What do you think?
Rate this book
Our First Love
Can brothers who share one life share one love? Since the tragic accident that changed their lives forever, brothers Nigel and Caleb have been inseparable—until one woman captures both of their hearts.
Thirteen years ago, Nigel and Caleb lost their parents in a terrible accident. Today, Nigel is a thirty-five-year-old college professor, while Caleb, a reclusive twenty-nine-year-old, doesn’t know a life beyond the walls of the house they share. Caleb developed an extreme case of agoraphobia—the abnormal fear of public places— and psychogenic amnesia after the accident that killed their parents.
But things are about to change. Unexpectedly, and for the first time, Nigel finds himself falling in love. He tries to keep Karen, his new love interest, a secret, but it doesn’t take Caleb long to discover what’s going on. So what does Caleb do when he finds out about Karen? He falls for her, too.
As the brothers’ tight-knit relationship faces increasing pressure and the love triangle intensifies, mysteries surrounding the tragic accident also begin to unravel, bringing the story to a shocking climax. With equal doses of suspense and romance, Our First Love is a bittersweet drama about the pain of loss and the thrill of new love.
Thirteen years ago, Nigel and Caleb lost their parents in a terrible accident. Today, Nigel is a thirty-five-year-old college professor, while Caleb, a reclusive twenty-nine-year-old, doesn’t know a life beyond the walls of the house they share. Caleb developed an extreme case of agoraphobia—the abnormal fear of public places— and psychogenic amnesia after the accident that killed their parents.
But things are about to change. Unexpectedly, and for the first time, Nigel finds himself falling in love. He tries to keep Karen, his new love interest, a secret, but it doesn’t take Caleb long to discover what’s going on. So what does Caleb do when he finds out about Karen? He falls for her, too.
As the brothers’ tight-knit relationship faces increasing pressure and the love triangle intensifies, mysteries surrounding the tragic accident also begin to unravel, bringing the story to a shocking climax. With equal doses of suspense and romance, Our First Love is a bittersweet drama about the pain of loss and the thrill of new love.
- GenresRomance
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2013
2 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 26, 2016
This could've been a great read. Instead it fell flat and I'm, to say the least, disappointed. I could've and should've stopped reading it early on. I thought there was going to be some big plot twist at the end. Boy, was I wrong. This book was all over the place with subplots that went no where. In finishing the book I thought....why?
March 11, 2019
I could not finish this book! It's too much back and forth. Not sure who's really trapped Novel of Caleb, they both sound like they have issues. I got bored even before Nigel formally meets Karen and I just couldn't make myself finish! Back to the library it goes!
November 21, 2013
I can honestly say I've never read anything like this novel. Yes, it's a love story but maybe not the one you're expecting.
Nigel & Caleb Greene are brothers sharing a house in Tallahassee, Florida. As the story begins, Nigel is a reporter for the local paper. he's been writing profiles of gubernatorial candidates in the run up to the election but his life is about to change.
His article about front runner Barney Aman left out a few things. Nigel received some potentially damaging information about the politician's life but instead of using it, he gave it to Barney. Next thing he knows, Barney has committed suicide. At his funeral, Nigel comes to the aid of Barney's lover & briefly meets an attractive young woman. Then he quits his job.
Now neither of the Greene boys leaves the house. Thirteen years ago, their parents died in an accident. Caleb promptly went into a coma, waking two years later with psychogenic amnesia & agoraphobia. Since then, it's been Nigel's job to leave the house each day, then return to tell Caleb all about "their" day.
A month or so into Nigel's unemployment, Caleb is tired of having him around. He wants his house & their life back. Thank God for technology. Before Nigel knows it, Caleb gets him a position teaching journalism at a local college. All he wants is to stay home but he knows Caleb needs a life outside the house & the only way he can have it is through him.
So Nigel starts his new career & one day on campus, sees the woman from the funeral.For the first time in years, he actually wants to engage in life & introduces himself to Dr. Karen Davis.
Nigel remembers the past all too clearly & he fears what will happen if Caleb ever regains his memory. Ironically, Caleb comes across as the lore outgoing of the two, although he runs to his bedroom each time the door is opened. Even his dreams take place within these walls. Nigel's role is to bring the outside in to Caleb but for the first time, starts to keep things from him as he begins seeing Karen. This will have a traumatic effect on the brothers' relationship as Caleb senses Nigel pulling away to have a life that doesn't include him.
Over the years, they have carefully constructed their version of "normal" but as the story progresses the dynamics begin to shift. Nigel's world expands as his relationship with Karen deepens, giving him a seductive glimpse of what his life could be. But Caleb's world is diminishing & long buried secrets & emotions start to surface.
That's all I'll say about the plot. This book unfolds in such unexpected ways that I don't want to risk spoiling the experience for the next reader. The author alternates chapters told from each brother's point of view so we are privy to their private thoughts & emotions.
Ultimately, this is a novel about love, guilt & forgiveness. How far would you go for a family member, how much would you give up? It is at times funny, poignant & unsettling as we follow these two damaged brothers struggling to survive.
Nigel & Caleb Greene are brothers sharing a house in Tallahassee, Florida. As the story begins, Nigel is a reporter for the local paper. he's been writing profiles of gubernatorial candidates in the run up to the election but his life is about to change.
His article about front runner Barney Aman left out a few things. Nigel received some potentially damaging information about the politician's life but instead of using it, he gave it to Barney. Next thing he knows, Barney has committed suicide. At his funeral, Nigel comes to the aid of Barney's lover & briefly meets an attractive young woman. Then he quits his job.
Now neither of the Greene boys leaves the house. Thirteen years ago, their parents died in an accident. Caleb promptly went into a coma, waking two years later with psychogenic amnesia & agoraphobia. Since then, it's been Nigel's job to leave the house each day, then return to tell Caleb all about "their" day.
A month or so into Nigel's unemployment, Caleb is tired of having him around. He wants his house & their life back. Thank God for technology. Before Nigel knows it, Caleb gets him a position teaching journalism at a local college. All he wants is to stay home but he knows Caleb needs a life outside the house & the only way he can have it is through him.
So Nigel starts his new career & one day on campus, sees the woman from the funeral.For the first time in years, he actually wants to engage in life & introduces himself to Dr. Karen Davis.
Nigel remembers the past all too clearly & he fears what will happen if Caleb ever regains his memory. Ironically, Caleb comes across as the lore outgoing of the two, although he runs to his bedroom each time the door is opened. Even his dreams take place within these walls. Nigel's role is to bring the outside in to Caleb but for the first time, starts to keep things from him as he begins seeing Karen. This will have a traumatic effect on the brothers' relationship as Caleb senses Nigel pulling away to have a life that doesn't include him.
Over the years, they have carefully constructed their version of "normal" but as the story progresses the dynamics begin to shift. Nigel's world expands as his relationship with Karen deepens, giving him a seductive glimpse of what his life could be. But Caleb's world is diminishing & long buried secrets & emotions start to surface.
That's all I'll say about the plot. This book unfolds in such unexpected ways that I don't want to risk spoiling the experience for the next reader. The author alternates chapters told from each brother's point of view so we are privy to their private thoughts & emotions.
Ultimately, this is a novel about love, guilt & forgiveness. How far would you go for a family member, how much would you give up? It is at times funny, poignant & unsettling as we follow these two damaged brothers struggling to survive.
February 8, 2014
This is one of the first novels I actually read the synopsis to see what the story would be about. The opening of the book, first chapter or two caught my interest and seemed like suspense would take place but midway of the novel, it feel flat for me. Closer to the end of the novel, questions unraveled on what happened to Barney who was running for office since only Nigel Greene holds the cards and knows the truth. However the story goes on with Dr. Nigel Greene's life, his quitting his job as a reporting editor to working at FAMU as a professor and meeting the love of his life once again. He took years to find her once again but Karen Davis was worth it all. After getting to know each other, Nigel finally allows his brother Caleb who stays in the home on 207 Circle Drive.
Caleb only lives his life through his brother's eyes, simply seeing the world through his chatter about his everyday life and experiences. Although the synopsis states he has psychogenic amnesia and agoraphobia, there were times it drifted into these mind games with Caleb, but sadly this is what made me drift further from the story. Now after Caleb meets Karen from a brief introduction, he feels that he has fallen in love, like love at first sight...right?!
Near the ending, I hope some of my questions from the early part of the book will be answered or addressed which made it a great read from the first chapter. Overall, Anthony Lamarr has a way with words which is written with sophistication and anticipation.
I received a complimentary copy from the publicist/publisher to provide a review.
Adrienna Turner, author of The Day Begins with Christ
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dream4more.org
Caleb only lives his life through his brother's eyes, simply seeing the world through his chatter about his everyday life and experiences. Although the synopsis states he has psychogenic amnesia and agoraphobia, there were times it drifted into these mind games with Caleb, but sadly this is what made me drift further from the story. Now after Caleb meets Karen from a brief introduction, he feels that he has fallen in love, like love at first sight...right?!
Near the ending, I hope some of my questions from the early part of the book will be answered or addressed which made it a great read from the first chapter. Overall, Anthony Lamarr has a way with words which is written with sophistication and anticipation.
I received a complimentary copy from the publicist/publisher to provide a review.
Adrienna Turner, author of The Day Begins with Christ
www.adriennaturner.webs.com
www.dream4more.org
December 20, 2013
I expected to read a romance. I expected it to be both humorous and tragic. Our First Love is so much more!
Our First Love is a love story, yes, but it's an unconventional one. Two brothers locked together because of a tragic event during their youth - Caleb is unable to leave their home due to overwhelming fear and lives now vicariously through Nigel who doesn't *want* to leave their home. When Nigel falls in love, he hordes his experiences to himself, but Caleb susses out the truth and also falls for Karen....
The elephant in the room is Caleb's missing memories. He cannot remember anything from before the accident that took the lives of their parents and put him in a coma for two years. As his memories start to come back in drips and drabs, the relationship between brothers becomes more volatile.
I had a hard time getting started with this book, but once I settled down to read it, I was hooked. It's a little bit like watching a train wreck - that slow, inevitable, dawning horror. But there's also a sense of love - just how much these two brothers must love each other to live as they do.
The best part of this book is the complex narrative style which I think will provide great fodder for book club discussions!
For my complete review, visit To Each Their Own Reviews
Our First Love is a love story, yes, but it's an unconventional one. Two brothers locked together because of a tragic event during their youth - Caleb is unable to leave their home due to overwhelming fear and lives now vicariously through Nigel who doesn't *want* to leave their home. When Nigel falls in love, he hordes his experiences to himself, but Caleb susses out the truth and also falls for Karen....
The elephant in the room is Caleb's missing memories. He cannot remember anything from before the accident that took the lives of their parents and put him in a coma for two years. As his memories start to come back in drips and drabs, the relationship between brothers becomes more volatile.
I had a hard time getting started with this book, but once I settled down to read it, I was hooked. It's a little bit like watching a train wreck - that slow, inevitable, dawning horror. But there's also a sense of love - just how much these two brothers must love each other to live as they do.
The best part of this book is the complex narrative style which I think will provide great fodder for book club discussions!
For my complete review, visit To Each Their Own Reviews
February 2, 2014
Brotherly Love
“Our First Love” by Anthony Lamarr is a heartfelt and amorous novel that made me wish all sibling relationships were as strong as Nigel and Caleb.
Nigel is the oldest sibling in a closely knit, loving family. He protects his little brother, Caleb, by all means necessary. Nigel and Caleb have the perfect loving family but experience an unthinkable tragedy that causes a temporary separation of brothers. Once reunited, both bothers attempt to make a new life together even though they are separated with life’s daily obligations. Together both brothers discover how strong their bond really is as they close one chapter and begin anew.
I know it’s only the beginning of the year, but this is the best novel read I’ve thus far in 2014. I was absolutely pleased with this well-written story. The author used excellent choices of words to display emotions. I loved how the author provided insight from both characters’ perspectives and then together during various parts during the story. I disliked the way the story ended and hope that a sequel is near and/or expect more excellent reads from author Anthony Lamarr in the near future. Hands down, I recommend this novel to all avid readers and feel you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Reviewed by: Tekisha
“Our First Love” by Anthony Lamarr is a heartfelt and amorous novel that made me wish all sibling relationships were as strong as Nigel and Caleb.
Nigel is the oldest sibling in a closely knit, loving family. He protects his little brother, Caleb, by all means necessary. Nigel and Caleb have the perfect loving family but experience an unthinkable tragedy that causes a temporary separation of brothers. Once reunited, both bothers attempt to make a new life together even though they are separated with life’s daily obligations. Together both brothers discover how strong their bond really is as they close one chapter and begin anew.
I know it’s only the beginning of the year, but this is the best novel read I’ve thus far in 2014. I was absolutely pleased with this well-written story. The author used excellent choices of words to display emotions. I loved how the author provided insight from both characters’ perspectives and then together during various parts during the story. I disliked the way the story ended and hope that a sequel is near and/or expect more excellent reads from author Anthony Lamarr in the near future. Hands down, I recommend this novel to all avid readers and feel you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
Reviewed by: Tekisha
December 17, 2013
Than you Netgalley for the early review.
In Our First Love we meet two brothers whose life's haven't been great. Caleb the older brother leaves the house, to semi-living in the real world, but would much rather stay home and never come out like Nigel the younger brother. Caleb comes home everyday to tell Nigel about their day, so Nigel feels like he has a life. things change for both when Caleb meets Karen. Follow them in love, loss and tragic unraveling mysteries about the past.
I haven’t read anything like this book, I was looking for a love story. What I got was a love story but not the kind I was expecting. I like how that book was written from both brother points of view, switching each chapter. I liked that we got to see how each brother was feeling and thinking. The books was written beautifully were it draws you in and you fall in love with the brothers. I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.
In Our First Love we meet two brothers whose life's haven't been great. Caleb the older brother leaves the house, to semi-living in the real world, but would much rather stay home and never come out like Nigel the younger brother. Caleb comes home everyday to tell Nigel about their day, so Nigel feels like he has a life. things change for both when Caleb meets Karen. Follow them in love, loss and tragic unraveling mysteries about the past.
I haven’t read anything like this book, I was looking for a love story. What I got was a love story but not the kind I was expecting. I like how that book was written from both brother points of view, switching each chapter. I liked that we got to see how each brother was feeling and thinking. The books was written beautifully were it draws you in and you fall in love with the brothers. I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.
May 27, 2014
I will be very brief and direct here and just say, go and do yourself a major favor and mark this book RIGHT NOW!!!
It is so well written, the characters so beautifully drawn, that you can't help but fall in love with this whole story! so
what are you waiting for......seriously go mark it as a buy it now come December 2013!!!!
Thank you, thank you for allowing me to read this ahead of time. So fell in love with them all ♥
It is so well written, the characters so beautifully drawn, that you can't help but fall in love with this whole story! so
what are you waiting for......seriously go mark it as a buy it now come December 2013!!!!
Thank you, thank you for allowing me to read this ahead of time. So fell in love with them all ♥
December 17, 2013
I unfortunately couldn't finish this book. I don't know what it was but I will try again later because I don't like giving an author a fair shake.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews