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Last First Kiss

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Jesse Dylan was my best friend, my first kiss . . . and my first heartbreak.

Watching him walk out of my life almost ruined me. But years have passed, and the pain of losing him has long since faded.

Or so I thought.

One glimpse in his cobalt eyes and those old wounds reopened. Jesse wants a second chance at what might have been, but it’s too late. I’m with someone new. Someone safe. Someone who can’t break me.

Yet the heart wants what it wants, and mine has only ever beat for the one who got away. I can’t deny him. I can’t resist him. He consumes my every waking thought and invades my dreams.

After all these years, I find myself wondering if I’ll ever truly stop loving the boy who taught my heart to hurt.

Jesse abandoned me when things got too difficult once.

I’m about to find out if lightning can strike twice.

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2019

236 people are currently reading
693 people want to read

About the author

Jane Anthony

27 books655 followers
Jane Anthony is a USA Today best-selling author of contemporary/new adult romance & women’s fiction. A reader proclaimed “queen of angst”, she approaches tough subjects with a gritty voice that tugs on your heart and leaves you breathless.

Jane gives a bit of herself and her quirky knowledge in each novel by incorporating her love of music through a book-specific playlist and adding things uniquely Jane to the plot, like her crazy family or '80s trivia. When she’s not busy being mom or Mrs. A, you'll find her at a concert, lost in a book, or watching horror movies with her husband.

** For a limited time, you can get the latest Jane Anthony novella for FREE! Click here to find out more ---> https://www.janeanthonyauthor.com/fre... **

The best place to interact with Jane is by joining her Facebook reader group:
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5 stars
133 (37%)
4 stars
111 (31%)
3 stars
78 (21%)
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22 (6%)
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13 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for swedishruler B.
333 reviews154 followers
August 7, 2019
What a mess. Om drama all thru the book she even have the om baby not romance for me.
Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris.
1,308 reviews29 followers
August 7, 2019
I AM #JessesGirl this story is filled with so much heart and even a bit of heartache but that’s to be expected when you’re witnessing two best friends going through life both individually and trying to become more. Jesse is a man you will instantly fall for and seeing the protective, hands on man he is you want to cheer him on continuously. Wren has lived a life on the more upscale end and it takes some hard reality to have her stand up for what she truly wants and not follow her heart. Even now as I’ve finished the story I’m not quite sure on my views when it comes to Asher, that man is a big question mark. I’m curiously see what everyone else thinks of him. Get ready for a ride that you will never forget, their story will have you hooked and questioning paths chosen but in the end everything happens for a reason and there’s no changing what’s ment to be will be. Beautifully written and needs to be bumped to the top of that TBR list.
Profile Image for Janet Taggart Baldwin.
908 reviews21 followers
July 30, 2019
Jesse and Wren became friends in junior high when he saw her lost and shy on her first day as a new kid. He befriended her and they became inseparable. Best friends and started to be more when Jesse left town when Wren was 16. He gave her her first kiss and left town and cut all ties. He broke her heart.

Now, 5 years later he's back because his stepfather has died and he needs to help his mother. She is an alcoholic and not the best example of a parent. Jesse is embarrassed to see Wren. He has secrets. She has moved on with her life and is in a relationship with a law intern from a well to do family. When they run into each other, the electricity is still there! The easy comraderie, the connection neither has with anyone else. They slip right into their old roles, but there is new sexual chemistry there that was just starting between them 5 years ago. It is in full force now.I

But Wren is with Asher, and then Jesse has a girlfriend. Complications. And then the biggest of all complications plops right onto Wren's lap. How to deal?

I loved this story! The HEA was great and the first epilogue was good, but the Bonus epilogue was epic! This is a wonderful book and you don't want to miss it!
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
530 reviews29 followers
August 12, 2019
Ok, so here's my problem right now...I adore the way that Jane writes and the words and the emotions that she brings forth from me in every book that she writes. But this book, I was not in love with. I didn't love certain things that happened in this book and it really hurt my heart a little bit, which I should expect from Jane and her words but I just couldn't completely connect with this one.
The reason that she has 4 stars for this book though is that even though I didn't love the entire story the parts that I did enjoy were just epic and the way that Jane writes always has me enthralled and feeling all the feels, even if they aren't the good feels.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Cassy.
271 reviews11 followers
August 1, 2019
Wow... Jesse and Wren's story certainly puts you through a gamut of emotions. Nearly everyone remembers their first kiss, first love, first heartbreak. This story portrayed all that in a raw, real way, that most have gone through in some way, at some time. Their connection and chemistry came through the pages, with the timing not always perfect, but that's life. We all go through it looking for our own HEA. You'll have to read and see if Jesse and Wren get theirs.
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,866 reviews119 followers
August 7, 2019
Jane Anthony is one person who can break me down and build me back up with her words! This story really captures the pain and beauty of love!

Jesse and Wren from the start have to find their way and fight for their places in the world. Together they can conquer anything but apart both are lost! Each one has to decide if love can truly conquer all!

We all see love as this easy simple “thing!” As if finding it will solve everything and life will make sense but love is more than words and it’s more than a sexy smirk and hot sex! It’s fighting beside the person you love as they face their demons and allowing them to grow. Love is full of pain and restless nights but it also brings hope and when love is built on a strong foundation like Jesse and Wrens it can withstand the tests of time and the pain of hurt!
Profile Image for Linda Soto.
9 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2019
#JessiesGirl

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Jessie Dylan is the perfect amount of sweet boy next door mixed with hot alpha male and for that, Jane Anthony, I thank you.

We've all had that first love. That first kiss. That first heart break. We remember the feeling of butterflies in your belly when they were near. How it felt when you lost them.

Jessie and Wren's story has everything that you could ask for; the sweet moments, the gut wrenching moments, the moments that make you want to hurl your iPad across the room because the characters and NOT doing what they are supposed to be doing. But isn't that the sign of a truly great book?

I can't wait to read it again.

Oh, and the 90s vibes you get? AMAZING. :)



Profile Image for Dani.
Author 123 books2,348 followers
July 23, 2019
Once again Jane Anthony delivers a beautiful romance that had me twisted in all sorts of knots. Jesse and Wren's story definitely wasn't smooth sailing, but I enjoyed the rollercoaster of emotions they took me on.

Anthony brings her A game in Last First Kiss delivering a sweet, yet alpha male character in Jesse, and a shy, yet feisty at times, Wren. Definitely one of the most swoon-worthy stories I've read this year.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,814 reviews401 followers
January 9, 2023
Last First Kiss by Jane Anthony is an incredible and soulful story. The anguish and heartache filled the story beautifully. It was tragic yet perfect. The love story broke me with the powerful writing, impressive story line full of heart-rending emotions and brilliant characters.

Jesse and Wren parted ways years back when Jesse moved to another town. The young love was crushed by rude reality. Now Jesse is back in town and Wren is with another guy. The guy who doesn't deserve her. The electrifying chemistry and deep emotional connection between Wren and Jesse have never completely gone away. They want each other more than life. But it won't be easy.

Jesse and Wren's bond was something special. Both are creative souls with so much vulnerability! Specially Jesse! He is a complex man. You would want to slap him in a page and kiss him in the next. He can be unpredictable, volatile, brooding and impulsive. But at the same time my heart was breaking for this man who craves acceptance and unconditional love. He is so full of self depreciation that he made the grave mistake of pushing his true love away. I hate him, I love him, I adore him..it was truly the full range of emotions. And Wren was amazing. She has so many burdens but she loved Jesse with all her heart and beyond his mistakes. Their love is so unique, so tragic, so enthralling and so captivating. The story was angsty as hell. I felt my heart being ripped out from my chest and being shredded slowly. It was the most delicious and satisfying feeling. After all, a romance is not great till I cry in pain!

Last First Kiss by Jane Anthony was a passionate, intense and breathtaking love story. The writing was unbelievable. The words created overwhelming and awe-inspiring feelings deep in my heart. This phenomenal story would stay with me for a long time!

Received ARC for Honest Review
Profile Image for Cat.
2,217 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2019
I would give this book a galaxy of stars if I could.
Nothing could have prepared me for how much I LOVED this book by the very talented Jane Anthony,I am pretty much speechless actually...But I will muddle through and try to write a review worthy.
I completely adore and fell in Love with Jesse and Wren they had my heart in their hands throughout this story and even after reading I found myself still thinking about them.
With words that touched my Heart,made me laugh,cry and swoon Last First Kiss is a spectacular example of a beautifully written small town,second chance ,best friends to lovers Romance.
This magnificent story had me tied up in so many knots it left me frustrated,heartbroken Joyful and flustered as Jesse and Wrens romance danced before my eyes on the page.I went through so many emotions....and OMG JESSE !!!!!..He is a dream I Love him, the things he did and said to wren had me in a pool of mush on the floor they were just so romantic and poetic he is perfectly imperfect ,rough around the edges, talented and as sexy as hell.
Wren is the Sun in Jesse's sky but he doesnt feel good enough for her,they are from different backgrounds but have been friends since childhood ,their souls are the same,they click are meant to be,but there are a few surprises along the way that could either bring them closer together or drive them apart.
I cried so many times..lol..don't judge me I am an emotional reader..Oh JANE ANTHONY,You have outdone yourself on this one.It is a breathtaking read.
I LOVED this book,it has my highest of recommendations...and YES I definately want to be JESSE'S GIRL.
Just Spellbinding.
Sorry for my review being a bit all over the place,but my heart and mind are all over the place after reading this book...lol..
Profile Image for Excessive~Reader.
201 reviews20 followers
August 7, 2019
This book is my new top favorite second chances. When the one person that got away comes back into your life it makes your heart jump. For Jesse Dylan and Wren Irwin there no mistaking that moment. Their story came to life on page one and I couldn’t stop reading it, well until I needed to break and wipe the tears from my eyes. Jesse is so swoony and sexy! While Wren is spunky and sassy. I loved this couples, and the secondary characters were fantastic as well. This book isn’t just a romance love story but about friendship in all shapes and sizes.
Profile Image for Sarah DeLong.
1,767 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2019
Wren and Jesse have a story wrought with deep, gut wrenching emotions that completely gripped me, heart and soul. Theirs isn't a beautiful, sunshine and rainbows story but is as real as real gets. Hope, love, anger, despair and jealousy abound. Do they get their fighting chance at love? Is there more than just lust to hold them together? Wren and Jesse's story will resonate with readers as there are many who have experienced similar issues that these two faced.
Profile Image for Jennifer D..
728 reviews13 followers
August 17, 2019
Wow!

This is the second Jane Anthony book I have read and it is just as emotional. It's full of angst, longing, and passion. I could feel their anguish and heartache. Going from best friends to more can be tricky under normal circumstances but add in all of their obstacles and you wonder if they'll make it out the other side together. It's definitely a hard fought happily ever after for Jesse and Wren but so worth it. They are truly meant to be. 😍
Profile Image for Shannon Youngblood.
Author 35 books414 followers
August 7, 2019
Be Still My Heart

Another winner from Jane Anthony. Another book I literally couldn't put down.

Everyone knows that I always tend to go from the dark/taboo and erotic, but there is something about this author that pulls me in EVERY. DAMN. TIME. Whether it's the way she handcrafts her tales, weaving together her words of magic and sucking the reader in, or the incredible way she can make you forget you're in your living room reading and make you think you right there with her characters, she never disappoints!

Jesse is my true definition of a pure hearted bad boy. Rough exterior to show to the world but inside, he's just a teddy bear wanting to love and be loved in returned. Did he fuck up? Yeah! Did he make up for it? He sure as fuck did! #JessesGirl

Wren, *clasps her heart* Oh, how I love that girl. She's fierce, strong, resilient and most of all she's human. So often in books we see these female h's who can do no wrong and are the perfect docile lady. Not Wren. Oh no-- She makes her mistakes, she owns up to them and she SURVIVES! I absolutely loved her!

If you've never read a book by Jane Anthony, please, do yourself this favor and pick up Last First Kiss You'll be transported to a world where heartbreak ensues, your faith in humanity will be restored, and most of all you'll believe in the power of Second Chances and True Love!
Profile Image for Aimee Crant-oksa.
712 reviews36 followers
August 7, 2019
Last First Kiss by Jane Anthony was my first book by this author and it wouldn’t be my last. This book had it all. It was filled with friendship, love, happiness, angst and second chances.
How many get a second chance with the one that got away? I love second chance romances when characters find each other again. Last First Kiss was so much more. The challenges the characters had to overcome will pull at your heart. Childhood best friends that never got to be!
Jesse comes back to town and spots Wren the girl he left behind. She was his heart! Will Wren forgive him and give in to what her heart always wanted? Jesse has always wanted Wren, but knew she deserved better than him. Can two opposites heal each other and themselves and give in to what their heart really wants?
Last First Kiss will really pull at your heart and make you feel the journeys the characters are going through. Bad Boy, good at heart Jesse will make you fall in love with him and those blue eyes. This cover had me from the beginning. So many moments will pull at your heart strings so be prepared to go through so many emotions. It’s so worth it!
This may have been my first book from Jane Anthony but it will not be my last!
Profile Image for Summer Graystone.
Author 17 books113 followers
January 7, 2020
Wow! There is a roller coaster of emotions in this story but Wren and Jesse grabbed ahold of me and didn’t let go until the very last page. I swear, I was like a zombie just using every single second to absorb this amazing book. Once it ended I kept swiping hoping for me, but it was such a beautiful heart warming ending that I can’t complain too much. I really loved this book. It's one of those really raw, beautiful, heart-wrenching, feel good books that stays with you and you keep thinking about long after you stop reading. Ms. Anthony blew it out of the park with this wonderful, addicting, inspiring romance! Highly recommend!
1,636 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2019
BEAUTIFUL BUMPY ride!
An attention grabbing bumpy ride of emotions that are impossible to escape and even harder to avoid the feels the beautiful writing puts you through. The chemistry is chaotic and frustrating through the grueling suspense but will be worth it all in the end with a heartwarming ending that makes this a perfect read that took me on a breathtaking rollercoaster ride with amazing twists and at times I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Anna Valsa.
324 reviews
May 13, 2023
DNF .At 40%and they are still with other people.I don't believe they love each other. I'm giving up .😡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews38 followers
August 6, 2019
I almost didn't read this book. I have to be honest because while I love this author's work I am leaning towards ones with less sex and she doesn't skimp on it. At the same time that thought ran through my head I thought about how complex her stories are. Yeah there's steam, I mean hot passionate rock your socks steam BUT and yeah there's always a but, her characters aren't black and white. They are characters that are broken and battered, longing and lost, always left wanting more but never feeling like enough. Wren comes from a family that has it all, yet all she's ever wanted was her father's approval. She's torn between the man that can provide for everything her father expects and demands, everything but her heart. Jesse has been her best friend for years and has always had her heart, then he left and never looked back for 5 long years. He has always loved her but with his past and being from the wrong side of the tracks, he doesn't see that he completes her. Their timing is always wrong. Their love can never be denied. Their emotional, frustrating, heart wrenching story is filled with bad decisions and awful timing. While we the readers stand in the bleachers cheering, cursing, shaking our heads, trying not to through our kindles, this author sits in the corner like a fly on the wall rubbing her hands together in glee, because from the first word on the first page until we read the last word on the last page we are hooked and wondering if the last first kiss will be the end or the beginning of something greater. This is why I keep coming back to be tortured by this author, the satisfaction I get when I finally weave my way through to the end and find my kindle has survived and so have I.
2,104 reviews32 followers
July 30, 2019
Wow, Jane Anthony has done it again with this story. It’s gut wrenchingly emotional, fiery, sexy, deliciously steamy and so much more. Wren and Jesse has a history that just won’t let go and when he left her years ago to get out of the horrible living situation he was in, it ripped them both apart and now that he’s back he’s hoping to put the pieces back together and get the girl he’s always loved. But things don’t always go the way you planned, said girl has a boyfriend now, has moved on, but still thinks about you all the time wondering what if’s and what could’ve been. Life is hard and these two are stubborn to the core, the push and pull between them and the banter is off the charts. Jesse doesn’t feel worthy of happiness and love and all Wren wants is to make sure he believes that he’s worthy. So many obstacles between them, jealousy, anger, insecurities, secrets and plain stupidity on both their parts. Can these two find their way to each other freely and without doubt to be happy? Their story will stay with you long after you are finished reading it. Enjoy!! I received an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Kelly G (Now Accepting Book Boyfriend Applications).
1,120 reviews88 followers
July 26, 2021
I went into this book feeling like I was going to get a decent dose of heartbreak.... what I didn't expect was to cry NUMEROUS times and be unable to put it down. Let's start with Jesse and Wren.... friends to lovers is totally my jam! I can not exactly pin point why, but it just is. Their timing is just crap. Then of coarse there is that she is dating a rich lawyer at the beginning and Jesse comes from the wrong type of family from the wrong side of town. I legit wanted to punch Asher (the rich guy) in the face more than once.... and Wren's dad REALLY made me angry. Basically this book brought out some very strong emotions from me. The only bad thing I can say about this book is that it is now over and I really want to experience it for the first time all over again! Jane Anthony took me through all the emotions.... and I loved every single second of it. (and I dare you all to look at that cover and NOT start hearing Lost In Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson!) If there was a way to sneak in more than 5 stars to this extraordinary piece of writing I would. I am certain this will be a book that I will be recommending for a long time and one that I will want to read again!
Profile Image for Jen  C.
430 reviews15 followers
August 11, 2019
This book is dual POV, so you get inside both the main characters heads. 

As always with Jane Anthony's books this is another amazing read from the sexy as hell cover to the last page it's an absolute page-turner. 

It's normally the little bird that flies away, but she didn't, Jesse did, and now he's back and more persistent than ever. 

Jesse - You can't help who you fall in love with, Wren's wealthy and sometimes can make feel like you're not good enough for that love when you come from the wrong side of the tracks, and mess-up royally. Will it be too late when you've blown your second chance.

Wren - Jesse has been the love of the life since a young age, then he left her heartbroken. She's moved on, but it doesn't feel like the love she felt for Jesse. He's back and the old feelings are still there, on both sides. Then life throws a massive hurdle at them. 

Will they survive this time? or will wrong decisions be made thinking they are the right ones? 
1,811 reviews38 followers
July 29, 2019
What an incredible story of second chance love! I’m so emotional after reading this story about Jesse and Wren. We meet them when they are teenagers and for some reason circumstances want to tear them apart. Forward several years later, and when they meet up again, it’s like they never parted. But can they pick up on their friendship after all that time? Can they possibly make more out of it? So many obstacles get in their way that you just can’t help but think nothing will happen. All you can do is hope. These two characters have chart topping chemistry and you can’t help but fall in love with them. This author writes in such a way, that you can feel in your heart and soul what they are feeling. This story will blow you away, it is just that amazing. Please do yourself a favor and read this book! You will love it just as much as I did!
Profile Image for Jolene St Germain Triggs.
762 reviews9 followers
July 31, 2019
What's not to love about this book? Second chance - my FAVORITE (because unless you marry your high school sweetheart, who DOESN'T think back nostalgically and wondered What if?), and I absolutely LOVE this title! So sweet, stirs up so many feelings right? That being said, PREPARE yourselves, this is a story you won't soon forget. Jesse and Wren seem to have it all, well separately, the one thing they just can't seem to get right is timing. They are on that sweet as candy slow burn track in a way that is so organic, yet so perfectly fitted for them. This author knows how to draw the reader in, at one point I didn't even realize I was crying until my tears landed on my Kindle. So get comfy and immerse yourself into this one, you're going to want to keep your schedule clear for a day or two because I promise once you pick it up you wont want to put it down!
Profile Image for Cindy.
901 reviews27 followers
August 8, 2019
WHOA!!! Last First Kiss
by Jane Anthony what an AH-MAZING, CRAZY, ride!!!

Last First Kiss is such a beautifully written story. I'm a sucker for second chance romance, and Jesse and Wren's story definitely fed my addiction for this troupe. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. I couldn't put my kindle down.

I loved Jesse and Wren. These two definitely had to overcome the sins of the past, and the unknown of the future. Ms Anthony knows how to deliver a storyline that will pull you in from page 1 and keep you captivated until the final page. And her characters she writes are the most swoon-worthy men, and beautiful, sexy, strong women.

I definitely highly recommend Last First Kiss if you're in the mood for a second chance romance with characters and a storyline that you will love!

Profile Image for Victoria B.
578 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2019
I may be in love with Jesse Dylan and want to be #JesseGirl (cue the song lol). The author hit this second chance romance out of the park with Jesse and Wren. Jesse was Wren's best friend, first crush and first kiss but at 16 he left town and her behind. 5 years later and he's back and she has moved on with her life and a new boyfriend. The ups and downs Jesse and Wren face just to be friends again while navigating their feelings for each other and other players in their lives is heart wrenching at times and simply perfect at other times. Can they work through everything and find their way to love each other or is there just one too many blocks in the way. This story has all the feels and plenty of steamy hot moments. GO one click this must read, you can thank me later!
Profile Image for J. Ockenhouse.
1,743 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2019
Jesse and Wren story doesn't just pull emotions out of you they slap you with them, like really hard.

There is such a raw realness to this story. You could change the names but the story of love, loss and coping is as real as it gets.

I loved Wren. I understood her pain and that feeling of seeing the source of it years later when you thought you had it all together. You will take the alphabet of emotions and go through them about 3 times each.

Powerfully written. Genuine cast of characters who will steal a piece of you by the time you finish their story. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
Profile Image for Robyn .
474 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2019
I love Jesse and Wren. This story took me on an emotional roller coaster. They have both been through obstacles in their lives, and they grew and became better despite, and because of their circumstances. Jesse proved to be so much more than he ever thought he could be, and I appreciated how the author showed him grow and mature as a person. These characters have depth. Wren proved to be very strong, even when things unexpectedly happened in her life. Jane Anthony is an awesome author, and I highly recommend this book!
427 reviews14 followers
September 22, 2019
This story has it all! This is the first book I have read by Jane and she has sucked me in. This story was so heartbreaking but ended with a happily ever after. I love stories that are so emotional they pull you in and make you feel exactly what the character is feeling. This is one of those stories that will stay with you long after the last page. I fell in love with Wren and Jesse. I actually hated Asher a little less by the end too! Such an amazing read that I highly recommend to anyone that doesn't mind emotional heaviness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews

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