Review: First Comes Love (First Comes Love #1) by Katie Kacvinsky

First Comes Love (First Comes Love #1) by Katie Kacvinsky

Hardcover, 198 pages
Published May 8th 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Synopsis From Goodreads:

Like his name, Gray is dark and stormy. Dylan, a girl always searching for what’s next, seemingly unable to settle down, is the exact opposite: full of light and life. On the outside, they seem like an unlikely couple. But looks can be deceiving and besides, opposites attract.

What starts as friendship, turns into admiration, respect and caring, until finally these two lone souls find they are truly in love with each other.

But staying in love is not as easy as falling in love. If Dylan and Gray want their love to last, they’re going to have to work at it. And learn that sometimes love means having to say you’re sorry.

I loved every second of this book! First Comes Love is a wonderful contemporary romance. It follows 2 recent high school graduates, Gray and Dylan, as they meet while taking summer classes at a local college. Gray is a loner and a bit closed off since a family tragedy. Dylan comes along and pushes herself front and center in Gray's life whether he wants her there or not. They are so different, and yet somehow perfect for each other.

Gray and Dylan's alternating POV really allows for such great insight into both characters. I enjoyed reading about them meeting and falling in love while sweltering in the Phoenix heat, and growing as individuals and learning what is important in life. Gray and Dylan were complete opposites, yet they were able to balance each other out and were so great together. I felt that both characters had such distinct personalities that make them very memorable.

The writing was perfect - I forgot I was reading and became completely immersed in the story. The plot was completely character driven. The pacing was right on, and the story unfolded in such a way that it was easy to get caught up in their relationship and become emotionally invested. I found myself really wanting Gray and Dylan to be happy together. What else makes this book special is watching their friendship grow and their relationship bloom. I am so glad there was no insta-love. First Comes Love is very compelling and totally believable. It's a story about first love and all of the ups and downs that happen within a relationship.

The author included a playlist at the end of the book, and also gives details about her inspiration for First Comes Love.

My only complaint is I wish the book was longer! I wasn't ready for this sweet and emotional story to end. I highly recommend this book to fans of YA contemporary romance with more mature content.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars