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4.49 AVERAGE
4.49 AVERAGE
This was funny, sweet, steamy, and heartfelt! I was hooked one chapter! The meet-cute had me blushing and giggling at the adorableness and the continuing forced proximity was perfect. I loved how it was a quick burn for both Pen and Rowan — they hit it off so well and their fun, easy going banter was such a good dynamic!
The author did a great job mixing a sweet romcom with spicy moments and emotional/heartfelt & hard discussions.
Overall — highly recommend this romance for everyone!!!
Tropes/CW:
• legally blind fmc (author’s own voice)
• bad boy hockey player mmc
• hot dog dad
• meet-cute
• fun girl friend group
• forced proximity
• romcom
• quick burn
• ableism (internalized & external)
• family drama
The author did a great job mixing a sweet romcom with spicy moments and emotional/heartfelt & hard discussions.
Overall — highly recommend this romance for everyone!!!
Tropes/CW:
• legally blind fmc (author’s own voice)
• bad boy hockey player mmc
• hot dog dad
• meet-cute
• fun girl friend group
• forced proximity
• romcom
• quick burn
• ableism (internalized & external)
• family drama
This book was perfect from the first chapter! I couldn't put it down! From the sweet meet cute to the way the characters supported each other it was such a great story! The side characters were fun and quirky too and I wish this was a series so we could get all of their stories too. I also loved the advocacy for disabled and it was done in such a great way and great perspective from their POV. Well done to the author! I know this was hard for you to write but you did an excellent job!
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was AMAZING! The disability representation alone? Top-notch.
I love the fact that visual impairment and blindness was truly focused on in this story, and upon discovering that the author herself is blind? It just adds even more to the depth and realness of this story. It wasn't just the glossy outside self that was presented, where it's just kind of glazed over that the FMC has a disability. Instead, we got to see the real day to day life, the struggles, the inner self talk, the intense desire to be self sufficient, the being tired of everyone else having an opinion on your disability - that was what was identified and truly discussed in these pages and it was a beautiful thing.
The MMC - oh my - his mouth? Delicious. The connection that the main characters had was beautifully written and believable. The back stories and histories with family, friends, and professional co-workers was really well done and made for a heartwarming story.
And there is a dog. A sweet baby in fact, and well, what more needs to be said when you know that?
Thank you so much to Melissa Whitney for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love the fact that visual impairment and blindness was truly focused on in this story, and upon discovering that the author herself is blind? It just adds even more to the depth and realness of this story. It wasn't just the glossy outside self that was presented, where it's just kind of glazed over that the FMC has a disability. Instead, we got to see the real day to day life, the struggles, the inner self talk, the intense desire to be self sufficient, the being tired of everyone else having an opinion on your disability - that was what was identified and truly discussed in these pages and it was a beautiful thing.
The MMC - oh my - his mouth? Delicious. The connection that the main characters had was beautifully written and believable. The back stories and histories with family, friends, and professional co-workers was really well done and made for a heartwarming story.
And there is a dog. A sweet baby in fact, and well, what more needs to be said when you know that?
Thank you so much to Melissa Whitney for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To say I loved this book is an understatement. I love a strong, sassy FMC and Pen was that and so much more. She did not let anything stop her, including her being legally blind. That representation in this book is incredibly written, because Pen is SO much more than her disability. And Rowan loves every aspect of her. They grow together and it's absolutely brilliant.
At First Smile by Melissa Whitney
Out October 1st 2024
This adorable romance follows Pen Meadows, a disability advocate who's just trying to grab a breakfast sandwich and enjoy her audiobook when she meets the swoon-worthy Rowan Iverson. Their meet-cute in Tim Hortons is just the beginning of a whirlwind journey that beautifully blends romance with real-life issues.
I loved how the story dives deep into what it’s like to be legally blind, showcasing Pen's advocacy work and emphasizing the difference between WHO you are and WHAT you are. It's refreshing and educational without feeling heavy-handed.
Rowan, the NHL star with his own struggles, grows so much throughout the book.
Their relationship evolves quickly, which I appreciated—it's not a slow burn, but it’s filled with genuine moments and real conversations that tackle their hiccups like true adults.
The side characters, from Rowan’s brothers to Pen’s besties, add so much depth and fun to the story.
Overall, this book is a delightful read that balances sweetness and seriousness perfectly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Out October 1st 2024
This adorable romance follows Pen Meadows, a disability advocate who's just trying to grab a breakfast sandwich and enjoy her audiobook when she meets the swoon-worthy Rowan Iverson. Their meet-cute in Tim Hortons is just the beginning of a whirlwind journey that beautifully blends romance with real-life issues.
I loved how the story dives deep into what it’s like to be legally blind, showcasing Pen's advocacy work and emphasizing the difference between WHO you are and WHAT you are. It's refreshing and educational without feeling heavy-handed.
Rowan, the NHL star with his own struggles, grows so much throughout the book.
Their relationship evolves quickly, which I appreciated—it's not a slow burn, but it’s filled with genuine moments and real conversations that tackle their hiccups like true adults.
The side characters, from Rowan’s brothers to Pen’s besties, add so much depth and fun to the story.
Overall, this book is a delightful read that balances sweetness and seriousness perfectly.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A cute hockey romance. I really enjoyed the audiobook. I especially loved the narrators, they can truly make or break a book! Only down side, it was a bit more open door romance than I was expecting. But overall I had a great time, and will pick up more but the author.
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Stalking
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a good wholesome read. I love how this was just s couple falling in love and going through some ups and downs in their relationship. The overall theme and sense of community in this book was amazing. I loved how everyone came together for each other. Seeing the families and friends groups coming together was just real. That's what this book gave; real. Yes this was fiction but the overall experience and trials and tribulations of this book I could see myself in Pen's shoes.
With this being my first time reading anything by this author I am immediately a fan. I may be biased seeing as I'm from western new york myself and fellow Sabres fan but this book was amazing. Reading about someone's experience of finding love while having a disability was eye opening and definitely gave me a little bit of insight of what they may go through. The way Melissa Whitney has this story unfolded will make you believe in love at first sight i swear. From the meet cute to the way they communicate and work together this was a great story that I can absolutely see myself reading over and over.
With this being my first time reading anything by this author I am immediately a fan. I may be biased seeing as I'm from western new york myself and fellow Sabres fan but this book was amazing. Reading about someone's experience of finding love while having a disability was eye opening and definitely gave me a little bit of insight of what they may go through. The way Melissa Whitney has this story unfolded will make you believe in love at first sight i swear. From the meet cute to the way they communicate and work together this was a great story that I can absolutely see myself reading over and over.