For the First Time

So, I accidentally happenned upon this lovely little book one afternoon while shopping at Wal-Mart of all places! I must admit I was slightly deterred by the cheesy cover, but I am so glad I didn't put it back on the shelf! Before I get too carried away with my feelings on Kathryn Smith, or the novel I must warn you: Read 'Elusive Passion' FIRST (as it is the Prequel to 'For the First Time.' You will not regret my advice! That being said, this story follows the romance and passion of the Christian children. This time it's tall, lovely, and somewhat rough-and-tumble Blythe's turn to be smitten. Recently jilted by her brother's friend, she and Devlin Ryland become infatuated with one another during a hunting party at her estate in the country. Looks of longing, midnight trysts in the garden, and, well... Need I say more? Devlin is a celebrated war hero, who wants nothing more than to live a quiet life out of the public eye. Blythe finds him licking his wounds like a proper hero in a romance novel should. She, on the other hand, is still smarting from each new encounter with her ex-fiancee. However, their mutual wounds seem to be healed in one another's arms. Ahhh! Romantic, sensual, and just so much fun! Kathryn Smith is sure to be your new favorite. So ladies, heed my words! Curl up in your favorite chair, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, and get ready to fall in love with this book! *sigh*

I love it when I find a new author!!! I won't write a storyline for this book since others have done so but I will say that this book was truly one of the most enjoyable historical romances that I have read in a long time. I tend to be a very picky reader but Kathryn Smith had me from the first chapter in this book! I read it in one sitting! I enjoyed this book so much that I ordered all of her other books immediately after I had finished For The First Time. Other lovers of historical romances will not be disappointed with this book!!!

In this first novel in the Ryland Brothers series, Devlin Ryland, Waterloo war hero has returned to London in triumph, acclaimed for his courage and daring as he saved the life of one of England's officers. Devlin is embarrassed by the attention, as he wants no part of this, his newfound glory, nor reminders of a war and the part he played in it. A very good friend (from ELUSIVE PASSION) invited him to a house party on the outskirts of London, mentioning that he might be interested in looking at a property nearby to settle down in. It was at this house party that he would discover a woman who kindled his interest and desires like none he had ever met before the sister of his host, the tall and beautiful Lady Blythe Christian.Unfortunately, the lady who brings all his yearnings to the forefront, and stirring passions and feelings he is too afraid to recognize, wants nothing at all to do with England's heralded champion. This hero, Devlin, saved the life of the man who was Blythe's betrothed...who after he recovered, heartlessly married another. No matter how devastatingly handsome, kind and gentle he appears to her, Devlin is a constant reminder of the pain and humiliation she felt at being betrayed. As a result of this betrayal, Blythe, has sworn to never marry, never trust her heart to another man only to run the risk of having it broken again. Devlin, dealing with his own feelings of inadequacy for all the adulation of being a hero, didn't believe he knew what love was. The only thing he knew was that no one made him feel like this and with Blythe, for the first time he found himself wanting something more.This was a fabulous `love' story. It was honest, it was passionate and it pulled at my heartstrings. This author writes with a lot of `soul' and it is the type of book you can get emotionally involved in - WOW! Not only do you feel for the central characters, but she will have you feeling emotional over the joys and heartbreaks of her secondary characters as well. This was a total read for me and I am eagerly anticipating the release of the sequels on the remaining Ryland brothers. Outstanding imagery and great sensual love scenes - what more can you ask!

I just finished the book, and I loved it! The story and the characters were done great. The author does a great job drawing you into wanting to know more about the main characters, Blythe and Devlin. They both are strong, tall, and insecure when it comes to emotions. They both run away from their problems til they get to know one another physically and emotionally. Blythe left London 2 years ago after her heart and engagement was broken by Earl Carnover, Carny, who fell in love with another woman and married before arriving in London. She didn't want to face society after being jilted. She is insecure with her height and looks. Devlin is a rough, strong man who lived through wars and lives with guilt for killing a soldier during war. They both discover what love is really about as well as helping with each other's insecurities. They both grow confident with their trust and love towards each other. There are a few obstacles for them to face, there's a lot of heated moments with the couple. This is a book worth buying, a keeper. I just hope the author writes more about Devlin's brothers.

I don't usually read Kathryn Smith's books, (and I don't usually write reviews) but decided on this one as it sounded better than her others. It was one I read all the way through in one sitting. In fact, I might just go back and look over her other books one more time - maybe I missed something the first time! Anyways, this one is very good.