Book Review: First Crush Last Love by Elizabeth Mckenna

Title: First Crush Last Love
Author: Elizabeth Mckenna
Release Date: August 1, 2017

PLOT: 

Back in high school, Lee Archer had the power to make Jessie Baxter's cheeks flush and her heart race. But the popular athlete never wanted to be more than just friends. Ten years later, after a failed marriage and with her journalism career on shaky ground, Jessie's come home for her high school reunion--and Lee still has the power to make her knees weak and her pulse pound.

Lee's teenage years were filled with more trauma and drama than anyone guessed. Though his damaged past has helped make him a successful police detective, it's hurt every relationship he's tried. But seeing the grown-up, stunning Jessie might just change his commitment-phobic mind.

Jessie's psycho ex-husband had her convinced no one would ever love her, but Lee is ready to step out of the friend zone and into her heart. Can she learn to trust again before she loses her chance to turn her first crush into her last love?

Elizabeth McKenna's novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the joy of finding true love at last.

REVIEW: 
Disclaimer: I receive a copy of this book in exchange for an HONEST review.

Warning:There are some serious subjects covered including attempted suicide (minor character), drinking, homosexuality (minor character), AIDS (minor character), and abuse. The heat level is fairly low with only a few love scenes. There is also some swearing, including a few F bombs from one character.

This book is relatable because we all go through what Jesse is going through in the book and that is having a crush and the feelings and emotions that comes with it.  We start this book with a suicide attempt of Jesse's brother, Martin, who is gay and because of this he is ostracise in their backward town. I commend the author for including serious topics, which are somewhat still considered taboo subjects (especially in the country where I live in) and it is uncommon to read about suicide, homosexuality, AIDS, and abuse. In addition, I like the author's take on the subjects because it was not offensive and I have read some offensive works especially in regards with mental illness and suicide. 

Moving along, the characterization and character growth in this book is my favorite. I love how Jesse and Lee got more mature as the story progress. They finally got over their insecurities and fear, which kept them apart. Furthermore, the emotions that radiate through this book is so real. I had a lot of roller coaster feeling while reading this book, which is great because it means that the author did a great job in expressing the emotions of the characters in her book. 

I definitely recommend this novel if you like reading about friends to lovers trope, or if your just looking for a fast and happy ending book. Crossing my fingers for a book about Dean and Sarah because I would love to read their story next. 

*** Ebook 0.99 ***

Available to buy from...... 

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes and Noble    Kobo    iBooks   Smashwords   Paperback

"Elizabeth McKenna has a way of making the characters so real."

"This is a truly beautiful story of hope, love and a second chance at first love again."

"The author infused lots of life into the characters, which in turn made the storyline come alive."

Above quotes are from Amazon.com


Read an excerpt HERE

About the author

Though Elizabeth McKenna's love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read romance novels until one Christmas when her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene).

She had always wanted to write fiction, so she combined her love of history, romance and a happy ending to write Cera's Place and Venice in the Moonlight. Her short story, The Gypsy Casts a Spell, is available for free on her website here. She hopes you will enjoy her first contemporary romance novel, First Crush Last Love, as much as others have enjoyed her historical romances.

Elizabeth, aka Maureen Lippert, lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When she isn't writing, working, or being a mom, she's sleeping.

Find the author on the following sites....

Website   Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Goodreads   Pinterest   Amazon Author Page

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XOXO,

Isabel