First Comes Love: A standalone Summer Fling Contemporary Romance

Lovelly #0.5

by Clara Stone

Some loves are undeniable. Some burn with the heat of summer.

When Homer Lovelly pulled over to help a stranded damsel in distress, he never expected he’d meet his soul mate. But from the moment Claire clocked him in the head with her boot—and then kissed him—he knew she was it.

She’d be his undoing.

Wild, sexy, and fearless, Claire is intoxicating. She’s also leaving at the end of summer, a few short weeks away. Homer knows he shouldn’t fall for her. He also knows he doesn’t have a choice. And with September rising fast on the horizon, he’s almost out of time.

The question is, can he convince Claire that what he feels is more than a summer fling, or will he watch as the woman he’s meant to marry walk out of his life forever?

Scroll up and one click today to see why fans of The Notebook and The Summer Boyfriend will fall in love with this steamy, summer-fling romance.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2019

About the author

Greeting Readers!!!

Clara Stone writes YA/NA Contemporary Romance and Paranormal Romance stories and is a complete sucker for sweet, memorable kisses. She strongly believes that true love conquers EVERYTHING, along with a tub of Ice cream!

When she isn't reading or writing or dancing, much to the embarrassment of her husband and two kids, she's probably watching Supernatural and The Walking Dead. So, if she sounds like your cup of syrup to your pancakes (or waffles... no favorites here), then give her a "Follow" to any number of social media kingdoms she's built and stay updated of her upcoming releases, book sales, and book recommendations!

P.S. The said social media kingdom links are right below!

Email: Clara@AuthorClaraStone.com

Snail Mail:
P.O Box 2652
Eagle, ID 83616

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Reviews

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the first book that I have read from Clara Stone and it won't be the last. It is a quick read that has lots of heart and emotion in the pages. You won't want put it down. Very good story. I loved the characters of Homer and Claire. They meet during a rain storm on the side of the road and they are smitten with each other. Claire just wants a summer fling whereas Homer wants the whole thing. This will turn into a battle of the heart on both sides. One person knows what they want and the other person trying to fight what they know they want. The story flowed easily and that made it very easy to read in one sitting. I really liked the book

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Comes Love is a prequel to the Lovelly series. It’s a short novella, and a quick read, and it was very enjoyable.

I originally read the Lovelly series (books 1-3) about 2 or 3 years ago. So going into this prequel I didn’t really remember much about what happened in the series, so it was really great to go into this prequel with a fresh start.

Something I loved most about this story was how the main characters, Claire and Homer, are the mom and dad (well they will eventually become the mom and dad) of the main characters from the Lovelly series. It’s such a great tie in to the series, and it’s great to see the way they fall in love. Especially because you get to see them through new eyes. Things I do remember about the other books is family is really important, so getting to see how Claire and Homer meet and first fall in love was just amazing!

The story was really sweet, and is such a great lead in to the entire series. Love the writing style, love the characters and the settings. You could definitely tell what generation the story was taking place in (the 80’s).

Definitely recommend this one :)

I was provided an ARC of this book

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good quick read.

This is an amazing story of love. I cannot wait to read the next book.... If you love a good love story... one click this one!

[Wicked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Im blown away by this book. I have never read anything from Clara Stone but Im so happy I found a group on FB that lead me to them.
This book has me hoping, for my children, that love conquers all. Homer and Claire are one of my new favorite couples. He is the sweetest man, and hot to boot. Claire takes to him right away, although she's not looking for a future.
The writing style of this book just flows. I found a couple grammar errors but it didnt take away from the story at all. I am wondering why, at then very beginning of the book, it says 'Summer of 1980' but doesnt elaborate on anything after that. Im hoping the next books do.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. If you love a farm boy that makes you swoon and says exactly what you want to hear, you have to!

[Katie Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute book!! I loved the story line so much!! Young love, makes us all feel hopeful!!!

[Cheryl Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Homer Lovelly comes to help a girl on the side of the road, he ends up getting more than he bargained for. Claire Young gets a flat tire and is out in the pouring rain, when someone pulls over to help. Afraid it maybe a killer she throws her purse and shoe at him only to find out it's Homer. Sparks fly between them, but both wanting different outcomes. Will this be a forever love? Or a forever loss? I enjoyed this book. I'm looking forward to reading the Llovely Series.

[R yatsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel, a quick read novella, of the Lovelly series
will have you fall in love with this series.

This epic love story is about how the parents meet and fall in love.
While reading, the characters become part of you, a must read book and series.

[Dacia Hawkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire being sent to visit her cousin for the summer was the best thing to happen to her and she didn't even realize it. What started out as a blown tire in the rain on the side of a dark deserted country road ended with fate. Homer shows up and helps her even after she assaults him and he can't get the spitfire out of his head. There's only one problem she's only looking for a summer fling that will end when she leaves for school. She's afraid to commit and fall in love just to lose it in the end. But Homer believes "when love comes first, nothing else will stand in the way" he just has to prove it.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All she wanted was a summer fling. To let loose and have some fun. But meeting Homer was not what she expected at all. A southern cowboy with quite the looks and charm. But would she give into her feelings or would she run? I loved this one. So glad that i decided to read it. Gripping from beginning to end. A wonderful ride with these two. Highly recommend.

[Tracey Pedersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little swoon-worthy novella. It was dreamy, and sucked you in like it was a movie. I could see the whole thing playing out in my head.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novella that tells the story of Claire. While driving through a thunderstorm she gets a flat tyre.

Homer was passing in his truck but he couldn't pass by he had to stop to help the stranded stranger at the side of the road. He expected thanks, not a handbag and then a boot flying through the air towards him.

As soon as their eyes met there was an instant attraction, and they both knew that they were in deep.

Claire was only visiting and was due to leave at the end of the summer, could she leave Homer behind, or would he convince her that what they had was worth everything including love and marriage.

A great Prequel to what looks to be a great series.

[Alexandra Alston Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Comes Love by Clara Stone

Book two by this author and I am now craving more.

** Spoiler Alert**

Homer was raised by his grandparents on a farm so you can imagine... yes he is this HOT cowboy who knows how to treat a woman right however he fears the word “love” after his girlfriend Mary broke his heart. He is by no means a player so almost every woman in town wants him but cannot have him.

Claire goes to visit her cousin for the summer holidays with the hopes of having fun... and lots of it. She could never have predicted that what she would find was love too.

On her way to a party, she breaks down in the poring rain. She is a mess! What will happen next... She surveys the car to see what could possibly have happened only to have a truck go past drenching her already soaked body. The driver doesn’t even stop so she gets angry and throws one of her boots at it... yeah no where even close to the truck but somehow the driver must have either seen it or heard the word “Asshole” LOL. He backs up and Claire goes into overdrive.... She decides that now is a good time to play a game of “Dodge this” Little does she know who she is about to hit will soon take her breath away.

Homer is struck by a beauty like no other. She is feisty but she is stunning.... For the first time in two years, his eyes are open.... Really open.... She has stormed into his life like a Category 5 hurricane and he cannot comprehend what it is about her that has him drawn to her.

She doesn’t believe in love, she doesn’t want love... She wants to have fun but what she is about to have is a lot more....

This story was short but o sooo sweet....
Once again Clara Stone has written a book that is filled with passion, fears overcome and a love all consuming....

Clara’s stories are well thought though. Each chapter is filled with humour, sass, passion, love, desire and so much more. You start this book thinking you will read a few chapters and put it down for a while but believe me, once you start you cannot stop.

You laugh uncontrollably with little phrases like “ Hot-diggity damn” He’s marked his territory... I have already said enough so i won’t go on but please spoil yourself....

