Review: FIRST CRUSH, LAST LOVE by Elizabeth McKenna

Ever since high school, Jessie has made a nightly wish to make Lee love her, but, alas, he only ever had eyes for another girl, one who didn’t love him like Jessie did. For years, Jessie has stood idly by in the friend zone, hoping and praying that Lee would see her—truly see her.  

Jessie’s patience and wishful thinking were commendable; she truly believed that she and Lee were meant to be together. But when Lee ditches her to make out with his ex-girlfriend at the Spring Fling, she suddenly seemed like a pathetic, love-sick fool.  Why was she putting herself though this?

 
After graduation, Jessie finds herself in a miserable marriage to a bossy, drunken playboy, and Lee discovers his fear of commitment runs far deeper than he realizes.
Years later, Jessie and Lee unexpectedly run into each other, provoking the two to reminisce on their high school days and ponder the last 10 years of separation. Old wounds are certainly re-opened at their class reunion.

Written in three episodes, story follows the narrative of an unrequited love in the midst of life’s trials and tribulations. Nostalgia and regret are key elements. Characters are so appealing and relatable; they are so fleshed out that readers feel like they grew up with them, naturally feeling a sense of empathy for their hopes, fears, frustrations, and heart aches.

 
Can Jessie and Liam forget the past and find a future?

 
Well-written, captivating, and endearing.  A worthy novel!

 

My rating: 4 stars