This book was such an enjoyable read with a good storyline and likeable characters that I had a hard time putting this book down until I read the very last page!

What a lovely title. I love spring. And I loved this book. As I come to realize with my second experience with Emily March’s Eternity Springs series, there is something special and magical in these stories that keeps me glued to the page.

It seldom happens to me, but sometimes I come across a book that awakens that love at first sight thing within me. And this was such a book. I loved both Caitlin and Josh’s characters from the very first moment, I remembered this whimsical town and the quirky community, sat back and enjoyed the ride. It was funny, it was sexy, it was heartbreaking. I’m not talking the ending, just the journey. I really enjoyed being back in Eternity Springs. Wouldn’t mind going back there again sometime.

If you like small town contemporaries like me, and you just love that tight knit community and friendship, a little magic along with your romance, then I think this series is for you. I adored Josh and Caitlin, Josh’s distant seeming character waiting to be peeled off layer by layer, and Caitlin’s bubbly and determined personality.

I’m adding four spoonfuls of this lovely story into my hodgepodge.

This is a sweet, contemporary, small town romance and works well as a standalone, even though it is the fourteenth in the series - I haven’t read any of the earlier books in the series and still enjoyed this one. It is different to many other stories as alternating chapters share information about the past and, for much of the story, you aren’t quite certain who has these memories, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the overall story. Tragedy, thoughts of suicide and child abuse play important roles in the story so if any of these are triggers for you, I’d suggest avoiding this book. However, they are dealt with comparatively sensitively and really are key to some of the actions and interactions which occur.

The first time Caitlin and Josh meet is sharing, getting stuck in and rescued from a gondola ride. He has his cute wheelchair using dog with him and the two have plenty of time to connect as they await rescue. Their romance is well portrayed, with plenty of reticence, angst and turmoil occurring during their fraught journey towards their HEA together. Their journey is anything but smooth - there are plenty of potholes along the way to trip them up and drive them apart! Reviewing your personal life choices, starting in a new way, moving home and so much more all happen in this story which I have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance with plenty of drama! I’ll definitely be looking out for more by this author in future.

I requested and received a copy of this novel. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

To start off with I have not read any of the other books in this series but you don't need to, to be able to read this book. Josh has so much to overcome to be with the love of his life. Will Caitlin be able to stick it out to be with Josh? There is a fun wedding with steak, I mean who has steak at a wedding, awesome!! Caitlin makes big changes in her life but in the end they are what make her the happiest. This is a HEA book. This book also makes me want to read other in the series.


*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*

I love Emily March and I loved this book! I think the way that Ms. March put journal entries in before each chapter really helped give the reader a better glimpse into what drove the character without having to wait for the reveal in the plot. I really liked that.
This is the story of Caitlin and Josh. They meet in a very cute way. They (Caitlin, Josh and his dog that uses a doggie wheel chair) share a ride in a gondola , which gets stuck. Instead of just meeting in passing, they have plenty of time to flirt with each other. Josh feels safe in doing so because Caitlin doesn't live around there. Whoops, things change! They soon have to deal with their attraction to each other on a daily basis.
Josh is a kind of dark character. He had a lot going on in his youth which leads him to believe he cannot have a relationship. When things get tough, the result may be one of the darkest places he's ever been. Caitlin's life is in an upheaval and the last thing she needs to deal with is a man that his withholding his past and his problems. Will any of that keep them from falling in love? Of course not, after all this is a romance novel! However, the path they take is a hard one and one worth reading. I really enjoyed this book.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

While I really like the fact that we see Josh and his battle with multiple issues from his childhood - including addition and family history of suicide, there were a couple of issues that I was not sure I would overcome and enjoy the story. I can say that I did like the journey that Josh had but still did not like my couple of issues!

Maybe it is part of the woo woo and Celeste but when Caitlin said that she knew that Josh was the man she was going to marry that just seemed like something a teenager would say so it didn't mesh for me. The other event that annoyed me was when Josh told Caitlin that he gave up and was ready to scratch an itch, and she just gave in. I really felt that she should value herself more than being treated like that.

Fortunately, the book picked up and the relationship seemed to progress until Josh was injured and had to face his personal demons again. Glad that Caitlin's dad finally had a decent talk with Josh which was a catalyst in his recovery.

I guess I was also annoyed that when Caitlin got bad news about her father, she immediately ran to Josh even after he treated her so badly. I had a hard time with what I consider a lack of self-esteem - just my opinion so maybe I am reading her wrong.

Overall, I liked the romance, there were a few references to people that I did not get so might help if you have ready the previous books in the series but not enough problems that you cannot read it as a stand alone.

I think the best thing that I liked about the book was the inspiration that you can overcome your past, problems, demons, and have a person that gives you hope - loved the analogy of Josh seeing Caitlin as the spring in his life!

First off, I should have read the description more carefully. This book was too steamy for me. Hence, the 3 star rating. Those steamy parts did not add to the story and could have been toned down. Now that said, I enjoyed the plot and the characters. The story line kept my attention and the writing was easy to read. The town of Eternity Springs sounds delightful as do the inhabitants. At times, I could guess where the narrative was leading, but that didn't spoil the story. It was a nice escapist read.

Is there anything Emily March writes that isn’t wonderful? Not in my book, and this latest edition of Eternity Springs is every bit as good as all the others. Caitlin Timberlake, daughter of Mac and Ali Timberlake, meets a cute guy in Telluride while at a wedding. He is a mechanic from Eternity Springs, (or is he?). Caitlin falls for him, he doesn’t believe he can have a successful relationship and of course, Josh and Caitlin fall for each other! But love never travels in a straight line. Ms. March weaves a story with heart and emotion that is so real. I have said before, and will say again, I wish I lived in Eternity Springs. If you like small town romances, with a lot of heart, this is the book ( and series ) for you.

Caitlin is moving back to Eternity Springs, CO. She is leaving her high stressed job to start a daycare. Her parents are not real enthused about the idea nor are they real pleased with her new choice of a boyfriend, Josh. But, when Josh saves a child from an oncoming car, many people change their tune. However, Caitlin’s father doesn’t. He even hires a private detective to find out more about Josh.

I fell in love with Josh from the get go! He is moody, good-looking, has a handicapped dog, and has a past which he doesn’t want anyone to know about. Now, how can this go wrong? When Caitlin enters his life, he is determined to keep her at arms length. You know…friends with benefits. Luckily, it doesn’t turn out the way he plans.

I enjoyed this tale, probably more than I should. It is simple, quick, and very charming. Sometimes you just need an entertaining romance to kick start your week. I have never read Emily March. But, when I saw the cover and the title I just had to give this a whirl! I am really looking forward to her other books. This story hit the spot.

I received this novel from Netgalley for a honest review.

Emily March welcomes spring with a dazzling romance set in Eternity Springs, a town of healing and new beginnings. Caitlin Timberlake is ready for a change of scenery from her big New York job and single life. After meeting and connecting with Josh Tarkington at her friend's wedding in Telluride, she is even more determined to see her dreams realized and snag her dream guy.

The First Kiss of Spring is filled with layers of pain, love, and hope. Caitlin's move home comes as a surprise to her parents and she has to convince them that she's serious about starting a business in Eternity Springs and hopefully starting her own family one day. When Josh finds out that Caitlin is starting her business next door, he knows his carefully created life is about to come crashing down. In most romances, the man usually pursues the woman but Caitlin flips the script by pursuing Josh with single-minded focus. It's fun to watch him try to resist her while she's basically got him wrapped around her finger!

This story is full of highs and lows that kept me turning the pages. When Josh gets hurt in a selfless act, he starts to relive his past which is presented in journal entries throughout the story and gives insight to his determination to not get involved with Caitlin. From the first chapter, I knew this wasn't going to be the average romance, and Emily March did not disappoint. With every turn in the novel I never knew what direction it was going to take or whether there could really be a happy ending to this story. I'm definitely sticking with this series as it continues and will get caught up on everyone's previous stories. It's a whole romantic world to explore! The Eternity Springs series is perfect for fans of RayAnne Thayne, Robyn Carr, and Jen Gilroy!
*ARC provided via Netgalley*

This is my first book by Emily March I have read.

First of all I didn't relise this was part of a series but can easily be read as a stand alone but will definitely be reading the other books.

This book had good characters and a good storyline the book just flowed. I did get slightly confused with all the characters but this book was an easy read.

Caitlin needs a break from the everyday big city and she feels like home is calling but she needs to make some decisions and break the news to her family. Her biggest worry is how they will take it. When she meets Josh it seems like there paths were meant to cross she just may need to convince him of that. Josh has some secrets very very deep secrets. When he meets Caitlin he's not ready for what she has to offer and also it seems that making a life altering decision brings his past right to his front door and the life he hoped to keep in the future. Can he survive this alter in his universe?

I really enjoy Emily March's style of writing, when you open a new book from her you never know what your going to get and what twist she's going to throw at you. In this book it was very much just that at first I was like wait what is going on but quickly realized that there was a new turn with every page and you needed to read it all to find out what was going on and the biggest reveal was yet to come. This book did deal with some very strong and tough subject and it worked so perfectly into the story. The story does have strong language and adult scenes. This story really did not disappoint at all and really sucks you in. I cant get enough of Eternity Springs and the fun and loving characters there. Hands down my favorite is Celeste and she did not disappoint in this book, if you haven't read any of the series don't be disappointed grab this one and you will only want more.

This is an impactful love story with real people and real life issues. Sometimes you come across a love story that isn't full of fluff but real people wrestling with real life issues. Their lives aren't always a pretty picture book story but you come to love the characters as they struggle with their lives and this book is that love story.

One of the things that held me spellbound was Author Emily March's Journal Entry that starts off each chapter. It was written by an unknown person and was dark and filled with pain. Along the way I guessed who it was but my brain felt such compassion for the person's life struggles and what they overcame.

This book was written with compassion and understanding. It deals with addictions and real struggles including failures. It shows people in real life crisis and it also shows that there are people out there that will love you if you give them a chance.

Caitlin is someone I want to be friends with. She is able to make a drastic change in her life to follow her heart. She's strong and at the same time soft hearted and loving. Her greatest strength is believing in someone who can't believe in themselves.

When I thought of this book and started to write the review I wasn't sure how to portray why I didn't give it a solid 5 stars but after thinking on for a while it became clear that at times the interaction between Caitlin and Josh was just too sweet for me. In no way did this distract from this story though.

I give this book 4.5 STARS

Caitlin Timberlake is starting a journey of going home to Eternity Springs. Her last thing to do is go to wedding in the town over. As she is exploring the town, she gets on the gondola. Josh Tarkington got on with his dog and the world turned. They laugh, joked and danced. Was the fairy tale ending or was it the beginning? If her dad had his way, it would be the ending. Caitlin is a forthright person. She will tell it to you like it is. Josh is not used to that kind of person. He is going to try to be worthy but you can not run from your past. His past roars to life and he becomes a person he is not proud of. Trust Celeste to set him on the right path. Love the ending!

It's always difficult for me to get a book and find out that it's part of a series, and that this series is already well advanced.
So many important stories to read... But still, I found the story of Josh and Caitlin interesting.
They were opposites and, as Caitlin knew from the beginning, they were perfect for each other.

But a novel never becomes good unless someone has a great secret to be revealed, right? And here we have Josh being the keeper of the secret, which can not only spoil the romance between the two, but even the way the other people in town will face it.

Still, it's a light novel and one that makes you want to read the previous books.
4 stars

First off I have to say what a pretty cover! Job well done to the person who designed this cover. The colors are so pretty together and the scene is so inviting. Who wouldn't want to spend time in Eternity Springs?

I was sent an invitation to read this book from the publisher. Not one to say no to a book (and especially a free book) I downloaded the book to my Kindle and wrote the release date down on my calendar. When it came time to read the book I was a bit hesitant because it's book 14 in the series and it is 360ish pages long. Not that I'm scared of series or long book but I was a bit worried that I was going to be completely lost reading this book and that it was going to be repetitive to no end. Oh, how wrong I was!

Even though this is book 14 in the series I wasn't one bit lost while reading. This book completely stands on its own. There was no repetition to be found either. I found this story moved along at a nice pace and kept my interest from beginning to end. In fact, I was able to read most of this book in just one day.

I immediately liked the two main characters in this book. There was just something about their chemistry from the very beginning that drew me to them. I liked the way they flirted with each other and had a natural attraction. Caitlin and Josh were two characters that I liked individually but even more as a couple.

The author did a great job in describing the town of Eternity Springs and making me feel as if I were there. Her descriptions gave this story the perfect small town feel easily found in books such as those by Debbie Macomber.

This story is the perfect mix of fun romance and serious issues. The author does a great job of balancing the two to make the story fun to read without being too chic-lit-y. I liked the journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. I thought they really added to the story and learn about Josh more.

I definitely recommend this book. It has a good, solid storyline and characters that can be found in any American small town. After reading this book I want to read more in this series and I bet you will too!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Caitlin couldn’t possibly imagine finally meeting the man of her dreams. Always a bridesmaid that caught the bouquet but never going any further. Unlucky in love she heads to Colorado for her friend’s wedding. One decision changed her life and reminded her it truly is a small world. Meeting Josh was unlike anything she ever expected and he fit her in every way possible. Josh was extremely unlucky and didn’t want to tempt fate in his new town. Staying far away Fromm Caitlin was an absolute necessity. Will his intentions help him in the long run or will he fall down the slippery slope of Love?

The First Kiss of Spring by Emily March is book fourteen in the "Eternity Springs" series. This is the story of Josh Tarkington and Caitlin Timberlake. This can easily be a standalone book.
Caitlin decided to take a chance and move to Eternity Springs and pursue the connection she felt with Josh. But Josh is keeping something back that might hurt his new relationship.
This was overall a sweet romance that I enjoyed reading.

Caitlyn Timberlake has reached the top of the food chain in NYC, no less. Now, she feels she needs something else, slower pace, quieter, nicer people and, maybe a real man to spend her life with. She relocates to Eternity Springs to start a Day Care Facility. She meets Josh Tarkington, the town's mechanic and, falls in lust hard and fast! Josh feels the same way but, having a long history of bad luck with women, he's decided long ago to keep his "hook-ups" quick and simple with NO emotions involved! Caitlyn has a totally different take in this new "relationship" and, is determined to make Josh realize what he'll lose if he lets her go!!!

I have to admit the cover for this book really drew me in. Who wouldn't want to live in a small town with houses,friends and family like this? This is my first book I've read in the series but I as able to enjoy it as a stand alone, which is a big bonus! The book kept me entertained and reading it quickly. Loved reading how Caitlin and Josh met. Fun, realistic book. I need to make time to read more books in this series.
Pub Date 27 Feb 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.