First Crush, Last Love

by Elizabeth McKenna

Back in high school, Lee Archer had the power to make Jessie Baxter’s cheeks flush and her heart race. But the popular athlete never wanted to be more than just friends. Ten years later, after a failed marriage and with her journalism career on shaky ground, Jessie’s come home for her high school reunion—and Lee still has the power to make her knees weak and her pulse pound.

Lee's teenage years were filled with more trauma and drama than anyone guessed. Though his damaged past has helped make him a successful police detective, it's hurt every relationship he's tried. But seeing the grown-up, stunning Jessie might just change his commitment-phobic mind.

Jessie’s psycho ex-husband had her convinced no one would ever love her, but Lee is ready to step out of the friend zone and into her heart. Can she learn to trust again before she loses her chance to turn her first crush into her last love?

Elizabeth McKenna’s novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the joy of finding true love at last.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Second Chance

314 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth McKenna's love of books reaches back to her childhood, where her tastes ranged from Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to Stephen King's horror stories.

Her novels reflect her mercurial temperament and include romances, mysteries, and suspense. With some being “clean” and some being “naughty,” she has a book for your every mood.

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband and Sidney, the rescue dog from Tennessee. When she isn’t writing, reading, editing, or walking the dog that never tires, she’s sleeping.

Reviews

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember your first crush? How your heart raced and your cheeks flushed whenever you saw him? Jessie Baxter does, and it’s happening again. Ten years ago, despite her best efforts, Lee Archer wanted to be just friends. Now, he wants more, but Jessie's still recovering from a psycho ex-husband. Can she learn to trust again and make her first crush into her last love?

I’ve had so many crushes over the years and I honestly can’t remember who my first one was. However, I do remember all of the feelings that went along with it, such as the nervous excitement, the blazing inferno of every encounter, the youthful joy of it all. Each look, each touch, each whisper was life-altering. At least that’s what it felt like at the time. While Jessie was pining over Lee, I kept waiting for her to stop being so pathetic. Were we all like that? While I like that Jessie finally got her chance with Lee, I was disappointed with the lack of its authenticity. So much time was spent on Lee with other women and his love for them, and not enough on his thoughts and feelings towards Jessie. Although we get an inkling that he had some sort of feelings for her in high school, they weren’t strong enough for him to ever put her or her heart first. On more than one occasion we saw him neglect and hurt her. So I wanted to see more of how deep his newfound love for her really ran and I wanted to see more of their relationship’s development.

Overall, First Crush, Last Love was sweet and heartwarming. There was an added element of suspense with Jessie’s ex-husband that gave this story its dramatic edge. This story was a touch nostalgic with its ‘80s and ‘90s theme and its charming happy ending. It was easy to read and hard to put down.

Release Date: August 1, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Heat: 1.5 out of 5
Type: Standalone

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating: 4.5 Stars!

That first time your heart says “this is forever,” is huge, especially when your teenage hormones are running wild and suddenly there is a noticeable difference between boys and girls. Lee was Jessie’s first crush, but they remained friends only, good friends, but still…sigh…

Years have passed, Jessie has grown up, found herself a husband who didn’t quite live up to her high school fantasy, but he was a good man…or was he? A freshly minted divorcee, Jessie has come home for a family visit and a high school reunion.

Meanwhile, Lee had his own secrets growing up, secrets that sent him running as far as possible from home, friends and Jessie. He did come back home and is now a law enforcement officer, stable, sadder, but wiser.

Little did Jessie know that seeing Lee again would spark those old teenage hormones, nor did she realize she would become the object of a stalker who would shadow her every move. Lee may be the only one who can keep her physically safe, but what about her heart? Will he finally see what he could have had all those years ago? Will the woman version of Jessie and the man version of Lee finally connect the dots that lead to intertwining hearts?

FIRST CRUSH, LAST LOVE by Elizabeth McKenna is a sweet second chance romance, even though there never was a first romance to begin with! Adding the touch of danger and mystery was brilliant! There is nothing over the top, but still the sinister air is there, as well as a soft romance that is gently and tentatively blossoming. I enjoyed not having my insides twisted in knots throughout, being able to sit back and enjoy a well-told story that could bring two realistic characters together after a long journey filled with false starts and dead ends. Closure comes in many ways, and Jessie may find that more than one door will close on her past, only to find her future full of doors waiting to be opened on love!

