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Romance in the City #2
The First Time Around
“Seriously, he’s a keeper. Trust me on that.”
25-year-old Daniel has two primary concerns in life. They are acting and writing, in that order. Until he lands a role kissing brawny, burly local Milwaukee theater veteran Stanley onstage. It causes a sensation and leads to sold-out audiences for the show. Daniel is soon known as the straight guy playing gay, until his curiosity, and effort to escape from the buzzing crowd, lands him in the arms of boy-next-door Mark. Their relationship turns his world upside down.
Mark, the grandson of wealthy pillars of local society, is licking his wounds after the abrupt end of a toxic three-month relationship. Despite a wealth of past advice against engaging in a rebound romance, he can’t ignore tall, blonde, blue-eyed leading man Daniel. Mark’s patience and Daniel’s curiosity are a perfect match, but the aspirations of a man with acting in his blood aren’t conducive to the establishment of a stable, comfortable relationship.
The desire is there, and they set the sheets on fire in bed, but is it enough when New York comes calling for Daniel?
The First Time Around is a 50,000 word first-time-gay romance novel. It is the second book in the Romance In the City series. It features characters from the first book, The Pretend Husband, but it can be read as a standalone novel. It has steamy scenes, no cliffhangers, and a happily-ever-after ending.
25-year-old Daniel has two primary concerns in life. They are acting and writing, in that order. Until he lands a role kissing brawny, burly local Milwaukee theater veteran Stanley onstage. It causes a sensation and leads to sold-out audiences for the show. Daniel is soon known as the straight guy playing gay, until his curiosity, and effort to escape from the buzzing crowd, lands him in the arms of boy-next-door Mark. Their relationship turns his world upside down.
Mark, the grandson of wealthy pillars of local society, is licking his wounds after the abrupt end of a toxic three-month relationship. Despite a wealth of past advice against engaging in a rebound romance, he can’t ignore tall, blonde, blue-eyed leading man Daniel. Mark’s patience and Daniel’s curiosity are a perfect match, but the aspirations of a man with acting in his blood aren’t conducive to the establishment of a stable, comfortable relationship.
The desire is there, and they set the sheets on fire in bed, but is it enough when New York comes calling for Daniel?
The First Time Around is a 50,000 word first-time-gay romance novel. It is the second book in the Romance In the City series. It features characters from the first book, The Pretend Husband, but it can be read as a standalone novel. It has steamy scenes, no cliffhangers, and a happily-ever-after ending.
- GenresRomanceM M RomanceLGBT
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
25 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 23, 2017
* I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review *
This is a second book inthe "Romance in the city" series and also my second book by Declan Rhodes.
If You liked "The pretend husband" I'm sure You'll love Daniel and Mark's story as well. It is SWEET, almost angst free and not very complicated.
"The first time around" is a story of Mike, a rich guy who just broke with his bf, and Daniel a young aspiring actor. Even though that Daniel thinks he is straight he is attracted first to his scene partner Stanley and then to Mark. They hit it off quite fast and after some small problems we have a sweet happy ending.
It was an enjoyable fast paced read with likeable characters. It was nice to meet Alex and Liam again, but I felt like there was too many characters sometimes. The sex is hot, dogs are cute and everything is just fine. It was not the type of book that would keep me awake but that was not a problem, it was relaxing and nice.
This is a second book inthe "Romance in the city" series and also my second book by Declan Rhodes.
If You liked "The pretend husband" I'm sure You'll love Daniel and Mark's story as well. It is SWEET, almost angst free and not very complicated.
"The first time around" is a story of Mike, a rich guy who just broke with his bf, and Daniel a young aspiring actor. Even though that Daniel thinks he is straight he is attracted first to his scene partner Stanley and then to Mark. They hit it off quite fast and after some small problems we have a sweet happy ending.
It was an enjoyable fast paced read with likeable characters. It was nice to meet Alex and Liam again, but I felt like there was too many characters sometimes. The sex is hot, dogs are cute and everything is just fine. It was not the type of book that would keep me awake but that was not a problem, it was relaxing and nice.
November 28, 2017
We first meet Mark in The Pretend Husband as the sad but loyal friend to Liam and Alex as they navigate from pretend partners to real ones. They play a role in Mark's life in this story as well and give support and good advice when he needs it. Given only vague details about a difficult relationship when we meet him at the dog park and a dinner party with the couple, we begin to feel badly for Mark but aren't really sure why. I know I wasn't sure if I was feeling badly because he's just a sad, mopey kind of sweet guy that needs his own happiness or if it's simply because he was dumped. In The First Time Around we're given a much more detailed explanation as to why he's so sad in the first place and it isn't for the reasons we came up with before.
Mark gets dumped. Sad? Yes, but not for the reason you think. It's sad because he's such a sweet guy who wants so much to be loved and deserves freedom from his loneliness. The breakup is a much-needed event that Mark isn't completely sure why he didn't bring it about sooner. He's liberated from verbal and emotional abuse to finally regain his confidence and sense of self. And while he's not looking for a relationship it seems that it's when we're not looking for something that it ends up finding us instead.
Daniel is an actor that has dreams of a bigger stage than the one he's on currently. Known as "the straight guy who kisses like he's not" (my paraphrasing here...), his talent shines as well as his passion for more than just acting. He's not out or hiding, he's just unaware. His co-star, Stanley, is able to pull some amazing chemistry out of the seemingly straight Daniel and Daniel is surprised that he's feeling so much more than he thought possible. And then he happens upon a sad Mark at a movie theater.
They're seeking things that are quite opposite from one another but end up in the same place. In a theater you can be as alone in a crowd or as surrounded by stimulus as you want. Mark doesn't want to be so alone and Daniel needs the distraction of the masses. They both decide that a romcom will best soothe their hearts and take the risk of introducing themselves to one another. A chance meeting turns into something more and they're off to the start of a very sweet relationship.
It has sweet and tender beginnings but soon ambitions and fears seek to drive them apart. Job opportunities, misunderstandings, obliviously callous offers, and overreactions all play a part in the rocky road Daniel and Mark travel to find their HEA. With humility and a spontaneous vacation they find that there's more to love than what fits their pictures.
Overall this was a sweet book that was pretty predictable but lighthearted enough to flit along the surface of enjoyment. Geesh, that's flowery. I liked the softer story and the hope and happiness of the ending though I feel that it's probably this writer's style, at least in this series, to have a lack of depth and gut feelings. Meaning that I feel this higher in my chest and wish that there were something compelling in the writing that would let it sink into my gut and make me feel it on a deeper level than what's currently offered. Still a nice story that leaves you feeling light and happy at the end.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
Mark gets dumped. Sad? Yes, but not for the reason you think. It's sad because he's such a sweet guy who wants so much to be loved and deserves freedom from his loneliness. The breakup is a much-needed event that Mark isn't completely sure why he didn't bring it about sooner. He's liberated from verbal and emotional abuse to finally regain his confidence and sense of self. And while he's not looking for a relationship it seems that it's when we're not looking for something that it ends up finding us instead.
Daniel is an actor that has dreams of a bigger stage than the one he's on currently. Known as "the straight guy who kisses like he's not" (my paraphrasing here...), his talent shines as well as his passion for more than just acting. He's not out or hiding, he's just unaware. His co-star, Stanley, is able to pull some amazing chemistry out of the seemingly straight Daniel and Daniel is surprised that he's feeling so much more than he thought possible. And then he happens upon a sad Mark at a movie theater.
They're seeking things that are quite opposite from one another but end up in the same place. In a theater you can be as alone in a crowd or as surrounded by stimulus as you want. Mark doesn't want to be so alone and Daniel needs the distraction of the masses. They both decide that a romcom will best soothe their hearts and take the risk of introducing themselves to one another. A chance meeting turns into something more and they're off to the start of a very sweet relationship.
It has sweet and tender beginnings but soon ambitions and fears seek to drive them apart. Job opportunities, misunderstandings, obliviously callous offers, and overreactions all play a part in the rocky road Daniel and Mark travel to find their HEA. With humility and a spontaneous vacation they find that there's more to love than what fits their pictures.
Overall this was a sweet book that was pretty predictable but lighthearted enough to flit along the surface of enjoyment. Geesh, that's flowery. I liked the softer story and the hope and happiness of the ending though I feel that it's probably this writer's style, at least in this series, to have a lack of depth and gut feelings. Meaning that I feel this higher in my chest and wish that there were something compelling in the writing that would let it sink into my gut and make me feel it on a deeper level than what's currently offered. Still a nice story that leaves you feeling light and happy at the end.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
November 21, 2017
Daniel Birmingham is an aspiring actor and writer. He has dreams of making it big and believes every role he takes will help him grow as an actor. His most recent role is one of the leads in a LGBT acting troupe even though he is straight... err.. bi-curious as he finds out.
Mark Schroeder, first made an appearance in My Pretend Husband. He’s recently ended his three month relationship with Max, the guy he first met in My Pretend Husband. Feeling the sting from ending a relationship, Mark ventures out to the movies on himself. When a stranger in line ahead of him stops him and invites Mark to sit with him. Mark sees no harm in accepting Daniel’s invitation.
Daniel feels drawn to Mark and the two meet up. Daniel makes it clear he used to identify as straight but is willing to explore his attraction to Mark. Everything seems fine until tension revels itself when Daniel gets a call from New York offering him a role.
I didn’t particularly like either character. I found Mark and Daniel’s relationship development to be extremely rushed. The two barely knew each other before the started making major decisions that affected both their lives just to see where their newly budding relationship would go. Mark was wholly more invested in the relationship than Daniel. Their short time together and their decisions really showed cracks in their budding relationship. I didn’t like that Mark was willing to give up his routine just to pursue this new relationship with Daniel when Daniel himself wasn’t willing to compromise. The couple just hit a lot of my pet peeves.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Mark Schroeder, first made an appearance in My Pretend Husband. He’s recently ended his three month relationship with Max, the guy he first met in My Pretend Husband. Feeling the sting from ending a relationship, Mark ventures out to the movies on himself. When a stranger in line ahead of him stops him and invites Mark to sit with him. Mark sees no harm in accepting Daniel’s invitation.
Daniel feels drawn to Mark and the two meet up. Daniel makes it clear he used to identify as straight but is willing to explore his attraction to Mark. Everything seems fine until tension revels itself when Daniel gets a call from New York offering him a role.
I didn’t particularly like either character. I found Mark and Daniel’s relationship development to be extremely rushed. The two barely knew each other before the started making major decisions that affected both their lives just to see where their newly budding relationship would go. Mark was wholly more invested in the relationship than Daniel. Their short time together and their decisions really showed cracks in their budding relationship. I didn’t like that Mark was willing to give up his routine just to pursue this new relationship with Daniel when Daniel himself wasn’t willing to compromise. The couple just hit a lot of my pet peeves.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2017
The First Time Around
We first met Mark in the dog park in book 1, The Pretend Husband. His boyfriend, Max, has just left him, which is not a bad thing as he only wanted him for his money, so he decides to go to the cinema alone.
Daniel a "straight" actor has been getting rave reviews for his role as a gay man, with the final kiss blowing everyone away. How can a straight man get so passionate kissing another man. Stanley his co actor doesn't mind, even praises him! Why are these kisses making him go weak at the knees? He needs time away from the other actors to think through his feelings so goes to thee cinema. He notices a man alone but as they're going to watch the same film they watch together, then he asks him to dinner later in the week.
Mark goes to watch the play but can't believe it when he gets told that Daniel is straight. Does he just want to be friends after all? They go to dinner and Daniel asks for a goodnight kiss, Mark is happy to oblige!
Daniel gets a call from Stanley's friend Lionel asking him to New York to try out for some acting roles since people have seen him online and shown interest. Is he going to leave Mark behind just when they've started a relationship?
Luckily for Mark Lionel calls and postpones Daniel going to New York, but as he was going to tell Daniel he was going with him they go on a little sightseeing holiday. The see some attractions but also get to know each other in and out of the bedroom.
I'm glad they are going to move in together and Daniel wants Mark for being him and not his money!
We first met Mark in the dog park in book 1, The Pretend Husband. His boyfriend, Max, has just left him, which is not a bad thing as he only wanted him for his money, so he decides to go to the cinema alone.
Daniel a "straight" actor has been getting rave reviews for his role as a gay man, with the final kiss blowing everyone away. How can a straight man get so passionate kissing another man. Stanley his co actor doesn't mind, even praises him! Why are these kisses making him go weak at the knees? He needs time away from the other actors to think through his feelings so goes to thee cinema. He notices a man alone but as they're going to watch the same film they watch together, then he asks him to dinner later in the week.
Mark goes to watch the play but can't believe it when he gets told that Daniel is straight. Does he just want to be friends after all? They go to dinner and Daniel asks for a goodnight kiss, Mark is happy to oblige!
Daniel gets a call from Stanley's friend Lionel asking him to New York to try out for some acting roles since people have seen him online and shown interest. Is he going to leave Mark behind just when they've started a relationship?
Luckily for Mark Lionel calls and postpones Daniel going to New York, but as he was going to tell Daniel he was going with him they go on a little sightseeing holiday. The see some attractions but also get to know each other in and out of the bedroom.
I'm glad they are going to move in together and Daniel wants Mark for being him and not his money!
November 16, 2017
With this second book in the Romance in the City series, Declan Rhodes brings us another familiar romance trope. This one is a first-time gay romance, but it doesn't have all the angst and heartache that we see so much in this type of romance. The First Time Around is a wonderfully written, engaging tale and I love that while it's obvious that Mark and Daniel are attracted to each other, it's more of a slow-build on the love. The story isn't slow by any means and the characters and dialogue are interesting and keep the story moving along nicely. The story does mention characters from the first book, which is an added bonus if you've read it, but it also works well as a standalone.
I've come to count on this author to give me a couple with great chemistry and story line that's low on angst but thoroughly captivating. The First Time Around is the perfect blend of sweet and steamy and will certainly leave you smiling.
I've come to count on this author to give me a couple with great chemistry and story line that's low on angst but thoroughly captivating. The First Time Around is the perfect blend of sweet and steamy and will certainly leave you smiling.
November 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and I think it is a great continuation of this series. The story is interesting and the characters are well developed. Mark and Daniel are at different stages in their lives. Mark is settled, owns his home and has a great dog - he is only missing someone to share that life with. Daniel is an actor and writer who is waiting for one of his careers to take off and he may have to move to make that happen. Daniel has never had a relationship with a man but when he is attracted to Mark and they start a relationship he is all in. I love that he doesn't have a lot of angst and second guessing about being with Mark. What bothered me about this book is the lack of lube or prep when they had sex. I think those are pretty important steps. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
I was given an ARC to review by the author.
April 26, 2025
Daniel, a passionate actor and writer, finds unexpected fame after a sensational onstage kiss with theater veteran Stanley. His newfound notoriety leads him into the arms of Mark, a wealthy local who is recovering from a toxic past relationship. Their chemistry is undeniable, but Daniel's ambitions and the lure of New York threaten their chance at stability. As desire ignites between them, they must confront whether their connection can endure beyond the moment.
This was a story full of emotions and feelings as the two men met and adjusted to a new relationship between them. There was a lot of angst for Daniel as he accepted that he was not as straight as he thought he was but I thought that it could have been more detailed. Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was a story full of emotions and feelings as the two men met and adjusted to a new relationship between them. There was a lot of angst for Daniel as he accepted that he was not as straight as he thought he was but I thought that it could have been more detailed. Easy to feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
November 22, 2017
I don't know, this book just didn't manage to catch my interest. It all felt like the two characters were describing rather than living their romantic relationship. This might be due to the fact that most of the dialogues were introduced by emotionless words like "I said","He said" "I asked" "He asked", as if they were given a testimony. I couldn't feel the attraction between the two, the writing lacked in heat and intensity. Even the fact that the "straight boy" turned out to prefer a man, was described without major concern like as if after a long period of sexual coma, Daniel woke up to his prince charming thanks to a kiss and they both went on and lived happily ever after. So I just couldn't give more than 3 stars.
December 10, 2017
I thought that this story was very sweet. It was refreshing to have a character who believed that he was straight shift his self paradigm without a lot of over the top drama. There are times when that fits the character, but this wasn’t one of those times, and I loved that Daniel was able to realize that he was at least bi without it.
I liked that both Mark and Daniel learned to compromise and work together to make their relationship stronger. Both men had been living independent lives for so long that having to learn to consider the other’s feelings was a bit of a transition. But when they focused on being better together, they really worked as a couple for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I liked that both Mark and Daniel learned to compromise and work together to make their relationship stronger. Both men had been living independent lives for so long that having to learn to consider the other’s feelings was a bit of a transition. But when they focused on being better together, they really worked as a couple for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 19, 2017
A first-time-gay novella, this has a quite interesting take on the trope, as Daniel is fully aware of his taste for men, but decided to repress it.
The story is very interesting, and the characters very well developed. The writing, as always with Declan Rhodes, is engaging and easy to read. The only thing that throw me off, and prevented me from giving it 5 stars were the sex scenes with no prep or lube in them. I know it's a book, and we should suspend belief, but... sorry, it doesn't works for me.
Nevertheless, this is a great read and one I can sincerely recommend.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is very interesting, and the characters very well developed. The writing, as always with Declan Rhodes, is engaging and easy to read. The only thing that throw me off, and prevented me from giving it 5 stars were the sex scenes with no prep or lube in them. I know it's a book, and we should suspend belief, but... sorry, it doesn't works for me.
Nevertheless, this is a great read and one I can sincerely recommend.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2017
The First Time Around: Romance In the City, Book 2 by Declan Rhodes
This is Daniel and Mark’s story.
I enjoyed Daniel and Mark’s story but I enjoyed Alex and Liam’s story in book one more. Mark deserves a person that can love him for just being him. Daniel drove me a little crazy but he finally came around. I really liked Grandmother Linton’s character. We can’t forget the cute dogs, Duke and Chester.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is Daniel and Mark’s story.
I enjoyed Daniel and Mark’s story but I enjoyed Alex and Liam’s story in book one more. Mark deserves a person that can love him for just being him. Daniel drove me a little crazy but he finally came around. I really liked Grandmother Linton’s character. We can’t forget the cute dogs, Duke and Chester.
FYI, contains mature content. This is a MM romance. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 22, 2017
Mark has some issues to work out from a verbally abusive and mooch of an ex boyfriend. Meeting Daniel is not expected. Daniel is fun and exactly what Mark needs to life his spirits. They must decide if the sparks between them are enough for something long-term. I loved Daniel and Mark and the developing relationship between them. It was great to re-visit with Liam and Alex. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
January 22, 2018
This is interesting, sweet and romantic. Daniel is confident, determined and confused. Mark is sweet, caring and thoughtful. Mark's patience is exactly what Daniel needs to explore his desires and confusion. While not everything goes smoothly for them, they are a fun and romantic couple. The storyline and the characters make for a captivating story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
November 19, 2017
If I Act Will I Lose You?
I liked this light hearted romance about a struggling actor and his financially independent boyfriend. Since they have an imbalance financially there are decisions that need to be made before they move together as a couple. Choosing what city to live in is a major consideration.
I received a ARC from the author.
I liked this light hearted romance about a struggling actor and his financially independent boyfriend. Since they have an imbalance financially there are decisions that need to be made before they move together as a couple. Choosing what city to live in is a major consideration.
I received a ARC from the author.
November 19, 2017
First Time Around is a sweet first-time gay story. Daniel and Mark are likable and there is low angst.
The love between Daniel and Mark is a slow build and heartwarming as they work out the issues that pop up in their new relationship.
The story is enjoyable and even though part of a series can be read as a stand alone.
I received a copy for an honest review.
The love between Daniel and Mark is a slow build and heartwarming as they work out the issues that pop up in their new relationship.
The story is enjoyable and even though part of a series can be read as a stand alone.
I received a copy for an honest review.
November 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this story of Daniel's "first time around". The characters were likeable, and the story felt real. There wasn't too much drama, just the usual confusion and misunderstandings of a new relationship.
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.*
November 21, 2017
I enjoyed book number 2 in the Romance in the City series a lot more than the first one. The characters were better developed and the storyline seemed more realistic. I loved reading the story of Mark and Daniel while revisiting the characters from the 1st book. A nice read.
November 30, 2017
Nice to read Mark’s storey but it was a little silly of Mark to get so bent out of shape about Daniels potential job interview. I mean come on that had only been together for a few weeks and who knew if anything would come of it.
December 27, 2017
straight to gay ?
It’s a powerful story of struggle for two men, one an actor and one a well to do person. It shows that love can conquer all at the end. I loved the characters and their friends and pets. One of my favorite genres.
It’s a powerful story of struggle for two men, one an actor and one a well to do person. It shows that love can conquer all at the end. I loved the characters and their friends and pets. One of my favorite genres.
December 24, 2017
Omg this book was absolutely amazing. This book was a page turner that I just couldn't stop reading until the end. This book was beautifully written. I would highly recommend this book.
January 2, 2018
Eh
Not to my taste. Everything was too rushed and there wasn't enough conflict. Very unrealistic. Okay if you want something light.
Not to my taste. Everything was too rushed and there wasn't enough conflict. Very unrealistic. Okay if you want something light.
February 11, 2019
Fun quick easy read
Was able to finish it when I had some downtime at work. Mark is sort of a ridiculous and underdeveloped character but likeable
Was able to finish it when I had some downtime at work. Mark is sort of a ridiculous and underdeveloped character but likeable
December 2, 2017
Another good read by Declan Rhodes this is the second in his Romance in the City series. As always great characters, fun plot, well written with love and steaming hot sex.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews