Last First Kiss

Winters’s fabulous follow-up to I Think They Love You revisits the employees of the 24 Carter Gold agency, this time giving closeted 25-year-old Jordan Carter, an event coordinator, a second chance romance with Jamie Peters. Jamie was Jordan’s first kiss years ago and Jordan has been confused about his feelings, and his sexuality, ever since. The men unexpectedly reconnect when Jamie turns up as the best man in a wedding Jordan is coordinating. Though Jordan tries to resist the endearing and energetic Jamie, whom he thinks of as the “human equivalent of a border collie,” his attraction only grows, especially when the pair end up slow dancing together in a potential wedding venue and feeding each other cake at a tasting. It becomes undeniable that Jamie “makes Jordan’s heart speed up like he’s just mainlined a case of Red Bull,” and the guys get physical—but still pretend in public like their moments of intimacy never happened, leading to mixed signals and conflicting emotions. Meanwhile, Jordan contends with a new work rival, Javi, whose interest in him is more than just professional. Winters makes Jordan’s coming-out story feel authentic and emotional, surrounding him with supportive family members who help convey the bighearted message that “no one gets to decide what [your] love story looks like.” This smart, sexy romance will have readers swooning. (Jan.)