What do you do when you're the most hated player in the NFL?Skip town, use your mom's maiden name, and hide out.
From the moment I step on the plane from New York to South Carolina, I go from Mark Abbott, hated quarterback, to Mark Hainley, unassuming small-town boy on his way to a tiny beach town and a private resort for a two-week escape all alone.
At least, that's the plan. Until I sit down next to football-oblivious and possibly crazy Frannie Baker on my flight. Her beauty makes me look twice, but it's everything else about her that draws me in. From her fear of flying to her comforting herself with Eminem lyrics to her love of books, I can't help but want to know more.
When we end up at the same private resort, I can't stay away, but as we grow closer, without her knowing the truth of who I am and what I'm running from, I can't help but wonder if fate is pulling us together or pushing us apart.
Are Mark and Frannie destined for more than a vacation fling? Find out in The Last Lie, a fun, playful, and steamy vacation rom-com.
Bethany Monaco Smith is a writer-mom. When she’s not busy hanging with her boys, she’s writing cozy small town romances with lots of heart, a bit of steam, and all the feels. She loves happily-ever-afters and cries at every emotional moment, whether reading, writing, or watching. When she’s not mom-ing or writing, you can find her binge-reading on Kindle Unlimited, spending too much time on Instagram, and supporting fellow indie authors. Bethany survives on coffee, rewatching the same TV shows over and over, and her KU subscription. She lives in the Southern Tier of NY with her husband and two sons. You can find out more about Bethany and what she’s working on next on Instagram @bethanymonacosmith
If you are looking for a quick romantic read with some spice, this one is for you! The cutest couple and the grandma en grandpa are just chef's kiss! Now searching for my equivalent of Mark! 😍😅
I’ve met Mark in previous books and I got super excited when I saw that Frannie’s cousin is Kennedy from The Last Key, aka my favourite Bethany book. I had such a fun time reading. There was a summery, beachy vibe that I loved. Holiday romances always seem more intense, possibly due to the time constraint that is implied. Frannie and Mark packed a lot into their time together at the beach, and while there were definitely some spicy hot happenings there were also little heartfelt caring moments that solidify why these two are so compatible. There is a conflict and this is where I think Bethany excels. All her books that I’ve read have some form of conflict but it’s dealt with in such a realistic way that I never doubt the authenticity. She knows how to write characters and relationships superbly. I hope this book gets all the love it deserves.
What a fun and just flirty and sweet book to read. Mark and Frannie were fun. And an easy read, and my last book for my reading goal for 2023. I enjoyed it, it just needed to be a little bit longer! Haha
Okay so I have not made my way through all of these however I downloaded specifically for The Last Lie as I love this author! I was not disappointed in a new wave of steamy RomCom. It was short, spicy, sweet and oh so romantic. Mark is definitely being added to my book boyfriend list! I cannot wait to get glimpses of them in other stories because I need to know where their holiday hookup leads.
Frannie and Mark are ridiculously swoon-worthy in this short, and I love that we ended up with being able to know SO much from so little. If you’ve ready Bethany before though, you’ve gotten little glimpses of our Main Characters, especially Mark. He is charming, endearing, and not in his profession for the fame - but for the love of the game. When things go awry at the Super Bowl, he has to escape for a bit, and chooses Anais Bay. Frannie, on the other hand, is forced to use vacation time and just relax. One of her best friends recommended the place in Anais Bay, even though she’d be just as happy with a staycation.
Starting things off with fear, and a tiny white lie, we get one of the most incredible quick love stories mixed with a good amount of spice. Frannie and Mark have very quickly become a favorite couple!
Okay, so Frannie and Mark had me from that first handhold on the plane ride, and I just squealed like a little kid through this whole book! I mean, feet kicking, giggling and everything. This is one of those straightforward rom com books that has everything that makes you remember why people LOVE falling in love - the meet cute, the whirlwind perfect romance, the great side characters (love seeing Rae and the grands!), and the steam. So swoony, so perfect. Pick this up if you love movies like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Love Actually, etc.
Doing the right thing doesn’t always go to plan, and can actually even make you look like the bad guy. Why? In this case they needed him to, and he was willing to do that. He couldn't tell anyone. When we change a behavior of what everyone else was used to or willing to turn a blind eye to, even yourself. Not to rock the boat or ruffles feathers. It scares them. Why? Because they don’t know how to react, maneuver around us anymore, and it holds a mirror up to their faces and makes them confront their truths.
As to why didn't they do something when they had the opportunity. Like QB1 had to have showed his a$$-hole-ish signs over the years. Like screwing around while married, more than snapping at his wife and kids, and bruises on his lady that seemed off. Well, Mark had the opportunity, and he took it. Mark’s story, could cooperate, there were witnesses, Ryan and Brian, that the abuser wasn’t expecting. But, until then Mark was taking the heat as being the QB2 who went after the QB1 on the sidelines causing them to lose the Superbowl.
Basically, making him enemy number one. Coach told him he needed to go somewhere out of the limelight. He needed him somewhere private away from the press. Until the powers that be could get QB1’s wife and family somewhere safe, however, she was serving QB1 with divorce papers. So it could be awhile. Mark said, Whatever it took for her and her girls to feel safe and protected. So Mark was hopping on a plane to get to go to the beach where all his family went on vacation. No paparazzi allowed and no reservations made unless you know someone personally who has stayed before, and they gave you a referral.
His grandfather is the patriarch of his family, and he does not hesitate to let anyone in his family know when they’re f-ing up. He said a lot of things, but one stuck with him over everything else. “Who you are matters, Mark. You want to play a game you love? Do that. But you need to decide whether you’re willing to sacrifice who you are, your morals, and your heart in the name of it. Don’t become an asshole trying to fit in. You might think you’ll find your place with them if you do, but you’ll lose it with the people who really matter.”
So this is how he knows he is doing the right thing by allowing the front office to work. Once all the piece are in place he would be able to go home. However, on the plane he meets Frannie she is unlike any woman she has ever met before. And she couldn't care less that he plays football sports are not her thing. So she doesn't know him on sight but then again she is just she is privately wigging-out over flying out flying for the first time. So he offers his hand. And electricity flows through them. Then, when the car that she reserved has issues and the resorts ten miles away guess who rescues her, yup, Mark. They find they have a lot in common and that she now lives in his hometown. Kismet! Fun book and I have to say I loved this whole series.
Trope - Strangers to friends to lovers, NFL player, sunshine × sunshine, he reads, vacation, insta-connection, he falls first, hidden identity, miscommunication, sports romance, steamy, small town, HEA, less than 200 pages
This was a short and sweet read. Mark is, at the moment, the most hated NFL player, which means he is advised to stay under the radar. He decides to take a brief holiday to a small town, where he meets Frannie on the flight. They hit it off easily, but due to intense media coverage, he lies to her about his real name and profession.
There is an instant connection between them, and just when he thinks his time with her has ended, fate brings them back together. Both the characters were mature and good people. I liked how their moments were written; they were sweet, caring, and hot. However, the hidden identity plot was stressing me out, especially knowing where their relationship was heading. Then the shoe dropped — the drama was minimal, but it could have been avoided.
The book left me wanting more; the couple had great chemistry, but it felt somewhat incomplete —
The bond between family and friends was sweet.
I will try to read the remaining books in the series, hoping to find something worth sticking with. It was good, but I wanted more by the end. Overall 3/5
The Last Lie ( Baker Girls book 1 ) what a fantastic start to what I can already tell will be an unforgettable and unputdownable new series . Every time I pick up one of Bethany Monaco Smiths wonderfully written romances my expectations are always exceeded , she genuinely never fails to blow me away and play on all my emotions in ways I am never expecting. Well The Last Lie is no different, from page one I knew I was in trouble , I knew I was in for a very long night of reading. I absolutely adored both Frannie and Mark . What starts off as an unexpected meeting on a plane very quickly turns into so much more . And the chemistry phew ( off the charts hot ) but this is not a journey that’s all hearts and flowers . Sure it’s filled with angst and humor and witty banter . But there are also secrets and lies , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, obstacles, drama , and so much more . Quite simply it’s an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you speechless, have you yelling outta pure frustration, keep you on the edge of your seat devouring every single word . Break your heart to the point you’ll have tears streaming down your face, make you smile , make you laugh and keep you rooting so freaking hard . You absolutely need to read rhie book .
The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith (As part of the Holidays and Hook-ups Anthology)
1-Second-Summary- A football player going under cover and a workaholic finally taking a break, Mark and Frannie's worlds collide on the flight to their holiday destination.
Do sparks fly? And can they last when the truths about themselves are revealed?
Review: One year ago, if you had asked me what I like reading, I would have never told you romance.
Now, after reading Bethany's books, Romance is one of my go-to genres!
The sparks, chemistry between characters - unwavering support from family and friends. Bethany explores LOVE at all levels. This fun holiday romance is no different.
With real relatable characters, swoony dates and blossoming chemistry - you can't help falling for this new star-crossed couple. Opposites attract and it was a joy to see how this one played out!
Would love to know more about how their romance unfolds and I can't wait to fall even more hopelessly in love with Bethany's story-telling.
To chance encounters and whirl-wind romances, stay safe and keep on reading,
Okayyyy, let’s talk about ‘The Last Lie’. So this is Book 1 of A Baker Girls Romance, but I actually started with Book 5 as an ARC reviewer. After that, I knew I had to backtrack.
These are smaller, novella type books, so I get through them very quickly, which is nice. I’m one of those “hurry up, I need to know” kinda gals, which generally means I’m staying up ALL night to binge a book.
Bethany writes with a voice that immediately engages and resonates within me. It flows beautifully from chapter to chapter.
‘The Last Lie’ is actually my favorite of the 2 in the series that I’ve read so far. I’ll be picking up book 2 in a bit. I loved the chance meeting and how Bethany didn’t string things out and make you wait. If I want a romance novel, that’s what I’m expecting….no matter how off the wall that may mean things get. However, there’s no awkward moments while reading. It really is a beautiful love story! And yes, it’s pretty spicy in a very good way!
I’ve read quite a few of the author’s books and while pure romance isn’t often in my rotation of genres, I like how she gets down to the underlying feelings in her books.
For anyone familiar with the author, this one has Ida connections and you’ll recognize a few names. I always love a little Easter egg as I read.
I loved that this one was about a football player. I know so much more about football than a lot of other sports.
Mark is down to earth for having just played in the Super Bowl. Frankie is adorable knowing what she wants. Since this is a short story/novella, the deep characterization the author is known for is a little limited, but there wasn’t any limitation on the spice. I rooted for them from the start and that’s the most important thing for me in a romance.
I’d definitely recommend Mark and Frankie’s story.
In the same universe as the beloved Ida series, this short story has a lot packed into it. It is a vacation romance that is absolutly adorable!
Mark, a pro football player traveling incognito, is taking time away to let a tabloid story quiet down. Frannie, a social worker, is taking her first solo vacation.
Meeting on the plane, they have an instant connection and share many common interests. As fate would have it, Frannie's rental car falls through and since they are staying at the same resort, they ride together. Mark is so drawn to Frannie, but will she understand the lie he told her about himself? And will this be more than just a vacation fling?
What a sweet insta-love romance that will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy. Ms. Monaco Smith gives us a strangers to lovers story that sees two people meeting on a plane and there is an instant spark. Frannie and Mark meet on a flight to South Carolina to escape life and trouble. Their attraction was instant and they both were surprised at how much they had in common, places and people. A secret is kept but was it enough to break the connection they had? The sparks that they had ignited into flames. As I read their story it seemed that they were destined to be together, soulmates. The vacation fling that they thought could be ended up being so much more. We can only wish for a vacation like Frannie and Mark had.
Man oh man do I love diving back into this friendship group. This is different from the other books in that it’s much shorter and quite Insta-love but it’s still an enjoyable quick read!
Frankie and Mark are both heading in vacation for different reasons when they meet on the plane and ultimately end up at the same holiday destination. They spend all their time together during their holiday and while there are a couple of small interruptions - Mark’s career revelation and Frannie’s mum there is little to no conflict in this book. You do get some small snippets of the friend group which is a real bonus.
I would say you probably could read this book without reading the series but it’s much more enjoyable if you read it in order!
Fun, fast read that is so enjoyable from the very start. Mark and Frannie have the best meet cute on the plane and instant attraction. The universe seems to agree and they find themselves thrown together time and time again, so why fight it?? They have great chemistry and it's not just in the bedroom. There is no third act breakup, just a misunderstanding that gets resolved quickly when they do something as easy as talk it out! I love that characters from her other books/series make appearances and everything she writes seems to be within the same universe. It's nice to see characters we love pop in now and then! This book was released previously, but has been updated and hasn't lost a bit of it's charm.
If you have read Bethany Monaco Smith before then you know that everything she is writes is amazing and let me tell you this books yet gain does not disappoint. This is a connection made on lies from one party but not that he intently lied - he was in the spotlight and wanted to be him just him no NFL player. She just wanted a break a chance to be just her away from everything. Their connection is instant, steamy and just wholesome. What happens when the truth comes out can she forgive me, can they just be them.
This is a beautiful written story that has all the sweet charm and insta live you expect from Bethany Monaco Smith. Then add to n the heat.
Super low-drama, fun, adorable rom-com. Perfect for a summer day read!
Mark & Frankie meet on their way to vacation. Mark is dodging some bad press. Frankie is terrified of flying. He spends the flight being her calm. After arrival, they realize they are staying at the same resort. With chemistry buzzing between the two, they spend most of the vacation together.
During the week, they go through the highest of highs, but also get to some low and tough parts. There isn’t any deep heartache, so if you hate a third act breakup - this book is for you!
Awww it was so romantic and perfect!!! This was one of the most amazing InstaLove romance that I’ve read!!! I literally felt in love with them in an instant too. Mark is so romantic and intense. Frannie is so cute and strong, and she’s definitely the one for him. I love how fate works in their favor and how both fall in love with each other at the same time. Their connection is so good. This new version of the story is full of emotions. You are going to love every second of this vacation, a pretty amazing vacation.
“The Last Lie” is a vacation romance featuring Mark and Frannie, two strangers who met on a plane and felt an instant connection with each other. I thought this was a really cute story, and that Mark and Frannie’s relationship had depth even though they’d just met. Even though Mark made a few mistakes, I truly believe he was a good, kindhearted person, and I absolutely adored the way he took care of Frannie. And Frannie!!! I loved her sweet and sassy personality, and that she wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she wanted. This is perfect for fans of spicy vacation romance!
The Last Lie by Bethany Monaco Smith was such a sweet story. Just like most of her stories. I loved this short novella, the characters, the spice, the tension, and the possessiveness from the MC. Who doesn’t want to head on vacation, and end up next to a smexy man who will hold your hand when you are afraid to fly? This story had all the elements I have grown to love anything from Bethany and I was not disappointed with this book. She had a little tricky-tricky in there that caught me off guard too! Great Novella.
I really liked this one. I want more of Frannie and Mark. The chemistry between those two is amazing. I loved how Mark, just meeting Frannie, was there for her every time she needed him. He did not judge her once.
Oh, and I loved seeing Grandpa and Grandma! I loved them so much in the Friends Like This series. I also loved having glimpses of Rae in this one.
I’ve read almost all of Bethany’s books and let me tell you as always she did not disappoint. This story had my emotions all over the place, I loved Mark and Frankie and how they met in such a coincidental way and everything just fell into place from there. I loved how she always found a way to tie other characters from her other books into the story as well. Overall I loved reading this cute little love story!
My favorite scene was the one where they were in the car together and he asks her to choose a playlist for their trip and all the different ways that Mark took care of Frannie and helped her deal with her fears were so sweet!
The Last Lie is a quick and fun friends to Lovers romance read. 🙂
*I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was such a cute story about how to face your fears while falling in love. The story also highlights how this new budding relationship is also healing to both of them. While it was short, we get glimpses of some of our other faves too! There were so many sweet moments between the two that you can’t help but love them.
This was my first time reading this author and I'm so happy I took a chance and read this cute and fun beach read! It was so good! I loved every second of Mark and Frannie's story.
I loved the spice and steamy moments. Their banter and connection were so good! It just gave me all the feels! I can't express how much I loved this one! I can't wait for more!
From the moment we met Mark in Rae's story, I've adored his love for his family (outside of his one numbskull moment! lol). Bethany's skill at intertwining characters stories is epic, especially in giving the extended family members their own tales. Witnessing Frannie and Mark's adorable connection from their initial encounter on the plane was so fun and seeing their story unfold was a joy!
If you are looking for a quick and lighthearted read with some spice, then this novella is for you. I really enjoyed reading Mark and Frannies story. This is an expanded version of an anthology version and the new content just made it better. And like all of Bethany Monaco Smith's books, you get a quick catch up wiith some of her other characters.
All the stars! Just do yourself a favor and go read this book! It’s got all the best tropes plus no third act breakup, SIGN. ME. UP! Mark and Frannie are so cute. They play off each other so well. I love their banter and the way they just know what the other needs. Bethany seriously writes the best characters and these two are no different. 10/10 recommend!