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Destiny Bay #2
Feels Like the First Time
What's wrong with a little white lie? There are a lot of things Ali Marshal doesn't pink anything, a day without chocolate, and Hawk, her sister's ex-husband. Sure, he's a sexy former NHL star who can make her pulse pound with just a wink. But he belonged to Bridget first. And no matter how long she's had a crush on him, how great he's always been to her dad, or that her sister is engaged to someone else now and Ali needs a date to their engagement party, she can't give in to temptation. Can she? It's been years since his disastrous marriage crashed and burned, and Bradley Hawk has finally moved on. So when Bridget blows back into town with her new fiance, throwing the engagement party of the year, he could care less . . . until Ali tells one little lie that lands him smack dab in a fake relationship. After one promise to be Ali's date and two of the hottest kisses he's ever had, Hawk can't deny how much he wants her. But what happens when this fauxmance starts to feel very, very real?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
133 people are currently reading
887 people want to read
About the author
Marina Adair
40 books1,958 followersMarina Adair is a New York Times author whose fun, flirty contemporary romances have sold over a million copies. She has hit #1 overall in Amazon Kindle Paid and her St. Helena Vineyard series was optioned and made into the original Hallmark Channel Vineyard movies: Autumn in the Vineyard, Summer in the Vineyard, and Valentines in the Vineyard. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She holds a MFA from San Jose University and currently lives in Northern California with her husband, daughter, and two neurotic cats. Please visit her online at MarinaAdair.com and sign up for her newsletter at www.MarinaAdair.com/newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 26, 2017
4 stars
Feels Like the First Time was a well written and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was entertaining and held my interest all throughout the book.
The drama was well done and just enough to keep you turning the pages.
Ali and Hawk were very likable, relatable and endearing characters. I enjoyed watching them move from friends to lovers, they had amazing chemistry and truly belonged together.
Feels Like the First Time by Marina Adair is a wonderful addition to the Destiny Bay series.
Each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both.
*Purchase Links*
Amazon ~ https://www.amazon.com/Feels-Like-Fir...
*Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for the advance copy.*
Feels Like the First Time was a well written and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was entertaining and held my interest all throughout the book.
The drama was well done and just enough to keep you turning the pages.
Ali and Hawk were very likable, relatable and endearing characters. I enjoyed watching them move from friends to lovers, they had amazing chemistry and truly belonged together.
Feels Like the First Time by Marina Adair is a wonderful addition to the Destiny Bay series.
Each book can be read as a standalone and I highly recommend them both.
*Purchase Links*
Amazon ~ https://www.amazon.com/Feels-Like-Fir...
*Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for the advance copy.*
April 25, 2017
Review by Trinette Dungee
When the guy you’ve loved for years just happens to be your sister’s ex-husband, just what the heck do you do when you realize that he might just be attracted to you? For Ali Marshal, when said sister comes back to town and it could possibly mess with said ex-husband’s head….why you pretend to date him so it can appear to said sister that said ex is really over her…unfortunately for Ali, the fake attraction between her and Bradley Hawk is anything but fake.
Some of the darkest days in Bradley Hawk’s life were when his NHL career ended and his wife left him. In the divorce she got it all, the hefty alimony, the house, the cars and their friends. The only thing he wanted was Destiny Bay…as long as she stayed out of their home town and let him live his life he’d be fine. Though he knew he’d have to see her occasionally since her sister and her dad still lived there but as long as she kept the visit to a minimum he’d deal. Of course with everyone in town (including Ali) believing he was still hung up on her, it made moving on a little bit of a challenge. Now Bridget is back, with a new fiancé in tow and all Hawk wants is for Bridget to get married then get lost because he’s realized that the Marshal Sister he’s hung up on is Ali.
Although the situation seems a little weird, I enjoyed Ali and Hawk’s story. I just wish there were a little more background on Hawk. There was some background provided in the previous book in this series but it would have been nicer to get it directly from Hawk. Other than that, this was a pretty good read. It might not be one of my favorite or best reads from Marina but I liked it just the same. As usual the humor is there in the right places and the supporting characters always make for very interesting experiences. A bunch of old ladies wanting to catch a glimpse of Hawk’s stick and posting it on Instagram is nothing short of hilarious!
When the guy you’ve loved for years just happens to be your sister’s ex-husband, just what the heck do you do when you realize that he might just be attracted to you? For Ali Marshal, when said sister comes back to town and it could possibly mess with said ex-husband’s head….why you pretend to date him so it can appear to said sister that said ex is really over her…unfortunately for Ali, the fake attraction between her and Bradley Hawk is anything but fake.
Some of the darkest days in Bradley Hawk’s life were when his NHL career ended and his wife left him. In the divorce she got it all, the hefty alimony, the house, the cars and their friends. The only thing he wanted was Destiny Bay…as long as she stayed out of their home town and let him live his life he’d be fine. Though he knew he’d have to see her occasionally since her sister and her dad still lived there but as long as she kept the visit to a minimum he’d deal. Of course with everyone in town (including Ali) believing he was still hung up on her, it made moving on a little bit of a challenge. Now Bridget is back, with a new fiancé in tow and all Hawk wants is for Bridget to get married then get lost because he’s realized that the Marshal Sister he’s hung up on is Ali.
Although the situation seems a little weird, I enjoyed Ali and Hawk’s story. I just wish there were a little more background on Hawk. There was some background provided in the previous book in this series but it would have been nicer to get it directly from Hawk. Other than that, this was a pretty good read. It might not be one of my favorite or best reads from Marina but I liked it just the same. As usual the humor is there in the right places and the supporting characters always make for very interesting experiences. A bunch of old ladies wanting to catch a glimpse of Hawk’s stick and posting it on Instagram is nothing short of hilarious!
June 16, 2018
A light, sexy read in an idyllic bayside setting that will leave you satisfied, yet craving more. More Hawk, the sexy, ex hockey player /ex-husband that loves his friends deeply and will do anything for them. More Ali, the metal artist with deep seated insecurities of abandonment who does everything for the people in her life, giving selflessly until there is nothing left of her or the life she wants. Can she let Hawk in and find the love they both desperately want? Read this lovely tale if you enjoy an easy read you won't want to put down ❤
April 24, 2017
I make no secret of my love for Marina Adair’s books, and even though I’m always a bit iffy on romances involving sibling exes and wasn’t overly enamored with the first book in this series, I was still excited to read this one. Hawk and Ali are definitely worth reading about and their romance is lovely beneath all the drama. Of which there is a lot. And that’s kind of what spoiled this a little for me.
Because while Hawk’s marriage to Bridget might have ended badly and not always been that great, they were married for five years. Five years! I expected the marriage to be something short and bitter and obviously a mistake that's better best forgotten, but Hawk still has real feelings for Bridget – or at least thinks he does – for a good chunk of this book and, despite her engagement, it’s obvious Bridget has no intention of loosening her hold on him. Even though she’s the one who wrecked their marriage.
I was so confused about Bridget. She’s selfish and careless and knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to both Ali and Hawk, yet they both love her. They say they see her faults, but they also continuously ignore them because it’s just the way she is. Nope. Plus, Ali’s dad makes it worse. It’s not a compromise if only one person is always giving in. The more the story tried to make me feel sympathy for Bridget, the less and less patience I had with her stunts. She’s awful and should have been called out on her behaviour, not petted and cosseted and supported. She needs to grow up. (As does Ali’s dad, to a certain extent.)
Sadly, Bridget completely overshadowed the rest of the book. Which was pretty much necessary, because without her there is absolutely no reason why Hawk and Ali don’t get together in chapter one and live happily ever after forever and ever, the end. Having said that, I was a little confused about their relationship. They were supposedly friends before Hawk ever met Bridget and were possibly moving towards something more – in fact Ali at one point says he was her best friend – yet we learn pretty much nothing about their early friendship. I can’t even see how it came about, given their age difference. It felt like another bit of manufactured drama to explain why Ali never trusted relationships – because she broke her heart over Hawk when they were kids and he never even knew. Since they don’t even discuss it, this felt either utterly underused or completely superfluous.
Which is a massive shame. I would have loved to have read more about the deeper connection between these two. It’s obvious they’re great friends and know each other better than pretty much anywhere else. They have good chemistry and the way Hawk pampers Ali is downright adorable. They’re wonderful together and I loved the moments when it was just the two of them. Which are sadly few and far between, because even when they’re together the spectre of Bridget often looms large.
I was also annoyed at the way the book kept leading up to big showdown moments – the first family dinner, the “game” at the engagement party, Ali’s interview – and then jumped forward to the next day, or a few days later, leaving only sketchy recaps. For a book that’s full of family drama, it was strangely lacking in actual dramatics at times.
So overall, while I enjoyed this book and think it was a solid read with a lovely friends-to-lovers romance under the family drama, in terms of Adair’s work, it wasn’t a favourite. I blame Bridget.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
Because while Hawk’s marriage to Bridget might have ended badly and not always been that great, they were married for five years. Five years! I expected the marriage to be something short and bitter and obviously a mistake that's better best forgotten, but Hawk still has real feelings for Bridget – or at least thinks he does – for a good chunk of this book and, despite her engagement, it’s obvious Bridget has no intention of loosening her hold on him. Even though she’s the one who wrecked their marriage.
I was so confused about Bridget. She’s selfish and careless and knows exactly what she’s doing when it comes to both Ali and Hawk, yet they both love her. They say they see her faults, but they also continuously ignore them because it’s just the way she is. Nope. Plus, Ali’s dad makes it worse. It’s not a compromise if only one person is always giving in. The more the story tried to make me feel sympathy for Bridget, the less and less patience I had with her stunts. She’s awful and should have been called out on her behaviour, not petted and cosseted and supported. She needs to grow up. (As does Ali’s dad, to a certain extent.)
Sadly, Bridget completely overshadowed the rest of the book. Which was pretty much necessary, because without her there is absolutely no reason why Hawk and Ali don’t get together in chapter one and live happily ever after forever and ever, the end. Having said that, I was a little confused about their relationship. They were supposedly friends before Hawk ever met Bridget and were possibly moving towards something more – in fact Ali at one point says he was her best friend – yet we learn pretty much nothing about their early friendship. I can’t even see how it came about, given their age difference. It felt like another bit of manufactured drama to explain why Ali never trusted relationships – because she broke her heart over Hawk when they were kids and he never even knew. Since they don’t even discuss it, this felt either utterly underused or completely superfluous.
Which is a massive shame. I would have loved to have read more about the deeper connection between these two. It’s obvious they’re great friends and know each other better than pretty much anywhere else. They have good chemistry and the way Hawk pampers Ali is downright adorable. They’re wonderful together and I loved the moments when it was just the two of them. Which are sadly few and far between, because even when they’re together the spectre of Bridget often looms large.
I was also annoyed at the way the book kept leading up to big showdown moments – the first family dinner, the “game” at the engagement party, Ali’s interview – and then jumped forward to the next day, or a few days later, leaving only sketchy recaps. For a book that’s full of family drama, it was strangely lacking in actual dramatics at times.
So overall, while I enjoyed this book and think it was a solid read with a lovely friends-to-lovers romance under the family drama, in terms of Adair’s work, it wasn’t a favourite. I blame Bridget.
(ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.)
July 13, 2017
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
Characterisation: 5/5
Prose: 3/5
How much I enjoyed it: 5/5
August 27, 2018
Woah buddy. Fake dating, forbidden romance, friends to lovers, Feels Like the First Time has it all for me. For years, Ali has harbored a crush on Bradley Hawk. He’s a handsome, former NHL player, all around great guy, and… her sister Bridget’s ex-husband. But when Bridget comes back to town with her new fiance in tow, Ali reaches her breaking point. She’s tired of Bridget always being the best at everything and always acting like she’s still got Hawk on the back burner. So Ali does the unthinkable and kisses Hawk, in front of everyone, and declares he’s her boyfriend. And Hawk? He doesn’t really mind at all. Lately, he’s been having the most inappropriate thoughts about his friend and former sister-in-law. So he’s all for fake dating and hoping that it turns into more than that.
Normally, I find the idea of siblings dating the same person… unsavory. So I was definitely hesitant about Ali dating her sister’s ex-husband. But Adair did a great job of giving Ali and Hawk enough of a backstory as friends long before Bridget came along and long after Bridget left Hawk that it didn’t feel so weird. Their friendship felt fun and natural, so it amping up into a fake dating (with real feelings) situation didn’t feel totally out of left field. And as their relationship developed, I just loved them even more together. Their love was heartfelt and charming and based out of a deep respect and admiration for each other, which was particularly nice considering the issues they each harbored about their individual relationships with Bridget and the rest of their families.
Because Bridget and Gail, Ali’s mom, were the absolute worst. They both made for relatively entertaining villains, but there was absolutely a point where I was tired of Bridget’s selfishness, and more significantly, Ali just letting Bridget walk all over her. It made for good drama, but I didn’t really like how the shadow of Bridget loomed over the new relationship between Hawk and Ali. What I did like about the Bridget drama was the opportunity it provided for Adair to really show how good of a guy Hawk was. I didn’t particularly like that Ali seemed to regularly need saving, but I did love how Hawk came to the rescue. He was a good guy through and through and that made me love him as a match for Ali.
But Hawk wasn’t the only great character. I absolutely adored Ali from the very beginning. I loved that while she had a very artsy career, it wasn’t an ultra feminine one. It gave an interesting spin on an artistic character and shaped who she was as a person, especially a person trying to figure out where she belonged in the life of an ultra handsome former professional athlete. I also absolutely adored Ali’s dad. He was great comedic relief at times and made for a really special voice of reason for all the characters. I loved that he wasn’t just a throw away character, he really was an incredibly important part of the lives of the main characters and was appropriately well developed for how signifcant he was to the plot.
At times throughout the book, I did feel like I was a bit thrown into the action and felt like I never really got enough backstory about Hawk, like perhaps I was supposed to know things about his past and family history that I didn’t. But that could just be because, while these books can be read as standalone, this was the second book in the Destiny Bay series. But now that I’ve fallen completely in love with this world, I’m looking forward to catching up on the first book and carrying on reading any future books in the series.
Normally, I find the idea of siblings dating the same person… unsavory. So I was definitely hesitant about Ali dating her sister’s ex-husband. But Adair did a great job of giving Ali and Hawk enough of a backstory as friends long before Bridget came along and long after Bridget left Hawk that it didn’t feel so weird. Their friendship felt fun and natural, so it amping up into a fake dating (with real feelings) situation didn’t feel totally out of left field. And as their relationship developed, I just loved them even more together. Their love was heartfelt and charming and based out of a deep respect and admiration for each other, which was particularly nice considering the issues they each harbored about their individual relationships with Bridget and the rest of their families.
Because Bridget and Gail, Ali’s mom, were the absolute worst. They both made for relatively entertaining villains, but there was absolutely a point where I was tired of Bridget’s selfishness, and more significantly, Ali just letting Bridget walk all over her. It made for good drama, but I didn’t really like how the shadow of Bridget loomed over the new relationship between Hawk and Ali. What I did like about the Bridget drama was the opportunity it provided for Adair to really show how good of a guy Hawk was. I didn’t particularly like that Ali seemed to regularly need saving, but I did love how Hawk came to the rescue. He was a good guy through and through and that made me love him as a match for Ali.
But Hawk wasn’t the only great character. I absolutely adored Ali from the very beginning. I loved that while she had a very artsy career, it wasn’t an ultra feminine one. It gave an interesting spin on an artistic character and shaped who she was as a person, especially a person trying to figure out where she belonged in the life of an ultra handsome former professional athlete. I also absolutely adored Ali’s dad. He was great comedic relief at times and made for a really special voice of reason for all the characters. I loved that he wasn’t just a throw away character, he really was an incredibly important part of the lives of the main characters and was appropriately well developed for how signifcant he was to the plot.
