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First Love
James Patterson

First Love

Quick Answer

"First Love" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Standalone Novels.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

❓ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
2023186 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
<b>A fresh start turns sour after a manga editor's new boss turns out to be his ill-fated first love!</b><br><br>When Ritsu Onodera changes jobs, looking for a fresh start, he's not exactly thrilled when his new boss turns out to be his old flame. Ritsu's determined to leave all that in the past—but how can he when his boss is just as determined that they have a future?<br><br>Manga editor Ritsu Onodera believes his high school friend Nao took care of him after he collapsed due to exhaustion while working for Marukawa Publishing’s <i>Emerald</i> shojo magazine. But he discovers it was actually Masamune Takano, his boss—and first love!—who nursed him back to health. Ritsu decides that he’s finally going to tell Takano how he feels, but first he has to explain to Nao, who has already confessed his own love for Ritsu, that he and Nao can’t live together anymore. Will Ritsu be able to go through with it and finally confess to Takano?!
Next Recommended Book

Sweet Revenge

Book #25 of 524 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Standalone Novels conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading First Love?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read First Love before Hornet Flight?

Yes. First Love is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is First Love required reading for the Standalone Novels?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after First Love in the reading order?

The next recommended book after First Love is Sweet Revenge (Book #25).