For the First Time

Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly delightful!
Review: Kathryn Smith has done it again! She takes such care in telling her stories, and I am fascinated with her insightfulness about the human heart. Ms. Smith generously shares her gift with readers looking for characters who have believeable issues and who struggle to overcome them in order to find peace and beauty possible in real love. The vulnerabilities she gives her characters are genuine and timeless. It's so nice to read a romance to be savored to the end.

Devlin can't forgive himself for something he did in the past, and Blythe's trust in any man's affection is broken. Devlin's brothers add a whole new dimension to For The First Time, and I am hoping to read their stories, too!

Rating:
Summary: Ahhh! Kathryn The Great!
Review: 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*

Rating:
Summary: What is love? Too much questioning...
Review: The question that keeps coming into play throughout this book, is, what is love? Both main characters question it even though it finds them and redeems them both.
Devlin has no clue what love is. He feels his parents never loved him and even though he cares for his brothers, they all have their own personal problems. He is so confused until he meets Blythe.
Blythe is a 6"0 junoesque amazon, or so we are told. She was jilted by a man who she was engaged to unofficially. But then he went off to war and found the woman of his dreams. Blythe's self esteem is so low. She hates being taller than most men and she is still smarting from her former beau's betrayal from 2 years ago. Her brother Miles and his wife Varya throw a house party and that is when she meets Devlin.
Devlin, quite simply is the perfect mate for her. He towers over her and makes her feels things she never feels before. Devlin feels the same but he has secrets in his past and because of this, he is unsure about his feelings for Blythe. Devlin is your typical "cry me a river" tormented hero. Things would run so smoothly if he could work out his angst.
Along with these two constantly questioning themselves, Blythe's old love Carny arrives with his wife.
Blythe is an interesting heroine, especially her description of being tall and having some meat on her bones.
Devlin at times can be annoying but is an overall nice guy who deserves a woman like Blythe.
The love scenes and very steamy... you will never look at a vanity the same way again!
Kathryn Smith is slowly becoming a rising star for the Avon Romance line and we should see more with Devlin's 3 other brothers who seem even more tormented then him!
If you like tormented but sexy heros with strong heroines, pick up this book.
By: [e-mail]

Rating:
Summary: Perfect...simply perfect
Review: There will be others who will elaborate on the plot, so let me just say "BUY THIS" it's one for your keeper shelf! Blythe and Devlin are perfect! Blythe reacts the way a real woman would. The whole story is believable and so much fun!!! Kathryn Smith has really hit her stride! Smith is developing her own voice...and what a sound it makes! If you love romance books, you have to add this one to your collection. I can't wait for the next one.

Rating:
Summary: I am obviously in the minority...
Review: This book did not impress me. The author really wanted us to know that this heroine was tall and big. She kept referring to her as this gargantuan beast. She towers over most men and is stronger than most men. I mean, by the time I'm done reading this thing, I'm imagining someone from the WWF.

And the hero in this book keeps referring to her as an Amazon. I'm sorry, but even if you're tall, no one wants to be called an Amazon! I know the guy was taller and bigger, but I just felt like it was two men falling in love (not that there's anything wrong with that). It just wasn't my idea of an ideal romance novel.

I don't think I'll be picking up anything else by this author. Obviously others disagree and really liked this book. I guess to each his own.