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The Last Series #2
Last Stand for Genevieve
"A journey of self-discovery unfolds through grief and love in an unforgettable narrative. Last Stand for Genevieve not only captivated me, but left a lasting impression." -A.U.
Connor decided a long time ago that life is a lot simpler when emotions are kept out of it. As far as he’s concerned, there is only room in life for two things:
1. The family he chose
2. Music
But after meeting the secretive and enigmatic Brooke, Connor finds himself questioning everything. Greeted by nothing but her icy exterior, he becomes determined to discover if anything warm lies beneath.
What turned Brooke, the beautiful, some would even say perfect 4.0 GPA girl-next-door into a ghost that’s been off the radar for five years? With Connor determined to invade her heart the way she has invaded his, will Brooke find it in herself to finally share her secrets?
If you love getting your heart shredded and put back together, then this book is for you. Last Stand for Genevieve is a dual point-of-view romance novel with alternating timelines that will have you laughing, crying and possibly cursing the author.
With its own happily ever after, it can be read as a standalone novel or as Book Two in The Last Series, following Last Letters to Ara.
Connor decided a long time ago that life is a lot simpler when emotions are kept out of it. As far as he’s concerned, there is only room in life for two things:
1. The family he chose
2. Music
But after meeting the secretive and enigmatic Brooke, Connor finds himself questioning everything. Greeted by nothing but her icy exterior, he becomes determined to discover if anything warm lies beneath.
What turned Brooke, the beautiful, some would even say perfect 4.0 GPA girl-next-door into a ghost that’s been off the radar for five years? With Connor determined to invade her heart the way she has invaded his, will Brooke find it in herself to finally share her secrets?
If you love getting your heart shredded and put back together, then this book is for you. Last Stand for Genevieve is a dual point-of-view romance novel with alternating timelines that will have you laughing, crying and possibly cursing the author.
With its own happily ever after, it can be read as a standalone novel or as Book Two in The Last Series, following Last Letters to Ara.
356 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2024
28 people are currently reading
1679 people want to read
About the author
Kaymie Wuerfel
3 books174 followersKaymie chases stories that will leave you reeling and words that will echo in your soul. Her characters are the sort that carve out a hole in your heart and stay with you forever. And if you’re able to fall asleep while reading the last hundred pages, she’s failed you.
Originally from the United States, Kaymie Wuerfel now lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and three fur-babies. With the few hours she finds in her 11-hour work days, she can be found reading a book, writing her own or laughing with her friends.
CONNECT WITH KAYMIE:
➜ WEBSITE: www.kaymiewuerfel.com
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kaymiewuerfelwrites
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@kaymiewuerfelwrites
Originally from the United States, Kaymie Wuerfel now lives in Sydney, Australia with her husband and three fur-babies. With the few hours she finds in her 11-hour work days, she can be found reading a book, writing her own or laughing with her friends.
CONNECT WITH KAYMIE:
➜ WEBSITE: www.kaymiewuerfel.com
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kaymiewuerfelwrites
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@kaymiewuerfelwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 11, 2024
Kaymie does it again! I have become pretty hard on romance novels because I’ve read so many and this one did NOT disappoint!
I LOVED the first one in this series so so much and this one was such a great follow up! I loved getting Connor’s present day POV and Brooke’s past POV that led to certain things happening and her being the way that she is!
The emotions and background for the characters in this book really got to me and it was such a powerful story about addiction and how your life can change so fast with just one moment. The spice was also PERFECTLY done in my opinion! Not overly explicit and just really steamy and romantic. Just all in all a great book!
So grateful to have received an ARC for this!
I LOVED the first one in this series so so much and this one was such a great follow up! I loved getting Connor’s present day POV and Brooke’s past POV that led to certain things happening and her being the way that she is!
The emotions and background for the characters in this book really got to me and it was such a powerful story about addiction and how your life can change so fast with just one moment. The spice was also PERFECTLY done in my opinion! Not overly explicit and just really steamy and romantic. Just all in all a great book!
So grateful to have received an ARC for this!
January 28, 2024
LSFG is a captivating journey of self-discovery following a tragic event. The narrative beautifully intertwines past and present, allowing us to feel Brooke’s evolution and resilience, and also allows the reader into the mind of a potential love interest, Connor, through his present POV adding a layer of depth and intrigue. For the cherry on top, we also get to see characters from Last Letters to Ara making this an extra special book (missed you guys😭). This book is beautifully written, and I absolutely loved it. This and Kaymie’s first book will stay with me forever.
January 1, 2025
Another great and powerful book from Kaymie Wuerfel! Struggling with her own grief and guilt, Brooke, the main character, loses herself to addiction and we see how it affected her own life as well as the people she loves. I think the author does a great job in exploring and describing what it's like to have an addiction and what it's like to see someone you love suffer from addiction. Connor and Brooke had great chemistry together. Connor is dealing with his own trauma as well, and it was beautiful to see how they each challenged each other to come out of their shells and be there for each other as they healed. I really liked the dual POV/dual timelines - it added to the mystery of the main character and I kept reading to see another layer of Brooke's life revealed.
I was also so happy to see the many Theo and Ara cameos on this book. Can't wait to read about Ryder's journey in the next book!
I was also so happy to see the many Theo and Ara cameos on this book. Can't wait to read about Ryder's journey in the next book!
March 23, 2024
Not having read any of the authors books before I'm glad I chose to read this one. It's a very compelling story that just draws you in from the beginning. Brooke is a complicated woman, who after loosing her sister falls into addiction. Trying hard to keep this hidden from her mother who is trying her best to help her. Connor is a very handsome funny man but is also suffering from loss although dealing with it the best he can. When he meets Brooke he knows she's hiding something but doesn't give up easily. The two characters are brilliant together and the chemistry is so intense. The book helps to explain how this effects everybody involved and how the twist and turns that happen to the characters. I also found it realistic how the two start as friends then it turns to added benefits making it a more believable story. The only difficulty I had was getting used to the story being told from each person's point of view. I really enjoyed this and will now be reading the first book in this series
November 16, 2024
*Sigh*
I wanted to like this. I wanted to enjoy it, but it just wasn't there for me. I read through other reviews and I know a lot of people like what the author did in regards to handling drug addiction, but I just didn't see that or feel that deeply. Brooke, while having her trauma thoroughly explained, I didn't feel a deep connection too. She remained very shallow and very whiny in my opinion. I have read other books where addictions were dealt with better with deeper character, and Brooke just didn't hit the mark for me. In her POV and Connor's it was just too hard to connect to her. I understand her desire to keep walls up, and to keep people at bay to protect her heart, but the constant shut down to Ziggy, and to Connor until her back was against the wall was so boring and draining. It made it hard to root for her. Of course I wanted her to overcome her addiction and find her path in life, but the process getting there did not bring me in and did not make Brooke appealing.
Connor...I *hate* Connor. The only thing he has going for him, is that he recognizes he is a F***boy. He knows his lines, he knows what he wants from women, and leaves it at that. So, his very sudden and desperation for just Brooke, while in a way is sweet, it a bit too unbelievable when the only thing she did was take a ciggy (I HATED that the author continually called it that) from his mouth a say one sentence to him. He took that as a sign to make other people BREAK THE LAW to hunt her down and find a way to connect with her. He was too confident of himself and his sexual prowess that it made it so cringy to read his POV. And, he *never* respected Brooke's boundaries. Not. Once. And we see, late into the novel, that Brooke was very close to being sexually assaulted is not r*ped. So when Brooke and Connor first have sex, she not only tells him to not come any closer, but she SLAPS him across the face, and he keeps coming. Conner even compared himself, several times, to a predator after his prey. Even if deep down, Brooke wanted him, wanted to be intimate with him, she still told him NO! She told him to stop.
The fact that Brooke just gave in to Connor their first time, after he PINNED her against her will, doesn't make sense. Again, Brooke was in a tense, traumatic experience where she was bodily threatened with r*** and she just...goes with Connor and gives in to having sex with him?
I would've liked to know more about Brooke's past romantic relationships to know if intimacy ever meant anything to her, and see how that correlated to her agreeing to friends-with-benefits. That would've, I think, given more depth to her on top of her journey with addiction.
From "Letters to Ara," readers know that Connor has dealt with loss of love before. Finally getting is POV and his own story, it took way too long for readers to actually know what happened with his first love and what that loss was. And, to me, it was not impactful because the story was just dumped on readers when the plot demanded it.
Honestly, halfway into this novel, I started skimming. After Connor and Brooke's time at the thrift store, I just couldn't handle the drag of this story, and the water drop level characters that complained about the same things constantly, (or in Connor's case, his constant attention to how much he love his favorite body part).
Also, Theo's dad, honestly had NO REASON to be at that party other than to create *drama*. Sure, he said he had cause because Brooke was there, but how did he know Brooke was there? How did he know a party was going on? That whole thing was there just to force Brooke to bring up her past to Connor and create tension, but it doesn't make sense for Theo's dad to even show up. Knowing how bad is relationship with Theo is, knowing how Ara interacted with him in her story, there. Is. No. Reason. For him showing up other than the author forcing drama.
It honestly would've been so much better for Brooke to tell Connor on her terms, in her way, about her past.
And, the cherry on top, he just brushes over everything and secrets and lies between them just disappear and they never address is again.
If interested, you can see my notes about the author's writing in my review "The Last Letters to Ara."
I am still going to read the third instalment of this series to give it a "last" chance.
I wanted to like this. I wanted to enjoy it, but it just wasn't there for me. I read through other reviews and I know a lot of people like what the author did in regards to handling drug addiction, but I just didn't see that or feel that deeply. Brooke, while having her trauma thoroughly explained, I didn't feel a deep connection too. She remained very shallow and very whiny in my opinion. I have read other books where addictions were dealt with better with deeper character, and Brooke just didn't hit the mark for me. In her POV and Connor's it was just too hard to connect to her. I understand her desire to keep walls up, and to keep people at bay to protect her heart, but the constant shut down to Ziggy, and to Connor until her back was against the wall was so boring and draining. It made it hard to root for her. Of course I wanted her to overcome her addiction and find her path in life, but the process getting there did not bring me in and did not make Brooke appealing.
Connor...I *hate* Connor. The only thing he has going for him, is that he recognizes he is a F***boy. He knows his lines, he knows what he wants from women, and leaves it at that. So, his very sudden and desperation for just Brooke, while in a way is sweet, it a bit too unbelievable when the only thing she did was take a ciggy (I HATED that the author continually called it that) from his mouth a say one sentence to him. He took that as a sign to make other people BREAK THE LAW to hunt her down and find a way to connect with her. He was too confident of himself and his sexual prowess that it made it so cringy to read his POV. And, he *never* respected Brooke's boundaries. Not. Once. And we see, late into the novel, that Brooke was very close to being sexually assaulted is not r*ped. So when Brooke and Connor first have sex, she not only tells him to not come any closer, but she SLAPS him across the face, and he keeps coming. Conner even compared himself, several times, to a predator after his prey. Even if deep down, Brooke wanted him, wanted to be intimate with him, she still told him NO! She told him to stop.
The fact that Brooke just gave in to Connor their first time, after he PINNED her against her will, doesn't make sense. Again, Brooke was in a tense, traumatic experience where she was bodily threatened with r*** and she just...goes with Connor and gives in to having sex with him?
I would've liked to know more about Brooke's past romantic relationships to know if intimacy ever meant anything to her, and see how that correlated to her agreeing to friends-with-benefits. That would've, I think, given more depth to her on top of her journey with addiction.
From "Letters to Ara," readers know that Connor has dealt with loss of love before. Finally getting is POV and his own story, it took way too long for readers to actually know what happened with his first love and what that loss was. And, to me, it was not impactful because the story was just dumped on readers when the plot demanded it.
Honestly, halfway into this novel, I started skimming. After Connor and Brooke's time at the thrift store, I just couldn't handle the drag of this story, and the water drop level characters that complained about the same things constantly, (or in Connor's case, his constant attention to how much he love his favorite body part).
Also, Theo's dad, honestly had NO REASON to be at that party other than to create *drama*. Sure, he said he had cause because Brooke was there, but how did he know Brooke was there? How did he know a party was going on? That whole thing was there just to force Brooke to bring up her past to Connor and create tension, but it doesn't make sense for Theo's dad to even show up. Knowing how bad is relationship with Theo is, knowing how Ara interacted with him in her story, there. Is. No. Reason. For him showing up other than the author forcing drama.
It honestly would've been so much better for Brooke to tell Connor on her terms, in her way, about her past.
And, the cherry on top, he just brushes over everything and secrets and lies between them just disappear and they never address is again.
If interested, you can see my notes about the author's writing in my review "The Last Letters to Ara."
I am still going to read the third instalment of this series to give it a "last" chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
***I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
It’s a beautiful story of grief, survivors’ guilt, and growing from the lessons of your past to create the future you want. I’m a sucker for the golden retriever, falls fast MMC trope and Kaymie gave exactly that and more with Connor.
Connor and Brooke’s story was intriguing. Brooke’s POV of her past was heartbreaking and I could see the justifications and reasonings straight away. There is a certain redemption for her past self and who she is now that is really beautiful.
I would have loved to see Brooke’s present POV because for a while it feels really one-sided for Connor to fall in love with Brooke but I can see this as almost being Connor’s story completely with Brooke as the love interest for him as he figures out life and who he wants to be.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet romance with a golden retriever MMC trope.
It’s a beautiful story of grief, survivors’ guilt, and growing from the lessons of your past to create the future you want. I’m a sucker for the golden retriever, falls fast MMC trope and Kaymie gave exactly that and more with Connor.
Connor and Brooke’s story was intriguing. Brooke’s POV of her past was heartbreaking and I could see the justifications and reasonings straight away. There is a certain redemption for her past self and who she is now that is really beautiful.
I would have loved to see Brooke’s present POV because for a while it feels really one-sided for Connor to fall in love with Brooke but I can see this as almost being Connor’s story completely with Brooke as the love interest for him as he figures out life and who he wants to be.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a sweet romance with a golden retriever MMC trope.
February 13, 2024
I absolutely LOVED Connor and Brooke’s love story. And the sprinkle of crime… come on! So good. The anticipation leading up to their first kiss is perfect for those slow burn lovers.. aka me. Can’t have spice without a little fight ;) Such a good storyline that brought everything together at the end. Connor’s bad boy vibe with Brooke’s weariness and past made for one hell of a couple. The writing style also lets you see the past and present… even a glimpse into the future which is a BIG twist that made me literally shriek. Kaymie did a flawless job at portraying both of these characters stories. As the second book to Last Letters to Ara, Theo and Ara also make an appearance and of course dreamy Ryder. I can’t wait for book three :)<3
December 13, 2024
3.5 stars. This book deals heavily on struggles with addiction, violence, threats of SA, grief and survivor’s guilt.
"Everyone talks about grief, but nobody talks about guilt. Maybe because it’s too hard to talk about, even if they wanted to."
“Then come be sick with me.” The words come out soft, pleading, as if I would get down on my knees right now and beg. I probably would if it meant that she would stop fighting this. “Because I don’t think I can do healthy if it’s with anyone else.”
"Everyone talks about grief, but nobody talks about guilt. Maybe because it’s too hard to talk about, even if they wanted to."
“Then come be sick with me.” The words come out soft, pleading, as if I would get down on my knees right now and beg. I probably would if it meant that she would stop fighting this. “Because I don’t think I can do healthy if it’s with anyone else.”
May 29, 2024
I adored Last Letters to Ara, and I have absolutely adored Last Stand For Genevieve. Kaymie Wuerful is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, her writing style & character development is fantastic.
Kaymie has the ability to write characters that have such extraordinary depth, tackling difficult and challenging topics (in this book in particular) whilst also keeping the storylines sprinkled with enough light heartedness that you don’t feel all out despair.
Devoured this in about 24 hours, if I didn’t have a job I’d have finished it in an afternoon.
Kaymie has the ability to write characters that have such extraordinary depth, tackling difficult and challenging topics (in this book in particular) whilst also keeping the storylines sprinkled with enough light heartedness that you don’t feel all out despair.
Devoured this in about 24 hours, if I didn’t have a job I’d have finished it in an afternoon.
July 26, 2024
I loved this book! This one was also so well written I was sucked in from the very start. I couldn’t put it down. I like the dual pov and the topics of the story of grief and trauma were well written. I’m excited to read the next one!
April 14, 2025
Rating 5⭐
Spice 🌶️
I had semi doubts (not really). I wasn't feeling the book, granted this scenario is something I have not experienced so it wasn't as if I didn't like the book, but it was hard for me to read through it because I personally can't relate to it. So to me, it feels the answer to the book is super simple when its obviously not which is my ignorance.
In the end at cried starting 73% then going forward. It was beautiful, and great.
Spice 🌶️
I had semi doubts (not really). I wasn't feeling the book, granted this scenario is something I have not experienced so it wasn't as if I didn't like the book, but it was hard for me to read through it because I personally can't relate to it. So to me, it feels the answer to the book is super simple when its obviously not which is my ignorance.
In the end at cried starting 73% then going forward. It was beautiful, and great.
March 30, 2025
Buena historia, demasiadas vueltas para mi gusto.
April 27, 2025
Tikėjaus kažko daugiau…įdomu, bet pusę knygos vien apie veikėjos praeitį - taip, tai buvo svarbu, bet galėjo tikrai trumpesnė dalis būti😄
March 22, 2024
Heartbreaking, captivating, and utterly beautiful.
I loved every second of reading this book. Wuerful has managed to create such beautiful characters whose pasts and presents are woven into a story filled with inspiring growth and unwavering love.
Brooke's suffering and grief, coupled with Connor's understanding and persistence - it all just fit so perfectly.
I loved every second of reading this book. Wuerful has managed to create such beautiful characters whose pasts and presents are woven into a story filled with inspiring growth and unwavering love.
Brooke's suffering and grief, coupled with Connor's understanding and persistence - it all just fit so perfectly.
April 9, 2024
This book has made its way to number one on my top reads this year and I know it will continue to stay there. I could not stop reading this book. I was up till 4 am just waiting to see how it ended.
I think Kaymie has done an amazing job of describing how someone can struggle with addiction and how one small thing can really impact a person life. I’ve seen how someone’s addiction can affect other people in their lives and I think Kaymie has done a wonderful job of portraying it in this book.
After Brooke loses her sister in a terrible wreck she turns to the only thing she that thinks will help with her pain and guilt. Connor is also broken when it comes to his past after loosing his first love and not wanting to fall for anyone else.
I love the banter between these two characters. They had me smiling and giggling almost any time they “fought”. Reading how Connor describes everything about Brooke had me falling in love with him.
I cannot wait to read about Ryder and Evie in the next book of the Last series.
I think Kaymie has done an amazing job of describing how someone can struggle with addiction and how one small thing can really impact a person life. I’ve seen how someone’s addiction can affect other people in their lives and I think Kaymie has done a wonderful job of portraying it in this book.
After Brooke loses her sister in a terrible wreck she turns to the only thing she that thinks will help with her pain and guilt. Connor is also broken when it comes to his past after loosing his first love and not wanting to fall for anyone else.
