The First Love
Publisher Description
Who could ever forget that summer in Lake Bittersweet…
It’s been seventeen years since Carly stepped foot in the sleepy lakeside community where she experienced her first love…and her first heartbreak. Since then, she’s struggled with her confidence, which is why she’s shocked that her father, an actual rock legend, chose her as the executor of his will. Besides dealing with his shut-down music club and mountain of bills, did he also lure her back to Lake Bittersweet to face the man who shattered her heart?
Carly Gault. The girl who got away. The girl he gave away. The moment he sees her, Fire Chief Thomas Cooper is hurled back in time to the summer that changed his life. He made the choice to put his family first, but Thomas has never forgotten the passionate, loving girl with the smoky-green gaze. She’s more beautiful than ever—but since that summer, his family has expanded in a way Carly may never, ever understand.
As long-ago secrets come to light, passion reignites between Carly and Thomas. But will one last shocker make it all go up in smoke like the last summer bonfire?
Customer Reviews
Seeet
Easy read romance
The first love
Good read
Second Chances
Love lost, but not forgotten. What an amazing start to Jennifer Bernard’s new Lake Bittersweet series! After avoiding Lake Bittersweet for the past 17yrs, Carly returns as executor of her father’s will. He has left her with nothing more than memories, mountains of debt, an expired liquor license, and the responsibility of reviving The Blue Drake Bar and Grill. Carly has a half brother and half sister, but neither seem too thrilled with helping to revive The Blue Drake. Each sibling has their own issues with their, now deceased, rock legend of a dad. Profound, deep wounds that aren’t easily resolved. But Carly tries to do right by her dad and in the process, uncovers secrets that are life-changing.
Fire Chief, Thomas Cooper, knew that this day would come. The day that he would once again come face to face with the love of his life…Carly Gault. He chose his family over her when they were teens and he doesn’t regret that decision. But it definitely doesn’t make seeing her now, any easier. Although he never loved another like her, he did end up fathering a child with one of her best friends. That, amongst other secrets, may prove too hard to conquer. But he’s willing to try. Thomas and Carly have a lot of secrets, insecurities, etc to weed through before they can truly have a future together.
I LOVED all the twists, turns, and unraveling of secrets! There’s still so much to uncover and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series! I loved Carly’s interactions with Thomas’ son. She’s a listener and was able to get him to open up when no one else could. Carly is caring, understanding, and genuine in her love. I loved Carly’s ideas for The Blue Drake! I also loved that she, Trixie, Kendra, and Gina were all still besties and vowed to honor their “chambermaid” pact of always being there for each other. I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.