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One Last Kiss Goodbye

by N.J. Nielsen (Goodreads Author)

3.59 of 5 stars 3.59 · rating details · 100 ratings · 22 reviews

Jacen has always hidden his feelings from the boy he knew he was meant to love, while Kayne, eighteen and confused, married his high school girlfriend and started a family, unaware of the trouble looming ahead. So with one last kiss goodbye, Kayne lied about his feelings for his best friend's brother and let his heart walk away. Six years later, Kayne and Jacen must work t...more

ebook, 125 pages

Published June 16th 2012 by Silver Publishing

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Best M/M Romance Published in 2012

331st out of 583 books — 1,183 voters

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399th out of 405 books — 162 voters

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Jun 15, 2012 Kinny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: awwwww, guilty-pleasure-pile, mm, so-cute, with-kids

This was a surprise hit for me. There are adorable kids and a gorgeous love story. Jacen has been in love with kayne ever since he was 11 years old and Kayne 14. Extremely smart Jacen gets moved up 3 grades because he is a genius so they end up the same batch. After graduating high school at 15 he moves away for college to try to get over his unrequited love and Kayne marries his manipulative girlfriend who gets preggers.

Six years later Jacen comes back home badly beaten by his now ex boyfriend...more

7 likes · like · see review

Feb 01, 2013 Vladimir rated it 1 of 5 stars

I really had high hopes for this book but sadly, it didn't work out for me. First, the story felt so rushed that my head was spinning after just two chapters. There was childhood love, growing up, parting ways, then college, marriage, hook-ups, break-ups, coming together again, revelations and an unexpected turn of events that led the MC's playing house. That's a lot to take in in just a few chapters.

Second, the plot had several holes that just made me groan at the end of the story. Minor char...more
I really had high hopes for this book but sadly, it didn't work out for me. First, the story felt so rushed that my head was spinning after just two chapters. There was childhood love, growing up, parting ways, then college, marriage, hook-ups, break-ups, coming together again, revelations and an unexpected turn of events that led the MC's playing house. That's a lot to take in in just a few chapters.

Second, the plot had several holes that just made me groan at the end of the story. Minor characters kept running around the place without any proper character sketch that just caused a whole lot of confusion for me by going back a few pages every now and then just to remember who they were. Particularly Sammy and Nancy that just materialized somewhere along the 2nd & 3rd chapter.

And my God, I thought the character of Teagan was such an epic fail. I mean, how can you be a freaking antagonist without interacting with any of the characters...ever? I didn't even get to read her say a word or think one thought throughout the whole story! The rest of the characters just narrated her over and everything she did was either implied or occured behind the curtains. She was just this melevolent, invisble, faceless entity that got slapped with a restraining order in the end. She wouldn't even have existed had it not for her name being mentioned every now and then. It was absurd!

And finally, the writting didn't help with the story either. Usually, I can forgive the plot holes in exchange for decent writting but there were weird use of pronouns and verbs like:

"..In less than a month I will be gone and I will eventually get over Kayne Henderson."

"Look, just forget it. I will figure something out myself."

And there were redundant construction of sentences such as:

"..I won't tell him, and you won't tell him, so who's going to tell him? My secret will remain just that, a secret."

...Why the hell am I even thinking about this now when Jacen's lying sedated in the bed? It's so fucken weird that I'm even thinking about this now.

I never thought I'd ever give a single star rating with any book but the whole reading experience was just plain unpleasant.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 21, 2012 Serena Yates rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

Sweet, romantic, and very touching, this story has it all. With two men who fall for each other when they are still kids, but let misunderstandings and fear come between them over the years, there was just enough "will they, will they not" to keep me in suspense. But what made everything come alive for me was the characters and the feelings they shared.

Jacen is in love with Kayne, "the wrong" boy, one who he is certain is straight. He tries to move away, starts another relationship, but nothing...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 16, 2012 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/

Wow! One Last Kiss is the first book I’ve read by NJ Nielsen and it definitely won’t be my last! I was immediately swept up into these characters’ lives and the gripping, somewhat bittersweet story they told from the first page to the last word. I easily read this book without stopping from start to finish and craved more as soon as the story ended.

Jacen has always been in love with his brother’s best friend, Kayne. Although Jacen has been forthcoming about...more http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/

Wow! One Last Kiss is the first book I’ve read by NJ Nielsen and it definitely won’t be my last! I was immediately swept up into these characters’ lives and the gripping, somewhat bittersweet story they told from the first page to the last word. I easily read this book without stopping from start to finish and craved more as soon as the story ended.

Jacen has always been in love with his brother’s best friend, Kayne. Although Jacen has been forthcoming about his sexuality to his family and friends, he still pines for his secret crush. Jacen knows that his love for Kayne will be one-sided because the popular-bad-boy-Kayne has a girlfriend and would never look twice at a quiet teenager like him. When Jacen finds out that Kayne will be attending a community awards banquet, and Kayne asks Jacen to hang around him, Jacen is thrilled. But Jacen’s hopeful dreams are shattered when Kayne and his girlfriend attend the banquet together and Jacen can’t get a moment alone with him. Frustrated and feeling lonely, Jacen goes outside for some fresh air and hopefully gain a new perspective on things. He’s surprised when Kayne approaches him and gives him a kiss. Although, Jacen is confused by the kiss, he knows it’s the only time he’ll ever have Kayne in his arms, so he relishes every stolen moment he has with him.

Six years later, Jacen has worked hard to have a successful career, but he’s still not able to get past his feelings of love for Kayne. When he finds out that Kayne’s wife has left him and their two children desolate, Jacen immediately jumps at the opportunity to help Kayne and invites him and the children to move in with him until Kayne gets back on his feet. But the more the two men are together; the harder it is for Jacen to hide the love he has for Kayne. When tragedy strikes, both Jacen and Kayne’s feelings for each other come to a head…hopefully before it is too late.

I loved this book! Both Jacen and Kayne are well-written characters that I couldn’t help but love. Both men are far from perfect, but they are truly perfect for each other. They are men I could easily see as someone I would be proud to call a friend in my everyday life. They are both proud, strong men who were realistically written and addictive to read about. I loved Jacen’s determination to live his life as himself, even though he knew some people would judge him for his sexuality. He loves his family, is a faithful friend and has a beautiful heart that makes him very attractive.

Kayne was also a character that I really loved. Although he’s been a victim of his own making, he realizes that he wants Jacen in his life, and it’s his determination to build a life with Jacen that made me adore him. At times Kayne could be very complex and confused, but in the end, he’s willing to push past his fears to be with Jacen. Both characters go through changes and evolve throughout the novel, and it was amazing watching these two characters finally working their way to be together.

If you are looking for a romantic, sweet and well-written story, One Last Kiss Goodbye is definitely the book for you. I loved spending the day with these characters and I can’t wait to read more books written by this author. Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi(less)

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Jun 14, 2012 Pixie Mmgoodbookreviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

4 1/2 Hearts

First published at MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

Jacen left to start a new life when he left for college. All he had to really remember Kayne by was one last kiss goodbye. But, now years later he is back and his and Kayne’s lives become entangled again, but this time the truth comes out. Kayne hid his feelings, six years ago, to allow Jacen to grow and become the man he was meant to be and is now single with two young children. Kayne hopes to make up for...more 4 1/2 Hearts

First published at MM Good Book Reviews

http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...

Jacen left to start a new life when he left for college. All he had to really remember Kayne by was one last kiss goodbye. But, now years later he is back and his and Kayne’s lives become entangled again, but this time the truth comes out. Kayne hid his feelings, six years ago, to allow Jacen to grow and become the man he was meant to be and is now single with two young children. Kayne hopes to make up for the past and make Jacen face the truth.

This was a lovely story that had a bittersweet parting, some angst, some danger and some making up. Jacen believes that Kayne is straight. he has always believed it and still he is in love with him, even after all these years. Kayne couldn’t let anyone know that he pined for Jacen and ended up having a family. But, now he’s getting divorced and Jacen is coming home. But between their exs, trouble is following both of them.

This is quite a sweet novella, if you just concentrate on Jacen and Kayne’s relationship and ignore the flying debris of their past relationships, Jacen loving Kayne for years, Kayne wanting Jacen for years, but Kayne knows that Jacen has to spread his wings and become a man. He lets Jacen go physically, because no matter what he wants, at that point Jacen was only 15 and heading for university. Jacen takes that kiss with him knowing that is all he will ever have of Kayne. But, years later they struggle to connect, as Kayne tries to make Jacen realize that it is him Kayne wants. If we bring in the previous relationships, then we get quite a messy story as Kayne’s ex, Teagan, just wants to punish him and Jacen’s ex, George, wants him back even after beating the crap out of him. (Stupid man)

So, a sweet but troubled romance story, that will have you going awwww and dewy-eyed as their love unfolds. It’s the type of romance that you would tell the grandkids. letting love go and then fighting for it at the right time, becoming stronger for what has gone before and accepting that sometimes you have to take a chance on new/old love and believe that it’s right for you. This is a well written story that was a joy to read.

So if you want a story of lasting love, growing up, making mistakes, reuniting, a touch of danger, some angst and a wonderful ending then this is the book for you.(less)

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Sep 14, 2012 Valentina Heart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt, the-romance-reviews

This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

ONE LAST KISS GOODBYE is a romantic story that ignores the passage of time as well as distance and provides the reader with that satisfying although somewhat far-fetched ending.

Jacen has been in love with Kayne since he was barely a teenager, but with each passing day and his crush developing into something stronger, new obstacles keep on popping up and making his dream unreachable.

The story starts with a sort...more This review was originally written for The Romance Reviews and can also be found there.

ONE LAST KISS GOODBYE is a romantic story that ignores the passage of time as well as distance and provides the reader with that satisfying although somewhat far-fetched ending.

Jacen has been in love with Kayne since he was barely a teenager, but with each passing day and his crush developing into something stronger, new obstacles keep on popping up and making his dream unreachable.

The story starts with a sort of an introduction that explains the beginning of the relationship between Jacen and Kayne. It's but a few pages that made me skeptical at first but truly ended up being my favorite part of the book. Once we are transferred into the present, the more incredulous paths start to arise and that starting magic sort of fades. The pair has obviously been in love with each other for quite some time, but each of them took a different road, trying to move on and forget their true feelings. Jacen found himself in an abusive relationship while Kayne ended up married to a rather unpleasant person but with two children he adores.

I liked the whole somewhat desperate feel to the story, where both men came out of a sad and difficult situation to the possibility of maybe finally having what they wanted for years – each other. But the random meddling from family, exes and the sheer stupidity of the main characters pretty much cut down the romance, not to mention the innocence I'd expected based on the first few pages of the story.

This time, my positive thoughts go only to the very idea for the story and the vision of the characters because I do think this story could have been amazing if it had taken triple the amount of pages and cut down on the unnecessary action inputs.

So far I've read a few stories by this author and find it somewhat hard to believe they were actually written by the same person. I found the writing to be very different in each of them and my enjoyment unpredictable. ONE LAST KISS GOODBYE wasn't particularly to my liking, but the story does hold an array of elements the readers might find appealing.(less)

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Jun 16, 2012 Veronica / V rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the kind of books that I like so much, what a lovely, beautiful story.

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 07, 2012 Becky Mrs Condit Reads Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

4 1/2 stars!
There are two subplots to the rest of the story: will Kayne come out and accept a gay partnership with Jacen and who is terrorizing Jacen and why? The children in the story are adorable, the MCs loveable, their families completely supportive, so there has to be an HEA at the end, right? Well, I said it was heartwarming, so you draw your own conclusion.
ONE LAST KISS GOODBYE is sweet, charming, and a light read that is very satisfying and enjoyable.
Please see my complete review July 13...more

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Aug 06, 2012 Cindi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, m-m, nook-paid

3.5 stars

This is a sweet story about Jacen, who has had a crush on his brother's friend (Kayne) since he was 11 and Kayne was 14. It starts with a quick flashback with Jacen admitting to his father and brother that he may be gay and that he has feelings for Kayne. He is warned away from Kayne and is told to promise never to let Kayne know his feelings because Kayne is straight and would not handle Jacen's crush well. It then jumps to Jacen at 15 and Kayne at 18. There is an emotional scene betwe...more 3.5 stars

This is a sweet story about Jacen, who has had a crush on his brother's friend (Kayne) since he was 11 and Kayne was 14. It starts with a quick flashback with Jacen admitting to his father and brother that he may be gay and that he has feelings for Kayne. He is warned away from Kayne and is told to promise never to let Kayne know his feelings because Kayne is straight and would not handle Jacen's crush well. It then jumps to Jacen at 15 and Kayne at 18. There is an emotional scene between the two and not long after, Jacen (who is very intelligent and gets into college early) goes off to school, leaving Kayne behind. He gets involved in a bad relationship with a man named George. Kayne gets married at 18 and shortly after becomes a father to two children.

I am normally not one for flashbacks in books but I enjoyed how they were written in this one. You need to see those times in order to understand everything that happens later. It's when Jacen leaves George and comes back home that the story kind of loses me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but I felt that everything just moved so fast. Jacen is 20 when he moves back home. Kayne is now available and things move rather quickly between the two of them. No, they move VERY quickly. (view spoiler) Jacen's family jumps in and totally controls Jacen's life from the minute he moves back home (though he moves into his own place). This is done without any real regard for what he wants. Also, it says that Jacen has been involved with George for 5 years. So, he got sexually involved with this guy when he was 15???? There's a little drama (with Kayne and Jacen's exes) that is resolved quickly. Kayne's kids are adorable (I am a sucker for stories with kids in them). Both families (Jacen and Kayne's) are interesting, but frustrating at times.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. I loved watching Jacen as he went from an 11 year old kid to an adult. I just would have liked to have seen him act more like an adult in some cases later. He kind of came across as a little too needy where Kayne was concerned. This did not take away from the story as a whole. I will definitely be reading more by this author.(less)

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Sep 17, 2012 Gabbi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: silver-publishing, top2bottom-reviews, nj-nielsen, favorites, friends-to-lovers, gay-romance

Wow! One Last Kiss is the first book I’ve read by NJ Nielsen and it definitely won’t be my last! I was immediately swept up into these characters’ lives and the gripping, somewhat bittersweet story they told from the first page to the last word. I easily read this book without stopping from start to finish and craved more as soon as the story ended.

Jacen has always been in love with his brother’s best friend, Kayne. Although Jacen has been forthcoming about his sexuality to his family and friend...more Wow! One Last Kiss is the first book I’ve read by NJ Nielsen and it definitely won’t be my last! I was immediately swept up into these characters’ lives and the gripping, somewhat bittersweet story they told from the first page to the last word. I easily read this book without stopping from start to finish and craved more as soon as the story ended.

Jacen has always been in love with his brother’s best friend, Kayne. Although Jacen has been forthcoming about his sexuality to his family and friends, he still pines for his secret crush. Jacen knows that his love for Kayne will be one-sided because the popular-bad-boy-Kayne has a girlfriend and would never look twice at a quiet teenager like him. When Jacen finds out that Kayne will be attending a community awards banquet, and Kayne asks Jacen to hang around him, Jacen is thrilled. But Jacen’s hopeful dreams are shattered when Kayne and his girlfriend attend the banquet together and Jacen can’t get a moment alone with him. Frustrated and feeling lonely, Jacen goes outside for some fresh air and hopefully gain a new perspective on things. He’s surprised when Kayne approaches him and gives him a kiss. Although, Jacen is confused by the kiss, he knows it’s the only time he’ll ever have Kayne in his arms, so he relishes every stolen moment he has with him.

Six years later, Jacen has worked hard to have a successful career, but he’s still not able to get past his feelings of love for Kayne. When he finds out that Kayne’s wife has left him and their two children desolate, Jacen immediately jumps at the opportunity to help Kayne and invites him and the children to move in with him until Kayne gets back on his feet. But the more the two men are together; the harder it is for Jacen to hide the love he has for Kayne. When tragedy strikes, both Jacen and Kayne’s feelings for each other come to a head…hopefully before it is too late.

I loved this book! Both Jacen and Kayne are well-written characters that I couldn’t help but love. Both men are far from perfect, but they are truly perfect for each other. They are men I could easily see as someone I would be proud to call a friend in my everyday life. They are both proud, strong men who were realistically written and addictive to read about. I loved Jacen’s determination to live his life as himself, even though he knew some people would judge him for his sexuality. He loves his family, is a faithful friend and has a beautiful heart that makes him very attractive.

Kayne was also a character that I really loved. Although he’s been a victim of his own making, he realizes that he wants Jacen in his life, and it’s his determination to build a life with Jacen that made me adore him. At times Kayne could be very complex and confused, but in the end, he’s willing to push past his fears to be with Jacen. Both characters go through changes and evolve throughout the novel, and it was amazing watching these two characters finally working their way to be together.

If you are looking for a romantic, sweet and well-written story, One Last Kiss Goodbye is definitely the book for you. I loved spending the day with these characters and I can’t wait to read more books written by this author. Highly Recommended!(less)

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Jun 16, 2012 jules0623 rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: evil-harpy-gf-ex-wife-friend, exes-that-are-not-awesome, violence-or-torture, break-up-and-make-up, first-times, friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you, homophobia, in-the-closet, infidelity-or-temptation, relationship-m-m, married-or-committed-men, misunderstandings-abound, moving-on, stalker, timey-wimey-or-flashbacks, engagements-and-wedding-bells, domestic-violence-or-other-abuse

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 04, 2012 Meggie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

The start was pulling and actually pretty solid. I liked it a lot. But when the story turned into a present time the intensity and the enjoyment with the plot, started to stagnate. What do we want more, Jacen and Kayne got their HEA and that's what counts.

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Jun 24, 2012 Perpetua rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this but it kind of left me wondering did George start dating Jacen when he was 15? I ginna got the impression that he was a lot older. The characters seemed a little young to have gone through all this angst!

1 like · like · see review

Sep 30, 2012 SheReadsALot rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance, angst, contemporary, short-story, friends-to-lovers, damaged-hero

Lackluster story ending from a decent beginning.

One Star for the premise, the author has some good ideas.

And one star for me reaching the end.

I would have given it 2 1/2 STARS but this is what irked me...

Fucken.

The author used "fucken" instead of "fucking". Which lead me to wonder did she mean to spell Jacen and Macen that way too or were their names just misspelled.

So just...*sigh*.

TWO STARS

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Aug 01, 2012 Moniqee rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

A feel good story with a little dramatic angst thrown in between. Nice but not enough spice to keep me back.

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Jul 08, 2012 grumpybybirth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Left me with that feel good feeling and a smile. What more could you ask for!

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Jun 29, 2012 Heather♥ rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

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Jul 19, 2012 Andrea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

Full review to follow.

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Jan 24, 2013 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, romantic story and lovable characters. I loved the main characters and the supportive families.
I didn't gave five points only because the Teagan and George storyline ended a little bit rushed and unfinished.

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Jun 21, 2012 Embry Carlysle rated it 5 of 5 stars

My favorite NJ Nielsen book so far!!!!

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Jun 23, 2012 Pj rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this novel. I liked the characters because they didn't act all fake. I'm really hoping that NJ does a story for Jacen's brother Micah and his lover Sammy. I thought it was cute how Macen adapted so well to the change in Jacen and Kayne's relationship.

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Sep 14, 2012 Angelmira rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

Sweet story.

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May 18, 2013 Suzy rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 16, 2013 Tina marked it as to-read

May 15, 2013 Lily Pilly marked it as to-read

May 12, 2013 Stacey rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 09, 2013 Kelly marked it as to-read

May 07, 2013 Sascha marked it as to-read

May 06, 2013 Kara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 28, 2013 Audrey marked it as to-read

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About N.J. Nielsen

NJ, is just an ordinary person that has a million stories in her head that she needs to get out and share with the world. I began writing at the age of Twelve with a book Called Admetus Gaea-Untamed World... which I have only recently just found and am almost finished writing it.

I love reading anything, and I have worked my way through a few over the years. My own writing features it all from th...more

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Shadows on the Heart (Masters of Time #1)

Rules Are Meant To Be Broken (The Lines of Marsden # 1)

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