Review: The Best Anthology I've Ever Read!  (Lindy@ A Bookish Escape)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 27, 2014
My Thoughts:Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology was a treasure trove of beautiful short stories, by some of my favorite authors, as well as authors that I had never heard of.  This was the best anthology that I have read to date!  I highly recommend it!  At the current price of $1.99 for the ebook, it is a steal!  I wouldn't recommend reading this anthology in one sitting.  I would only read a few stories at a time, so you have time to really think about each story, and let it sink it.  Some of these stories are prequels to a series, some are companion stories to a series, and some are stand alone stories.There were so many reasons that I loved this anthology.  It was the perfect sampling of everything that I love about New Adult books!  Each story dealt with the experiences that we go through as we grow up, and mature in to the person that we eventually will become.  Readers will be able to relate to some of these experiences, and I found myself reminiscing about many of my firsts.  Stories dealt with experiencing your first kiss, falling in love for the first time, losing one's virginity, healing from the scars within, following your dreams, second chances in love, and more!  Some of the stories were fun, sexy, and short; while others were more serious and emotional in nature.  I also got to read my first story in free verse, and though I wasn't much of a fan of that particular story, I appreciated the new experience.I absolutely loved the majority of the stories in this anthology, and I hope that these authors come out with a part two, because if this happens, I will be ecstatic, and purchase it immediately!  I appreciate how some of the authors touched on both difficult and controversial topics.  One of my favorite stories in this anthology was, A Little Too Scarred, by Lisa Desrochers.  It dealt with a woman who had been severely disfigured.  She lost an eye, and had scarring on her body.  Her self-esteem became non-existent, she refused to leave her home, and would not let the man she had fallen in love with see her.  This story really touched and broke my heart.  Due to my own personal experience, I have scars on my body, due to multiple surgeries I had to undergo 5 years ago, to save my life.  I too have had to deal with self esteem issue's, feeling unattractive, and not wanting to go out in public.  So, I could relate to the main character, and her thought process and actions were very realistic.Another story that I loved was, Two in the Morning, by Roni Loren.  This is the first story that I have read by this author, and the first story that I have read dealing with homosexuality.  I enjoyed this story, because the author did such a great job of putting the reader inside the thought process of the main character.  He was scared to tell his best friend that he was gay, along with the rest of his friend's and father.  He didn't want to lose everyone in his life that he cared about, and I felt so bad for his inner struggle, and how he had to hide himself from the people that he loved the most.  There were so many stories in this anthology that touched my heart, but there were just as many fun, and sexy stories too.  Love in an Elevator, by Carrie Ryan was smoking hot, as was Believe in Me by J. Lynn.  Sharing Firsts by Molly McAdams was an amazing story of an everlasting and passionate love!  It flashed from the past to the present and told a special story about a couple who had shared all of their firsts together.  They had been best friends since they were 5 years old, which eventually grew in to a great love!My Rating:I give Fifty First Times: A New Adult Anthology, 4 Memorable, Romantic, Sexy, and Emotion-Filled Stars!  Read this anthology if you are looking for a treasure trove of short stories, full of variety, and a sampling of several talented New Adult authors!My Favorite Quotes:"We're a symphony--our limbs and lips and skin making up the instruments, working together to create a beautiful piece of music."  (eARC, Loc. 712)~Audrey(Daylight by Julie Cross)"...love might come around a bunch of times, but the person who drove you crazy and still couldn't drive you away...that only comes around once."  (eARC, Loc. 6207)~Sammie(Going for Broke by Lyla Payne)