Great job Clara. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next 

4 out of 5 stars

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for First Comes Love by Clara Stone. This is the prequel to the Lovelly Series. When I first started this series I did not realize that it was actually a prequel, but that did not change any thing for me . It is a short novella but does not lack substance due to its length.
This novella is different in the aspect that it is the story of the mom and dad that you meet in the Lovelly series. The story takes place in the 80’s but it is really only mentioned in the beginning. Claire and Homer are a couple who makes people believe in love. This is a story about how they meet, beat the odds and fell in love. The story for me was about hope and how no matter what love conquers all. Homer is a great character that any girl would be crazy not to fall for. HE is a sweet farm boy who would make anyone swoon. I loved how the books first started and the characters meet. It provided some humor to the story.
I would classify this book as a contemporary romance, summer fling romance, novella. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the story line, the love and so much more made this book what it is. I have read some other books by Clara Stone and this novella was just as good if not better than any of the others I have read by her. I also have to say that I have loved all the covers of her book but this one is by far my favorite. The couple on the front intrigues me. I was instantly drawn in to the couple. It was almost like you could see the love they had for each other. It caught my eye and provoked feelings in me. I personally think that is what a cover of a book should do. I know they say “never judge a book by its cover” but we all do it and this is a cover you look and an know you should read this book. I absolutely loved it and it is something I recommend to everyone.

[Marnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick witty little number that begins the Lovelly series.

When Homer Lovelly stops to help a young lady stranded on the side of the road in a storm, the last thing he expects is to be assaulted with a large handbag and lethal looking boots that draw blood. The hellcat needing a hand might have looked drowned, but when she turned into the lights of his truck, he was couldn’t believe the beauty of she who had a mouth like a sailor!

It was the sexy southern charm that stilled Claire Young’s fears about being stuck in a storm and rescued by a stranger. He was all kinds of fine, and even though neither of them wanted any sort of relationship past the summer break, Homer decided to go for broke. And damn, those southern boys have manners for Africa, and they aren’t afraid to use them!! Homer was a gorgeous young man.

Being a novella, First Comes Love was short and sweet, so I felt it lacked it little depth in why Clair got sent to visit her cousin in the south before going to start her new life elsewhere. It didn’t stop me enjoying it though, and novellas are sometimes just the right thing to read when life is busy, and the reading time is precious few. Certainly worth the money and the reading time! 4 Stars.

[Yoneidis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homer and Claire meet in the summer before college. She has problems with her car and Homer helps her. Both are attracted to each other, although Claire is clear that she doesn’t want anything serious.
They spend weeks together but when she hears Homer say that he loves her, she distances herself from him. But Homer is not willing to give it up without a fight.

“I’m afraid that I’m going to have to live my life without you in it. I’m afraid that one day, I’m going to move on and forget about you. I’m afraid that one day, what we had this summer will be nothing more than a blip in your mind. And I don’t want any of that to be true. I can’t promise you that our love won’t be all consuming. But, for what it’s worth, I can promise you that I’ll never let our love taint our future, or our children’s futures, the way your parents’ tainted yours. So, what do you say? Give us a shot, Claire. Let’s see where this road leads. Because I know, if I don’t try”—I shake my head—“no, if we don’t try, then we’ll be missing out on the greatest love story ever to be made.”

[Elena de la Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homer Lovelly, what can I say about this adorable farm boy, a complete gentleman stops to help a stranded woman in a rainstorm. This is when he meets the one and only adorable Claire Young, who is worried that her perfect savior could be something else. This was a quick read, that had all the feels of a lovely romance, a girl who doesn’t want ties and a boy that is not willing to let the girl go. I would say I would like a little more to their story, I know that this was a novella piece, so I am sure that their story will tie together with the series that follows these books. I would highly recommend this cute novella.

[EducatedBookFreak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a sweet, short love story that was written beautifully! She creates 2 people who slowly grow to learn what love is and what it should look like. They both have tough pasts they have to overcome, but together they can do anything.

Claire and homer meet in a crazy circumstance that will have you laughing your butt off. She is one tough female who takes no crap from anyone. Homer is attracted from the beginning, but has fear because of his future. Together, they are this inferno of feelings and sexiness. Their story truly captured my heart and made me so happy to read it. Can’t wait to read book 1 of this series!!!

[Dana Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from Ms Stone. From the book’s description I expected something more. It was a cute “young love” story with a couple of mild, steamy sex scenes. From the book’s description I expected the characters to be a bit older, not fresh out of high school. I felt like I was reading about my grandson or maybe reading my granddaughter’s diary. I think I would have liked the story better had the characters been older. Apparently, though, this novella sets up the premise for the “Lovelly” book series which I haven’t yet read. Fans of Ms Stone and the other books in the series will find this prequel a delightful, quick read.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet surprise in this book! Claire is visiting her cousin and uncle for the summer. She has three goals: have fun, get laid as much as possible, and leave it all behind before she starts college in Georgia. She meets Homer on what can only be described as not her best day, but when she kisses him, he knows she's the one. She wants nothing more than a summer fling, but he wants so much more. They spend the summer together... Sorry, no spoiler here. I loved this book, and can't wait to read the rest of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deanna Hopping · Rating 5 out of 5]

all Clarie wanted was a few weeks of harmless summer fun, and a possible hook up here and there. when on her way to a party her uncle's truck broke down and when a hot as hell cowboy stops to help her she thinks why not start the night off right. Homer was just trying to help a pretty lady out little did he know that he could catch feelings and one thing that Clarie doesn't do is catch feeling. Will her mind get changed, or will they just be a hot summer fling and go their own ways once she leaves. this is once again another amazing story that follows another member of the Lovelly family. i love these books and this family.

[Margarette Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Comes Love, I love the story! Can't help help myself feel angry of why Claire really tried to shot Homer down. Not wanting to put attachment nor being true to herself that she really is falling in love to him as they spent time for each other. I love Homer so gentleman, the way he makes Claire feel of how important she is. How he really shows his love to her. But damn, I really feel wanting more about their story and how really it goes after they confess of how they love each other. Wanting to have their story a book 2. But overall love it!💓💓

[Ms.reads&reds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great novella. I read it one sitting before bed and was so happy it had a HEA and not a massive cliffhanger. It did leave me wanting for more and was so excited to learn about other books in the series. Homer and Claire are so innocently sweet, perfecting that young summer romance we all crave. Whether you believe in fate, soulmates or just plain great sexual chemistry this book is a must read.

[Karen Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Really Lovely Romance

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. This is a really good book from Clara Stone. “First Comes Love” has an enjoyable, interesting, well written storyline and lovely, engaging characters who I liked and enjoyed reading about. I really enjoyed this entertaining, story and I didn’t want to put it down, It’s a must read Romance and a real page turner

[Haz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is something different to what i normally read and like to read different types books any back to the book it set in the 80,s summer time two people who dealing with their feeling towards each and making dissession where there life will take together or apart a sweet romance read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Clara Stone; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the chemistry between the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Richard Goodrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, short, summer-love story. But I just can't tell if it turned into a happily-ever-after since it ended so abruptly. Enjoyable nonetheless. Includes explicit scenes.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Romantic. Steamy. Tragic. Twisted. Wonderful characters.

I received a copy of this book as a gift.  This is my honest review.

[Crystal Wilke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Southern Romance

This is just the beginning. I can't wait to read this series. I would love to see more of Homer and Claire.

Looking for something sweet, steamy and a hint of heart ache then you'll enjoy First Comes Love.

[J.S. Andersson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet...
I would love to read more of this couple.
It was a very sweet story about true love. Homer finds a girl stranded in the rain, Claire launches a boot at him. And from there their love blossoms.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet story. I enjoyed it, but it was very short and there wasn't a lot of detail or depth to the story. I'm sure that was due to it being a novella. I would recommend it if you are looking for a "quickie"....lol. It was short and sweet with just a tad bit of steamy.

[Mary Mccormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the characters in this book and the beginning of the story really catches your attention. Keeps you guessing where it is going to end up with the two main characters. There is also funny side stories going on.