At times throughout the book, I did feel like I was a bit thrown into the action and felt like I never really got enough backstory about Hawk, like perhaps I was supposed to know things about his past and family history that I didn’t. But that could just be because, while these books can be read as standalone, this was the second book in the Destiny Bay series. But now that I’ve fallen completely in love with this world, I’m looking forward to catching up on the first book and carrying on reading any future books in the series.
March 3, 2017
When I hear the words "hockey player", I am in. The best part about Bradley being a hockey player is that he played for the Chicago Blackhawks. A favorite hockey team of mine. So, from that point on I knew that Bradley was a winner. Of course getting to be introduced to him in his boxers was a nice opening.
Ali is a sweetheart. Although, she might have been too much of one. Her sister, Bridget tried to stomp her into the ground. If it was not for Bradley having Ali's back; Ali would have taken a back seat to Bridget. Bridget was so mean towards Ali that she turned me off. Anytime Bridget was in the mix, I would quickly rush over her parts.
Finally there was the romance between Ali and Bradley. It was charming and heart-felt. It just was not knock your socks off type of romance. Yet, I did have an enjoyable time reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Ali is a sweetheart. Although, she might have been too much of one. Her sister, Bridget tried to stomp her into the ground. If it was not for Bradley having Ali's back; Ali would have taken a back seat to Bridget. Bridget was so mean towards Ali that she turned me off. Anytime Bridget was in the mix, I would quickly rush over her parts.
Finally there was the romance between Ali and Bradley. It was charming and heart-felt. It just was not knock your socks off type of romance. Yet, I did have an enjoyable time reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
March 5, 2017
Hawk sure could be a smarty pants, "he was hungry, but he was also touched. “Wow, sunshine, did you bring me lunch?” He opened the bag and took in a deep breath, then met her gaze. “That’s a very girlfriend-like thing, you know. Some might call it a sweet gesture.” I loved Hawk he was such a great guy, really caring.
April 25, 2017
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This was adorable. I loved Hawk and reading his thoughts. Ali was sweet. Her dad precious and her sister drove he batty.
Hawk was honest, real and to the point. He always liked Ali just didn’t realize it until recently. Suddenly him and Ali are embroiled in a crazy scheme and all because Ali was trying to protect him and keep everyone off her.
Ali is so sweet. She is protective of her loved ones and always wants to help if she can. She tries so hard to keep her sister from hurting Hawk but also she is protecting herself as well. She has crushed on Hawk forever but is afraid. She doesn’t want to be second best and doesn’t quite trust the feelings of Hawk due to it being her sister he was with before her.
These two will have you laugh, smile, cry and just sit back and enjoy the adventure they go on. Hawk is sweet, gorgeous, generous and amazing. His interactions with Ali’s dad are adorable and him and Ali are perfect together. They understand and respect each other. More importantly they love one another and don’t want to fix each other. It takes Hawk awhile to see his feelings but when he does he goes all out. He is always there for Ali and helping her. He supports her and in understanding. Watching him put it all out there was exciting and swoony. He was a great character and his love of Ali and who she was flaws and all was sweet and precious.
their story to finding each other and love was bumpy at times. Her sister throws a wrench in their romance but also helps to move it along. She will drive you batty and have you wonder how hawk could be with her and not Ali from the beginning. I loved seeing him realize that he is over his ex and is in love. It was enlightening and a fun ride. A story of love, friendship, letting go and moving on and family that will entertain and move your heart.
This was adorable. I loved Hawk and reading his thoughts. Ali was sweet. Her dad precious and her sister drove he batty.
Hawk was honest, real and to the point. He always liked Ali just didn’t realize it until recently. Suddenly him and Ali are embroiled in a crazy scheme and all because Ali was trying to protect him and keep everyone off her.
Ali is so sweet. She is protective of her loved ones and always wants to help if she can. She tries so hard to keep her sister from hurting Hawk but also she is protecting herself as well. She has crushed on Hawk forever but is afraid. She doesn’t want to be second best and doesn’t quite trust the feelings of Hawk due to it being her sister he was with before her.
These two will have you laugh, smile, cry and just sit back and enjoy the adventure they go on. Hawk is sweet, gorgeous, generous and amazing. His interactions with Ali’s dad are adorable and him and Ali are perfect together. They understand and respect each other. More importantly they love one another and don’t want to fix each other. It takes Hawk awhile to see his feelings but when he does he goes all out. He is always there for Ali and helping her. He supports her and in understanding. Watching him put it all out there was exciting and swoony. He was a great character and his love of Ali and who she was flaws and all was sweet and precious.
their story to finding each other and love was bumpy at times. Her sister throws a wrench in their romance but also helps to move it along. She will drive you batty and have you wonder how hawk could be with her and not Ali from the beginning. I loved seeing him realize that he is over his ex and is in love. It was enlightening and a fun ride. A story of love, friendship, letting go and moving on and family that will entertain and move your heart.
April 27, 2017
5 Stars
Feels Like the First Time is the second book from Marina Adair’s Destiny Bay contemporary romance series. One of the characters from the first book Last Kiss of Summer that I was so excited to learn more about was Hawk. He’s a former hockey star who owns a bar in the small town of Destiny Bay. His neighbor and friend is Ali who happens to be his ex-sister-in-law. Yes, Hawk used to be married to Ali’s older sister, but he’s worked hard to move on with his life after the divorce. While Ali and Hawk have remained friends, things definitely get weird when her newly engaged sister strolls back into town. One little lie pretty much begins to blur the lines between two long-time friends.
I adore being whisked away to Adair’s Destiny Bay. Feels Like the First Time is an absolutely enjoyable follow-up to the first book. Ali and Hawk’s friendship is fun and natural, and I loved seeing them struggle in their predicament and slowly realize the truth. Both are strong characters. Ali is super independent and always puts others needs ahead of her own. Hawk is so caring and finally ready to open his heart to love again after his divorce.
If you’re seeking a romance along the lines of friendship turning into something more, Feels Like the First Time is the perfect read to cuddle up to on a relaxing day.
Review also posted on My Book Snack.
Feels Like the First Time is the second book from Marina Adair’s Destiny Bay contemporary romance series. One of the characters from the first book Last Kiss of Summer that I was so excited to learn more about was Hawk. He’s a former hockey star who owns a bar in the small town of Destiny Bay. His neighbor and friend is Ali who happens to be his ex-sister-in-law. Yes, Hawk used to be married to Ali’s older sister, but he’s worked hard to move on with his life after the divorce. While Ali and Hawk have remained friends, things definitely get weird when her newly engaged sister strolls back into town. One little lie pretty much begins to blur the lines between two long-time friends.
I adore being whisked away to Adair’s Destiny Bay. Feels Like the First Time is an absolutely enjoyable follow-up to the first book. Ali and Hawk’s friendship is fun and natural, and I loved seeing them struggle in their predicament and slowly realize the truth. Both are strong characters. Ali is super independent and always puts others needs ahead of her own. Hawk is so caring and finally ready to open his heart to love again after his divorce.
If you’re seeking a romance along the lines of friendship turning into something more, Feels Like the First Time is the perfect read to cuddle up to on a relaxing day.
Review also posted on My Book Snack.
April 24, 2017
I absolutely adore a friends to lovers romance. Honestly it is one of my absolute favorite romance troupes. Marina Adair hit all the right buttons for me in Feels Like the First Time.
I love every single thing about Ali Marshall. She is a strong woman who runs her own business and is always there to take care of friends and family. She also knows her own mind and puts her own needs on the back burner to help others out at times, so much so that even though she is insanely attracted to Bradly Hawk, she remains only friends with him since he is her sister's ex-husband.
I have to say the chemistry between Ali and Hawk was pretty awesome from their very first encounter. Even their playful banter was so flirtatious. I seriously bought into them as a couple long before Ali created her fauxmance with Hawk. They had amazing passion and I especially loved that Hawk accepted Ali just as she was and didn't expect her to change at all.
I did worry how much pressure Ali put on herself to always be there for everyone else while putting many of her needs last. I think her family especially had come to expect her to take up the slack, and it was refreshing to finally see her sister Bridget offer to help, even if she stumbled a bit along the way.
I really enjoyed Feels Like the First Time, which is the 2nd book in the Destiny Bay series. As I missed reading the first book in the series, I can say with certainty that Feels Like the First Time reads very well as a stand alone story. I will also say I have already bought the first book to go back and read, as I hate reading books in a series out of order. I found Feels Like the First Time to be a sexy and emotional romance and a really super fast read, as I couldn't put the book down.
Rating: 4 Stars (B)
Review copy provided by publisher
I love every single thing about Ali Marshall. She is a strong woman who runs her own business and is always there to take care of friends and family. She also knows her own mind and puts her own needs on the back burner to help others out at times, so much so that even though she is insanely attracted to Bradly Hawk, she remains only friends with him since he is her sister's ex-husband.
I have to say the chemistry between Ali and Hawk was pretty awesome from their very first encounter. Even their playful banter was so flirtatious. I seriously bought into them as a couple long before Ali created her fauxmance with Hawk. They had amazing passion and I especially loved that Hawk accepted Ali just as she was and didn't expect her to change at all.
I did worry how much pressure Ali put on herself to always be there for everyone else while putting many of her needs last. I think her family especially had come to expect her to take up the slack, and it was refreshing to finally see her sister Bridget offer to help, even if she stumbled a bit along the way.
I really enjoyed Feels Like the First Time, which is the 2nd book in the Destiny Bay series. As I missed reading the first book in the series, I can say with certainty that Feels Like the First Time reads very well as a stand alone story. I will also say I have already bought the first book to go back and read, as I hate reading books in a series out of order. I found Feels Like the First Time to be a sexy and emotional romance and a really super fast read, as I couldn't put the book down.
Rating: 4 Stars (B)
Review copy provided by publisher
April 25, 2017
Just loved this book. Ms. Adair has done it again. The second in the Destiny
Series..Here we have a friends to lovers story.
They've known each other since they became family. Now it's a little weird to say the least
when things turn around.
Ali Marshall always takes care of everyone else. She finally does something for herself and gets noticed for her art work.
When her sister comes back to Destiny it shocks not only her, but Hawk her ex-husband.
Ali finds herself telling a little white lie, and involving him. The thing is he doesn't seem to mind it.
But when they both get caught up in the lie something happens. Neither know what to do.
See what happens. Highly recommend this series.
Series..Here we have a friends to lovers story.
They've known each other since they became family. Now it's a little weird to say the least
when things turn around.
Ali Marshall always takes care of everyone else. She finally does something for herself and gets noticed for her art work.
When her sister comes back to Destiny it shocks not only her, but Hawk her ex-husband.
Ali finds herself telling a little white lie, and involving him. The thing is he doesn't seem to mind it.
But when they both get caught up in the lie something happens. Neither know what to do.
See what happens. Highly recommend this series.
April 21, 2017
Feels Like The First Time makes for a feel good romance with a hint of taboo thrown in for good measure. Marina Adair has a knack for writing poignant stories that can easily make a readers eyes water with laughter and/or tears. What began as a matter of prideful insecurity turns into a mouthwatering love affair. Ali and Hawk appeal to sentimental card carrying romantics everywhere. With each and every word, Ms. Adair touches the heart while resurrecting the dreamer in us all.
April 25, 2017
I love a friends to lovers book, add in a small town and I can't wait to read it! But, I'm truly struggling to come to terms with my feelings regarding Feels Like the First Time. On one hand, I loved the relationship that moved from friends to lovers between Ali and Hawk. I loved their true friendship, their love for each other as friends that neither wanted to screw up with admitting that there was really more to their relationship.
But I greatly disliked, no, I hated how Ali's sister, Bridget, and Bridget and Hawk's marriage and divorce "hung around" through the entirety of the story. The constant reminder of Bridget and Hawk's past love and subsequent breakup overshadowed everything, and I just couldn't fully enjoy the story of Ali and Hawk and their growing love that moved past the bounds of friendship.
I loved the first book, The Last Kiss of Summer, in the Destiny Bay series, it was smart, fun and a great read, unfortunately, Feels Like the First Time wasn't the same for me. ~ Missy, 3 stars
But I greatly disliked, no, I hated how Ali's sister, Bridget, and Bridget and Hawk's marriage and divorce "hung around" through the entirety of the story. The constant reminder of Bridget and Hawk's past love and subsequent breakup overshadowed everything, and I just couldn't fully enjoy the story of Ali and Hawk and their growing love that moved past the bounds of friendship.
I loved the first book, The Last Kiss of Summer, in the Destiny Bay series, it was smart, fun and a great read, unfortunately, Feels Like the First Time wasn't the same for me. ~ Missy, 3 stars
April 27, 2017
Enjoyable read. It's sweet and heartwarming. The story is well written with characters you will love. The chemistry between Ali and Hawk was sizzling hot. The story has plenty of drama and a fun read. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
May 20, 2017
Adorable.
April 23, 2017
4 1/2 stars; review upcoming
April 25, 2017
Feels Like the First Time is the second installment of Marina Adair’s Destiny Bay series and this is Ali and Hawk’s story – and my goodness, what a story it was. Ali has been in love with Hawk for the longest time, but Hawk is still has feelings for his ex-wife, Bridget (who just happens to be Ali’s sister), and doesn’t have a clue about Ali’s feelings – so they have remained in the friend zone for the longest time. Things change though when Hawk agrees to be Ali’s date to Bridget’s engagement party and sparks start to fly and Hawk finally sees that true love was right in front of him the entire time. There is a lot going on in this story, and I don’t want to spoil anything, but it does end happily and left me with a huge smile on my face.
For the most part, I loved this story except that there was a lot of family drama going on and I felt like at times it overshadowed the love story that should have been the focus. I understand that for Ali and Hawk to get to where they needed to be in their relationship, the drama was important to the story, I just wished there could have been less. Regardless, this was a sweet romance that swept me away and tugged at my heart. All the characters were amazing, especially Marty (Ali’s father), who will forever have a place in my heart. I love with the small town feel of Destiny Bay, not only for its charm but also the hilarity of how everyone knows everyone’s business due to the gossip train.
I absolutely love Ms. Adair’s writing style, as she has a knack of drawing me into the story, keeping me engaged and entertained the entire time. Feels Like the First Time is a lovely story of second chance love that left me feeling lighthearted and happy. Even though this is the second book of the series, it could be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book, Last Kiss of Summer, because it was also a great book and you are introduced to the characters that are mentioned in this story. Overall, Feels Like the First Time is a wonderful story filled with romance, friendship and a lesson in learning to forgive, set in a charming town with lovable characters. Check it out….you will not be disappointed!
*Uncorrected proof provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part, I loved this story except that there was a lot of family drama going on and I felt like at times it overshadowed the love story that should have been the focus. I understand that for Ali and Hawk to get to where they needed to be in their relationship, the drama was important to the story, I just wished there could have been less. Regardless, this was a sweet romance that swept me away and tugged at my heart. All the characters were amazing, especially Marty (Ali’s father), who will forever have a place in my heart. I love with the small town feel of Destiny Bay, not only for its charm but also the hilarity of how everyone knows everyone’s business due to the gossip train.
I absolutely love Ms. Adair’s writing style, as she has a knack of drawing me into the story, keeping me engaged and entertained the entire time. Feels Like the First Time is a lovely story of second chance love that left me feeling lighthearted and happy. Even though this is the second book of the series, it could be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend reading the first book, Last Kiss of Summer, because it was also a great book and you are introduced to the characters that are mentioned in this story. Overall, Feels Like the First Time is a wonderful story filled with romance, friendship and a lesson in learning to forgive, set in a charming town with lovable characters. Check it out….you will not be disappointed!
*Uncorrected proof provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2021
My review was originally posted on Romancing-the-Book.com and is posted below:
Ali and her family aren't anything if not dysfunctional. While she was raised by her dad in small town Destiny Bay, her sister Bridget was raised by their mom in Seattle. They had totally different upbringings and differences on their outlooks on life and what's owed them. It doesn't help that Ali and Hawk are best friends and he's her sister's ex-husband whom she dumped but may have an interest in again or does she? Her current boyfriend, Jamie, is more gone than present in Bridget's life and she doesn't seem to care or does she?
Hawk is always there for Ali and gets Ali even with her insecurities. They have a chemistry that they both start to feel and even act on and left me rooting for them time after time. When her mother and her sister swoop in to town it's not in support of Ali who is making a name for herself as an artist who works with metals but because Bridget has news of her own. It results in a lot of twists and turns to the story along with a lot of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, sadness, tears, anger and fear. As she and Bridget try to work out their feelings it's one step forward and two or three back. It doesn't help that Ali is very protective of their dad whom has health issues or her doubts of her mother's real motives or even her love. As we get to know each of them better a lot of emotions are front and center and have to be dealt with.
There are family and friends, small businesses, the small town feel and its residents, the cider, chocolate and other pies, Marty's boat, wedding planning, the magazine layout, laughter, tears, happiness, sadness and lots of emotions from everyone involved. There is loving and love along with romance and a nice flow to the story. There are revelations made as well as peace coming to fruition. There is a happily ever after on several fronts with nice closure and I look forward to returning to Destiny Bay again and again.
Adair is one of my go to authors for contemporary romance not only in this series. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Ali and her family aren't anything if not dysfunctional. While she was raised by her dad in small town Destiny Bay, her sister Bridget was raised by their mom in Seattle. They had totally different upbringings and differences on their outlooks on life and what's owed them. It doesn't help that Ali and Hawk are best friends and he's her sister's ex-husband whom she dumped but may have an interest in again or does she? Her current boyfriend, Jamie, is more gone than present in Bridget's life and she doesn't seem to care or does she?
Hawk is always there for Ali and gets Ali even with her insecurities. They have a chemistry that they both start to feel and even act on and left me rooting for them time after time. When her mother and her sister swoop in to town it's not in support of Ali who is making a name for herself as an artist who works with metals but because Bridget has news of her own. It results in a lot of twists and turns to the story along with a lot of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, sadness, tears, anger and fear. As she and Bridget try to work out their feelings it's one step forward and two or three back. It doesn't help that Ali is very protective of their dad whom has health issues or her doubts of her mother's real motives or even her love. As we get to know each of them better a lot of emotions are front and center and have to be dealt with.
There are family and friends, small businesses, the small town feel and its residents, the cider, chocolate and other pies, Marty's boat, wedding planning, the magazine layout, laughter, tears, happiness, sadness and lots of emotions from everyone involved. There is loving and love along with romance and a nice flow to the story. There are revelations made as well as peace coming to fruition. There is a happily ever after on several fronts with nice closure and I look forward to returning to Destiny Bay again and again.
Adair is one of my go to authors for contemporary romance not only in this series. I look forward to reading more of her books.
September 6, 2017
Hawk and Ali have had a specials feelings for each other long before they became romantic. Circumstance prevented them from realizing what they want and acting on these feelings is a whole different story. When Ali’s sister, Hawk’s ex-wife comes home, it triggers a response to their well-kept feelings.I was a little skittish about this book because of my reservations on how the hero and heroine know each other. You see, Hawk and Ali’s sister were married, now divorced. Yes, this made me feel awkward. I didn’t like that situation, but let me assure you that the supporting circumstances made their love story work. You’ll quickly see that Hawk and Ali belong to each other and their happy-ever-after was quite sweet.
Just when I thought there might be a book that I won’t like, Adair proves me wrong. As I read on, my adoration for the heroine and my swooning over the hero increases. Hawk is super sweet and I adore him, as well as the people in this small town. Ali’s dad for one. I love how he knew for some time how Hawk felt for Ali but pretty much minded his business. I disliked Ali’s sister Bridget. Her looming past relationship with Halk bugged me to no ends and I hated that she made Ali feel insecure. But I suppose she was a good villain and created a good conflict to the story. Luke and Kennedy, the couple from the previous book got plenty of page time. I love that Marina always incorporates the secondary characters well into the main story.
Overall, another great read from Marina Adair. Feels Like the First Time had lots of drama, town gossip and a whole lot of feels to the story. I’ll say it again, she has not failed me yet.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela
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July 25, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/fe...
Feels Like The First Time
Destiny Bay, Book #2
By Marina Adair
ISBN: 9781455562282
Author Website: http://www.MarinaAdair.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
What’s wrong with a little white lie?
There are a lot of things Ali Marshal doesn’t do: pink anything, a day without chocolate, and Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. Sure, he’s a sexy former NHL star who can make her pulse pound with just a wink. But he belonged to Bridget first. And no matter how long she’s had a crush on him, how great he’s always been to her dad, or that her sister is engaged to someone else now and Ali needs a date to their engagement party, she can’t give in to temptation. Can she?
It’s been years since his disastrous marriage crashed and burned, and Bradley Hawk has finally moved on. So when Bridget blows back into town with her new fiancé, throwing the engagement party of the year, he could care less . . . until Ali tells one little lie that lands him smack dab in a fake relationship. After one promise to be Ali’s date and two of the hottest kisses he’s ever had, Hawk can’t deny how much he wants her. But what happens when this fauxmance starts to feel very, very real? (Goodreads)
Review:
Ali is one tough woman who is not afraid of very much. She knows how to handle manly tools, she loves beer and knows her way around a pool table. What she does not have a handle are the things concerning her family: her dad’s illness and his refusal to do take his doctor’s advice, her mom’s desertion since she was young and her sister Bridget’s need to be the center of attention. When it comes to all of these things, she is at a lost. When her sister comes home and announces that she is getting married again, she knows how hard it will be for one of her best friends to handle it. You see, one of her best friend is Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. She has secretly had a crush on him forever.
Hawk is one of the good guys. He is friendly, caring and loyal. Everyone in town thinks very highly of him and knows he will always do what is right. So he is having a tough time dealing with the feelings that he is developing for Ali. He has always cared about her but since she was her sister-in-law, he knew she was off limits. He has been struggling with his feelings for his ex-wife, he knows he will always love her but has realized that he wants his future to be with Ali, not Bridget. Now all he has to do is convince her that they have a future together.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. There is a lot of family dynamics going on, a lot of which are not good. All of the characters are flawed, which made them seem more realistic to me. They have a lot to work on, a lot to forgive and a lot to figure out. I really liked all of the family drama involved. I also liked the bickering and banter between Ali and Hawk, it had me laughing out loud at times.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The author is very talented in writing an emotional book and bringing those emotions out in the reader. I laughed, I had tears in my eyes, I shook my head and wanted to scream a few times. Being taken on an emotional roller-coaster by an author does not happen all that often, but this author managed to do just that and do it well..
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. I have read the first book in this series and I really liked that one too. I am looking forward to reading book three when it is released.
Feels Like The First Time
Destiny Bay, Book #2
By Marina Adair
ISBN: 9781455562282
Author Website: http://www.MarinaAdair.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer jerjen
Synopsis:
What’s wrong with a little white lie?
There are a lot of things Ali Marshal doesn’t do: pink anything, a day without chocolate, and Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. Sure, he’s a sexy former NHL star who can make her pulse pound with just a wink. But he belonged to Bridget first. And no matter how long she’s had a crush on him, how great he’s always been to her dad, or that her sister is engaged to someone else now and Ali needs a date to their engagement party, she can’t give in to temptation. Can she?
It’s been years since his disastrous marriage crashed and burned, and Bradley Hawk has finally moved on. So when Bridget blows back into town with her new fiancé, throwing the engagement party of the year, he could care less . . . until Ali tells one little lie that lands him smack dab in a fake relationship. After one promise to be Ali’s date and two of the hottest kisses he’s ever had, Hawk can’t deny how much he wants her. But what happens when this fauxmance starts to feel very, very real? (Goodreads)
Review:
Ali is one tough woman who is not afraid of very much. She knows how to handle manly tools, she loves beer and knows her way around a pool table. What she does not have a handle are the things concerning her family: her dad’s illness and his refusal to do take his doctor’s advice, her mom’s desertion since she was young and her sister Bridget’s need to be the center of attention. When it comes to all of these things, she is at a lost. When her sister comes home and announces that she is getting married again, she knows how hard it will be for one of her best friends to handle it. You see, one of her best friend is Hawk, her sister’s ex-husband. She has secretly had a crush on him forever.
Hawk is one of the good guys. He is friendly, caring and loyal. Everyone in town thinks very highly of him and knows he will always do what is right. So he is having a tough time dealing with the feelings that he is developing for Ali. He has always cared about her but since she was her sister-in-law, he knew she was off limits. He has been struggling with his feelings for his ex-wife, he knows he will always love her but has realized that he wants his future to be with Ali, not Bridget. Now all he has to do is convince her that they have a future together.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. There is a lot of family dynamics going on, a lot of which are not good. All of the characters are flawed, which made them seem more realistic to me. They have a lot to work on, a lot to forgive and a lot to figure out. I really liked all of the family drama involved. I also liked the bickering and banter between Ali and Hawk, it had me laughing out loud at times.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The author is very talented in writing an emotional book and bringing those emotions out in the reader. I laughed, I had tears in my eyes, I shook my head and wanted to scream a few times. Being taken on an emotional roller-coaster by an author does not happen all that often, but this author managed to do just that and do it well..
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written women’s contemporary. I have read the first book in this series and I really liked that one too. I am looking forward to reading book three when it is released.
May 25, 2017
3.5
Beginning the book with the hero running in boxer, trying to catch a thief, armed with his hockey stick , is a great way to start it ;p
What got on my nerves at first with the family stuff is what made this story great in the end. It might be not my favorite from Marina Adair, probably because of the plot but also because some details weren't that clear to me, but Ali was such a lovable heroine and seeing her take a chance at love, not only with the hero, but also with family members that disappointed and weren't there for her before, was a humbling experience.
When I say that things could have been clearer, I was talking about Hawk's feelings for his ex-wife. To begin with, I'm not a fan of the sister ex-husband idea. I can get over my unease if the hero is clearly over the ex, but that wasn't the case, no matter what the back cover says. Ali spend a lot of time thinking that Hawk still feels something for Bridget and for all the times we "heard" Hawk thought he still feel responsible for Bridget's happiness, it was tough to not agree with Ali.
I know that pretending to be Hawk's girlfriend could get confusing for them, but their relationship was confusing for me too. It felt lukewarm for too long and suddenly the sparks appeared but I didn't completely believe in the sudden vibe. This author wrote so many great banters, but when Hawk and Ali banter as friend and even as a fake couple, I didn't feel the sexual chemistry between them.
It was frustrating to see the heroine still being in the shadow of her sister. But like I said, that's also the beauty of this story, because Ali try and forgive and have no ego so it made a reconciliation with her sibling possible. That doesn't mean she's a doormat or that Bridget didn't have redeeming qualities in the end, but for me, justice is something important and even if I know that love is not always about equality, it's supposed to be about sharing and it bother me when it's always the same person who do all the efforts.
Ali's dad was such a sweetheart. He wore his heart on his sleeve (just like his daughter) and I was afraid he would have his heart trampled. Thank God it didn't happen ! I like seeing Ali with her dad and the love between them was touching. That's my favorite thing about the book, how kind and wise he was and that she took care of him because his health is frail.
Beginning the book with the hero running in boxer, trying to catch a thief, armed with his hockey stick , is a great way to start it ;p
What got on my nerves at first with the family stuff is what made this story great in the end. It might be not my favorite from Marina Adair, probably because of the plot but also because some details weren't that clear to me, but Ali was such a lovable heroine and seeing her take a chance at love, not only with the hero, but also with family members that disappointed and weren't there for her before, was a humbling experience.
When I say that things could have been clearer, I was talking about Hawk's feelings for his ex-wife. To begin with, I'm not a fan of the sister ex-husband idea. I can get over my unease if the hero is clearly over the ex, but that wasn't the case, no matter what the back cover says. Ali spend a lot of time thinking that Hawk still feels something for Bridget and for all the times we "heard" Hawk thought he still feel responsible for Bridget's happiness, it was tough to not agree with Ali.
I know that pretending to be Hawk's girlfriend could get confusing for them, but their relationship was confusing for me too. It felt lukewarm for too long and suddenly the sparks appeared but I didn't completely believe in the sudden vibe. This author wrote so many great banters, but when Hawk and Ali banter as friend and even as a fake couple, I didn't feel the sexual chemistry between them.
It was frustrating to see the heroine still being in the shadow of her sister. But like I said, that's also the beauty of this story, because Ali try and forgive and have no ego so it made a reconciliation with her sibling possible. That doesn't mean she's a doormat or that Bridget didn't have redeeming qualities in the end, but for me, justice is something important and even if I know that love is not always about equality, it's supposed to be about sharing and it bother me when it's always the same person who do all the efforts.
Ali's dad was such a sweetheart. He wore his heart on his sleeve (just like his daughter) and I was afraid he would have his heart trampled. Thank God it didn't happen ! I like seeing Ali with her dad and the love between them was touching. That's my favorite thing about the book, how kind and wise he was and that she took care of him because his health is frail.
May 11, 2017
Ali devotes her life to making others happy. She's selfless, mothering, fierce, loyal, and strong. When she was young, her parents divorced and split the kids between them. Ali may not have had a motherly influence, but her dad surrounded her with love. He supported her and her dreams, while teaching her to be a strong independent woman. Her mom taught Bridget, Ali's older sister, to be a selfish, insecure person with no goals. So Ali and Bridget often clashed, especially when Bridget married Ali's longtime crush--Hawk.
Hawk has spent the last two years recovering from a failed marriage to Bridget and forced early retirement from NHL due to an injury. The only thing he asked for when they divorced was for her to NOT live in Destiny Bay. He wanted to come home and start a new life for himself. Hawk and his best friend own a successful bar in Destiny Bay. Hawk's friendship with Ali has grown and he's finally at a place in his life where he feels he can move on....until Bridget breezes back into town.
In a desperate attempt to "have Hawk's back", Ali tells her family that Hawk is her boyfriend. Bridget is newly engaged, but seems unhappy. Ali knows Bridget is up to something, but doesn't know what it is. So Hawk and Ali agree to be faux-friends, then sexy-friends. When Bridget makes a play for Hawk, Ali doubts Hawk's love for her causing all sorts of problems.
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how supportive Hawk was of Ali and her dreams. I loved how he "listened" to her and loved her for who she was. I loved that he pampered her without suffocating her. I especially loved it when he called her his sunshine!!! While Ali was strong in nearly EVERY aspect of her life, I was a little disappointed in her willingness to allow her sister to walk all over her in the name of "family". She was the only one who made concessions so that Bridget was happy. What about her dreams? She even let her sister turn her congratulatory party into Bridget's engagement party!!! I wanted Ali to have it out with her sister and call her out on her selfishness! Other than that, I truly enjoyed this novel. It was engaging, funny, sweet, and ended with a HEA. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
Hawk has spent the last two years recovering from a failed marriage to Bridget and forced early retirement from NHL due to an injury. The only thing he asked for when they divorced was for her to NOT live in Destiny Bay. He wanted to come home and start a new life for himself. Hawk and his best friend own a successful bar in Destiny Bay. Hawk's friendship with Ali has grown and he's finally at a place in his life where he feels he can move on....until Bridget breezes back into town.
In a desperate attempt to "have Hawk's back", Ali tells her family that Hawk is her boyfriend. Bridget is newly engaged, but seems unhappy. Ali knows Bridget is up to something, but doesn't know what it is. So Hawk and Ali agree to be faux-friends, then sexy-friends. When Bridget makes a play for Hawk, Ali doubts Hawk's love for her causing all sorts of problems.
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how supportive Hawk was of Ali and her dreams. I loved how he "listened" to her and loved her for who she was. I loved that he pampered her without suffocating her. I especially loved it when he called her his sunshine!!! While Ali was strong in nearly EVERY aspect of her life, I was a little disappointed in her willingness to allow her sister to walk all over her in the name of "family". She was the only one who made concessions so that Bridget was happy. What about her dreams? She even let her sister turn her congratulatory party into Bridget's engagement party!!! I wanted Ali to have it out with her sister and call her out on her selfishness! Other than that, I truly enjoyed this novel. It was engaging, funny, sweet, and ended with a HEA. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
October 12, 2019
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by NetGalley
Ali and her family aren't anything if not dysfunctional. While she was raised by her dad in small town Destiny Bay, her sister Bridget was raised by their mom in Seattle. They had totally different upbringings and differences on their outlooks on life and what's owed them. It doesn't help that Ali and Hawk are best friends and he's her sister's ex-husband whom she dumped but may have an interest in again or does she? Her current boyfriend, Jamie, is more gone than present in Bridget's life and she doesn't seem to care or does she?
Hawk is always there for Ali and gets Ali even with her insecurities. They have a chemistry that they both start to feel and even act on and left me rooting for them time after time. When her mother and her sister swoop in to town it's not in support of Ali who is making a name for herself as an artist who works with metals but because Bridget has news of her own. It results in a lot of twists and turns to the story along with a lot of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, sadness, tears, anger and fear. As she and Bridget try to work out their feelings it's one step forward and two or three back. It doesn't help that Ali is very protective of their dad whom has health issues or her doubts of her mother's real motives or even her love. As we get to know each of them better a lot of emotions are front and center and have to be dealt with.
There are family and friends, small businesses, the small town feel and its residents, the cider, chocolate and other pies, Marty's boat, wedding planning, the magazine layout, laughter, tears, happiness, sadness and lots of emotions from everyone involved. There is loving and love along with romance and a nice flow to the story. There are revelations made as well as peace coming to fruition. There is a happily ever after on several fronts with nice closure and I look forward to returning to Destiny Bay again and again.
Adair is one of my go to authors for contemporary romance not only in this series. I look forward to reading more of her books.
Book provided by NetGalley
Ali and her family aren't anything if not dysfunctional. While she was raised by her dad in small town Destiny Bay, her sister Bridget was raised by their mom in Seattle. They had totally different upbringings and differences on their outlooks on life and what's owed them. It doesn't help that Ali and Hawk are best friends and he's her sister's ex-husband whom she dumped but may have an interest in again or does she? Her current boyfriend, Jamie, is more gone than present in Bridget's life and she doesn't seem to care or does she?
Hawk is always there for Ali and gets Ali even with her insecurities. They have a chemistry that they both start to feel and even act on and left me rooting for them time after time. When her mother and her sister swoop in to town it's not in support of Ali who is making a name for herself as an artist who works with metals but because Bridget has news of her own. It results in a lot of twists and turns to the story along with a lot of misunderstandings, hurt feelings, sadness, tears, anger and fear. As she and Bridget try to work out their feelings it's one step forward and two or three back. It doesn't help that Ali is very protective of their dad whom has health issues or her doubts of her mother's real motives or even her love. As we get to know each of them better a lot of emotions are front and center and have to be dealt with.
There are family and friends, small businesses, the small town feel and its residents, the cider, chocolate and other pies, Marty's boat, wedding planning, the magazine layout, laughter, tears, happiness, sadness and lots of emotions from everyone involved. There is loving and love along with romance and a nice flow to the story. There are revelations made as well as peace coming to fruition. There is a happily ever after on several fronts with nice closure and I look forward to returning to Destiny Bay again and again.
Adair is one of my go to authors for contemporary romance not only in this series. I look forward to reading more of her books.
May 27, 2017
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
This wild and crazy ride was every bit as delightful as the two characters the author created in this slap-happy tale about second chances.
Ali had loved Hawk with every part of her being since they were kids growing up in Destiny bay. What she hadn’t realized was how her sister’s appearance would steal him away. She convinced herself she could get through him marrying her sister. She could convince herself that their friendship would weather his divorce from said sister. Seriously, she had a much better relationship with him than her sister Bridget. Falling for him again, though, would be sheer lunacy.
That’s what we romance readers call a trope. In fact, it’s a trope I can’t resist. Maybe because I only had brothers, but I hold a soft spot for sisters. This pair, however…
All Hawk knew was that he really was tired of standing between Ali and her family. Sure, he got it. Marrying and then getting dumped by her sister was a huge hurdle to get over for both of them. He, because of his broken heart; and Ali because of her insecurity about not being enough. What would this fauxmance do to their relationship? And why was the thought of being with Ali for real so tempting?
A fake relationship brought all kinds of luscious and sinful thoughts into Ali’s head–and definitely into Hawk’s hands. The possibility of a real romantic relationship between them seemed possible, but could Ali ever trust enough that he really wanted her for her and not as the consolation prize?
I really loved how the slow heat simmered and burned between these characters. At times I really wanted to take a bite out of Bridget and Gail, their mom, but Martina Adair made sure to humanize both. Thanks for a beautiful and sweet romance with some extra sizzle on the grill. Thanks!
4.5 stars
This wild and crazy ride was every bit as delightful as the two characters the author created in this slap-happy tale about second chances.
Ali had loved Hawk with every part of her being since they were kids growing up in Destiny bay. What she hadn’t realized was how her sister’s appearance would steal him away. She convinced herself she could get through him marrying her sister. She could convince herself that their friendship would weather his divorce from said sister. Seriously, she had a much better relationship with him than her sister Bridget. Falling for him again, though, would be sheer lunacy.
That’s what we romance readers call a trope. In fact, it’s a trope I can’t resist. Maybe because I only had brothers, but I hold a soft spot for sisters. This pair, however…
All Hawk knew was that he really was tired of standing between Ali and her family. Sure, he got it. Marrying and then getting dumped by her sister was a huge hurdle to get over for both of them. He, because of his broken heart; and Ali because of her insecurity about not being enough. What would this fauxmance do to their relationship? And why was the thought of being with Ali for real so tempting?
A fake relationship brought all kinds of luscious and sinful thoughts into Ali’s head–and definitely into Hawk’s hands. The possibility of a real romantic relationship between them seemed possible, but could Ali ever trust enough that he really wanted her for her and not as the consolation prize?
I really loved how the slow heat simmered and burned between these characters. At times I really wanted to take a bite out of Bridget and Gail, their mom, but Martina Adair made sure to humanize both. Thanks for a beautiful and sweet romance with some extra sizzle on the grill. Thanks!
May 10, 2017
Loved this story! From the first scene of Ali and Hawk together, I was hooked! I was on pins and needles waiting to make sure they wound up together. Great characters, a sensitive combination of family and love. Such a great couple!
Aliana Marshal has been crushing on Bradley Hawk since she was a kid. She met him and was immediately smitten, and they were good friends ... and then the worst thing imaginable happened! He met her sister Bridget and fell under her spell instantly. Ali had to stand by and watch the man of her dreams marry her sister ... her selfish and demanding sister ... her wishy-washy sister ... the sister that up and leaves him just as his hockey career in the NHL is ending.
Hawk was crushed when Bridget wanted out of their marriage. He was in it for the long haul ... and continued to let her string him along for a time or two even after it was over. Now he's happy living back home in Destiny Bay, running his bar and brewing his hard cider with his best friend Luke ... and best of all, having his buddy Ali working and living right next door.
