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The Mathesons #1
First
Straight, Mason, he’s straight.
For Mason Matheson, being first-born into a large, prosperous family meant the responsibility to compete to be first in many ways. When Kyle Greene, a childhood friend of Mason and his family, decides its time to broaden his horizons and experiment with men, Mason is determined to be Kyle’s “first.”
Mason began the week shoehorned into a minivan with his four adult brothers and one sister on the way to Kyle’s mountain ski lodge for a vacation week. Matheson and Greene, the company founded by the elder generation of two close families, enjoyed a windfall of business, and Mason’s father, John, decided that it was time to gather around, bring the two families together for the first time in years, and celebrate. For a whole week. Away from work. Away from the city. With brothers and sisters. Mason dreaded the upcoming seven days. Then he saw Kyle again for the first time since high school.
Former Olympic slalom skier Kyle is hurting from the three-pronged lousy luck of a blown-out knee ending his competitive skiing career, the death of his mother, and the disintegration of his marriage. All that he had left was his family, disapproving father Bentley and loving sister Lily, and his recently purchased ski resort, The Hideaway. He saw the arrival of the Matheson clan as an opportunity to get back on his feet and surround himself with a crowd of people who cared.
Mason represented one more opportunity. Kyle’s curiosity about men lingered in the back of his mind since high school, and he knew that it played a role in his divorce. As part of a promise to his mother before she died, he was determined to explore his dreams, even the long-hidden ones. Hard-driving, hard-working gay Mason could help with that.
It doesn’t take long for the week to turn complicated. There is a hidden pregnancy, a new ski injury, and bitterness from Kyle’s father to contend with. At the center of it all, two men are falling in love. For Mason, that would be a first.
First is a 57,000-word gay romance with friends-to-lovers, first-time themes and steamy scenes. It is the first book in the series The Mathesons and can be read as a standalone story. There are no cliffhangers, and it includes a guaranteed happy ending.
For Mason Matheson, being first-born into a large, prosperous family meant the responsibility to compete to be first in many ways. When Kyle Greene, a childhood friend of Mason and his family, decides its time to broaden his horizons and experiment with men, Mason is determined to be Kyle’s “first.”
Mason began the week shoehorned into a minivan with his four adult brothers and one sister on the way to Kyle’s mountain ski lodge for a vacation week. Matheson and Greene, the company founded by the elder generation of two close families, enjoyed a windfall of business, and Mason’s father, John, decided that it was time to gather around, bring the two families together for the first time in years, and celebrate. For a whole week. Away from work. Away from the city. With brothers and sisters. Mason dreaded the upcoming seven days. Then he saw Kyle again for the first time since high school.
Former Olympic slalom skier Kyle is hurting from the three-pronged lousy luck of a blown-out knee ending his competitive skiing career, the death of his mother, and the disintegration of his marriage. All that he had left was his family, disapproving father Bentley and loving sister Lily, and his recently purchased ski resort, The Hideaway. He saw the arrival of the Matheson clan as an opportunity to get back on his feet and surround himself with a crowd of people who cared.
Mason represented one more opportunity. Kyle’s curiosity about men lingered in the back of his mind since high school, and he knew that it played a role in his divorce. As part of a promise to his mother before she died, he was determined to explore his dreams, even the long-hidden ones. Hard-driving, hard-working gay Mason could help with that.
It doesn’t take long for the week to turn complicated. There is a hidden pregnancy, a new ski injury, and bitterness from Kyle’s father to contend with. At the center of it all, two men are falling in love. For Mason, that would be a first.
First is a 57,000-word gay romance with friends-to-lovers, first-time themes and steamy scenes. It is the first book in the series The Mathesons and can be read as a standalone story. There are no cliffhangers, and it includes a guaranteed happy ending.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2019
252 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 23, 2019
Ok... Want to start off by saying that based on this book this is gonna be a series you won't want to miss a single book of! This first book of "The Mathesons" series was pure pleasure to read. It hooked me early on and once it had me it didn't let me go till I finished the last page. I quickly came to love the Matheson family with all their quirks, foibles and issues. I can't wait to see how the rest of the sons find their HEA as well. This book is about the oldest son in the family, Mason and his best friend growing up Kyle. While their love story is the main focus I love how the author made it about all the family and just not them, since both are so very much the product of their familly. Mason is someone who since he can't seem to find someone he want to get serious with, instead pours everything he has into his job. Kyle, who is bisexual (leaning heavily towards gay) has been divorced for 3 yrs. When the Matheson and Greene families decide to take a vacation togehter at Kyle's Ski lodge, Kyle and Mason meet again for the first time in years... Add in a bunch of family drama and lots of snow and you've got a romance filled wiht fireworks good and bad. The writing throughout this book was excellent throughout and at times like honey it flowed off the page. I shed a lot of happy and sad tears throughout this book... it was impossible not to after getting to know these families so very well. Awesome start to the series!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
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March 6, 2019Didn't make it past the first page, wherein I found this little gem:
"They weren't identical twins. Jamie was slightly taller, and Benji wore an asymmetrical haircut to differentiate himself from his brother."
Since that's probably the dumbest thing I'll read all day, I'm calling time on this book. Time of death: 2:05AM.
"They weren't identical twins. Jamie was slightly taller, and Benji wore an asymmetrical haircut to differentiate himself from his brother."
Since that's probably the dumbest thing I'll read all day, I'm calling time on this book. Time of death: 2:05AM.
February 1, 2019
This book was not for me. I considered DNF this book when Mason propositioned Kyle like a skeevy pervert when they first meet up again, but decided to skim to see how much more of a tool Mason would end up being. And it didn't take long for Mason to out Kyle with no remorse. Mason couldn't keep a secret (except his own) to save his life. The men in this family were BEYOND judgemental and sexist toward Lily and really, all the way around very few people were redeemable. The intra family dynamics were unbelievable between the Greenes and Mathesons and the end resolution was silly.
August 17, 2021
I have to say that Declan Rhodes is one of my favorite authors. I know I say that about a lot of authors, but I have a lot of favorites. His stories are usually low on angst, high on sweet romance, and just the right amount of sex thrown in for good measure.
Several reviewers have complained about Mason. I liked him. I thought the reasons for his past behavior seemed a bit shallow. However, he was able to move past them because of Kyle. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. After all, there are four gay sons.
Several reviewers have complained about Mason. I liked him. I thought the reasons for his past behavior seemed a bit shallow. However, he was able to move past them because of Kyle. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series. After all, there are four gay sons.
February 4, 2021
I really liked the first chapter but it went downhill from there. See what I did there, downhill... lol.
Anyway. Mason and Kyle was best friends when they where kids but they fell apart after high school. They meet again after ten years when they get together for a ski trip with their families. They both need a calm weekend but between acting on their attraction to each other, lots of family members with secrets and an accident, nothing is calm.
I didn't really like Mason. He acted more like a teenager than a grown man. Kyle wasn't really that much better.
There was a lot of telling instead of showing going on leaving the overall story feeling a bit shallow.
Anyway. Mason and Kyle was best friends when they where kids but they fell apart after high school. They meet again after ten years when they get together for a ski trip with their families. They both need a calm weekend but between acting on their attraction to each other, lots of family members with secrets and an accident, nothing is calm.
I didn't really like Mason. He acted more like a teenager than a grown man. Kyle wasn't really that much better.
There was a lot of telling instead of showing going on leaving the overall story feeling a bit shallow.
January 24, 2019
A great start to a new series!
Kyle Greene had a dream but when his blown out knee ruined his skiing career, he decided to open a ski lodge. While he's got his family visiting for a week, they've also got the Matheson family coming in with all six kids. Growing up together, both the Greene's and Matheson's feel like a blended family, not to mention the fact that they are in business together as well.
But it's been years since Kyle has seen Mason and now that he's divorced, he's thinking that men might be in his future. And who better to practice on than Mason.
This really was a cute story. There was very little angst, apart from a jerky father. The siblings were extremely funny and I can't wait for their stories.
I liked the communication between Kyle and Mason. They were very upfront with each other and there were no games, which was a nice change.
Kyle Greene had a dream but when his blown out knee ruined his skiing career, he decided to open a ski lodge. While he's got his family visiting for a week, they've also got the Matheson family coming in with all six kids. Growing up together, both the Greene's and Matheson's feel like a blended family, not to mention the fact that they are in business together as well.
But it's been years since Kyle has seen Mason and now that he's divorced, he's thinking that men might be in his future. And who better to practice on than Mason.
This really was a cute story. There was very little angst, apart from a jerky father. The siblings were extremely funny and I can't wait for their stories.
I liked the communication between Kyle and Mason. They were very upfront with each other and there were no games, which was a nice change.
June 7, 2024
Childhood friends to lovers
A new series and author for me. I loved the family dynamics and how childhood friends found feelings for each other. There are a few other storylines going on, which added more to the story. Lots of gay brothers, who hopefully get stories too.
A new series and author for me. I loved the family dynamics and how childhood friends found feelings for each other. There are a few other storylines going on, which added more to the story. Lots of gay brothers, who hopefully get stories too.
February 27, 2019
I was bored out of my brain.
The characters in this book are just so bland. There’s simply no life in them, no sense of individuality and definitely no heat. The characters are also weirdly immature. Emotional arcs are mainly established through dry narrative and the excessively detailed internal monologues completely disrupt the flow of the story. I was so bored, I didn’t even bother to finish reading it.
This author definitely goes on my avoid list.
The characters in this book are just so bland. There’s simply no life in them, no sense of individuality and definitely no heat. The characters are also weirdly immature. Emotional arcs are mainly established through dry narrative and the excessively detailed internal monologues completely disrupt the flow of the story. I was so bored, I didn’t even bother to finish reading it.
This author definitely goes on my avoid list.
January 23, 2019
Declan and Kyle have known each other all their lives. A matter of fact the families are in business together.
I thought it was going to be harder for them to get into a relationship. After Declan puts his foot in it a few times things took off with them.
Love the other family drama. The whole family intrigued me and cannot wait to see who's story is next.
4.5stars
I thought it was going to be harder for them to get into a relationship. After Declan puts his foot in it a few times things took off with them.
Love the other family drama. The whole family intrigued me and cannot wait to see who's story is next.
4.5stars
January 24, 2019
My favorite M/M genre: first times or gay-for-him…LOVED it
This story checked all the boxes: sexy, sweet, angsty with an HEA. Mason Matheson is the oldest at about 30yo of the six Matheson siblings, four of which are gay men, one female and one straight adopted son. Mason is an executive at his family’s firm Matheson & Greene Advertising in L.A. To celebrate securing a new significant contract at their firm, the Mathesons go on vacation with the Greene family at Kyle’s ski resort. Kyle Greene and Mason had been friends and competitors in high school but haven’t seen one another for 10 years. Since Kyle wanted his own thing, he left the family business to renovate a former ski lodge after his mother died and his wife left him. Because he had been an Olympic skier the ski lodge is a perfect fit.
Oh. My. Word. When Mason finds out that Kyle may be bi-curious, ski-lifts are not the only things going up. Chapter 13 – Kyle’s first time!!! Mr. Rhodes can write the best M/M romances with just the right amount of spice to drama. This one whet my appetite for the next in this new series. Will the twins share the ski instructor? Who will Tate want to connect with? So many options…There are sub-plots involving M/F romance and drama too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended.
This story checked all the boxes: sexy, sweet, angsty with an HEA. Mason Matheson is the oldest at about 30yo of the six Matheson siblings, four of which are gay men, one female and one straight adopted son. Mason is an executive at his family’s firm Matheson & Greene Advertising in L.A. To celebrate securing a new significant contract at their firm, the Mathesons go on vacation with the Greene family at Kyle’s ski resort. Kyle Greene and Mason had been friends and competitors in high school but haven’t seen one another for 10 years. Since Kyle wanted his own thing, he left the family business to renovate a former ski lodge after his mother died and his wife left him. Because he had been an Olympic skier the ski lodge is a perfect fit.
Oh. My. Word. When Mason finds out that Kyle may be bi-curious, ski-lifts are not the only things going up. Chapter 13 – Kyle’s first time!!! Mr. Rhodes can write the best M/M romances with just the right amount of spice to drama. This one whet my appetite for the next in this new series. Will the twins share the ski instructor? Who will Tate want to connect with? So many options…There are sub-plots involving M/F romance and drama too. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended.
February 10, 2019
I made it about 40% before giving up. The characters were so boring. Also I’m assuming the author is male because he has no idea how birth control works. Missing one pill and having sex that day does not equal pregnant. You just take two the next day...you’re only at risk if you miss more than three days in a row. Also didn’t really sound like the two were in a serious relationship so use a condom! Mason and Kyle had very little chemistry from what I’d read, so I don’t expect much from the sexy scenes, and if that’s the case why bother reading?? Haha
January 25, 2019
If ever a book was titled perfectly, it would be this friends to lovers romance. This story is packed full of firsts for both Mason and Kyle. With one guarding his heart and the other still getting his bearings in his new life, it felt a little like a coming of age story even though Mason and Kyle are past that age. They aren't immature by any means, but there is something almost innocent about Mason learning to let go and Kyle learning, well, everything about a relationship with a man. The romance is sweet and definitely hot, but my favorite thing about this tale is the family dynamic with so many terrific characters. It's impossible not to fall in love with this great big family. They have their quirks, and there's always banter, and of course, there are plenty of disagreements, but the love they have for each other stands out. The book is wonderfully written and had me hooked from the beginning. With First, Declan Rhodes has set the bar high for whatever is to come in this series, and I can't wait for more of this family.
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February 6, 2019Didn't make it past 38% DNF
January 27, 2019
Yum, a great 👍first book in this new series. The book was. Well written and the characters were enchanting , interesting and hot. What more does it take to keep us entranced for a few hours of a couple of days. This works for me firstborn and firstborn one openly and always gay the just getting there. No more details you have to read it for yourself. Well written and entertaining.
An ARC provided in exchange for An honest review.
An ARC provided in exchange for An honest review.
January 26, 2019
First has it all family drama, friends to lovers and a very HEA.
Kyle and Mason grew up together. Both families come together for a little vacation and there is not a dull moment. Hidden pregnancy, romance blooming, family drama and one very unhappy parent.
This is a really sweet story of two childhood friends becoming more.
I voluntarily read an adavanced copy of this book.
Kyle and Mason grew up together. Both families come together for a little vacation and there is not a dull moment. Hidden pregnancy, romance blooming, family drama and one very unhappy parent.
This is a really sweet story of two childhood friends becoming more.
I voluntarily read an adavanced copy of this book.
February 3, 2019
First
This was a fun lovely story. It had minimal angst. Two families that grew up together and best friends who found love. The story was enjoyable because the Matheson family knows how to have fun!
This was a fun lovely story. It had minimal angst. Two families that grew up together and best friends who found love. The story was enjoyable because the Matheson family knows how to have fun!
August 2, 2025
Childhood friends reunite in a new way.
In the first book of a series about "The Mathesons," Declan Rhodes introduces us to two families whose bonds are built through a joint advertising agency owned by both families. Most family members work at the agency, which is steadily expanding.
Kyle Greene is not a person who works for the firm. He's a former Olympic slalom skier who laments a blown-out knee that ended his competitive career. He married a woman, making his father happy, but it didn't work out. There are hints that infidelity may have played a role, and the couple was never thrilled in the bedroom. Kyle confided in his best friend growing up, Mason Matheson, that he had thought about men sexually but never acted on it.
Kyle's decision to buy and run a long-closed ski resort has displeased his father. The townspeople are happy that he has invested in remodeling it into a first-class facility. The resort becomes the setting for the Greene and Matheson families' vacation.
Kyle does his best to serve them, but his father remains upset over the divorce from his wife and sees the resort as a potential risk. He's also grieving with his children the loss of his longtime wife and mother to his children. Meanwhile, Mason, Kyle's childhood friend, is impressed with the resort and eager to reconnect with Kyle, even if it is only on a friendly level.
This book tells the romantic story, along with side stories involving other members of the Matheson and Greene families, including Kyle's loving sister, Lily, who is an executive at the company, like Mason. The two are strong allies and planners. This colorful introduction is welcome for this four-book series.
Declan Rhodes skillfully explores whether Kyle will accept Mason's feelings, contrasting the drama of Kyle's disapproving father with Mason's very supportive father and mother. The plot moves at a steady, comfortable pace, slightly accelerated by the families' week-long stay at the resort. It's an enjoyable read featuring a rich backstory and a promising future for Mason and Kyle. The character development in this book is great as it will serve well in the other stories of these characters.
In the first book of a series about "The Mathesons," Declan Rhodes introduces us to two families whose bonds are built through a joint advertising agency owned by both families. Most family members work at the agency, which is steadily expanding.
