Last First Date

by Weston Parker

Taking over the family business is my destiny.
I just never expected to have to do it in a small town surrounded by nobodies.
I’m a big fish in a small pond in New York.
This town?
I might as well be in purgatory.
There’s one silver lining.
My assistant.
She’s curvy, too sweet for her own good, and easy to push around.
Until she isn’t.
She’s fire one minute and ice the next.
I can’t get enough.
I can’t focus, either.
Everywhere I turn, she’s there.
I suppose that’s the whole point of her job.
But soon I want more than her help in the office planning Valentine’s events.
I want her undone.
Unraveled.
And all to myself.
I never expected cupid to deliver me my dream girl, but here she is.
My Last First Date.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2024

About the author

Hey there. I'm Weston.

Have we met? No? Well, that's a shame, but let's fix it.

I'm a former firefighter and EMS guy who traded emergency calls for romance novels. These days, I write stories about bad boys, billionaires, military heroes, and the kind of men who occasionally make questionable decisions before finding their way back to what matters most. Love.

I live in Texas with my wife, our three kids, and enough animals to qualify for a small petting zoo. Life is loud, busy, and wonderfully chaotic, which is probably why I enjoy disappearing into stories where love somehow manages to win in the end.

At the heart of every book I write is the same belief: life can be hard, but a great love story reminds us that hope, healing, forgiveness, and second chances are always worth fighting for. And to put your mind at ease, I don't use any AI in my books. They're all fully flawed and done by humans. No way in hell I'd give my job to a machine when it's the reason I get up in the morning. So put that worry to bed.

Instead, grab your favorite drink, find a comfortable spot, and stay a while. The real world will still be there when you're done.

Until then, welcome to mine.

Reviews

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable romance with a nice amount of spice. Knox and Waverly make a good pair. It was nice to see their growth and development through the story. I thought it was a bit slow in spots and seemed a little long, but overall was a good read with a satisfying ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mese · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC: Last First Date
Author: Weston Parker,

4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5 peppers 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I enjoyed the story but the misommunication and lack of between the characters drove me up and down walls. I chuckled in the beginning with the back and forth. Right off the bat-enemies to lovers vibes. You have an Alphahole, sweet secretary who can hold her own and lots of chemistry. Did I cringe from some of the interactions-oh definitely-had some "oh no" and "what are you thinking?!" and "well fudgecicles". But You do get your HEA and it was an overall nice read.

Due to verbiage- I am refraining from saying certain terms-but this is my voluntary honest review.

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly Edwards works as executive assistant to Richard Williams, CEO of Elite Occasions, an event management company based in St. George, Utah. Williams is now ready to turn over the company to his grandson Knox who runs the New York office of the company but reassures Waverly that she will remain staunchly in place to help with the transition. As it turns out, though, Knox is not too keen on being relocated from one of the most exciting cities in the world to the boonies of Utah. And, he would rather hire his own assistant, especially because he sensed his grandfather likes her more than him.

So the two stubborn souls begin a professional relationship based on verbal sparring and ignoring one another as much as possible in a true love/hate relationship, with an evil misogynistic bully thrown into the mix. In New York, Knox and Waverly as they are talking with their client, a lingerie company, the director asks shy but luscious Waverly to step in for one of their models who fell ill.

Thus begins the journey for these two colleagues who are unlikely to see eye to eye on anything. But fate steps in and offers a path forward for them both as collaborators and lovers. Once again Weston Parker’s sparkling creativity comes to the table with an original, exciting, thoughtful, passionate story that captived me from page one. I especially appreciate the detailed descriptions of the inner workings and crossover of an event management and lingerie company during a launch. Kudos also for Parker’s willingness to tackle an important issue - the objectification of women, especially as it relates to body positivity. Don’t miss this first-class novel!

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read that brings two people who are complete opposites together, and proves the old saying “opposites attract” is not wrong.

Waverley had to grow up early in her childhood, and didn’t come from money. Knox grew up wealthy and did time as a model, he lived the “good life” by being able to get in all the clubs and get the women.

I loved watching Waverley develop a backbone to stand up for herself and others after meeting Knox. I loved that she went from a meek personality to an ever growing bold personality after multiple events.

I loved watching Knox explore life outside of his comfort zone, and experience feelings that are foreign to him. I loved that even though him and Waverley didn’t see eye to eye, he still defended her without question or her knowledge. I loved how supportive and encouraging he was with Waverley as they worked together and grew closer as a couple.

I enjoyed this story, as I do with all of Weston Parker’s books, but this one was longer than most others. There were a few times throughout that I felt like it wasn’t really important to the story. I felt like I could skip/skim over it and not feel like I missed anything.

I used my KU subscription to snag the deleted scene. I loved seeing Knox and Waverley further in their relationship. I also loved seeing more of Knox and his grandfather’s relationship as well.

These thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weston Parker always has this way of making you love the bad boys. His characters are always rough on the edges, but deep down you know they have a heart of gold somewhere. And it's the women who always tame them.

Waverly is working as the Assistant to the CEO of a high-end party planner in Utah. He wants to retire and hand the business off to his grandson. Knox lives in New York and has always wanted to be the CEO of the company, but in New York, not back in Utah.

Knox and Waverly butt heads constantly when they first meet. He makes her so angry that she lashes out at him, something she never did with his grandfather.

But when you see the changes occur between the two of them - this Enemies to Lovers story really takes a sexy turn. Steamy, too. Knox also has this awful man from his past who tries to come between Waverly and him. But Waverly has the last laugh on both of them.

Each chapter has a new layer of romance and forgiveness and redemption. You will love the twists and turns each character takes on their eventual HEA!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former underwear model Know reluctantly returns to Utah from New York to take over running the family event planning company at its headquarters when his grandfather decides it’s time to retire. His grandfather left some implicit instructions especially regarding his beloved very capable assistant Waverley. Because if some preconceived ideas, assumptions and judging on first impressions Knox and Waverley don’t get off on the best foot and keep rubbing each other up the wrong way!
Secretly Knox hopes in time he can prove his worth and move the headquarters to New York where he misses the fun, lights and bustle of the big city.
This is almost like a coming of age story, as events unfold both Knox and Waverley grow, develop
And learn things about themselves and each other and they start to find their feet and change their views of each other, and their place in the world.
How will things be between them at the end, and what will they have even a working relationship left? A thoroughly enjoyable read which I received as an ARC

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly has been working as the assistant to Mr. Williams who is the CEO of the company and has been for years. He was the best to work for and she loved her job. Mr. Williams decides to retire and his grandson Know is set to take over. Knox has to move from New York to Utah which he wasn’t thrilled with but he had always wanted to be the next CEO. Knox is totally opposite from his grandfather and is very demanding and expects Waverly to work longer hours and he is determined to make her job hard. Well, he is in for a surprise because she won’t back down from him. So, will they end up getting along and finding out they could have a future together? Just read and find out.
Weston once again brings us a great story that you won’t want to put down. Chemistry is off the charts between Waverly and Knox but they have to work through quite a lot before finding happiness. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving an honest review.

[Vicki Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started out as a enemies to lovers romance, and I was quite pleased with the tension between our main characters, Knox and Waverly. These two are like fire & water - they do not get along at all. Their business styles clash when Knox takes over the company from his grandfather. Knox thinks that Waverly is going to be easy to push far enough to quit, but he is surprised when she bravely stands up to him when she feels he's doing it wrong!! This story then slowly evolved into a female empowerment story, and I was even MORE in love with these characters as Waverly grows from a meek pushover to a strong and independent woman! I felt connected to the depth of the internal conversation Waverly has with herself as she stood up for herself and pushed herself to do new things. I was practically cheering her on by the end of the story! I really enjoyed this, and big thanks to Weston for being able to champion female empowerment in a love story!

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great enemies to lovers romance you don’t want to miss!

Knox is the grandson of the owner of Elite Occasions, an event planning company who runs the NY office. There are five locations altogether, including the main office in Utah and three others. He has now been offered the CEO job of the company, but it’s in Utah. Waverly works for Elite Occasions. She is the Executive Assistant to the owner, Knox’s grandfather. He now tells her he is going to retire and his grandson is going to take over. He ensures her that her job is safe, but she’s still worried about it. When they met, neither one liked the other. Knox is arrogant and rude, and overworked Waverly, but she still feels an attraction to him. They go through obstacles, one mainly named Benjamin, they have to get past to trust and be together. Will they be able to? Then there’s some twists and turns to deal with. A wonderful read about two special characters.

[Tiffany Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly worked for Knox’s grandfather for almost a decade.
She as his personal assistant. Mr Williams was kind, respectable, and fair to all of his employees.
Enter Knox. Knox was not any of those things.
He is a work machine and expects the same from his employees. Never giving a day off, a late start, expecting them to work 10-12 hours a day.
He was not the understanding boss they had come to admire.
Waverly soon found the courage to standup to him and to her surprise,Knox seemed to respect her a little bit more.
Just a little bit.
While Knox was used to “dating” supermodels and the who’s who of fashion world, Waverly never wanted to compete with those women.
But will they both put aside their obstinate attitude and let love in?
Or will they be forced apart due to misunderstandings and circumstance?
Read to find out

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waverly had mixed feelings when her boss decides to retire as she wants the best for him, but she also enjoys working for him. Her reservations only increase when she meets Knox, his grandson and the new CEO, who is equally demanding and intriguing.

Knox has plans when he begins managing his family’s business and one of his goals is to relocate them from Utah, where he doesn’t want to be, to NYC where he is most comfortable. The one twist he wasn’t expecting was Waverly who challenges him at every turn.

Waverly doesn’t back down from anyone or anything which only makes her more appealing to Knox while he may not have made a great first impression on Waverly, we soon realize that there is a lot more to him than first appears. There is no doubting they make the perfect team even if they had some obstacles to overcome first.

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the story of Waverly and Knox. Waverly is a personal assistant to the head of a party planning company that is based in Utah and when her boss wants to retire, he makes his grandson Knox return from New York to run the company. Knox hates Utah and can't wait to get back to New York, he also wants to change things, but he has to keep Waverly. Knox and Waverly do not get along at all and he thinks he might have to make her quit, Waverly surprises Knox and won't back down to him and he starts to see her in a different light. They travel to New York for a last minute work assignment and Waverly sees a different side to Knox. I really liked this book, i really liked Waverly, she was strong and wanted to prove herself. Knox needed a reality check and i think returning home gave it to him. Another good one.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end. It has all the right feels and so much more. Waverly is one of the best party planners at Elite Occasions, but when her good friend and ceo decided to retire it was a shock when he put his grandson in charge. Knox is one of the best in New York city with his own company but when he goes to Utah will he plan on staying or will his attraction to Waverly have him wanting more? Or will someone from his past try to destroy him and Waverly? This book is compelling and captivating and tantalizing and heartbreaking and so much more.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seemed like it was hate at first sight for Waverly and Knox. And for the longest time, they were locked into that battle of wills. I loved watching them peel back their defenses and get to know one another. It almost killed me to see a scrummy little snake’s lies do so much damage to the fragile connection they were building. However, it was a beautiful moment of triumph getting even with the snake. I adored where this book brought Waverly and Knox in the end, and now I pretty much want stories for the whole friend group in the future.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

LAST FIRST DATE is a story emphasizing not everyone is as they seem. Knox was guarded because of the life he had led in the spotlight. He’s a guy who rubbed elbows with celebrities, was on billboards in Times Square, and could get into all the good clubs.

Waverly had never left Utah. She loved her job, took care of her mother, and had to cope with the retirement of her beloved boss. His grandson (Knox) was not the kind, reflective leader she was accustomed to.

So we have two opposites that transform during the book -but give in to their attraction. We have to be patient while they sort things out, but it is worthwhile.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it's well-written, smooth-flowing and most of all entertaining. I found myself drawn into Knox and Waverly's story from the start and didn't want to stop reading until I'd finished the book. Their relationship didn't have the best of starts, due to their circumstances but as time passed and their situations changed it was great to see their romance blossom.

Knox and Waverly are well-developed. and likeable characters and I found their story quite uplifting, things can change for the better as proven in their story which was full of love and hope leading to their HEA

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read from Weston.
Knox and Waverley don't get on when he takes over as CEO when his grandfather retires. He expects everyone to work as hard as he does but he is pushing too hard and it isn't long before Waverley let's him know.
The more time they spend together the feelings between them start to change and they get even closer when they travel to NYC to run an event.
I loved how they were together but when an enemy from his high-school days tries to get between them things get more difficult.
Can they make it through together or will it pull them apart.
Absolutely loved the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable opposites attract romance between Knox and Waverly. They were thrown together when he became her new boss due to his grandfather retiring. She was not used to the changes that would come because of their different leadership styles. They wouldn’t see eye to eye on many things and she stood up for herself and others who she felt were being wronged by his style. Watching them find their way to each other was a fun ride but it was a little longer than most and at times felt like part of their story could have been skipped and the outcome would have still been the same. A good read overall.

[Mer · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

I don’t know how anyone can like the MMC, he’s spoiled and frankly just a whining baby. All I saw in him is a sexist, miserable, empty soul who thinks he’s better than everyone. He treats people like crap and they somehow seem to accept it and sometimes encourage it.

The FMC is judgmental, although her assumptions turned out to be true. Her character seems devoid of essence, like she’s.. boring. I don’t get how she could hate someone so much and still be physically attracted to them, especially with the way he was treating her. I mean come on woman, have some self respect!

Absolutely no chemistry between the characters. Sorry, total flop this story.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will love Waverly and Knox's story and won't be able to put it down. She was an incredible party planner and upset when her CEO decided to retire and bring in his grandson. Knox was a big success with his company in New York and had no desire to return to Utah. Enemies to lovers, as neither was happy to see the other. Well written with an engaging storyline and wonderful characters. Some twists and explosive chemistry. It was fun to watch their relationship develop and end with an HEA and no cliffhanger. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a touchdown!! This book is a must read it has everything you want in a book!!

Knox and Waverly OMGOODNESS I think this is one of my favorite books EVER! There is never a dull moment in this book. Loyalty, anger, steam, friendship, lying, bullying, heartbreak, determination, gossip, protection, making-up and love, there is so much of everything in this book. It's a five star for me all the way! Weston out of the park Home run, you just keep getting better and better! Thank you! has everything you need in a book!!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knox is Waverley’s new boss, taking over the family business. He’s not happy to be there and she’s not happy that he’s there. Liked the way they gradually began to thaw towards each other and how they grew and matured throughout the book; learning more about themselves and what they wanted and were capable of. Wasn’t all straightforward for them, they had a few misunderstandings together with a problem in the form of a troublesome client –gave a cheer at what happened to him! Enjoyable read, with plenty of emotion.
3.5 stars

[Stephanie Dazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox is a guarded man who is known for rubbing elbows with the rich and getting into the best clubs. He takes over the family business after his beloved grandfather retires what he didn’t expect was to have the gorgeous Waverley stand up to him and her not swayed by his charms. Waverley respected her boss and was nervous about Knox taking over. Their chemistry was off the charts but could they put their attitudes aside and conquer their fears to make their feels grow stronger. Loved this book so much.

[Patricia Baxes · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the storyline was really interesting; the characters well developed; the plot was interesting but fairly easy to figure out…the book was just way too long! I mean this story didn’t need 50+ chapters to be told. It just went on and on in places until I felt like I could skip a couple of chapters and still not miss anything. Thank goodness for the amazing HEA! This is a good book and you should give it a try…(I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was glad I stuck it out to the end!) ❤️

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last First Date is a captivating read,with ups and down,steam and intriguing..He is a guarded man,arrogant,har worker and want to be the a CEO of his family business but in NYC not in a small town of Utah...She is working as a PA,The two buttheadssweet,kind,smart and curvy and easy to push around.Until she isn’t...The two butt heads but the attraction is strong untill they crossed the line between boss and employee.Can these two got their HEA? and all the misunderstading resolved? read it to find out!

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knox is the grandson of the CEO of a event management company. He is to take over for his grandfather who is retiring. Wonderful, but the company is based in Utah and Knox is used to the excitement of New York, where he has headed that branch for several years. Waverly is his new assistant and he goes in ready to bring in his own choice, instead of his grandfather's. Not exactly a match made in heaven. But as we all know, enemies and/or opposites often attract. Wonderful characters in a great story from a fantastic author. Loved it!

[Jill K. Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wanted to read a book by this author for a while now, but never quite felt the story. My biggest complaint is that it felt like the animosity between the two went on a little too long. I did not like the hero very much in the beginning, which made it hard to get into. Once the story got going, it was another matter. I didn't like the way when the climax happened, the couple did not talk... you have to talk.. I get that there were extenuating circumstances, but you have to make time. Still a great read.

[Whit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The push and pull conflict between Knox and Waverly kept the pages turning until Knox and that horrible bully, Benjamin, went head to head. There were too many ways that Knox, with all of his resources, could have stopped Benjamin in his tracks and simply failed to do so! Very disappointing!

In addition, as special as Waverly seemed to be to Knox, he never thought to marry her but simply invited her to move in with him. Not good enough to be a wife? For a 474 page book, surely there was room for a wedding !!!!!!!!

[Amanda Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last first date
Weston created a story that you must read! Knox, the former model, turned business man is brought home to the family business. Knox and Waverly are brought together through work and neither are happy about it. There ends up being more than a pretty face in Knox and he says things that are swoon worthy! He falls hard for Waverly, but they have some battles along the way, but make it back to each other.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knox and Waverly’s story has her being his assistant when he took over the business after his grandfather retires. He is in New York and now has to go to Utah where it’s stationed. These two bicker back and forth until they see what’s really going on. But when his past comes back will it succeed in driving a wedge between the two or will Waverly surprise them both. I volunteered to read for my honest opinion