At First Smile

De: Melissa Whitney

Narrado por: Harlow Wilde, Benjamin Sands

Disability advocate Pen Meadows is on a mission; grab a breakfast sandwich, find her gate, and listen to her smutty audiobook. Only, the sexy, tall man in front of her at Tim Hortons may prove a worthwhile distraction. His soft Irish lilt and mix of gruff sweetness make Rowan Iverson unlike any man she’s ever met. After a brief meet/cute, and even briefer goodbye, the social media influencer ends up seated beside Rowan on a cross-country flight.

Rowan Iverson desperately wants to get back to Los Angeles without calling further attention to himself. A potentially career-ending incident at hockey’s biggest game could transform the NHL’s top defenseman into its most hated player. The last thing he wants is for his mess to trip up Pen. A mid-flight detour forces him to realize that his goal to resist her bright smile may be a game he’s already lost.

Back in the reality of their jobs and lives in Los Angeles, Pen learns that the man she’d spent one incredible night with isn’t who she thought. He’s a player and Pen doesn’t play games, especially when her heart is at stake. Can Rowan prove to Pen that he is who he wants to be…just hers?

©2024 Melissa Whitney (P)2024 Melissa Whitney

Swoon-worthy romance

I love reading books where the main characters have different lived experiences from me, and really appreciated learning about things blind people go through on a daily basis. The fact that the author is legally blind makes it feel that much more authentic. The FMC wasn't a one dimensional character, though, there was so much more to her than her blindness. The romance was swoon worthy and as an audiobook reader, I loved how much audiobooks were incorporated into the story! I really hope she writes books for his brothers and her best friends soon!

YES! Blind girl rep is what I needed!

I love romance novels, and I have never read one that had a character I related to so much! I am Pen! I love the blind girl representation. It is everything I didn’t realize I needed. It is a really sweet love story and the sexy times are hot 😎

Loved!

While this is a reread for me, it warrants a post. I read this in September last year in ebook format. I FINALLY did a reread in audiobook format. I’m so glad I did!

At First Smile by @melissa_whitneyauthor is a sports romance, with a disabled FMC who is disability advocate. This book is Melissa’s own voice.

This book is beautifully written, with so much heart and swoon factor. It also has elements of education for those that haven’t lived or loved someone with such disabilities.

I loved Pen. I love that she stood up for herself but was also understanding. I love that she paved her own path despite others attempts at coddling. I also lovedddddd her love for Rowan’s dog GB. Because obviously pets should get a lot of attention. Also, important to mention I too love corner cake pieces the most.

While Rowan has a bad boy rep, he also has a heart of gold. He fights (sometimes literally) for the people he loves. I love that he fell first and he fell hard.

Melissa the nicknames you gave some of the super side characters were priceless! Michigan Ed Sheeran and Stalker Ken Doll had me rolling. Haha

The narrators were incredible in this audio book. I could listen to Harlow Wilde for forever. Her voice is so melodic with the perfect amount of emotion. And Benjamin Sands has the perfect amount of broody without coming off angry.

Thank you so much Melissa, I’m so glad I reread this. At First Smile is available in all formats including Kindle Unlimited. I urge you to give it a read!

Delightful story for any romcom lover

These narrators highlighted the characters 💛 All my favorite tropes - forced proximity, instalove, disability rep, fake dating maybe? - showed up here. Sweet and real.

My favorite Melissa Whitney

How can a book be so charming and funny and heartfelt and gutting all at once?
And the performance was spectacular
Romance isn't my #1 most read genre, but Whitney is an auto-buy author. I love how much care she puts into everything she writes.

Captivated at first listen

I cannot describe how captivated I was by the story and the characters. My heart fell in love with Rowan and Pen. I smiled, and I chuckled. I shed a small tear as my heart clenched for them and their love story. Melissa Whitney does an absolutely beautiful job of pulling you in to life. I cannot wait to read more. I am hoping that we will soon get to hear the love stories the other characters in the book.