I was often confused with the characters in this book. The characters seem to act differently from what I expected from page to page. Josh seemed sophisticated and yet, almost sleazy at first but then it turns out he was a really good guy battling some serious demons. Caitlin seems strong and determined but also a hopeless romantic. I often pictured this book set in a historical romance and not modern times. The use of some foul and unexpected language was awkward and seemed out of place with these characters. I liked the story, I was interested in it and I wanted to know what happened next, but I probably wouldn’t read it again or buy it and it’s not at all likely that I would recommend it to people I know.

Also, what’s up with the encounter with the cab driver or Uber driver in the beginning? Did anyone not think she’d call him and ask him to the wedding?

This is the first book I've read in the series and I wasn't lost as you can sometimes be when you start in the middle.
First, the journal entries were confusing until midway through the book, but that could just be me. The writing was top notch! These characters come across as real, someone you could actually meet in small town USA. Even the supporting characters such as Celeste are well rounded and developed.
Josh is trying to overcome so much that life has thrown at him. Totally understand why he feels the need to isolate himself from relationships. Absolutely love Caitlin, she doesn't pull her punches or take no for an answer. She comes across as vibrant and willing to take on the world.
Don't be surprised if you laugh and cry at some point during your time reading this book. You may not be able to put out down and honestly if I hadn't been working twelve hours days I'm pretty sure I could have finished this in one sitting.

This story starts out light and airy. I thought it was going to be a sweet little love story. But then it took an ugly turn. The ugly part goes on for quite awhile. And then we abruptly bounce back to light and airy romance to end the story. I found the changes from sweet, to ugly, and then back to sweet unsettling.
Throughout the book we get exposed to Josh's childhood through entries in his journal. I found these confusing and unnecessary. They are never ecplained.

"The First Kiss of Spring" by Emily March
Josh and Caitlin's story and that magical town of Eternity Springs, CO. I do believe I have read every Eternity Springs story and have loved each one the very best. I whole-heartedly recommend this story to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance story. I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC copy by the publisher via NetGalley. And I am feeling very blessed for having this opportunity to share my review. Be warned if you are a reader that gets emotionally involved in your story... be sure to have your tissues handy.. you probably will have need of them, but you also will have your smiles and chuckles, too. Happy Reading !!

Heart-breaking romance. Many issues for all the characters involved. Past, present and future are filled with sadness. Occasionally the tale gets a little too talky. Overall it is a sweet romance about overcoming one's past problems.

I know this is the 14th book in the series but it can be read as a standalone because while the books are connected and characters thread through all of them, each book focuses on a different couple. Josh has had difficulties in his past while Caitlin has lived a charmed life. You know that these two are going to go through ups and downs and then, well, you know what's going to happen. If I have one quibble it's that Caitlin would move to a small town in Colorado from New York to pursue a relationship with a man she barely knows. No judgment on the town, just on total life change. Nonetheless, is a fast, romantic (with a little steam) read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

I’ve not read much Emily March but this book was…good. It wasn’t great because it dragged in points and it didn’t need to be as long as it was. But it was an enjoyable read. Caitlin and Josh have a very cute first meeting, with his adorable handicapped dog Penny. First Kiss of Spring was good in its simplicity. There were fun dates, laughs, steam galore, and a heaping level of frustration at how stubborn Josh was being.

„The First Kiss of Spring“ is part of a series (Eternity Springs) which I did not know before. I never read anything from Emily March before.

Now I would recommend to read the other books in advance because sometimes I had the feeling I was missing some connections between the people in this book.

While the love story was nice written I never really „connected“ with Josh and Caitlin. I found their lovestory lukewarm and even during the hot scenes the storyline seemed forced – not real.
I cannot explain – but this was not my cup of tea. The story itself developped very slow – but at the end it felt rushed – as if the author feared to miss her deadline.

This book is another story from Eternity Springs, Colorado. I received an advanced copy from the publisher for an honest review. I have read all of the previous Eternity Springs books but it is not necessary to have done so. “Eternity Springs is where broken hearts come to heal.” The story begins with an “electric moment in Telluride” when Caitlin Timberlake met Josh Tarkington and his dog, Penny. Penny is a dachshund that broke her back in a jump off the couch and is now partially paralyzed. She is able to get around with a two-wheeled wheelchair attached to her back quarters. A sure chick magnet. After getting to know each other a little better, Caitlin decides that Josh is THE ONE. Both Josh and Caitlin have secrets that they are slow to share. Josh is never averse to a “canoodle” now and then but he is not interested in forever after. People say that Celeste Blessing is wise beyond measure and any advice she gives should be followed. Josh finally goes to Celeste and asks for her advice. He really wants to earn one of her angel necklaces. It is a wonderful story about families, friends, and friends who become family. I will continue to look for any Emily March book available.

The First Kiss of Spring may be the 14th book in the Eternity Springs series by Emily March but it's the first book that I've read by this author.
This book tells the story of Josh Tarkington, a man running from the pain of his past, determined never to fall in love again and Caitlin Timberlake, a woman who takes one look at Josh and falls in love with him and is determined to make him fall in love with her too.
This is a sweet, romantic tale about learning to trust in love again and confronting the past.
Fans of Jaci Burton's Hope Series, Brenda Novak's Silver Springs series, Jill Shalvis Lucky Harbor series or Kelly Elliott's Cowboys and Angels series may enjoy books in the Eternity Springs series by Emily March

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley

This is the first book I have read by Emily, but know that I know there are other books in this series, you can bet that I will be reading them all!

This is the story of Josh and Caitlin. Even though there are books before this story, it can be easily read as a stand alone. From their first meeting, through their time together was magical.

Caitlin is my hero! She is independent, strong and when she sees what she wants, she goes after it with grit and determination. She knows when she meets Josh, he is her future, her happily ever after and she will fight for it!

Oh Josh, your back story wrecked me. And when you read this book it will hit you too. He has been beaten down by bad luck and circumstances, but he is strong and he perceivers through adversity.

The thing that really gutted me with this book is the "Journal Entries" between every chapter. When you read the first one, you aren't quite sure who the writer is, but as you move through the story, you realize who is the writer and it makes you want to grab this person and hug them hard!

This book was phenomenal and I will be reading more from Emily! Thank you for your words and your wonderful world of Eternity Springs.

A sweet heartfelt romantic read that is perfect for anyone who loves a good romance story!

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
Emily March has written another fabulous book! I have read all of her books and have never been disappointed. She has written another winner in First Kiss Of Spring. It is written in an unusual way....a journal entry from an unnamed person followed by a chapter of events featuring Eternity Springs, Colorado. The author gives her characters great depth and does not whitewash their flaws. She addresses some serious issues and delivers a hope for spring. She relies on her gift of words instead of f-bombs and explicit sex scenes. A clean read with a lot of heart. Thank you Emily March for a quality story that leaves you with a HEA ending!

I'm always willing to try out a new author or publisher. This one sounded good, thought I'd give it a try.

It's not for me. First of all, way too explicit. It has a really odd feel to it. You have some really devout church going characters, even quotes scripture and then follows a very trashy, lustful relationship. In other parts it borders on classy. It doesn't gel. Second despite the appeal of this ideal mountain small town near Telluride, CO - everyone is leading these unrealistic lives. Everyone's uber successful. Despite some dialogue between Caitlin's father, Mac & Josh later in the book there is no explanation for his massive initial dislike. He's a product of the foster system too? That automatically qualifies someone as screwed up. I don't like the implication. Second it goes way too far in descriptiveness of the drug and alcohol abuse, and let's just say other things Josh experienced as a child. Last year I read a fabulous book, that though a little heavier than I like addressed drug abuse in a careful manner and raises awareness, while being realistic and remaining true to the struggle it is. Ensured empathy, concern and a reason for hope. The journal entries were just plain disturbing - and I wondered just what genre this book falls under! Some things can be understood without full on in your face. I won't pick up another by this author or the publisher.

I received this eARC from Netgalley and this is my honest review.

Emily March does a fabulous job with this series! I love the town of Eternity Springs, of course Celeste, and each new resident always has a great way they have found themselves in Eternity Springs.

Caitlin is a strong woman who has to stand up to the criticism of her family when she decides to leave the successful career and city life of New York to head home and open a daycare.

Josh has found himself in Eternity Springs as his brother Brick opened a business and needed his help. Now Josh has decided to stay and open his own mechanic shop in town.

Josh and Caitlin have an unexpected encounter while out of town and neither realize the connection to Eternity Springs until it's brought to their attention in an unexpected way. Josh is all too happy to head back home and forget Caitlin as he thinks she is headed home for good to NY. He has a terrible track record in love and with the secrets that he is harboring thinks he isn't good enough for Caitlin. How surprised is he when the new business owner across the street is Caitlin.

Caitlin knows Josh is the one- he's it. She has no qualms in packing it up in NY and following her dreams in Eternity Springs. The problem is will it take an eternity for Josh to come around and see things as she does?

Josh's secrets and his life have such pain, grief and despair. The writing for such heavy topics was passionate and informative. The struggles of Josh were evident and his strength to overcome and get healthy was obvious.

These two are sweet together and terrible apart.

Another trip back to the beautiful Eternity Springs. I love this town, it sounds so lovely and I enjoy coming back to it with each book in this series.

This story is about Caitlin and Josh. Caitlin is a textile designer and currently lives in New York, but has had enough of big city living and is planning on moving back to Eternity Springs soon, where her family now live, and changing her career. The story starts off in a nearby town where she has flown into to be a bridesmaid for one of her good friends. The first day there she gets stuck in a cable car gondola with an attractive guy, Josh, and his wheelchair-bound dachshund, Penny. Sparks fly and she ends up inviting him to the wedding the next day, which he accepts.

Her parents turn up at the same resort, unbeknownst to any of them, and it turns out that Josh actually lives and works in Eternity Springs, owning his own garage. Caitlin then moves back to Eternity Springs and starts pursuing Josh, who she is sure is her soul mate. He resists initially, but then agrees to a relationship on his terms (no marriage/babies/commitment) which she agrees too, planning on changing his mind. Josh isn't quite who he seems to be though and has a LOT of baggage, some of it very sad.

Caitlin's Dad really got on my nerves. He decided he didn't like Josh and his daughter as a couple immediately, without really knowing him, and was very, very judgemental, to the point of getting him investigated! Admittedly he had his own issues going on, but I found him very irritating.

Josh did go through an awful lot, in his previous life and life in Eternity Springs, but it was lovely that Caitlin stuck by him even when he was acting completely out of character when he was ill. His past slowly revealed itself though and was resolved, with the background presence of the spiritual Celeste Blessing always there, as she is in all the books, gently advising and guiding everyone to where they need to be.

Another very enjoyable book in this series.

The First Kiss of Spring (Eternity Springs #14) by Emily March .... Let me just say...I want to move to ETERNITY SPRINGS... Celeste is back and who wouldn't wan her angle touch?... this is Josh and Caitlin's story...Josh is hiding his past...Caitlin wants to move back to Eternity Springs... I was so lucky to get to preview this book through #NetGalley. It is always fun to get back in touch with all the wonderful characters who live in Eternity Springs and see how their lives are going... Emily always gives us plenty of laughs, love and tears of both kinds on our way to a HEA...Oh...and I can't forget Penny...I can't wait for my next visit to Eternity Springs...

I enjoyed reading this book. I didn't want to put it down until the end! I liked the characters and understood their motivation for their actions. I liked the homey feel of the small town atmosphere.

Eternity Springs
Josh and Caitlin are two people with different backgrounds that meet in Eternity Springs. They both have past experiences to overcome and soon their “friends with benefits” turns into love for each other. Read the book to find out how their relationship grows as their friendship grows.

This book is number 14 in the Eternity Springs series. I've read many of the older ones in this series but haven't completely caught up. I enjoy Emily March's writing style and this is another good addition to the series.