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First Course #1
First Course
Devon Brine has just left a successful career as a chef in New York City to open a restaurant with her childhood best friend, Bruce (affectionately known as Solo). Carrie Maynard works across town, the managing partner in a design firm that she owns with her best friend, Darlene (Dar) Willis. When Dar decides to promise a last minute decadent affair to a potential client, Carrie lands in the new restaurant Devon owns. Immediately, the charming chef and the quirky businesswoman feel a strange connection. As their friendship progresses, they discover that they have a few quirky things in common—a love of Star Wars, a love of women, and best friends who constantly need them to come to the rescue.
A story full of humorous banter, overcoming old fears, and finding love where you least expect to, First Course is the first installment in the newest romantic comedy series by best-selling author J.A. Armstrong.
A story full of humorous banter, overcoming old fears, and finding love where you least expect to, First Course is the first installment in the newest romantic comedy series by best-selling author J.A. Armstrong.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2017
117 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
did-not-finish
September 12, 2017I've read almost half of this work but I can't continue. This is the second Armstrong story in a row I DNF.
The reasons may or may not be findable in my status updates . . . okay, I'll boil it down - the side characters, for the most part, were smug, loathsome, assholes who seemed very good at controlling the two main characters. Who, the main characters here, . . . frankly, I didn't really want to spend much time with any way. I've read 47% of the book and both nothing has happened and a lot, depending on what you are looking for (the main reason the two bumped into each other was for a quck dinner party, that's already done with). The not much happening part? Well, that might be masked by the numerous times it was mentioned that the two had talked, texted, or meet with each other. And I mean that - we were told this. We were not shown.
If this was the first work I've read by the author, I might have hung around longer. But this is something like . . . approaching the 20th or more work I've read or attempted to read so . . . . my patience is exhausted.
28.0% into the read and my thoughts were:
"Wish people would stop being smug and smirking.
And Bruce & Darlene are some of the most loathsome people around.
What the hell is up with the head hopping? It seems to occur depending on paragraph. And there's a bunch of annoying italicized sections."
47.0% into the read and my thoughts were:
"I don't liie any of the characters. 2 are very annoying (side characters). And the two mains are less than interesting."
Rating: no rating
Finished: no finish date.
Notes date: January 29 2017
The reasons may or may not be findable in my status updates . . . okay, I'll boil it down - the side characters, for the most part, were smug, loathsome, assholes who seemed very good at controlling the two main characters. Who, the main characters here, . . . frankly, I didn't really want to spend much time with any way. I've read 47% of the book and both nothing has happened and a lot, depending on what you are looking for (the main reason the two bumped into each other was for a quck dinner party, that's already done with). The not much happening part? Well, that might be masked by the numerous times it was mentioned that the two had talked, texted, or meet with each other. And I mean that - we were told this. We were not shown.
If this was the first work I've read by the author, I might have hung around longer. But this is something like . . . approaching the 20th or more work I've read or attempted to read so . . . . my patience is exhausted.
28.0% into the read and my thoughts were:
"Wish people would stop being smug and smirking.
And Bruce & Darlene are some of the most loathsome people around.
What the hell is up with the head hopping? It seems to occur depending on paragraph. And there's a bunch of annoying italicized sections."
47.0% into the read and my thoughts were:
"I don't liie any of the characters. 2 are very annoying (side characters). And the two mains are less than interesting."
Rating: no rating
Finished: no finish date.
Notes date: January 29 2017
June 1, 2018
This.. just didn't do it for me. I don't know if it was because it followed Perfect Pairing and I was expecting a chef and more than.. pizza? As an avid Star Wars fan, all of that was over the top.. And I had SUCH a hard time with Darlene. I like to read about strong characters, or ones that at least are working to get through their troubles to become strong.. There was no development arc here. Meh. Just meh.
February 7, 2017
Love love it!
Two charismatic handsome women. Both have it all; a successful career, friends and a loving family. They are happy with their life but without a true love that warm their heart. A captivating story about two people drawn together, two independent women. As you can expect from this superb author, the story is filled with humor, romance and love. Love, both romantic and love of family. Like every other book I've read by this author, I've fallen in love with the characters. It is an absolute must read and you will warm to this new series very quickly. Thank you J.A. Armstrong for starting this amazing new series.
Two charismatic handsome women. Both have it all; a successful career, friends and a loving family. They are happy with their life but without a true love that warm their heart. A captivating story about two people drawn together, two independent women. As you can expect from this superb author, the story is filled with humor, romance and love. Love, both romantic and love of family. Like every other book I've read by this author, I've fallen in love with the characters. It is an absolute must read and you will warm to this new series very quickly. Thank you J.A. Armstrong for starting this amazing new series.
June 9, 2017
I have a love/hate relationship with this author. I don't really like her writing that much, of her method of churning out serials like there's no tomorrow, but there's something about some of her characters.
So, with 3 months of free KU I'm catching up.
If anyone has any lesfic KU tips, send them my way.
So, with 3 months of free KU I'm catching up.
If anyone has any lesfic KU tips, send them my way.
January 6, 2018
This was a nice romance, I quite liked the two main characters, although I thought the story was a bit formulaic.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it probably isn’t good that my favourite character was the four year old CJ.
Overall I enjoyed the book, but it probably isn’t good that my favourite character was the four year old CJ.
February 7, 2017
Awe
Another great series in the making, it's funny and romantic, a great story line, I can't wait to read what happens next...
Another great series in the making, it's funny and romantic, a great story line, I can't wait to read what happens next...
January 27, 2022
I enjoyed Armstrong's By Design series and decided to give another series by her a read. This is the first novella. Carrie Maynard co-owns a design firm with her longtime best friend Darlene. Darlene promises a dinner event for a client leaving the planning and details to Carrie. Through a referral of Dar's ex husband she meets Devon Brine. She's been a successful chef in NYC and is opening a new restaurant with her best friend. There is interest and flirting almost at first meeting. Both are happy and busy in their lives and are pleasantly surprised at the connection. I like that it starts easy giving them time to meet, call and text before even a first date. Carrie's life is a little more complicated because Dar is being irresponsible at work and in parenting her child. Carrie picks up the slack on both fronts. I really like both MC's and am intrigued where this will go.
March 2, 2017
Wow!
She's done it again. These books are mini well written soap operas. They come in instalments. I love them. They are really well developed and written. I can't wait for number two. I love her writing style. She c a n be serious one minute, the next your falling over laughing, and occasionally crying. Her characters are very realistic and she makes you part of their lives. Read you'll love it and become as addicted as me. Enjoy!
She's done it again. These books are mini well written soap operas. They come in instalments. I love them. They are really well developed and written. I can't wait for number two. I love her writing style. She c a n be serious one minute, the next your falling over laughing, and occasionally crying. Her characters are very realistic and she makes you part of their lives. Read you'll love it and become as addicted as me. Enjoy!
February 9, 2018
This is the first book in the "First Course" series. As with all first books, the story is written in a manner in which readers learn about the main characters. If authors are good and also a little lucky, readers will fall in love with the characters. Ms. Armstrong has done a good job of developing the characters. Devon and Carrie make for a cute couple. I particularly enjoy Carrie's goddaughter, CJ.
The storyline's focus was typical introduction of the characters. I know from reading Ms. Armstrong's books that future books in the series will provide readers with a story that will grab the reader and make her long to read the next book in the series.
I rate this book 4-1/2 stars out of 5. Readers will enjoy this cute romance.
The storyline's focus was typical introduction of the characters. I know from reading Ms. Armstrong's books that future books in the series will provide readers with a story that will grab the reader and make her long to read the next book in the series.
I rate this book 4-1/2 stars out of 5. Readers will enjoy this cute romance.
May 28, 2018
Fabulous!
This is the first installment in what promises to be another outstanding and very well written love story by J A Armstrong. Carrie and Devon are already very well developed and loveable characters. If you love reading about finding that one person who ultimately completes another in every way, then I recommend you put not just this book, but everything from this author on your must-read list. I certainly have!
This is the first installment in what promises to be another outstanding and very well written love story by J A Armstrong. Carrie and Devon are already very well developed and loveable characters. If you love reading about finding that one person who ultimately completes another in every way, then I recommend you put not just this book, but everything from this author on your must-read list. I certainly have!
May 29, 2020
Carrie, the interior designer meets Davon, the chef when Carrie's company need it a venue for a company event and Davon was set of saying no, until she meet Carrie and cutie CJ.
CJ is Carrie's goddaughter and seems more like her own kid since her own mom (Carrie's best friend) is always bailing on the 4 years old. But then Davon, Carrie and CJ bond over pizza and Star Wars.
Another good series from J.A. Armstrong, can't wait to read more.
CJ is Carrie's goddaughter and seems more like her own kid since her own mom (Carrie's best friend) is always bailing on the 4 years old. But then Davon, Carrie and CJ bond over pizza and Star Wars.
Another good series from J.A. Armstrong, can't wait to read more.
May 12, 2023
Cute but ....
The characters were cute but nothing actually happened in this story. They meet, they like each other, then they date, then they fall in love, the end. And there is no conflict, either internal or external, and nothing for them to overcome.
I really did like the characters though, they were very well developed and if anything interesting were happening in their lives besides everything being hunky dory then I would very much like to read about it.
The characters were cute but nothing actually happened in this story. They meet, they like each other, then they date, then they fall in love, the end. And there is no conflict, either internal or external, and nothing for them to overcome.
I really did like the characters though, they were very well developed and if anything interesting were happening in their lives besides everything being hunky dory then I would very much like to read about it.
June 30, 2023
3 stars. This was cute and also kind of annoying. LOL. I don’t know how else to describe it. I liked the main characters Carrie and Devon and their romance but the side characters were annoying. Even the four year old. She was written in a way that she didn’t feel real. The pop culture references were a lot, especially all of the Star Wars stuff. It was corny but whatever. I’ll continue on with the series just to see where it goes next.
January 17, 2017
Amazing!
I've been a fan of JA Armstrong since I found one of her books accidentally and since then I've read and enjoyed all of her books and this one is no different! I loved getting to know Devon and Carrie and seeing the start of their relationship. I can't wait to see what comes next for them and the rest of the characters.
I've been a fan of JA Armstrong since I found one of her books accidentally and since then I've read and enjoyed all of her books and this one is no different! I loved getting to know Devon and Carrie and seeing the start of their relationship. I can't wait to see what comes next for them and the rest of the characters.
February 7, 2018
Nice little romance that doesn't feel too rushed despite the shortness of the novella.
First book I read from this author.
I see great potential for these series : this first book sets the scene with lots of interesting characters : friends, family on both sides of the main couple.
This seems like the start for an enjoyable journey... to be continued.
First book I read from this author.
I see great potential for these series : this first book sets the scene with lots of interesting characters : friends, family on both sides of the main couple.
This seems like the start for an enjoyable journey... to be continued.
May 18, 2018
Heartwarming and Sweet!
I will always love the uncomplicated romance novel, and since it was well written even better!
Both main characters are woman who you would like to be friends with.
I am glad I finally took the plunge and started this series!
Devon is my favorite because her unwavering love of pizza!
I will always love the uncomplicated romance novel, and since it was well written even better!
Both main characters are woman who you would like to be friends with.
I am glad I finally took the plunge and started this series!
Devon is my favorite because her unwavering love of pizza!
December 25, 2018
Full filling story
Once again you have presented this reader with a wonderful heartwarming love story. Devon and Carries story was well written and highly entertaining. The script for this was fascinating the way their story unfolded. This was a story that many couples actually face in their relationships. Worth reading again and again.
Once again you have presented this reader with a wonderful heartwarming love story. Devon and Carries story was well written and highly entertaining. The script for this was fascinating the way their story unfolded. This was a story that many couples actually face in their relationships. Worth reading again and again.
January 9, 2018
Adorably nerdy
Star wars jokes? Love it! Adorable ladies falling in love over Star Wars? Even better. And as a parent I enjoyed everything the kids brought to the story. Looking forward to part 2.
Star wars jokes? Love it! Adorable ladies falling in love over Star Wars? Even better. And as a parent I enjoyed everything the kids brought to the story. Looking forward to part 2.
January 27, 2018
First Course indeed
This story is fun and let you waiting for the second course. Characters are well written and Devon and Carrie are fun and complex. Will love to see or read more of them in their business. Will see
This story is fun and let you waiting for the second course. Characters are well written and Devon and Carrie are fun and complex. Will love to see or read more of them in their business. Will see
Read
April 23, 2022First Course
Book 1 of JA Armstong's first course series is heartfelt, love and friendship. I have read this series many times and will continue to. I look forward to each book as it comes.
Book 1 of JA Armstong's first course series is heartfelt, love and friendship. I have read this series many times and will continue to. I look forward to each book as it comes.
June 18, 2023
Terrific
A wonderful love story! J A Armstrong tells very beautiful tales of women loving women. I can’t stop reading and need to see a happy ending. This author never disappoints.
A wonderful love story! J A Armstrong tells very beautiful tales of women loving women. I can’t stop reading and need to see a happy ending. This author never disappoints.
February 24, 2017
Cute story
I really like Devon and can't wait to see where J.A. takes this new couple. Looking forward to the next book
I really like Devon and can't wait to see where J.A. takes this new couple. Looking forward to the next book
July 16, 2017
Love when least expected
Captivating, beautiful love story that I couldn't put down finished in a day. .Second book already downloaded can't wait to start.
Captivating, beautiful love story that I couldn't put down finished in a day. .Second book already downloaded can't wait to start.
March 23, 2018
3 1/2 stars
May 3, 2018
Didn't really like the characters, no chemistry, not much happening. But really it was the perspective changing paragraph to paragraph that I didn't like at all.
May 10, 2018
Great start
A wonderful introduction to the characters. Devon and Carrie, along with CJ, Dar, Tom, Bruce, Ford, and all the rest, seem to be a fantastic cast of characters.
A wonderful introduction to the characters. Devon and Carrie, along with CJ, Dar, Tom, Bruce, Ford, and all the rest, seem to be a fantastic cast of characters.
June 13, 2018
Awww I really loved this one :3 Super cute and humorous with two wonderful main characters. :) It was a great little rom com. Looking forward to starting the second installment :)
July 8, 2018
This is a sweet romance that's a quick read with humor, banter, and no angst. I really like Carrie's mom. I hope her character appears in the other books as well.
January 23, 2019
Love the full series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews