Last First Kiss fulfills the “work” square on CBR17 bingo.
I got to read Julian Winters’ adult debut, I Think They Love You, earlier this year and absolutely adored it so when I saw he had another adult romance coming out, I couldn’t wait, especially when I realized it follows Jordan and Jamie, Denz’s cousin and best friend respectively, who were glimpsed as a possibility by the end of I Think They Might Love You. All that to say I needed to read this book immediately, and that’s why I finished nearly six months before it’s available 😅
Last First Kiss takes place about a year after the end of I Think They Love You, and much like Denz, Jordan is working to prove his place in the family company, 24 Carter Gold, and working towards a promotion. 24 Carter Gold is finally moving back to its roots and planning weddings, and Jordan cannot wait to prove himself to his cousin Kami to get her recently vacated event manager position. The first wedding the company is planning is for Sam, the son of a famous producer and an actor, and Amy, a book nerd who fell for Sam over book sales. Amy is also a best friend of Jamie’s and he’s going to be her best man, forcing Jordan and Jamie back into proximity after distancing from each other six months ago after an attempted kiss and Jamie telling Jordan he needs space to figure himself out and Jamie isn’t the best person for him during that time.
I really enjoy how the parts of Jordan’s job and his family form so much of the story, though there’s definitely times I wish we got a dual perspective book because I would like knowing more of Jamie’s life outside his interactions with Jordan. That aside, though, I really loved this book and love seeing Jordan’s drive. For as driven as he is, though, Jordan also has things and feelings to work through regarding his worth because of his family history and feeling abandoned by his biological father, who has never been a part of his life. Pushing himself to prove himself worthy is something Jordan gradually recognizes in himself and works on through therapy and supportive family.
One of my favorite things with this book was Jordan’s journey with figuring out his sexuality. I knew very quickly that his experiences sounded very demi, but seeing him talk to others and how much support he has, as well as all the ways no one pushes him to label or define himself until he’s ready was one of my favorite things. There really is just something special about queer books by queer authors, the way own voices experiences make stories even more real and nuanced. And really I just love that there is so much community and supportive family examples. And so many different experiences with coming out and self identifying that I love seeing given space because we always need more stories and experiences and examples.
This is such a delight of a book and I kind of hope Javi will get a story next, especially cuz I just really love this world and these characters. I can’t wait for others to read Last First Kiss, and until January folks should definitely pick up I Think They Love You.