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Soulmates #4
First Love
They say you'll never forget your first love, and that's definitely true in my case.
I think that’s because he was my first everything. My first crush, my first kiss, my first… home run.
I don’t know what it was about Adam, but from the moment I met him, being around him wasn’t just a cerebral stimulant. It was a full body experience.
Unfortunately, the only predictable thing about our relationship was that we never seemed to have enough time together.
On the one hand, that was a blessing. It meant I never had to deal with the pain of watching the spark between us fizzle as we grew up and grew apart.
Then again, maybe it wouldn’t have. Maybe it would’ve ignited further and turned into something… more.
Not that it mattered.
The past was the past, and I needed to put my teenage daydreams behind me.
Still, part of me refused to give up hope.
But like a candle, hope can only burn for so long, and mine had nearly flickered out.
After all, so many years had passed since I’d seen my perfect summer crush that he'd become nothing but a string of scattered, faded flashbacks that seemed too good to be true and too old to keep on such a dusty pedestal.
Of course, as soon as I was ready to forgive and forget, he walked back into my life out of the blue- sexier, bolder, and more unattainable than ever.
And as if invigorated by a gust of warm ocean breeze, my candle burned bright again.
**This is a full-length, standalone romance novel with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It is intended for a mature audience.
I think that’s because he was my first everything. My first crush, my first kiss, my first… home run.
I don’t know what it was about Adam, but from the moment I met him, being around him wasn’t just a cerebral stimulant. It was a full body experience.
Unfortunately, the only predictable thing about our relationship was that we never seemed to have enough time together.
On the one hand, that was a blessing. It meant I never had to deal with the pain of watching the spark between us fizzle as we grew up and grew apart.
Then again, maybe it wouldn’t have. Maybe it would’ve ignited further and turned into something… more.
Not that it mattered.
The past was the past, and I needed to put my teenage daydreams behind me.
Still, part of me refused to give up hope.
But like a candle, hope can only burn for so long, and mine had nearly flickered out.
After all, so many years had passed since I’d seen my perfect summer crush that he'd become nothing but a string of scattered, faded flashbacks that seemed too good to be true and too old to keep on such a dusty pedestal.
Of course, as soon as I was ready to forgive and forget, he walked back into my life out of the blue- sexier, bolder, and more unattainable than ever.
And as if invigorated by a gust of warm ocean breeze, my candle burned bright again.
**This is a full-length, standalone romance novel with no cliffhanger and no cheating. It is intended for a mature audience.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2016
498 people are currently reading
592 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Kelly
57 books812 followersHazel Kelly is an Amazon bestselling author who writes sweet and steamy romance that will make you smile all over.
When she's not traveling the globe in search of cozy hammocks to write in, she enjoys tackling her tbr list with a nice big glass of anything will do. She lives in Dublin with her favorite Irishman and their three-legged cat.
For updates (and warm fuzzies!) follow Hazel on:
Instagram➜ www.instagram.com/hazelkellyauthor
And join her Inner Circle @ ➜ www.hazelkelly.com/innercircle
When she's not traveling the globe in search of cozy hammocks to write in, she enjoys tackling her tbr list with a nice big glass of anything will do. She lives in Dublin with her favorite Irishman and their three-legged cat.
For updates (and warm fuzzies!) follow Hazel on:
Instagram➜ www.instagram.com/hazelkellyauthor
And join her Inner Circle @ ➜ www.hazelkelly.com/innercircle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 1, 2021
Second chances. A hostile takeover, Adam takes over the hotel after buying it from her mother, unbeknownst to her, therefore Jolie is, hostile.
His mother has Victoria queued as a suitable spouse for him and is distant to Jolie, treating her as the hired help.
Skimmed a bit.
His mother has Victoria queued as a suitable spouse for him and is distant to Jolie, treating her as the hired help.
Skimmed a bit.
March 9, 2025
great read
Nice little read, would love to follow up with other books in the series. Each book is a heartwarming story of soulmates and second chances.
Nice little read, would love to follow up with other books in the series. Each book is a heartwarming story of soulmates and second chances.
October 22, 2016
Honestly I have no words for Hazel Kelly anymore...... Each time I read her work I just want to keep reading and reading. Yet again she had me hooked from the first page..... I know I keep saying that I would love to own her books in paperback but I seriously mean it. Her books are amazing and I can never find anything to fault her work. I have been such a huge fan when I started reading her books last year and as always I always hate to get to the end of any of her books. If you haven’t read any of Hazel’s work then you need to do so, you will be hooked from the very first page.
