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Fate's Gift #2
Last Kiss Goodbye: A Fated Love Psychic Suspense Romance
Sometimes your past comes back to haunt you…
Anna Martella just wants to move on with her life. But two years after barely surviving a serial killer, she’s not sure she’ll ever be ready to date again. That is, until Matt, her best friend’s brother, who makes her feel safe for the first time in years. Sure, he's a little mysterious, but everyone has secrets, right?
Matt Roberts can See the past with a single touch. Like his twin sister CJ who Sees the future, he's spent his life hiding his ability. After a disastrous relationship with someone who used him for his success, he's sworn off dating. That is, until Anna walks back into his life at his sister's housewarming party, and suddenly he can't stay away.
But when the murders start again — young, blond women slain with the same signature as Anna's attacker — Matt realizes the killer he helped put away had an accomplice. And they're coming to finish what they started. Now he faces an impossible Does he risk exposing his ability to change Anna’s fate, or does he try to protect her from the shadows? The police suspect him, time is running out, and the woman he loves is in the crosshairs of a killer's obsession. Will he change her fate or was it always set it stone?
Anna Martella just wants to move on with her life. But two years after barely surviving a serial killer, she’s not sure she’ll ever be ready to date again. That is, until Matt, her best friend’s brother, who makes her feel safe for the first time in years. Sure, he's a little mysterious, but everyone has secrets, right?
Matt Roberts can See the past with a single touch. Like his twin sister CJ who Sees the future, he's spent his life hiding his ability. After a disastrous relationship with someone who used him for his success, he's sworn off dating. That is, until Anna walks back into his life at his sister's housewarming party, and suddenly he can't stay away.
But when the murders start again — young, blond women slain with the same signature as Anna's attacker — Matt realizes the killer he helped put away had an accomplice. And they're coming to finish what they started. Now he faces an impossible Does he risk exposing his ability to change Anna’s fate, or does he try to protect her from the shadows? The police suspect him, time is running out, and the woman he loves is in the crosshairs of a killer's obsession. Will he change her fate or was it always set it stone?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
About the author
Melanie A. Smith
27 books301 followersMelanie A. Smith is an award-winning, international best-selling author of steamy romance with smart, self-sufficient heroines and strong, swoony book boyfriends with hearts of gold. A former engineer turned stay-at-home mom and author, when Melanie is not lost in the world of books you’ll find her spending time with her husband and son, crafting, or cross-stitching.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 6, 2026
Highly recommend this to those who love romance and suspense.. I enjoyed the Characters. The writing. I was on the edge of my seat turning these pages.
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
May 2, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from Pen Pinery in exchange for an honest review. However, I read this book without reading the first book in the series.
This book follows a young woman surviving a traumatic event who is trying to heal and move forward as best she can. She then meets Matt, who happens to be her brother’s best friend. The chemistry and tension are so strong, you can feel it off the page. But just like any book, it can’t be that simple. Matt carries a secret that keeps you turning the pages to figure out what it is. The two are truly meant to be!
The suspense in this book was great!!!
Although I enjoyed this book, I believe if I had read the first book, I would have been more invested and enjoyed it more. That’s my fault.
This book contains supernatural content.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 14, 2026
I was provided an ARC of this from Book Sirens
I had no idea what to expect with this book and it’s my first time reading this author and was pleasantly surprised. This book was wonderful. If you like romance with a suspenseful story, which I do, this one’s for you. Matt and Anna’s story will have you glued to the pages and the way it all came together in the end left me feeling very satisfied. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you have not tried this genre before. Now I’m going back to read book one.
I had no idea what to expect with this book and it’s my first time reading this author and was pleasantly surprised. This book was wonderful. If you like romance with a suspenseful story, which I do, this one’s for you. Matt and Anna’s story will have you glued to the pages and the way it all came together in the end left me feeling very satisfied. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you have not tried this genre before. Now I’m going back to read book one.
May 1, 2026
I LOVE fated love, and it's especially fun in contemporary romance!
This is the perfect companion to Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe, starring CJ and Drew. Like that novel, it's fast-paced, exciting, and steeped in realism, which makes it all the more thrilling.
Anna and Matt are wonderful - both smart and capable. Easy to root for and fall in love with. In all, Last Kiss Goodbye is twisty, sexy fun! Highly recommend for lovers of romantic suspense, or readers wanting to check out the genre!
This is the perfect companion to Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe, starring CJ and Drew. Like that novel, it's fast-paced, exciting, and steeped in realism, which makes it all the more thrilling.
Anna and Matt are wonderful - both smart and capable. Easy to root for and fall in love with. In all, Last Kiss Goodbye is twisty, sexy fun! Highly recommend for lovers of romantic suspense, or readers wanting to check out the genre!
May 1, 2026
This was a good romantic suspense, with a dash of paranormal tossed in, which is right up my alley!
I thought that the way Anna was written was wonderful. Following as she was overcoming her past, while the past insists on rearing it's ugly head.
I found myself turning pages quickly to see what was going to happen next. It was a well written suspense, with twists that I did not see coming.
I thought that the way Anna was written was wonderful. Following as she was overcoming her past, while the past insists on rearing it's ugly head.
I found myself turning pages quickly to see what was going to happen next. It was a well written suspense, with twists that I did not see coming.
May 2, 2026
I loved this story. Anna is trying to move forward after what happened to her. She runs into Matt who is her brothers friend. I loved Matt’s ability. That was a really cool addition to the story. This was an intense and suspense filled story and I was so engrossed in it. Their connection was great. And I loved the twists and turns. A really great read.
May 2, 2026
Intrigue, passion, suspense, sizzle and so much more. Matt and Anna’s story will keep you intrigued and turning the pages. Enjoy
May 13, 2026
**I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
I really loved this book. I went in not knowing what to expect. It pulled me in right away.
The story follows Anna, a young woman surviving a traumatic event and trying to rebuild her life piece by piece. Her journey is emotional and raw, and I found myself rooting for her from the start. Then she meets Matt, her best friend’s brother, and the connection between them is instant. But Matt is carrying a secret — one tied directly to Anna’s past — and that added a layer of tension that kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed the romance between Anna and Matt. Yes, it develops quickly, but it still feels believable because they both have growing to do. They learn from each other, stumble a bit, and figure things out together, which made their relationship feel more grounded.
The suspense was a nice touch. It had me questioning certain characters and second‑guessing motives. I was hoping for a slightly bigger plot twist, but the way everything came together in the end still felt satisfying and true to the story.
Overall, this was a heartfelt mix of romance, healing, and suspense — and it worked beautifully.
I really loved this book. I went in not knowing what to expect. It pulled me in right away.
The story follows Anna, a young woman surviving a traumatic event and trying to rebuild her life piece by piece. Her journey is emotional and raw, and I found myself rooting for her from the start. Then she meets Matt, her best friend’s brother, and the connection between them is instant. But Matt is carrying a secret — one tied directly to Anna’s past — and that added a layer of tension that kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoyed the romance between Anna and Matt. Yes, it develops quickly, but it still feels believable because they both have growing to do. They learn from each other, stumble a bit, and figure things out together, which made their relationship feel more grounded.
The suspense was a nice touch. It had me questioning certain characters and second‑guessing motives. I was hoping for a slightly bigger plot twist, but the way everything came together in the end still felt satisfying and true to the story.
Overall, this was a heartfelt mix of romance, healing, and suspense — and it worked beautifully.
May 7, 2026
Sometimes your past comes back to haunt you…
Anna Martella just wants to move on with her life. But two years after barely surviving a serial killer, she’s not sure she’ll ever be ready to date again. That is, until Matt, her best friend’s brother, who makes her feel safe for the first time in years. Sure, he's a little mysterious, but everyone has secrets, right?
Matt Roberts can See the past with a single touch. Like his twin sister CJ who Sees the future, he's spent his life hiding his ability. After a disastrous relationship with someone who used him for his success, he's sworn off dating. That is, until Anna walks back into his life at his sister's housewarming party, and suddenly he can't stay away.
But when the murders start again — young, blond women slain with the same signature as Anna's attacker — Matt realizes the killer he helped put away had an accomplice. And they're coming to finish what they started. Now he faces an impossible choice. Does he risk exposing his ability to change Anna’s fate, or does he try to protect her from the shadows? The police suspect him, time is running out, and the woman he loves is in the crosshairs of a killer's obsession. Will he change her fate or was it always set it stone?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Best-Friends Brother, Serial Killer, Mysterious, Secrets, MMC can See the Past with a Touch, MMC is a Twin who sees the Future, Hidden Identity, Hidden Abilities, Disastrous Relationship, MMC Swore off Dating, Second Chance, Housewarming Party, Murders start Again, Same Signature as Anna’s Attacker, Accomplice, Coming to Finish what they Started, Impossible Choice, Does MMC protect FMC and Expose his abilities, Or try Protect her from the Shadows, Police Suspect MMC, Time’s Running Out, FMC is in the Crosshairs of a Killer’s Obsession, Fantasy, Paranormal, Special Abilities, Healing, Trauma, Trust, Forgiveness, Support, Complex/Compelling/Complicated Characters, Intriguing Plot, Chemistry, Paranormal Mystery, High-Stakes Romance, “Fated Love”, Romantic Suspense, Psychic Visions, Twins.
Last Kiss Goodbye is the 2nd book in the Fate’s Gift Duology A Fate Love Psychic Suspense Romance by Melanie A. Smith.
All Anna Martella wants after managing to survive a serial killer all she wants to find a way to move on with her life, but after two years, she’s honestly not sure she’ll ever be ready to date again. That is until she meets her best-friend’s twin brother Matt. He’s the first man to ever make her feel safe in two years. Sure, Anna finds him to be a bit mysterious, and she can tell he has his secrets, but everyone is entitled to their secrets, and maybe having an air of mystery isn’t so bad?
Matt and his twin sister CJ have unique abilities, with a single touch Matt can see that person’s entire past, his sister CJ on the other hand has the ability to see a person’s entire future with just a single touch. Matt has spent his entire life hiding his ability and trying to limit physical contact with other people.
After Matt went through a devastating with a woman who only used him for his success, he decided that he was done with dating and since then he’d sworn off dating completely. At least until Anna walked backed into his life at CJ’s housewarming party, and as soon as he saw her again, he couldn’t stay away from her.
Then the murders start all over again – the victims are all young, blond women who are neutralized, and they all bare the same signature as Anna’s attacker – and Matt realizes that the unaliver who went after Anna 2 years ago had a partner. And now that partner is coming after Anna to finish what they had started 2 years ago.
Now Matt is forced to face an impossible choice: to save Anna does he risk exposing his ability, an ability he’s spent his life hiding, all to change Anna’s fate, or does Matt work from the shadows trying to protect her?
With time running out, Matt knows that the police think that he’s the unaliver, and Anna, the woman Matt’s come to realize that he loves, is in the crosshairs of this unaliver’s obsession.
Will Matt be able to change Anna’s fate or is fate set in stone?
This is the second book by Melanie A. Smith that I’ve read and I have to admit that I didn’t read the 1st half of this duet. But even though I didn’t read the 1st half of this duet, I never felt lost or like I was missing something while reading this book. Rather, right from the first page this book pulled me in and I quickly found myself enthralled.
I found myself heartbroken for Anna, she’s this young woman who survived a traumatic event that no-woman should ever have to face, and now 2 years later she’s just trying to rebuild her life. I found her journey to be emotional, raw, authentic and it felt so real. And right from the moment I met Anna I found myself rooting for her and her healing.
Then she meets her best-friend CJ twin brother Matt, and from the moment their eye lock you can feel the instant chemistry and connection. But Anna doesn’t know that both CJ and Matt are keeping are secret from her. And for Anna, Matt’s secret is tied directly to her past – and for me I found that not only added this additional layer of tension to the story it kept me turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen next.
The romance between Anna and Matt was really enjoyable. It is inta-love and their bond and entire relationship develops very quickly, but for me, it feels very natural and real. (My own relationship with my husband developed very quickly. We were engaged within 3 months.) And while Anna and Matt’s relationship moved very quickly and felt real you can also tell they both have growing to do. And I can honestly say that I loved the way they learn from each other, catch the other when they stumble, and figure everything out together, which really did help to ground their relationship in reality.
The suspense surrounding the unaliving and who was behind it added even more tension. This had me looking at certain characters, questioning their motives, and I was second-guessing everything. I was slightly disappointed as I had been hoping for bigger plot twists, but in the end the way everything came together I honestly still felt satisfied.
One of the things that Melanie did that I absolutely loved is the way she included Anna and Matt’s families in the story. This added such a beautiful dynamic and I found it helped to genuinely enrich this wonderful story. I also really loved the way it feels like this story just naturally unfolds, from the first interactions, the way there’s the feeling of a slow build up of chemistry even though at the same time it feels instant, the way Melanie developed this deep sense of trust between Anna and Matt, and Matt and Anna’s willingness to slowly open up to each other and share not only their feelings but also their secrets. And I loved the way Matt and Anna found forgiveness and support each other, even after Matt screws up, they manage to reconnect and this makes their relationship feel earned, authentic, and even more real.
Melanie did a stunning job in her character creation, I found both the primary characters but also the secondary characters to be complex, compelling and complicated who continued to grow and develop through the story and had amazing character arcs. The storyline has a plot and sub-plot that was intriguing, intense, and the pacing was so well done. And Melanie did an outstanding job in her world-building and ensuring this story had the perfect setting that complimented the characters and gave the perfect ambiance to the story.
If you enjoy paranormal mystery, high-stakes romance, romance, healing, suspense, vulnerability, fear then I highly recommend you pick up Last Kiss Goodbye and dive in.
Oh, and poor Drew, throughout this book you can really tell just how much he loves CJ with everything he has to put up with what he does. I really hope Drew and CJ get their own book. I would love to read their story.
Anna Martella just wants to move on with her life. But two years after barely surviving a serial killer, she’s not sure she’ll ever be ready to date again. That is, until Matt, her best friend’s brother, who makes her feel safe for the first time in years. Sure, he's a little mysterious, but everyone has secrets, right?
Matt Roberts can See the past with a single touch. Like his twin sister CJ who Sees the future, he's spent his life hiding his ability. After a disastrous relationship with someone who used him for his success, he's sworn off dating. That is, until Anna walks back into his life at his sister's housewarming party, and suddenly he can't stay away.
But when the murders start again — young, blond women slain with the same signature as Anna's attacker — Matt realizes the killer he helped put away had an accomplice. And they're coming to finish what they started. Now he faces an impossible choice. Does he risk exposing his ability to change Anna’s fate, or does he try to protect her from the shadows? The police suspect him, time is running out, and the woman he loves is in the crosshairs of a killer's obsession. Will he change her fate or was it always set it stone?
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Best-Friends Brother, Serial Killer, Mysterious, Secrets, MMC can See the Past with a Touch, MMC is a Twin who sees the Future, Hidden Identity, Hidden Abilities, Disastrous Relationship, MMC Swore off Dating, Second Chance, Housewarming Party, Murders start Again, Same Signature as Anna’s Attacker, Accomplice, Coming to Finish what they Started, Impossible Choice, Does MMC protect FMC and Expose his abilities, Or try Protect her from the Shadows, Police Suspect MMC, Time’s Running Out, FMC is in the Crosshairs of a Killer’s Obsession, Fantasy, Paranormal, Special Abilities, Healing, Trauma, Trust, Forgiveness, Support, Complex/Compelling/Complicated Characters, Intriguing Plot, Chemistry, Paranormal Mystery, High-Stakes Romance, “Fated Love”, Romantic Suspense, Psychic Visions, Twins.
Last Kiss Goodbye is the 2nd book in the Fate’s Gift Duology A Fate Love Psychic Suspense Romance by Melanie A. Smith.
All Anna Martella wants after managing to survive a serial killer all she wants to find a way to move on with her life, but after two years, she’s honestly not sure she’ll ever be ready to date again. That is until she meets her best-friend’s twin brother Matt. He’s the first man to ever make her feel safe in two years. Sure, Anna finds him to be a bit mysterious, and she can tell he has his secrets, but everyone is entitled to their secrets, and maybe having an air of mystery isn’t so bad?
Matt and his twin sister CJ have unique abilities, with a single touch Matt can see that person’s entire past, his sister CJ on the other hand has the ability to see a person’s entire future with just a single touch. Matt has spent his entire life hiding his ability and trying to limit physical contact with other people.
After Matt went through a devastating with a woman who only used him for his success, he decided that he was done with dating and since then he’d sworn off dating completely. At least until Anna walked backed into his life at CJ’s housewarming party, and as soon as he saw her again, he couldn’t stay away from her.
Then the murders start all over again – the victims are all young, blond women who are neutralized, and they all bare the same signature as Anna’s attacker – and Matt realizes that the unaliver who went after Anna 2 years ago had a partner. And now that partner is coming after Anna to finish what they had started 2 years ago.
Now Matt is forced to face an impossible choice: to save Anna does he risk exposing his ability, an ability he’s spent his life hiding, all to change Anna’s fate, or does Matt work from the shadows trying to protect her?
With time running out, Matt knows that the police think that he’s the unaliver, and Anna, the woman Matt’s come to realize that he loves, is in the crosshairs of this unaliver’s obsession.
Will Matt be able to change Anna’s fate or is fate set in stone?
This is the second book by Melanie A. Smith that I’ve read and I have to admit that I didn’t read the 1st half of this duet. But even though I didn’t read the 1st half of this duet, I never felt lost or like I was missing something while reading this book. Rather, right from the first page this book pulled me in and I quickly found myself enthralled.
I found myself heartbroken for Anna, she’s this young woman who survived a traumatic event that no-woman should ever have to face, and now 2 years later she’s just trying to rebuild her life. I found her journey to be emotional, raw, authentic and it felt so real. And right from the moment I met Anna I found myself rooting for her and her healing.
Then she meets her best-friend CJ twin brother Matt, and from the moment their eye lock you can feel the instant chemistry and connection. But Anna doesn’t know that both CJ and Matt are keeping are secret from her. And for Anna, Matt’s secret is tied directly to her past – and for me I found that not only added this additional layer of tension to the story it kept me turning the pages wanting to know what was going to happen next.
The romance between Anna and Matt was really enjoyable. It is inta-love and their bond and entire relationship develops very quickly, but for me, it feels very natural and real. (My own relationship with my husband developed very quickly. We were engaged within 3 months.) And while Anna and Matt’s relationship moved very quickly and felt real you can also tell they both have growing to do. And I can honestly say that I loved the way they learn from each other, catch the other when they stumble, and figure everything out together, which really did help to ground their relationship in reality.
The suspense surrounding the unaliving and who was behind it added even more tension. This had me looking at certain characters, questioning their motives, and I was second-guessing everything. I was slightly disappointed as I had been hoping for bigger plot twists, but in the end the way everything came together I honestly still felt satisfied.
One of the things that Melanie did that I absolutely loved is the way she included Anna and Matt’s families in the story. This added such a beautiful dynamic and I found it helped to genuinely enrich this wonderful story. I also really loved the way it feels like this story just naturally unfolds, from the first interactions, the way there’s the feeling of a slow build up of chemistry even though at the same time it feels instant, the way Melanie developed this deep sense of trust between Anna and Matt, and Matt and Anna’s willingness to slowly open up to each other and share not only their feelings but also their secrets. And I loved the way Matt and Anna found forgiveness and support each other, even after Matt screws up, they manage to reconnect and this makes their relationship feel earned, authentic, and even more real.
Melanie did a stunning job in her character creation, I found both the primary characters but also the secondary characters to be complex, compelling and complicated who continued to grow and develop through the story and had amazing character arcs. The storyline has a plot and sub-plot that was intriguing, intense, and the pacing was so well done. And Melanie did an outstanding job in her world-building and ensuring this story had the perfect setting that complimented the characters and gave the perfect ambiance to the story.
If you enjoy paranormal mystery, high-stakes romance, romance, healing, suspense, vulnerability, fear then I highly recommend you pick up Last Kiss Goodbye and dive in.
Oh, and poor Drew, throughout this book you can really tell just how much he loves CJ with everything he has to put up with what he does. I really hope Drew and CJ get their own book. I would love to read their story.
May 6, 2026
It's been a while since I read book 1 (
Last Kiss Under the Mistletoe
)--tbh I started re-reading it before picking this one up and was maybe 2 chapters in before going over to GR and realizing I'd already read it. Not because I remembered anything about it in the end, but because I had read dates and had written a full review. So I went into this one pretty much remembering nothing about the first one and did fine--they give you the basic gist of what happened in CJ and Drew's story so if you want to jump in here you'll do fine, IMO.
The first 50% or so of the story was really solid--there's a good deal of insta-relationship here, but the whole fated to be/psychic gifts aspect of their story works to explain that. Matt and Anna are really cute together, and there's a nice bit of suspense in the secrets that they have in their pasts. As they're growing closer, Anna starts to sense that she maybe is being watched, and the tension increases even more--all good stuff.
Not that a possible serial killer/copycat killer breaking into her apartment is "good stuff," but you know what I mean. She temporarily moves in with Matt, and we all know how I feel about forced proximity when there's only one bed ;)
Then...things take a bit of a turn. I'm 100% willing to go with a "it's me, not you [the book]" here, because plenty of others seem to be more than OK with the story as a whole. But first Matt makes a *highly* questionable choice when proving his abilities to Anna and then he *thinks* he finds out something about Anna's past (with zero actual evidence) and decides that it must be true and he needs to distance himself from her, instead of--work with me here--talking to the woman he supposedly loves about it?
I mean, I can't even.
Things go a little more off the rails when we get to the big suspenseful last 25% or so--honestly, it reminded me a lot of all of the dozens of Colton-family-themed HQN romantic suspense books I've read over the years for Library Journal (which plenty of people love! So if you're one of them, take everything I'm saying here with the biggest grains of salt ever and pay me no mind), and I had the hardest time taking any of it seriously.
It did have a super cute ending for our MCs once all the drama was over, so there's that, at least. Personally I would have made Matt do a lot more groveling than Anna did, but I suppose her own latent abilities allowed her to know/believe he was sincere quicker than my non-psychic self would have, so she has a good excuse there.
Rating: 3 stars / C
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
The first 50% or so of the story was really solid--there's a good deal of insta-relationship here, but the whole fated to be/psychic gifts aspect of their story works to explain that. Matt and Anna are really cute together, and there's a nice bit of suspense in the secrets that they have in their pasts. As they're growing closer, Anna starts to sense that she maybe is being watched, and the tension increases even more--all good stuff.
Not that a possible serial killer/copycat killer breaking into her apartment is "good stuff," but you know what I mean. She temporarily moves in with Matt, and we all know how I feel about forced proximity when there's only one bed ;)
Then...things take a bit of a turn. I'm 100% willing to go with a "it's me, not you [the book]" here, because plenty of others seem to be more than OK with the story as a whole. But first Matt makes a *highly* questionable choice when proving his abilities to Anna and then he *thinks* he finds out something about Anna's past (with zero actual evidence) and decides that it must be true and he needs to distance himself from her, instead of--work with me here--talking to the woman he supposedly loves about it?
I mean, I can't even.
Things go a little more off the rails when we get to the big suspenseful last 25% or so--honestly, it reminded me a lot of all of the dozens of Colton-family-themed HQN romantic suspense books I've read over the years for Library Journal (which plenty of people love! So if you're one of them, take everything I'm saying here with the biggest grains of salt ever and pay me no mind), and I had the hardest time taking any of it seriously.
It did have a super cute ending for our MCs once all the drama was over, so there's that, at least. Personally I would have made Matt do a lot more groveling than Anna did, but I suppose her own latent abilities allowed her to know/believe he was sincere quicker than my non-psychic self would have, so she has a good excuse there.
Rating: 3 stars / C
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'll be upfront: I came into this one without having read the first book in the series, which probably colored my experience more than I'd like to admit. Fated love and found-psychic-family stories live and die on the emotional investment you've already built with the characters, and I was missing that foundation going in. That's on me, not the book.
That said, here's where I landed.
The premise is genuinely compelling. A cast of characters with different psychic abilities, a serial killer storyline, a brooding hero who reads memories through touch and a heroine who can't be read at all. There's a lot of good bones here, and I loved the framework. The mystery element kept me engaged, and the ending was the highlight for me. Without giving anything away, the resolution leans fully into the psychic framework of the story in a way that feels both surprising and earned. The groundwork is there if you're paying attention, and it raises some genuinely interesting moral questions that stuck with me after the last page.
What held me back from a higher rating was pacing. The story moved quickly, and I sometimes wished for more connective tissue between scenes to let the story breathe. I wanted more time in the quieter moments between Matt and Anna before the romance shifted into high gear, and I think readers who know these characters from book one may find that less jarring than I did. The relationship moved fast, and while I understand the "fated love" framing is doing some of that lifting, I wanted a little more time to settle into why I should root for them together before being asked to.
The characters themselves are likeable. Matt in particular has an interesting moral weight to him, and the tension around what he knows versus what he can share is well done. I just wanted more depth on the page, not necessarily more plot, just more breathing room.
Overall, if you've read book one, I think you'll enjoy this more than I did. And if you're a fan of psychic abilities woven into suspense romance, the premise alone is worth your time. Smith clearly has a vision for this world, and the ending left me genuinely curious about where the series goes next.
I'll be upfront: I came into this one without having read the first book in the series, which probably colored my experience more than I'd like to admit. Fated love and found-psychic-family stories live and die on the emotional investment you've already built with the characters, and I was missing that foundation going in. That's on me, not the book.
That said, here's where I landed.
The premise is genuinely compelling. A cast of characters with different psychic abilities, a serial killer storyline, a brooding hero who reads memories through touch and a heroine who can't be read at all. There's a lot of good bones here, and I loved the framework. The mystery element kept me engaged, and the ending was the highlight for me. Without giving anything away, the resolution leans fully into the psychic framework of the story in a way that feels both surprising and earned. The groundwork is there if you're paying attention, and it raises some genuinely interesting moral questions that stuck with me after the last page.
What held me back from a higher rating was pacing. The story moved quickly, and I sometimes wished for more connective tissue between scenes to let the story breathe. I wanted more time in the quieter moments between Matt and Anna before the romance shifted into high gear, and I think readers who know these characters from book one may find that less jarring than I did. The relationship moved fast, and while I understand the "fated love" framing is doing some of that lifting, I wanted a little more time to settle into why I should root for them together before being asked to.
The characters themselves are likeable. Matt in particular has an interesting moral weight to him, and the tension around what he knows versus what he can share is well done. I just wanted more depth on the page, not necessarily more plot, just more breathing room.
Overall, if you've read book one, I think you'll enjoy this more than I did. And if you're a fan of psychic abilities woven into suspense romance, the premise alone is worth your time. Smith clearly has a vision for this world, and the ending left me genuinely curious about where the series goes next.
May 2, 2026
This romance was a definite page‑turner for me. I loved the suspense, but more importantly, I appreciated how the author builds the story and ties everything together so seamlessly. The development of Matt and Anna’s relationship keeps you engaged from the very beginning all the way through to their HEA—their strengths are beautifully balanced against their vulnerabilities and fears.
Their families add to the dynamics and genuinely enrich the story. What really stood out, though, was how naturally the author allows their journey to unfold—from those first interactions, to the slow build of chemistry, the development of trust, and their willingness to open up and share their secrets and feelings. Their belief in and support of each other, even after Matt messes up and they reconnect, feels earned and authentic.
Add in the suspense, twists, and unexpected turns, and you’re completely engrossed right until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Their families add to the dynamics and genuinely enrich the story. What really stood out, though, was how naturally the author allows their journey to unfold—from those first interactions, to the slow build of chemistry, the development of trust, and their willingness to open up and share their secrets and feelings. Their belief in and support of each other, even after Matt messes up and they reconnect, feels earned and authentic.
Add in the suspense, twists, and unexpected turns, and you’re completely engrossed right until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2026
I hadn't read the 1st book when I read this one, you don't need to but probably would be helpful as there were a lot of call backs. I was able to deduce things but reading it first would've been easier. Matt & his twin CJ have powers I guess is the best way to say it. CJ can see the future and Matt can see the past, all with a single touch. CJ was the star for the first book so now its Matt's turn. Anna survives a serial killer and two years later is only just barely ready to date again. CJ sets them up. Now we have a copycat serial killer and they are following the original ones MO which scares the crap out of Anna. Things get a little wonky because Matt used his powers and misinterprets things. Good ole miscommunication trope. Its a quick murder mystery read with some good respectful spice thrown in.
May 3, 2026
Book 2 of Fate's Gift. Can be read as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment read the books in series order.
'The police suspect him, time is running out, and the woman he loves is in the crosshairs of a killer's obsession. Will he change her fate or was it always set it stone?'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'The police suspect him, time is running out, and the woman he loves is in the crosshairs of a killer's obsession. Will he change her fate or was it always set it stone?'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend!
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Smith blends romance and suspense seamlessly in this book. And I loved it. As always, her characters are well-developed and the romantic tension is palpable; both Anna and Matt must contend with (believable) internal struggles in order to get out of their own respective ways in order to be together. The secret Matt holds, how it ties to Anna, and the way Smith develops this part of the arc makes this a page-turner! I couldn't wait to see how it all unfolded.
I highly recommend this book, perfect for a summer-beach-read.
I highly recommend this book, perfect for a summer-beach-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advanced review copy for free, in exchange for a honest review.
This book was the perfect blend of paranormal mystery and high-stakes romance.
The "fated love" trope was handled beautifully; the connection between Matt and Anna felt electric from their first meeting, and seeing them rely on each other while facing such a dark threat was gripping. The pacing was fast, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it ended. If you love romantic suspense with a supernatural twist, you need to read this!
This book was the perfect blend of paranormal mystery and high-stakes romance.
The "fated love" trope was handled beautifully; the connection between Matt and Anna felt electric from their first meeting, and seeing them rely on each other while facing such a dark threat was gripping. The pacing was fast, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how it ended. If you love romantic suspense with a supernatural twist, you need to read this!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of my favourite reads so far. I really enjoyed the whole physic visions it was an interesting take especially with the little twist added which I wasn't expecting.
I enjoyed the twin dynamic Matt sees the past and his sister (CJ) sees the future with a single touch.
I've always enjoyed the serial killer trope so I'm happy with how this turned out, the story was amazing
Also poor Drew throughout this he really does love CJ to put up with what he did 😂
I enjoyed the twin dynamic Matt sees the past and his sister (CJ) sees the future with a single touch.
I've always enjoyed the serial killer trope so I'm happy with how this turned out, the story was amazing
Also poor Drew throughout this he really does love CJ to put up with what he did 😂
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May 1, 2026Last Kiss Goodbye: A Fated Love Psychic Suspense Romance is available now in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audio! Get all the links and more at https://melanieasmithauthor.com/books...
May 3, 2026
To say that Matt and Anna are soul mates is an understatement. I couldn't put this one down, the romance was one part, but the suspense was honestly my favorite part. Melanie continues to find ways to keep readers on their toes and I look forward to reading what comes next in this amazing series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2026
Romance, suspense and a dollop of paranormal, this one has it all. Matt and Anna are easy to connect with and have a strong story that will leave you emotionally fulfilled. This was the first book I have picked up by this author and I was not disappointed.
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
ARC provided via Pen Pinery
https://penpinery.com
Review of advance copy received from Author
Matt and Anna were meant to be, especially after everything they'd gone through with previous partners. I loved the suspense within the book, it definitely pulled me in. Anna's family was so much fun and I would have loved to see what Nonna thought about Matt/CJ's abilities.🤔 Melanie always keeps me on my toes with her writing and this book was no different. Happy Reading Y'all!💋
Review of advance copy
OMG, what an absolutely unbelievable story. Totally amazing. Loved everything about it.
May 2, 2026
Matt and Anna take us on a journey of mystery, love, and suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this! I loved getting to see characters from the first book and the romance was great. I enjoyed the suspense element and could not put this book down!
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