I Loved You First by Cate Beauman
Published by Cate Beauman on August 6, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Romance / General
Pages: 351
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon
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First Love. Second Chances.

Fiona Willis always wanted a big, exciting life. At twenty-seven, she has one: great friends, a Seattle condo with an amazing view, and a killer job as a senior events planner with a world-renowned firm. So why can’t she forget the man who shattered her dreams and broke her heart?

Cameron Bennet has his hands full. As a single dad and head construction manager at Bennet & Sons, he’s an expert at the juggling act. Between playdates, soccer practices, and his hectic work schedule, he rarely has time to relax. Yet even on his craziest days, he’s never stopped thinking about the one who got away.

When an emergency forces Fiona to return to her hometown, she discovers that nothing is how she thought it would be. Fiona tries her best to avoid Cam and their undeniable chemistry, but Cam is determined to right his wrongs before Fiona disappears from his life again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Romantic Suspense | Book 1 in the Finding Home Series

Grab your copy on Amazon ➤

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: I Loved You First

Author: Cate Beauman

Series: Finding Home #1

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Rating: ★★★★☆

Tropes: Second Chances, Protective Hero, Childhood Friends, Hidden Secrets, Grief and Healing

Steam Level: 🌶️🌶️ (Slow burn tension with closed-door intimacy)

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THE STORY

In I Loved You First, Cate Beauman delivers a romantic suspense story steeped in emotional depth and a steady stream of tension. Sam and Quinn have history—one that left emotional scars and unresolved feelings. Years after they part ways, a devastating event throws them back into each other’s lives. As they navigate grief and rediscovered connection, danger simmers beneath the surface. Someone wants Quinn silenced… and Sam is determined to protect her.

The story balances a gripping mystery with heartfelt romance. The pacing is smooth, with enough twists to keep you flipping pages and enough heart to leave you rooting for the couple’s second chance.

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THE CHARACTERS

Quinn Harper is a woman with strength born of hardship. A nurse by profession, she’s grieving a loss while trying to find peace in her small hometown. She’s cautious but not weak, and her emotional journey is one of the highlights of the book.

Sam Donavan is the classic Beauman hero—protective, loyal, and carrying his own share of regret. His love for Quinn is undeniable, even when he tries to keep it buried.

Supporting characters like Quinn’s family and Sam’s colleagues add depth and community to the story, enhancing the “coming home” theme and raising the emotional stakes.

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STEAMOMETER

🌶️🌶️ | Tension-Filled but Closed-Door

The romance in I Loved You First is slow-burn and emotionally satisfying. While there’s chemistry and romantic tension, Beauman opts for a fade-to-black approach, focusing more on emotional intimacy and trust rebuilding than physical scenes.

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OVERALL THOUGHTS

Cate Beauman hits the sweet spot between suspense and emotional romance. I Loved You First doesn’t just deliver a thrilling plot—it explores forgiveness, growth, and the idea that sometimes love needs a second chance to take root. While some plot twists were slightly predictable, the emotional authenticity of the characters made it a worthwhile read.

If you love romantic suspense with real emotional stakes and characters you can believe in, I Loved You First is a great place to start your Cate Beauman journey.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cate Beauman is the award-winning author of multiple romantic suspense series, including The Bodyguards of L.A. County and Finding Home. Known for emotionally rich characters, gripping plots, and clean yet compelling romance, Beauman continues to be a favorite for fans of heartfelt suspense with a strong romantic core.

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🔗 Buy I Loved You First on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3I2njYy