Both Adam and Jolie have often thought about what happened that last summer they saw each other back when they were both 17 and they have fantasized about the what if’s. They honestly didn’t think that they would ever see each other again until Jolie’s mom makes a move that she didn’t see coming and her whole world shatters around her. Honestly I would go into more details but I feel that by me doing that it would ruin the whole atmosphere of this book, so if I was you I would just take my word for how amazing it is. I admire Hazel so much, she is one of the authors that inspired me to actually become a blogger.
Both Adam and Jolie have often thought about what happened that last summer they saw each other back when they were both 17 and they have fantasized about the what if’s. They honestly didn’t think that they would ever see each other again until Jolie’s mom makes a move that she didn’t see coming and her whole world shatters around her. Honestly I would go into more details but I feel that by me doing that it would ruin the whole atmosphere of this book, so if I was you I would just take my word for how amazing it is. I admire Hazel so much, she is one of the authors that inspired me to actually become a blogger.
September 3, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Josie and Adam knew each other when they were kids because Adam and his family used to spend summer vacation at the resort that Josie's family owned.
Every year they were there and when they were 17 they spent the summer together after they lost their virginity together, then Adam left and didn't return the next summer.
Fast forward a few years and Josies father had died and her mother sold the resort. Turns out adam is the new owner.
A great story with excellent characters and a happy ending guaranteed.
Josie and Adam knew each other when they were kids because Adam and his family used to spend summer vacation at the resort that Josie's family owned.
Every year they were there and when they were 17 they spent the summer together after they lost their virginity together, then Adam left and didn't return the next summer.
Fast forward a few years and Josies father had died and her mother sold the resort. Turns out adam is the new owner.
A great story with excellent characters and a happy ending guaranteed.
January 3, 2020
3.5 stars
Was an ok read, not much in the way of tension or angst. Adam and Jolie knew each other growing up, I guess you could say they were each others first love. After some years apart, Adam returns to the resort Jolie's family owns. Although, Jolie tries to fight the connection she soon realizes that's not possible.
His mother and Ex were typical snobby, rich, "thow bow down to me" people that irked me. Glad Adam was able to put his foot down, grow a back done and nip that in the bud.
Some secondary characters were interesting, like Gia and Chris. Would be curious to see their HEA.
Was an ok read, not much in the way of tension or angst. Adam and Jolie knew each other growing up, I guess you could say they were each others first love. After some years apart, Adam returns to the resort Jolie's family owns. Although, Jolie tries to fight the connection she soon realizes that's not possible.
His mother and Ex were typical snobby, rich, "thow bow down to me" people that irked me. Glad Adam was able to put his foot down, grow a back done and nip that in the bud.
Some secondary characters were interesting, like Gia and Chris. Would be curious to see their HEA.
March 5, 2019
Pretty good.
The book was pretty good, wouldn’t say I would read it again but I liked how mature the lead male was in this book. The girl on the other annoyed the fudge out of me, her sense of logic on how she was feeling was just too much to handle. She wanted him and dreamt about him then when he shows up she acts like she hates him despite him trying to prove to her multiple times that she’s not who she thinks he is, and she just playing that whole “hard to get” game which really just made her all the more immature. But he handles it well and after the whole child’s play I actually started enjoying the book. His whole method on getting to know the workers in case no talent is hidden was really good and actually got me thinking business wise. Seriously, great job on the lead male.
The book was pretty good, wouldn’t say I would read it again but I liked how mature the lead male was in this book. The girl on the other annoyed the fudge out of me, her sense of logic on how she was feeling was just too much to handle. She wanted him and dreamt about him then when he shows up she acts like she hates him despite him trying to prove to her multiple times that she’s not who she thinks he is, and she just playing that whole “hard to get” game which really just made her all the more immature. But he handles it well and after the whole child’s play I actually started enjoying the book. His whole method on getting to know the workers in case no talent is hidden was really good and actually got me thinking business wise. Seriously, great job on the lead male.
January 15, 2019
A very worthwhile read! If you like sweet and naughty mixed in with a small merger and acquisition of a hotel then READ it NOW. The story of Adam and Jolie begins when they are teens. What I liked was they were normal teens who get together with a bottle of rum snagged from a hotel guest & have fun. Not the usual drama either. They are well written and very lovable characters.
This proves just how talented Hazel Kelly is. She is writing a series about an experience and not an ongoing novel split into many parts. Each book so far has been totally different from the last. Mixing Adam's POV with past and present was a treat too. There are several sub-plots going on that you will find equally as enjoying as I did.
This proves just how talented Hazel Kelly is. She is writing a series about an experience and not an ongoing novel split into many parts. Each book so far has been totally different from the last. Mixing Adam's POV with past and present was a treat too. There are several sub-plots going on that you will find equally as enjoying as I did.
March 23, 2017
Headline: Great Book.
So, it has become apparent to me that I really need to binge read through Hazel Kelly’s books. I adored the Soulmates series. I already know I’m going to like the series before that. And I’m pretty sure that I’m going to enjoy the series after it. Now I just have to figure out the order of the series and I am set. First Love was a great story that showed the saying “If you love it, let it go. If it comes back to you, it was always yours” holds truth. I highly recommend this book. Heck, I recommend all of Hazel Kelly’s books. Pretty sure you can’t go wrong with her. Happy Reading!
So, it has become apparent to me that I really need to binge read through Hazel Kelly’s books. I adored the Soulmates series. I already know I’m going to like the series before that. And I’m pretty sure that I’m going to enjoy the series after it. Now I just have to figure out the order of the series and I am set. First Love was a great story that showed the saying “If you love it, let it go. If it comes back to you, it was always yours” holds truth. I highly recommend this book. Heck, I recommend all of Hazel Kelly’s books. Pretty sure you can’t go wrong with her. Happy Reading!
September 11, 2018
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily choosing to leave a review for it. This was the 4th book in “The SoulMates Series” and once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop until I finished all of it. This was a book about finding your first love then losing your first love and after many years have passed, coming face to face with that person again. How would you react? What would you do? I think everyone should read to find out what Jolie and Adam do.
October 25, 2016
Just finished reading this, it took me less than a day. Adam and Jolie have a story to be envied.
Jolie has stumbled into one of the worst days of her life when she finds out her mother has made the decision to sell the family resort her father built. But isn't there always a silver lining?? Hazel Kelly shows us her talent, yet again in this fast paced, unexpected love story.
Jolie has stumbled into one of the worst days of her life when she finds out her mother has made the decision to sell the family resort her father built. But isn't there always a silver lining?? Hazel Kelly shows us her talent, yet again in this fast paced, unexpected love story.
November 1, 2016
I didn't really feel believe in their connection. I never felt that longing between the two. It might have been my mood but I wasn't too impressed. Maybe it was their personalities. Jolie was nasty when they meet back up and Adam was to arrogant. Normally this works for me but I just felt irritated reading their words. I did like the story but want a favorite.
March 1, 2019
Super satisfying!
This is a nice well rounded story. It was a little slow to pick up, but by the time I thought that I was already really invested in the characters. Jolie and Adam were meant for each other from the first moment they shared as kids. I love a good friends to lovers story. This story has the kind of happily ever after that leaves you warm and fuzzy.
This is a nice well rounded story. It was a little slow to pick up, but by the time I thought that I was already really invested in the characters. Jolie and Adam were meant for each other from the first moment they shared as kids. I love a good friends to lovers story. This story has the kind of happily ever after that leaves you warm and fuzzy.
September 29, 2017
Amazing 💜
This was the best book I've read this year! Adam is the perfect guy girls dream about. I just couldn't put it down. This is a must-read! Grab some Kleenex & settle in for a beautiful story you won't want to put down.
This was the best book I've read this year! Adam is the perfect guy girls dream about. I just couldn't put it down. This is a must-read! Grab some Kleenex & settle in for a beautiful story you won't want to put down.
February 7, 2019
Meh. It was very meh. The beginning was the worse - though I understand a large part of the heroine's attitude, it wasn't fun to read.
The middle and close to the end were great. But then the situation at the end - not. a. fan.
So far, none in this series live up to book 2.
The middle and close to the end were great. But then the situation at the end - not. a. fan.
So far, none in this series live up to book 2.
May 28, 2020
So cute
Loved Adam and Jolie story meeting as kids when she showed him how to fly a kite then falling in love over the summers never forgetting each other years later still crazy about each other
Loved Adam and Jolie story meeting as kids when she showed him how to fly a kite then falling in love over the summers never forgetting each other years later still crazy about each other
March 5, 2021
Kept my attention
This was a good book I couldn't really find a wow factor though. The characters were sweet and honestly you can't beat a HEA. I have liked every book from this author so I know I'll keep on reading her books.
This was a good book I couldn't really find a wow factor though. The characters were sweet and honestly you can't beat a HEA. I have liked every book from this author so I know I'll keep on reading her books.
April 21, 2022
Review
I’m impressed with the story line again. I was hooked from the beginning until the end of the book. I got so much tension and emotions that I felt connected to the characters and I can’t wait for more. I was not disappointed
I’m impressed with the story line again. I was hooked from the beginning until the end of the book. I got so much tension and emotions that I felt connected to the characters and I can’t wait for more. I was not disappointed
September 8, 2023
Sweet
This romance novel was sweet and romantic! Adam really went all out to win Jolie!! It all made sense and turned out in the end. I didn’t particularly care much for either character.
This romance novel was sweet and romantic! Adam really went all out to win Jolie!! It all made sense and turned out in the end. I didn’t particularly care much for either character.
June 26, 2017
It had its moments. But some parts seemed rushed. And Adam was...not as confident as I like my leading guys to be. He does plan a great date though.
September 27, 2020
Such a great read
I liked how it was based on real life and it was realistic. It didn't show he was rich snob an she was a real girl with real emotions
I liked how it was based on real life and it was realistic. It didn't show he was rich snob an she was a real girl with real emotions
January 30, 2021
Could not put this one down.
I loved this book, it made me laugh and made me cry thats why its a true 5 star book. Hazel Kelly never let's you down.
I loved this book, it made me laugh and made me cry thats why its a true 5 star book. Hazel Kelly never let's you down.
July 21, 2022
Cute, not as good as some others in the series but still a fun read.
March 6, 2025
Although this book was okay, I didn’t feel that connected with it. It was more a 2.75 for me than a 3
July 5, 2025
This is a classic story of childhood romance/second chance
December 27, 2016
I'm so glad Jolie gave in they are so cute together. but I understand her hesitation
May 22, 2018
They met as kids. Adam loved coming to the beach or was it Jolie. As teens Adam and Jolie were each others first and they say you never forget them. That's the case for the pair.
As the years passed Jolie is now running her fathers hotel since he died, what she doesn't know is that her mum has sold the business to a former guest. When Jolie finds out who it is she is not happy, She hates the fact that her first lover is now her boss. She is hostile and wary. Adam begins to make changes slowly and brings friend to help. Very slowly Jolie begins to trust Adam and the pair start the sexual relationship up again but when Adam's girlfriend app ears with his mum Jolie is not impressed. Jolie is frightened she is loosing him again but what she doesn't know Adam is giving her the dream they both had as kids. Though getting her to plan her own wedding a good idea?
As the years passed Jolie is now running her fathers hotel since he died, what she doesn't know is that her mum has sold the business to a former guest. When Jolie finds out who it is she is not happy, She hates the fact that her first lover is now her boss. She is hostile and wary. Adam begins to make changes slowly and brings friend to help. Very slowly Jolie begins to trust Adam and the pair start the sexual relationship up again but when Adam's girlfriend app ears with his mum Jolie is not impressed. Jolie is frightened she is loosing him again but what she doesn't know Adam is giving her the dream they both had as kids. Though getting her to plan her own wedding a good idea?
March 2, 2017
2nd chance romance. Old hurts, interfering mother, persistent ex.
October 24, 2016
Love that never fades away
It loved this story, it is sweet and I just read it in one night. And I have always loves that HK use other characters from Her other stories.
Julie has worked alle her life in the family Resort, a she has always loved her job. Her life is only work as the Resorts manager, because nobody She's seeing or dating can't measure up to her first and only summerlove.
She just can't forget that boy and their chemistry. But she never saw him again after that summer. After so many years she almost convinced, that what she remember about that summer with love, chemistry and sex is only wishful thinking.
Julie's world as she knows it, is changing and ending, and she can't forgive her mother because she sold the resort without consulting her. It's her world, her memory of her dads dream, her work and life, her mother just sold to someone without passion for the place. Or that what Julie thinks.
Adam just bought a resort, he used to spend his summer holidays when his was young, he loved the place, his memory and her girl he ever seemed to could forget.
But Adam don't know if buying this resort is going to be his biggest mistake he ever, because it is desperate need of a update in every way, it is old, worn and don't make enough to money as it is.
But Adam didn't buy this resort because of it's profits, he bought it because of her. But how is Adam going to get Julie to understand that he bought the resort for her. Is she going to remember him.
Julie is just in hell, the new owner is her first love Adam, what are the odds. And just like that she resents him, because he doesn't understand her family resort. But her body has a mind of its own, it is like her body is back to life, like something disappeared with Adam, and now it is back, and her body will not make it go away.
I love this story's up and downs, and I love the misunderstanding that almost inflicted another ending. But again love conquers everything.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It loved this story, it is sweet and I just read it in one night. And I have always loves that HK use other characters from Her other stories.
Julie has worked alle her life in the family Resort, a she has always loved her job. Her life is only work as the Resorts manager, because nobody She's seeing or dating can't measure up to her first and only summerlove.
She just can't forget that boy and their chemistry. But she never saw him again after that summer. After so many years she almost convinced, that what she remember about that summer with love, chemistry and sex is only wishful thinking.
Julie's world as she knows it, is changing and ending, and she can't forgive her mother because she sold the resort without consulting her. It's her world, her memory of her dads dream, her work and life, her mother just sold to someone without passion for the place. Or that what Julie thinks.
Adam just bought a resort, he used to spend his summer holidays when his was young, he loved the place, his memory and her girl he ever seemed to could forget.
But Adam don't know if buying this resort is going to be his biggest mistake he ever, because it is desperate need of a update in every way, it is old, worn and don't make enough to money as it is.
But Adam didn't buy this resort because of it's profits, he bought it because of her. But how is Adam going to get Julie to understand that he bought the resort for her. Is she going to remember him.
Julie is just in hell, the new owner is her first love Adam, what are the odds. And just like that she resents him, because he doesn't understand her family resort. But her body has a mind of its own, it is like her body is back to life, like something disappeared with Adam, and now it is back, and her body will not make it go away.
I love this story's up and downs, and I love the misunderstanding that almost inflicted another ending. But again love conquers everything.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2016
Hazel Kelly has done it, again! This story was absolutely fantastic. The hotel angle is something new for me. I'm not sure I've ever read of characters who own/run a hotel, so this was a fresh setting for a steamy romance to ensue. And yes, it certainly was steamy!
Jolie works hard to keep her family's hotel afloat. So imagine her surprise when she learns that her mother has suddenly sold the business to another. Even more shocking, Jolie finds that the new owner is none other than the boy who she enjoyed a summer fling with as a teenager. Only, he isn't a boy any longer...
When Adam sees an opportunity to buy and save a failing hotel, he can't refuse. It helps, too, that he still lusts after the girl who now runs the place. He's never forgotten the hotel, which was always a safe haven for him as a child. And he definitely hasn't forgotten Jolie.
The shock of having her hotel swept out from under her hit Jolie hard. She isn't pleased with the situation and she's even less happy to see her dreamy ex-lover at the helm. Even if she did want to rekindle the flames, now that Adam is her boss, it makes things more difficult. And when Adam's ideas for improving the business impress even her, Jolie finds that denying her feelings may be impossible.
From the very first page, I was on Jolie's side. Then I met Adam and fell for him, too. The flashbacks give a peek into the childhood to teenage romance that left the two of them pining for each other. Watching the couple come back together was so much fun.
In closing...
Another great book! Hazel Kelly needs to get a Twitter account so I can stalk her more thoroughly. Five fantastic suns!
Full review on blog: http://uptildawnbookblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/review-first-love-by-hazel-kelly.html
October 19, 2016
Pretty sure the quote at the beginning says it all.. "If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it's yours forever. If it doesn't, then it was never meant to be" -Anonymous
Adam & Jolie meet as young children, where Adam is vacationing with his parents and Jolie's family owns and runs the resort. As each summer comes and goes, there friendship grows into much much more, after which Adam and his family never return. Now it's been years since they've seen each other, and Jolie now runs and manages the resort, all the while all she's every dreamt about since he left that summer all those years ago was him returning for her.
Adam a now self made millionaire along with growing up wealthy, has never forgot his time growing up during the summers spent at the resort and Jolie, takes the opportunity to buy her parents resort.
Can Jolie see past him buying her families legacy out from underneath her, and can Adam prove once and for all that he truly did return just for her, that him buying the resort was just a means to get him closer to her..
To say I was excited about this book would be a huge understatement, it more than captivated me beginning to end, as well as threw in some of my favorite characters from Club Abbott. I cannot wait to read what Hazel has in store for us next.
Adam & Jolie meet as young children, where Adam is vacationing with his parents and Jolie's family owns and runs the resort. As each summer comes and goes, there friendship grows into much much more, after which Adam and his family never return. Now it's been years since they've seen each other, and Jolie now runs and manages the resort, all the while all she's every dreamt about since he left that summer all those years ago was him returning for her.
Adam a now self made millionaire along with growing up wealthy, has never forgot his time growing up during the summers spent at the resort and Jolie, takes the opportunity to buy her parents resort.
Can Jolie see past him buying her families legacy out from underneath her, and can Adam prove once and for all that he truly did return just for her, that him buying the resort was just a means to get him closer to her..
To say I was excited about this book would be a huge understatement, it more than captivated me beginning to end, as well as threw in some of my favorite characters from Club Abbott. I cannot wait to read what Hazel has in store for us next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews