Last Kiss of Summer

by Jessica M. Felleman

A Walk to Remember meets Everything We Never Said in this heartbreaking and swoony YA love story about a girl whose summer of love takes a devastating turn.

When Sera Watkins and her family arrive at their summer house on Cape Cod, she has one goal in mind: protect her heart from the boy who broke it, her next-door neighbor, Luke Tisdale. The problem is, Luke still has a piece of her heart—literally. When Sera received a new heart as a baby, the healthy valves of her old heart were given to Luke. Forever bonded, Luke and Sera grew up together, spending sun-soaked days swimming at their secret beach and painting at art camp.

Then, two summers ago, their friendship almost turned into something more. Key word: almost. Because one fateful night, everything changed. Sera’s health took a turn for the worse. A family secret sent Luke spiraling. And they weren’t there for each other when it mattered the most.

Now, Sera is ready for a fresh start, which means no more pining over the boy next door. But Luke has grown up a lot since she’s seen him, and the chemistry she felt two summers ago? It’s still there. Sera isn’t sure she’s brave enough to risk it all again, but when she gets some difficult news, she realizes there’s no time to waste. Maybe it’s finally Luke and Sera’s moment, their chance to enjoy the sweet kiss of summer together—before it’s too late.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Summer Reads

320 pages, Paperback

Expected publication April 28, 2026

About the author

Jessica M. Felleman is a writer and literary agent from Massachusetts. She received her BA in English from Syracuse University and her MFA in Writing from CalArts. She lives on Cape Cod with her cranky tabby cat and can often be found at the beach looking for rocks. Last Kiss of Summer is her debut novel.

Reviews

[ishraq ✿ (semi-ia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

── ⊹ ࣪ ˖ three stars ☀️ ◞

rtc !!

[Liana Gold]

Every Summer After x A thousand boy kisses


Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers group and the author, Jessica M. Fellerman for the early eARC!

Publication date: April 28, 2026

[joni ౨ৎ - hiatus]

this sounds SO good and i may move it up my tbr 👀


thank you penguin teen canada for the physical arc

[Rebecca Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story for sure had me in my feels, and yes, I did cry like a baby. Definitely a good read. Pick it up, so I’m not the only one crying here.

[lydia {67} ୨ৎ]

❀° ┄───╮
pre-read
╰───┄ °❀

its about summer but its released in april... anywaysss its a romance soo 🤭

[Ashley Oldaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written, yet heart breaking story. It was a quick read that had me on an emotional roller coaster. I enjoyed the dual POV, however I wanted a little more of Luke’s POV throughout.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

[Amy Voelker · Rating 3 out of 5]

First just let me say that I realize I am definitely not the intended audience for this book. This is very much a young-adult book and if I were 18 I might have given it 5 stars. But now a few decades removed from my teens I honestly felt this book tried too hard to be an angsty, swoony love story and it fell flat. For the first half of the book the two main characters just danced around each other, both holding grudges the other didn’t understand from 2 years previous. The health conditions mentioned were so dramatic and overly focused on. I saw the big “twist” coming way in advance. In general twist like that, written to create the “ugly cry” in the reader may work in YA world but in general it just makes me mad.

This book probably works well for its intended audience but it wasn’t for me. Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been broken by a book in a long time, and this one is truly a masterpiece. Full of heart, swoons, and emotions you’ll be surprised by, Jessica M. Felleman is a debut to watch!

[Mallory King-Childs]

I want to thank Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for an advance copy of Last Kiss of Summer in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much, until I didn’t. I am so mad I don’t even want to rate it and refused to finish it if I’m being honest. I got to around 93ish% and refused to finish the rest for reasons I will not spill.

This book was so cute (till isn’t wasn’t). I “finished” it within 2 days. I was hooked. The writing style was great, the characters were amazing and I felt so attached to every single one of them, every single thing they’ve been through. Many emotions throughout the reading of this book.

If I could rate it while I loved it, it would be a 5 until it became a 1.

#LastKissofSummer #NetGalley

[Gwen S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of two friends inexplicably tied together by health issues. The story portrays the ups and downs and miscommunications of young love. It’s beautiful and emotional with the most heartbreaking ending.

[Ashlee (bookswithnopictures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What in the Nicholas Sparks??

[Daisy Casamassimo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Kiss of Summer is a sweet, heartwarming read. Jessica Felleman paints a vivid picture of small-town charm, orchard life, and the pull between family responsibilities and following your heart. The romance is tender and believable, and I enjoyed watching the characters grow into themselves while navigating love, loss, and second chances.

Overall, it’s a feel-good story with plenty of cozy, emotional depth. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a comforting romance with a touch of bittersweet reality.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC

[Livvy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There were parts of this book that I really liked. Sera and Luke's history was rich and deep, and I bought their connection was something special. I, however, thought the pacing felt off in some parts, and their getting together felt too slow. The last 20 or so pages also felt rushed, and so the ending felt fairly rushed.

I also thought some elements of this book were too unbelievable and didn't feel realistic. Though I do appreciate this book's deeper message on organ donation and how important it is to give back to those who need it most.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A total tear jerker The story of two sick teens meeting as neighbors and heart patients at the same time. Sera has had her transplant and major complications but now is going to the Cape for her first summer in two years.

What happens now if excruciating and sad and happy and love and family Yikes we went through it all

[Brianna Restovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful yet heartbreaking story about friends to lovers with dual POV. It’s definitely a tearjerker if you’re in need of a good cry. If you loved A Walk To Remember, you’ll love this book too. I couldn’t put this book down and read it all in one day. I was so wrapped up in these characters and ALL the feels. I loved it! The only thing I could wish for to make this book even better, would be more from Luke’s perspective…especially at the banging and ending of the book.

[Katie Lewin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start this review by saying, I am not a crier, but this book...Oh my god! I loved the dual POV and the pace of this book. This super cute small town romance is perfect for your older young adult crowd. The issues in this book are real and raw but nevertheless were an important part of the storey.

Sera and Luke hearts are connected and always will be. Best friends at one point; when they both needed each other the most, they weren't there for each other. That was until this summer, when it all changed and they gave into their feelings. That was until it was too late. I was hooked from the beginning and never saw the end coming.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Glory · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I'm glad we've been thrown together, that I don't think there's anyone else I'd want to travel the universe with.”
︵‿୨✧₊⊹☆⊹₊✧୧‿︵
~ 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 ~
🌅 Dual pov
🏖 Summer Vibes
☀️ Childhood Friends
❤️ Second-Chance
︵‿୨✧₊⊹☆⊹₊✧୧‿︵

~ 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 ~
In a way it's tragic I did like Last Kiss of Summer until well I didn’t, largely in part due to the last 10%. It was far from perfect, but it hits the right tones and vibes of a summer coming of age that is reminiscent of The Summer I Turned Pretty or a more YA version of Every Summer After, right until the ending that is. Ignoring my feelings on the ending, I do believe this is a solid debut from Jessica M. Felleman, it has emotional depth and both Sera and Luke were compelling distinct characters.

~ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 + 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 ~
The prose is simple and casual, with a more relaxed and conversational writing style. The writing does come off as a bit on the younger side which clashes at times with the more mature theme and upper ya tones. There's one open door scene that's a bit jarring considering the more young voice the novel takes on; while it isn't super detailed, it lacks the subtlety and the tiptoeing of most young adult books.

There's a lot of miscommunication between Sera and Luke with them basically not saying what they truly mean until 60% of the novel. Which is fair given they're teenagers. From there the miscommunication stops, but the pacing just halts and the story loses its momentum until the last few chapters.

Everything does feel a bit rushed at the end, but I would argue it is slightly fitting and Felleman was likely trying to convey how those kinds of moments in real life can feel chaotic and hasty. My only hang-up is some aspects feel unfinished as a result like I was left with questions and parts of a character arc were left ignored instead to present a grandeur message.

~ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 ~
The love between Sera and Luke was sweet and emotional at times due to bad timing and miscommunication. Felleman did a great job building the foundation and the chemistry between the pair, by having the rich childhood friend history and the symbolism of a heart between them, especially with Luke literally having a piece of Sera’s heart in him.

~ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 ~
As for the twist I saw it coming right when one of the characters said what can come off as a in the moment throw away line, but I had a feeling that line would come back to haunt the ending. My issue with the ending is it is definitely more tragic and even a tad bit cruel rather than bittersweet. Before reading I was expecting a second-chance summer romance and even though I did have an inkling of what was going to unfold the more I read, I still was left with the feeling I got bait-and-switch at the last minute. I do think this kind of ending can be done right though. It should have drawn more inspiration from A Walk to Remember, which embodies that more bittersweet feeling of tragic love that can be heart-wrenching but ultimately worth it.

- 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 & 𝐆.𝐏. 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐧𝐚𝐦'𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐜. -

[ShelfishlyKelly📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

I would rate this as a 4.25, but rounding to 4 for Goodreads.

This book absolutely gutted me. It’s pitched as A Walk to Remember meets Everything We Never Said, and I’d also throw in a bit of My Sister’s Keeper.

Sera was born with a heart defect, and the boy next door to her family’s summer home—Luke—had similar heart issues. When they were kids, they were part of a domino surgery: Sera received a new heart, and the healthy parts of her original heart went to Luke. It’s the kind of thing that ties two people together from the start, and they grow up as best friends.

As they get older, those feelings start to shift into something more. But when Sera has a medical event at sixteen, she misses a moment with Luke that ends up changing everything between them. From her perspective, it looks like he didn’t feel the same way. From his, he’s dealing with something that’s quietly unraveling his family. Neither of them knows what the other is going through, and instead of being there for each other, they end up drifting apart.

Now, two years later, Sera is back at her family’s summer home. She hasn’t really spoken to Luke in that time, but avoiding him isn’t exactly an option. At eighteen, she’s taking a gap year, fully aware that her future has never been guaranteed. For the summer, she’s teaching an art class at the same camp they used to attend as kids.

Both Sera and Luke share a love of art, but they approach it very differently. Sera is willing to dream about what her future could look like, even knowing she may not have as much time as she wants. Luke, on the other hand, has shifted his focus toward taking care of his family, putting a lot of his own wants on the back burner.

I did struggle with Luke at times. I know he’s a teenage boy, but it was frustrating watching the choices he makes once Sera is back in his life—especially knowing how he feels about her. It pulled me out of the story because I couldn’t fully reconcile those actions with what we’re told about his feelings.

That said, the emotional core of this book really works. There’s so much miscommunication and missed timing between them, and you can feel how much they matter to each other even when they’re not aligned.

And the ending…yeah. I’m still not over it.

It’s one of those endings where everything comes full circle in a way that makes sense for the story, but it still feels deeply unfair. I was equal parts angry and heartbroken reading it. Like I understood why it played out the way it did, but I still wanted to fight it.

I was literally crying in the airport during the last part of this book, which feels very on brand for the kind of emotional damage this story delivers.

Overall, this is one of those books that hurts in a very specific way. It leans hard into missed timing, inevitability, and the idea that love doesn’t always get the ending you want. It completely wrecked me—but in a way that still worked.

[Leah Stuhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Kiss of Summer is the perfect summer romance beach read! It has everything you could want in a YA romance.

Best friends to lovers
Second chance romance
Summer love
Following your heart
Medical condition that ties them together

Last Kiss of Summer tells the story of Sera Watkins and her best friend and next-door neighbor at her summer house, Luke Tisdale. When Sera received a new heart as a baby, the healthy valves of her old heart were given to Luke, bonding them together forever. Sera and Luke grew up spending all their summers together in Cape Cod, swimming at their secret beach and attending art camp together. Two summers ago their friendship almost turned into something more. But one fateful night changed everything. Sera's health took a turn for the worse, a family secret sent Luke spiraling, and they weren't there for each other.

Now, Sera's family is back in Cape Cod for the summer and she's hoping for a fresh start. But despite her efforts to try and stop pining over Luke, the chemistry between them is there more than ever. When Sera gets some bad news, she realizes there's no more time to waste; this may be the last chance she and Luke have before it's too late.

This is a sweet swoony love story. I love that their medical condition ties them together and gives them such a strong bond. Of course, it's also what causes some tears, heartbreak, and a lot of emotions. You'll want the Kleenex nearby for this read!

Throughout the story Sera and Luke also follow their passion for art. It's another thing that connects them and helps them through their difficult situations. I loved seeing art used in this manner. Not only do we see Sera making plans for the future where her art career is concerned, but we also see how therapeutic art can be.

I appreciated the raw honest emotions expressed in this book. Jessica Felleman did a great job of portraying what it may be like for teenagers struggling with life-threatening medical conditions and how they deal with it each day. Yes, she took some artistic liberties with it, but if she hadn't Sera and Luke wouldn't have been able to have the amazing summer they did. Even still, the emotions they express, especially Sera, are real and heart-felt.

Last Kiss of Summer has all the beach town summer vibes, swoony romantic feelings, friendship vibes, strong family bonds, grief and heartbreak. It has all you could want in a summer read!

[Chasity Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica M. Felleman and WOW… it definitely won’t be my last. Sorry in advance, this review is kinda long.

This story completely pulled me in and honestly just sat on my chest the entire time. It’s one of those reads that feels soft and nostalgic on the surface..summer, beach town, childhood memories, but underneath it’s layered with so much emotion, heartbreak and “what ifs.”

Sera and Luke absolutely got to me. Childhood best friends with all that history, all that tension and all those unspoken feelings… you could feel it in every interaction. And knowing they’re connected in such a deep, literal way just made everything hit even harder.

Sera is such a quietly strong heroine. She’s been through so much and you can feel how carefully she guards her heart, even when she wants more. And Luke… ugh. He’s the kind of character that frustrates you a little but also makes your heart ache because you know he would do anything to fix the past if he could.

What really got me with this one is the emotional weight behind everything. It’s not just second chance romance—it’s second chance with time not guaranteed and that adds this constant sense of urgency and heartbreak to every moment between them.

The writing was beautiful and very easy to sink into. It had that kind of flow where you don’t even realize how attached you’ve become until suddenly you’re sitting there realizing that it’s gonna hurt.

This is definitely more of an emotional, character-driven story than anything else, less about big plot twists and more about feelings, connection and the moments that matter. I found myself flying through it but also needing to pause just to sit with everything.

If you love childhood friends to almost lovers, second chance romance, emotional and bittersweet summer stories, books that leave you with that ache in your chest then this one is absolutely worth the read. Just maybe don’t go into it thinking your heart will come out untouched… because mine definitely didn’t 💔

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, The Last Kiss of Summer definitely was a whirlwind. From the get go, I figured that the story would be one of heartbreak and that the protagonists, Sera and Luke, would have to grapple with the challenges of being transplant recipients. I even guessed at the eventual twist at the end. However, I did not expect to be touched by their characters, or by Felleman’s words. In fact, I expected to be off put by the story, as the multiple points at which Sera described someone as a ‘white girl’ and relayed that she had inherited her mother’s ‘Jewish looks’, made me question the author.

Separate of that issue, Sera’s journey slowly rooted itself in my psyche, as did her acceptance of everything. Her passion for her art (and of Luke’s too) held such a weight, as it was essentially the embodiment of her hopes for her future. Though Felleman (perhaps purposefully) gave the reader little insight into who Sera was outside of her HCM, her art, and her relationships with her family and friends, the narrow focus was not overpowering. Instead, it added a sense of simplicity that, in my estimation, was necessary for the connection and empathy that I felt. In full disclosure though, my mother has HCM, so I assume that influenced my reading more than it would for the typical person.

Sera and Luke’s friendship, and eventual relationship, was incredibly sweet and the manner in which the characters and their interactions were written reminded me of those in several YA novels that I read as a child and teenager. I do think the ending was a bit rushed and that Sera was not given enough time to contend with the changes in her life. Therefore, the novel could have benefited from another scene or two.

All in all, The Last Kiss of Summer was a beautiful testament to the need to live life to the fullest and with no regrets.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Penguin Young Readers Group, and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this ARC!

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the digital ARC. Sera and Luke are tied to each other by their hearts, literally and figuratively. The shared heart valves from Sera’s heart, and the shared experience of growing up heart patients and sharing close family ties, has brought them to a turning point as the near adulthood.

Secrets and misunderstandings keep them apart, but when all is revealed, they have to choose whether or not to risk their hearts for a real relationship.

The simultaneous hesitancy and earnestness of these characters felt so true to the way in which teenage love often progresses. Uncertain of each other, but sure in the depth of their own feelings, and scared to be the first to take a risk.

For adult readers the scenes may feel melodramatic, but I think that the average teen reader will identify with the roller coaster of emotions that first love brings. As a mom, I know I identified with the hovering family members who wanted to keep an eye on Sera!

The author notes that some of the medical storyline is of her own creation, and wouldn’t hold up in the real world. For me this is a bit of a deal breaker, thus the lower star rating. I won’t go into details so as to save spoilers. Again, teen readers and adult readers will likely process this differently, but it always bothers me when the science is played around with, because some people will walk away assuming the medical developments in this book could happen in this way.

Overall this was an enjoyable read, and will make for great teen beach reading this summer. Be ready to feel all the emotions!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

LAST KISS OF SUMMER by Jessica. M. Felleman (April 28, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Teen for the earc

Sera Watkins has gone through so much in two years with her health. When she returns to her family's summer house in Cape Cod, she has one thing in mind: protect her heart from Luke Tisdale, the boy who broke her heart. She's ready for a fresh start---to stop pining for Luke---but the chemistry is still there. When she receives difficult news, she takes the plunge, ready to get her chance with Luke before it's to late.
LAST KISS OF SUMMER is an upper YA contemporary romance told across two points of view. This is an easily devourable book with characters you can't help but root for or feel sorry for. It's also an emotional rollercoaster that pulled at my heartstrings and ripped them out all in the same go. I loved seeing Sera start to live her life despite obstacles she was facing, it was draining when things started going wrong, and it was sweet when Sera and Luke took a chance with one another.
LAST KISS OF SUMMER is fast-paced, especially the last few chapters. Speaking of those, Felleman you broke my heart. That twist was devastating but also rewarding in a way. I can't explain without spoiling, but just know that this book will make you cry. Happy tears, sad tears, tears for what could have been...just all the tears.
***This book does discuss topics that may be triggering for some readers (medical issues + death and/or dying).

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, for the ARC of Jessica M. Felleman’s Last Kiss of Summer.

When I read the premise of this book, and saw that it was being compared to other books I had read and loved, I knew I just had to request it. This story had it all: drama, teenage angst, family disagreements, and relationship challenges.

I was really enjoying the beginning of the book, but 1/2 way through, I felt that the slow burn between Luke and Sera had run its course, and it was time to actually DO something.

I found the end of the book a little confusing, with whatever happened between Luke and Sera, and one other thing I didn’t like is that some of the descriptions of people were labeled as “white girl” or “white boy” and I wasn’t sure why the skin color mattered and if it did, it certainly could have been written in a less obvious way.

Otherwise, I really enjoyed this debut novel and read it in a day. Warning: Have tissues nearby.

#LastKissOfSummer #JessicaMFelleman #ARC #NetGalley #GPPutnamsSonsBooksForYoungReaders #Romance #Fiction #ContemporaryFiction #RealisticFiction #FamilyDynamics #CardiacHealth #Transplant #TransplantList #Neighbors #FirstLove #OnlyLove #MovingOn #SlowBurn #Cheating #FriendsToLovers #CrossedPaths #February #2026

[Samantha Iusi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 28, 2026

⭐ Emotional
⭐ Soulmate energy
⭐ Second-chance love
⭐ Fate vs. timing

This book was absolutely beautiful. A story of fate and soulmates unlike anything I’ve ever read.

Two babies are born in the same hospital and end up saving each other’s lives before they even truly begin living them. From that moment on, their lives stay intertwined as they grow up side by side as best friends. But as they get older, those feelings slowly begin to shift into something more… and that realization scares them both.

Life starts throwing challenges their way, and circumstances pull them apart. They lose the friendship that once meant everything, and for two long years they go their separate ways.

When they finally find their way back to each other, the sparks are still there. But so much has happened in their lives. The question becomes: can they move past everything that broke them and see what has always been right in front of them?

Is the universe still trying to bring them together… or will life intervene once again?

This story had me so emotional. The twists, the heartbreak, the hope, it takes you through everything.

Watching these characters grow, struggle, and try to find their way back to each other was such a powerful journey.

This one definitely pulled at my heartstrings.

[Carolyn Schaeperkoetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Am. DESTROYED.
Wow, definitely in the same tradition of A Thousand Boy Kisses and Full Tilt, two very good books about death and dying, and yet so different with a tragic twist I wasn't expecting.
Childhood best friends Sera and Luke share just about everything together. Luke even as pieces of Sera's heart. They had grown up side by side, became best friends and shared summers together. Everything was great until it wasn't when Luke and Sera became teens and began to have feelings for one another that wasn't there before. Due to a misunderstanding, Sera ghosts Luke, but they leave things unsaid when she goes away for two years. But then she comes back, and the ghosts of her past revisit her, revealing that all is not what is seems. Reconciliation is possible, but complicated as Sera has some terrible news about her health, leaving her at a crossroads to try to get the happy ending with Luke that she deserves, or possibly break his heart at the end when she reveals her secret.
Just when it seemed that things were getting to a fever pitch at the very dramatic climax, tragedy strikes, and it wasn't what I thought it would be, nevertheless I was broken all the same.
I felt that the author here did a fantastic job capturing those first love feels, as well as a frank, honest discussion about dying, the turns fate takes you to, and choices that must be made. What results is a story equal parts triumphant and heart-breaking, which will resonate with me for a long time.
Thank you, Netgalley and Jessica M. Felleman for gifting me with this ARC. All my my thoughts are my own.

[Elena B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Penguin Teen for sending me a free copy of Last Kiss of Summer.
I think this romantic summer story is good for the teens coming of age and young adults.
It’s a nice small-town romance, a nice YA and a second-chance contemporary romance. I enjoyed the 1st part of the book. The love between Sera and Luke was sweet and romantic with its ups and downs, jealousy, misunderstandings, miscommunications, just like when you are a teenager trying to navigate your first love. I enjoyed dual POV. Also I enjoyed the fact the story is focusing on building romantic relationships between the main characters rather than graphic sex. it’s a clean read, no foul language or violence. For me the last 1/3 of the book was on a slow side and the end of the book did not feel realistic and was almost predictable for me. I actually did see it coming. Overall, I do believe this is a very good debut from Jessica Felleman and I encourage her to continue writing. "You can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page” (Jodi Picoult). The first book is the hardest, now just keep going! :-)

[Escaping in Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating - 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Date Read - March 20, 2026
Publication Date - April 28, 2026

*I received a physical ARC of this book for free in exchange for an honest review* - Thank you @penguinteenca! [AD/PR]

I love books that hit me in my feelings and Last Kiss of Summer has officially been added to that list. This book has plenty of drama and angst to distract you from your own worries. At the same time, I appreciated seeing growth from both Sera and Luke throughout the book. I really rooted for them! I will admit that tears were shed when I was reading and not always when I was expecting them. I loved the family dynamics that Sera was working through and getting insight into the struggles that family members experience when someone they love was seriously sick at some point in their lives. Even with the tough topics, reading this book did a great job of getting me in the summer mood because of the Cape Cod setting and nostalgia of a first love romance. If you like young adult/new adult romances that hurt, you might enjoy Last Kiss of Summer!

Get excited to read Last Kiss of Summer, available April 28! 🎉

*Please check trigger warnings*

[Kenna M · Rating 3 out of 5]

#Giveaway
Rating 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I knew going into this book it was going to be a tear jerker and yet, I still read on. The author did a great job at building a loving relationship between the main characters. I loved how she incorporated art as something the fmc and MMC shared and opened their emotions to. I was happy to see the story spent more time building a potential future for the main characters rather than just focusing on the physical intimacy. This story is a good read if you like romance with a heart breaking, but hopeful ending. I prefer to end a book feeling like love beats all, this book didn’t do that for me, hence 3.5 star rating.
Content warnings
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️: 3/5 (frequent making out, one open door scene that doesn’t go into great detail, but you know what they’re doing, personally for a YA it was too much)
Cursing: 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬5/5: (use of all the swear words, around 10 f words)

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Kiss of Summer

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have your tissues ready for this book. At one point, the tears would not stop flowing and I actually had to put it down because I couldn’t see through them. So many tears! 😭

This is such a beautiful and emotional story about finding love while facing the reality of a potentially shortened life. The strength and grace shown by the main character truly touched my heart. Watching her navigate fear, hope, and vulnerability made the story feel incredibly real and deeply moving.

At its heart, this is a story about coming home — about a young woman finding her way back to the boy she has always loved, the one who has always been a part of her. It is tender, heartbreaking, and full of heart.

I would like to thank the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review. I would also like to thank NetGalley for the opportunity.

A truly unforgettable read. 💛