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Looking for Love #2
First Love
Haley lets everyone else decide her happiness. Iris finds Haley a curiosity and wants to help her find herself. Will their intimate friendship turn into love, or will others continue to get in the way?
Haley is a sensitive photographer's assistant who has always been a people pleaser. After getting into a disagreement with her boyfriend, she has to reevaluate her identity and where she is likely to find true happiness.
Iris is new in town, working in a bar as she tries to escape a bad relationship. After befriending Haley, she must decide if she's willing to open herself up to new adventures or continue to dwell on previous mistakes.
Join Haley and Iris as they help each other to heal and discover aspects of themselves they barely knew existed.
This is lesbian author Abigail Taylor's second novel and part of the Looking for Love lesfic series.
Haley is a sensitive photographer's assistant who has always been a people pleaser. After getting into a disagreement with her boyfriend, she has to reevaluate her identity and where she is likely to find true happiness.
Iris is new in town, working in a bar as she tries to escape a bad relationship. After befriending Haley, she must decide if she's willing to open herself up to new adventures or continue to dwell on previous mistakes.
Join Haley and Iris as they help each other to heal and discover aspects of themselves they barely knew existed.
This is lesbian author Abigail Taylor's second novel and part of the Looking for Love lesfic series.
- GenresLesbian
Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2021
57 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Taylor
26 books95 followersAbigail Taylor creates beautifully strong yet vulnerable female characters, following a lifetime of personal experience.
Abigail is influenced by her love of human connection, kindness, nature & animals to create heartwarmingly feel-good stories that inspire and enchant.
With a keen interest in equality and LGBTQ+ related issues, Abigail has a strong social media presence offering a friendly, supportive environment where every voice matters.
patreon.com/AbigailTaylorAuthor
https://www.redbubble.com/people/Abby...
https://www.instagram.com/abbytaylora...
https://www.facebook.com/abigailtaylo...
https://twitter.com/a_taylorauthor
www.abbytaylorauthor.com
Abigail is influenced by her love of human connection, kindness, nature & animals to create heartwarmingly feel-good stories that inspire and enchant.
With a keen interest in equality and LGBTQ+ related issues, Abigail has a strong social media presence offering a friendly, supportive environment where every voice matters.
patreon.com/AbigailTaylorAuthor
https://www.redbubble.com/people/Abby...
https://www.instagram.com/abbytaylora...
https://www.facebook.com/abigailtaylo...
https://twitter.com/a_taylorauthor
www.abbytaylorauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 11, 2021
What a beautiful sweet love story.
This book is the second book in a standalone series and I loved every second of this sweet and swoony story.
The characters are unbelievable real and authentic.
Iris and Haley are amazing girls with a lot of self-consciousness and a low self-esteems after a nasty relationships.
Iris tries to appear confident and strong, but in reality is insecure and carries a lot of guilt with herself.
She sees Haley as the perfect being who needs to be saved.
From her ex and from herself, but is it Haley that needs to be saved?
Haley is a giver and tries to please all people. She is a bit naive, but has a huge heart for everyone, but unfortunately she often forgets to take care of herself.
Can Iris help her to find herself, or is it Iris who needs help?
This book is the second book in a standalone series and I loved every second of this sweet and swoony story.
The characters are unbelievable real and authentic.
Iris and Haley are amazing girls with a lot of self-consciousness and a low self-esteems after a nasty relationships.
Iris tries to appear confident and strong, but in reality is insecure and carries a lot of guilt with herself.
She sees Haley as the perfect being who needs to be saved.
From her ex and from herself, but is it Haley that needs to be saved?
Haley is a giver and tries to please all people. She is a bit naive, but has a huge heart for everyone, but unfortunately she often forgets to take care of herself.
Can Iris help her to find herself, or is it Iris who needs help?
May 31, 2022
If you enjoyed reading “Forever Love,” Leia and Blake’s story, you will definitely enjoy reading Iris and Haley’s story in “First Love,” We know from Forever Love that Haley is Leia’s assistant, who has been dating her boyfriend Adam for three years. In Forever Love, we see a glimpse of their relationship but in this book, we see that Haley and Adam’s relationship is far from perfect, even somewhat dangerous.
When Haley decided to go out to a gay bar with her friends, Shannon and Toni, she is met with resistance from Adam. Something she didn’t pick up on until now. But she decides to go despite his reservations. At the bar, she meets Iris, a bartender who is concerned about her and Adam’s relationship once she got to talking with Haley about it. When Haley drinks too much and passes out, Iris takes Haley to her place to crash for the night. Both women get to know one another and decided to plan a trip together as friends.
The next morning, Iris takes Haley back to Adam’s house but is fearful that with all Haley has told her about the way Adam’s been acting lately, that he might do something to hurt her. Iris’ suspicions were correct and she ended up rescuing Haley from Adam.
I won’t spoil the rest of the story. But I encourage you to read both books in this series. This was a new to me author, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next after this series is completed. I look forward to reading Shannon’s story. Miss Taylor will definitely be a one click author for me.
When Haley decided to go out to a gay bar with her friends, Shannon and Toni, she is met with resistance from Adam. Something she didn’t pick up on until now. But she decides to go despite his reservations. At the bar, she meets Iris, a bartender who is concerned about her and Adam’s relationship once she got to talking with Haley about it. When Haley drinks too much and passes out, Iris takes Haley to her place to crash for the night. Both women get to know one another and decided to plan a trip together as friends.
The next morning, Iris takes Haley back to Adam’s house but is fearful that with all Haley has told her about the way Adam’s been acting lately, that he might do something to hurt her. Iris’ suspicions were correct and she ended up rescuing Haley from Adam.
I won’t spoil the rest of the story. But I encourage you to read both books in this series. This was a new to me author, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next after this series is completed. I look forward to reading Shannon’s story. Miss Taylor will definitely be a one click author for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was very sweet to see Iris, who felt like she had nothing to offer, help Haley realize people can love you without expecting something from you. I felt both characters grew as the story went on and I enjoyed seeing their friendship turn into something more.
July 27, 2021
In book 2 of the Looking for Love series, we meet Iris and Haley who appear to be complete opposites. A chance meeting develops into an unlikely friendship and as we weave slowly through the storyline the main characters mature and a romance grows. Haley finds courage to stand up for herself and Iris blossoms leaving her weighty past behind. With a good supporting cast, some angst and heat and an eventual HEA this is another quick read from Ms. Taylor that I easily recommend.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a voluntary and completely unbiased review.
I rec'd a copy through Booksprout and this is a voluntary and completely unbiased review.
July 29, 2021
Loved it!
Haley and Iris are my favorite couple in this series! I loved learning their story and how everything unfolded. Definitely got me laughing and smiling a few times. I can’t wait for more!
Haley and Iris are my favorite couple in this series! I loved learning their story and how everything unfolded. Definitely got me laughing and smiling a few times. I can’t wait for more!
August 9, 2021
This was a really sweet story about two MC’s that had both suffered in toxic relationships, but found real love with each other.
The book is standalone but I would say it’s best to read the first book before this one for a full experience.
Just hope that the very quick appearance at the end of this book doesn’t mean that character becomes the love interest in the next. Unredeemable in my eyes that one.
The book is standalone but I would say it’s best to read the first book before this one for a full experience.
Just hope that the very quick appearance at the end of this book doesn’t mean that character becomes the love interest in the next. Unredeemable in my eyes that one.
October 4, 2021
As if Forever Love wasn't enough for my hopeless romantic life...I read First Love just as quickly as I read the first novel! The tension in this one had me turning pages faster than ever. Fully recommend to anyone that loves rom-coms as much as I do!
August 15, 2021
I really liked reading First Love by Abigail Taylor. The theme of learning to speak up for yourself makes a good lesson to read about in Haley's case, thanks to Iris.
Iris introspection of realizing she was in a toxic relationship and had certain tendencies that fed into it, was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite that she is trying to change for the better and puts in the effort to do so. I just don't like that she sees herself as broken.
There's an attraction between them, but in spite of that as friends foremost, they help each other grow into a better self. Not only that, but there is a constant communication between them, and consideration of each other's feelings. It's quite beautiful to read about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Iris introspection of realizing she was in a toxic relationship and had certain tendencies that fed into it, was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite that she is trying to change for the better and puts in the effort to do so. I just don't like that she sees herself as broken.
There's an attraction between them, but in spite of that as friends foremost, they help each other grow into a better self. Not only that, but there is a constant communication between them, and consideration of each other's feelings. It's quite beautiful to read about.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2021
Haley and Iris are an unlikely pairing. Haley has always considered herself heterosexual but Iris makes her feel things she wants to explore. Iris has always known she was homosexual. Haley has always been the one taking care of others and being the peacekeeper. Iris sees through Haley's façade to the real woman underneath. She senses that Haley needs someone to bolster her confidence and get her to see she has a right to do what she wants instead of what others want. Haley knows Iris is worthy of love and is determined to help her deal with her troubled past. I really liked both of these women and enjoyed watching them help each other become the best version of themselves.
September 5, 2021
Great Second Book Of Series!
I enjoyed Haley from “Forever Love” the first book and was excited to get her story. As we start off, Haley and Adam are together but definitely having issues. Haley is going out to meet the girls but Adam is livid. The more he tries to “guilt” Haley into not going, the more scarier in his anger he gets. He tells her if she goes don’t bother coming home. When Haley gets to the gay bar that they are meeting at, she is visibly upset. As her friends try and console her, Iris the bartender overhears and offers some advice which backfires. Previously the two had hidden glances at each other but Haley feels the need to stand up for her relationship. She starts to drink, heavily until she is alone at the bar with Iris. Now pass out drunk, Iris who is finishing her shift, takes Haley to her house as she doesn’t know where Haley lives. The next morning, Haley who is intrigued by Iris and what she did for her, realizes that she needs to deal with Adam. He has left over thirty messages, sort of threatening. Iris is concerned and she tells Haley she has had prior experience in these kind of relationships. They exchange numbers and Iris drops Haley at Adam’s house with the promise she will call at the slightest hint of trouble. What happens at Adam’s takes the newly friendship to a whole new level. The adventure starts and these two women are both forced to deal with toxic problems. This a really good second book. It did have a lot of grammatical errors that kept throwing the flow off but still a very good book.
I enjoyed Haley from “Forever Love” the first book and was excited to get her story. As we start off, Haley and Adam are together but definitely having issues. Haley is going out to meet the girls but Adam is livid. The more he tries to “guilt” Haley into not going, the more scarier in his anger he gets. He tells her if she goes don’t bother coming home. When Haley gets to the gay bar that they are meeting at, she is visibly upset. As her friends try and console her, Iris the bartender overhears and offers some advice which backfires. Previously the two had hidden glances at each other but Haley feels the need to stand up for her relationship. She starts to drink, heavily until she is alone at the bar with Iris. Now pass out drunk, Iris who is finishing her shift, takes Haley to her house as she doesn’t know where Haley lives. The next morning, Haley who is intrigued by Iris and what she did for her, realizes that she needs to deal with Adam. He has left over thirty messages, sort of threatening. Iris is concerned and she tells Haley she has had prior experience in these kind of relationships. They exchange numbers and Iris drops Haley at Adam’s house with the promise she will call at the slightest hint of trouble. What happens at Adam’s takes the newly friendship to a whole new level. The adventure starts and these two women are both forced to deal with toxic problems. This a really good second book. It did have a lot of grammatical errors that kept throwing the flow off but still a very good book.
August 1, 2021
I had higher hopes for this book. Haley is a (currently) straight photographers assistant who has been happy with her boyfriend for several years. When he gives her a hard time for going out with her lesbian friends it sets her off on a series of random events with Iris, her local lesbian clubs bartender. Iris is sorta in hiding from a bad relationship and is obviously reluctant to get involved with straight Haley, despite her attraction.
The story had potential, but the characters lacked depth, seemed to switch gears 180 degrees every other chapter and the situations they got into were ridiculous ant not at all plausible (seriously who thinks it’s normal to buy a $25 drink from some random guy on the street?). It really made it hard to root for the characters and get into the book.
I received and ARC and am leaving an honest review.
The story had potential, but the characters lacked depth, seemed to switch gears 180 degrees every other chapter and the situations they got into were ridiculous ant not at all plausible (seriously who thinks it’s normal to buy a $25 drink from some random guy on the street?). It really made it hard to root for the characters and get into the book.
I received and ARC and am leaving an honest review.
April 29, 2025
This is a deeper look into the First Love of Haley and Iris. I really enjoyed the first book. But the retelling is more involved in their lives. I loved the extra detail. Haley has so much insecurity coming from her relationship with her family. Iris also has difficulty with her family in a very different way. But I really appreciate the way Abby handles both situations. It's one of the qualities I love about her storytelling. Her characters always become my friends. She just fleshes out the little things that make all the characters come to life. I recommend you read this retelling. You will not be disappointed.
September 18, 2021
Haley is straight and has a boyfriend. When she wants to go meet her friends at a known gay bar, her boyfriend becomes mad and aggressive. Iris works at the bar and wants to be Haley's friend. The characters are good and the-lot is told in a POV with Haley and Iris, IU found this story good and the plot is also good.There is a lot of emotion and confusion on both girls part. I recommend this book for romance readers.
May 3, 2025
Beautiful first love
Iris and Haley's story is a beautiful journey ending in a love of a lifetime. Abby Taylor wrote a lively, touching story that shows the resilience of true love. Check it out!
Iris and Haley's story is a beautiful journey ending in a love of a lifetime. Abby Taylor wrote a lively, touching story that shows the resilience of true love. Check it out!
August 25, 2021
This is a fantastic story of first time love and two people finding each other and joining each other in love
April 17, 2022
To be loved unconditionally…
That's what this sweet and gentle love story from Haley and Iris is all about.
Haley is in an abusive relationship, but she is unaware of it.
Her partner controls her life and she starts to see it when her new and gay friends open her eyes.
Especially Iris, the sweet and friendly bartender at the gay pub they all meet at. Iris herself knows how difficult it is to be in an abusive relationship and how much courage it takes to see it, accept it and get out of it.
She truly sees Haley and helps her in her most vulnerable state.
That's how they get closer.
Close as good friends and maybe more?
There is a road-trip that brings them in funny and difficult situations, but that just brings them even closer and they trust each other with their feelings! Emotional, sweet and hot.
That's what this sweet and gentle love story from Haley and Iris is all about.
Haley is in an abusive relationship, but she is unaware of it.
Her partner controls her life and she starts to see it when her new and gay friends open her eyes.
Especially Iris, the sweet and friendly bartender at the gay pub they all meet at. Iris herself knows how difficult it is to be in an abusive relationship and how much courage it takes to see it, accept it and get out of it.
She truly sees Haley and helps her in her most vulnerable state.
That's how they get closer.
Close as good friends and maybe more?
There is a road-trip that brings them in funny and difficult situations, but that just brings them even closer and they trust each other with their feelings! Emotional, sweet and hot.
August 15, 2022
Sweet Friends to Lovers story!
Abigail Taylor hits a home run with this one. She is known for adding real-life relationship toxic issues to work through and give a voice to all those in toxic relationships. I love this about her books.
Loved the MCs in this one! This is a book 2 in a series and says it can be a standalone, but I don't think it would have as much punch if read as a standalone or out of order. Like Abigail's other books, I wish the story was longer, but because I would love more world building, not because it isn't a fleshed out story.
Cute, strong, honest MCs. HEA. Sexy, steamy scenes.
Recommend this one!
Abigail Taylor hits a home run with this one. She is known for adding real-life relationship toxic issues to work through and give a voice to all those in toxic relationships. I love this about her books.
Loved the MCs in this one! This is a book 2 in a series and says it can be a standalone, but I don't think it would have as much punch if read as a standalone or out of order. Like Abigail's other books, I wish the story was longer, but because I would love more world building, not because it isn't a fleshed out story.
Cute, strong, honest MCs. HEA. Sexy, steamy scenes.
Recommend this one!
March 9, 2022
Good book
As Hailey is getting ready to go out with the girls at a gay bar her boyfriend is not happy. When she doesn't came home till morning things get heated he get angry and starts to hurt Hailey and telling her what to do. Iris is there for her and as her friend helps her. This story of finding yourself and then then coming out is beautiful written between the two characters. Hailey know that her parents will not accept her because she is in love with a woman, but does not want to lose Iris. This is a good read
As Hailey is getting ready to go out with the girls at a gay bar her boyfriend is not happy. When she doesn't came home till morning things get heated he get angry and starts to hurt Hailey and telling her what to do. Iris is there for her and as her friend helps her. This story of finding yourself and then then coming out is beautiful written between the two characters. Hailey know that her parents will not accept her because she is in love with a woman, but does not want to lose Iris. This is a good read
August 7, 2022
Wow rollercoaster ride
Wow another amazing storyline it was quirky intense beautiful heartfelt understanding rollercoaster ride but definitely left you wanting more congratulations
Wow another amazing storyline it was quirky intense beautiful heartfelt understanding rollercoaster ride but definitely left you wanting more congratulations
May 17, 2025
An Adventure of Discovery
Haley believes Adam is her knight in shining armor until fissures in his veneer begin to show his true colors, and she wonders if maybe it's all been an idealized illusion, leaving her confused. When she talks with her friends, they readily agree that something sounds off and she needs to be careful.
Iris, the compassionate but guarded bartender with a listening ear and willing helping hand, steps up to be there for Haley with a strong desire to keep her safe, believing that, like someone in her own past, Adam is a minefield of trouble.
Abigail has written an intricate and intimate story of realizations, insights, and awakenings with an adventure of discovery and growing friendships. Unexpected events will keep you on the edge of your seat, while sudden surprises will cause you to commiserate and even laugh out loud. There are a lot of fun moments, some challenging circumstances, and even a touching scene that will have you in tears, but they're happy tears.
Haley and Iris's chemistry is sizzling, but both are vulnerable and scared and doubt the reciprocity of their feelings, so they keep them under wraps, taking us on an enjoyable slow-burn friends-to-lovers journey.
The MCs and supportive characters have varying and appropriate degrees of depth and are rich and, at times, colorful, while the story is engaging, delightful, and satisfying.
I so enjoyed reading this ARC; thank you, Abby, for sharing this captivating and wonderful story. I highly recommend First Love: Reimagined for others' reading pleasure as well.
Haley believes Adam is her knight in shining armor until fissures in his veneer begin to show his true colors, and she wonders if maybe it's all been an idealized illusion, leaving her confused. When she talks with her friends, they readily agree that something sounds off and she needs to be careful.
Iris, the compassionate but guarded bartender with a listening ear and willing helping hand, steps up to be there for Haley with a strong desire to keep her safe, believing that, like someone in her own past, Adam is a minefield of trouble.
Abigail has written an intricate and intimate story of realizations, insights, and awakenings with an adventure of discovery and growing friendships. Unexpected events will keep you on the edge of your seat, while sudden surprises will cause you to commiserate and even laugh out loud. There are a lot of fun moments, some challenging circumstances, and even a touching scene that will have you in tears, but they're happy tears.
Haley and Iris's chemistry is sizzling, but both are vulnerable and scared and doubt the reciprocity of their feelings, so they keep them under wraps, taking us on an enjoyable slow-burn friends-to-lovers journey.
The MCs and supportive characters have varying and appropriate degrees of depth and are rich and, at times, colorful, while the story is engaging, delightful, and satisfying.
I so enjoyed reading this ARC; thank you, Abby, for sharing this captivating and wonderful story. I highly recommend First Love: Reimagined for others' reading pleasure as well.
February 9, 2023
This author's writing is very compelling. It was hard to put the book down. I enjoyed Haley, didn't totally understand Iris. I am sure 3* is too low and a lot of people really like this book. To me, the ending was so start and stop it just got too frustrating for me. To the author's credit, she put up red flags so i could've bailed at any time. I just thought it would get good and beyond the angst at some point. Even the HEA has me thinking these two ain't gonna make it.
Also, i'm probably the only one who thinks this. But that scene in the last book where Leia went totally sexual on Haley, her employee, at work. I thought that maybe since Haley was working through her stuff, she would confront Leia on it. But no, even though she had to learn about abusive relationships in this book - she still let that slide. Oh well.
Also, i'm probably the only one who thinks this. But that scene in the last book where Leia went totally sexual on Haley, her employee, at work. I thought that maybe since Haley was working through her stuff, she would confront Leia on it. But no, even though she had to learn about abusive relationships in this book - she still let that slide. Oh well.
January 10, 2026
A Story of Discovery and Freedom
Haley who's in a 3yr relationship with Adam has begun to enjoy hanging out with her lesbian boss and her friends at a gay bar. Adam's not happy about it and decides to put his foot down; however, Haley is finally making friends of her own and stands up to him for the first time in their relationship. He's pissed. He disparages her and also states that if she leaves his apartment to be with them, he won't be here when she gets back.
When Iris, the kindhearted bartender overhears Haley sharing what happened with a couple of her friends who are actually needing to leave, she asks if she can say something. When Haley reluctantly agrees, because they don't really know one another yet, Iris states that she thinks Haley may be in an abusive relationship.
The circumstances that follow cause Haley to take a good look at how Adam treats her especially as his controlling behavior escalates. She's also discovering feelings, for Iris, she's never had before for anyone.
Meanwhile Iris, who wants to be friends with Haley, is also guarding her heart because of her own past.
Haley and Iris's budding friendship gives rise to them risking opening up, taking chances to be there for each other, and discovering the safety and freedom of real love.
Haley who's in a 3yr relationship with Adam has begun to enjoy hanging out with her lesbian boss and her friends at a gay bar. Adam's not happy about it and decides to put his foot down; however, Haley is finally making friends of her own and stands up to him for the first time in their relationship. He's pissed. He disparages her and also states that if she leaves his apartment to be with them, he won't be here when she gets back.
When Iris, the kindhearted bartender overhears Haley sharing what happened with a couple of her friends who are actually needing to leave, she asks if she can say something. When Haley reluctantly agrees, because they don't really know one another yet, Iris states that she thinks Haley may be in an abusive relationship.
The circumstances that follow cause Haley to take a good look at how Adam treats her especially as his controlling behavior escalates. She's also discovering feelings, for Iris, she's never had before for anyone.
Meanwhile Iris, who wants to be friends with Haley, is also guarding her heart because of her own past.
Haley and Iris's budding friendship gives rise to them risking opening up, taking chances to be there for each other, and discovering the safety and freedom of real love.
July 5, 2025
Iris and Haley are amazing characters. I love how protective and caring Iris is with Haley. It's not easy seeing someone you care about being abused in any way. Iris can see it happening because she as had a bad past relationship. It took a lot of courage for Haley to separate herself form that toxic relationship and find that she was falling for Iris. Their love is a beautiful thing to see take shape. The story was so well written and handled the tough topic with care.
May 19, 2025
Love is the greatest
I love how Iris and Haley supported and communicated with each other. I felt like if I was there experiencing everything they were going through in their friendship and relationship. I love experiencing their journey. Thanks, again Abigail for another beautiful romance.
I love how Iris and Haley supported and communicated with each other. I felt like if I was there experiencing everything they were going through in their friendship and relationship. I love experiencing their journey. Thanks, again Abigail for another beautiful romance.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews