Last Kiss of Summer

New

4.3

0.0 (0)

10 0

Write Review Add to favorites

Author(s)

Jessica M. Felleman

Genre(s)

Age Range

16+

Release Date

April 28, 2026

ISBN

979-8217001910

Buy This Book

A beautiful, heartbreaking love story about two teens who find their way back to each other through a second chance romance.

"An achingly tender reminder to hold onto life with both hands . . . the perfect blend of hope and heartbreak, sure to stay with you long after you've finished reading." —Jennifer Dugan, bestselling author of Some Girls Do

Nothing breaks like a heart.

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 last saw 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.

Editor review

1 review

Heartbreaking and Beautiful

June 10, 2026

Overall rating

4.3

Plot

4.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

With a title like Last Kiss of Summer, I went into this expecting a breezy, lighthearted YA summer romance. I was so wrong. This book is anything but light and fun. It is devastatingly emotional in the absolute best possible way.

The story follows Sera Watkins and Luke Tisdale, who grew up living next door to each other during the summers on Cape Cod. They share a literal connection: both faced severe heart issues as babies. Sera received a heart transplant, and the valves from her original heart were actually used to save Luke. Because of this, they are physically connected, and over the years, that bond turned romantic.

Two summers ago, they finally seemed on the verge of acting on their feelings. But then, a double whammy hit, Sera faced scary new heart complications, and right around the same time, she walked in on Luke kissing someone else. So, she did what any rational teenager would do she completely ghosted him for two years. Now, Sera is finally back at the Cape, forced to face Luke, unpack their messy past, and confront the reality of living with a life-threatening heart condition.

What I Liked: While the story is told mainly from Sera’s point of view, Luke gets a few chapters of his own. These glimpses into his head were perfect for giving us insight into what he was actually thinking and feeling.

Sera’s medical journey is a heartbreaking storyline. Watching her process her fears about the future and navigate her health was sad, but so beautifully written. I really like that she still had dreams for the future and was pursuing her love of art despite her health being stacked against her.

Author Jessica M. Felleman does a fantastic job of writing characters that feel genuine and flawed. Even when they make mistakes or miscommunicate, your heart just aches for them because you understand exactly where they are coming from.

I definitely didn't see that final twist coming, and it was devastating and beautiful all at once.

I highly recommend Last Kiss of Summer for readers who love romance and a bit of heartbreak.