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Baker Girls #3
The Last Love Story
What do you do when the brilliant romance author you’re hung up on needs surgery but her insurance won’t cover it? Offer to marry her so she can use yours, of course.From the moment I first picked up one of Jade Jackson’s books, she’s had me in a chokehold. But when we start talking and flirting online, I end up with a very real crush on her. And when we finally meet in person, the sparks between us could start a forest fire.
When Jade reveals that she needs surgery that will impact her life as an author, and her insurance company refuses to pay, the solution is obvious—we should get married.
While Jade thinks I’m doing it all for her, she doesn’t realize she’s giving me everything I’ve ever wanted. Someone to care for and somewhere that feels like home. After too many lonely years of narrating other people’s love stories, maybe fate is finally letting me write my own.
The Last Love Story is a low angst, marriage of convenience rom-com featuring a plus size romance author, a romance cover model & narrator, swoony moments, flirty banter, and plenty of steam with a guaranteed happily ever after.
This is book 3 of the Baker Girls series. Though characters crossover and stories loosely interconnect, all books can be read as complete standalones.
When Jade reveals that she needs surgery that will impact her life as an author, and her insurance company refuses to pay, the solution is obvious—we should get married.
While Jade thinks I’m doing it all for her, she doesn’t realize she’s giving me everything I’ve ever wanted. Someone to care for and somewhere that feels like home. After too many lonely years of narrating other people’s love stories, maybe fate is finally letting me write my own.
The Last Love Story is a low angst, marriage of convenience rom-com featuring a plus size romance author, a romance cover model & narrator, swoony moments, flirty banter, and plenty of steam with a guaranteed happily ever after.
This is book 3 of the Baker Girls series. Though characters crossover and stories loosely interconnect, all books can be read as complete standalones.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
130 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Monaco Smith
46 books191 followersBethany 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 28, 2025
This marriage of convenience where he falls first and hard is actually the best thing ever! Bethany M. Smith perfectly captures their characters and hurdles without going overboard. The romance, banter and spice is the best thing! Also the consent is actually refreshing! And thank you for the author for painting a realistic picture of a plus size FMC as a love interest!
Draeming to find my Justin! 😅
Draeming to find my Justin! 😅
June 26, 2025
This was such a quick and cute romance read. A love story between a romance writer and a romance narrator/cover model. Jade Jackson always searched for her book boyfriend and she got exactly that with Justin Ayers. This is a low angst, marriage of convenience story. Justin has been looking for a place that felt like home, and he found exactly that within Jade Jackson.
This was my first book by Bethany Monaco Smith and it did not disappoint. And I am so glad I was able to ARC read it.
This was my first book by Bethany Monaco Smith and it did not disappoint. And I am so glad I was able to ARC read it.
July 3, 2025
This was such a cute and fun romance. The characters were written so well and I devoured the romance author/narrator trope on top of marriage of convenience.
So lucky to have this as my first ARC and first Bethany Monaco Smith book and I know this will not be the last. 🫶✨
So lucky to have this as my first ARC and first Bethany Monaco Smith book and I know this will not be the last. 🫶✨
July 12, 2025
DNF @ 60%. 2.5/5 - This book had a such great potential and I initially really loved the story. There was just too much fluff and some of the dialogue was incredibly cringy. MMC becomes a little insufferable with his behavior; it’s positive, but it’s the classic stereotype of what men think women want.
Very slow build up, nothing physical happens until 15 chapters in, I ended up skimming and skipping some chapters it was so boring.
Very slow build up, nothing physical happens until 15 chapters in, I ended up skimming and skipping some chapters it was so boring.
October 7, 2025
At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to be interested in this book. Usually, I love reading BBW books. However, the storyline of author needs a hand surgery to continue writing. Didn't seem likely that one word would become friends with a fan who wants to marry her and care for her. But then I figured out it goes with another series I read, and I loved those characters and they all cross over. This was then a no-brainer, give it a chance. So glad I did.
Justin Ayers is an avid romance book reader. They’re an essential part of his life as both a voice actor and a model—known for romance novel covers and narration. He loves a good love story, he always has. The romance books which he has loved since he was a kid and had to hide from his dad— the fun of misogyny—but now he flaunts it. The current author he was reading was Jade Jackson. She writes long-running series that people get invested in. She talked about real-life she can knit things together doesn’t shy away from topics that some people are more afraid of in the romance genre, like cheating, and how a relationship can either be broken or healed afterward.
I don’t know which way it’ll go for this couple, but I’m desperate to find out. When he decided to go to her website to check out the audiobooks she had zero. He went to “about you” and caught sight of her picture, and he thought she was beautiful. She was smiling as she sat on the floor, surrounded by piles of her books. Justin zooms in, getting a better look at her. She’s absolutely gorgeous. Curves everywhere and a smile that’s so captivating he doesn’t want to look away. He doesn’t exactly have a type. Not in terms of looks.
He admits, he’s a man slut sometimes. I’m not going to apologize for it, though. I love women—everything about them. Every size, every shape. Justin doesn't indiscriminately sleep around, he also hooks up a decent amount. He’s not afraid of falling in love or catching feelings or anything else. He wishes he would. But most of the time, it’s a night with someone to pass the time, but I don’t have a connection with anyone besides the physical. Like finding a town that feels like home, one day he wants to find the right person to settle down and share his life with.
He’s open to it right this second if they randomly walk through the door, but he knows that’s unlikely. Justin always loved reading and watching love stories. Someday, he hoped he would get to live his own. So when he decides to fanboy and like Jade’s writer’s page and then messages her a few times regarding the current series he’s reading, and then she answers back eventually letting him know she has done some fangirling of her own with his sexier than sin audiobooks he’s done. Then don’t even get her started on his book covers.
Now he’s the one shying away not knowing how to respond. He asked her when her next book would be out and if she was starting the one after that, and she said she was waiting to hear from her insurance to see if it's approved because she has carpal tunnel and if not fixed she’s not sure how this would affect the big picture of her career. It scares her to death. The surgery is set for July if the insurance doesn't pay she may have to put off the series he loves and wants on audio way on the back burner. Because all the money she’s been saving for it would have to go to the surgery.
They moved on to personal messaging and agreed to meet up and have dinner at the book event. He also wanted to help her set up and tear down her table. They have such a good talk and meeting each other touches something deeply in each of them. It's like they’ve known each other since forever. The first night they kissed goodnight. By the second night, Justin had formulated a plan. It was time to tell her and ask. What do you think about marrying me, so you can have my insurance, and they can get to know one another he thought? But the second part he didn't tell her he didn't want to scare her it all had to be her idea. He knew she was attracted to him and wanted him but not if she really wanted him like that. Welcome to their meet-cute.
Justin Ayers is an avid romance book reader. They’re an essential part of his life as both a voice actor and a model—known for romance novel covers and narration. He loves a good love story, he always has. The romance books which he has loved since he was a kid and had to hide from his dad— the fun of misogyny—but now he flaunts it. The current author he was reading was Jade Jackson. She writes long-running series that people get invested in. She talked about real-life she can knit things together doesn’t shy away from topics that some people are more afraid of in the romance genre, like cheating, and how a relationship can either be broken or healed afterward.
I don’t know which way it’ll go for this couple, but I’m desperate to find out. When he decided to go to her website to check out the audiobooks she had zero. He went to “about you” and caught sight of her picture, and he thought she was beautiful. She was smiling as she sat on the floor, surrounded by piles of her books. Justin zooms in, getting a better look at her. She’s absolutely gorgeous. Curves everywhere and a smile that’s so captivating he doesn’t want to look away. He doesn’t exactly have a type. Not in terms of looks.
He admits, he’s a man slut sometimes. I’m not going to apologize for it, though. I love women—everything about them. Every size, every shape. Justin doesn't indiscriminately sleep around, he also hooks up a decent amount. He’s not afraid of falling in love or catching feelings or anything else. He wishes he would. But most of the time, it’s a night with someone to pass the time, but I don’t have a connection with anyone besides the physical. Like finding a town that feels like home, one day he wants to find the right person to settle down and share his life with.
He’s open to it right this second if they randomly walk through the door, but he knows that’s unlikely. Justin always loved reading and watching love stories. Someday, he hoped he would get to live his own. So when he decides to fanboy and like Jade’s writer’s page and then messages her a few times regarding the current series he’s reading, and then she answers back eventually letting him know she has done some fangirling of her own with his sexier than sin audiobooks he’s done. Then don’t even get her started on his book covers.
Now he’s the one shying away not knowing how to respond. He asked her when her next book would be out and if she was starting the one after that, and she said she was waiting to hear from her insurance to see if it's approved because she has carpal tunnel and if not fixed she’s not sure how this would affect the big picture of her career. It scares her to death. The surgery is set for July if the insurance doesn't pay she may have to put off the series he loves and wants on audio way on the back burner. Because all the money she’s been saving for it would have to go to the surgery.
They moved on to personal messaging and agreed to meet up and have dinner at the book event. He also wanted to help her set up and tear down her table. They have such a good talk and meeting each other touches something deeply in each of them. It's like they’ve known each other since forever. The first night they kissed goodnight. By the second night, Justin had formulated a plan. It was time to tell her and ask. What do you think about marrying me, so you can have my insurance, and they can get to know one another he thought? But the second part he didn't tell her he didn't want to scare her it all had to be her idea. He knew she was attracted to him and wanted him but not if she really wanted him like that. Welcome to their meet-cute.
