What do you think?
Rate this book
Last First Kiss
After the death of his aunt, Phillip Wynne is left adrift. He isn’t sure how to mourn the woman who raised him with so little affection. His only solace is his childhood friend, Ryan.
Ryan has always been the one bright thing in Phillip’s life, but while Ryan lives out and proud, Phillip is terrified by the feelings Ryan inspires in him. For years he’s kept them locked away, but when Ryan suddenly confesses his love, Phillip discovers that denying his own feelings might be the only thing scarier than finally owning up to them.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
Two young boys around age six or seven exchange a sweet, innocent kiss behind a caption that reads “No matter what age. No matter what gender. Love is love.” The taller boy is gently cupping the smaller boy’s chin while the smaller boy grips the strap of the taller boy’s backpack.
STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,
This was their first and only kiss but Ryan has always loved Phillip. Ryan is out and proud now, and has known he was gay since this first kiss about 20 years ago. Phillip had seemingly forgotten this perfect moment which hurt Ryan a lot. Through the years the boys remained best friends but things are about to change... I would really like to know how these guys get their HEA.
Note: HEA, GFY, no cheating or BDSM
Thank you.
Kavisha
STORY INFO:
Genre: contemporary
Tags: friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you, hurt-comfort, grief, abuse, first time
Content warning: Mention of one past incident of child abuse (non-sexual)
Words: 9,655
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love Has No Boundaries' event.
Ryan has always been the one bright thing in Phillip’s life, but while Ryan lives out and proud, Phillip is terrified by the feelings Ryan inspires in him. For years he’s kept them locked away, but when Ryan suddenly confesses his love, Phillip discovers that denying his own feelings might be the only thing scarier than finally owning up to them.
PHOTO DESCRIPTION:
Two young boys around age six or seven exchange a sweet, innocent kiss behind a caption that reads “No matter what age. No matter what gender. Love is love.” The taller boy is gently cupping the smaller boy’s chin while the smaller boy grips the strap of the taller boy’s backpack.
STORY LETTER:
Dear Author,
This was their first and only kiss but Ryan has always loved Phillip. Ryan is out and proud now, and has known he was gay since this first kiss about 20 years ago. Phillip had seemingly forgotten this perfect moment which hurt Ryan a lot. Through the years the boys remained best friends but things are about to change... I would really like to know how these guys get their HEA.
Note: HEA, GFY, no cheating or BDSM
Thank you.
Kavisha
STORY INFO:
Genre: contemporary
Tags: friends-to-lovers, gay-for-you, hurt-comfort, grief, abuse, first time
Content warning: Mention of one past incident of child abuse (non-sexual)
Words: 9,655
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's 'Love Has No Boundaries' event.
53 pages, ebook
First published June 11, 2013
712 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Piper Vaughn
49 books1,155 followersPiper Vaughn is a romance author and lifelong fan of the genre. Since writing their first love story at age eleven, they’ve known writing in some form was exactly what they wanted to do. A reader to the core, Piper loves nothing more than getting lost in a great book.
Piper is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. They love putting faces and characters of every ethnicity in their stories, making their fictional worlds as colorful as the real one. Above all, Piper believes there’s no one way to have an HEA, and every person deserves to see themselves reflected on the page.
Sign up for Piper's newsletter: https://www.pipervaughn.com/newsletter
Piper is of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a diverse neighborhood in Chicago. They love putting faces and characters of every ethnicity in their stories, making their fictional worlds as colorful as the real one. Above all, Piper believes there’s no one way to have an HEA, and every person deserves to see themselves reflected on the page.
Sign up for Piper's newsletter: https://www.pipervaughn.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
January 23, 2015
Why did I wait so long to read this? Last First Kiss is so sweet and sexy, I could have read 200 pages more!
June 11, 2013
3.25 stars
First of all, the photo that started this prompt? ADORABLE *wants to hug photo*. Now the story ... well, when it comes to best friends-turn-lovers, Piper Vaughn knows her stuffs. It is her 'territory'.
Having said that, I felt that Phillip was a little too closed off and kept it all inside, for me to feel emotionally connected to him and his issues (which also had been done several times over; the childhood abuse, I mean). I felt distant from him throughout the story. I did like Ryan. I liked how he thought that communication was important and determined not to let Phillip pushed him away.
I liked the epilogue; but I also agreed that it was jumping a bit too fast from the previous scene.
First of all, the photo that started this prompt? ADORABLE *wants to hug photo*. Now the story ... well, when it comes to best friends-turn-lovers, Piper Vaughn knows her stuffs. It is her 'territory'.
Having said that, I felt that Phillip was a little too closed off and kept it all inside, for me to feel emotionally connected to him and his issues (which also had been done several times over; the childhood abuse, I mean). I felt distant from him throughout the story. I did like Ryan. I liked how he thought that communication was important and determined not to let Phillip pushed him away.
I liked the epilogue; but I also agreed that it was jumping a bit too fast from the previous scene.
August 4, 2013
A beautiful love story between childhood best friends Phillip and Ryan. Both in love with the other but have their reasons for holding back and admitting their feelings. It was sweet and heartfelt to read how they opened up to each other and chanced what they'd been denying. I felt connected to each of them from start to finish and would have loved to read an even longer book about them. The flow of the story didn't feel rushed for a short read and helped me understand their past and why they fit together so well. This is a perfect quick read that will put a smile on your face and leave you happy and satisfied.
Go grab it for free from All Romance Ebooks...
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
Go grab it for free from All Romance Ebooks...
https://www.allromanceebooks.com/prod...
June 20, 2015
What a beautiful best friends to lovers story. In a short number of pages, Piper Vaughn managed to give us the full background of their friendship, how their love for one another grew, and their reasons for holding back. It was sweet, sexy, and even made me tear up. I could've kept reading many more pages of them. Well done, Piper Vaughn!
I highly recommend it! ♥
September 18, 2015
He wanted Phillip to feel sheltered, protected, free to hand over the reins and take his pleasure, trust that someone would be there to pick up the pieces if he fell apart.
*Claps* Yummy! I loved this one!! Almost friends-to-lovers perfection. All it needed was more chapters and it would have been kick-ass glory.
Favorites shelf, M/M romantic fans, read it, highly recommended!
June 11, 2013
2.5 stars: So, I feel like many people will enjoy this short story because it's not bad at all, but for me the story just didn't stand out; I felt like this was a bit "been there, done that". It's the kind of story I read over and over, and I know the author was following the prompt but it still could've been a bit more "original".
So usually when I read a story where I feel like I've already read this kind of story multiple times, I can still enjoy it if I really like the characters... and that didn't happen in this. I liked Ryan just fine, but I did not feel anything towards Phillip, which led to me feeling detached from what was happening between them and not really caring at all.
But like I said, many people will enjoy this because the writing isn't bad and the story is pretty sweet... but it just wasn't for me.
So usually when I read a story where I feel like I've already read this kind of story multiple times, I can still enjoy it if I really like the characters... and that didn't happen in this. I liked Ryan just fine, but I did not feel anything towards Phillip, which led to me feeling detached from what was happening between them and not really caring at all.
But like I said, many people will enjoy this because the writing isn't bad and the story is pretty sweet... but it just wasn't for me.
November 1, 2013
This story was exactly what I was looking for. I needed to fall in love before I went to sleep, to dream about love, to wake up and still feel the love and that is just what Last First Kiss did for me.
I love stories like this; two people who have known one another since childhood and the story of true love. Yes, I hear the words True Love as spoken by the priest in The Princess Bride but I believe in it. I may have mentioned once or twice that I am a hopeless romantic and how absurd would it be for me not to believe in love, true love.
Phillip and Ryan broke my heart and Oh Boy did they make me feel. This was nothing but all the feels as I read it. Piper Vaughn had me with the first paragraph and the opening of a gate. I was wrapped up in bed as I read each word, loved each word and made these boys mine.
This was a wonderful story about first love, about last love, true love, about hope, forgiveness and the chance to accept that who you are is exactly what someone else wants, need and loves.
Of course, the title of the book...how could I not think of the song by same name? It fits. Damn does it fit and it's been in my head all morning.
I love stories like this; two people who have known one another since childhood and the story of true love. Yes, I hear the words True Love as spoken by the priest in The Princess Bride but I believe in it. I may have mentioned once or twice that I am a hopeless romantic and how absurd would it be for me not to believe in love, true love.
Phillip and Ryan broke my heart and Oh Boy did they make me feel. This was nothing but all the feels as I read it. Piper Vaughn had me with the first paragraph and the opening of a gate. I was wrapped up in bed as I read each word, loved each word and made these boys mine.
This was a wonderful story about first love, about last love, true love, about hope, forgiveness and the chance to accept that who you are is exactly what someone else wants, need and loves.
Of course, the title of the book...how could I not think of the song by same name? It fits. Damn does it fit and it's been in my head all morning.
Baby, I wanna know
What you think when you're alone
Is it me?
Are you thinking of me?
We've been friends now for a while
Wanna know that when you smile
Is it me?
Are you thinking of me?
Maybe I just gotta wait
Maybe this is a mistake
I'm a fool
Baby, I'm just a fool
What would you do?
Would you wanna stay
If I were to say..
I wanna be last
Baby, let me be your last first kiss,
I wanna be first
Wanna be the first to take it all the way like this
And if you only knew
I wanna be last
Baby, let me be your last
Your last first kiss.
January 2, 2023
That's it?! I mean... It gave me a little bit of everything I love about romance novels - it was sweet and squishy and lovely and angsty AND hot - but I wanted MORE, dammit. I LOVED these two! *stomps foot*
Hmmm... Do you think if I go all Misery on Piper they'll write us another 200 pages, Dani?!
Hmmm... Do you think if I go all Misery on Piper they'll write us another 200 pages, Dani?!
December 17, 2014
Amazing gay-for-you tale which bring waves of emotions on.
Loved.
Recommended.
Loved.
Recommended.
September 19, 2018
Rating: 2.5/5.0
Two friends, Phillip and Ryan are in love with each other, one is openly homosexual and the other one is yet to accept his sexuality. When Philip's aunt Helen passes away they open up to each other and Phillip tells Ryan about his aunt and how she witnessed the first kiss they had. And how she threatened him if he did anything like that again!
Short story, the writing was OK. But the story did not offer anything new that was not told before. Some people might enjoy it but I have read this kind of plot many many times already.
Two friends, Phillip and Ryan are in love with each other, one is openly homosexual and the other one is yet to accept his sexuality. When Philip's aunt Helen passes away they open up to each other and Phillip tells Ryan about his aunt and how she witnessed the first kiss they had. And how she threatened him if he did anything like that again!
Short story, the writing was OK. But the story did not offer anything new that was not told before. Some people might enjoy it but I have read this kind of plot many many times already.
January 18, 2014
DNF at 25%
October 17, 2016
3.5 Stars
This had a lot of emotional weight to it for such a short little story. Beautifully written, this is a moving friends-to-lovers story, featuring two lifelong friends who have loved each other from afar, a smidgen of tasty sex and a perfect HEA. Just lovely.
This had a lot of emotional weight to it for such a short little story. Beautifully written, this is a moving friends-to-lovers story, featuring two lifelong friends who have loved each other from afar, a smidgen of tasty sex and a perfect HEA. Just lovely.
June 14, 2013
Maybe 3.5 stars.
I guess.
I have trouble rating this one. There were parts I liked. Parts I didn't like. Parts that didn't make sense to me.
I didn't like Phillip. I didn't understand Phillip. I just felt like a professor and educator should have been a little more self aware and gotten therapy or something. I don't know, he just didn't make sense to me and there for was unrelatable to me. A lot of his thoughts and actions I felt were just stupid.
Ryan I liked okay. I could understand him at least, kinda. I never ever got why he wanted Phillip? I couldn't see why he did what he did to get Phillip. I didn't feel any spark or chemistry between the characters. There was just no build up or tension that I could see. Basically it starts with them already in love but Phillips to stupid or something to get that, even though it was obvious? I don't know I didn't get it
It's a short, easy read. Of course it's also free. So of recommend it when you want something short between books that's free. It's kind of gay for you I guess but it didn't feel like that to me.
I guess.
I have trouble rating this one. There were parts I liked. Parts I didn't like. Parts that didn't make sense to me.
I didn't like Phillip. I didn't understand Phillip. I just felt like a professor and educator should have been a little more self aware and gotten therapy or something. I don't know, he just didn't make sense to me and there for was unrelatable to me. A lot of his thoughts and actions I felt were just stupid.
Ryan I liked okay. I could understand him at least, kinda. I never ever got why he wanted Phillip? I couldn't see why he did what he did to get Phillip. I didn't feel any spark or chemistry between the characters. There was just no build up or tension that I could see. Basically it starts with them already in love but Phillips to stupid or something to get that, even though it was obvious? I don't know I didn't get it
It's a short, easy read. Of course it's also free. So of recommend it when you want something short between books that's free. It's kind of gay for you I guess but it didn't feel like that to me.
June 14, 2013
This was one of the stories I was most anticipating from this anthology, and so as soon as it posted I jumped on it. The feelings, though deep and unfulfilled for several years between Phillip and Ryan weren't rushed as they were finally given voice. Even if the passing of his aunt was not a painful a loss for Phillip, the emotions surrounding it and the event itself was not diminished or given an easy fix. Phillip carries emotional scars, and the author portrayed it well.
A very heartwarming story.
A very heartwarming story.
June 11, 2013
3 - 3.5 stars
Too short and the jump to chapter 3 was way too abrupt. For me there were several chapters missing.
Too short and the jump to chapter 3 was way too abrupt. For me there were several chapters missing.
June 13, 2013
Some stories just tear at my heartstrings, and this one certainly is a good example. The people who raise us have such an enormous influence on what kind of person we become, what we will believe when we're adults, it is scary. Cold and emotionally stunted people should not raise children, yet sometimes this is unavoidable.
The aunt who raised Phillip in this story did not have children, wasn't even married, and probably for a reason. But when her sister died and left a small boy, she accepted the responsibility and raised him, probably against her will in many ways. The resulting emotional damage will take Phillip years to overcome, but, luckily, he has help.
Phillip is so emotionally scarred that he cannot even allow himself to admit he loves his best friend, Ryan, now that they are both adults. Phillip is starved for affection, yet hardly ever even touches or hugs someone, certainly not Ryan. Even after his aunt is dead, her homophobic words still haunt him. It will take a lot of loving from Ryan to help him heal.
Ryan loves Phillip beyond all hope of ever having his feelings returned. He always has, and he figures he always will. When he finally cannot hold in his feelings any longer, and speaks up, Philip tells him to leave. It may crush Ryan at first, but he is not one to give up easily. Some things are too important to capitulate at the first sign of an obstacle.
If you like stories about men who have secretly loved each other for years but have been unable to be honest with each other, if you enjoy seeing two lovers finally come together, and if you're looking for an emotional read full of tenderness and hope, then you will probably like this free short story.
The aunt who raised Phillip in this story did not have children, wasn't even married, and probably for a reason. But when her sister died and left a small boy, she accepted the responsibility and raised him, probably against her will in many ways. The resulting emotional damage will take Phillip years to overcome, but, luckily, he has help.
Phillip is so emotionally scarred that he cannot even allow himself to admit he loves his best friend, Ryan, now that they are both adults. Phillip is starved for affection, yet hardly ever even touches or hugs someone, certainly not Ryan. Even after his aunt is dead, her homophobic words still haunt him. It will take a lot of loving from Ryan to help him heal.
Ryan loves Phillip beyond all hope of ever having his feelings returned. He always has, and he figures he always will. When he finally cannot hold in his feelings any longer, and speaks up, Philip tells him to leave. It may crush Ryan at first, but he is not one to give up easily. Some things are too important to capitulate at the first sign of an obstacle.
If you like stories about men who have secretly loved each other for years but have been unable to be honest with each other, if you enjoy seeing two lovers finally come together, and if you're looking for an emotional read full of tenderness and hope, then you will probably like this free short story.
June 11, 2013
LHNB Story released 11.6.13
just a gnats under 4 stars but rounded up
Sweet gay-for-you story of best friends, getting together after the death of the aunt who bought one of them up. I think Chapter 3 is a bit misleading as it read more like an epilogue to the main story.
just a gnats under 4 stars but rounded up
Sweet gay-for-you story of best friends, getting together after the death of the aunt who bought one of them up. I think Chapter 3 is a bit misleading as it read more like an epilogue to the main story.
June 23, 2013
It wasn't bad but neither was it anything especially good either. An angsty short story that touched subjects far too big for its ~10k word count. Especially because a third of it was dedicated to the sex.
June 16, 2017
This was a (too short) angsty read about best friends who have loved each other from afar, both afraid to admit their feelings out of fear or shame.
However, it ends in a touching coming together with that coveted HEA!
However, it ends in a touching coming together with that coveted HEA!
January 23, 2015
A sweet best-friends-to-lovers story with a gorgeous HEA.
So. Much. Adorableness. My heart is so happy!
❤
So. Much. Adorableness. My heart is so happy!
❤
June 24, 2013
3.5 stars
A ooey gooey, cutie tootie, friends-to-lovers easy peasy read.
Oh and 1/3 of the book is hot 'n sweaty sexytime.
Can't complain at all :)
A ooey gooey, cutie tootie, friends-to-lovers easy peasy read.
Oh and 1/3 of the book is hot 'n sweaty sexytime.
Can't complain at all :)
December 2, 2014
Short but very sweet story!
September 4, 2017
A sweet story of first love and second chances. For such a short story, this had an emotional depth and completeness to it (although I wouldn't have minded reading another 200 pages or so!)
June 18, 2013
Short story about two best friends who shared an innocent kiss as 7 year olds, the ramifications of that kiss and an encounter more than 10 years later.
While I enjoyed this story, it felt a bit unbelievable. These two had purportedly been friends throughout the entire period but this incident was never touched upon again? Also the body language and difficulties in communicating seemed unnatural to me for friends of such long duration. No matter HOW fraught the subject, friends who'd known each other that long should have been more at ease with each other unless there were other details that this reader was unaware of.
As much as I liked the basic set-up for the story, I felt that details kept pulling me out of my willing suspension of disbelief. But then, not all readers have the same threshold for such things and I may not have been in the right frame of mind at the time.
Since this is a free-read, and it is a quick easy read I'd suggest that if the theme catches your eye by all means read and judge for yourself. And by all means check out the author's other stuff Wanting was GREAT!
While I enjoyed this story, it felt a bit unbelievable. These two had purportedly been friends throughout the entire period but this incident was never touched upon again? Also the body language and difficulties in communicating seemed unnatural to me for friends of such long duration. No matter HOW fraught the subject, friends who'd known each other that long should have been more at ease with each other unless there were other details that this reader was unaware of.
As much as I liked the basic set-up for the story, I felt that details kept pulling me out of my willing suspension of disbelief. But then, not all readers have the same threshold for such things and I may not have been in the right frame of mind at the time.
Since this is a free-read, and it is a quick easy read I'd suggest that if the theme catches your eye by all means read and judge for yourself. And by all means check out the author's other stuff Wanting was GREAT!
July 13, 2013
~ ~ ~
Solid 3.5 Stars
This Love Has No Boundaries short was really enjoyable. It had a great paced build until about the middle and then leveled out some, but all in a good way.
Maybe a little predictable, but entirely enjoyable.
Good stuff, treat yourself. You'll be glad you did.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
Solid 3.5 Stars
This Love Has No Boundaries short was really enjoyable. It had a great paced build until about the middle and then leveled out some, but all in a good way.
Maybe a little predictable, but entirely enjoyable.
Good stuff, treat yourself. You'll be glad you did.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
June 11, 2013
I am not sure I like this story much because of Phillip. He knew he had a problem yet he did everything he could to avoid, block, ignore that problem. He should have went to psychiatrist or seeking professional help.
From the way the story progress, That was something I usually dislike...
There was nothing wrong with the writing, I just personally did not care for this sort of characters.
From the way the story progress, That was something I usually dislike...
There was nothing wrong with the writing, I just personally did not care for this sort of characters.
June 11, 2013
The writing in this was solid and good, but for some reason there was just an emotional gap for me when I read this. I couldn't connect to the characters or situation no matter how hard I wanted to. That being said, I'm just one person, and I'd certainly recommend that each person give this a shot :)
June 11, 2013
Love the friends-to-lovers trope and love Piper Vaughn's writing so this is all win win win for me. Ryan's steely determination to risk it all, and Phillip's surrender to everything he thought he could never have is beautifully played out in deft strokes.
Oh my.
Oh my.
June 11, 2013
Achy sweet story of love, romantically persevering and triumphing.
Favorite quote:
He wanted to be the reason for Phillip coming undone, for the complete and utter loss of that perfect self-discipline.
Favorite quote:
He wanted to be the reason for Phillip coming undone, for the complete and utter loss of that perfect self-discipline.
February 28, 2020
This is a long time coming friends to lovers story. Phillip is dealing with the loss of his aunt, the woman how raised him, but also the woman who tried to make him believe that the idea of being gay was wrong. Yet, all he can think about is Ryan, his long time best friend, the one man he's always wanted but denied himself.
These two were so sweet. There were nerves but both men really wanted to be together. They finally admitted how they felt and gave the relationship a chance. So adorable. Just wish it was longer.
These two were so sweet. There were nerves but both men really wanted to be together. They finally admitted how they felt and gave the relationship a chance. So adorable. Just wish it was longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews