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Linda is on a mission to find her father. Her journey to locate the gifted musician who abandoned her before she was born takes her through the steamy and drug fueled world of the LA music scene where she is rapidly climbing the ranks as a prime groupie sought after by the brilliant and talented men of rock music.

Jackson Parker is a living music legend from the ‘60s. But hard living, the death of his wife, private tragedies, and a personal life in shambles sends him on a downward spiral into despair.

On a lonely night on a Santa Barbara beach the last thing either expects is to find the one person they absolutely need to make their lives complete. Will Linda’s chance meeting with a drunken Jackson change both of their lives forever?

Together these two broken and desperate souls collide in a passionate affair that is impossible for either of them to resist. Together they each find the solace they need: a man searching for peace and a girl searching for closure. One thing is certain, their chance meeting has kicked off an affair without end…

120 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

91 people are currently reading
641 people want to read

About the author

Susan Ward

43 books491 followers
Award-Winning author Susan Ward is a #1 bestselling author of Rock Star Romance and New Adult Fiction. Known for complex, gritty, and unpredictable emotional reads, to the delight of her readers she is always expanding her fictional universe.

She likes her romance books to be packed with exciting heroes who keep you guessing, and intelligent, complicated heroines who make them work to get them. Her stories are filled with twists you won't see coming, both laughter and tears, and her Happy Endings are never cookie-cutter, but always deliciously satisfying.

She lives in California with her husband and dog Lady. Her favorite things to do are writing an angsty HEA love story, drinking coffee, eating chocolate, having a good glass of wine, traveling, binge watching TV series once the episodes are fully released, and chatting with her readers.

For future releases, upcoming book signings, or to contact: Http://www.susanwardbooks.com
Or follow on Twitter @susaninlaguna
Or Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwardboo...
Want to know the reading order of her books: www.susanwardbooks.com/parker-series1...

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5 stars
107 (40%)
4 stars
93 (35%)
3 stars
47 (17%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,564 reviews326 followers
March 8, 2019
This was a short quick read that I liked. Jackson Parker is a 🎸star who can have any woman that he wants. But after the death of his wife and son he is heartbroken and alone, and wants nothing to do with anyone. On a beach in Santa Barbara, Linda finds Jack alone at night and in need of help. She’s a feisty, strong, independent woman seventeen years his junior with a troubling past of her own. Linda is a normal college girl, who loves rock stars. She has never had good luck with guys her boyfriend cheated on her. She's never fallen in love. And most importantly, she's never had a man make love to her like she was the only girl in the world for him. This was a good read and sad at times I felt bad for Jack. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for DawnMarie  Carpintero.
Author 2 books19 followers
September 25, 2014
One Last Kiss by, Susan Ward
5 Stars

This book was given to me for my honest review.

“Don’t promise me. Promise yourself” Linda to Jack

This is the second book that I have read by this author and it is just as amazing as the first.

Jack-hot, legendary in his own right

Linda-sassy, unsure and guarded

Walking on a beach in the middle of the night never felt so right for Linda not to mention a bit scary but by her own fears of the unknown. She has been in college floating never to be grounded by anyone ever with the exception of her mother that only holds out hope. Can this young woman find what she so desperately seeks? Can a stranger that she finds along the beach hold the key to the past and the future yet to come?

Jack is a man that is not on any particular mission. He has a past filled with sorrow but at the same time leaves things to chance. Being on the beach this particular night with his drunken self seemed to be ideal but was it really? A chance encounter by a very young woman never felt so right but also a little bit scary to. With everyone wanting something from him can he put aside his fears to let the unknown in?

Jack and Linda’s journey together is not what dreams are made of by far. This is what chance encounters are made of to no avail. He would not like anything more than to give Linda the world but will she take it and let him in or will she run away never not knowing what can be if she only gave a chance encounter a meaningful glance? They both know that being together in and out of bed is WOW the sex is hot and the talks come easy but to what avail? Can these two damaged souls find love and happiness? For these answers you will so have to pick up this book and take the chance as I did.

To the author you WOWED me again with another amazing read. Bringing these two together was awesome and felt so right. The sex between the two was and will always be legendary.

To the readers: Please pick up this book and start this journey with Linda and Jack and see if they find the happiness they both deserve.

Happy Reading
Profile Image for Noelle.
112 reviews
April 22, 2015
This copy was given to me as a gift by the author. Thank you! Susan Ward is amazing. I love all of her books! And I can't wait to read "The Signature!"

*This review may contain some spoilers*

This was such a sweet little novella.

Linda was a spunky heroine who was a bit broken. Before she meets the hero, she only dated musicians that treated her like crap. She dates them because she wants to find her father who was also a musician.

I liked the H/h first meeting. The heroine is walking along the beach and comes across a drunk person who ends up being another musician naked Jackson Parker. He was different from the others, extremely sweet and loving. And he was a very cute drunk! Also very, very sexy!

The sex scenes, OMG. They were hot. Could jack be any more sexy? Every girl needs one of him. I got butterflies every time he called her lovely Linda.

I was sad for Jack. Not only did he lose his wife, but he he lost his son from an overdose. All he has left is his daughter. I was happy he and Linda found each other. The ending was a bit sad but I know Jack won't give up.
Profile Image for Gypsy Madden.
Author 2 books31 followers
September 17, 2015
One Last Kiss is a sexy, smoldering, dream of a short story (though not so short if you consider it’s broken into 3 parts). Jack swiftly became one of my favorite romantic book heroes-he’s larger than life (for some reason I keep picturing a tall Tom Cruise with his long-blond Lestat wig, but with a soft, caring, romantic, old-fashioned personality that hasn’t let the lifestyle of the rich and famous turn him into a snob). I love each and every minute we spent with him as he tries to get Linda to accept him for him and look beyond her past and live in the present. Linda is a frustrating character at times for obsessing on her past and how it can wreck her future, while she doesn’t seem to see that what she does to prevent it is actually hurting her in the present even more and you just want to shout at her each time she attempts to distance herself. I also loved that this story seemed to draw on Pretty Woman, through without Richard Gere’s snobbiness and the business dealings that bored me from the movie and Linda had a far better education and upbringing than Julia Roberts, which made it more realistic for the two characters to have common ground. But I loved that there was that familiar scene in the ladies clothing store with the clerk looking down her long nose at Linda.

I am not normally a reader of erotic modern romances (usually I prefer paranormal fantasies, but this was free and the description was tempting sweet romance rather than just the cheap sex that’s normally in this genre), but this was a charmer of a story. And once I finished this first installment (which took me no time at all), I snapped up the other two books in the continuation immediately. Jack easily won me over and I can see him charming a store more of female readers looking for a bit of romance, especially when he fervently tells Linda that despite his superstar status, he is a one woman man.
Profile Image for Olivia Howe.
Author 16 books132 followers
March 22, 2015
One Last Kiss is the first book I've read from author Susan Ward. I absolutely love rock n' roll music, I love the lifestyle, and I sure love reading about a rock star romance. I'm so happy I found this book. Ms. Susan did a wonderful job!

Linda is a normal college girl, who loves rock stars. But, she has a reason for falling for bad boys, a reason you will find out when you read this book. She's never had luck with guys. She's never fallen in love. And most importantly, she's never had a man make love to her like she was the only girl in the world for him.

Jack is a ROCK GOD. He's struggling with his own personal problems and losses. He's lost the two most important people in his life. He's stopped going on tour. He hasn't showed himself out in public. He's determined to taking care of his only living child.

Linda and Jack meet by accident. It must be faith. They are instantly drawn to each other, and Linda finally finds that right man, and Jack has finally found his forever.

This rock star romance was absolutely creative and breathtaking. I enjoyed reading this, considering I read this book in one sitting. Next, I'll be reading book two.

5 stars for this beautiful book.
Profile Image for The Book Fairy Reviews.
2,502 reviews47 followers
September 18, 2014
Heart warming, Heart Breaking and just breath taking!
This is a story of a girl that is so broken hearted, that she made it her goal to find him no matter the cost. Linda never expected that she would find her answer to finding her father in the man that would completely change her life both emotionally and physically.
Jack wasn't looking for love, living in his house mourning the loss of his wife and separation from his children. One night changes everything for him when an Angel in a Toga comes to his rescue.
This story tugged at my heart. I totally connected with the feelings of abandonment Linda feels due to her father. I felt the loneliness that Jack was feeling. Most of all I felt how much he truly loved Linda.
I can't wait to get more of their story.
Profile Image for Tiffany Archer.
36 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2015
This is the first book that I've read by Ms Ward. I'd like to start off by saying that this is not my general genre. I DO NOT under ANY circumstance do romance.

That being said, this book is so so much more than a simple romance. I was sucked in from page one. I love the tortured soul of Jack and the lost childhood of Linda. Without realizing it, they begin saving each other right from the beginning. I love watching their romance unfold. They help each other in so many ways by just being their damaged selves.

