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imme_van_gorp's review against another edition
4.0
|| 3.5 stars ||
This was a nice read, but definitely not spectacular. The two MCs, Seph and Reece, kind of had an insta-love thing going on, which I absolutely hate, and therefore I had some difficulties really connecting with their romance at first. I eventually did end up liking them together, but I still think something was missing in the build-up.
I have to say, the first half of this novel definitely had me experiencing way too much second hand embarrassment, which is always slightly uncomfortable.
Another thing that I didn’t really like was the fact that this story was written in the past tense. I really saw no use for this choice and all it really did was make it harder to dive into the story and really feel it. It made everything appear more stand-offish, which is surely the opposite of what you want with a novel like this. It took me some time to get used to, but after a while I just read over the past tense as if it was written in present tense and that oddly enough did really help with my enjoyment of the book. And it’s not like I have a problem with books written in the past tense in general, but for this one it just really didn’t work. It was distracting.
Anyway, these negatives aside, I generally did like the book. Maybe it was not very emotionally captivating or really swoon-worthy, but it was definitely cute enough to still enjoy reading about Seph and Reece’s love story. I was also kind of intrigued by Seph’s backstory with her dad.
I liked Reece’s friends a lot (Berk being my favourite), so seeing how the three other novels in this series are about each of them, I think I will be continuing with the next book. Even if I might just not be the biggest fan of this author’s writing style, I am still interested enough to find out what she has to say about these other three boys and their stories.
This was a nice read, but definitely not spectacular. The two MCs, Seph and Reece, kind of had an insta-love thing going on, which I absolutely hate, and therefore I had some difficulties really connecting with their romance at first. I eventually did end up liking them together, but I still think something was missing in the build-up.
I have to say, the first half of this novel definitely had me experiencing way too much second hand embarrassment, which is always slightly uncomfortable.
Another thing that I didn’t really like was the fact that this story was written in the past tense. I really saw no use for this choice and all it really did was make it harder to dive into the story and really feel it. It made everything appear more stand-offish, which is surely the opposite of what you want with a novel like this. It took me some time to get used to, but after a while I just read over the past tense as if it was written in present tense and that oddly enough did really help with my enjoyment of the book. And it’s not like I have a problem with books written in the past tense in general, but for this one it just really didn’t work. It was distracting.
Anyway, these negatives aside, I generally did like the book. Maybe it was not very emotionally captivating or really swoon-worthy, but it was definitely cute enough to still enjoy reading about Seph and Reece’s love story. I was also kind of intrigued by Seph’s backstory with her dad.
I liked Reece’s friends a lot (Berk being my favourite), so seeing how the three other novels in this series are about each of them, I think I will be continuing with the next book. Even if I might just not be the biggest fan of this author’s writing style, I am still interested enough to find out what she has to say about these other three boys and their stories.
nadine_booklover's review against another edition
4.0
"She'd gotten so fully and completely under my skin, I didn't know how I'd existed before I met her."
Oh, I adored my second read by Maya Hughes. The Perfect First is a beautiful story of an adorable girl which comes across nerdy and queer because of her sheltered and strict upbringing. And about the popular, conceited football player, who learn from each other what life really has to offer them.
"He was equal parts raw masculinity and caring that made me almost come out of my skin. My body was on fire for him and I wanted him to devour me."
This story is full of funny situations and encounter, which made me smile and laugh a lot. The chemistry between Seph and Reece is palpable and gorgeous. They learn so much from each other and about friendship as they open their so very different worlds for each other. I love how attentive Reece is toward Seph, her list of firsts and how he takes her on thoughtful adventures every time they check of one of her list.
""I've been dreaming of you every night, and if I'm still dreaming, I don't want to wake up."
The Perfect First is sugary sweet and full of adventures - the funny ones as well as the steamy ones. A great start to this new series! Can't wait to read more!
Oh, I adored my second read by Maya Hughes. The Perfect First is a beautiful story of an adorable girl which comes across nerdy and queer because of her sheltered and strict upbringing. And about the popular, conceited football player, who learn from each other what life really has to offer them.
"He was equal parts raw masculinity and caring that made me almost come out of my skin. My body was on fire for him and I wanted him to devour me."
This story is full of funny situations and encounter, which made me smile and laugh a lot. The chemistry between Seph and Reece is palpable and gorgeous. They learn so much from each other and about friendship as they open their so very different worlds for each other. I love how attentive Reece is toward Seph, her list of firsts and how he takes her on thoughtful adventures every time they check of one of her list.
""I've been dreaming of you every night, and if I'm still dreaming, I don't want to wake up."
The Perfect First is sugary sweet and full of adventures - the funny ones as well as the steamy ones. A great start to this new series! Can't wait to read more!
caitybell's review against another edition
3.0
A humerous concept paired with likable main characters, with some genuine moments throughout. But, in the end I was a little underwhelmed. The side characters were my favorite, so I’m happy to continue the series with them as the new MCs.
inejlibrary's review against another edition
2.0
idk if its something that’s wrong with me or what but im not enjoying this book as i thought i would’ve. i mean there is a reason i put it on hold for soooo long and just finishing it now i guess LOL.
i mean its not that the book is bad by any means it ticks a lot of the boxes that would usually get me invested and excited and emotional about a book but idk this just doesnt do it for me for some reason.
i mean its not that the book is bad by any means it ticks a lot of the boxes that would usually get me invested and excited and emotional about a book but idk this just doesnt do it for me for some reason.
christianallistergf's review against another edition
2.0
boring did not give me a buzz.. going to continue the series bc i'm intrigued by the other couple but this was just bad. so many of reece's chapters started the exact same and it was so annoying to read about. also the author threw in so much unnecessary paragraphs and rambling internal monologue?? was very disappointed in this but i have hope for the rest of the series. i was basically skimming the last 70-80 pages because it was boring. the way this was set up was just Too perfect. i get fiction is usually like that but this was so perfect that it was boring
kaydanielsromance's review against another edition
5.0
The Perfect First was the perfect book! I love how Maya Hughes writes a flawed, new adult, hero and turns him into a redeemable, loveable man. Reece Michaels turned into such a gentleman and was so easy to fall for it was hard to remember he needed a social coach in the beginning of the book.
Also, experiencing all the firsts with Seph, was like watching a child open presents at Christmas. The magic was infectious. Reading The Perfect First was infectious, unputdownable, complete romantic fun.
Reece MIchaels is on track for the NFL draft, but his college coach feels he needs some social skill finesse. If he really wants to make the first round draft, he needs to quit showboating and handle interviews better. When Reece arrives at the coffee shop, where he supposed to meet his media specialist coach, he takes a seat in the booth across from the only woman dressed up in a suit. It's not until the questions take a strange turn that Reece begins to question who the football coach hired to help him out.
"Okay, this might seem a little invasive, but how long is your penis?"-Seph
Once Reece figures out that Seph isn't there to be his media specialist, but there to find a guy to help de-virginize her he not only finds himself intrigued by the straightforward girl, but also a little afraid of who might actually answer her ad. Even though Reece is solely focused on football and doesn't offer up his services right then and there, he can't keep his thoughts off of Seph and he he eventually agrees to help her on one condition...no sex. He'll help her cross off all other firsts on her list, but he won't take the ultimate plunge, literally with her.
"Us seeing each other was about her list. Things I took for granted, she relished and stared at with wide-eyed excitement."-Reece
Persephone "Seph" Alexander was looking to break out of the prison she lived in. Metaphorically that is. She has lived under a controlling father her entire life. For the first time, while attending Fulton University she has finally found some freedom, but her father wants to cut her time short and have her back home. Knowing her time is limited Seph creates a list of all the things she's never done; eat greasy food, go to the movies, skinny dipping, eat breakfast for dinner, go on a date, lose her virginity, just to name a few.
"A virgin. I didn't think those were still out in the wild once college started."-Reece
Seph had always lived a calculated, precise life, so she went about finding a lover in the same manner, by placing an advertisement. Set up interviews, ask the right questions, and select the perfect candidate. It was going to be easy. Unfortunately, people don't work exactly like mathematical equations. Thank goodness there are accidents when it comes to human beings and things don't always work out perfectly. Reece thankfully was the perfect exception and Seph was glad he happened to sit across from her that day. He may not want her physically (bummer), but she's glad he decides to befriend her (a first for her) and help her cross lots of other firsts off her list.
As Seph and Reece experience the simple joys in life, little did Reece know that not experiencing a big thing like sex would make Seph even more tempting to him. Perhaps he might want to renegotiate.
"She'd gotten so fully and completely under my skin, I didn't know how I'd existed before I met her."-Reece
Also, experiencing all the firsts with Seph, was like watching a child open presents at Christmas. The magic was infectious. Reading The Perfect First was infectious, unputdownable, complete romantic fun.
Reece MIchaels is on track for the NFL draft, but his college coach feels he needs some social skill finesse. If he really wants to make the first round draft, he needs to quit showboating and handle interviews better. When Reece arrives at the coffee shop, where he supposed to meet his media specialist coach, he takes a seat in the booth across from the only woman dressed up in a suit. It's not until the questions take a strange turn that Reece begins to question who the football coach hired to help him out.
"Okay, this might seem a little invasive, but how long is your penis?"-Seph
Once Reece figures out that Seph isn't there to be his media specialist, but there to find a guy to help de-virginize her he not only finds himself intrigued by the straightforward girl, but also a little afraid of who might actually answer her ad. Even though Reece is solely focused on football and doesn't offer up his services right then and there, he can't keep his thoughts off of Seph and he he eventually agrees to help her on one condition...no sex. He'll help her cross off all other firsts on her list, but he won't take the ultimate plunge, literally with her.
"Us seeing each other was about her list. Things I took for granted, she relished and stared at with wide-eyed excitement."-Reece
Persephone "Seph" Alexander was looking to break out of the prison she lived in. Metaphorically that is. She has lived under a controlling father her entire life. For the first time, while attending Fulton University she has finally found some freedom, but her father wants to cut her time short and have her back home. Knowing her time is limited Seph creates a list of all the things she's never done; eat greasy food, go to the movies, skinny dipping, eat breakfast for dinner, go on a date, lose her virginity, just to name a few.
"A virgin. I didn't think those were still out in the wild once college started."-Reece
Seph had always lived a calculated, precise life, so she went about finding a lover in the same manner, by placing an advertisement. Set up interviews, ask the right questions, and select the perfect candidate. It was going to be easy. Unfortunately, people don't work exactly like mathematical equations. Thank goodness there are accidents when it comes to human beings and things don't always work out perfectly. Reece thankfully was the perfect exception and Seph was glad he happened to sit across from her that day. He may not want her physically (bummer), but she's glad he decides to befriend her (a first for her) and help her cross lots of other firsts off her list.
As Seph and Reece experience the simple joys in life, little did Reece know that not experiencing a big thing like sex would make Seph even more tempting to him. Perhaps he might want to renegotiate.
"She'd gotten so fully and completely under my skin, I didn't know how I'd existed before I met her."-Reece
sadievioletttt's review against another edition
3.0
Kind of lacking. Kind of uninteresting at times. Seph and Reece were both annoying at some points. The side characters and the little snippets of the future book’s romances were the best part of the book. And Will I read the rest of the series? Yes, I will because I’m stupid
lust_lore_and_literature's review against another edition
3.0
i’d rate this book a good 3.75
It wasn’t anything special in regards to the main plot, but it was still a good and fun book that i enjoyed! I LOVE the concept of Seph posting the ad, and her bluntness with everything was hilarious. It was a proper fun and enjoyable time reading this book! I’ll definitely be reading the others in the series!
It wasn’t anything special in regards to the main plot, but it was still a good and fun book that i enjoyed! I LOVE the concept of Seph posting the ad, and her bluntness with everything was hilarious. It was a proper fun and enjoyable time reading this book! I’ll definitely be reading the others in the series!
shryanayak's review against another edition
4.0
A gem of a book
The Perfect First [#1] is a New Adult that takes readers on a journey of how Reece helps Persephone live her life to the fullest regardless of what people say; enjoy all those things that Seph had missed out on in her past eighteen years of existence.
It was very beautiful to read, and author literally created magic in this book. I swear I didn't put this down, not even once, until I finished the very last page and smiled goofily.
It felt so wonderful to see how much Seph changed throughout the book. She grew out of her awkwardness and grew more confident in herself. And Reece was there for her every step of the way.
He too had his own troubles which made him nervous and feel unworthy. He felt that it was safe to avoid anything that sidetracked him from his goals. But it all sorted out in the end.
“I’m scared too, Wild Child, but with your brains and my athleticism, we can outsmart or outrun any problem we come up against.”
The book made me chuckle and smile to myself, and the credit for that goes to Reece's friends including Berk, LJ, Nix and Keyton. They're all so precious!
The ending was satisfactory but I wanted more. I wanted an epilogue