I received a complimentary copy from Elizabeth McKenna!

Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Publisher: Elizabeth McKenna
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 316 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

In high school, Jessie had the biggest crush on Lee. When she tried to pursue him, he thought it best to remain friends. Jessie, feeling rejected, decided to move on with Billy. The only guy who showed her any interest. She clung to him and even ended up marrying him. Fast forward to 10 years later. Jessie, newly divorced, somehow managed to bump into Lee. I'm sure you guys can see where the story is going.

This is almost like a second-chance romance, except they never got together the first time around. I agree with Natalie ~ The Biblioholic. I like the idea and concept. However, the relationship between Jessie and Lee wasn't fleshed out enough. There wasn't enough relationship development between the two.

Overall, a good romance novel but lacks depth and development.

***I would like to thank NetGalley and Elizabeth Mckenna for graciously sending me a copy of the novel to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.**

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't remember their first crush--that guy who never really gave you a glance-but you pined over him just the same. Jessie Baxter had a crush on Lee Archer. He considered her a friend----OUCH. Neither had the best home lives and Lee left their small town very quickly without even saying goodbye to anyone!!

Meanwhile Jessie ended up marrying a guy who-lets just say--should have been locked away somewhere--yeah he was that bad---Jessie finally gets up the nerve to divorce him--but he stalks her just the same.

Now comes those dreaded class reunions--their 10th to be exact (I'm supposed to be going to my 50th in August---)---Both Lee and Jessie are different people who are carrying baggage around. Can they overcome everything that has happened and is happening and give their love a chance?

This is one of the most readable contemporary romances I've read in a long time!!
First Crush, Last Love

[Romi || Romi Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judging on the cover and the title I was a bit sceptical of this novel: I thought it was going to be a super cheesy romance. And it was. But definitely in a good way!

The book is divided into three parts: the high school years, the years where Jessie and Lee have lost contact and the year of the 10-year high school reunion. Because of these three different time periods, you get to know the main characters really well!

Like the blurb says: “[this] novel will have you remembering the angst of high school” and oh my, it did. I was thrown right back into my days of high school and my first crush(es, I had several). Because I was reading this novel as a 22-year-old in a steady relationship, and my high school days are about five years ago, it was kind of hard to identify myself with the lovestruck Jessie. At the start my inner feminist was shouting and screaming inside my mind: “stop waiting around for that loserguy who clearly isn’t going to date you any time soon and isn’t worth your time! Go look for someone who will actually make time for you!” But then I remembered that I have also hoped for a guy to break up with his on-and-off girlfriend so he would actually see me as a potential girlfriend (we ended up dating, but … let’s just say that he looked better from a distance and well … he was a sloppy kisser). But let’s get back to First Crush. After the feminist voice in my head had backed off, because Jessie actually tried to forget Lee, I really enjoyed this romance novel! It had romance, it made me feel nostalgic and it contained a right amount of suspense. Perfect, right?!

If you love romance novels set in the 80’s-90’s this book is absolutely perfect! The pacing is really good: not too fast, but also not too slow. There aren’t actually any steamy scenes (not like the scenes I’m used to in the New Adults/Romance novels I have read lately), but that didn’t bother me at all. Because of this the focus actually lay on the personality (developments) of the characters and on the events happening!

*I received a paper copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

[Sonya Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is an amazing, wonderful story through the lives of Jessie and Lee. Jessie had a crush on Lee, and although the two were friends nothing became of it. Life moves on, and you follow their stories as they continue through their life.

At their 10 years reunion they meet up again, and their feelings are still strong. But can they get through their past to possibly have a future?

This story is in three parts, high school, after high school, and at the reunion. I absolutely adore following their lives through more than 10 years, watching them grow up and change, watching their lives grow and spread into the world.

This was my favorite thing about the book, and I wanted to keep reading their story when the book was over!

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book is divided into three parts - high school, Lee & Jessie's separate lives after, and their 10-year reunion. The flow helps you feel as though you're growing and changing along with them. If you enjoy a nostalgic take on finding yourself, true love, and life, this is a heartwarming book that you need to add to your collection!

During their time in high school, I wanted to smack Lee upside the head several times. He knew that Jessie was a good thing; however, when I learned of his home life problems, everything came into perspective. It was almost as if he was punishing himself, too. Jessie fought her own demons with her father leaving them, her brother's attempted suicide, and constantly being told that she's "not good enough" by typical bully girls in high school. Like Jessie, I didn't realize that it was my strength that intimidated others and that was why they lashed out. 

The years after college prove to be challenging for both Lee and Jessie. She marries a drunken, control freak of a man who thinks of her as property. The story touches on domestic violence without being overly-detailed for those sensitive to the subject. Despite the possibility of retaliation, Jessie finally finds her own ground and moves forward on it to a better life. Lee faces finding love - without that spark that makes it true love. 

When Jessie and Lee finally run into one another in the midst of their 10-year class reunion, some things pick up right where they left off. They've grown into adults but their feelings have to take a moment to catch up. Are they going to be the same as 10 years before or will they discover their chance slipped by? 

Through the very last page, I felt very connected to this book. I experienced many of the situations that both characters lived though and could easily see myself responding in the same way they did. The characters are well-developed from start to finish. Their growth and change are brilliantly written. I would have liked to have seen a few of the minor characters stand out a little more (Sarah and Dean) but perhaps they could get their own book! 

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author infused lots of life into the characters, which in turn made the storyline come alive. This book is broken out into three sections...Senior Year, Marriage Interrupted, and 10-Year Reunion. Not a lot of time is spent in the first section. Yet, the story starts out fine. It was frustrating that Jessie was all about Lee and he did not reciprocate the feelings. Well maybe a little but he did not act on them.

The second half of the story was hard to read. This is because while Jessie saw some of the signs that Billy was the jealous type and she was warned by her friend; yet, she still proceeded to marry him. This is when the abuse got worse. While the scenes were few and far between and not very graphic, it is still hard to read about anyone...woman or man being abused by another. Jessie may have been married to an abuser but Lee did date one as well with his old high school girlfriend.

The final act was short as well but it felt as if Jessie and Lee had been interacting with one another for a long time and not just reconnecting for the first time in ten years. I am glad that Lee and Jessie found their happy ending.

[Haley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a product of the 80's I grew up in the 90's just like Jessie, and this book brings back so many memories. At times it felt like I could have been reading passages from one of my old diaries, except this is written much better of course. This book is definitely one for those who enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane as you will do a lot of reminiscing about your high school crush, the friends that you had and of course, what high school experience wouldn't be complete without the bitchy one.

This book is definitely more of a romance genre but don't let that fool you, it isn't one of the unrealistic romance novels that sweep us away and as a child gave us unrealistic expectations of what love is all about... in fact this book is the opposite. It is very real... real emotions, real characters and real issues. Some of the topics are quite heavy but overall the book is an easy read and once you start reading you won't want to put it down.

This book is hands down my favourite so far of 2018 and I would even go as far as saying that based on this book she is now one of my favourite authors (second to Cecilia Ahern). Elizabeth McKenna has done a beautiful job of writing characters that are not only relatable but that you can get invested in as though it was your life you are reading about. This is most definitely a five star book!

[Silvie Armas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contemporary romance was a nice change of pace from my usual reads. My usual reads consist of either hot and heavy romance or thriller/suspense genres. So I wasn't sure if I would like or enjoy this book. Truth is I really liked it, actually I related to the first part of the story quite a bit. This book included a few heavy topics, so it was nice that it included a note from the author that advised of trigger warnings. I really enjoyed this book, and think that unless you have underlying or severe issues that may be triggered by reading about attempted suicide, drinking, homosexuality, AIDS, or abuse you will enjoy it too. One thing that I really liked about the characters is that the author made them believable. Another thing I loved is the way this book is divided into three parts. In part 1 we read about Jessie's high school days, in part 2 we find out about Jessie & Lee's separate lives after high school. And in part 3 we read about their 10 year high school reunion which Jessie & Lee finally get a chance to come together. Will it work out for them? You'll have to read this book to find out. 

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most real romance I have read in a long time. I felt like I was able to relive so many parts of my past with this book. I loved that we were able to watch Jessie and Lee grow so much throughout this book. Most books only give you a tiny glimpse into the characters lives, you fall in love with them and it's over. Ms. McKenna was able to give us so much more of these characters lives, and that made me feel even more invested in them. It wasn't easy to watch Jessie and Lee struggle through everything to get to each other but it was so worth it. There were times I wanted to shake some sense into Jessie, but if I look back to my past I needed that too! I really enjoyed watching Jessie and Lee's growth into two people who appreciate their last love.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read of Elizabeth's and it certainly wont be the last. I really felt as though I wanted to reach out and help Jessie especially with what she has to go through with her psycho husband. The book is set out in three sections: when they are in high school, after college and the reunions. I did think Jessie and Lee were one of those couples that were destined to be together. A story that I really got involved in and couldn't put down.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth McKenna has great attention to detail and makes everything from the setting, to the characters feel very real. It makes for a wonderfully written and very authentic novel.


McKenna manages to take the reader through a barrage of other emotions besides the typical and they will find themselves submerged in the world and feeling every single things that happens toLee and Jessie. The characters were charismatic and drew the reader in.

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this book can be easily summarized by the title alone. Told from alternating perspectives and over the course of a decade, this romance novel tackles a variety of topics, childhood abuse, suicide, AIDS, and domestic abuse. Those themes are threaded throughout the novel as Jessie and Lee grow apart and live separate lives after high school. After her teenage crush went nowhere and Lee disappeared after high school graduation Jesse married the next guy that gave her the time of day even though there were warning signs that the relationship was anything but healthy. Lee on the other hand escaped his abusive stepfather and became a cop in Chicago. While their lives couldn't be anymore different, they are about to align again at their ten year high school reunion. Is that spark still there? Have the two changed too much in their time apart? A pretty standard romance novel with a few "romantic" scenes (nothing too steamy), a damsel in distress, and a hot troubled lover. Romance fans will eat this up.

[Kameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)


First Crush, Last Love is divided up into three sections: Part I, Senior Year (1983-1094), Part II, Marriage Interrupted (1998-1991), and Part III, 10-Year Reunion (October 1994). In each of these sections, the reader will find characters and/or their circumstances that are very relatable.



Section I: If you’ve attended high school, it’s inevitable you’ve seen or been a part of the drama accompanied with it. For most, there’s that one special friend who’s stood by your side, had your back, or lent an ear when the drama gets to be too much. Break-ups, unrequited love, crushes, fights, dances, and parties are common happenings in all high schools so these topic areas will touch home with many, if not all, readers. A few sensitive areas are briefly discussed as well. Depression, abusive parent, drunken parents, and suicide attempts are never subjects people wish would mark their homes because these things occur. Elizabeth McKenna wanted us to see every aspect of a teenager’s life, the good and the bad. Realistically, everything she wrote about is part of many young adult’s lives. These real life concerns are what connects a reader to a character(s), plot, and/or story.

Section II: In this area, Elizabeth McKenna focused on the relationships of the Lee and Jessie after they graduated. Jessie married a man (Billy) who became unstable, abusive. He was already an ass before they married but things only tuned more volatile. Thankfully, she got the courage to divorce him. For those living in her situation, I hope you will find the courage to distance yourself from the combustible and unhealthy relationship. Jessie suffered through unnecessary mental and physical abuse but she also showed it’s never too late to take back your life.

Section III: High school reunions…. they have a way of bringing out the worst in people. However, sometimes, you might find yourself rekindling a lost friendship or something more. Like with the other sections, there was drama, abuse, and most importantly… love. Elizabeth McKenna showed us that we must never give up and when real love stands before you…. fight for it, embrace it and never accept anything less because everyone deserves the best in life.

Elizabeth McKenna thank you for showing people they don’t have to stand by and allow themselves to be victimized. Men, women, children, straight, or gay…. we all deserve love and a happily ever after.

(Find more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)

[Sharon Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy being taken back to the years of school and college, reminding you how things were back then, how you would second guess what people were thinking, the unknown of what to do and how to behave, did that look mean what I think it meant or was it my imagination? Then of course you have your first crush, your first boyfriend, those that thought they were better than you and those who suffered because they were different. This is where we first meet Jessie and her first crush Lee, even though competition was high for his attention as he was infatuated with wrongly suited Tina, never giving Jessie more than a second thought at the time. I felt myself willing Lee to notice Tina yet he was having none of it, but as the time rolled on things have a way of changing....

Turning to the first page brings you straight into the beginning of Jessie's roller coaster life and the start of events that take their toll on her as she feels that she has to make do with second best and then sadly has to suffer from the consequences of her choices. After the senior year of high school, the story is then divided into Jessie and Lee's separate lives after college and of course the 10 year reunion that marks the change of their past giving them a second chance of love that could have been so many years previously.

The authors writing easily draws you in to the story as you anticipate what will happen next in the lives of the characters. I immediately felt a connection with the them, feeling their emotions, or the atmosphere in which they were creating. I felt a mix of their feelings as I followed their stories and their burdening secrets, I felt their sadness, grief, their anger and frustrations, glimmers of hope, excitement, and of course their happiness.

First Crush, Last Love was a tale that took hold of me as I followed the numerous and emotional events, events that felt very real, it's one of those books that will have you picking it up whenever you have spare reading time to connect with the characters that you have felt a bond with. I enjoyed the mix of romance, suspense and in parts humor, and I am really looking forward to another chance of reading more from the author.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember your first crush? The way you felt and how you blushed and stammered? The way you felt that this person was going to be your forever love and that you couldn't imagine your life without them. It truly is a magical and special feeling. Sometimes though that person can be your forever love and even when time separates you, when you meet them again - those feelings come rushing back.

This book touches on the crush and growing love that Jessie has for Lee. She loves and admires him but he is stuck in an unhealthy relationship with the most popular girl at school. He doesn't allow himself to have a healthy relationship and I honestly feel this stems from his upbringing and childhood. Life was not easy for him growing up and I truly feel this is what causes him to make the decisions he does, to not have healthy relationships and to be afraid of one who would be healthy and positive for him. Instead he keeps Jessie as a best friend, close enough that he can count on her and have her in his life but never altering their dynamics.

Jessie on the other hand tries to move on from Lee but instead allows herself to enter into a hateful marriage. She wants so much to be love and doesn't feel like she deserves it and doesn't know what love feels like, that she accepts being treated awfully, physically, mentally and emotionally abused. Your heart breaks for her throughout the novel.

When the two have the chance to make things right between them, you can see them struggle with their own feelings of inadequacy, distrust and self-confidence. You want to make them give their heads a shake but also understand this is years of damage done to their esteem and self-love, that they need to move slowly and re-learn how to trust and have faith in another person. This is a truly beautiful story of hope, love and a second chance at first love again.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, there was a note from the author that advised of trigger warnings. The warning consisted of attempted suicide (minor character), drinking, homosexuality (minor character), AIDS (minor character), and abuse. The heat level is fairly low with only a few love scenes. There is also some swearing, including a few F bombs from one character.

Having lived through most of that myself, I felt that the trigger warning was a nice notice, but they weren’t severe in my opinion. So pending you don’t have any underlying, severe issues with any of those triggers – this book will be fine to read.

With that said; I am pretty sure part one (up until Jessie got into a real relationship) could have been my life. I had that first crush from 5th grade through senior year.

This book was different than other books I normally read. I usually read the happily ever after romances that are hot and heavy with steam and is quick with the romance or the mystery/thriller/suspense type reads. This was neither and it was a nice change of pace from my usual.

I really enjoyed reading the book. The topics were heavy, the emotions were real, and the romance was heart warming.

I felt it was a quick read and read it in less than 24 hours and I would definitely read this book again. It wasn’t the unrealistic romance that I am accustomed too, but really hit real life and was a great read to escape life for a little bit.

If you enjoy the more real life romance, following someone’s journey through life, and are looking for a good read; this is it.

[Scarlett Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first read from author Elizabeth McKenna but I was so excited about reading this book because it reminded me of mine & my husband’s story 🙂



This book follows Jessie and Lee, who have been good friends for years even though Jessie has always longed for more from their friendship. Every time either of them works up the courage something else interrupts. These two go through other relationships throughout the years but always feel like there is a piece missing. When they reconnect at their high school reunion, neither of them can deny their connection is still present. But so much has happened in their lives that risking their hearts may not be as simple anymore..

Based on the title alone I was pretty sure I knew how this book was going to go, but the journey the author took us on to get there was quite the ride. The book was broken into three parts: when they’re in high school, after college, and their ten year reunion. This is probably one of the sweetest second chance romances I’ve ever read – Jessie and Lee are one of those couples that are destined for each other. The author wrote both of these characters so well that you could understand their hesitation and almost relate to their personal walls they constructed. The author captured my attention right at the beginning and I was so engrossed in the story I didn’t realize I had been reading for a few hours! If you enjoy second chance romances then you should read this one.

[Marilyn Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Crush, Last Love offer the classic romance storyline - lost opportunity and the journey back to see if it can ever be captured. Within that category this book falls under the list without sexual content warnings which is my preference. I like my romance book with just a hint of sexual tension rather that having it all laid out in great detail.

Here you have Jessie who is madly enamored of a high school male friend - Lee. While he seems to enjoy her company as a friend, his romantic endeavors are focused on a high-maintenance, mean girl classmate. Finally a new boyfriend comes into her life and she revels in being wanted. This romance leads to marriage, but the relationship is unhealthy and in the long run doomed.

The story line through the book follows 2 paths - that of Jessie and that of her high school crush, Lee, as they move through separate lives that do not offer perfection. When they finally both end up back in their home town - he has returned to live and work, she is only there for their high school reunion - Jessie finds those strong feelings for Lee long buried again rising to torment her.

And here it is that the classic romance story dilemma comes into play. Does Lee now hare the same romantic feelings as Jessie or is he still just interested in friendship? Will they find love this time around or is romance just not in the cards for this pair?

[yorkshirebooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember being a teenager with a huge crush - the sweaty palms, the racing heart and the butterflies in the stomach sensation that left you feeling equal parts excited and nauseous - that’s how Jessie feels about Lee. Unfortunately for Jessie, Lee just wants to be friends.

First Crush Last Love follows the story of Jessie and Lee and is a perfect mix of romance and angst.
It’s a story about a second chance at love that is so beautifully written I couldn’t put it down. It is cheesy in parts but I liked that, it reminded me of a great chick flick.

The story is set in the 80’s and 90’s and was very nostalgic of that era. It spans a 16 year period and follows Jessie and Lee’s final years at high school, through college and right up to their 10 year reunion.

The story was captivating and drew me in from the start. I loved the character development that both Jessie and Lee went through as they grew up and discovered what they wanted from life. The struggles they went through were extremely well written and kept me, as a reader, invested in their story.
The tension caused by the undertones of violence and abuse provided an edge to counteract the sweet romantic elements.

Overall I loved the story and will definitely be looking out for more books by Elizabeth McKenna. Well worth my 5 stars!

The author kindly provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been in an abusive relationship? If so, how horrible did you feel after the relationship finally ended? And, how did that relationship color your view of other possible mates?

Now go back further in time. Back to your very first crush. Do you remember how ot felt? Jessie Baxter does. Her first crush was Lee Archer and ten years earlier he told her that he just wanted to be friends.

Now, Lee wants Jessie's heart, but her psychotic ex-husband has really messed up her head. You will have to read this book to find out if Jessie and Lee will have a second chance at love.

Author Elizabeth McKenna has done a great job of character development and by the end of the book, you can't help but feel invested in the character's lives.

Readers will also find themselves looking back at their own high school experiences and waxing nostalgic about their own first crush.

This feel good, second chance romance will put a smile on the face of even the most stoic, jaded reader. It is for this reason that I rate FIRST CRUSH, LAST LOVE as 4 out of 5 Stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

To read my full review and to enter the Giveaway go to http://bit.ly/firstcrushlastlove

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Fate played the biggest role of this story. If a person is meant to be for you, whatever happened, your lives will rekindle again. This story is beautiful, emotional and some times I feel like I need to throw my Kindle to Jessie. She is beautiful but she is so weak especially fighting her husband Billy. He is such a jerk and hope that all men are not like him. He is such a manipulative and a piece of sh*t. I hate his character but I loved Jessie and Lee. The setting is very nice especially the beach. It is my favorite.

This book is so inspirational. I am sure that many women can relate to Jessie's character. We just need to defend ourselves and fight what is right for us as an individual or a wife. Abused women can relate from this story and a beautiful lesson to learn.

Love is so powerful. You cannot stop your feelings when the right person comes along. You might forget but if destiny is yours, you cannot stop but to fall-in love all over again. This is a very sweet story, you will fall-in love but at the same time gets hurt and those high school memories of you were being crazy will makes you laugh out loud.

[Brianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that does not just delve into the characters romance, one that brings you background information on both characters and really sets the stage for the main event, then First Crush, Last Love is the book for you. Elizabeth McKenna writes a story of love, friendship, loss and second chances in a story that will make you laugh, smile and sadness.

I found myself really despising Lee's character at first - it felt like he was toying with Jessie's emotions. How did he not realize what she felt for him and he continually let her down. I will admit at first I was a bit annoyed how long it took for them to get together, however, I began to enjoy how it was setting the plot line for the story. I really enjoyed how the two characters finally got together and how Lee stood by Jessie. First Crush, Last Love shows that true love wins in the end no matter what.

If you are looking for a sweet, fun read, then First Crush, Last Love is the book for you. Elizabeth McKenna is a talented writer who does not force the characters together and sets a beautiful stage for a wonderful story. Make sure you add this book to your To-Be-Read Shelf.

[Cryssie Addis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie had a huge crush on Lee, the high school jock. Lee wasn't ready to commit or even wanted more than just friendship with Jessie. They go their separate ways and find themselves back in one another's life again at their high school reunion. Will this time be different? Is this finally their chance to find true love? Can a crush really turn into your forever love? Call me a hopeless romantic, but I LOVE to read stories like this! 

This was a great read by Elizabeth McKenna. Her writing was captivating and beautiful. I enjoyed reading about Jessie and Lee in different stages of their lives. The book was split into three different parts; high school, Jessie and Lee's separate lives and the reunion. I felt as if I watched them grow up and really got to know their characters this way. They both led difficult lives and had to face traumas that ultimately made them untrusting and unsure of one another. Will they be able to work through these real emotions and figure it out? You will have to read and find out! 

I give this book five stars! The writing is beautiful, the characters are relateable and I was truly invested in this story. If you enjoy romance novels, you will LOVE this book! 

*I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own. *

[Catarina Geirinhas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Xpresso Book Tours and Elizabeth MzKenna for the opportunity to read this book!

Jessie has had a crush on Lee since she was sixteen years old. We get to experience her teenage infatuation with him along the span of 11 years, the excitement of every encounter, the joyful expectation, each nervous look and touch, and, also, each heartbreak. Who doesn’t remember being a teenager with a platonic crush? This is a sweet second chance romance that will make you go down memory lane and remember all your own experiences. What I found interesting and drew me in is that we don’t have a gap in the story like they meet 5/10 years later and get together. No, we get to experience the years they were apart and how life was like for each of them. We get to experience Jessie’s heartrending marriage and Lee’s inability to commit albeit in a serious relationship, which then takes them to enjoy their time together even more. I read this book in an afternoon as I couldn’t put it down!

[Margaret Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

FTC: I received a free copy of this book from iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review. I received no other compensation and the opinions expressed in this review are one hundred percent true and my own.

First Crush, Last Love by Elizabeth McKenna was a fantastic book. I loved that you meet the characters when they are in their senior year in high school, and you follow along as they grow up. I loved this because it felt like I was growing up with them and it also helped me understand their lives. I wasn’t a massive fan of Lee throughout most of the book, but I didn’t hate him either. I really liked Jessie, but I got annoyed when she stayed with her ex-husband because no one deserves to be treated like she was. This author did a great job of making the story come to life for me, and I know that I will be reading more of her books in the future. If you love romance books that I know you will love this book just as much as I did.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is told in three phases, and each has a different tone to the others.

In the first phase, High School, the author has done a good job of capturing the drama and angst inherent in teen life and does a good job of setting the scene for the balance of the book.

The second phase is more difficult to read, and rightly so, given the issues dealt with.  The author skillfully crafts a scenario which allows the reader to develop a deeper connection with Jessie and to want more for her.

And that "more" comes in the final phase.  And whilst this was perhaps the bit that I felt was over too quickly. Not rushed, because that would imply that the author didn't give the reunion sufficient focus; but for my personal tastes, I was engaged enough with the relationship that I simply wasn't quite ready for it to end.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Debbie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just a wonderful read for me! I was in high school in the 80’s so I felt like I was reliving part of my youth. Just a great love story. This story is proof that no one should ever get married before they turn 25!

I would like to get Jessie to be a bit tougher but if we’re all a little honest with ourselves none of us were as strong in high school as we are now that we have life experiences. And that’s what happens to Jessie. It’s a nice story to take you away from real life and give you pleasant dreams.

[Esther Haddie's Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing, sweet and touching

This was a really great read. It was really touching and heart tugging. I've read many books, but I don't think any quite like this. Elizabeth McKenna has a way of making the characters so real. And the fact the story takes place before the 2000's is amazing. I love reading books that take place before my time, which was not that far from the 80's, but even so I love that time. (80's music is bomb!) So good and so worth the read, plus more.

*Originally, I received an ARC for a blog tour, but I had to buy the book, I loved it so much!*