Ms Ward has a writing style that is amazing and will hold you start to finish. And that is coming from a no romance reader with the attention span of a gnat. I would, and have, recommended this story to my friends. It's so much more than simple romance. You have a new fan in me!
Profile Image for Shirl.
20 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2014
I had read The Girl on the Half Shell by Susan Ward before this book. I loved learning more about Jack and Linda. Insight into both of their painful pasts. The story of their chance meeting. Love, Romance, Awesome Sex Scenes!! I want to know about what happens next with both of them. You really feel for the characters the author builds here. You can feel how Linda sabotages herself with self doubt. How does she go from this to the strong woman we meet in The Girl in the Half Shell? I want to know!! Susan Ward has fast become one of my favorite authors. Can't wait to continue reading this series as well as her others!!
Profile Image for Debra.
27 reviews
November 7, 2014
When it comes to Romance I give Susan Ward 5 Stars and more!

I really loved this book,from page 1 to the very last page it had me. Linda and Jack's characters were so real that I could really relate to them and their feelings. The storyline with its Romance,Love and the Sex got me to the point I could not put it down. I can't wait to read book 2 and get more of their story.

I highly recommend !!! This is a Must Read!!!

Susan Ward your amazing !!
713 reviews8 followers
September 17, 2014
ARC for review.

This is the first book by Susan Ward I have read and it wont be the last.

Its short sexy read about a chance encounter which leads to love, romance, with great sex scenes.

Linda gets the answers she has been searching for but at what cost? I hope Susan is planning on writing more about Jackson & Linda.

Profile Image for Jenn Book Ramblings.
621 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2015
This book is simply incredible!! I enjoyed every single second of this book. Everything from the characters, to the plot line were written to absolute perfection. I will definitely be rereading this book again in the future as well as recommending to many people!! Susan Ward wrote a phenomenal novel!
Profile Image for P.A..
Author 2 books15 followers
December 24, 2017
Interesting story line. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Gina.
10 reviews
March 18, 2018
Frustration!

In general is a good story, however it is difficult to love Linda as a character. I love Jack's character!
1,838 reviews19 followers
October 9, 2018
One last kiss 1

A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series,
Profile Image for William.
2,882 reviews29 followers
June 18, 2021
What a beautiful rendition of Linda searching for her father and through Jack, tracks him down. Fortunately they fall in love, but dad turns out to be a shit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Luna Serenity.
60 reviews14 followers
May 30, 2019
What an encounter.

One Last Kiss is OMG, and full of sweetness, it would give anyone a cavity. I'm swooning after I finished this book. I'm melting and I don't know how to crawl my way out of the nectarous bubble that is Jackson Parker.

Jackson f*cking Parker, is perfection. He's rich, sweet and did I say perfection.

PERFECTION.

Any who, Linda is a college student who dates rock stars in hopes that one day she may stumble upon her famous father, who she hasn't seen since she was a little girl. At a Halloween party, she finds her boyfriend cheating on her and so she decides to ditch him at the party.

Walking along the beach, to find her way home, Linda stumbles upon a drunken man. Against her better judgement, she helps this drunken man home to find out that he is a legend in his own rights. Jackson Parker, is known by many for his talents.

From that point, this story takes a very intense turn that has Linda's head spinning, but all in a good way. Jackson Parker believes that everything happens for a reason. He doesn't allow just anybody, and anybody in his bed. And most importantly, Jackson Parker believes that Linda has fallen into his life for a reason, and not just to end up beneath him.

Linda has decided to stay in Jackson's life, because she believes that he will be able to find her father. Lucky for her, Jackson has taken an interest in the young college student, and enjoys her company. And OMG, the swoon factor in this book is over the charts.

Jackson was such a patient, sweet guy. Nothing about his actions, was crude or mean toward Linda. He took his time, he showed her and told her always what he wanted. He didn't treat her how all other rock stars treated Linda, and he showed her nothing but respect.

Linda on the other hand, thought that Jackson's sweet actions were going to fade in time. She was just some fling and once Jackson gets Linda out of his system, he would move on. There's a lot of emotional baggage that Linda carries with her. Jackson has his own baggage, but he handles it differently. Jackson has a very positive outlook on life. Most of the time, Linda describes his personality as boyish and that's because Jackson is very carefree and playful. He doesn't let much hold him back in a negative way, and he's very patient when Linda is purposely pushing buttons, because of her guards.

I loved the carefree relationship between Linda and Jackson.

And now I'm on to read the next installment.

It doesn’t end with a HEA.
Profile Image for Pratr- Authors.
442 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2014
Wow!

I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.

Wow! This book captured me from page one. Linda is a young women out to find answers the best way she knows how, by being a groupie. Her father left before she was born, all she knows about him is that he is a drummer and his name. One night she is walking the beach after a bad date with her " boyfriend " when she stumbles onto one of the greatest guitarists in rock & roll history.
Jack has lost so much in his life, he was sitting on the beach drinking his sorrows away when a beautiful women finds him and offers to take him home. Jack has had a string of bad luck and he is hoping after finding a beautiful women on the beach things might be looking up for him finally.

I loved this book well most of it, I will get to that part in min. Let me tell you what I loved. Jack is an amazing character, kind, funny charming and oh so hot. He is almost too perfect but that's what draws you into his character. My heart goes out to jack, Ms. Ward did an amazing job with connecting you to him and his emotions.The story was intriguing, it made you want to keep reading, wishing things would go in jacks favor.
Now onto what upset me about this most interesting book. Linda was not my favorite character and I can't even tell you why cause it would give too much away. But the biggest thing that made me so mad that I threw my kindle on the couch and walked away.... Was the ending. Or I should say the lack of one. I've never been a fan of cliffhangers, I hate unanswered questions, it keeps me up at night thinking what ifs whats going to happen next. I guess i will be in line for next book since i have to know whats going to happen next in the saga of Linda and Jack!

I would rate this book 4 out of 5, it was a great book and i truly loved reading it. Just wished it could have had a better ending to the book. I would have been happy to give this book a 5 fangs, but i have to take off for the cliffhanger.
Profile Image for GoodGlory.
417 reviews3 followers
October 16, 2014
** I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads Giveaway**

I had originally written a different review for this book. And I had stated that the book was a DNF. But anyone who knows me, knows that I hate not finishing a book. And I wanted to be fair with this book and give a proper review for it. That being said, I do realize how much sweat and tears go into writing a book. I felt it only fair to start fresh. So, I read this book, start to finish within a few hours today. I'm happy to say that I could come back, and write a new review having fully read the book. I mentioned getting burned out on the same types of books. How one story seems like the next and so on. Honestly at first this did seem like one of those books. The story ended up having a little twist to it. Which was cool. I liked this book and I'm really happy that I gave it a second chance. So a little about the story.... Linda Cray is a young woman whose life has been lived from one rock star to the next, meanwhile she's searching for the man who abandoned her. One night while walking along the beach she stumbles upon a man passed out on the beach. From there a whirlwind romance begins. Can she accept her love for Jack? The attraction is instant and it seems like this story might have another part? Another book maybe?
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,375 reviews20 followers
March 12, 2015
I received a copy of this book as part of a two book set containing books 1 & 2 of the "Affair without End" series from the Goodreads: First Reads giveaways.

Actual Rating would be a 3.5.

I knew that the book was short but since there was more in the series, I wasn't expecting everything to be so rushed. The story just took off with no build-up and tension. Understandable if it was just a stand alone novella but slightly disappointing for book #1 of a series. This is the main flaw that I find with Ward's writing as for the most part, she writes well; interesting characters and a different angle on a tired story. It was refreshing to see a female character that is so deeply flawed but honest about it. She basically admits to be a "groupie" and being a bit slutty. I like the modern direction that women take in books nowadays where yes, the female lead is not a virgin and at times, has a bit of a long list of partners.
Thankfully, this novella didn't read like "50 Shades of Grey". I know that a lot of books that in this genre will face that comparison and it seems unfair to be honest. If you liked FSoG, there is a chance that you will like this small set but to me, Ward has the potential to be a much better writer with more well-rounded characters and intriguing plot-lines.

Not a bad hour read and I look forward to starting on book 2.


Profile Image for S.N. Williams.
Author 4 books43 followers
September 17, 2014
Shannon’s Review
This book started out crazy. A good crazy though. The further I got into this book I was so intrigued by Jackson Parker I needed his story.
Jackson is a sixties rock legend, yes I said sixties, who has endured enough drama for five people. He is broken but I believe he is fixable. Especially when Linda finds him on the beach passed out. Linda is another one that is truly broken in more ways than one. She has a dream of finding her dad and only dates rock stars to do so.
I liked the story of Linda trying to find her way. She is so misguided and young but is yet is old too. She has life experiences girls her age normally don’t have. Now the one thing that got me was the age. I had to think about this for a while. The more I thought about it if he is hot and that intelligent I would be okay with it. It’s almost like Johnny Depp. I would do him knowing his age. It really left me wanting more.
I am giving this book 4 hearts.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,601 reviews48 followers
September 15, 2014
ARC for Review

Linda Cray is searching for her dad while on a college scholarship. She finds herself in Los Angeles one night at a toga party where she finds her boyfriend cheating on her once again.

She goes off and takes a walk along the beach where she stumbles across a drunken older man. She feels sorry for him as she escorts him back to his place and was just going to leave him there

He turns out to be Jackson Parker a famous musician from the sixties. He was drowning himself in alcohol remembering his wife and son tragic deaths.

A chance meeting that turns into love, will they take the opportunity that life has given them? Will these two broken souls heal each other or will they destroy each other? Love finds us when we least expect it.
Profile Image for Michelle Nageldinger.
398 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2014
One Last Kiss by Susan Ward
4 Stars
received an ARC in exchange for an honest review from addicted to books and authors

We first meet Linda, a college student who is hang around musicians in hopes of finding her father you left her many years ago. After an argument with her boyfriend she flees from a beach house party and stumbles upon music legend Jackson Parker, she immediately recognizes him and wonders if he could help her. As their chemistry grows and Jack knows he is falling for Linda, he finds her father and tries to reconnect the two. However Linda decides to return home and leave Jack....who is determined that he knows one last kiss is not enough.
61 reviews
September 18, 2014
This was a great novella. It was a great read and kept me entertained. The writing was smooth and fun.

I loved Linda. She is a free spirit who has terrible taste in men. Jack is a great character too. Hes had a bad few years, but he is amazing with Linda and the chemistry is undeniable. Linda has some serious daddy issues that makes her sleep with assholes in bands. She is trying to find her dad and she thinking that sleeping with rockstars is how she will accomplish it. I feel for Linda, but I wish she would see her self worth like Jack sees. I cant wait to see what is in store next for Linda.
Profile Image for Christina.
64 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2014
I received this book free as a Goodreads First Read. I enjoyed this book. It reminded me of an 80's rom-com movie, which I guess makes sense since it was set in 1980. The story had a little " Pretty Woman" feel to it at times. I was hoping to read more than a few pages about Linda's meeting her dad. That part seemed lacking to me considering Linda's ambition for most of her life was to find her father. But the relationship she builds with Jack was a sweet story that made up for where other parts of the story lacked. I look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Michelle Quintana.
1,867 reviews7 followers
April 9, 2015
Not quite what I was expecting but overall it was not bad. I was hoping to have Jack's pov but the story is only from Linda's. It is nice getting a glimpse into the life of Chrissie's dad. He seems like a wonderful guy, too bad Linda can't get over her own reputation and just be with him. She only has herself to blame since she chose to live the life of a groupie with no self-respect. Jack doesn't care about anything in her past. He is only into the here and now. Hopefully Linda will get over her self-esteem issues so she can truly be with Jack and the type of love that everybody wants
Profile Image for Andrea (mrsaubergine).
1,595 reviews92 followers
September 14, 2015
Having read the Half-Shell series, and the third book in this series which is more about Linda and Alan, I was intrigued to find out more about Jack. In Chrissie's books he's older and mellow, but here Jack is still fresh in his grief for his wife and son and you can see a glimpse of the reckless, rock star side of him, which is hot. Linda is ballsy and I like her a lot. My only gripe is that the story is too short! I'll be racing to read the next book now, and I think I desperately need a Jack book set in the sixties.
Profile Image for Shan ~A~.
3,460 reviews68 followers
July 3, 2016
Didn't really know how I wanted to rate this. I was definitely waffling between 3 and 4 stars, but by the end I decided on 4.

There are so many young women in the world like Linda, who don't know their own worth and let men use them for reasons only know to them.

There are not enough men in the world like Jackson. He was patient and understanding and he know what he wants, and whatever that is he sees it in Linda.

The story was short, but it was packed full of emotion. There were a few typos, but that can be easily overlooked.
Profile Image for Judie.
1,233 reviews
February 13, 2015
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*

The story of Jack and Linda was awesome! Jack is one hottie you won't want to miss out on & Linda is quite the spit-fire. The steamy and Romantic scenes were swoon-worthy and you will def enjoy those too!

Can't wait to see what book 2 brings!!
Profile Image for Mantis Mantis.
Author 10 books1 follower
January 14, 2016
Confounding Woman

I miss the days of dressing rooms and back stage flings. This goes a touch beyond the world I lived in during my club days in Boston's music scene of the 80's. I knew a few lost girls like Linda, though. Even lived with a couple. I look forward to the following books.
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