Last Kiss

by Ranee S. Clark

Introducing Clay, Wyoming, hometown of DJ Kaiser from "Playing for Keeps"!

Gwen Malone is back in her hometown of Clay, Wyoming, saving money while she figures out what to do next with her life and her dream of having her own online magazine. Then her ex, Cale Parrish shows up, working for her dad, of all things. Things are awkward, of course, since he broke off their engagement just a month before the wedding.
But Cale has known for a long time that he made a mistake five years ago, when he allowed the pressure to marry her right after his mission eclipse his true feelings for her. He can’t let Gwen slip away from him again.
Cale's thoughtful gestures and reminders of their once-perfect relationship begin to convince Gwen they should take a chance on them again—until a no-holds-barred kiss reminds her exactly how much she has to lose. Cale may be ready to jump right back in where they left off, but can Gwen trust him again so easily?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Novella, Lds, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Unknown Binding

Published October 17, 2018

About the author

During her early years of reading, Ranee` S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.

Reviews

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances can be fraught with emotions and memories. This sweet little novella definitely packed a punch in those two departments. Gwen and Cale have quite a bit of history. When Gwen has tried to move on for years thinking Cale has done the same she finally thinks she might be able to live her life without Cale. Of course that lasts all of a few minutes until he comes back into her life and causes the painful and sweet emotions to come flooding back into her memories.

I couldn't sleep last night. After tossing and turning for hours, I finally said it's time to try something to relax me so I could hopefully sleep. So I picked this little gem up and dove right in. It was a pretty fast read and once I finished it, I was able to close my eyes and sleep very relaxed for a couple hours.

So my point in telling you all of that is twofold:

One, it's not super long and can be enjoyed in a lovely evening read. Make sure you have a warm blanket, maybe a yummy piece of chocolate or a tasty chocolatey drink! I think that sounds like a lovely and perfect combination. Possibly a tissue as well, especially for those who have had a heartbreak or two in your lives and a second chance.

Two, It's relaxing! We all need something that is light (yes there are some emotions involved but I would still consider it a light read), sweet, fluffy, cute, happy, enjoyable, happy sigh inducing, and many more lovely emotions that all lead to a contented read.

I will admit that I was cheering Cale on, and possibly had a couple little snickers at his expense as well. I just loved these two! They're practically perfect for each other in every way. *ah young sweet love* And Cale...I loved his little thoughtful moments. It might have taken me back almost 20 years ago when I was dating my hubby (and throughout our marriage - eeeekkk I'm getting old)!

Content: Clean. Super cute, squeaky clean! There are a couple references to YSA so I figured for those who don't know what that is I would explain. YSA stands for Young Single Adults. This group has several activities that are held at their church, specifically with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The book doesn't go into much detail of religious talk other than the characters are attending the activities and at one point each of the main characters say a prayer asking God for guidance.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance romance in small town Wyoming. It focused on Gwen's indecision over her first love's return to town and attempts to rekindle their relationship. She's in limbo since she's stalled in her career and that sense of uncertainty is prevalent throughout the story. The plot wasn't exciting or compelling and I would have liked more depth and character development. Cale and Gwen were nice together, or at least Gwen's memories of how they used to be. Most of their present day interactions involved awkwardness and avoidance. I didn't feel invested in them, and was surprised at the jumps they made in the end after five years of zero contact. Perhaps if Cale and Gwen's previous time together had been more detailed, I would have felt there was more of a foundation to build on.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet novella is about a second-chance at love. Gwen Malone is back in her hometown of Clay, Wyoming working at her dad's construction company since leaving her job in Denver. Whenever there's not enough work to keep her busy, she finds herself looking at her ex-fiance's Facebook page. It's been 5 years since she and Cale Parrish broke up a month before their wedding and she's pretty sure he's moved on, at least that's what it looks like on Facebook. All those pictures of him and different women smiling back at her from the computer screen. When her dad says he hired a "new guy" Gwen doesn't think much about it until Cale Parrish walks into the office! Maybe her dad will just let her work from home from now on.

Cale broke up with Gwen to figure out if he really wanted to marry her, or if they were just getting married because everyone in town expected them to. When he decided he did, it had been several months and he thought Gwen had moved on with her life. He never talked to her about their time apart or possibly getting back together, and now years have passed by. He realizes the mistake he made five years ago and now that they're living in the same town again wants to try to get her back.

I thought it was funny that they kept getting thrown together at their church's Young Single Adult activities because Cale's friend is engaged to Gwen's younger sister and they would go together, but it was SO aggravating that it took SO LONG for them to finally talk about their broken engagement. I was ready to lock them in a room and not let them out until they had talked through everything!!

I liked Cade's thoughtful gifts to Gwen which made her think of him whenever she used them and it was because of him she started to really work toward her goal of publishing an online magazine. But these two really need to work on their communication skills. She saw pictures on FB and thought he had moved on, and he knew she had starting dating someone so he thought she had moved on. Unless you talk to the other person you really don't know what's going on in their mind. I liked the premise for the story (who doesn't like second-chance romances), but didn't really connect with either of the main characters. Maybe if it had been a longer read I would've been able to do that.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ranee' Clark has been one of my favorite authors ever since I read her first book,  Playing for Keeps . I love her characters, romance and settings. This novella is just as good. I love the trend of authors writing these novellas, it gets a good story in my hands a lot faster than waiting for a traditional novel would.

I really liked Gwen. She made me laugh so many times. Gwen is home working for her dad for the summer. She's trying to figure out what to do with her life. I really laughed at her reaction when Cale walked through the door of her dad's company. She had been engaged to marry Cale, but he broke it off. She's been on the run from men ever since. Unfortunately for her, she can't run from Cale, no matter how hard she tries. And she tries a lot in this novella.

Cale is a good guy. I love that you get to see the story through his eyes as well as Gwen's in this one. I thought it was sweet just how many things he remembered about Gwen's likes and dislikes. And the way he refused to take no for an answer when he knows that he loves her and she loves him.

This one's a novella. It's a really quick read filled with romance and clever conversation. I loved it! Make sure to get your own copy.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a contemporary story about 2 Christian people who are unsure if falling back in love is a good idea after almost marring years earlier. This couple is part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so their are some references to the way of life and religion. This is a sweet cute story that I liked. I would call it Novella length.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and clean

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story

Having read another of the author's books set in Clay, WY - it was fun to return. There's no mention of other characters though so although I'm hoping for a series or more here, I'm wondering if she intends for these books to be stand-alones.

What would you do if the man you thought you'd end up with suddenly broke off the engagement and left town, only to show up years later wanting you back? This is the dilemma facing Gwen in this story.

Short, but sweet with plenty of LDS references in her book. I like the writing style, it flows easily and is engaging.

[Emily White · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story took a while to grab me and I enjoyed it once it did. The conflict resolved itself too quickly, in my opinion. It seemed a little false

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwen is spending the summer working for her dad at his construction business, saving up money and making plans for the future. When her dad hires her ex-boyfriend Cale, suddenly Gwen is forced to face her feelings for him, feelings that haven't done away even though it's been five years since he called off their engagement. Gwen knows she can't handle getting involved with Cale again, but Cale is determined to show Gwen that this time, he's here to stay. But will he be able to convince her or will she be the one to leave this time?

This is a sweet story about second chances. I'm not always a fan of that type of plot, but I really liked Cale and wanted him to get his second chance. He was really sweet and I liked seeing how thoughtful he was as he tried to prove himself to Gwen. Gwen was a likable character, too, and I liked seeing their relationship. I would have liked to have seen a few more scenes from the past, but all in all, this was a really nice choice for a quick, clean read.

I read a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Grace Tolman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had this title in my Kindle library for a while now and since it was only a Novella with 81 pages, I thought I would be able to read this in no time. But to my surprise, it took me a week to finish it.
What I liked:
The story was cute. It is a 2nd chance trope. Gwen and Cale were high school sweethearts. They were engaged at one point but Cale got cold feet. Years later they meet again in their small hometown of Clay, Wyoming. Sparks fly but Gwen is skittish because of the pain the last break up gave her.

It was a novella so I knew that there won't be much character development going on in this story, but I've also have read some short stories before that helped you, as the reader, invest in these fictional characters. Unfortunately, this one didn't do it for me. I knew from the beginning that they will end up together and that the whole plot of the story is just a little 'bump' in the road for them.

Anyways, if you want a very quick read with not a lot of umph to it and a predictable ending, this might be the one for you.

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance, clean; mild LDS faith mentioned, Christian (attending church functions)
Novella, so not a fully developed novel. It all came together pretty quickly. Gwen and Cale's history came bounding back into the present when they both return to their hometown, and both work for Gwen's father. Forgiveness, attraction, two characters dancing around each other with honest hearts, and hurts. Trying to figure out the present and see if they can forgive each other and have a future.
Cute novella, quickly came to an ending, not sure the build up was really there, but they definitely had a past, and I enjoyed both character hearts and thoughts as they tried to figure out their present and maybe their future. Quick, and not as deep as a novel, but fun read.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, clean, quick read.

This is a fluffy little second chance romance that could easily be a Hallmark movie plot. It is easily read in an afternoon or evening. Perfect for when you want something feel good without a huge time commitment.

It is lightly Christian and uses terminology specific to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but other than the characters praying there is no theology included.

I liked both main characters and rooted for them to get their acts together and finish what was started years earlier. But first they'd have to get over the trust issues... Is it possible?

No sex, language or violence

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and sweet

Super quick read, less than 2 hrs. I have to remember when reading novellas that they aren't novels. I have a terrible habit of feeling like they are too short and irrationally not liking it until i think about it more. Swoony tension, and a sweet story of love rekindled and healing a broken heart. But I'm still a bit bitter that novellas feel shallow and rushed. Not this one in particular, just a characteristic of every novella i read in the sweet romance category. It's nice to get a small glimpse into clay, wy where ms Clark's next book will be set!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this super sweet quick read about a second chance love. This novella was very well written with great descriptions and information for you to know the whole situation. Gwen is working for her Dad for the Summer and in walks her ex Cale who also ends up working for her Dad. The chemistry is still there and they both feel it but I like how Gwen doesn't give in and Cale is such a gentleman as he tries to win her back.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet second chance romance. Gwen and Cale are still drawn to each other, even five years after Cale broke Gwen's heart. This was a beautiful story about forgiveness and trust. It was a quick easy read for when you need a nice escape. My only complaint was I wish there had been more talk about the past and future, but overall it was a nice story.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great second chance romance. Gwen is frustrated with her work situation and is back home working for her father. Cale is back in town needing to get more experience so he asks to work for Gwen’s dad. Can Gwen get over the hurt Cale caused when he called off the wedding? I really enjoyed this novella and highly recommend it!

[Kristal Harmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute short story

Content: clean, no sex or language. Mild kissing.

Overall it was a cute story. Feels like a nudge to get interest in the story of McKay. I doubt I'd re read it, but it was a light clean read. Some references to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

[Leslie Books and Socks Rock · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was only ok. It was super short and not very much depth or romance. It's a second chance plot line and it was too rushed. The whole story basically takes place in 2 or 3 weeks, going from 'never seen or talked to him in years' to 'let's get engaged'. It seemed very unlikely that Gwen would quickly agree. Kind of boring read which was disappointing.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a Kindle and that means I get a month of Kindle unlimited! You know where most of my reading will be coming from for the next month! 😉

This was a sweet novella. Sometimes novellas feel a little too rushed to me, or like they're missing something important. This one was great, a sweet and satisfying story.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another novella in an LDS series that I am reading out of order, but it doesn't seem to matter.
This one is about second chances. When Cale comes home from his mission he breaks up with his high school girlfriend, Gwen. Years later their paths cross again and they learn that they never stopped loving each other. She has to figure out if that is enough and if she is willing to open her heart again.
It is short, simple, sweet, and clean. A few kisses.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

She could rewrite the dictionary and make it a delight and I would read it. This was short story but I didn't feel left wanting more. It was well done. I can't wait to visit Clay Wyoming again with her other books!

[Jed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful little read

This is a story about the what if’s we all have buried in our hearts. In this case, it’s a lost chance regained in a short, but well written, and poignant story.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance novel was really cute. I liked how cautious and confused Gwen was when Cale showed back up in Clay. I liked Cale's perseverance and his regrets for hurting Gwen the first time. This book is well written with great characters. I is geared toward and LDS audience.

[Heather Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, super quick read. I liked that the author made Cale work for the relationship again instead of having Gwen fall right back into his arms. It was clean and had religious undertones. I like this author.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

What a fun read! A story about learning to trust again. Gwen is back in her hometown working for her Dad, she hadn't planned on her ex fiance being one of his employees.

[Bernice Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about second chances.

I chose this rating because Gwen and Cale had learned what they wanted after being separated for a few years. I would recommend to all my friends.

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I love Christian romances. I always know there will be no offensive language or activity. Chase walked away from Claire , but now wants to win her back. I loved it.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

This was a short bust sweet second chance at romance. While is is geared toward the Mormon religion, it does not preach religion. A sweet, clean romance.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick read.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon worthy

Dang that Cale, how could he just waltz back into Gwen’s life like he had never been gone. Well it wasn’t going to happen, or does it?