I love the banter between these two characters. They had me smiling and giggling almost any time they “fought”. Reading how Connor describes everything about Brooke had me falling in love with him.
I cannot wait to read about Ryder and Evie in the next book of the Last series.
March 26, 2024
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader on this book and I’m so incredibly glad to have been able to see the growth of characters I came to love from book one. Just when I thought the author couldn’t make me fall in love with anyone more than she did Theo in her first book, she throws more Connor into the mix and I’m absolutely blown away by him.
This book deals with some hard issues including addiction and how it affects not just the addict but everyone in their life. It perfectly shows how life and love can get messy and how one thing can change the trajectory of your life. The past and present dual POV does a beautiful job of showing how Brooke came to be where she is today and why she’s so closed off. While also showing why Connor is so drawn to her and why he’s so guarded from his own past.
Once again, I’ve fallen so in love with the characters and the realism with which they are written. They’re raw and relatable, each in their own ways. While this book does deal with hard topics, it’s done in a beautiful way without taking away from the importance of the issues addressed. I can’t wait to see where Ryder’s book takes us!
This book deals with some hard issues including addiction and how it affects not just the addict but everyone in their life. It perfectly shows how life and love can get messy and how one thing can change the trajectory of your life. The past and present dual POV does a beautiful job of showing how Brooke came to be where she is today and why she’s so closed off. While also showing why Connor is so drawn to her and why he’s so guarded from his own past.
Once again, I’ve fallen so in love with the characters and the realism with which they are written. They’re raw and relatable, each in their own ways. While this book does deal with hard topics, it’s done in a beautiful way without taking away from the importance of the issues addressed. I can’t wait to see where Ryder’s book takes us!
April 2, 2024
First off Connor was the PERFECT CHOICE to follow up Theo and Ara. Plus an Aussie book boyfriend was EXACTLY what my collection of fictional (yet perfectly flawed) men needed. Connor is hot and funny and his carefree life attitude with some real world weight made for SUCH. AN. INCREDIBLE. READ. And a whole lot of swoon.
I love diving into a book where one of the main characters isn’t showing all their cards right off the bat and that was totally the case here. Brooke is definitely keeping some things close to her chest and watching (aka reading) Connor break through that cold Elsa exterior kept me turning the pages without being able to put the book down.
Not every love story starts off in a full blown relationship and I think the author really told the ‘friends with benefits’ perspective in a way that painted the positives and possible negatives of it while making me love their story
Lastly the banter was ON POINT. I LIVE for witty banter and this filled that need from page one.
100% recommend this (ESPECIALLY for book club 😉)
I love diving into a book where one of the main characters isn’t showing all their cards right off the bat and that was totally the case here. Brooke is definitely keeping some things close to her chest and watching (aka reading) Connor break through that cold Elsa exterior kept me turning the pages without being able to put the book down.
Not every love story starts off in a full blown relationship and I think the author really told the ‘friends with benefits’ perspective in a way that painted the positives and possible negatives of it while making me love their story
Lastly the banter was ON POINT. I LIVE for witty banter and this filled that need from page one.
100% recommend this (ESPECIALLY for book club 😉)
December 6, 2024
Wow, what an absolutely captivating and gut-wrenching novel!
𝑻𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
The way Kaymie switches from Conner's present POV to Brooke's past (which helps explain SO much of who she is, what she went through, and what she's still fighting for) was beautifully done. Brooke's journey to healing and self-discovery while struggling with survivor's guilt is something that will forever be etched into my brain. Kaymie handled the aspect of addiction, the life that can/does come with it and the survival (well...for some) of those involved with such a heavy but careful hand.
I loved seeing Conner break his walls downs and explain why is the distant man that he is, that is until he meets Brooke. His trauma and undoing explains so much about him, and I love that him coming out with it to Brooke helps her realize that she's not alone in what she's dealt with. Their connection was amazing to see evolve, and by the end of the book you're crying while cheering them on.
𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚.
I also thoroughly enjoyed how Kaymie was able to intertwine Ara/Theo/Lou from the first book in the series (which I recommend reading prior to this) because, honestly, I MISSED THEM SO MUCH. There is a happy twist at the end, which I was not expecting, that made it even better.
𝑻𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏.
The way Kaymie switches from Conner's present POV to Brooke's past (which helps explain SO much of who she is, what she went through, and what she's still fighting for) was beautifully done. Brooke's journey to healing and self-discovery while struggling with survivor's guilt is something that will forever be etched into my brain. Kaymie handled the aspect of addiction, the life that can/does come with it and the survival (well...for some) of those involved with such a heavy but careful hand.
I loved seeing Conner break his walls downs and explain why is the distant man that he is, that is until he meets Brooke. His trauma and undoing explains so much about him, and I love that him coming out with it to Brooke helps her realize that she's not alone in what she's dealt with. Their connection was amazing to see evolve, and by the end of the book you're crying while cheering them on.
𝑰’𝒎 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒍 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚.
I also thoroughly enjoyed how Kaymie was able to intertwine Ara/Theo/Lou from the first book in the series (which I recommend reading prior to this) because, honestly, I MISSED THEM SO MUCH. There is a happy twist at the end, which I was not expecting, that made it even better.
April 1, 2024
Dive into the heart-wrenching journey of "Last Stand for Genevieve," the compelling second installment in Kaymie Wuerfel's Last Stand series. This emotionally charged tale delves deep into the harsh realities of addiction, portraying the ripple effects of grief and anger on one's life choices and relationships. Through the intertwined perspectives of Brooke, a young woman grappling with addiction following a devastating loss, and Conner, a talented a rising Aussie rockstar, Wuerfel crafts a narrative that is both poignant and gripping. The palpable chemistry between the characters draws you in, while the author's skillful storytelling keeps you hooked from the very first page. Each chapter unfolds with raw emotion, showcasing the characters' growth in a way that feels incredibly authentic. Wuerfel's ability to make these fictional personalities come alive is nothing short of remarkable, making this a must-read that will leave you spellbound and craving for more. While "Last Stand for Genevieve" can be enjoyed as a standalone, the preceding book, "Last Letters to Ara," is equally exquisite. Anticipation runs high for the upcoming third installment, that I know will deliver another impactful and unforgettable tale with Evelyn and Ryder at its core. Get ready for a literary experience that will touch your soul and linger in your heart long after you've turned the final page.
March 26, 2024
First, full disclosure: sometimes when I read a book in ebook format, I have trouble feeling the continuity of the story, and there was a little of that going on for me in this reading. I am glad that I persevered and finished the book.
The author did a terrific job telling a complicated, dark story that covered two converging time lines. I had no trouble keeping track of what was going on and when it was happening. I did find the story almost too dark for me to stick with, though I remained hopeful as the timelines converged. Connor and Brooke had some serious emotional baggage, and Ms. Wuerfel expressed all the detail with great care and attention - it was like being inside their minds much of the time.
The supporting characters (Connor's roommates and bandmates, Brooke's friend and her mother) were particularly well drawn. Their dialogues were helpful input in understanding Connor and Brooke and in moving the plot onward.
I was gifted an advance reader copy and asked to provide a review.
The author did a terrific job telling a complicated, dark story that covered two converging time lines. I had no trouble keeping track of what was going on and when it was happening. I did find the story almost too dark for me to stick with, though I remained hopeful as the timelines converged. Connor and Brooke had some serious emotional baggage, and Ms. Wuerfel expressed all the detail with great care and attention - it was like being inside their minds much of the time.
The supporting characters (Connor's roommates and bandmates, Brooke's friend and her mother) were particularly well drawn. Their dialogues were helpful input in understanding Connor and Brooke and in moving the plot onward.
I was gifted an advance reader copy and asked to provide a review.
May 30, 2024
Was privileged to read this book at an early stage, but only just finished the published version and my mind was BLOWN. I don't know how you pulled that ending off (iykyk) and I am STILL spinning from the magnitude of my shock.
If you read Last Letters to Ara then you already know, but Kaymie has this incredible writing style that pulls you in so effortlessly, with so much humor (often dry), so much heart, and she tackles these incredibly tough topics in ways that are so real and give us so much understanding for her characters' plights. Her men are swoonworthy, her women are goals, and the side characters are the found family you wish you had. I am so in love with this world and these characters and absolutely can't wait for Ryder's book. He will be the death of me.
Connor was such a pr*ck but in the best way, and so lovable at the same time. He won me over so fast and the way he fell for Brooke against his own will was just everything.
If you read Last Letters to Ara then you already know, but Kaymie has this incredible writing style that pulls you in so effortlessly, with so much humor (often dry), so much heart, and she tackles these incredibly tough topics in ways that are so real and give us so much understanding for her characters' plights. Her men are swoonworthy, her women are goals, and the side characters are the found family you wish you had. I am so in love with this world and these characters and absolutely can't wait for Ryder's book. He will be the death of me.
Connor was such a pr*ck but in the best way, and so lovable at the same time. He won me over so fast and the way he fell for Brooke against his own will was just everything.
September 6, 2024
Last Stand for Genevieve is the 2nd book in the Last Series and in this book we follow Connor & Brooke and their journey to one another. I absolutely loved Last Letters to Ara so I knew I was going to love this one too and boy I was not wrong!
This is a compelling story which handles the heavy topics of addiction, the ripple effects of grief & loss so well, while also showcasing that life may be messy but you can still find hope and light in the darkness. The story was both heartbreaking and captivating as it all felt so real!
I loved the dual POV which showcased Brooke’s past with Connor’s present and how she came to be the way she is. It kept you wanting to know what happened next right until the very end.
Also, that ENDING!!!! Still can’t believe it 🤭
I loved Connor in the first book with his quick wit and hidden golden retriever energy that it was no surprise I fell for him more. Such a well written Aussie character!! 👏🏼
I am so excited for Ryder’s story next!! 😍🥹
This is a compelling story which handles the heavy topics of addiction, the ripple effects of grief & loss so well, while also showcasing that life may be messy but you can still find hope and light in the darkness. The story was both heartbreaking and captivating as it all felt so real!
I loved the dual POV which showcased Brooke’s past with Connor’s present and how she came to be the way she is. It kept you wanting to know what happened next right until the very end.
Also, that ENDING!!!! Still can’t believe it 🤭
I loved Connor in the first book with his quick wit and hidden golden retriever energy that it was no surprise I fell for him more. Such a well written Aussie character!! 👏🏼
I am so excited for Ryder’s story next!! 😍🥹
November 23, 2024
[3.5/5] Ahhh! This is a hard one to rate. The last 30% of the book had me on the edge of my seat and made me so emotional. I felt so connected to Brooke and loved her relationship with Ziggy. HOWEVER, it was hard to get through the first 2/3’s of the book. I struggled to connect to Brooke early on.
The flashbacks frustrated me. As soon as it was getting good in the present, the timeline flashed to the past again. It wasn’t until the last 30% that I really got into both timelines and really enjoyed the story.
It took awhile, but I’m glad I decided to finish this one. If I didn’t like book 1 and 3 so much, I probably wouldn’t have come back to finish this one, but I’m glad I did!
Emotional with a powerful message. It was a message I didn’t care to hear at the beginning, but by the end I was all-in. Connor and Brooke are a sweet couple who somehow come together after many years of shutting others out.
The flashbacks frustrated me. As soon as it was getting good in the present, the timeline flashed to the past again. It wasn’t until the last 30% that I really got into both timelines and really enjoyed the story.
It took awhile, but I’m glad I decided to finish this one. If I didn’t like book 1 and 3 so much, I probably wouldn’t have come back to finish this one, but I’m glad I did!
Emotional with a powerful message. It was a message I didn’t care to hear at the beginning, but by the end I was all-in. Connor and Brooke are a sweet couple who somehow come together after many years of shutting others out.
March 25, 2025
I have a few things to say about this book ( all good things :) )
1) This was my first time reading a book with the friends with benefits trope.
And let me tell you if you were to ask me how I felt about the troupe before I read this book. I would’ve told you that I would rather jump off a cliff than read it.
But in this book the troupe did NOT disappoint. It fit perfectly with how the characters were in the beginning, and it really showed how their feelings and trust towards each other changed throughout the book.
2) I love a good book where it has me feeling all the emotions. And something I’ve noticed in this book and throughout this series so far, is that it is written SO BEAUTIFULLY to where you are giggling, crying, laughing (and cursing) throughout the book.
3) THE BANTER
With a witty FMC and a carefree MMC the banter had me unable to put my kindle down.
Safe to say I read this book in one sitting (pausing one time to pace) and I can’t wait to read the final book.
1) This was my first time reading a book with the friends with benefits trope.
And let me tell you if you were to ask me how I felt about the troupe before I read this book. I would’ve told you that I would rather jump off a cliff than read it.
But in this book the troupe did NOT disappoint. It fit perfectly with how the characters were in the beginning, and it really showed how their feelings and trust towards each other changed throughout the book.
2) I love a good book where it has me feeling all the emotions. And something I’ve noticed in this book and throughout this series so far, is that it is written SO BEAUTIFULLY to where you are giggling, crying, laughing (and cursing) throughout the book.
3) THE BANTER
With a witty FMC and a carefree MMC the banter had me unable to put my kindle down.
Safe to say I read this book in one sitting (pausing one time to pace) and I can’t wait to read the final book.
March 25, 2024
The cover and blurb of the story had me interested to read this story. Overall this book was okay, but I didn’t love it. And I probably wouldn’t read it again. It took me a long time to get into the book. I felt like the characters were very flat and I did not feel any emotional connection towards them. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the alternating chapters of present and past but that’s just my opinion. I probably would have liked it to be in the present with flashbacks of the past. Maybe that’s why I didn’t really feel the connection between Brooke and Connor. And then also the present story was told through Connors POV and we didn’t get Brookes until some of the last chapters! My favorite story had to be between Brooke and Ziggy and seeing their friendship develop! I was disappointed that I did not like the book and I’m wondering if I read the first book, I would have liked it better!
July 27, 2024
I was so excited for this book. I read Last Letters to Ara and loved it so much, but this one fell flat for me. Perhaps I am coming to the realization that I do not enjoy the friends-with-benefits trope and particularly dislike when the two MCs despise each other for no particular reason. Hate sex isn’t my jam.
However, there were other issues I had with this book. It needed to be THOROUGHLY edited. Grammatical errors, typos, and superfluous sentence structure took me out of the story frequently. The two main characters weren’t likable. Connor’s whole personality is being Australian, being in a band, and objectifying women. Brooke has redeeming qualities, but I felt she needed more depth.
I did enjoy the alternating timeline and dual POV that led up to a singular point. I hope the third book in the series has more character development and a better editor.
However, there were other issues I had with this book. It needed to be THOROUGHLY edited. Grammatical errors, typos, and superfluous sentence structure took me out of the story frequently. The two main characters weren’t likable. Connor’s whole personality is being Australian, being in a band, and objectifying women. Brooke has redeeming qualities, but I felt she needed more depth.
I did enjoy the alternating timeline and dual POV that led up to a singular point. I hope the third book in the series has more character development and a better editor.
March 4, 2025
DNFed around 60% in, but stated skimming the pages around 40% in.Just couldn't deal with the constant drag, it feels like nothing of substance happened at all.
I really liked the first book, even got emotional over it, but this one I just couldn't relate to at all or feel compassion for the main characters.
Felt bad for Brooke at first, honestly her sister's death was not on her, but I get the survivor's guilt. After the first 10 "claws sharp" things I was a bit bored of it.
Connor is just... idk how to even explain, boring? Like, he's a self proclaimed fuckboy with a SUDDEN interest in a girl who randomly inserted herself in his business by taking his ciggy? That's a no. *proceeds to break several laws to get her name and stalks her until he finally finds her on pinterest and THEN get her number*. Just... what?
I tried to give it a fair shot, but overall it's not for me.
I really liked the first book, even got emotional over it, but this one I just couldn't relate to at all or feel compassion for the main characters.
Felt bad for Brooke at first, honestly her sister's death was not on her, but I get the survivor's guilt. After the first 10 "claws sharp" things I was a bit bored of it.
Connor is just... idk how to even explain, boring? Like, he's a self proclaimed fuckboy with a SUDDEN interest in a girl who randomly inserted herself in his business by taking his ciggy? That's a no. *proceeds to break several laws to get her name and stalks her until he finally finds her on pinterest and THEN get her number*. Just... what?
I tried to give it a fair shot, but overall it's not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
is book is amazing! It's so well-written, wow! I'm obsessed with this series, it's so emotional and the characters are just fantastic! Kaymie did an incredible job!
Brooke, sweetheart! Her story is heartbreaking and beautiful. Her struggles really got to me, I just wanted her to be happy. And her banter with Conner? Hilarious!
Conner, oh my gosh, I love him (bonus points for being Aussie!), he's such a sweetheart and needs all the love and protection.
The romance wasn't over the top. It was nicely woven into the story, which made it a great read! I totally recommend this book and series to anyone who wants a feel-good story with awesome characters.
As always, please check trigger warnings as there are some heavy topics discussed throughout, and your mental health matters!
Brooke, sweetheart! Her story is heartbreaking and beautiful. Her struggles really got to me, I just wanted her to be happy. And her banter with Conner? Hilarious!
Conner, oh my gosh, I love him (bonus points for being Aussie!), he's such a sweetheart and needs all the love and protection.
The romance wasn't over the top. It was nicely woven into the story, which made it a great read! I totally recommend this book and series to anyone who wants a feel-good story with awesome characters.
As always, please check trigger warnings as there are some heavy topics discussed throughout, and your mental health matters!
November 27, 2024
Wow, what a beautiful & inspiring story. Again, Kaymie has me at a bit of a loss for words and has left me as a blubbering mess! There is so much depth to
her books that it is hard to describe other than it makes you feel like you are right there living it. Like a really vivid dream. Brookes character brought so much understanding to a situation that might be hard
to understand. The group of friends in these books is also unforgettable! I love the found family aspect, the topics that are brought to light, and a glimps at peoples
reactions towards them. Definitely sheads some light
on the real world, real people, and real situations.
her books that it is hard to describe other than it makes you feel like you are right there living it. Like a really vivid dream. Brookes character brought so much understanding to a situation that might be hard
to understand. The group of friends in these books is also unforgettable! I love the found family aspect, the topics that are brought to light, and a glimps at peoples
reactions towards them. Definitely sheads some light
on the real world, real people, and real situations.
November 23, 2024
Going off the first book i knew Brooke and Connor’s would be amazing but it was so much more. Other than their witty banter and crazy antics there was so much depth to their relationship that just leap off the pages.
Going back and forth in their timeline was a lot at first but i grew to love it and to be able to understand Brooke’s struggles even more. Connor was another beast and once he got out of his own way and let himself feel it was over for him.
Like i said in my last review for Ara and Theo’s book thank you for writing another book about so much grief but reminding us that there is light in the darkness.
Going back and forth in their timeline was a lot at first but i grew to love it and to be able to understand Brooke’s struggles even more. Connor was another beast and once he got out of his own way and let himself feel it was over for him.
Like i said in my last review for Ara and Theo’s book thank you for writing another book about so much grief but reminding us that there is light in the darkness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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