The writing in this novel was engaging and ultimately pulled me through the book. I found the pacing to be all over the place. We don't really get to the synopsis of the book until about 65% of the way in and I found that from there it felt strange and rushed .The last few chapters especially seemed to cram a lot in there. I do love mess though!!! And a lost protagonist. I enjoyed those aspects.

3.5/5., rounded up. This was an enjoyable read with messy characters (in a fun way). The pacing however was a little off at times, especially near the end when it felt like there was more to explore in some of the relationships. Thank you Grand Central Publishing for the ARC.

Allison is a college professor and at the age of 28, her mother is being very annoying about her singleness. Allison is a relatable character, she has other side hustles like facilitating book clubs. She met Reid at a bar, he is close to her father’s age. He is a successful shock jock and inspired by Howard Stern. She teaches creating writing and is a writer herself. Allison’s divorced parents are interesting side characters.

I struggled with how to rate this- some of the lines of dialogue are so purely and cleverly written. This is true witty banter and a “slice of life” story. Amy Silverberg is a talented writer and has keen observations of life. My favorite character is Reid’s daughter Emma (she is incorrectly called Maddie in the blurb).

In the acknowledgements she mentions that this started as a 30 page short story and damn I bet that was amazing. I kept thinking “this would work better as a short story” as it was a strangely paced story. Also the blurb gives away a LOT of the story that doesn’t happen until 66% through the novel.

Like many of my favorite short stories, it ends with just an image, rather than a conclusion of plot. If you are looking for a lot of plot, you will likely be disappointed; but if you love observational dialogue, this is some of the best I’ve read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. Book to be published July 22, 2025.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

This novel tells the story of a young woman who begins dating her dad's favorite radio show host (who spends his time talking about having sex with women and, as the book constantly reminds us, is short) but later starts seeing his daughter as well. The book doesn't have great pacing as most of the story progresses unceremoniously in the last three or four chapters. Still, I found that I had quite a fun time reading the book and it is a very easy read. I'd recommend it if you like a woe-is-me protagonist or if you're looking for something easy to add to your reading list!

this book haunted me lmao it was messy, magnetic, and laced with the kind of aching loneliness that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. it’s about grief, identity, and what happens when you spend too much time as a supporting character in everyone else’s story.

Allison moves to L.A. hoping for a fresh start, but instead, she ends up entangled with two people: Reid Steinman, a legendary radio DJ and a living reminder of her late brother, and Maddie, Reid’s sharp, enigmatic daughter, who shares a little too much DNA with Allison’s past. the result? a slow-burning, tension-packed love triangle that feels equal parts thrilling and so, so bad for her. but yet—you can’t look away. thia book has vibes. It’s late-night radio stations, longing stares across dimly lit rooms, and that bittersweet feeling of wanting something you know isn’t good for you. it doesn’t just explore love and loss; it digs into the uncomfortable reality of trying to carve out your own identity when you’ve spent years living in the gravitational pull of other people. can you really move forward when the past is still writing your script?

if you love books about complicated women making emotionally questionable choices, characters who are equal parts magnetic and deeply flawed, and a story that leaves you staring at the ceiling feeling things—this one’s for you.

5 stars and a half for the imaginary Spotify playlist i desperately need.

I just don't think this one for me so I will leave it off my goodreads. I didn't connect with any of the characters and the story wasn't that interesting to me. I'm open to trying future novels by this author, but this one just wasn't for me. That said, I know there are readers who this absolutely will work for and I'm happy this author is getting to publish something she clearly worked very hard on!

First Time, Long Time is my ideal storyline - queer, sexy, and full of daddy issues - but the bouncing between past and present day, sometimes within a page or two and often mid scene - was difficult to follow. It took me out of the moment trying to remember where I left off. I think fans of Green Dot by Madeleine Grey would like First Time, Long Time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance reader copy.

A young writer falls for her father’s idol and then his adult daughter.

I really enjoyed the constant internal dialogue and realistic, yet witty conversation. It allows the reader to feel they really understand the main character and to empathize with them throughout out the story. The flashbacks are also seamlessly and thoughtfully woven through the book in a way that creates a bit of mystery and intrigue. While this book took a few chapters to hook me, I ultimately loved it and would recommend to those into contemporary fiction.

A very captivating story and a main character that is written so well. I enjoyed this book and thought the way the author expresses grief throughout was enthralling. I liked how the story flowed and wasn't bored during this title at all. I'd suggest bookclubs take a look at it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

2.5 stars. I thought the idea was interesting, but there just wasn’t a lot of story. They didn’t really start sneaking around until the last ~25%.
Also some things that I wish had been explained more. I thought Allison was likable, but I didn’t really think anyone else was. I wasn’t super invested in anyone’s story.

“First Time, Long Time” by Amy Silverberg is a novel that explores various forms of relationships—those between parents and children, divorced couples, siblings, friends, and romantic partners, among others.

The protagonist, Allison, is a late-twenties creative writing teacher who is struggling to cope with the sudden loss of her comedian brother. She unexpectedly meets Reid, a famous shock jock radio personality she grew up listening to with her dad. In person, Reid turns out to be much softer than she expected, and a relationship begins to develop between them.

Despite their age difference, things seem to be progressing well. Allison even forms a friendship with Reid’s daughter, Emma. Throughout the story, readers witness Allison grappling with her grief, navigating complicated family dynamics, and pursuing her writing aspirations, all while becoming increasingly drawn to Emma.

Fans of flawed protagonists will likely appreciate this novel. If you enjoyed Jen Beagin’s "Big Swiss," this book will probably resonate with you! Thank you to Grand Central and NetGalley for the advance reader's copy (ARC).