Introduction
What happens when a socially awkward hockey virgin and a strong-willed barista collide under the Cabo sun? Sparks fly, hearts race, and readers are left breathless in The First Kind of Love, the fifth installment of Celeste Briars’ addictive Riverside Reapers series. This spicy hockey romance delivers a soul-deep connection wrapped in beachside tomfoolery, destination wedding vibes, and a love story that’s as sweet as it is steamy.
Penned by indie romance sensation Celeste Briars, this novel promises laugh-out-loud moments, secondhand embarrassment, and a happily ever after that’ll linger long after the final page. If you’re craving a romance novel that blends forced proximity, friends-to-lovers tension, and a virgin MMC (male main character), this book is your next must-read. Dive in as we explore why The First Kind of Love is a standout in the hockey romance genre.
Book Summary
Shiloh’s life is a balancing act between her demanding work obligations and her loyalty to her parents—until she reluctantly agrees to a three-week escape in Cabo with Fulton, the Riverside Reapers’ resident sweetheart. The golden sands and crashing waves set the stage for a destination wedding, but it’s the simmering chemistry between Shiloh and Fulton that steals the show. She’s a barista with a fierce spirit, he’s a socially awkward hockey player yearning for something real, and together they stumble into a connection neither saw coming.
As they navigate forced proximity and a shared bed, Shiloh wrestles with her heart: stick to her carefully laid plans or risk it all for a fleeting romance? Fulton, however, is all in—convinced she’s his brown-eyed future. Packed with beachside antics, spicy encounters, and a soulmate-worthy bond, this standalone gem shines with Briars’ signature wit and warmth.
Author’s Style and Craft
Celeste Briars wields her pen like a seasoned hockey player handles a puck—precise, playful, and powerful. Her writing style in The First Kind of Love is a seamless blend of humor and heart, with a pacing that mirrors the ebb and flow of a beach tide—gentle at times, then crashing with intensity. The narrative unfolds through dual perspectives, giving readers intimate access to Shiloh’s guarded resolve and Fulton’s endearing awkwardness.
Briars’ dialogue crackles with authenticity, from flirty banter to vulnerable confessions, making every exchange feel like eavesdropping on real love unfolding. Character development is her forte; Fulton evolves from a shy virgin to a man emboldened by love, while Shiloh’s layers peel back to reveal a woman torn between duty and desire. The structure is tight yet breezy, perfectly suiting this spicy romance’s escapist vibe.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
At its core, The First Kind of Love explores the tension between obligation and passion—a universal struggle that resonates far beyond the pages. Shiloh’s journey mirrors the modern woman’s quest for balance, while Fulton’s quiet determination reflects the courage it takes to claim what you want. Themes of self-discovery and soulmate love ripple through the story, symbolized by the endless ocean that surrounds them—vast, unpredictable, and full of possibility. Briars weaves in metaphors of drift and anchor, suggesting that true love can steady even the most restless hearts. These elements tie into broader societal questions: How do we prioritize ourselves in a world that demands so much? It’s a romance novel with depth, inviting readers to ponder their own paths to happiness.
Strengths
This book dazzles with its strengths, starting with its irresistible characters. Fulton’s socially awkward charm—think a hockey player who blushes more than he scores—makes him a standout MMC, while Shiloh’s tenacity is both relatable and inspiring. Briars excels at crafting laugh-out-loud moments, like Fulton’s clumsy attempts at beachside flirtation, which had me giggling into my coffee. The spice? Oh, it’s hot enough to “make you question your religious values,” as promised—steamy scenes unfold with a tenderness that elevates them beyond mere heat. The forced proximity trope shines, turning a shared bed into a battleground of tension and longing. Above all, the soul-deep connection between Shiloh and Fulton anchors the story, making every page a joyride of emotion and escapism.
Quote: “She was the shore I’d been drifting toward all my life, and I’d be damned if I let her slip away.”
Areas for Improvement
No book is flawless, and The First Kind of Love stumbles slightly in its secondary character development. The wedding party and Reapers teammates feel more like colorful props than fully fleshed-out players, leaving readers wanting more from the ensemble. Additionally, the pacing dips in the middle, with Shiloh’s internal conflict occasionally overstaying its welcome—some might find her indecision repetitive. A tighter focus on external stakes could heighten the drama without sacrificing the romance. These quibbles won’t derail most readers, but those craving a broader cast or relentless momentum might notice the gaps. Briars could deepen the supporting roles in future works to match her stellar leads.
Comparative Analysis
In the hockey romance arena, The First Kind of Love skates alongside heavyweights like Elle Kennedy’s The Deal (Amazon Link) and Sarina Bowen’s The Year We Fell Down (Amazon Link). Like Kennedy, Briars nails the steamy athlete trope, but her virgin MMC adds a fresh twist to the genre’s usual playboy archetype. Compared to Bowen’s emotional depth, this book leans lighter, prioritizing humor and spice over angst. Within the Riverside Reapers series, it echoes The Best Kind of Forever’s charm but carves its own path with a beachy, soulmate-driven narrative. Briars challenges conventions by blending rom-com vibes with poignant growth, cementing her place in contemporary romance.
Target Audience
This book is tailor-made for romance lovers aged 18-35 who crave spicy hockey tales with heart. Fans of tropes like friends-to-lovers, one-bed scenarios, and forced proximity will devour it, as will readers who adore a socially awkward hero paired with a fierce heroine. It’s perfect for those seeking a light yet meaningful escape—think college students, young professionals, or anyone who dreams of love under the sun. Content warning: explicit scenes and mild language may not suit younger audiences or those sensitive to spice. If you’re into new adult romance with a sports twist, this one’s for you.
Personal Impact
Reading The First Kind of Love felt like sipping a piña colada on a Cabo beach—refreshing, warm, and a little intoxicating. Fulton’s earnestness melted my cynic’s heart, while Shiloh’s struggle hit close to home, reminding me of my own tug-of-war between duty and desire. The book left me grinning, blushing, and oddly hopeful, as if love could be just a plane ride away. It’s the kind of story that lingers, urging you to chase your own “first kind of love.” Trust me—you’ll want this feeling too.
Conclusion
The First Kind of Love is a triumph of spice, soul, and seaside romance—a must-read for anyone who believes love can bloom in the unlikeliest places. Celeste Briars delivers a standalone stunner that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, proving she’s a rising star in hockey romance. Grab your beach towel and dive into this irresistible tale—you won’t regret it. Love, like the ocean, is vast and wild; let this book sweep you away.
About the Author
Celeste Briars is an indie author renowned for her spicy hockey romances that blend humor, heat, and happily-ever-afters. A UC Davis alumna with a bachelor’s in psychology, she infuses her stories with emotional depth and memorable meet-cutes. When she’s not writing, Briars binge-watches horror movies, cuddles her cats, or dances with friends. Her Riverside Reapers series has captivated romance fans with its witty banter and steamy love stories. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok for updates, or visit Goodreads for more on her work.
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FAQ Section
What is The First Kind of Love about?
It’s a spicy hockey romance about Shiloh and Fulton’s unexpected love story during a three-week trip to Cabo, filled with forced proximity and soulmate vibes.
Do I need to read the Riverside Reapers series in order?
No, Book 5 is a standalone, though series fans will spot familiar faces.
Who is Celeste Briars?
She’s an indie author and UC Davis grad known for her steamy, heartfelt hockey romances.
What tropes are in this book?
Expect friends-to-lovers, one-bed, forced proximity, virgin MMC, and destination wedding themes.
Is it spicy?
Yes—think “question your religious values” levels of heat with tender moments.
What’s the main theme?
It explores balancing duty and desire, with a focus on self-discovery and soulmate love.
Any content warnings?
Explicit scenes and mild language; not suitable for under 18 or spice-averse readers.
How does it compare to other hockey romances?
It’s lighter than Sarina Bowen’s works but spicier than Elle Kennedy’s, with a unique virgin hero.
Is there a happily ever after?
Absolutely—a satisfying HEA that’ll leave you smiling.
Where can I buy it?
Get it on Amazon.
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Romance Community Resources
For more romance novel reviews, discussions, and recommendations, check out these fantastic resources:
Dear Author - A trusted source for honest and well-thought-out reviews, often featuring witty commentary.
All About Romance - One of the oldest romance review sites, offering extensive reviews, author interviews, and discussions covering various romance genres.
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books - Known for its humorous and insightful reviews, this site also features a podcast and community discussions about romance novels.
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Romance.io - A site with a comprehensive database of romance novels, offering user-generated reviews and recommendations across various subgenres.
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