Review: The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. The rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. To the female population’s dismay, he’s unapologetically single. When Bell’s mother walked out on them years ago, he vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again.

Amelia Van Ecken isn’t just another woman. She’s an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. Two things are obvious in an instant: they want each other, and they’re from different worlds. It’s the perfect formula for an off-the-charts one-night stand. After all, it’s not as if opposites ever attract.

The First Taste, a standalone spin-off of the Slip of the Tongue.

Back in February I read my first Jessica Hawkins title, Slip of the Tongue. I was enamored by her skillful writing and respected the risk taking she took on with the themes examined. I really enjoyed Slip of the Tongue, but The First Taste? I’ve been dying for Andrew’s story since Slip and I absolutely devoured this story. It grabbed me right from the start and I only put it down when I was absolutely forced to. I loved it.

I’m not going to compare the two, because honestly they both share lots of the same qualities; stellar writing, enchanting characters, and relatable themes that would make a comparison worthless. Yet there is one thing that sets this book apart; Andrew Beckwith. Sigh, sigh, SIGH. Please brace yourselves because I’m about to get a little ridiculous here. He is the epitome of man; intelligent, strong, warm, devoted, sensitive, respectful, and passionate. I loved his mouth and his responsiveness; hard when he needed to be and soft when necessary and maybe even when it was a little surprising. The very simple way he puts his women on a goddamn pedestal and worships the hell out of them makes him an unforgettable hero. He is hot as sin, cute enough for bubble baths and sweet enough for bedtime stories. He gave me all the feels and I will forever compare all others to him, amen.

What I understand from other faithful Jessica Hawkins readers is that she has a bit of a penchant for the taboo. I wouldn’t say that this romance has so much of a taboo feel as it does an unrelenting kind of opposites-attract-we-have-all-the-baggae type of story. And let me tell you, there are a lot of plot points here that could potentially be a hot mess, but it’s done well and paced so that nothing gets lost or runs together. The story is relatable and the characters give it respect because they aren’t ridiculous and don’t bring about any misplaced drama. It was an excellent execution with a mature and respectful tone. Well done.

Additional highlights included well placed humor that’s actually funny, an eclectic cast of supporting characters and no shying away from the hot sex. Goddamn, are all her books like this? I mean, I love a good sex scene, will revisit great ones, but the ones that actually make you squirm, fan yourself and make you call your babes for a nooner? Sign me right up. Let’s be honest though, it all comes back to skilled writing and exceptional character development, doesn’t it? It does for me. Without them, there’s no chemistry and no chemistry means no hot sex. This book is bleeding with chemistry and character development making it a scorcher for me. A plus.

I loved The First Taste and think many of you will too. I definitely recommend. Grab a copy and come back to let me know what you think!

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