When Bridget shows back up in town with news of an upcoming wedding, Ali struggles with how it's all going to affect Hawk. She knows he's still hung up on Bridget, so she needs to protect him. When a make-believe relationship between the two of them comes out of her mouth, they're all shocked. And when the heat that comes off of them during a couple of "fake" kisses hits her, she's blown away ... and so is Hawk ... and all of a sudden he wants them to be dating ... and not for pretend anymore!
Aliana Marshal has been crushing on Bradley Hawk since she was a kid. She met him and was immediately smitten, and they were good friends ... and then the worst thing imaginable happened! He met her sister Bridget and fell under her spell instantly. Ali had to stand by and watch the man of her dreams marry her sister ... her selfish and demanding sister ... her wishy-washy sister ... the sister that up and leaves him just as his hockey career in the NHL is ending.
Hawk was crushed when Bridget wanted out of their marriage. He was in it for the long haul ... and continued to let her string him along for a time or two even after it was over. Now he's happy living back home in Destiny Bay, running his bar and brewing his hard cider with his best friend Luke ... and best of all, having his buddy Ali working and living right next door.
When Bridget shows back up in town with news of an upcoming wedding, Ali struggles with how it's all going to affect Hawk. She knows he's still hung up on Bridget, so she needs to protect him. When a make-believe relationship between the two of them comes out of her mouth, they're all shocked. And when the heat that comes off of them during a couple of "fake" kisses hits her, she's blown away ... and so is Hawk ... and all of a sudden he wants them to be dating ... and not for pretend anymore!
July 16, 2017
This was my first book by Marina Adair. I looked forward to it with much anticipation because there is a huge buzz about her writing. I was not disappointed. Feels Like the First Time is a friends to lovers trope with the complication of the male character having been in love with and married to the heroine's sister. That was a factor that could have easily turned me off of the whole book, but I went with it. I'm glad I did.
Adair's characters are people you actually feel that you know. This one is like your best friend's sister, that one is like your cousin, etc. I loved Ali. She was a very strong, loving woman who was a little afraid to embrace her sexuality. I really, really loved Hawk. He was just a really attractive guy inside and out. He definitely went for the sex with Ali, but he'd pull back and just hold her if that was what she needed. All said, Hawk is definitely a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I personally wouldn't mind seeing his stick (read the book).
Ali's sister Bridget was the burr under the saddle blanket. She was a pain, but it turned out that her heart really was buried under all the other crud she threw out at people. I'm glad she was finally getting her stuff together at the end of the book. The narrator of the audio book, Helen Wick, did an excellent job making her voice so that it grated on your nerves a little bit. The narration was superb all the way around!
I will definitely be looking for more books by Ms. Adair and more narrated by Ms. Wick. It was a lovely combination!
Adair's characters are people you actually feel that you know. This one is like your best friend's sister, that one is like your cousin, etc. I loved Ali. She was a very strong, loving woman who was a little afraid to embrace her sexuality. I really, really loved Hawk. He was just a really attractive guy inside and out. He definitely went for the sex with Ali, but he'd pull back and just hold her if that was what she needed. All said, Hawk is definitely a swoon worthy book boyfriend. I personally wouldn't mind seeing his stick (read the book).
Ali's sister Bridget was the burr under the saddle blanket. She was a pain, but it turned out that her heart really was buried under all the other crud she threw out at people. I'm glad she was finally getting her stuff together at the end of the book. The narrator of the audio book, Helen Wick, did an excellent job making her voice so that it grated on your nerves a little bit. The narration was superb all the way around!
I will definitely be looking for more books by Ms. Adair and more narrated by Ms. Wick. It was a lovely combination!
September 30, 2017
Whoa…..I was waiting for Ali and Hawk to get their book. But once I dove into it, I wasn’t too sure I would like what I would get! I loved Bradley Hawk in the first Destiny Bay book, “The Last Kiss of Summer.” What red-blooded woman wouldn’t love a brooding, wounded, handsome hunk! And Ali Marshal was a real kick-butt, creative heroine. But with Hawk still pining for his ex-wife, Ali’s sister, and Ali upset with herself for pining after her sister’s ex-husband, Hawk, I started getting very exasperated. Sure, the chemistry between the two was there - anyone can see that - but the ever-looming “storm cloud” that was Bridget cast a very dark shadow. Could a ray of love shine down on Ali and Hawk through that?
So while I was trying to decide how annoyed I was getting with Hawk and Ali, I became totally invested in their story! Where will they wind up - Apart? Together? What is Bridget hoping to gain? (Boo, hiss….I really didn’t like Bridget.) With sharp writing and an abundance of character, this author pulled me so effectively into the story that I didn’t realize that the pages were turning and I was figuratively biting my nails! Somehow, someway, Ms. Adair managed to suck me into the world of Destiny Bay when I really wasn’t sure this was a story to get sucked into. I do have to shave a star off my review, as I really do not like Bridget - did I mention that? - and I couldn’t understand both Hawk’s and Ali’s “devotion” to her. But the ending satisfied me enough, and a book that is as well-written as “Feels Like the First Time” can only be a pleasure to read!
So while I was trying to decide how annoyed I was getting with Hawk and Ali, I became totally invested in their story! Where will they wind up - Apart? Together? What is Bridget hoping to gain? (Boo, hiss….I really didn’t like Bridget.) With sharp writing and an abundance of character, this author pulled me so effectively into the story that I didn’t realize that the pages were turning and I was figuratively biting my nails! Somehow, someway, Ms. Adair managed to suck me into the world of Destiny Bay when I really wasn’t sure this was a story to get sucked into. I do have to shave a star off my review, as I really do not like Bridget - did I mention that? - and I couldn’t understand both Hawk’s and Ali’s “devotion” to her. But the ending satisfied me enough, and a book that is as well-written as “Feels Like the First Time” can only be a pleasure to read!
June 26, 2017
This book follows Ali Marshal who has always been the one trying to keep her family together. She has always sacrificed herself for others when she finds out she might be featured in magazine her father throws her a party and her sister Bridget shows up and steals the show announcing her engagement. Ali reeling from the spotlight changing directions and the appearance of her mother does the extreme and kisses Hawk. Bridgets ex-husband and convinces her sister that Hawk and her are a thing.
Hawk has no idea what hit him he just knows he's enjoying spending time with Ali and being her friend when the tables turn and Ali kisses him, his emotions go all over. He's along for the ride but as it's gets busier and busier he's noticed something about Ali that makes him wonder if he picked the wrong sister all along.
This book was great to go back to Destiny Bay and see what everyone is up to. It's especially great to learn more about Ali and Hawk and their background and families. What I really enjoyed was watching the two try to figure out what was going on in their relationship and how far it would go. And to see the happily ever after. This book is great for all romance lovers. It brings you in like Cedar Cove does.
Hawk has no idea what hit him he just knows he's enjoying spending time with Ali and being her friend when the tables turn and Ali kisses him, his emotions go all over. He's along for the ride but as it's gets busier and busier he's noticed something about Ali that makes him wonder if he picked the wrong sister all along.
This book was great to go back to Destiny Bay and see what everyone is up to. It's especially great to learn more about Ali and Hawk and their background and families. What I really enjoyed was watching the two try to figure out what was going on in their relationship and how far it would go. And to see the happily ever after. This book is great for all romance lovers. It brings you in like Cedar Cove does.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2017
Ali Marshall has had a thing for Hawk since before his marriage to her sister years ago. She has been there for him always. When he was in the hospital recovering from knee surgery after winning the cup, while also delivering the news that her sister was divorcing him. Now on a night that for once her family should be celebrating her achievement her sister has once again come in with her grand ways and made it about her and has announced she is getting married. Hawk seeing this does not let Ali down and they announce to everyone that they are dating. The only one that is being fooled though is Ali and when she realizes that Bradley Hawk had been serious the whole time she now wonders if she can get back the only man she has every truly loved, and stills loves. Hawk is still wondering what he needs to do to prove to her that he was serious when he said he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and that he has been over her sister for a long time. Can they work it out and get back together? Read this book and find out. A good story with very good characters. I got this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
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