Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
He’s going to fight for her this time around.

Charlotte Maguire’s family is the closest thing to police royalty in her hometown. But not even the Maguires could protect her from the heartbreak of becoming a young widow. Now twenty-eight years old, Charlotte mourns the future she lost and has thrown herself into her work. Curating promotional campaigns is the perfect distraction until her gorgeous new boss Caleb shows up, forcing her dormant heart to awaken. Caleb and Charlotte have a past, and it’s impossible to ignore the sparks that are reigniting.

Caleb Kincaid is a survivor in every sense of the word. He’s no stranger when it comes to securing second chances, so when Charlotte Maguire happens his way again, he’s all in. Charlotte has loved and lost once already, and Caleb knows he’s no sure bet. But he also knows they could be great together this time around.

Caleb has always been a man of his word, but what happens when he promises a future he might not be able to deliver?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2023

393 people are currently reading
1350 people want to read

About the author

Stella Holt

13 books101 followers
Author of your next binge-worthy contemporary romance series, featuring hot alpha heroes and the ambitious women they fall for.

Series Alert:

Small-town steamy in The Southern Hart Brothers series. Follow these four brothers as they uncover family secrets, and fight for love.

Big city swoon in The Legacy of the Maguires series featuring a family of siblings, and six steamy workplace romances.

Each book can be read as a standalone, but you won't want to miss one page of these heartwarming families, all the banter, and steamy romance.

Want to get to know Stella? Most days Stella can be found drinking too much coffee, collecting lipstick she forgets to wear, and baking. Connect with her on socials!

https://www.instagram.com/stellaholtb...
https://www.tiktok.com/@stellaholtbooks

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
310 (50%)
4 stars
192 (31%)
3 stars
78 (12%)
2 stars
21 (3%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Kari.
4,024 reviews95 followers
December 30, 2023
Last First Kiss is the first book in the Legacy of the Maguires series. This is Charlotte and Caleb's story. After sharing a kiss years before in Italy, Charlotte fled home and got married. Caleb never forgot her. Now, 5 years later, Charlotte is a widow and has accepted a promotion in the company they both work for. Caleb looks at their close proximity as a second chance to get the girl.

I thought this was a very sweet romance. I just loved watching Caleb and Charlotte fall for each other. Charlotte's grief over the loss of her husband was raw and real. The dreams she had were heartbreaking. I also thought her guilt for feeling happy with another man came across as genuine. Caleb was battling his own personal fight as well. They just fit together so well. Their chemistry was off the charts. I loved the family relationships in this one as well. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Helen (Blissfully Bookish Besties).
691 reviews
February 9, 2023
Last First Kiss is a great debut novel and introduces us to the Maguire family. Charlotte and Caleb have sizzling chemistry, and I was really drawn into their story. I'll definitely be following the rest of the Maguire siblings as they search for their own HEA's.
Profile Image for Maria.
2,482 reviews46 followers
January 27, 2024
FREE today (July 8, 2023) on Amazon.


I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
A story about second chances on several levels and dimensions, “Last First Kiss”, by Stella Holt (Tule Publishing), features a smooth, sexy hero and a heroine with heavy emotional baggage.
I liked how the author wrote a story about pain and grief, the guilt that comes when moving beyond them and also the happiness of new beginnings.
I also liked that the romantic couple had a previous history and loved that Caleb was the one left longing and yearning. There’s something enticing in watching a super handsome and hot hero desiring a woman so much.
Caleb is a wonderful hero: intelligent, solid, confident but not cocky, unaware of his handsomeness.
I savored Caleb’s characterization: the author added and stressed lots of details so that I could see the hot hero in my mind’s eye in all his supreme gorgeousness and charisma (the beautiful skin, the size, the deep voice, the attentiveness, the gentlemanly manners).
And watching successful, charismatic, wounded Caleb deal with such a dramatic issue was …humble.
The mutual attraction, chemistry and tension between Caleb and Charlotte were well written and developed; some scenes exploring the sensuality and desire between them were very exciting.
Sometimes I felt their connection was a lot about lust and mutual physical admiration.
I found some dimensions cute: Charlotte’s blushing, Caleb’s intention of courting and wooing her.
As for Caleb’s issue I liked his honesty about it, yet I felt it lingered too much time without being addressed, in a sort of artificial limbo.
Profile Image for Steve Partlow.
1 review
January 6, 2023
This book was a great love story filled with genuine and thoughtful emotion between two characters, life's fate, and intense racing heartbeat lust. The author did an amazing job at drawing the reader deep into the thoughts and emotions of the characters and the reader is left wondering up to the end of the story of whether they will or won't they be together. A must read!
2 reviews
February 9, 2023
This is one of those books that you don’t want the story to end. The build up to this couples romance is steamy and leaves you feeling as though you’re falling in love for the first time. Every girl will want to be Charlotte by the end!
1 review1 follower
February 4, 2023
Loved this modern romance, I could not read fast enough.The attraction between Caleb and Charlotte is addicting. And the lead up is sooo good.
3,547 reviews40 followers
January 18, 2023
This story introduces us to the Maguire siblings of Virginia and centers on Charlotte Maguire.
Charlotte is a young 29 year old widow who after two years, is still mourning her deceased husband. Sam was not only her best friend and lifetime neighbor, but also the best friend of her older brother. Both SWAT team members who were attacked during an arrest. Leaving one dead and the other injured.
Caleb Kincaid is the man she met five years ago in Rome while working temporarily in the country. He never forgot her and when he returns to the US and sees her once again, he is determined to spend time with her.
As these two develop a relationship, Charlotte is still hesitant. She has loved and lost and still feels guilty of having feelings for another man.
When things seem are going well, a life threatening event might not allow them to have their HEA.
This story was at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming. It was a reminder that one must embrace life and love because we never know what fate has in store for us.
It was a great introduction to the series .
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Tule Publishing. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Paula Pugh.
2,287 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2023
Last First Kiss 4
Stella Holt
A chance for love began in Rome and ended there. A young woman was already attached to someone at home in the States and stopped anything from really beginning. Both of them held each other long in their hearts, knowing they would never meet again.
They were wrong as years later they meet again. It is a sweet and spicy story of a second chance at love with many complications and a chemistry that is too strong to stop.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jane | Book Flutter ♥.
603 reviews18 followers
February 4, 2023
Last First Kiss (love the title btw) is the debut novel from Stella Holt so I was definitely unsure of what to expect with this one. But after reading the blurb, I decided to give this one a shot, and I'm very glad I did. Last First Kiss is the first book of the Legacy of the Maguires series. I believe there are three books planned in this series and each one is a standalone, so no need to read any previously released novels.

The series revolves around the family Maguires, and focusing on each sibling. This story introduces Charlotte to the audience. Charlotte is a young widow, experiencing heartbreak and loss, she's not sure if she's emotionally ready to begin any new relationships. Caleb is a previous acquaintance of Charlotte - they briefly met years ago, during her time she worked overseas who returns to the US for a second chance with Charlotte. This is an emotional read, but not heavy, as Charlotte has to navigate her feelings of attractiveness and a blossoming romance with Caleb, all while feeling guilty. There were times when the story turned toward heartache but I feel it was necessary so Charlotte's character can develop and heal. If you're a fan of second chance romance, I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for NICUnurse Stephanie .
936 reviews33 followers
February 6, 2023
Last First Kiss is author Stella Holt’s debut novel and the beginning of her Legacy of the Maguires series. I’m always willing to take a chance on a new and/or new-to-me author because you never know when you’ll find your next favorite. I’m delighted I took a chance on this one. I see a good bit of raw talent in her storytelling. I thought she did a great job with character development and world-building without it feeling like an information dump on who this series was about. I enjoyed the bit of angst with these two main characters, but it didn’t feel overwhelming. I sympathized with Caleb and felt a little more connected to him as I wasn’t happy with Charlott’s past actions where he was concerned. But we’re all young and stupid at one time, and her actions weren’t so terrible they couldn’t be forgiven in time, so I can’t say I hated her. But I felt Caleb’s hesitancy, for sure.

This was a very entertaining read, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s next from this author. A solid debut!
Profile Image for Donnajo.
2,330 reviews
January 16, 2023
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest opinion.

A book that pulled me in from the first chapter. A great start to Legacy of the Maguires series. Last First Kiss by Stella Holt had everything I wanted in a romance great character development, possible second chance romance, and a great storyline. A new to me author that I'll be for sure checking out books by.
892 reviews
January 21, 2023
Wow from the sparks flying when they first kissed in Rome years ago to the sizzling chemistry Charlotte and Caleb have going now their second chance romance had me just flipping the pages. This perfectly paced love story has me anxious for book 2 of this series. Be ready with the tissues as you wait for the HEA.
Profile Image for Just Read and Imagine.
526 reviews3 followers
February 9, 2023
New author Stella Holt has a hit with Last First Kiss, book one of the Legacy of the Maguires series!
It’s been five years since Charlotte Maguire met Caleb Kincaid in Rome. Feeling like she had a future with her first love, Sam James, Charlotte would not allow herself to explore any feelings that may develop with Caleb. Two years ago, Sam was killed while on duty with his SWAT team leaving her a widow and the Maguires without their childhood friend. Afraid to love again, she has not allowed herself to be close to anyone. Now Caleb has come back into her life and he has decided he has waited long enough for Charlotte to stop fighting and start to live again. #stellaholt
1 review
January 20, 2023
I loved this book! It was sweet, funny, sexy, and the perfect read to start off 2023 on the right foot. I can't wait to read all of Stella Holt's fantastic witty banter and get lost in her worlds.
1,601 reviews9 followers
February 9, 2023
What an great start to this new series. From the moment I began reading this book the story just drew me it. It was such an incredible, funny, emotional, sweet and hot read. Honestly think this might be my favorite read of this year so far. I am really looking forward to this next book in this series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
1 review
February 7, 2023
A quick, compelling read. The story was entertaining, the main characters were easy to root for. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Debra  M..
272 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book,loved Charlotte and Caleb's storyline . Charlotte wants to start her life over in a new town where she's not reminded of being a widow of a police officer, maybe possibly finding love again .I honestly didn't want this book to end,I can't wait for book 2 already.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,942 reviews172 followers
February 8, 2023
A tempting, emotional, unpredictable ride. Charlotte and Caleb go from heartbreaking to heartwarming and back again to deliver an unforgettable second chance story. Holt stirs the soul with a depth that proves endearingly, irresistible.

12 reviews
February 3, 2024
Heartwarming story

This as one of the most heartwarming, beautiful stories I’ve read, and I read a ton. I loved all of the characters. The dialogue and story line was totally engaging. I highly recommend this book and will look for others by this author.
Profile Image for Maureen.
1,332 reviews50 followers
February 12, 2023
‘Last First Kiss’ was a very interesting book for me to read. It felt like I started in the middle of the book at first. But I soon realized this was just the author’s way of writing. The book was very descriptive, and I had to get used to it at first. The main character Charlotte, lost her husband 2 years ago, and now she is at the verge of a huge promotion. The last thing she expected was to meet Caleb again. Again, you say? Yes. Charlotte and Caleb met 5 years earlier and they had some intense chemistry. But Charlotte had a relationship with her future husband at the time, and things didn’t go any further. Now Charlotte is a widow, and Caleb finds himself interested in a second chance.

I enjoyed this book right from the beginning, and read it in one evening. The romance between Charlotte and Caleb was really fun. And I loved how this story wasn’t the same like most books. I mean, they meet when Charlotte was with another guy and things didn’t got further. I really don’t enjoy love triangles, but this definitely didn’t feel like that. Charlotte loved her husband, but he died and slowly she learned to love again. This story was about that love and her learning to move on.

But I wasn’t as invested in the story as I would have liked. I really felt like I didn’t get to know the characters as much as I would have preferred, and the chemistry just felt a bit sudden to me. I just couldn’t really feel the connection. And I didn’t love the writing style as much as I’d hoped.

After reading the book description I also really thought this book was about a family in law enforcement. And it wasn’t about that at all. It didn’t matter for the story, but I was just a bit surprised with that.

Overall ‘Last First Kiss’ was a fun read I enjoyed, but didn’t necessarily love.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,266 reviews18 followers
February 11, 2023
Last First Kiss is a series started by (new to me) author Stella Holt. It is a second chance story on multiple levels and I feel like the set up that was fantastic, but…. This book has a case of “the hurry up and finish alreadys”

Charlotte is a young police widow in a large family where everyone is in the military or on the police force. We spend a lot of time getting to know her and get a strong dose of her brothers in secondary roles.
We see her struggle with grief and the idea of moving on - this was actually one of my favorite parts of this book- the idea of Charlotte giving herself grace to embrace ACT II.

Caleb is a coworker of Charlotte’s that comes back into the picture five years after she first met him. The once upon a time attraction returns, but he has baggage of his own.

We spend a lot of Last Fist Kiss with Charlotte and Caleb figuring things out. That story line is interesting and I was rooting for them. Where I found myself a bit frustrated is that we spent 80% of the book in a 3 month window (Columbus day to New Years) and then boom it’s Columbus Day again and we find out the conclusion to the journey. I wish this had been edited a little differently. I don’t think we needed to see the whole hard slog that was revealed near the end, but I think glimpses would have been helpful to really embracing this pair.

Ms Holt is a new to me author and I have to admit this book does make me curious about Charlotte’s brothers, but I might be a bit weary too…
Profile Image for Dea Farrell.
838 reviews11 followers
February 27, 2023
Thank you, Stella Holt and Goodreads, for the gifted book.

After losing her husband two years ago, Charlotte Maguire now spends all of her time working. She's on a job when her new boss shows up. Except her new boss is Caleb Kincaid, and they have history. A history that makes her feel things that she can't ignore. When Caleb runs into Charlotte again, this time, he doesn't want to let her go. But will he have no other choice than to let her go again?

Last First Kiss is the first book in the Legacy of the Maguires series. It's a sweet second chance romance between Charlotte and Caleb whose love story started when they briefly worked together in Rome. Over the years, neither of them have been able to forget about each other. When they finally meet again, their relationship is so easy-going. It's like they were made for each other. They have the perfect chemistry. There is some spice in this story, but it's not super spicy. All of the characters in this story were phenomenal. I can't wait until the next two books come out to read Rory's and Connor's stories.
Profile Image for SOMDReigel.
1,125 reviews
January 15, 2023
Last First Kiss was a wonderful read to start off the new year. It reads as if it could happen in real life. This is a sexy romance that deals with grief, illness, and second chances. That said, it is NOT a heavy read. It was the kind of romance book I really like to read. There was a little bit of drama that was quickly resolved, but really focused on the characters and their budding relationship. I adored Caleb’s character and cheered for Charlotte as she starts fresh in New York. Charlotte’s brothers also were entertaining and I hope they are featured in the upcoming books in the series. The writing makes you feel Caleb and Charlotte’s magnetic pull and that they were always meant to be. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,111 reviews
February 28, 2023
This is a story about heartbreak, sickness and second chances. Charlotte has been a widow for two years at the tender age of 29. Charlotte met Caleb when she was in Rome five years ago. They had instant attraction, but she had Sam waiting at home for her. Sam, her boyfriend and best friend since childhood. When she sees Caleb again the instant attraction is still their but smothered by her guilt of being attracted to another man. How can she live when Sam didn't get to? Caleb knows what he wants.... Charlotte. Can he be patient enough for her to come to terms with her feelings for him? Can Charlotte pick up the pieces and put her mourning behind and live her life? Good read. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Brooke (iambookish_brooke).
757 reviews24 followers
January 19, 2023
This is such a strong debut! I was so engrossed in this story!

Charlotte’s storyline is so raw and heart wrenching.
Caleb is a dream. Sexy and devoted.
Marco is such a fun, hilarious character.
I loved their families being involved in the story.

Thank you Stella for the chance to read an advance copy. I can’t wait for others to get their hands on it, and to read the rest of the books in this series when they’re released!
Profile Image for PoligirlReads.
609 reviews9 followers
February 6, 2023
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book.

Reading this book, I thought of that song Believe from the late '90s by Cher. "Do you believe in life after love?" (Seriously, go read the lyrics. I can totally see Charlotte singing that to herself). Charlotte is a young widow entranced by a man from her past. The conflict/tension was believable, and you're rooting for Charlotte and Caleb to have their HEA!
13 reviews
February 11, 2023
Loved it!!! It was a rainy Saturday and I needed something cozy. This hit the spot. Nothing like a romance and a cup of tea to brighten things up. I enjoyed the character development and I wasn't frustrated by the few barriers to the progression of the romance. After all, nothing in love is easy. Looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Lauren Parvizi.
Author 2 books112 followers
January 6, 2023
Equal parts steamy and entertaining, First Last Kiss is a second-chance romance with a lot of heart. Charlotte is likable and relatable, and Caleb is oh-so dreamy. Together, they’re🔥. Romance lovers won’t be able to look away.
1 review
January 7, 2023
I’m not a big reader but this book had my attention from the first few pages. I finished it in 3 days…..while being a working mom of 2 kids! I can’t wait to read book 2!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.