Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes, but this story fell short of delivering the depth and emotion I was hoping for. Despite being framed as Jordan and Jamie’s love story, Jamie’s presence and motivations were underdeveloped, leaving their relationship feeling overshadowed by stronger dynamics with other characters. By the end, I struggled to see it as a true second chance romance, and the conclusion lacked the emotional impact I usually crave from this trope. 2/5 stars

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the complimentary e-arc of Last First Kiss. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Baby’s first St. Martin's Press galley!! 🥹🥹 Helloo, I literally finished this within a day; it was so stinking cutee, I was literally smiling from ear to ear, my cheeks hurt!

This was my first book by Julian Winters and I had an absolute delightful time. It was laugh out loud funny, I love when in a second chance romance, the love interest don’t quite know how to act, and consciously make an effort to act natural and calm, around each other, and it completely not work in their favour, because they’re so overcome with their emotions— that’s exactly how Jordan and Jamie were. It was like watching your favourite movie that you’ve seen a hundred times, yet somehow falling in love with it all over again. You catch the moments you missed before, rediscover the spark that first made your heart race, and remember exactly why it meant so much to you in the first place, or in Jordan’s cause, how much Jamie meant to him. That’s what this second chance romance felt like: a reminder that love, no matter how familiar someone is, they can still surprise you and feel brand new.

It was a little chaotic, but it really just added to their story, and I had such an amazing time! I’m so curious and excited to check out more books from Julian and I can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with Jordan and Jamie like I have.

Tropes

Friends to lovers
Second chance
Secret relationship (sneaking around)
MM romance
Close proximity

This book was SO sweet and I was truly sad when it was over. Going into reading this book, I didn't realize it was the second in a series, but when I did, I took a break, read the first book, and came back to it. You *could* read this book as a standalone and it would be excellent as-is, but reading it as part of the series makes it even better. You get to understand the characters' histories, their surrounding network of friends and family, and the broader context of their relationship, and all of those aspects made the book even more impactful for me.

I adored Jamie and Jordan, and the way that Winters handles the exploration of Jordan's identity throughout the book is so well-done.

I hope there's another book in this series, mainly because I don't want to leave these characters behind, but no matter what I'll be picking up anything Winters writes from here on out. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC, and for the introduction to a new favorite romance author in Julian Winters!

This was both a super sweet love story and a beautiful exploration of queer identity and self discovery. The whole book felt like the best kind of rom com with plenty of cute scenes and enough angst to last the whole way through.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC!

Other than the fact that the main characters are named Jamie and Jordan…and there’s a Javi involved as well…which was tricky for my brain to track, I have nothing but good things to say about this book! What a heartwarming story of love that stands the test of time and keeps showing up even when things are difficult. The overlay story line of the wedding planning and the competition at work with Javi are really great and entertaining but the tension and drama of Jordan and Jamie trying to figure out how they fit and who they are too each other is exquisite. My absolute favorite thing about it, though, is the path Jordan is on to discover what word or words help him describe how he feels. Representation of someone who doesn’t fit a particular mold is so rare and can be scarce in romance as well. I loved reading about his journey to self discovery and how his loved ones were able to help support him. The way people see him and don’t require a definition in a like recognizes like type of way. I was surprised by how easy things were between them when they maybe should have been awkward but maybe that’s just how it can be with those people who have been in your life for years and years. This is definitely gets high marks in my book for the nostalgia alone. Very sweet, very cozy. This will make an excellent wintertime read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this title.

I loved the dynamic between the MMCs and how they slowly grew as people. There was a lot of talk about consent and sexual health in this book which I definitely think is always good because a lot of books skip over that. I had a fun time reading this one! I received an ARC and these are my honest thoughts.

I devoured this book in one day! Reading Last First Kiss makes me want to go back and read I Think They Love You. While this is a standalone, I am sure background from the first book would enhance the enjoyment of this story. Even without that background, I loved Jordan and Jaime’s story. I liked that they have messy interactions and make mistakes trying to do the right thing. They feel like real people just trying to figure out how they fit together.

Jordan’s self-discovery and demisexual awakening are handled with care throughout the story. I liked that the people in his life supported him, even if that support was somewhat misguided. Javi’s competitiveness and friendship were nice additions to the story, as was Amy’s decision to set some boundaries for herself. I wish there were some chapters from Jaime’s POV so we could learn more about him.

I am definitely going back to read I Think They Love You and will certainly read more by Julian Winters!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Favorite Quotes
But one thing’s certain: A slice of cake has never made him feel like that before.

I can handle a lot of things, Jordan. Spice included.

Whatever you’re feeling is real. Even if you can’t explain it. Or don’t have a proper name for it. It’s real. Let it be real. Not for anyone else. Just yourself.

Jordan, have you not been paying attention? I learn everything from romances.

“Last First Kiss” is a combination of a friends-to-lovers and second chance romance.

I hadn’t read anything else by this author going into this and didn’t realize it was part of a series. I did feel a little bit lost initially as I tried to get familiar with Jordan’s many cousins and the back story for the other characters (whose stories are fleshed out in the prior books, I gathered). I can imagine this resonating more strongly for folks who had followed the series and were already familiar with the characters and 24 Carter Gold world. However, this wasn’t ultimately for me, unfortunately.

The writing itself was decent and the author does a nice job of adding detail and presenting a vivid picture for the reader. My main critique is that I didn’t get a strong enough sense of chemistry between present day Jamie and Jordan, as Jordan’s panic over re-encountering Jamie is so central to the opening chapters. We see a bit of their history through flashbacks, which were cute, but I had a hard time seeing the connection between that youthful connection and their present moment. Jamie also seems like a perfectly fine love interest but I found myself hoping for more nuance and depth beyond just “cute guy from childhood”. Ultimately, I wasn’t able to get through past the first third or so of the book, as I found my interest flagging quite considerably.

I hope this was a fun read for those who have been fans of other books by this author! I can see how it could be an enjoyable follow up if you’re already familiar with this family and their context.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early access copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this second (or maybe third) chance romance. Amid the first love bubbles, there's an intimacy from their long years of friendship. Bonus points for showing how sexy consent is even when things are getting hot and heavy.

A big thank you to the author for showcasing a successful, tight-knit Black family.

This book was just as good as the first. Julian has a great way of writing characters that are so personable and easy to read. I appreciated Jordan going on that journey about himself. Jamie was a lot of fun in his easy breezy way that is so different from Jordan. And when the two of them finally come together? Oh boy. I also enjoyef the event planning aspects and the Amy/Sam plot as well as Javi and Nic. The epilogue was adorable and I hope this isn't the last book in this universe.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s for this ARC!

I was glad to return to this author’s world but there was a little sigh of disappointment when I realized we were also returning to 24 Carter gold, I personally got enough of it in the previous book.

Also, Kami is struggling as the newly minted CEO. She is so scattered that it almost reads as sabotage of Jordan, though it’s clearly not intentional.

I enjoyed Jamie and Jordan’s vibe, but I would have enjoyed more if Jamie had more depth. I found him to be very “perfect” and some dimension would have been welcome.

4/5⭐️

This was another hit for me! This was how you do a second chance romance❤️

My first book by Julian Winters was Run With the Lions and I loved it so much, and now reading this by him now in the Adult romance genre, I am falling even more in love with him as an author. And I just want to read every single one of his books. He just has this way of writing that makes a book transform.

I adored this book so much and enjoyed every moment. I loved walking through the discover of Jordan’s sexuality. It just shows that you don’t need to put a label on yourselves you just love who you love.

Im also not usually a fan of 3rd act breakups but it worked here because this story was written so beautifully, with this second chance romance.

I can’t wait to read more from Julian winters. Thank you so much St. Martin's Press NetGalley for sending me this arc for an honest review🥰

I am an absolute sucker for friends to lovers and even more so for disaster baby gays because I was one. I loved this story. Dare I say even more than the first one. I loved getting to watch Jordan and Jamie grow into themselves, and getting to see what everyone was up to but with a little bit less of well everyone.

Also, if we get a book about Nic, I will not be mad

Once again someone has to vie for a position at 24 Carter Gold — this time it isn’t CEO, it’s an events manager position, and instead of competing with family, Jordan is competing with Javi, a new hire from a rival company.

Kami, who in the previous book won the position of CEO, is a terrible boss. She’s not mean, she’s overworked, and decides to spring things on Jordan with no warning. Like hey, new hire! Oh hey, the job you’re doing, are we on the same page? Yes, well now you’re working with someone. I decided already so you get no input, have fun! Honestly, she comes across more as if she’s trying to sabotage Jordan than actually use him as an employee or respect him as a family member. She does, however, see him as someone to make use of, like taking him off wedding planning to go watch her kid at a game.

As for the romance … it’s fine. Jamie is the requisite perfect boyfriend. Bland, attractive, no flaws, no personality, but good in bed. I mean, it’s a romance book and the two of them are on the cover, so I already went into the book knowing they were end game. Even so, Javi, the new hire who is just as skilled at Jordan at planning has more chemistry, more sparkle, and gods know more personality than Jamie.

The third act breakup, like the romance, is very paint by numbers. The forced outrage, the tactless interference of other people, the inability of Jordan and Jamie to use words, but it’s not poorly done. It’s just so expected that it felt kind of dull. The reconciliation, though, was better. The writing is solid, the pace is fine, and the story beats are all familiar. I just wish there’d been more of a relationship between the leads.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book was hard to get into, I do enjoy the childhood crush element, but why had this guy been still pining after his first crush. He should have moved on.

And to be hassled enough not to try to do his best on the wedding? Unprofessional.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for a copy of this book I really enjoyed reading. I would recommend this book for anyone looking for an entertaining and funny story.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I was so excited to read Jordan’s love story. I caught myself smiling so many times while reading. I loved learning more about Jordan and Jamie’s friendship. Their bumpy road to romance was so sweet and fun to read. Julian Winters’ writing style makes romance novels a joy to read. I can’t wait to see what Julian comes out with next! (hopefully Javi’s love story).

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC.

A cute and steamy second chance romance that follows the two main characters dancing around each other while also crazy wedding planning is happening as all work/life boundaries dissolve.

This was a cute lighthearted romance. I liked that Jordan was still figuring out his identity and wasn't 100% sure at the end, and that this part was comparatively low angst. I also enjoyed Javi and his rivals-to-friendship speedrun with Jordan, and that Jordan going off on Jamie's parents without any prior discussion with Jamie was actually treated as an overstep . And that Amy ended up asserting herself and taking a step back from her engagement!

Reasons why this was four stars for me rather than five:
-I would have liked to see a little more character development for Jamie and just generally a better understanding of what was going on in his life
-some of the descriptions got a bit repetitive (maybe this is more of a gripe with the soap/perfume industry that they keep naming fragrances after things that don't really have scents, so maybe that's why I got tired of reading about the scent of oak and amber)
-this is purely personal preference, and I understand the intention was for a hurt/comfort or caretaking scenario, but I just really couldn't get into the idea of a sex scene that takes place when one character has the flu so badly that he can't stand up or open a shampoo bottle on his own

Jordan’s vying for a promotion at the event management company he works at.

So when he’s charged with planning a high stakes wedding, he knows this is his chance to shine. He’s determined that nothing, not even the impossibly short timeline or the demanding clients, will get in his way of acing this assignment.

But he’s stopped in his tracks when he finds that Jamie, his teenage crush, is the part of the bridal party. Jordan’s been trying to steer clear of Jamie since he recently rebuffed him.

Now with Jamie accompanying Jordan on all the wedding planning tasks- the heat is turned way up on their long simmering attraction. But Jordan’s powerful feelings for Jaime, and their messy past, bring up a complicated tangle of identity issues he needs to figure out before he can find his happily ever after.

Winters adds depth and emotion to the narrative through flashbacks and heartfelt self-discovery storylines. This second chance LGBTQ+ romance features a large and loveable cast of friends and family, compelling workplace drama and a perfect balance of tender and sexy moments- all set against a vivid Atlanta backdrop.