.
She falls in love with the kid and starts having sex with the hero.
As soon as baby mama is back the hero asks the heroine to take a step back because the woman is trying to make some issues about custody,
The heroine leaves.
He follows, but imo he was following her because his kid was feeling sad and missed the heroine.
He wouldn’t have because he wanted.
I never felt any deep love, any passion between them. Imo they were better apart.
The hero never really wanted her or he would have tried to talk to her as soon as he found his hookup was preggo. He didn’t.
He moved on with his life, and never really thought about her.
The heroine of course is one of those pitiful loser that never move on, thankfully she had a couple of relationships but apparently they were real scum since they were not able to make her forget that piece of shit of a man who as soon as she said we are over he was already pounding a child into another woman. Sorry if I’m being gross but this is my feeling when I read such things.
I can’t be happy for the heroine that in the end she becomes the proud mama of the kid he had with another woman. Nope.
And the whole book was such a bore. It basically ended around page 65 but it went on 300 pages of the three of them, doing kid things, as picnics, kids birthdays, kids excursions, kids parties. What the hell do I care.
And sorry but I don’t think that when a woman sees her boyfriend who got another woman preggo after six years, the first time she sees him with his child she’s all happy and nice. She could be, if she had moved on and maybe has a child of her own, or at least a man of her own. But since she’s a sad woman who only has her job and her career I don’t see how it’s possible that as soon as she saw them all their past is forgiven.
And some things were never explained, how the hero reacted when he knew his ex was pregnant. Why he moved her into his parents house. Were they ever a couple. And if they were, it looks that he never really loved the heroine. You can’t move on one month after you broke up with the love of your life, if you do, it was not the love of your life.
Even the sex was boring.
And the hero never put the heroine first.
Not when he had his pregnant baby mama moved in his house, not when she came back and he felt that he had to protect his child.
He was never there for the heroine first.
So the title I loved you first, was really not fit for the book.
I would say, I loved all these other people more than you.
They break up after a fight and hours later he impregnates another woman, that is btw his ex.
The heroine didn’t know a thing and came back some weeks later thinking they could make up and sees him while he’s moving his preggo new gf in.
Nice guy.
Six years later she’s back in her hometown and meets him and the kid.
There’s no mother. She left them after the kid was born.
She falls in love with the kid and starts having sex with the hero.
As soon as baby mama is back the hero asks the heroine to take a step back because the woman is trying to make some issues about custody,
The heroine leaves.
He follows, but imo he was following her because his kid was feeling sad and missed the heroine.
He wouldn’t have because he wanted.
I never felt any deep love, any passion between them. Imo they were better apart.
The hero never really wanted her or he would have tried to talk to her as soon as he found his hookup was preggo. He didn’t.
He moved on with his life, and never really thought about her.
The heroine of course is one of those pitiful loser that never move on, thankfully she had a couple of relationships but apparently they were real scum since they were not able to make her forget that piece of shit of a man who as soon as she said we are over he was already pounding a child into another woman. Sorry if I’m being gross but this is my feeling when I read such things.
I can’t be happy for the heroine that in the end she becomes the proud mama of the kid he had with another woman. Nope.
And the whole book was such a bore. It basically ended around page 65 but it went on 300 pages of the three of them, doing kid things, as picnics, kids birthdays, kids excursions, kids parties. What the hell do I care.
And sorry but I don’t think that when a woman sees her boyfriend who got another woman preggo after six years, the first time she sees him with his child she’s all happy and nice. She could be, if she had moved on and maybe has a child of her own, or at least a man of her own. But since she’s a sad woman who only has her job and her career I don’t see how it’s possible that as soon as she saw them all their past is forgiven.
And some things were never explained, how the hero reacted when he knew his ex was pregnant. Why he moved her into his parents house. Were they ever a couple. And if they were, it looks that he never really loved the heroine. You can’t move on one month after you broke up with the love of your life, if you do, it was not the love of your life.
Even the sex was boring.
And the hero never put the heroine first.
Not when he had his pregnant baby mama moved in his house, not when she came back and he felt that he had to protect his child.
He was never there for the heroine first.
So the title I loved you first, was really not fit for the book.
I would say, I loved all these other people more than you.
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August 11, 2024I’m sorry, I’m sure this is a lovely second chance story, but I found it incredibly boring. After several days of reading, I gave up at 40%.
I’m going with it’s a me thing.
I’m going with it’s a me thing.
August 27, 2024
It was just ok. A little slow and dull at times. It really wasn't all that angsty for me even with the betrayal. h Fiona returns to her hometown after 6 yrs of running away. H and h had broke up at 20 with Fiona returning home to surprise Cam and wanting to get back together. During the very short time apart, maybe a month, Cam sleeps with Fiona's nemesis Ally. Ally becomes pregnant. Cam was waiting to tell Fi himself, but all did not go as planned. It's the typical boy get's drunk and makes stupid mistake which is getting worn out to be honest. He did not love Ally and told her he wouldn't marry her. Thank God. She walks away when her son is 3 months old. It was cheesy at time's and the ow's son Brady takes a huge part of this book. So if that's not your thing I'd pass. He's a sweet 5 yr old boy that loves Fiona's the instant he meets her. Actually this boy pretty much carried the whole book. By the end I was tired of Fiona and Cam 😅. They get their HEA blended family plus a new baby which was a surprise because of course Fiona was told she would have trouble to conceive. Brady's mom conveniently gives up all parental rights to her son after coming back to see if she can steal Cam away basically. Eye roll. Too perfect for me. One thing I found puzzling with how the author described Cam's thoughts every time he had a meeting with Brady's mom was he would always describe her as undeniably beautiful or looking beautiful. I actually did not appreciate that. Nope. Bad choice to go with that.
Overall it was just ok. Typical small town betrayal without a lot of anything going on than their day to day lives.
Overall it was just ok. Typical small town betrayal without a lot of anything going on than their day to day lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2024
I struggled to finish this. Not because it was a bad story, but because it was very predictable. There was also a couple of phrases that I feel were overused. The heroine of the book kept "humming in her throat" and the guy was always "steaming out a breath"!
Actually I'm a little torn between two or three stars...
Actually I'm a little torn between two or three stars...
July 18, 2025
4.25⭐️
January 28, 2025
i don't even know where to begin. first, the switch up from moving across the country blocking his number and never talking to him for 6 years to suddenly going to his sons birthday party is insane. like are we forgetting he got his ex pregnant the day after you broke up? everyone in town is behaving like it hasnt been 6 years since anyone other than 2 people have seen or heard from fiona. second, i feel like the way cam and fiona talk to each other are like two aliens in human skin. i just kept telling myself "nobody talks to someone else like this." There were a lot of times were I had to remind myself that Brady was 5 because some of the conversations that were had were just not how most 5 year olds communicate. the gluten allergy thing really bothered me because why kind of pediatrician needs to go to a convention or whatever to throw food allergies in the pot. like usually if a kid is having stomach aches and rashes food allergies is one of the first things to be tested. so many things were said like "sexy treasure trail" or "his yumminess" that gave me such icks. the "accidental pregnancy" if you can call it that in this book didn't make me feel happy it made me feel like "yea no shit" you got told you MIGHT not be able to have kids and then proceeded to have unprotected sex multiple times.. like idk why you were so shocked about that.
this book someone felt both so rushed and like it would never end at the same time. we skipped the wedding, but the proposal? we needed to talk about cam and brady packing fi's apartment but nothing about the actual move. it for me felt weird to read about half things like that. im clearly not the demographic for this book because it annoyed me to no end.
this book someone felt both so rushed and like it would never end at the same time. we skipped the wedding, but the proposal? we needed to talk about cam and brady packing fi's apartment but nothing about the actual move. it for me felt weird to read about half things like that. im clearly not the demographic for this book because it annoyed me to no end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2025
3.5 Stars.
This was a pleasant story with a small town feel.
It was slow in parts so I was happy to see at the 60% mark the tension in the story ramped up.
I liked all the characters, especially the mains Fiona and Cam. And Brady was such a cute kid- although his vocab was quite advanced for his age lol.
I do wish we got shown more of Fiona and Cam’s relationship and history at the beginning and not just told about it. A prologue or a couple of chapters set in the past would have been good as it took me awhile to see some kind of emotional connection when they met up again six years later. It all seemed very physical.
Also some of the dialogue got a bit annoying, such as when Fiona would say Cam’s name all the time when she was speaking to him. People don’t speak like that in real life.
There is also talk of infertility that might be a trigger for some.
Overall this book is a second chance romance with a surprise pregnancy. Also at the beginning of the book during a relationship break between the younger pair, Cam does drunkly sleep with another woman resulting in a child, but I will say he redeemed himself by the end of the story.
This was a pleasant story with a small town feel.
It was slow in parts so I was happy to see at the 60% mark the tension in the story ramped up.
I liked all the characters, especially the mains Fiona and Cam. And Brady was such a cute kid- although his vocab was quite advanced for his age lol.
I do wish we got shown more of Fiona and Cam’s relationship and history at the beginning and not just told about it. A prologue or a couple of chapters set in the past would have been good as it took me awhile to see some kind of emotional connection when they met up again six years later. It all seemed very physical.
Also some of the dialogue got a bit annoying, such as when Fiona would say Cam’s name all the time when she was speaking to him. People don’t speak like that in real life.
There is also talk of infertility that might be a trigger for some.
Overall this book is a second chance romance with a surprise pregnancy. Also at the beginning of the book during a relationship break between the younger pair, Cam does drunkly sleep with another woman resulting in a child, but I will say he redeemed himself by the end of the story.
August 13, 2024
I pushed my self to finish this and I still wonder how a clever 5 year old boy never asked for his biological mother.
August 6, 2024
Cate and Cam’s dreams were far apart and while running on inexperience and young adult hormones, their love bubble explodes, ripping them apart. Fiona chases her dream job that she was willing to put aside for Cam, while he has to step up to the plate to be a father.
Fiona is ambitious and seems to have it all. She’s a successful, highly-sought-after event planner, with wonderful friends, and a beautiful home in Seattle. But we quickly begin to see how much of a toll the “perfect” life is taking on her. Something is missing — or better yet, someone. She struggles with a deeply personal issue that has started to haunt her. It’s a constant reminder of how precious time really is.
Cam is a full-time dad and construction manager who is working hard to find balance in his life. He is a good, honorable man who has spent the past six years stepping up to the plate, while struggling with the memory of Fiona and how things ended.
Once these two find each other again, they immediately begin to feel that special pull. Both Fiona and Cam are well-developed characters who are extremely likeable for their big hearts, while also expressing insecurities and past regrets. Within a short time, Cam’s son, Brady, begins capturing Fiona’s heart, opening her to the possibility that the three of them could be more. But when the past roars back for a second round, I began to question if Cam and Fiona had grown enough to overcome it again.
This book is a testament to the power of love and possibility of a second chance. I adored how much these two were made for another — such an incredible balance when they were together. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (especially when Brady is on the page!) and moments that will shatter your heart. Absolutely brilliant!
My favorite quotes:
“From the first moment I talked to you in that humanities class…For the last twelve years…I’ve been so in love with you, Fiona.”
“It’s always been you, Fi. It will always be you.”
Fiona is ambitious and seems to have it all. She’s a successful, highly-sought-after event planner, with wonderful friends, and a beautiful home in Seattle. But we quickly begin to see how much of a toll the “perfect” life is taking on her. Something is missing — or better yet, someone. She struggles with a deeply personal issue that has started to haunt her. It’s a constant reminder of how precious time really is.
Cam is a full-time dad and construction manager who is working hard to find balance in his life. He is a good, honorable man who has spent the past six years stepping up to the plate, while struggling with the memory of Fiona and how things ended.
Once these two find each other again, they immediately begin to feel that special pull. Both Fiona and Cam are well-developed characters who are extremely likeable for their big hearts, while also expressing insecurities and past regrets. Within a short time, Cam’s son, Brady, begins capturing Fiona’s heart, opening her to the possibility that the three of them could be more. But when the past roars back for a second round, I began to question if Cam and Fiona had grown enough to overcome it again.
This book is a testament to the power of love and possibility of a second chance. I adored how much these two were made for another — such an incredible balance when they were together. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (especially when Brady is on the page!) and moments that will shatter your heart. Absolutely brilliant!
My favorite quotes:
“From the first moment I talked to you in that humanities class…For the last twelve years…I’ve been so in love with you, Fiona.”
“It’s always been you, Fi. It will always be you.”
December 3, 2024
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this. Despite the events that ultimately ripped Fi and Cam apart, it was so obvious that these two belonged together. I loved the way it was written and how their reunion played out. I absolutely adored Fi’s relationship with Cam’s son Brady.
There’s some OW drama that happens with Brady’s mom about 2/3 in. While I didn’t like the way Cam handled it at all, I LOVED the tension and suspense it added. My heart broke for Fi, but it definitely kept me glued to this story. Luckily Cam came through with a worthy grovel. My only criticism of this is that the epilogue was almost “too mushy”(?) Even so, I loved this book and the characters!!
I really enjoyed this. Despite the events that ultimately ripped Fi and Cam apart, it was so obvious that these two belonged together. I loved the way it was written and how their reunion played out. I absolutely adored Fi’s relationship with Cam’s son Brady.
There’s some OW drama that happens with Brady’s mom about 2/3 in. While I didn’t like the way Cam handled it at all, I LOVED the tension and suspense it added. My heart broke for Fi, but it definitely kept me glued to this story. Luckily Cam came through with a worthy grovel. My only criticism of this is that the epilogue was almost “too mushy”(?) Even so, I loved this book and the characters!!
December 15, 2024
Adorable 🥰
March 23, 2025
This was cute. Easy going plot = much needed break.
May 17, 2025
3.8⭐️
January 19, 2025
I enjoyed the love story and the main characters, but I wish it had most angst and slow burn. It started out strong, but midway through the book I started loosing interest because the writing got too repetitive and there wasn’t enough creativity. (The FMC saying “Aw” all the time started annoying me, as well as the constant descriptions of what everyone was wearing, which felt like awkward fluff/filler to me lol.) Overall, it was okay.
December 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite the circumstances that ultimately drove Fi and Cam apart, it was clear that these two were meant to be together. The writing was engaging, and their reunion was beautifully handled. I especially loved Fi’s relationship with Cam’s son, Brady—it was heartfelt and added depth to the story.
The story delves into the emotional journey of Fiona, an ambitious and successful event planner in Seattle, and Cam, a construction manager balancing work and full-time fatherhood. Despite Fiona's seemingly thriving career, great friends, and beautiful home, she feels a void that only Cam and the life they could have shared seem to fill. Cam, on the other hand, has spent six years haunted by their breakup and his mistake, all while raising Brady.
When Fiona and Cam reunite, their chemistry reignites immediately, and they explore a future together. Now five years old, Brady is a sweet and pivotal character in the story. He instantly bonds with Fiona, who opens her heart to the possibility of becoming part of a family. However, drama arises when Ally returns, hoping to reclaim Cam. She ultimately relinquishes parental rights to Brady, which feels overly convenient. Additionally, Cam’s recurring acknowledgment of Ally’s beauty during their encounters is a puzzling narrative choice that detracts from his character.
Around two-thirds of the way in, there’s some drama involving Brady’s mother. While I disagreed with how Cam handled the situation, I appreciated the tension and suspense it brought to the narrative. My heart broke for Fi during those moments, but they kept me fully invested in the story. Thankfully, Cam’s eventual apology and efforts to make amends were genuinely satisfying.
While Fiona and Cam eventually get their happy ending—a blended family with Brady and a surprise baby, despite Fiona’s struggles with fertility—the story, at times, takes unexpected turns. If I had one critique, it would be that the epilogue leaned a bit too heavily into sentimentality—it felt almost overly sweet. Even so, I adored this book and its characters!
This book is a tale of second chances and the enduring power of love. While some elements feel overdone, such as the “boy makes a drunken mistake” trope, there are touching and heartfelt moments, particularly involving Brady. Despite its flaws, fans of small-town romance and redemption arcs will likely find it an enjoyable read.
The story delves into the emotional journey of Fiona, an ambitious and successful event planner in Seattle, and Cam, a construction manager balancing work and full-time fatherhood. Despite Fiona's seemingly thriving career, great friends, and beautiful home, she feels a void that only Cam and the life they could have shared seem to fill. Cam, on the other hand, has spent six years haunted by their breakup and his mistake, all while raising Brady.
When Fiona and Cam reunite, their chemistry reignites immediately, and they explore a future together. Now five years old, Brady is a sweet and pivotal character in the story. He instantly bonds with Fiona, who opens her heart to the possibility of becoming part of a family. However, drama arises when Ally returns, hoping to reclaim Cam. She ultimately relinquishes parental rights to Brady, which feels overly convenient. Additionally, Cam’s recurring acknowledgment of Ally’s beauty during their encounters is a puzzling narrative choice that detracts from his character.
Around two-thirds of the way in, there’s some drama involving Brady’s mother. While I disagreed with how Cam handled the situation, I appreciated the tension and suspense it brought to the narrative. My heart broke for Fi during those moments, but they kept me fully invested in the story. Thankfully, Cam’s eventual apology and efforts to make amends were genuinely satisfying.
While Fiona and Cam eventually get their happy ending—a blended family with Brady and a surprise baby, despite Fiona’s struggles with fertility—the story, at times, takes unexpected turns. If I had one critique, it would be that the epilogue leaned a bit too heavily into sentimentality—it felt almost overly sweet. Even so, I adored this book and its characters!
This book is a tale of second chances and the enduring power of love. While some elements feel overdone, such as the “boy makes a drunken mistake” trope, there are touching and heartfelt moments, particularly involving Brady. Despite its flaws, fans of small-town romance and redemption arcs will likely find it an enjoyable read.
August 7, 2024
This story wasn't bad, but for me it was a little boring. I discovered this story over on FB, and after reading the sample (which had some decent angst to it), I DL'd this baby and dove right in. Well, the sample was literally the only angsty part of this entire story. The rest of the story was sweet but very dull.
Fi and Cam spent 4 years in a long distance relationship, and just when Fi's schooling was wrapping up, she was offered a job out of state. The two get into a spat over her job offer, and mutually end up breaking up.
Fast Forward 6 years, and Fi's mother gets into a vehicle accident, bringing Fi back to town for the first time since she ran away 6 years before. She immediately meets up with Cam and they get along great, and she falls instantly in love with his little boy, soon discovers that the mother was never really in the the picture (AT ALL) and Cam has raised the kid himself for the entire 6 years. The story pretty much revolved around the kiddo, and Cam and Fi being the side characters, always doing activities together with the child. They have birthday parties, go places together, discover a gluten intolerance in the kiddo. All very nice, but very boring through the entire story.
The biological mother comes back into the picture at the end of the story when she discovers that Fi and Cam are starting to become a couple. The mother savvies pretty quickly that she can't worm her way back in with Cam and the kiddo, so she quickly leaves again. Very anti-climatic and boring, when this story desperately needed some awesome drama to liven it up. Fi and Cam soon discover Fi is pregnant, despite believing she could never have kids, and this couple finally finds their HEA.
Like I said, this story wasn't bad, it was just very dull. It might have been my high expectation thinking this was going to be a very angsty cheating story, with a bit of OW drama added in, and I didn't get either of those things.
January 28, 2025
[2.7 stars]
_________________________________
S – Setting [3.0]
P – Plot [2.0]
E – Engagement [2.5]
C – Characters [3.0]
S – Style [3.0]
_______________________________
Cameron and Fiona
This book started off good, with an interesting storyline.
I'm a sucker for high school romance turn into second chance romance.
Fiona is doing an internship in London and they don't seem to make time for one another. They agree to break up. But a month later she decides to surprise Cam and get back with him. Unfortunately she hears that Cam is now "getting back together" with his ex girlfriend. It had only been like a month since they broke up and Cam got drunk and got his ex girlfriend pregnant (Aly). Gah!!! Honestly, I'm not even sure if Cam was going to explain the situation to Fiona and either expect her to forgive him and get back together OR expect her to forgive him or not but stay with Aly. This was never clarified in the book, which made me a little upset.
Anyway... Six years go by and Fiona is back in town to take care of her mother for the summer. She and Cam decide to be together for the summer...
Look, it was supposed to be a good book, but I swear that a huge chunk of the book are dialogues of Fiona, Cam, and Brady. There was just too many details of their conversation, I'm sorry but I don't care about all that. Brady, important as he may be, did not need to have that many lines, he's a child! Also thought the book needed to end sooner, it just felt like it went on for forever and it didn't even add anything to their story.
_________________________________
S – Setting [3.0]
P – Plot [2.0]
E – Engagement [2.5]
C – Characters [3.0]
S – Style [3.0]
_______________________________
Cameron and Fiona
This book started off good, with an interesting storyline.
I'm a sucker for high school romance turn into second chance romance.
Fiona is doing an internship in London and they don't seem to make time for one another. They agree to break up. But a month later she decides to surprise Cam and get back with him. Unfortunately she hears that Cam is now "getting back together" with his ex girlfriend. It had only been like a month since they broke up and Cam got drunk and got his ex girlfriend pregnant (Aly). Gah!!! Honestly, I'm not even sure if Cam was going to explain the situation to Fiona and either expect her to forgive him and get back together OR expect her to forgive him or not but stay with Aly. This was never clarified in the book, which made me a little upset.
Anyway... Six years go by and Fiona is back in town to take care of her mother for the summer. She and Cam decide to be together for the summer...
Look, it was supposed to be a good book, but I swear that a huge chunk of the book are dialogues of Fiona, Cam, and Brady. There was just too many details of their conversation, I'm sorry but I don't care about all that. Brady, important as he may be, did not need to have that many lines, he's a child! Also thought the book needed to end sooner, it just felt like it went on for forever and it didn't even add anything to their story.
August 8, 2024
SWOON!
Wow, I devoured this book! I loved Cate Beauman’s previous book series, and was so happy to hear she was releasing a new story. While her other stories do have more action/intrigue, this was a perfectly lovely book to snuggle up with and just smile.
Cam and Fiona were sweethearts through college until life circumstances took a turn and Fi walked away. Determined to put Cam behind her and realize her big dreams, she left for Seattle, putting her old life behind her…until years later Fiona is brought back home and face to face with the the man she could never quite forget.
Cam has never forgotten Fiona and deemed her the one that got away. He picked up his life, helping to create a very successful family business in home construction, and raises his 5yr old son by himself. Overall, life was as good as it could be, until he spots the girl he never stopped loving around town.
This was a beautiful, heartfelt second chance love story. I teared up multiple times because the emotions were so well written, and you could FEEL the love between Cam and Fi. The lead up to their reunion was so fluid—awkward first encounter, to friendly greetings, to laughing and joking, to friends(with angst), and then to lovers(great spice!). It unfolded so perfectly. And Brady!! Gah! Love that sweet little boy.
Well done, Cate—Another winner in my library!
Wow, I devoured this book! I loved Cate Beauman’s previous book series, and was so happy to hear she was releasing a new story. While her other stories do have more action/intrigue, this was a perfectly lovely book to snuggle up with and just smile.
Cam and Fiona were sweethearts through college until life circumstances took a turn and Fi walked away. Determined to put Cam behind her and realize her big dreams, she left for Seattle, putting her old life behind her…until years later Fiona is brought back home and face to face with the the man she could never quite forget.
Cam has never forgotten Fiona and deemed her the one that got away. He picked up his life, helping to create a very successful family business in home construction, and raises his 5yr old son by himself. Overall, life was as good as it could be, until he spots the girl he never stopped loving around town.
This was a beautiful, heartfelt second chance love story. I teared up multiple times because the emotions were so well written, and you could FEEL the love between Cam and Fi. The lead up to their reunion was so fluid—awkward first encounter, to friendly greetings, to laughing and joking, to friends(with angst), and then to lovers(great spice!). It unfolded so perfectly. And Brady!! Gah! Love that sweet little boy.
Well done, Cate—Another winner in my library!
August 11, 2024
Long before I was a book reviewer and blogger, I was an avid reader. Ten years ago, I found Cate Beauman’s Bodyguards of LA County series, and I devoured each one as soon as it was released. Something about her writing resonated with me, and I haven’t looked back.
I Loved You First is a standalone title that is quite the epic journey for the hero and heroine. It’s a second-chance, small-town, single-parent romance that beautifully illustrates the realities of picking up the pieces when life shatters you and continuing to fight for each other no matter what.
Watching Fiona and Cam navigate the challenges of overcoming a hurt-filled past was, at times, heartwarming, but many times, it was so incredibly heart-wrenching. Fiona is easy to love and sympathize with, but her stubbornness had me desiring a come-to-Jesus meeting with her more than once. And even though Cam can be slow to catch on when he’s acted like a jerk, he’s not afraid to own up to his mistakes and work hard for the future he so desperately wants with her. (Who doesn’t love a guy who can find the courage to admit when he’s wrong and do what he can to fix it?!)
With an incredibly poignant plot, believable and lovable (well, lovable most of the time) characters, dynamic secondary characters, and a HEA that will make you glad you journeyed with Fiona and Cam, I Loved You First was more than worth the wait!
NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I Loved You First is a standalone title that is quite the epic journey for the hero and heroine. It’s a second-chance, small-town, single-parent romance that beautifully illustrates the realities of picking up the pieces when life shatters you and continuing to fight for each other no matter what.
Watching Fiona and Cam navigate the challenges of overcoming a hurt-filled past was, at times, heartwarming, but many times, it was so incredibly heart-wrenching. Fiona is easy to love and sympathize with, but her stubbornness had me desiring a come-to-Jesus meeting with her more than once. And even though Cam can be slow to catch on when he’s acted like a jerk, he’s not afraid to own up to his mistakes and work hard for the future he so desperately wants with her. (Who doesn’t love a guy who can find the courage to admit when he’s wrong and do what he can to fix it?!)
With an incredibly poignant plot, believable and lovable (well, lovable most of the time) characters, dynamic secondary characters, and a HEA that will make you glad you journeyed with Fiona and Cam, I Loved You First was more than worth the wait!
NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 30, 2024
I was provided this book as an ARC. Fiona is a senior event planner for a prestigious firm in Seattle, Washington. She has a great job, lovely condo and wonderful friends. Fiona takes a leave of absence and returns to her hometown for a family emergency. While there, is meets up with her old boyfriend from high school. Their lives went in different directions after high school and they have not seen each other for a few years.
As Fiona navigates through her time at home helping her Mother, she also rekindles her friendship with Cameron and meets his five year old son Brady.
The months flow along and soon it is time for Fiona to return to her job and condo in Seattle. Will they or won't they find happiness? You will have to read the book to find out.
The story was an enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and also provided some aspects on event planning without going into too much detail. It had a little of everything, friendship, romance and drama.
I have read all of Cate's previous books and they were great reads.
I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!
As Fiona navigates through her time at home helping her Mother, she also rekindles her friendship with Cameron and meets his five year old son Brady.
The months flow along and soon it is time for Fiona to return to her job and condo in Seattle. Will they or won't they find happiness? You will have to read the book to find out.
The story was an enjoyable read. The characters were well developed and also provided some aspects on event planning without going into too much detail. It had a little of everything, friendship, romance and drama.
I have read all of Cate's previous books and they were great reads.
I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed!
January 11, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve been on a bit of a second-chance romance kick lately, and this one delivered spectacularly.
Cam and Fiona were high school sweethearts torn apart by life and the choices they made when they were young. But fate has a funny way of bringing people back together when it’s meant to be. I loved reading their journey as they reconnected, slowly peeling back the layers of their past and rediscovering the love they thought they’d lost.
There’s something so captivating about a romance where the feelings never fully fade. Even after years apart, Cam and Fiona’s connection remained strong, but navigating those emotions later in life wasn’t without its challenges. Watching them persevere through doubts, fears, and obstacles made their story that much more rewarding.
Not gonna lie—I was holding my breath at one point, thinking things were about to take a turn I wasn’t ready for! Thankfully, it all played out perfectly, making this book a heartfelt and fun read from start to finish.
Cam and Fiona were high school sweethearts torn apart by life and the choices they made when they were young. But fate has a funny way of bringing people back together when it’s meant to be. I loved reading their journey as they reconnected, slowly peeling back the layers of their past and rediscovering the love they thought they’d lost.
There’s something so captivating about a romance where the feelings never fully fade. Even after years apart, Cam and Fiona’s connection remained strong, but navigating those emotions later in life wasn’t without its challenges. Watching them persevere through doubts, fears, and obstacles made their story that much more rewarding.
Not gonna lie—I was holding my breath at one point, thinking things were about to take a turn I wasn’t ready for! Thankfully, it all played out perfectly, making this book a heartfelt and fun read from start to finish.
February 16, 2025
Very slow but worth it. Emotional roller coaster kinda cliche but in a good way. The ending was kinda rushed it just skipped and fast forward past a couple things. I guess it wouldn’t make sense to describe Cam and Bradys flight to Seattle to reunite with Fi after Ally came back for the second time after 6 years. But on Bradys first day of school, Ally was there and watched from a far then decided hmm nvm i dont want half custody anymore. That was definitely rushed because if Cam raised him since birth as a single dad, how tf would Ally know where his school is. And in what world would a cunt like Ally give up knowing Fiona got the final win. Idk i just feel like that was really rushed and wasnt realistic. But the fact that Fiona got pregnant and we got to see the family happy, made up for it. But even so fis pregnancy with hudson seemed unexplainable like a miracle baby, but i guess that was the point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
3.35 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover: 4/5 not very related but friendly and with nice colors. The title is definitely attractive.
Story: I love second chance romances and the premise was interesting. Heart wrenching stories are my jam! So naturally, I was looking forward to read this one.
The thing is… the heroine was never upset about what the hero did. She was handling it perfectly and loving the idea of the kid immediately without being reminded of the betrayal.
She didn’t have kids but was A MASTER at everything: she was assertive, mature, positive. She came straight out of a text book which made her unreal and annoying.
The same goes for the hero. And the boy. He never had a tantrum, never had feelings that the MCs couldn’t handle or couldn’t explain and it was a perfect dynamic in every sense of the word.
It felt forced…
Cover: 4/5 not very related but friendly and with nice colors. The title is definitely attractive.
Story: I love second chance romances and the premise was interesting. Heart wrenching stories are my jam! So naturally, I was looking forward to read this one.
The thing is… the heroine was never upset about what the hero did. She was handling it perfectly and loving the idea of the kid immediately without being reminded of the betrayal.
She didn’t have kids but was A MASTER at everything: she was assertive, mature, positive. She came straight out of a text book which made her unreal and annoying.
The same goes for the hero. And the boy. He never had a tantrum, never had feelings that the MCs couldn’t handle or couldn’t explain and it was a perfect dynamic in every sense of the word.
It felt forced…
January 25, 2025
A cheesy feel-good read. There's never really any major conflicts, just teen romance that blossoms into adult romance. It was cute but the writing sometimes got a little annoying (Cam steams his breath or clenches his jaw constantly, Brady loves Legos and dinosaurs, the author loves using italics and every outfit is described in a little too much detail). The story in itself was nice but the writing was distracting enough that I had to step away a few times for a refresh. The last third of the book wasn't the greatest (the amount of time they focus on Brady and everything he does made me a little annoyed like ok we get it, hes cute and adorable but geez can we focus on the main characters??) but the epilogue was cute. Also there's far too many chapters and they're far too short. For the content in this book, there's no reason for there to be 38 chapters in this book
February 12, 2025
Spicy Hallmark
I Loved You First was such a cute, feel-good read. After binging the entire Empyrean series last month, I needed something light, something with a guaranteed happily ever after—an easy, heartwarming story that would just make me smile. And this book delivered.
Were the characters deeply complex? Not really. Was there extensive world-building? Nope. Was the storyline intricate? Absolutely not—it was predictable AF! But did I enjoy it? Immensely. I devoured it in under 24 hours, smiling and giggling like a schoolgirl the entire time. The spice was just right—nothing too over-the-top or crazy.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good read with a second chance romance, a swoon-worthy single dad, a charming small-town setting, and just the right amount of spice, look no further than this book!
I Loved You First was such a cute, feel-good read. After binging the entire Empyrean series last month, I needed something light, something with a guaranteed happily ever after—an easy, heartwarming story that would just make me smile. And this book delivered.
Were the characters deeply complex? Not really. Was there extensive world-building? Nope. Was the storyline intricate? Absolutely not—it was predictable AF! But did I enjoy it? Immensely. I devoured it in under 24 hours, smiling and giggling like a schoolgirl the entire time. The spice was just right—nothing too over-the-top or crazy.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good read with a second chance romance, a swoon-worthy single dad, a charming small-town setting, and just the right amount of spice, look no further than this book!
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February 20, 2025Sappy & utterly predictable
There's not much to see here. Insta-love & frequent sex don't make a novel interesting.
This book is:
Saccharine
Syrupy
Shallow, the plot is thin & one dimensional
Politically correct to a trendy extreme
The author portrays a 5 year old child with the mental maturity & vocabulary of a 15 year old 'young adult'. The male love interest is too good to be true. The author describes all the characters' clothing in excruciating detail in every scene. She also makes it a point to repeatedly describe how the two lovebirds smell, being sure that she's on trend about how the scents are only shampoo & soap... None of that evil perfume or cologne. (Not PC, ya know...)
There's not much to see here. Insta-love & frequent sex don't make a novel interesting.
This book is:
Saccharine
Syrupy
Shallow, the plot is thin & one dimensional
Politically correct to a trendy extreme
The author portrays a 5 year old child with the mental maturity & vocabulary of a 15 year old 'young adult'. The male love interest is too good to be true. The author describes all the characters' clothing in excruciating detail in every scene. She also makes it a point to repeatedly describe how the two lovebirds smell, being sure that she's on trend about how the scents are only shampoo & soap... None of that evil perfume or cologne. (Not PC, ya know...)
October 18, 2024
Lovely story
Young love that life gets in the way of, and a night of partying that ends up with a baby being conceived to the wrong person. A decade later the young lovers meet again and find out the they have both been still hanging on the long ago years. Agree to be friends but ends up to be friends with befits. Still more trouble inside when its time to resume old life in a different state. But love wins hands down this time and man and child go looking for there one and only true love. All end well, there's a few thing I neglected to say about this story. Didn't want to ruin it. Goid read.
Young love that life gets in the way of, and a night of partying that ends up with a baby being conceived to the wrong person. A decade later the young lovers meet again and find out the they have both been still hanging on the long ago years. Agree to be friends but ends up to be friends with befits. Still more trouble inside when its time to resume old life in a different state. But love wins hands down this time and man and child go looking for there one and only true love. All end well, there's a few thing I neglected to say about this story. Didn't want to ruin it. Goid read.
January 21, 2025
This was an absolutely beautiful love story. 😍 what ended up being a worst mistake became even more worse considering it meant Cam lost his real love. After years apart and being a single dad, his lost 💔 love returns due to her mom being in an accident. A love is rekindled. Fiona falls not only back in love with Cam, but with his son.
Ally coming back is what made me mad. How the heck is she going to return after abandoning her son, and think they gonna be a family? Talk about jealousy. Her response to the near ending event..made me hate her even more!
Brady is the most adorable character in the story. We all know how active and curious kids are!
Definitely worth a reread
Ally coming back is what made me mad. How the heck is she going to return after abandoning her son, and think they gonna be a family? Talk about jealousy. Her response to the near ending event..made me hate her even more!
Brady is the most adorable character in the story. We all know how active and curious kids are!
Definitely worth a reread
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