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The First
He was the first man she fell in love with.
She was the first woman to change his life.
For over two decades, plus size beauty Zadie has dodged any serious commitment and act of intimacy in her romantic relationships, because of her best friend Alfie. After finding out Alfie is getting married, Zadie begins to reevaluate her unrequited love for him. She is now ready to move onto the next phase of her life, untethered to him. Just as she’s on the precipice of finding new love, Alfie begins to question what his life would be like if she was no longer in love with him in the way he has become accustomed to. Join the two of them as they explore their relationship through snapshots of their lives over the last twenty-one years.
Will they finally find themselves on the same page at the same time?
This is the first book of a two-part series.
Warning: this story includes graphic scenes of an intimate nature.
She was the first woman to change his life.
For over two decades, plus size beauty Zadie has dodged any serious commitment and act of intimacy in her romantic relationships, because of her best friend Alfie. After finding out Alfie is getting married, Zadie begins to reevaluate her unrequited love for him. She is now ready to move onto the next phase of her life, untethered to him. Just as she’s on the precipice of finding new love, Alfie begins to question what his life would be like if she was no longer in love with him in the way he has become accustomed to. Join the two of them as they explore their relationship through snapshots of their lives over the last twenty-one years.
Will they finally find themselves on the same page at the same time?
This is the first book of a two-part series.
Warning: this story includes graphic scenes of an intimate nature.
- GenresFriends To Lovers
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2018
8 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Mel Wildes
2 books8 followersMel Wildes was born in Sydney, Australia. Mel has gained an MA and BA in Creative Writing and Literature. She has worked in the advertising industry as a Content Writer and the publishing industry as an Editor.
It is her goal to create fictional worlds that are customised for women who don’t often see themselves or their voices represented in literature. She has a keen interest in writing a variety of novels including contemporary romance, erotic romance and speculative fiction.
For more information about Mel Wildes and her upcoming projects:
www.twitter.com/melwildes
For business inquiries:
melwildesinfo@gmail.com
It is her goal to create fictional worlds that are customised for women who don’t often see themselves or their voices represented in literature. She has a keen interest in writing a variety of novels including contemporary romance, erotic romance and speculative fiction.
For more information about Mel Wildes and her upcoming projects:
www.twitter.com/melwildes
For business inquiries:
melwildesinfo@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 22, 2018
How prophetic that author Mel Wildes names her debut “The First”. I love friends-to-lovers romances, but this one is more of a friends to “exactly-what-are-we”? All I know is Zadie deserves better, and for anyone in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way, the struggle is REAL!
Zadie King has pretty much been in love with Alfie (This name, y’all…I guess it’s better than Alfred lol) Montgomery for twenty-one years (Oh no, baby, what is you doing?) First of all…you know what? Never mind… On top of being in love with her BFF, who knows it, and I detect, secretly revels in it, she has some minor self esteem issues being a curvy girl in a thin world (I can relate…) Don’t get it twisted: This isn’t a “poor fat girl can’t get her man, so she’ll just wait for her BFF to come to his senses” romance. Nah… After a few “woe is me” moments, Zadie gets her damn life and realizes that she deserves happiness too.
This story keeps you entertained from beginning to end in that it weaves past with present as Zadie and Alfie reflect on the events and turning points in their relationship and their true feelings for one another as they both find love with other people and try to move on. My only gripe: Zadie let Alfie get away with too much ish. There were no boundaries, and that pissed me off. She made it too easy for him to have access to her—emotionally and physically. The book does end on a mild cliffhanger, so I’m hoping the author comes through soon with the conclusion. I want my girl to get her happy ending! Click it up!
Zadie King has pretty much been in love with Alfie (This name, y’all…I guess it’s better than Alfred lol) Montgomery for twenty-one years (Oh no, baby, what is you doing?) First of all…you know what? Never mind… On top of being in love with her BFF, who knows it, and I detect, secretly revels in it, she has some minor self esteem issues being a curvy girl in a thin world (I can relate…) Don’t get it twisted: This isn’t a “poor fat girl can’t get her man, so she’ll just wait for her BFF to come to his senses” romance. Nah… After a few “woe is me” moments, Zadie gets her damn life and realizes that she deserves happiness too.
This story keeps you entertained from beginning to end in that it weaves past with present as Zadie and Alfie reflect on the events and turning points in their relationship and their true feelings for one another as they both find love with other people and try to move on. My only gripe: Zadie let Alfie get away with too much ish. There were no boundaries, and that pissed me off. She made it too easy for him to have access to her—emotionally and physically. The book does end on a mild cliffhanger, so I’m hoping the author comes through soon with the conclusion. I want my girl to get her happy ending! Click it up!
April 19, 2018
Nice
Nice story about childhood friends that were always in love with each. Of course, Alfie, is the all american jock/popular kid when they were in school and Zadie is his best friend who is socially awarkard because she not "typical" girlfriend material. Alfie, was a douche bag of epic proportions to Zadie, in her knew she loved him but of course he couldn't really return her very public feelings for him even though he felt the same. He continued taking advtange of her well into adulthood, of course, until Zadie has a guy she is truly interested in. Alfie to me crossed the line when he slept with her, knowing she was a virgin, holding out for a guy she loved. He came at her wrong and she fell for it still and slept with him. This is when Alfie looses his mind because he realizes he is truly in love with Zadie. Looking forward to the conclusion of this story.
Nice story about childhood friends that were always in love with each. Of course, Alfie, is the all american jock/popular kid when they were in school and Zadie is his best friend who is socially awarkard because she not "typical" girlfriend material. Alfie, was a douche bag of epic proportions to Zadie, in her knew she loved him but of course he couldn't really return her very public feelings for him even though he felt the same. He continued taking advtange of her well into adulthood, of course, until Zadie has a guy she is truly interested in. Alfie to me crossed the line when he slept with her, knowing she was a virgin, holding out for a guy she loved. He came at her wrong and she fell for it still and slept with him. This is when Alfie looses his mind because he realizes he is truly in love with Zadie. Looking forward to the conclusion of this story.
April 20, 2018
But not done?
I see shades of another novel Tethered in book...I love Zadie and Alfie's love story....it started at age 6....it was enduring...filled with angst and betrayals, longing...high school...wanting...for 21 years this continues...Zadie saved herself for the man she loved...Alfie continued his man whore ways...thinking he could live in his denials..he needed Zadie like he needed his next breath..she needed to stand up for herself and breathe...she finally meets her dream guy...Marcus...he was who she needed...but Alfie had her heart....which he shattered yet again when he decided to marry Tiffany...😱😢😤...I am very impressed with this new author....patiently waiting
I see shades of another novel Tethered in book...I love Zadie and Alfie's love story....it started at age 6....it was enduring...filled with angst and betrayals, longing...high school...wanting...for 21 years this continues...Zadie saved herself for the man she loved...Alfie continued his man whore ways...thinking he could live in his denials..he needed Zadie like he needed his next breath..she needed to stand up for herself and breathe...she finally meets her dream guy...Marcus...he was who she needed...but Alfie had her heart....which he shattered yet again when he decided to marry Tiffany...😱😢😤...I am very impressed with this new author....patiently waiting
April 28, 2018
Excellent debut.
I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story and this one was satisfying. This book was super trope-y but was executed well. I’m not the biggest fan of the “heroine stays a virgin forever” trope but at least Zadie articulated her reasons well. I liked Alfie as well, but he was incredibly, incredibly selfish. He overstepped (more like leaped over) boundaries several times, I’m glad other characters called him out on it.
The editing could be a little tighter but this was well written and the errors were minimal. Really enjoy this author’s voice.
Looking forward to part 2!
I’m a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers story and this one was satisfying. This book was super trope-y but was executed well. I’m not the biggest fan of the “heroine stays a virgin forever” trope but at least Zadie articulated her reasons well. I liked Alfie as well, but he was incredibly, incredibly selfish. He overstepped (more like leaped over) boundaries several times, I’m glad other characters called him out on it.
The editing could be a little tighter but this was well written and the errors were minimal. Really enjoy this author’s voice.
Looking forward to part 2!
April 23, 2018
Great first write!
This is incredible. I love Zadie n Alfie. I liked the back and forth the points of view. Wildes has the HS scenes down. The best part was how their love evolved. I like that she kept the number of characters bare but there.
Like a favorite 80s movie grown up!
This is incredible. I love Zadie n Alfie. I liked the back and forth the points of view. Wildes has the HS scenes down. The best part was how their love evolved. I like that she kept the number of characters bare but there.
Like a favorite 80s movie grown up!
April 18, 2018
The book was good but....
What's up with Alfie? I'm so mad at him I can't wait for the next book! I was mad at Zadie for being a doormat for him
But the story was well written and infuriating in a good way :) Definitely worth reading
What's up with Alfie? I'm so mad at him I can't wait for the next book! I was mad at Zadie for being a doormat for him
But the story was well written and infuriating in a good way :) Definitely worth reading
November 29, 2021
The writing was good, but this was not the book for me. I did not like the main characters. I thought they both were stupid. I was hoping the conflict would be resolved and there would be a happy ending. No it ends on a fucking cliffhanger and I’m not investing anymore of my time into their weird relationship.
I get friends to lovers. I get friends who fuck around and then become devoted lovers. I don’t get fuck around on everyone and not resolve y’all’s fuckin issues. Seriously. You bet if my best friend who I had feeling for tied me up and fucked me in the dressing room while picking out attire for his wedding he better call his wedding off and make me the number one woman. Fuckin dumb. Gahhhhh.
I get friends to lovers. I get friends who fuck around and then become devoted lovers. I don’t get fuck around on everyone and not resolve y’all’s fuckin issues. Seriously. You bet if my best friend who I had feeling for tied me up and fucked me in the dressing room while picking out attire for his wedding he better call his wedding off and make me the number one woman. Fuckin dumb. Gahhhhh.
January 30, 2021
Great Love Story
Great read, cute love story between best friends. Their relationship is the cutest ever I hope to find love like that with my future husband. I don’t think there’s anything greater than loving someone and also having them be your best friend at the same time. I really enjoyed the back and forth between past and present. It really allowed you to see how not only how Zadie felt but how Alfie felt about Zadie all long. I loved the author descriptions about how they both felt for one another, greatly written !! Love this book can’t wait for part 2 😁😁
Great read, cute love story between best friends. Their relationship is the cutest ever I hope to find love like that with my future husband. I don’t think there’s anything greater than loving someone and also having them be your best friend at the same time. I really enjoyed the back and forth between past and present. It really allowed you to see how not only how Zadie felt but how Alfie felt about Zadie all long. I loved the author descriptions about how they both felt for one another, greatly written !! Love this book can’t wait for part 2 😁😁
May 24, 2018
Just average
Sadie has been in love with Alfie for 20 plus years and Alfie has used it to his advantage. Sadie finally meets a guy that takes her interest away from Alfie and of course his jealously starts to show, despite the fact that he is engaged to be married.
The book was an ok read. Way too much time was spent in the past. I didn't need their backstory from childhood. Not sure I am interested in part two.
Sadie has been in love with Alfie for 20 plus years and Alfie has used it to his advantage. Sadie finally meets a guy that takes her interest away from Alfie and of course his jealously starts to show, despite the fact that he is engaged to be married.
The book was an ok read. Way too much time was spent in the past. I didn't need their backstory from childhood. Not sure I am interested in part two.
August 8, 2020
I’ve read both books back to back!! It was such a sweet and steamy story! I even shed a few tears. It’s been awhile since I’ve read such a cohesive and well thought out love story. I really hope this author produces more in the future.
January 26, 2019
Finished a few days ago, just working out my review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews