Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Beginning

Rate this book
Raised in a safe and sheltered environment, Jenny Wright may have no life experiences, but she has goals and the perseverance to achieve them. When she came to the charming Cedars resort, her intentions were only to study in preparation for her med school exams. That is until she meets the handsome Ray.
Ray Benson is career-driven, highly educated, and not used to taking no for an answer. Since taking over his father’s business, he has no intention of starting a relationship. However, he has no objections to a summer love affair with a beautiful young woman.
Can Jenny and Ray, two people from completely different worlds truly make love work? Do they even have a choice?

An emotional, slow-burn romance featuring a tender awakening, deep desire, and sensual open-door scenes. For adult readers 18+

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2020

9 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Nora Edington

10 books15 followers
Nora Edington is a romance author who believes in second chances, happy endings, and a little bit of heat. When she’s not writing steamy, emotional romances, you can find her with a cup of coffee in hand, indulging in chocolate, or taking long walks to clear her head.
If you're into stories with heart, passion, and a lot of emotional twists, Nora Edington invites you to dive into her world. To learn more about upcoming releases and get exclusive updates, visit her website and sign up for her monthly newsletter.
https://noraedington.com/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
17 (60%)
4 stars
7 (25%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
2 stars
3 (10%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Michele Quirke.
Author 2 books138 followers
November 12, 2021
Beginning is a sweet tale about the innocence of first love. Jenny is a studious 19 year old with very little life experience, but all that begins to change when she meets Ray at a resort. It was nice watching Jenny grow more confident with herself as time progressed, and I liked how patient Ray was with her.

There were some serious spicy scenes that were exceptionally well-written. I particularly enjoyed the scenes when they were camping, even though Jenny's "friend" Leah was no joy to be around. As a character, I found Leah to be grating, rude, and pessimistic. Jenny deserves a much better friend and I hope she realizes that in the second book!

Overall, Beginning was a quick, entertaining read. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series!
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews52 followers
September 19, 2020
Beginning by Nora Edington is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in this wonderful series written by a brand new author for me to read. I can not wait to read the rest of this wonderful series that I have fallen in love with. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about contemporary romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daniela R. Lovejoy.
Author 13 books46 followers
June 17, 2020
This beautiful, emerging love story is told with the right pace and depth, which lets the reader get to know the characters as their emotions unfold during their summer at the idyllic Cedars resort. Jenny and Ray are very different, but there is a spark between them that grows stronger despite outside interference. The end of the book leaves the reader with both hope and fears of what awaits ahead and if true love will prevail.
Profile Image for Laura Freeman.
111 reviews19 followers
April 21, 2020
Beginning is a beautifully well-written story. It has the potential to affect readers emotionally. The characters have strengths and weaknesses with which many readers may identify.

When you were a young girl, were you the shy one? And/or were you the studious one? Were you the one who was sheltered by well-meaning parents? Were you home-schooled solely by your parents? Or maybe you held strong religious beliefs that protected you from indulging in risky business as an adolescent.

Regardless of how you may answer these questions, it is necessary to understand that many young adults could very well respond, yes, to one or more of the questions. And due to those facts, there are young adults in our midst, who have yet to experience a physical/carnal relationship with another person.

In Nora Edington’s novel, Beginning, we learn Jenny was sheltered by her parents. Now she is a lovely young woman. Jenny is intelligent. At nineteen years old, she is diligently studying to take exams for medical school. Yes, Jenny possesses both beauty and brains! Yet, other than one boy who she does not like, Jenny has virtually no experience with boys, never mind men.

But Jenny’s friend, Leah, has invited Jenny to spend the summer with her at a lakeside cottage. Out by the lake, Leah and Jenny meet two handsome brothers, Gary and Ray. Gary is a bit rough around the edges, which makes him a pretty good match for Leah. Ray, however, becomes instantly smitten by the sweet and lovely Jenny.

Then Jenny meets Ray and her life as she knows it begins to change. The shadow of naivety begins to disappear as a stunning array of light begins an awakening. This older man, Ray, is not only gorgeous, smart, and successful. He is smitten with Jenny. He quickly recognizes her inexperience. Ray begins to woo Jenny. Jenny is receptive to Ray's advances.

Now Jenny enters into a different course of study. Ray showers Jenny with complements and attention. Jenny is surprised, yet quite content to let Ray teach her new things. Things about which, until now, Jenny has never dreamed. Jenny enters the beginning of a new kind of education. One in which, under Ray’s attentive tutelage, Jenny (and Ray) will learn how much she enjoys being his pupil. In spite of being older than Jenny, Ray’s age and experience do not prevent him from falling in love with his “little baby doll” Jenny.

The characters in Beginning are well-drawn and engaging. At times you may dislike Gary, but then he may redeem himself by letting his guard down and allowing us to see another, better side of him.

Leah, Is pretty much a normal, healthy woman who is happy to have found, in Gary, a man with whom she can enjoy her summer by the lake. Leah has no illusions about how she wants her summer fling to go. And regardless of her tough exterior, Leah occasionally shows her feelings.

Edington provides us with just the right amount of conflict/resolution/conflict to keep this story moving and on track. Edington skillfully paces the progression of Jenny’s carnal education with Ray. While the author has developed Ray as a sexy hunk of man, we get to see who he really is through his growing love for Jenny. I thoroughly enjoyed Beginning.
Profile Image for J. Jarito  Brown.
25 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2020
An escape, a beautiful sensual awakening

This was one of the loveliest and most romantic stories I've read. This author has an amazing gift, to be able to project the ache and need her characters felt all while remaining completely classy. Almost no raunchy or explicit language used throughout the whole book, and yet it is so endlessly sexy, so searing hot!!! To me that is mind blowing.
I love the romance genre and have read countless novels and series. And, I believe this "Love and Betrayals" series will stack up with the best of them. I can't wait for book 2!!!
This is Jenny's and Ray's story. Jenny is so young and smart and innocent. She's absolutely adorable. Ray is this calm, cool and collected bachelor. He's gorgeous and charming and admits to being the occasional player. They cross paths at this beautiful woodsy resort, both spending the summer with their best friends.
I'm not into giving spoilers. But, I will say that these two were absolutely made for each other. Ray is the type of man that any young girl is so glad she waited for. He's unexpectedly kind and patient, but also deliciously experienced. Jenny is so beautiful and sensual, but innocently unaware of it all. She challenges Ray's restraint to its limits. But, he's so smitten with her, recognizing that girls like Jenny are worth the time and effort.
It's a sweet and endearing journey with the occasional obstacles (such as unhelpful friends). But, their connection and chemistry overcomes it all. She's never known a man, but neither have ever been in love. Until now.
I honestly had a warm feeling in my heart for Jenny and Ray. I can't wait to see how the author will top their story. I have to mention the very slow burn I experienced while reading, literary edging if you will. But, once it finally goes down... the fireworks are more than worth it!!! Awesome read... highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Chrissie's Romance Reviews.
53 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2020
Jenny is 19 and she is studying to get into medical school so that she can become a doctor like both her parents are. She is very serious and very innocent, with little real life experience. It’s obvious that her parents have sheltered her from the real world a lot. But I really liked Jenny as a character. Her shyness is so endearing and yet she has a very feisty streak that means she’s not afraid to stand up to someone if she feels they are not treating her right.

In this book, Jenny has visited a holiday resort called Cedars with her friend Leah. Leah is slightly older than Jenny and they are VERY different. To be honest, I didn’t like Leah all that much as she seemed really selfish and at times she was almost cruel in the way she treated Jenny, and Jenny often seemed oblivious to the ways that Leah was manipulating her to get what she wanted. But once they are at Cedars, they meet two guys, Ray and Gary. Although they are not related, Ray and Gary consider themselves to be brothers, as Ray’s parents helped to raise Gary after his parents died. Leah and Gary get together straight away, which wasn’t really surprising as they both have very similar characters and Gary often enjoyed being cruel to Jenny too.

Now the relationship between Jenny and Ray could definitely be considered a slow burn. Due to her lack of experience with men, it takes her a while to even recognise the fact that Ray likes her, or to even understand that what she is feeling is an attraction to him. But Ray is patient and kind and always treats her so lovingly, which was so heart-warming to watch. And once Jenny does realise that she likes Ray, and that he likes her back, it is the start of an adorable romance. Jenny is a virgin and needs to take things slowly, and Ray is the perfect gentleman with her, bringing her flowers and taking her to dinner and always making sure that she is comfortable with him. During their courtship there were even discussions about topics such as consent and contraception, which may not seem all that sexy, but I was pleased to see it included as it showed how much Ray wanted to take care of Jenny.

When Jenny is ready, Ray leads her on a journey of sexual awakening that is both sweet and incredibly sensual all at the same time. The level of heat between them is extraordinary and almost surprised me in its intensity considering how shy and inexperienced Jenny was before meeting him. I loved watching Jenny open up to Ray and gain some confidence through his love for her.

Overall, I really enjoyed Beginning and I am looking forward to reading more sweet romances from this author.
Profile Image for Remi Mariano.
Author 1 book13 followers
July 11, 2020
Jenny, studious and disciplined, is convinced by her friend Leah to give her studies a break and enjoy a vacation. They quickly pair off with Gary and Ray who are keen candidates for holiday romance. Jenny is inexperienced; her cloistered background has fostered a naivety that requires a lot of patience on the part of Ray and we see his tenderness as their relationship flourishes, while Leah and Gary are well-suited with no such inhibitions.
The author has developed some lovely characterisation. The story is narrated primarily with alternate points of view of the principle characters, with occasional input from the secondary characters’ perspective. I’d recommend Beginning to anyone looking for a considered unfolding of a romantic journey and a satisfyingly happy ending.
Profile Image for M.L..
Author 36 books144 followers
March 21, 2021
First book for this new author! Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!
The smoldering love between these two culminates into a fiery love. It's like a slow burn that keeps you turning the pages to see when they're going to cross that line. I had to force myself to put it away, or give up a night's sleep. It held me in its grips from the go. But the point came where I had to finish it, could't put it down!
The flow of the story was great.
Book ended with me wanting more! I'm anxious to see who's next, or if it's more about Ray & Jenny. I would love to see what's going on with Leah & Gary, too!
Profile Image for Anisoara Laura Mustetiu.
31 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2020

A wonderful romance between an aspiring med student and a good looking businessman.

Especially, I enjoyed the narrative tension created through the dynamic of feelings. As the title suggests, two contrasting feelings and acts, of 'love' and of 'betrayal,' lead the narrative tension.
Nora Edington leaves the impression of speaking directly to the reader. Her characters are memorable. Jenny and Ray are challenged to discern between good and superficial.

A captivating work belonging to the popular culture of contemporary romance.

Profile Image for Cara Devlin.
Author 42 books444 followers
May 4, 2020
Really enjoyed this contemporary romance where love and lust follow the same trajectory, which is something I don't see very often in novels. Jenny's innocence and Ray's patience and respect for her was impressive and done so well. The tension between Jenny and her "friend" Leah was palpable. I'm hoping there will be some more of Leah's story in book 2, and perhaps more about why she and Jenny are even close, considering their vastly different personalities. Gary was also a character I'd like to learn more about! If you want a slow burn romance with some smoldering scenes, pick this one up!
Profile Image for Alexa Sommers.
Author 156 books79 followers
April 21, 2020
This is a beautifully written take on a timeless love story trope yet it manages to remain unique and fresh throughout. Ms. Edington provides us with character depth and emotion we can truly buy into, bringing us along for the turbulent ride as she explores the forbidden love story. Her Beginning was masterfully paced and ended on the perfect note yet the title of the next book "Betrayed" leaves with the feeling that things will not be easy for Jenny and Ray. A fantastic read!
Profile Image for Judy Ferrell.
Author 20 books88 followers
May 20, 2020
A new romance can be fun and awful at the same time. A beautifully written romance with all the ups and downs of life thrown in. The author has captured all the nuances of a young girl being in love for the first time and being very unsure of herself. She has also managed to capture all the jealous rivalries to be found surrounding this romance.
Profile Image for J.A. Martin.
Author 24 books38 followers
June 14, 2020
Awakening

Innocent Jenny goes with her friend Leah to a summer resort only to meet two wildly different men who awaken her and her friend to emotions Jenny has never experienced before. Well-written and sweet with a slow build up of heat and plenty of juicy conflict to keep us on our toes. I’ll be reading more from this author
7 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2020
Slow burn innocence romance. Once it gets going it's pretty hot.
Profile Image for Alisha Rowe.
643 reviews34 followers
February 19, 2022
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3sRwgZM











Jenny planned to spend her summer studying for her medical school entrance exam, but when her only friend Leah begs her to come to Cedar Creek resort for the summer she is unable to say no. After all, she can study at the cabin and still take her exams. Everything is going great until Ray and his adopted brother Gary show up. Gary is a pain and instantly takes up with Leah while Ray is...intriguing. He makes Jenny feels things she has never felt before and is awakening a desire within her.
I received this book from the author in exchange for a honest review.

When I first started this book I was skeptical of Ray. He seemed a bit pushy, but as the story progressed I seen that he wasn't trying to get her to do anything she wasn't comfortable with and relaxed my opinion of him. Gary was much the same while Jenny was this innocent delicate little flower. It is hard to imagine anyone being so naïve, but she lived a sheltered life, so I am sure that is why. Then there is Leah. I genuinely didn't like her from the start and I have to say I still feel the same about this character. I'll let you find out why for yourself.

Outside of the characters was the story. A cute little summer get-away romance. While it took me a while to read I was interested from the start. It only took me so long because it was a pdf and I rarely have time to use my laptop between two kids, a husband, a full time job, and a house to keep in order. Same reason I haven't managed to read my physical books for a minute. Can't hold that against the book, however. There was plenty to keep you interested in this smutty little romance. And believe me there is a lot of sex in this book. Not that I am complaining. I love a good smut novel. However, even with as much sex as was in this book I find it hard to relegate it as anything other than a romance.

While this book doesn't tie up all the loose ends I feel it ends in a decent place. There is the option to continue the book into a series with how things left off between the couples without feeling like the reader was cheated out of information.
Profile Image for Cheryl Hyde.
Author 11 books17 followers
September 28, 2021
Awww first love with all its mysteries, secrets, and explorations. Sweetly poignant love story of Jenny's first love and love affair. She is very naive and inexperienced, having led a very sheltered and protected life, when she meets the very experienced Ray and falls in love. Ray was once considered a 'bad boy' but meeting sweet Jenny may just turn his life upside down. He is kind, compassionate as well as passionate, and has a sweet side where Jenny is concerned. Ray's experience is what Jenny needs as we follow her journey from girl to woman and watch her develop her confidence and sexuality.
Well written, touching love story with many beautiful love scenes filled with heat and passion. I'm looking forward to seeing where Ms Edington takes us, and her characters, in the second book in the series. The title 'Betrayed' suggests rough waters may be ahead for Jenny and Ray. If you are looking for a sweet romantic read, I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Lubov Leonova.
Author 6 books137 followers
July 11, 2021
Enchanting story about passionate love

The incredible wild nature of a summer resort along with young and tempting characters create the captivating atmosphere of ‘Beginning’.

I really enjoyed reading this romance that immersed me into a mixture of innocence and irresistible passion of the first love experiences. The plot reminded me about classy romance novels with focus on the main heroine who is balancing between her worries and discovering her own sexuality.

All the characters are well-developed, and the side characters’ presence makes the main romance line more zesty. This story, however, reflects the modern reality, and I think a lot of young women can find it both useful and enjoyable.
13 reviews
October 2, 2021
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. Great character development of the 4 main characters.
First love for Jenny, a shy, naive, young woman on her way to getting into medical school. She meets an older more experienced man, Ray, while visiting a resort with her roommate and friend Leah.
He kind of sweeps her off her feet and before she knows what's happened she finds herself in love with him. The story is filled with many tender, romantic and heartfelt moments.
I recommend this author and her books. I've read two of Nora Edington's books so far and enjoyed both. My only thing is I had trouble believing Jenny could be so naive but it was still a good read.
Profile Image for Tracey Quintin.
107 reviews7 followers
October 9, 2020
What a beautiful story written by Nora Edington. Absolutely loved the characters, the storyline and especially the setting.
A well written story taking us on a journey of first love between Jenny and Ray at Cedars Resort. (I would LOVE to stay there!!)
The chemistry between them is real and heats up! The other 2 characters of Gary and Leah were also fun to read about.
There is definitely heat in this story, Beginning, which I'm sure you'll love!
I read the story in 1 day, it was a page turner. A truly believable story.
5 reviews
January 8, 2022
A friend told me about this author and this series and I asked for it for Christmas. So far I only have this book but I enjoyed it. It is a very quick read.
It is a sweet romantic tale of first love and I recommend it if you like romance.
Jenny is this sweet naive young woman who is talked into a trip to the woods by her roommate Leah. There she meets Ray and she falls in love for the first time. He is more experienced and older than she is.
Nicely done Ms Edington. I will be getting the rest of this series soon. Can't wait to follow Jenny and Ray as their relationship develops.
12 reviews
January 9, 2022
Sweet Love Story

Beginning is a really cute story about first love and innocence. I toyed between a 4 and 5 rating and went with 4 because I thought Jenny was a bit too naive. I kept thinking Ray was going to take total advantage of her. Her being so uneducated about the ways of the world and all. I liked the story enough that I am going to get the next book in the series and see where it takes me. I like Jenny. She is so sweet.
6 reviews
November 12, 2020
Nora Edington's "Beginning" is the perfect romance. Her characters are fun, lovable, and realistic. The story is believable and entertaining, and the story of love blossoming is amazing. Well done, Nora. I can't wait for more.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.