Kyle Greene is not a person who works for the firm. He's a former Olympic slalom skier who laments a blown-out knee that ended his competitive career. He married a woman, making his father happy, but it didn't work out. There are hints that infidelity may have played a role, and the couple was never thrilled in the bedroom. Kyle confided in his best friend growing up, Mason Matheson, that he had thought about men sexually but never acted on it.
Kyle's decision to buy and run a long-closed ski resort has displeased his father. The townspeople are happy that he has invested in remodeling it into a first-class facility. The resort becomes the setting for the Greene and Matheson families' vacation.
Kyle does his best to serve them, but his father remains upset over the divorce from his wife and sees the resort as a potential risk. He's also grieving with his children the loss of his longtime wife and mother to his children. Meanwhile, Mason, Kyle's childhood friend, is impressed with the resort and eager to reconnect with Kyle, even if it is only on a friendly level.
This book tells the romantic story, along with side stories involving other members of the Matheson and Greene families, including Kyle's loving sister, Lily, who is an executive at the company, like Mason. The two are strong allies and planners. This colorful introduction is welcome for this four-book series.
Declan Rhodes skillfully explores whether Kyle will accept Mason's feelings, contrasting the drama of Kyle's disapproving father with Mason's very supportive father and mother. The plot moves at a steady, comfortable pace, slightly accelerated by the families' week-long stay at the resort. It's an enjoyable read featuring a rich backstory and a promising future for Mason and Kyle. The character development in this book is great as it will serve well in the other stories of these characters.
January 29, 2019
Finding your feet before you fall
This is a wonderful, well-written flying start to a promising new series by Declan Rhodes.
Mason Matheson might be the First-born son in his sizeable family, with four other brothers and a sister, he's always been the one to take charge, lead by example, and charge right in, taking life and work by the horns and steering the family business of Matheson and Greene from success to success, ready to take over the helm in the L.A. head office from his father John, and ably assisted by his siblings, several of whom run other expansion offices of the marketing firm in New York and elsewhere. He thought he knew where his life was going, but could it be passing him by as he buries himself in work in the wake of a failed long-term relationship?
Enter Kyle Greene, son of John Matheson's business partner, Bentley Greene. Kyle is Mason's childhood best friend and he was a world-class competitive skier until an accident on the slopes brought that dream crashing down. Recently divorced from his wife, he has pursued his new dream, encouraged by his late mother, of owning and running a world class ski resort in the mountains of California. A huge contact win by the Matheson and Green company has prompted John to celebrate by treating everyone in the two families to a week-long ski vacation at Kyle's newly opened lodge.
As the two guys rekindle their friendship, sparks fly...with meddling siblings and other family drama to contend with, will Kyle and Mason discover what is truly important and find their happiness together? I recommend that you read for yourself.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see which bother is next from the Matheson clan to risk his heart.
This is a wonderful, well-written flying start to a promising new series by Declan Rhodes.
Mason Matheson might be the First-born son in his sizeable family, with four other brothers and a sister, he's always been the one to take charge, lead by example, and charge right in, taking life and work by the horns and steering the family business of Matheson and Greene from success to success, ready to take over the helm in the L.A. head office from his father John, and ably assisted by his siblings, several of whom run other expansion offices of the marketing firm in New York and elsewhere. He thought he knew where his life was going, but could it be passing him by as he buries himself in work in the wake of a failed long-term relationship?
Enter Kyle Greene, son of John Matheson's business partner, Bentley Greene. Kyle is Mason's childhood best friend and he was a world-class competitive skier until an accident on the slopes brought that dream crashing down. Recently divorced from his wife, he has pursued his new dream, encouraged by his late mother, of owning and running a world class ski resort in the mountains of California. A huge contact win by the Matheson and Green company has prompted John to celebrate by treating everyone in the two families to a week-long ski vacation at Kyle's newly opened lodge.
As the two guys rekindle their friendship, sparks fly...with meddling siblings and other family drama to contend with, will Kyle and Mason discover what is truly important and find their happiness together? I recommend that you read for yourself.
I look forward to the next book in the series to see which bother is next from the Matheson clan to risk his heart.
January 30, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of two families that are close friends. The fathers are partners in business where some of the children work. Mason is the oldest son of six children, where four of the sons are gay. mason is a workaholic and he joined his family, the Mathesons, along with the Greens at Kyle Greene's ski resort for a vacation. Kyle is a former Olympic skier who ended his career with an injury. Kyle is also recently divorced, which his father is upset over. Kyle and Mason grew up together and were used to competing with each other. When Mason saw Kyle, he had to remind himself Kyle was straight so he wouldn't hit on him. Mason is kind of a playboy and when he learns Kyle is attracted to men by accident, he wants to be the first guy Kyle is with. Mason and Kyle renew their friendship and when they are stuck in a cabin during a snowstorm, Mason makes a move on Kyle. They begin seeing each other, but Kyle isn't really out and Kyle knows his father will be upset. There is also other family secrets that are coming to light that will leave everyone surprised. Mason and Kyle grow closer over the week and soon their feelings are growing stronger. i really enjoyed this book, There was a lot of drama among the families and a lot of love. I liked Mason and i think he really loved Kyle, even before he knew it. Kyle was a great guy who wanted everyone to be happy and care for. I think the loss of Kyle's mother was the cause of his father being so unreasonable. I loved the relationship between Mason and his siblings. I really look forward to reading more of this series. Well done.
February 24, 2019
Mason Matheson is part of a large family, all of them prosperous. As the oldest, he feels he must be first in everything he does. When his family goes away for a week, Mason sees his childhood friend Kyle for the first time since high school.
Kyle Green is dealing with many issues - the loss of his skiing career when he blows out a knee, the death of his mother and the end of his marriage. Buying The Hideaway, a ski resort, should get him back on track. When he sees Mason, Kyle knows he must explore with him his feeling for men. Mason is delighted and determined to be his first.
Family dynamics are incredible to observe. With four brothers and a sister, Mason was not sure what the week would bring. Kyle, his sister and father were also there for the week. Mason's parents and Kyle's father were complete opposites and when Kyle and Mason decided they wanted more than a week long fling, Kyle's father was quite sure that is not what he wanted for his son. But families are amazing and with a little help, they may just be able to make a go of it. Mason and Kyle are an incredible couple. Mason was accustomed to one night stands while Kyle is new to loving a man. He is sure these feelings are what broke up his marriage. Trying to be his own man will be difficult but he will have lots of help.
This is quite an enjoyable story. With more than one tale being told, we get to meet and appreciate two families filled with unique individuals and a shared past. I know I am looking forward to the other stories in this series. Some of Mason's brothers will have wonderful stories to tell.
Kyle Green is dealing with many issues - the loss of his skiing career when he blows out a knee, the death of his mother and the end of his marriage. Buying The Hideaway, a ski resort, should get him back on track. When he sees Mason, Kyle knows he must explore with him his feeling for men. Mason is delighted and determined to be his first.
Family dynamics are incredible to observe. With four brothers and a sister, Mason was not sure what the week would bring. Kyle, his sister and father were also there for the week. Mason's parents and Kyle's father were complete opposites and when Kyle and Mason decided they wanted more than a week long fling, Kyle's father was quite sure that is not what he wanted for his son. But families are amazing and with a little help, they may just be able to make a go of it. Mason and Kyle are an incredible couple. Mason was accustomed to one night stands while Kyle is new to loving a man. He is sure these feelings are what broke up his marriage. Trying to be his own man will be difficult but he will have lots of help.
This is quite an enjoyable story. With more than one tale being told, we get to meet and appreciate two families filled with unique individuals and a shared past. I know I am looking forward to the other stories in this series. Some of Mason's brothers will have wonderful stories to tell.
January 22, 2019
A story full of beautiful family dynamics. The Mathesons have six children of which four are admitted and accepted as gay. Mason is the oldest and this first book is his story. Don't let the title mislead you. Mason is out and proud. His family is going on a vacation forced on them by their father John, the co-partner with &&& Greene of the successful L.A. Matheson and Greene Advertising agency celebrating a big contract signing. Their destination is Hideaway Ski Resort owned and run by Kyle Greene. And here is where "First" comes into play. Kyle is now divorced but was never really aware of his interest in men. The light comes on when he sees Mason at his resort. Interplay between all of the characters is mostly open and is interesting progressed throughout the book. I was first given an ARC from the author but I liked and enjoyed this first book so much that I had to have this book when it was finally released. Read and enjoy the twists, surprises, romance, and love these two families share.
January 28, 2019
Trying to always be first may not last when shared.
But finding the perfect person never happens when expected. After 10 years since graduating from high school together, separation makes flash back desirability even more real now as they spend a week together with their families. Best friends can easily start up and catch up on their past while trying to deal with family Dynamics and future plans even as the unexpected twists the multiple plots and new outlooks form from the surprising reactions.
Kyle and Mason move quickly and destiny changes to fit their dreams. At least one sequel is needed to focus on closure of the two families' relationships in business and in love. Tate has a story not yet told. Twins Jamie and Benji are blossoming into new territory as they struggle with family competition while dealing with separation fears as they prepare for the working world.
Guy and Lily have the baby. The grandparents are slowing down and relying on the Mason, Lily, Tate trio to manage everything. Too many good plots to end with the First.
But finding the perfect person never happens when expected. After 10 years since graduating from high school together, separation makes flash back desirability even more real now as they spend a week together with their families. Best friends can easily start up and catch up on their past while trying to deal with family Dynamics and future plans even as the unexpected twists the multiple plots and new outlooks form from the surprising reactions.
Kyle and Mason move quickly and destiny changes to fit their dreams. At least one sequel is needed to focus on closure of the two families' relationships in business and in love. Tate has a story not yet told. Twins Jamie and Benji are blossoming into new territory as they struggle with family competition while dealing with separation fears as they prepare for the working world.
Guy and Lily have the baby. The grandparents are slowing down and relying on the Mason, Lily, Tate trio to manage everything. Too many good plots to end with the First.
January 23, 2019
i enjoyed this delightful friends to lovers romance. i really loved the MC's and enjoyed the banter and dynamics that the whole family had going. I loved getting to know a little about all the brothers and there was enough, but not too much background for the brothers that laid a nice foundation for the next books.
Mason and Kyle are really special and i so appreciated the weaving of the romance with their history. I felt that i got to know these guys and understood their connection. They were really straight-forward with their relationship and really had little angst and no unnecessary drama.
i enjoyed the celebration of the first experiences for both of them. Their relationship was so steamy, but also had really solid foundations in friendship and intimacy. Their love enabled them to find compromises and to create a future for themselves.
Mason and Kyle are really special and i so appreciated the weaving of the romance with their history. I felt that i got to know these guys and understood their connection. They were really straight-forward with their relationship and really had little angst and no unnecessary drama.
i enjoyed the celebration of the first experiences for both of them. Their relationship was so steamy, but also had really solid foundations in friendship and intimacy. Their love enabled them to find compromises and to create a future for themselves.
January 23, 2019
🌌Sweet ❤romance👬 blossoms at a ❄snowy winter retreat😘
January 22, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5🌟stars
I really enjoyed this 👬MM romance. It's both sweet and a bit 🔥spicy and further flavored with a lot of family togetherness, mostly set at a mountain resort. The romance heats up for newly gay, former competitive 🎿skier Kyle and his long-time out-and-proud friend Mason in the midst of manly competition on the ski trails and drama playing out with Kyle's sister and his heavily morose and critical father, who is still in deep grief at the loss of his wife. I like the way the family gathering that dominates the plot weaves the romance into other family frolic and drama.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 22, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍4.5🌟stars
I really enjoyed this 👬MM romance. It's both sweet and a bit 🔥spicy and further flavored with a lot of family togetherness, mostly set at a mountain resort. The romance heats up for newly gay, former competitive 🎿skier Kyle and his long-time out-and-proud friend Mason in the midst of manly competition on the ski trails and drama playing out with Kyle's sister and his heavily morose and critical father, who is still in deep grief at the loss of his wife. I like the way the family gathering that dominates the plot weaves the romance into other family frolic and drama.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 23, 2019
Once again, Declan has created an amazing world with characters that I can, so easily, fall in love with!
Mason started out in the story seemingly on top of the world, but in reality, he his his insecurities behind the belief that he had to be the exemplar at everything he did because he was the eldest. He led a successful career, but an empty personal life. Kyle had just gotten divorced and was unsure about exploring his new freedom as a gay man.
Both men found the strength to live in each other and I loved both the Matheson and Greene families coming together. I even loved watching the struggles of the Greene's as they've had to deal with the impact of losing Tilda, and how they didn't give up on Bentley.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Mason started out in the story seemingly on top of the world, but in reality, he his his insecurities behind the belief that he had to be the exemplar at everything he did because he was the eldest. He led a successful career, but an empty personal life. Kyle had just gotten divorced and was unsure about exploring his new freedom as a gay man.
Both men found the strength to live in each other and I loved both the Matheson and Greene families coming together. I even loved watching the struggles of the Greene's as they've had to deal with the impact of losing Tilda, and how they didn't give up on Bentley.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 26, 2019
This is a fun and entertaining book with an interesting family dynamic. It is well-written, sweet, sexy, doesn't have too much angst and the characters are great. I love how open and caring the Matheson family is and how accepting the parents are of their four gay sons. Kyle and Mason are great together but they have several obstacles in their way including Kyle's father and that Mason lives in LA. With varying degrees of support from their families they both have to decide what they want from their relationship. There is a lot going on in this book but I like how much background information the author includes so I feel that I know all of the characters well. The ending is good and I look forward to reading the next book in this new and fun series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 28, 2019
I am so impressed by this latest from Declan Rhodes! He undertakes the rather daunting task of introducing a huge cast of characters, yet, keeping the focus on the main characters, Mason and Kyle. All the while, Rhodes is neatly laying the foundation for future books in this series. "First," is a friends-to-lovers romance, and is the first book of the new Mathesons series, by Rhodes. Now, there is some drama and angst - how can there not be? Two families bound together by business and shared experiences. Each character is grappling with some sort of conflict, and it will be interesting to read where Rhodes takes this series. A very entertaining read. I Received this book as an ARC and I volunteered this review.
January 28, 2019
4.5 rating
A great start to series, sweet, sexy, gay-for-you, friends to lovers and Firsts.
Mason is the oldest of six. He has three gay brothers (Tate and twins Jamie & Benji) , one adopted straight brother (Guy) and a sister (Diana). He's an executive in the family's advertising firm Mattheson & Greene.
They all go on a vacation with parents John & Petra to a ski resort with the Greene family, dad Bentley, daughter Lily and the resorts owner Kyle. Kyle has recently divorced his wife Lisa. Kyle and Mason had been friends at school but haven't seen each other in ten years. When Mason finds out that Kyle is bi-curious things certainly heat up on the snowy slopes!
Excited for next book. Is it going to be Tate or the twins Jamie & Benji with the new sexy downhill instructor?
A great start to series, sweet, sexy, gay-for-you, friends to lovers and Firsts.
Mason is the oldest of six. He has three gay brothers (Tate and twins Jamie & Benji) , one adopted straight brother (Guy) and a sister (Diana). He's an executive in the family's advertising firm Mattheson & Greene.
They all go on a vacation with parents John & Petra to a ski resort with the Greene family, dad Bentley, daughter Lily and the resorts owner Kyle. Kyle has recently divorced his wife Lisa. Kyle and Mason had been friends at school but haven't seen each other in ten years. When Mason finds out that Kyle is bi-curious things certainly heat up on the snowy slopes!
Excited for next book. Is it going to be Tate or the twins Jamie & Benji with the new sexy downhill instructor?
August 23, 2021
A great book to read for a first time gay romance for Kyle and Mason. Kyle had been married but after his divorce he explores himself to what he's feeling.
A beautiful story for these two characters and it leads to more books for the series for Mason's brothers. New experiences they share which leads to love as there former best friends past. Not to mention the competition between them going on since school. Being stuck at a cabin snow bound with a fire and marshmallows is not a hard ship I didnt think.lol
Told with both pov's for a HEA but not without its dramas.
Mason was apart of a large family and was of to a ski trip away from their company.
Mason hadn't seen Kyle since school days now there where reuniting again.
A beautiful story for these two characters and it leads to more books for the series for Mason's brothers. New experiences they share which leads to love as there former best friends past. Not to mention the competition between them going on since school. Being stuck at a cabin snow bound with a fire and marshmallows is not a hard ship I didnt think.lol
Told with both pov's for a HEA but not without its dramas.
Mason was apart of a large family and was of to a ski trip away from their company.
Mason hadn't seen Kyle since school days now there where reuniting again.
January 22, 2019
Mason and Kyle had a crush on each other back in high school but never acted on it. Now,years later the attraction is still there. Mason is openly gay , Kyle is just discovering his feelings. The author gives them a hot chemistry and builds their story beautifully. This being the first book in the series , he introduces Mason and Kyle's family members , adding a backstory between their siblings , adding drama to the story. I loved all the characters and can't wait for the next book. It's well written, moves fluidly and I would recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
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