First Impressions

by M.A. Grant

Collateral damage to her parents' toxic marriage, Maya Rayes isn't sure she believes in love. Short relationships are safer. She's surprised by a scorching encounter with her best friend's infuriatingly sensible and contained older brother, but they're complete opposites who struggle to find common ground outside the bedroom. There's no way they could turn into something more, no matter how tempting she finds him.

Firefighter Jake Jacobs grew up fast in the wake of his parents' deaths. He doesn't regret putting his life on hold to help his younger sister, but once she graduates from college in a few weeks, he's going to be facing the future on his own. Or so he thought. His one-night stand with Maya is a revelation, and the freedom he finds with her is addictive.

Maya's used to burning bridges, not crossing them, but Jake's never been afraid of running into the flames. When he offers to share his future with her, she'll have to decide if the chance for a lasting love is worth the risk of getting burned.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published November 9, 2023

About the author

M.A. Grant fell in love with the romance genre while working at an independent bookstore. She spent a decade in the rugged beauty of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula before moving to the mountains of Eastern Washington. When she’s not calling out to passing ravens or making a cup of tea, she’s writing dark and moving stories.

She is represented by Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency.

Reviews

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First Impressions" by M.A. Grant was an enjoyable short read. Maya is out and runs into her ex-boyfriend, who starts to give her problems. Her best friends brother, Jake(whom she never got along with), steps in to save the day. Jake is a firefighter, and Maya is finding herself catching feelings. Which she does not do because of her past. The only thing I would change would be to make this book longer or maybe write a sequel (I need an update on them).

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story. Maya wasn't raised with the best example of loving relationship. When she has a one-night stand with her best friend's brother, Jake, her world is turned upside down. The two of them spent years constantly disagreeing and fighting. Their night together changes their relationship and both have trouble making the adjustment.

[M.A. Grant]

A lightly edited rerelease of a novella originally published with Escape Publishing under the title FIRST.

[A LawRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy romance novella. The storyline wasn’t difficult or complex if you’re looking for a cute easy read give it a try.

[Cathy Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maya doesn’t do serious relationships, and she definitely wouldn’t think of having one with her best friend’s brother, Jake. They don’t even like each other! However, after a few drinks and some questionable decisions, Maya and Jake find themselves in a situation that might just change their way of thinking!

Loved this sweet and spicy romance! For one, I love “best friend’s brother romances”, so this story was right up my alley. It was very fast paced and the characters were likeable and realistic. I enjoyed the argumentative banter between Jake and Maya, and also their own individually vulnerable backstories. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary romance.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story! Maya and Jake have been circling around each other for years. Jake is the brother of her best friend. Jake and Maya generally verbally spar when they are around each other – with that much chemistry they were bound to act on it. Both Maya and Jake seem to be at a turning point in their lives and find they want more than what they have been settling for. Curious to know what Catherine’s reaction is!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, interesting storyline with some frank sex. I loved adding firemen and their dangers.

[Autumn Denise Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay I didn't feel a very strong connection between the two characters who fell in love

[Francis Gene · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. I didn’t hate it or anything. I think the MFC and MMC were cute together but there wasn’t enough substance for me.
I did love the firefighter aspect of the book though

[Chrystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story, my only gripe is it was too short

[Nicole Renshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet. Not a bad story.

[Halee Melvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute short read!

[Evita Paizanou · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
“A charming romance with a solid foundation, but it sometimes plays it safe.”

This book centers on the slow-burning connection between the two leads who start off with some classic misunderstandings and guarded walls. The chemistry is sweet and believable, and the dialogue sparkles at moments, but the pacing felt uneven — there were parts where the story dragged, especially in the middle.

Spoilers ahead:
The protagonist’s struggle with opening up emotionally was relatable, and the gradual thawing of walls between the main couple was handled with care. However, some plot points, like the big misunderstanding that drives the conflict, felt a bit predictable and could have used more nuance.

The supporting characters were likable but underdeveloped, and the ending wrapped up on a hopeful note, though it lacked the emotional punch I was hoping for.

Overall:
A pleasant read with some heartwarming moments, but it doesn’t quite reach the depth or excitement to elevate it beyond a 3-star for me. Great if you’re looking for a light, feel-good romance without too many surprises.

[⋆ miya ☽]

2.5-2.7 stars