Like It’s The First Time

This is a review of an ARC of this book. I am a big fan of Ava Stone’s Historical Romances but have just started to read her contemporary novels. If they are all as good as this one was I will be continuing to watch for them in the future. This book is part of a group of stories centered on a band called The Desolate Suns. While the band plays a part in the story it is only in the background. Ms Stone writes this story in alternating voices switching between Emery and Jason’s point of view to tell the story from both sides. It is an excellent way to tell the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading about other band members in the future. This story focuses on Jason, a band member who is also in his last year of college at Wheston University which is located in the town where he grew up. The heroine, Emery was Jason’s high school sweetheart who moved away to NY after High School graduation to pursue her dream of acting. During the 4 years she has been away she has had some success. Emery is back in town for Thanksgiving to introduce her fiancée to her parents. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to travel down with her because of work but he plans to come within a week. Over the holiday, Emery meets an old friend who invites her to a club to hear a band play (The Desolate Suns). When Emery arrives, she finds that her old flame, Jason is the guitar player and after talking and sharing a kiss it’s evident to see that the flame is still burning hot. Over the course of the book, Emery and Jason support each other in a way that comes from long time relationships. Emery is having troubles with her mother and Jason’s mother is dying. They provide mutual support to get through everything that is happening. The longer they are together the more Jason realizes that he will fall apart when she leaves and Emery is wondering how she can go back to NY and leave her first love behind – again. When Jason’s mother dies Emery is the only thing keeping Jason together. If you are the type of person who cries at the sad parts be prepared to have tissues at the ready. The characters are realistic and well written although Jason is a bit of a stretch –a real Boy Scout. When he’s not helping little old ladies cross the street, he is saving a young boy from being abducted by a pedophile at the mall. He’s almost too good to be true but he is so modest and kind you can’t help but love him. Ms Stone writes this story in alternating voices switching between Emery and Jason’s point of view to tell the story from both sides. It is an excellent way to tell the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading about other band members in the future.