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First
It was 1990, and we were tying yellow ribbons around old oak trees.
And we were waiting.
The time I’d spent with Grant Butler was stolen. Each moment between us only fueled our need for each other. He was older, and forbidden by my parents.
And then he was gone.
Grant wrote to me from Saudi Arabia, and in his very first letter, he asked me to marry him. In his last letter, he promised to hold me in his arms on my graduation day.
His last letter ended in forever.
As I tried to move on with my life, I was consumed each day with the memories of a ghost...
Of my young love. My first love.
On August 26th, 1997, he was finally found...
but I'd already lost him.
This is the story of our life.... and it's only just begun.
And we were waiting.
The time I’d spent with Grant Butler was stolen. Each moment between us only fueled our need for each other. He was older, and forbidden by my parents.
And then he was gone.
Grant wrote to me from Saudi Arabia, and in his very first letter, he asked me to marry him. In his last letter, he promised to hold me in his arms on my graduation day.
His last letter ended in forever.
As I tried to move on with my life, I was consumed each day with the memories of a ghost...
Of my young love. My first love.
On August 26th, 1997, he was finally found...
but I'd already lost him.
This is the story of our life.... and it's only just begun.
Unknown Binding
First published September 12, 2017
153 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
November 13, 2021
5 ‘ALL THE LETTERS’ STARS
What a story! This is my first time reading this author and I was so surprised to find I devoured her every single word. She delivers this story that spans decades and it was nothing short of epic. A reader alongside our heroine, Annie Lake falls in love with Grant Butler. The music, the truck rides, meeting up in the woods, tire swings, it’s a time of firsts as Annie and Grant fall hard for one another.
The author brought such feelings of nostalgia of my teenage years with music, trends, and so on. I just loved this couple our Annie a young sixteen and Grant…oh Grant was just magnificent of a hero! Grant and Annie do try to take their relationship slow but Grant had signed up for a military career and so these two cram tons of first together before he leaves.
The author skillfully takes us through Annie’s high school years, HEARTBREAK, and LOSS. The story is definitely something special as a day after I finished it, I’m still in awe of the perfection of the writing and that ENDING!
"I’ll come back to you, Annie. You’re my first. And my last."
What a story! This is my first time reading this author and I was so surprised to find I devoured her every single word. She delivers this story that spans decades and it was nothing short of epic. A reader alongside our heroine, Annie Lake falls in love with Grant Butler. The music, the truck rides, meeting up in the woods, tire swings, it’s a time of firsts as Annie and Grant fall hard for one another.
The author brought such feelings of nostalgia of my teenage years with music, trends, and so on. I just loved this couple our Annie a young sixteen and Grant…oh Grant was just magnificent of a hero! Grant and Annie do try to take their relationship slow but Grant had signed up for a military career and so these two cram tons of first together before he leaves.
The author skillfully takes us through Annie’s high school years, HEARTBREAK, and LOSS. The story is definitely something special as a day after I finished it, I’m still in awe of the perfection of the writing and that ENDING!
"I’ll come back to you, Annie. You’re my first. And my last."
September 18, 2017
★★★ 3.5 Stars ★★★
Recommend me an epic, second chance romance and I'm straight on it, which is exactly what I was did I heard about this tale of two childhood sweethearts torn apart by military life.
Grant and Annie fall in love in High School, but parallel to their young love they are amidst the trouble brewing over in the gulf war, and Grant's dreams of becoming a US Marine are looming, putting a sense of sadness upon their last summer together before everything changes.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, and even though I found Annie to be a bit immature, I was on board with that since she was only a 16-year-old girl who was experiencing all the things that we all remember from our youth, falling in love for the first time with a sweet boy who became her entire life for that short period of time.
This was a very emotional story, and alongside the love, there was loss and heartbreak.
The second half of the story and the ending was where things didn't quite work for me, I didn't like the direction the story took, and I felt that the ending was really rushed. The story was fantastic, I just didn't gel with how things turned out and I was left feeling a little underwhelmed by the time I reached the end.
Saying that, I did really like it and would love to try another title by this author in the future. First was a good read, just not as epic as I anticipated.
First is a standalone, contemporary romance.
Recommend me an epic, second chance romance and I'm straight on it, which is exactly what I was did I heard about this tale of two childhood sweethearts torn apart by military life.
Grant and Annie fall in love in High School, but parallel to their young love they are amidst the trouble brewing over in the gulf war, and Grant's dreams of becoming a US Marine are looming, putting a sense of sadness upon their last summer together before everything changes.
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, and even though I found Annie to be a bit immature, I was on board with that since she was only a 16-year-old girl who was experiencing all the things that we all remember from our youth, falling in love for the first time with a sweet boy who became her entire life for that short period of time.
This was a very emotional story, and alongside the love, there was loss and heartbreak.
The second half of the story and the ending was where things didn't quite work for me, I didn't like the direction the story took, and I felt that the ending was really rushed. The story was fantastic, I just didn't gel with how things turned out and I was left feeling a little underwhelmed by the time I reached the end.
Saying that, I did really like it and would love to try another title by this author in the future. First was a good read, just not as epic as I anticipated.
First is a standalone, contemporary romance.
September 15, 2017
5 - "I'm too early for you... But I'll wait." Stars!
I have nothing to say, just read the book, utterly breathtakingly perfect.
Oh, and have tissues.
I have nothing to say, just read the book, utterly breathtakingly perfect.
Oh, and have tissues.
September 14, 2017
5 EMOTIONAL Stars <3
Such a beautiful,heartbreaking and unforgettable story! Omg I had so many feelings and I cried a lot.Their love story was epic!I fell in love with Annie and Grant.
Their relationship was full of intense,emotional,sweet,adorable and passionate moments.I find First refreshing and original.I loved the concept, the characters were unique and their situations realistic.
The writing was beautiful and flawless.First was a captivate and amazing love story.I highly recommend to everyone who are looking for an epic romance!
Such a beautiful,heartbreaking and unforgettable story! Omg I had so many feelings and I cried a lot.Their love story was epic!I fell in love with Annie and Grant.
Their relationship was full of intense,emotional,sweet,adorable and passionate moments.I find First refreshing and original.I loved the concept, the characters were unique and their situations realistic.
The writing was beautiful and flawless.First was a captivate and amazing love story.I highly recommend to everyone who are looking for an epic romance!
September 11, 2017
“I’ll come back to you, Annie. You’re my first. And my last.”
Oh our hearts! We certainly shed tears throughout Kimberly Adams’, First. What an incredibly beautiful, tragic, hopeful and heartfelt love story! Grant and Annie’s story was soul mate love, and when Grant spoke those words above to Annie, with such love and fierce determination… we felt every single word! With hearts breaking for Annie as she said goodbye to Grant and emotions crumbling for Grant as he had to leave his Annie behind, his words bore such weight as we had lived their love from its inception. From those heady moments of a young crush right through to the intense and soul deep love that eventually grew and flourished. Grant and Annie’s love was sweetly endearing and it was invincible.
“Nothing in this world feels like this love, Annie.”
Kimberly Adams floored us with this raw, sweet, sincere and epic love story. The writing was nothing short of exquisite with every emotion reaching into our hearts from every page. Effortless and breathtaking storytelling ensured we connected in every possible way to her story. We can’t say enough about this authors stunning writing and the way in which it brought this emotive love story to fruition.
FIRST is told in two parts, the first taking us to 1990 when Annie Lake, on the cusp of her 16th birthday fell head over heels for 18 year old Grant Butler, who was quite literally the boy next door. The attraction between them was electric yet it held such a sweet and beautiful innocence. Our hearts melted as we found an instant connection to these characters and their feelings.
‘I wanted to be his. Only his. I wanted Grant like I’d never wanted anything in my entire life.’
Sweet and beautiful Annie, was in her sophomore year at school, she’s a bit of a dreamer and an artist at heart. Handsome, self-assured Grant, is a senior, about to graduate and join the Marines and it’s a path he couldn’t veer from. His future seemed set in stone and yet he didn’t count on Annie completely stealing his heart, making his departure such a soul crashing experience.
‘He held me in the way that only he could, in that very adult way that let me believe that he was all I’d ever need.’
Grant and Annie were two old souls and when they fell, they fell hard – their love was pure, and despite their young years, it was without doubt true, achingly soul deep love and so it made their journey so believable and so highly emotional. They were two hearts beating as one.
Part Two of First contained twists we didn’t anticipate. Yes, parts gutted us, but the way the story played out proved what a gifted and passionate storyteller Kimberly Adams is. Wow, what a storyteller indeed!
‘There were families…wives, mothers, fiancées and lovers…waiting, still waiting, for their loved ones to return from a war that had captured and kept them locked, somewhere in time…forever.’
The synopsis gives all you need to know about this story. To reveal anything further would impede on the emotional intensity you’ll feel as you’re swept up in Grant and Annie’s story. A story we inhaled in one sitting, unable to leave these characters that affected us so deeply, for a mere minute.
We loved so much of this story – the era of the setting was perfection. The characters so memorable. We lived through the uncertainty of the Iraq war and embraced the music that shaped that time, finding ourselves swept up in a wave of nostalgia whilst mourning lost time, stolen moments, severed opportunities whilst, in the same breath, losing ourselves to the beauty of a once in a lifetime love we felt deep in our hearts. We know we’ll never forget our time spent with Grant and Annie, neither will you!
‘…we were all waiting together.
For an ending, for a beginning…..
For a return.’
FIRST is available to pre order for 99c/99p (price increasing on release)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
October 5, 2017
*** ~4.5 stars***
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 5/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 5/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 4/5
In short:
Hero 4/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 5/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 5/5 | Mystery 0/5 | Twists 5/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 4/5
October 10, 2017
5 (DO NOT READ THE PREMISE) STARS
I tried to read one book by this author already and it was a DNF for me, I felt like she gave away way too much information in the premise. I’m so happy I didn’t read the premise of this book either because she yet again (tsk tsk tsk) gave away the first 50% of the book.
TAKE MY WORD AND DO NOT READ THE PREMISE, Go INTO THIS BOOK BLINDLY or read my review and take what I’m willing to disclose to you.
The sweet Pavlina from Read More Sleep Less Blog recommended me this book! I went into First with caution because I never know what I’m going to get with Pavlina’s recommendations, BUT this author is on Kindle Unlimited so I had nothing to lose.
I knew a few things about this book, I need it’s about Hero that goes into war and it’s an epic dramatic love story. I’m not too fan of military books, but I loved the cover (yeah, I know, cover whore) so I read on.
When I started the book and read the Prologue I didn’t like it. I KNOW! Just bare-with me. I HATE a foreshadowing prologue, it’s not like the author gave much away, but she kind of set the tone of the book and it put me in a negative mood. I actually put it down and I didn’t go back to it for a month. It was just sitting on my kindle and I thought to myself, read the damn book or return it.
Once I got past the prologue (and really you can skip that part), I LOVED FIRST. First is about Annie and Grant’s epic love story that started when she was 15 and he 18 (NO! Don’t think nasty thoughts, it’s a really sweet book).
This book could have gone into SOOOOO many directions and it never went into the obvious, THANK YOU! First was an endearing, heart-warming, sweet read. It was 100% cute and I couldn’t put the book down! I was reading it before I went to bed and I kept on telling myself just 5 more minutes!
I really enjoyed the first half of the book the most because I LOVED Annie and Grant’s relationship, it was young, innocent and filled with hopes and dreams. I’m glad the author took the time to build the relationship up and created a good foundation to the storyline. I felt like when the book got a little more dramatic it really had a place in the story.
This book was what I needed. I wanted an emotional dramatic read. I wanted something that would pull at my heart strings and make me FEEL and oh boy did I feel for this book. I felt like the flow, the length and the writing was PERFECT. I liked the heavily dialogue based book and this will NOT be the last book I will read from this author.
I tried to read one book by this author already and it was a DNF for me, I felt like she gave away way too much information in the premise. I’m so happy I didn’t read the premise of this book either because she yet again (tsk tsk tsk) gave away the first 50% of the book.
TAKE MY WORD AND DO NOT READ THE PREMISE, Go INTO THIS BOOK BLINDLY or read my review and take what I’m willing to disclose to you.
The sweet Pavlina from Read More Sleep Less Blog recommended me this book! I went into First with caution because I never know what I’m going to get with Pavlina’s recommendations, BUT this author is on Kindle Unlimited so I had nothing to lose.
I knew a few things about this book, I need it’s about Hero that goes into war and it’s an epic dramatic love story. I’m not too fan of military books, but I loved the cover (yeah, I know, cover whore) so I read on.
When I started the book and read the Prologue I didn’t like it. I KNOW! Just bare-with me. I HATE a foreshadowing prologue, it’s not like the author gave much away, but she kind of set the tone of the book and it put me in a negative mood. I actually put it down and I didn’t go back to it for a month. It was just sitting on my kindle and I thought to myself, read the damn book or return it.
Once I got past the prologue (and really you can skip that part), I LOVED FIRST. First is about Annie and Grant’s epic love story that started when she was 15 and he 18 (NO! Don’t think nasty thoughts, it’s a really sweet book).
This book could have gone into SOOOOO many directions and it never went into the obvious, THANK YOU! First was an endearing, heart-warming, sweet read. It was 100% cute and I couldn’t put the book down! I was reading it before I went to bed and I kept on telling myself just 5 more minutes!
I really enjoyed the first half of the book the most because I LOVED Annie and Grant’s relationship, it was young, innocent and filled with hopes and dreams. I’m glad the author took the time to build the relationship up and created a good foundation to the storyline. I felt like when the book got a little more dramatic it really had a place in the story.
This book was what I needed. I wanted an emotional dramatic read. I wanted something that would pull at my heart strings and make me FEEL and oh boy did I feel for this book. I felt like the flow, the length and the writing was PERFECT. I liked the heavily dialogue based book and this will NOT be the last book I will read from this author.
October 22, 2017
2 stars
Judging by the high ratings of this book, there's no doubt that I was so eager to start this.
Unfortunate for me, this book didn't give me the "wow" factor that I was hoping for.
The feelings of Grant and Annie towards each other came off too fast IMO. Not only was it attraction at first sight, it was the "real- deal" kind of love in just a span of few days/ months ( I can't remember) That fast.
Okay, so we're on that track now and there's nothing I could do but accept their "real thing". Then the inevitable happened.
I'm still on it. Until another unexpected thing happened.
Acceptable as I could totally see why the thing happened.
BUT, the turn of events after that is what made me grit my teeth. (I guess it's just me.)
*** RANTS AND MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD ***
Whew.. enough rants. I can't do this anymore.
I'm sorry, but I'm just not sold to this story.
This is just my opinion. Most people fell love with the story so please don't take me word against this book.
Judging by the high ratings of this book, there's no doubt that I was so eager to start this.
Unfortunate for me, this book didn't give me the "wow" factor that I was hoping for.
The feelings of Grant and Annie towards each other came off too fast IMO. Not only was it attraction at first sight, it was the "real- deal" kind of love in just a span of few days/ months ( I can't remember) That fast.
Okay, so we're on that track now and there's nothing I could do but accept their "real thing". Then the inevitable happened.
I'm still on it. Until another unexpected thing happened.
Acceptable as I could totally see why the thing happened.
BUT, the turn of events after that is what made me grit my teeth. (I guess it's just me.)
*** RANTS AND MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD ***
Whew.. enough rants. I can't do this anymore.
I'm sorry, but I'm just not sold to this story.
This is just my opinion. Most people fell love with the story so please don't take me word against this book.
September 12, 2017
“I’ll come back to you, Annie. You’re my first. And my last.”
Oh our hearts! We certainly shed tears throughout Kimberly Adams’, First. What an incredibly beautiful, tragic, hopeful and heartfelt love story! Grant and Annie’s story was soul mate love, and when Grant spoke those words above to Annie, with such love and fierce determination… we felt every single word! With hearts breaking for Annie as she said goodbye to Grant and emotions crumbling for Grant as he had to leave his Annie behind, his words bore such weight as we had lived their love from its inception. From those heady moments of a young crush right through to the intense and soul deep love that eventually grew and flourished. Grant and Annie’s love was sweetly endearing and it was invincible.
“Nothing in this world feels like this love, Annie.”
Kimberly Adams floored us with this raw, sweet, sincere and epic love story. The writing was nothing short of exquisite with every emotion reaching into our hearts from every page. Effortless and breathtaking storytelling ensured we connected in every possible way to her story. We can’t say enough about this authors stunning writing and the way in which it brought this emotive love story to fruition.
FIRST is told in two parts, the first taking us to 1990 when Annie Lake, on the cusp of her 16th birthday fell head over heels for 18 year old Grant Butler, who was quite literally the boy next door. The attraction between them was electric yet it held such a sweet and beautiful innocence. Our hearts melted as we found an instant connection to these characters and their feelings.
‘I wanted to be his. Only his. I wanted Grant like I’d never wanted anything in my entire life.’
Sweet and beautiful Annie, was in her sophomore year at school, she’s a bit of a dreamer and an artist at heart. Handsome, self-assured Grant, is a senior, about to graduate and join the Marines and it’s a path he couldn’t veer from. His future seemed set in stone and yet he didn’t count on Annie completely stealing his heart, making his departure such a soul crashing experience.
‘He held me in the way that only he could, in that very adult way that let me believe that he was all I’d ever need.’
Grant and Annie were two old souls and when they fell, they fell hard – their love was pure, and despite their young years, it was without doubt true, achingly soul deep love and so it made their journey so believable and so highly emotional. They were two hearts beating as one.
Part Two of First contained twists we didn’t anticipate. Yes, parts gutted us, but the way the story played out proved what a gifted and passionate storyteller Kimberly Adams is. Wow, what a storyteller indeed!
‘There were families…wives, mothers, fiancées and lovers…waiting, still waiting, for their loved ones to return from a war that had captured and kept them locked, somewhere in time…forever.’
The synopsis gives all you need to know about this story. To reveal anything further would impede on the emotional intensity you’ll feel as you’re swept up in Grant and Annie’s story. A story we inhaled in one sitting, unable to leave these characters that affected us so deeply, for a mere minute.
We loved so much of this story – the era of the setting was perfection. The characters so memorable. We lived through the uncertainty of the Iraq war and embraced the music that shaped that time, finding ourselves swept up in a wave of nostalgia whilst mourning lost time, stolen moments, severed opportunities whilst, in the same breath, losing ourselves to the beauty of a once in a lifetime love we felt deep in our hearts. We know we’ll never forget our time spent with Grant and Annie, neither will you!
‘…we were all waiting together.
For an ending, for a beginning…..
For a return.’
FIRST is available to pre order for 99c/99p (price increasing on release)
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Come visit and follow us at:
✲ TotallybookedBlog
✲ TB on Facebook
✲ TB on Twitter
✲ TB on Pinterest
September 18, 2017
Stunned, wowed, impressed, flabbergasted, maimed and shredded pretty much describes the range of my feelings at the end of this book. I'm left with a painful ache in my heart for all that was lost and found, and lost once again. Kimberly Adams, who is a new-to-me-author, chose to take this book one step too far in my humble opinion. That last step was a real joy zapper! And that, my fellow readers, is my one and only criticism and the reason for a one-star deduction. Along with these characters, readers had already suffered enough emotional trauma throughout this story without having to take that one last defining step. I didn't need OR want to go that far into the future. I would have been totally and completely satisfied drawing my own conclusions without this particular ending. With that being said, First lives up to the hype and I highly recommend it!
But, oh how I did love these characters and their story! There are no words to express the beauty and power of the deep love story between Grant and Annie. The writing is flawless, exceptionally well-developed and spellbinding. The journey felt natural and realistic. Told in a two-part storyline with captivating and riveting imagery and detail, it's mostly narrated from Annie's point of view. Still, you get enough input from Grant to make it a fair shake. Part One melts your heart with the beginnings of new love when a senior boy vigorously asserts himself into a tenth grade girl's heart, and then Part Two tears them apart with his commitment to the U.S. Marines and deployment to Afghanistan. There's a lot of ground to cover before the pieces are finally reconnected.
In an epic love story that spans the years 1989-2017, beginning in high school where two normal teenagers, Annie Lake and Grant Butler, fall in love, this book covers multiple layers of life and love. These two young lovers share magical “firsts” along with heartbreak and loss. In all aspects it is exquisite, intriguing, and enjoyable to the very end. The story has grit and plenty of raw emotion and enough passion to satisfy the most demanding romance lover. Have Kleenex close at hand. It is also one of the most beautifully and poignantly written storylines to ever have consumed me in one sitting. After years of separation, their reunions, although bittersweet, are always the perfect culmination of heart and soul.
Having a memorable hero is one of the best ways to set a romance novel apart from the rest of the pack, and Grant Butler was indeed a formidable character. An all-around good guy, a sweet talking charmer with a side of devilish, too. Of course, he's gorgeous, but Grant comes with a grungy side to him as well. He's the epitome of everything we want in our book boyfriends.
Hailed as the girl next door, Annie is feisty and refuses to be placed in a mold or transformed to the expectations of others. Readers will easily identify with her. She's smart and artistic. Not one to go along with the crowd, but well-liked. She's a good girl -- and a virgin.
While the hero and heroine are the undeniable center of this story, there are secondary players who impact the storyline in big ways, including friends and family members. They add plenty of depth and spirit.
The author is articulate, astute and precise, and she frankly blew me away with my first adventure into her writing world. I am always hopeful for a happily-ever-after when I begin a new love story. The author didn't disappoint -- even though it was bittersweet. From this day forward, she will also be remembered as the author who -- without a doubt -- cured me of the need to beg for an epilogue. From now on, I'm of the mindset that less is more and just leave me happy at the end of the last chapter, thank you very much! Be careful what you wish for -- it might just backfire leaving you with an achy breaky heart that even alcohol won't mend. One thing is for certain – Grant and Annie are characters who came to life on the pages, capturing my heart, and they won’t soon be forgotten.
But, oh how I did love these characters and their story! There are no words to express the beauty and power of the deep love story between Grant and Annie. The writing is flawless, exceptionally well-developed and spellbinding. The journey felt natural and realistic. Told in a two-part storyline with captivating and riveting imagery and detail, it's mostly narrated from Annie's point of view. Still, you get enough input from Grant to make it a fair shake. Part One melts your heart with the beginnings of new love when a senior boy vigorously asserts himself into a tenth grade girl's heart, and then Part Two tears them apart with his commitment to the U.S. Marines and deployment to Afghanistan. There's a lot of ground to cover before the pieces are finally reconnected.
In an epic love story that spans the years 1989-2017, beginning in high school where two normal teenagers, Annie Lake and Grant Butler, fall in love, this book covers multiple layers of life and love. These two young lovers share magical “firsts” along with heartbreak and loss. In all aspects it is exquisite, intriguing, and enjoyable to the very end. The story has grit and plenty of raw emotion and enough passion to satisfy the most demanding romance lover. Have Kleenex close at hand. It is also one of the most beautifully and poignantly written storylines to ever have consumed me in one sitting. After years of separation, their reunions, although bittersweet, are always the perfect culmination of heart and soul.
Having a memorable hero is one of the best ways to set a romance novel apart from the rest of the pack, and Grant Butler was indeed a formidable character. An all-around good guy, a sweet talking charmer with a side of devilish, too. Of course, he's gorgeous, but Grant comes with a grungy side to him as well. He's the epitome of everything we want in our book boyfriends.
Hailed as the girl next door, Annie is feisty and refuses to be placed in a mold or transformed to the expectations of others. Readers will easily identify with her. She's smart and artistic. Not one to go along with the crowd, but well-liked. She's a good girl -- and a virgin.
While the hero and heroine are the undeniable center of this story, there are secondary players who impact the storyline in big ways, including friends and family members. They add plenty of depth and spirit.
The author is articulate, astute and precise, and she frankly blew me away with my first adventure into her writing world. I am always hopeful for a happily-ever-after when I begin a new love story. The author didn't disappoint -- even though it was bittersweet. From this day forward, she will also be remembered as the author who -- without a doubt -- cured me of the need to beg for an epilogue. From now on, I'm of the mindset that less is more and just leave me happy at the end of the last chapter, thank you very much! Be careful what you wish for -- it might just backfire leaving you with an achy breaky heart that even alcohol won't mend. One thing is for certain – Grant and Annie are characters who came to life on the pages, capturing my heart, and they won’t soon be forgotten.
December 31, 2017
Well damn. Damn. My eyes hurt. All the fucking tears. This book broke my heart. It reminded me a lot of Don't Let Go by Sharla Lovelace. Holy hell, my eyes. I couldn't see through the tears. Ugh. What a beautiful story.
I need a minute to compose myself.
It's definitely a must read.
You need all the tissues.
I need a minute to compose myself.
It's definitely a must read.
You need all the tissues.
September 17, 2017
First... and last.
Don't you just love books about first love? First glance. First kiss. First flutters, heart racing, feeling so many emotions all at once. Your first love is one you'll always remember, often it doesn't last forever—but there are those rare times that it does.
Kimberly Adams captured Annie and Grant's love story and it was so pure, so beautiful, life changing.
Although Grant and Annie are neighbors, they aren't in the same circle of friends as Grant is two years older than Annie. When their paths do cross—fireworks.
"You're the first."
I searched his eyes, confusion evident in my gaze. "The first...what?"
His mouth was so close to mine. "The first to get stuck in here," he replied, lifting his finger to tap against his temple. "And here."
Grant reached for my hand, lifting my flattened palm to his chest.
Their love story is by far one of the most believable, incredible journeys I've ever taken. I absolutely loved the time period of this book; I felt like I was in brought back in time to my younger days, and it was fantastic!
"I could kiss you forever. All the time. You're better than music."
When Grant enlists in the Marines and is eventually deployed, you LIVE through every moment with Annie as she struggles to move through life without him by her side.
"You're the first one I think of when I wake up, and the last one I think of when I go to sleep. And then maybe I'm lucky enough to dream about you."
Kimberly Adams' writing is poetic, so real, and utterly perfect. Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. First will make you laugh, cry, and fall for every "first" Grant and Amy share.
"For the rest of my life."
You know a book is incredible that once you've finished, it's all you can think about for days. I can't wait for more if Kimberly's work. She is an incredible storyteller and delivered a novel that now sits on my top reads shelf for 2017!
November 7, 2018
4.5 First & Last Stars
Monstrous book-hangover! *Ugly Cry Alert*
I loved SO many parts of this book, others just about did me in...namely the epilogue...UGH! So many emotions, you will feel everything throughout this read!
The first part of this story was set in the late 80's early 90's...MY ERA. I'm the same age as Annie was in this book. I was in the service, and we're a retired military family. Talk about being able to relate! There was some exceptional story telling throughout, but the first half of this story was my absolute favorite!
Grant, the eighteen year old, high school senior. Annie, not quite sixteen, sophomore. When they meet, fall hard and fast. The end all, be all to each other. The loving and devoted boyfriend and girlfriend, who endure long separations all in the name of service to country.
These two took me right back to the same feelings & emotions I had with my first true love.
A cute quote from Annie's best friend Kate, when Annie talked about her feelings for Grant:
“She slapped her hands to the bed, pretending to feel around. “Spoons. I need spoons. Gag me!”
I made the mistake of reading the ending at he gym...no, just...NO!
BIG mistake! No amount of meditating in yoga class was fixing me.
These characters will stay with me forever...
Monstrous book-hangover! *Ugly Cry Alert*
I loved SO many parts of this book, others just about did me in...namely the epilogue...UGH! So many emotions, you will feel everything throughout this read!
The first part of this story was set in the late 80's early 90's...MY ERA. I'm the same age as Annie was in this book. I was in the service, and we're a retired military family. Talk about being able to relate! There was some exceptional story telling throughout, but the first half of this story was my absolute favorite!
Grant, the eighteen year old, high school senior. Annie, not quite sixteen, sophomore. When they meet, fall hard and fast. The end all, be all to each other. The loving and devoted boyfriend and girlfriend, who endure long separations all in the name of service to country.
These two took me right back to the same feelings & emotions I had with my first true love.
A cute quote from Annie's best friend Kate, when Annie talked about her feelings for Grant:
“She slapped her hands to the bed, pretending to feel around. “Spoons. I need spoons. Gag me!”
I made the mistake of reading the ending at he gym...no, just...NO!
BIG mistake! No amount of meditating in yoga class was fixing me.
These characters will stay with me forever...
September 15, 2017
5 "Annie. You’re my first. And my last" stars......Omg what can i say about this book! it was such a good read. and highly recommend.
December 6, 2017
3* as the last part of the epilogue was not needed and to me detracted from the good parts. I also thought there should be more of their HEA (not saying who as don’t want to spoil!)
October 31, 2017
"When your life is about to change, there is a silence that surrounds you. An eerie calm. Just as the birds quiet their singing before a storm, your heart fails to beat just enough to formally stop and start your path all over again.
A redirection.
An ending. "
And a beginning.
I don't have words to describe how much I loved this book... Just read the story of Grand and Annie's and fall in love with them... You won't regret it...
🎵"The story of my life"🎵 a perfect song for them.
September 13, 2017
5 ★
My favorite quote:
➤ Ohio
➤ 1989-2017
Songs mentioned in this book:
♪ Nirvana - About A Girl
♪ Bruce Springsteen - The River
♪ John Denver - Annie's Song
♪ Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
♪ Neil Diamond - Play Me
♪ Soundgarden - Hands All Over
♪ The B-52's - Love Shack
♪ Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting
♪ Bobby Brown - My Prerogative
♪ Mariah Carey - Love Takes Time
♪ Michael Bolton - How Am I Supposed To Live Without You
♪ Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby
♪ Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up
♪ Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
♪ Neil Diamond - The Story of My Life
#first-love #second-chance #(mostly)single-pov #standalone
Such an incredible storyteller and such a heartbreakingly beautiful story! First consumed me like wildfire and left totally tongue-tied. Yeah, I loved it that much. I loved every page, even those which ripped my heart out because this epic romance was so worth it. But just a fair warning: like the whole wonderful story the epilogue also brought bittersweet happiness.My favorite quote:
“When your life is about to change, there is a silence that surrounds you. An eerie calm. Just as the birds quiet their singing before storm, your heart fails to beat just enough to formally stop and start your path all over again. A redirection.”❤ Grant Butler & Annie May Lake
➤ Ohio
➤ 1989-2017
Songs mentioned in this book:
♪ Nirvana - About A Girl
♪ Bruce Springsteen - The River
♪ John Denver - Annie's Song
♪ Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
♪ Neil Diamond - Play Me
♪ Soundgarden - Hands All Over
♪ The B-52's - Love Shack
♪ Richard Marx - Right Here Waiting
♪ Bobby Brown - My Prerogative
♪ Mariah Carey - Love Takes Time
♪ Michael Bolton - How Am I Supposed To Live Without You
♪ Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby
♪ Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up
♪ Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
♪ Neil Diamond - The Story of My Life
November 16, 2017
4-4,5 αστέρια
"At night, I would fall asleep thinking of when we were young. Of warm, summer nights and breathless kisses against an old oak tree. Of music from a cassette while the fire crackled and our promises were whispered to one another, beneath the stars, into the cool, night winds.
And I would whisper my goodnight to my first love."
Τώρα τελευταία διαβάζω βιβλία που αγαπώ, με αγγίζουν με ιδιαίτερο τρόπο και τελικά... 4 αστέρια.
Γιατί πραγματικά λάτρεψα τον τρόπο που παρουσιάστηκε η ιστορία στο 1ο μέρος ,αλλά έχω πολλά θέματα και κενά με τη συνέχεια. Θα πω ένα πράγμα. Όλα έγιναν πολύ βίαια για μένα, για την ψυχή μου. Δεν μπόρεσα να βρω τη λύτρωση και να τη νιώσω και φυσικά δεν με ικανοποίησε ο τρόπος που έφερε την λύτρωση (το κλοσουρ=closure) για τους ήρωες. Αλλά γενικά είναι ένα βιβλίο που θα μου μείνει αξέχαστο. Με άγγιξε απίστευτα βαθιά και γι'αυτό ίσως πληγώθηκα που δεν δούλεψε αρκετά η συγγραφές το 2ο μέρος. Έχει αντιφάσεις πολλές.
Δεν θα κάτσω να γράψω όμως αυτά που με ενόχλησαν.
Κρατάω τα καλά , αλλά η επίγευση πικρίζει.
"At night, I would fall asleep thinking of when we were young. Of warm, summer nights and breathless kisses against an old oak tree. Of music from a cassette while the fire crackled and our promises were whispered to one another, beneath the stars, into the cool, night winds.
And I would whisper my goodnight to my first love."
Τώρα τελευταία διαβάζω βιβλία που αγαπώ, με αγγίζουν με ιδιαίτερο τρόπο και τελικά... 4 αστέρια.
Γιατί πραγματικά λάτρεψα τον τρόπο που παρουσιάστηκε η ιστορία στο 1ο μέρος ,αλλά έχω πολλά θέματα και κενά με τη συνέχεια. Θα πω ένα πράγμα. Όλα έγιναν πολύ βίαια για μένα, για την ψυχή μου. Δεν μπόρεσα να βρω τη λύτρωση και να τη νιώσω και φυσικά δεν με ικανοποίησε ο τρόπος που έφερε την λύτρωση (το κλοσουρ=closure) για τους ήρωες. Αλλά γενικά είναι ένα βιβλίο που θα μου μείνει αξέχαστο. Με άγγιξε απίστευτα βαθιά και γι'αυτό ίσως πληγώθηκα που δεν δούλεψε αρκετά η συγγραφές το 2ο μέρος. Έχει αντιφάσεις πολλές.
Δεν θα κάτσω να γράψω όμως αυτά που με ενόχλησαν.
Κρατάω τα καλά , αλλά η επίγευση πικρίζει.
August 14, 2025
3.5 stars
This book reminds me so much of days gone by when I read a lot of indie romance. It had the feels and the heartache and an interesting reveal that I wasn’t expecting. Sure, this book needed editing and some developing, but I still was interested. One thing I LOVED was all the cultural references of the 90s.
Happy to have crossed another oldie off my TBR. And cheers to the good old days!
This book reminds me so much of days gone by when I read a lot of indie romance. It had the feels and the heartache and an interesting reveal that I wasn’t expecting. Sure, this book needed editing and some developing, but I still was interested. One thing I LOVED was all the cultural references of the 90s.
Happy to have crossed another oldie off my TBR. And cheers to the good old days!
December 31, 2017
Review: Surj & Jo
Jo: No matter what I write in this review, it will not be enough to explain how epic this book was. It was simply in a league of its own. Nothing could prepare me for how much I felt during this story. It was breathtakingly beautiful, it was tragic, it was outstanding and by the time I finished the last page, I was a wreck. I was left desperate to share this phenomenal book with my book friends and I begged Surj to read it as soon as possible. I knew that she would love it equally as much as me.
Surj: Jo, you're so right. I don't think there are enough words to do this book justice. This was just the most beautifully broken love story that I know will be added to a very small list of books that will continue to affect me in years to come. I know that whether it be weeks, a few months or even five years, if I open up Kimberly Adams "First" to any page, I will be overcome with emotions, my throats suddenly feeling like it's closing and I know without a shadow of a doubt the tears will fall. Grant and Annie's story truly was unforgettable. See, even now writing this review my heart feels so heavy yet so full at the same time. I am so envious of people that have yet to read it because lucky them, they get to experience this wonderful story for the first time. Gah, I wish I could have a ground hog day!!!
Jo: You just took the words right out of my mouth, Surj! Lol. Annie and Grants relationship was something special. They were true soulmates, sharing a connection so deep it was impossible not to get swept up in their romance. I loved their fierce love for one another so much. Annie's feelings transported me back to my own experiences of that giddy first love feeling and Grant, Wow!! He was such a gorgeous book boyfriend. So easy to fall head over heels in love with.
Jo: We don't want to say anything more about the story because it's one that you need to feel for yourself. But trust us when we is say that this love story will leave a mark on your heart that will never be erased. It was truly stunning and in all the years that we have been reading, we don't think we've shed so many tears over a book. It is an absolute must read.
Surj: we could honestly gush about this book all day, whether it be about the story, the characters or the impeccable writing that captured so much raw emotion. But we are going to quit while we're ahead and before we let some of the story slip. As Jo said, pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.
This was hands down one of the easiest 5 hearts we've ever given.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
Jo: No matter what I write in this review, it will not be enough to explain how epic this book was. It was simply in a league of its own. Nothing could prepare me for how much I felt during this story. It was breathtakingly beautiful, it was tragic, it was outstanding and by the time I finished the last page, I was a wreck. I was left desperate to share this phenomenal book with my book friends and I begged Surj to read it as soon as possible. I knew that she would love it equally as much as me.
"I wanted to be his. Only his. I wanted Grant like I’d never wanted anything in my entire life".
Surj: Jo, you're so right. I don't think there are enough words to do this book justice. This was just the most beautifully broken love story that I know will be added to a very small list of books that will continue to affect me in years to come. I know that whether it be weeks, a few months or even five years, if I open up Kimberly Adams "First" to any page, I will be overcome with emotions, my throats suddenly feeling like it's closing and I know without a shadow of a doubt the tears will fall. Grant and Annie's story truly was unforgettable. See, even now writing this review my heart feels so heavy yet so full at the same time. I am so envious of people that have yet to read it because lucky them, they get to experience this wonderful story for the first time. Gah, I wish I could have a ground hog day!!!
"I didn’t know if it was possible to fall in love at barely sixteen years old, but I was. I did. With Grant".
Jo: You just took the words right out of my mouth, Surj! Lol. Annie and Grants relationship was something special. They were true soulmates, sharing a connection so deep it was impossible not to get swept up in their romance. I loved their fierce love for one another so much. Annie's feelings transported me back to my own experiences of that giddy first love feeling and Grant, Wow!! He was such a gorgeous book boyfriend. So easy to fall head over heels in love with.
“How’d we know that we could dance together, but not with anyone else? Or that we could kiss upside down, and fall in love in just a couple days? I don’t know,”Surj: I think the reason this book made such an impression on us was the fact that so much of Annie and Grant's story was like a trip down memory lane. So much of it was just so relatable. It was almost like we were transported back to our younger years. Oh young love Jo, how wonderful it made us feel. That first crush, first boyfriend, first kiss, first love.... just "first" everything. Our hearts and minds took such a journey with this couple as we were swept away by their beautiful yet devastating love story. I guess that's why it was so easy to fall in love with Annie and Grant.
"I’d let him consume my entire world. My every thought was him, my every plan, my every breath".
Jo: We don't want to say anything more about the story because it's one that you need to feel for yourself. But trust us when we is say that this love story will leave a mark on your heart that will never be erased. It was truly stunning and in all the years that we have been reading, we don't think we've shed so many tears over a book. It is an absolute must read.
"When your life is about to change, there is a silence that surrounds you. An eerie calm. Just as the birds quiet their singing before a storm, your heart fails to beat just enough to formally stop and start your path all over again. A redirection".
Surj: we could honestly gush about this book all day, whether it be about the story, the characters or the impeccable writing that captured so much raw emotion. But we are going to quit while we're ahead and before we let some of the story slip. As Jo said, pick up this book. You won't be disappointed.
This was hands down one of the easiest 5 hearts we've ever given.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHopelessR...
Blog: http://thehopelessromanticsbookblog.b...
December 23, 2017
3.5 stars!!! For me this was a book of two halves. I loved the first half and was disappointed with the second. I know I am in the minority and many of my friends have loved this book, but for me, it just felt rushed and I didn't love the direction it took. However, the emotions that ravaged this book were on point. The author nailed this aspect and the character connection was on point due to this.
..."You saved my life, Nick. Before you even realized that you did.”
Want to read
April 19, 2018 Free on Amazon!
September 21, 2017
This love story has left a mark on my heart that will never be erased. It was truly stunning. An absolute must read. Click here to read my joint review with Surj on our blog: my link texthttp://bit.ly/2xxkclp
October 18, 2017
Very emotional read and hard going at times.
Have your tissues ready when you read this.
Have your tissues ready when you read this.
December 22, 2017
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 "First & Last" Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I absolutely ADORE this book. My eyes are wet ans my heart is fill of joy and sadness. i knew this book was going to rip me a part but WOW....I am shattered with emotions right now!!!
Fantastic writing Miss Adams!
I absolutely ADORE this book. My eyes are wet ans my heart is fill of joy and sadness. i knew this book was going to rip me a part but WOW....I am shattered with emotions right now!!!
Fantastic writing Miss Adams!
October 26, 2017
"I will never let us go.I will never say goodbye.."
"A love like ours merited a heroic ending,the kind of finale that would have been enough to carry us through years of separation and hertache."
"The yellow ribbons where everywhere now...
They where ghostly fingers in the night.They reminded us all that war touched some more deeply than others.They called us together in empathy,in humans kindness.
They reminded us that we were all waiting together.
For a ending..for a beginning..
For a return.."
"When your life is adout to change,there is a silence that surround you.An eerie calm.
Just as the birds quiet their singing before a storm,your heart fails to beat just enough to formally stop and start your path all over again.
A redirection.
An ending."
"A love like ours merited a heroic ending,the kind of finale that would have been enough to carry us through years of separation and hertache."
"The yellow ribbons where everywhere now...
They where ghostly fingers in the night.They reminded us all that war touched some more deeply than others.They called us together in empathy,in humans kindness.
They reminded us that we were all waiting together.
For a ending..for a beginning..
For a return.."
"When your life is adout to change,there is a silence that surround you.An eerie calm.
Just as the birds quiet their singing before a storm,your heart fails to beat just enough to formally stop and start your path all over again.
A redirection.
An ending."
"Just remember that he was...he was my FIRST."
September 14, 2017
Wow, this book was just wow! I hate using the word epic but......
Annie is so young, 16, when she meets Grant, 18. He's the older brother of her classmate Trevor whom is playing Romeo in the school play opposite her Juliet. It's as if Cupid's arrow hits it's mark as soon as they meet and this beautiful love story plays out. This is one you can't miss!
Annie is so young, 16, when she meets Grant, 18. He's the older brother of her classmate Trevor whom is playing Romeo in the school play opposite her Juliet. It's as if Cupid's arrow hits it's mark as soon as they meet and this beautiful love story plays out. This is one you can't miss!
September 27, 2017
So moving...
I’ve literally just thrown my kindle on the couch, turned to my husband in absolute floods of tears and shouted “I AM NOT OKAY!”
That’s my reaction to this book. This gut wrenching, heartbreaking, first love, second chance, life journey. I can’t stop crying. Angst whores... you need this. The pain... it hurts sooooooooo good. Kimberly Adams, well done.
I’ve literally just thrown my kindle on the couch, turned to my husband in absolute floods of tears and shouted “I AM NOT OKAY!”
That’s my reaction to this book. This gut wrenching, heartbreaking, first love, second chance, life journey. I can’t stop crying. Angst whores... you need this. The pain... it hurts sooooooooo good. Kimberly Adams, well done.
September 12, 2018
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! Once I read “he’s forbidden” I was in. It was only because the H was 18 and she was almost 16 (technically 15) when they met, he was a senior and she a sophomore. Their story read seamlessly. I loved their story. I was disappointed about the long wait to finally be together. I just didn’t like the end, could have skipped the epilogue on this one.
November 26, 2017
What an emotional story, I truly felt Grant and Annie’s love, was so beautiful. Wasn’t quite expecting the ending I just read and in floods of tears. Will def try something else by this author. Read in one sitting couldn’t put it down.
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