For the First Time    by Kathryn Smith Order:  USA  Can Avon, 2003 (2003) Paperback     Reviewed by Kim Atchue-Cusella Heroic Devlin Ryland returns from the battle of Waterloo to London, where he attends a house party given by Miles Christian. The guest list includes Earl Carnover, whose life Devlin saved. Though Carnover was unofficially engaged to Lady Blythe Christian, he married another woman after Devlin's rescue. When Blythe and Devlin meet in the stables (where she was visiting his extraordinary horse), sparks ignite immediately. Devlin is unprepared for the feelings that Blythe stirs in him. Though she was described to him as a tomboy, she looks as good to him in trousers as she did in all her finery. Devlin has unresolved feelings stemming from the war, and insecurities about his parents' love. He has trouble dealing with Blythe's prior betrothal to Carny, and the possibility that she might still be in love with him. At six feet tall, Blythe has her own insecurities about her height, and a low self-esteem brought on by Carny's betrayal. After the two are caught in an embarrassing love tangle in the garden by Miles, Delvin offers marriage. But Blythe will not marry a man who cannot love her wholeheartedly. The story's steamy love scenes make you want to read the whole book in one sitting. Kathryn Smith brings out her personalities, making us feel for the characters' insecurities. Blythe and Devlin grow together and learn about love as their feelings mature, while their story brings back a time when people were bound by loyalties and families took care of each other. I recommend this book to readers who like their love scenes hot, and can't wait to read about the other three Ryland brothers. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews