Last First Kiss

Julian Winters

St. Martin's Griffin, 2026

Agent: Thao Le

"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.
 

Accolades:

  • A USA TODAY Bestseller
  • Town & Country, "The Best New Holiday Romance Novels to Read This Winter"
  • Fangirlish, "The Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2026"
  • Book Riot, "16 of the Best New Romances by Black Authors"
  • The Nerd Daily, "Swoonworthy 2026 Romance Book Releases You Need"
  • Claire & Jamie, "6 highly anticipated romance and romantasy novels to read in January 2026"
  • All About Romance, "The Books We’re Most Looking Forward to in January 2026"
  • Goodreads, "New, Red-Hot Romances to Read in 2026"
     

Reviews:

"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

"Julian Winters has knocked it out of the park yet again with Last First Kiss."
—Sweety High

"Winters makes a return to the I Think They Love You universe with this winning second chance romance and coming out story."
—Swooon

"A second chance, queer, slow burn romance that’s a love letter to late bloomers, self-discovery, friendship and family and love in and of itself."
—Express (UK)

"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

“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

"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

“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

"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