The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: Last First Kiss, Julian Winters

Last First Kiss

Julian Winters

"THE STUFF ROMANCE DREAMS ARE MADE OF." - Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author

Sparks fly in this second chance m/m rom com when an unlucky-in-love event planner realizes the man-of-honor at the high profile wedding he's planning is the same man who broke his heart.

They say you never forget your first kiss. But Jordan Carter wishes he could forget the one he shared with Jamie Peters as teens. And the one they almost shared again last year before Jamie made it clear he wasn't the "right" man for Jordan to be with while he's figuring himself out.

Now, Jordan's fully focused on his career at 24 Carter Gold, his family's event planning company, and ready to move on - until his boss assigns him to plan a new client's high-profile wedding. The bride's man-of-honor? None other than Jamie.

As things ramp up the closer they get to the wedding, so does Jordan's relationship with Jamie, with sarcastic asides turning into steamy hook-ups. But can Jordan afford to pursue Jamie if he's still unsure of who he is? Or is knowing who he loves enough? Venue shopping, cake-tastings, and dress fittings with the man he can't forget just might change the man Jordan Carter is meant to become.

Last First Kiss by Julian Winters is a second chance romance about finding yourself-and the love of your life.

"A tender, slow burn romance about falling for your first crush, questioning your identity on your own terms, and finding your place in the world. Julian Winters delivers a sweet, funny, steamy, and uplifting love story that is sure to make readers swoon." - Alexis Daria, USA Today bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

"No one writes as vividly and as tenderly as Julian Winters, and Last First Kiss is his best yet. It's as sweet as an unexpected slow dance in a conservatory and as playful as a cake tasting turned flirty, and while Jordan and Jamie may have had their last first kiss, you'll be sighing happily over their firsts and lasts long after you close the book." - Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, authors of A Jingle Bell Mingle

"Pure and utter fun, with a sparkling cast of characters and an effortlessly witty voice. Last First Kiss is a love letter to late bloomers, found family, and anyone who's still trying to figure themselves out -- and a reminder that it can be an ongoing process." - Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of What Happens in Amsterdam

Book Details

  • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
  • Publish Date: Jan 27th, 2026
  • Pages: 352
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.25in - 5.38in - 1.00in - 1.00lb
  • EAN: 9781250326263
  • Categories: Romance - LGBTQ+ - GayRomance - Romantic Comedy

About the Author

Winters, Julian: - Julian Winters is the author of the award-winning young adult novels Running With Lions, Right Where I Left You, How to Be Remy Cameron, The Summer of Everything, As You Walk On By, and Prince of the Palisades, as well as his adult romance debut, I Think They Love You. A self-proclaimed comic book geek, Julian currently lives outside of Atlanta where he can be found swooning over rom-coms or watching the only two sports he can follow--volleyball and soccer.

Praise for this book

Praise for Last First Kiss:

"Winters makes Jordan's coming-out story feel authentic and emotional, surrounding him with supportive family members who help convey the bighearted message that 'no one gets to decide what [your] love story looks like.' This smart, sexy romance will have readers swooning." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A tender, slow burn romance about falling for your first crush, questioning your identity on your own terms, and finding your place in the world. Julian Winters delivers a sweet, funny, steamy, and uplifting love story that is sure to make readers swoon." - Alexis Daria, USA Today bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola

"Bursting with heart and overflowing with sweetness, Last First Kiss is a thoroughly charming wedding romcom about first love and second chances. I raced through it like Toad on the Rainbow Road level in Mario Kart, and I know all romance fans will do the same!" - Nicolas DiDomizio, author of Nearlywed and The Gay Best Friend

"I adored reading about Jamie and Jordan's second chance. Julian's writing is immersive and filled with tenderness, pulling readers so deeply into the journey that we end up falling as hard as the characters do. I hope Julian is busy writing because this is a story that will leave everyone eager for more of his words!" - Etta Easton, author of The Love Simulation

"Sweet and just angsty enough--Julian Winters has created a moving, heartfelt love story that's also an ode to self discovery. With a cast of characters that's impossible not to root for, a deeply enjoyable wedding backdrop, and a highly emotional and satisfying journey, Last First Kiss is the stuff romance dreams are made of." - Ali Hazelwood, New York Times bestselling author of Problematic Summer Romance

"Nuanced, honest, and uplifting, Last First Kiss is a second chance romance that proudly wears its heart on its designer sleeve. Atlanta comes alive as Jordan and Jamie hash out their history by dancing and tasting their way into a future full of self-discovery and true love." - Timothy Janovsky, USA Today bestselling author of The Merriest Misters

"Last First Kiss ticks all the boxes: Swoony? Check. Hilarious? Check. Sexy? Check. Heartfelt? Check. Team Jordan + Jamie for life!" - Adib Khorram, USA Today bestselling author of I'll Have What He's Having

"The Last First Kiss is a heartfelt, emotional journey of self-discovery, one's place in the world, and love. With humor, heartache, tender moments, unforgettable memories, and passion, Julian Winters proves that sometimes, first love is the last and only love you need." - LaQuette, author of Janae Sanders' Second Time Around

"No one writes as vividly and as tenderly as Julian Winters, and Last First Kiss is his best yet--a story about a driven event coordinator and a great-at-kissing charmer (and their not-quite-a-second chance). It's as sweet as an unexpected slow dance in a conservatory and as playful as a cake tasting turned flirty, and while Jordan and Jamie may have had their last first kiss, you'll be sighing happily over their firsts and lasts long after you close the book." - Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone, authors of A Jingle Bell Mingle

"Pure and utter fun, with a sparkling cast of characters and an effortlessly witty voice. Last First Kiss is a love letter to late bloomers, found family, and anyone who's still trying to figure themselves out -- and a reminder that it can be an ongoing process." - Rachel Lynn Solomon, New York Times bestselling author of What Happens in Amsterdam

"Fans of second chance romances, rejoice! Julian Winters has written the novel of your dreams, complete with swoon-worthy moments, a thoughtful exploration of identity, and a protagonist who will steal your heart. I adored Jordan and Jamie's journey to love, and I'm absolutely certain readers will agree that Last First Kiss is something special." - Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of When Javi Dumped Mari


Praise for I Think They Love You:

"If you love a good Rom-Com for adults, you will love Winters' I Think They Love You. It's a light-hearted witty novel that shows that when it comes to love, second chances are truly possible. This book is a fun read that will appeal to working professionals on the come-up!" - Essence

"Fun and frothy, Winters's second-chance romance is a celebration of family and love in all its messy glory." - The Washington Post

"It's pretty impossible not to already be enamored with Julian Winters if you're a queer YA Romance fan, but his adult debut takes it to another level in this perfect mashup of fake-dating and second-chance romance in a Succession storyline." - Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

"YA writer Winters' adult debut is a deeply romantic story wrapped up in a conceit that speaks to the complicated history between its characters, with rich flashbacks sprinkled throughout...A sweet, surprisingly emotional romance you won't be able to put down." - Kirkus (starred review)

"Winters peppers this heartfelt story with witty banter, some fabulous parties, and a poignant message about being true to oneself. The result is as sweet and savory as, well, French toast grilled cheese." - Publishers Weekly

"Fans of the second-chance and fake dating trope are going to devour I Think They Love You, an excellently executed adult romance, perfect for fans of T.J. Klune and Alison Cochrun." - The Nerd Daily

"A fake relationship becomes a real second chance at love in YA author Winters's adult debut that delivers a thoughtful message amid steamy scenes and tropey plot twists." - Library Journal

"A swoon-worthy love story? Check. Crackling chemistry? Check. Hilarious and heartfelt characters? Check. Julian Winters never misses. I Think They Love You boils over with heart and spice in perfect balance." - Adib Khorram, author of I'll Have What He's Having

"With all the affection of a small-town romance and all the allure of a big-city love affair, I Think They Love You is a brilliant rom-com debut from one of my favorite authors! This book will stay with you like a last kiss goodnight." - Ashley Poston, New York Times best-selling author of The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip

"Have you ever been asked why you're grinning as you read? You're about to be. I Think They Love You is a second-chance romance for the true romantics, the ones who know love brings us to the people we need, even if it requires a few attempts. Julian Winters' adult debut perfectly captures the breathlessness of first love and comfort in bonds that will stand the test of time. Winters is an author who pulls you in with humor and sharp prose and then holds you close with moments of dazzling emotional resonance--this book is a must read." - Denise Williams, author of How to Fail at Flirting