LAST KISS by Luanne Rice

Publisher Bantam
Date published August 2008
ISBN 978-0553805123
Contemporary Romance
Hardcover
Reviewed by Susan





It has been a year since Sheridan Rosslare’s life was shattered when her son, Charlie was killed. A gifted musician, she has not been able to play or compose her music. Nell Kilvert, Charlie’s girlfriend is unable to let him go. She hires Gavin Dawson to find out the truth about his death. Gavin is the man who loved Sheridan and lost her years ago. Can he solve the mystery of how, why and who killed Charlie?

LAST KISS is a heartbreaking tale that will have you reaching for a Kleenex. Any parent can empathize with what Sheridan is undergoing and it is something that is unimaginable, the death of a child. Sheridan, Nell, Gavin are wonderful characters. They are very well-developed and readers will find them very likable. The complexities of relationships are explored as we have Sheridan, Nell and Gavin all interacting together with a common goal to find out the truth. The love they feel for Charlie as well as each other is apparent and shines through. Sheridan and Gavin’s second chance at love is brought about by a tragedy, this is a couple that has matured over time and they are fabulous together. Gavin knows how to deal with Sheridan and it is if they had never been apart. I enjoyed Nell and Sheridan as the two women who loved Charlie the most; they share an unspeakable lost as they both are dealing with their grief in their own way. The scene where Nell is at his graveside is haunting.

Woven into the story is the romance between Stevie and Jack. It was a lovely addition to the storyline. We have Stevie who has been down the aisle many times unwilling to undergo it again. Jack, Nell’s father wants to get married especially with Stevie pregnant with his child. How they resolve this issue is nicely solved and so very logical.

LAST KISS is a first class tear-jerker. The author blends all her characters seamlessly into her story. They are memorable and readers won’t be able to forget them easily. The storyline is filled with pain and joy as we find out what truly happened to Charlie. LAST KISS is a must read for all of Ms. Rice’s fans.