August 31, 2025
The Last Love Story by Bethany Monaco Smith ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was such a sweet, low-angst, high-swoon romance that completely delivered on its promise. Even though it’s the third book in the Baker Girls series, this was my first by Bethany Monaco Smith, and I had no problem following along. Each book works as a standalone, but the interconnected characters add that extra cozy layer of “found family” warmth.
The premise alone hooked me: a marriage of convenience between a successful, plus-size romance author and her longtime admirer—the audiobook narrator and cover model who’s been secretly obsessed with both her books and her for years. And trust me, the execution is just as delicious as the setup.
✨ Jade Jackson is a body-positive, daydreaming author who’s spent years writing happily-ever-afters, even though her own childhood lacked them thanks to a complicated relationship with her mother. Enter Justin Ayers—the protective, attentive narrator/model who fangirls over her work, slides into her DMs, and oh-so-conveniently offers her a marriage when she needs health insurance. The catch? He’s been in love with her from the start, and he’s ready to prove that the book boyfriend she’s always dreamed of has been real all along.
From the very first page, the chemistry between Jade and Justin leaps off the page. Their relationship is equal parts playful banter, tender caretaking, and genuine emotional connection. I loved that it unfolded from strangers, to friends, to full-blown soulmates—without the cliché third-act breakup. Instead, their love story feels refreshingly secure and joyful.
What really stood out to me was Justin himself. He’s the ultimate book husband blueprint—protective, obsessed in the softest way, attentive to every little need, and absolutely smitten with Jade. Meanwhile, Jade’s strength, humor, and heart make her such an empowering FMC to root for. Together, they balance each other perfectly: she grounds him, and he reminds her she deserves every ounce of love she’s written about.
And yes—there’s steam, but it’s the kind that builds slowly and feels completely earned. Between Justin holding her coffee, fixing her mic, and looking at her like she hung the moon, this romance gave me all the fluttery feels.
📚 What to Expect:
• Marriage of Convenience
• Romance Author x Audiobook Narrator/Cover Model
• Plus-Size FMC + Body Positivity
• Small Town Vibes
• Slow Burn → Steamy Caretaking Moments
• Found Family
• No Third-Act Breakup (!!)
If you’re looking for a feel-good, bingeable romance with low drama, high chemistry, and a book boyfriend who redefines the standard, The Last Love Story is absolutely worth your time. I finished it with a big goofy smile on my face and the urge to immediately dive into the rest of the Baker Girls series.
This was such a sweet, low-angst, high-swoon romance that completely delivered on its promise. Even though it’s the third book in the Baker Girls series, this was my first by Bethany Monaco Smith, and I had no problem following along. Each book works as a standalone, but the interconnected characters add that extra cozy layer of “found family” warmth.
The premise alone hooked me: a marriage of convenience between a successful, plus-size romance author and her longtime admirer—the audiobook narrator and cover model who’s been secretly obsessed with both her books and her for years. And trust me, the execution is just as delicious as the setup.
✨ Jade Jackson is a body-positive, daydreaming author who’s spent years writing happily-ever-afters, even though her own childhood lacked them thanks to a complicated relationship with her mother. Enter Justin Ayers—the protective, attentive narrator/model who fangirls over her work, slides into her DMs, and oh-so-conveniently offers her a marriage when she needs health insurance. The catch? He’s been in love with her from the start, and he’s ready to prove that the book boyfriend she’s always dreamed of has been real all along.
From the very first page, the chemistry between Jade and Justin leaps off the page. Their relationship is equal parts playful banter, tender caretaking, and genuine emotional connection. I loved that it unfolded from strangers, to friends, to full-blown soulmates—without the cliché third-act breakup. Instead, their love story feels refreshingly secure and joyful.
What really stood out to me was Justin himself. He’s the ultimate book husband blueprint—protective, obsessed in the softest way, attentive to every little need, and absolutely smitten with Jade. Meanwhile, Jade’s strength, humor, and heart make her such an empowering FMC to root for. Together, they balance each other perfectly: she grounds him, and he reminds her she deserves every ounce of love she’s written about.
And yes—there’s steam, but it’s the kind that builds slowly and feels completely earned. Between Justin holding her coffee, fixing her mic, and looking at her like she hung the moon, this romance gave me all the fluttery feels.
📚 What to Expect:
• Marriage of Convenience
• Romance Author x Audiobook Narrator/Cover Model
• Plus-Size FMC + Body Positivity
• Small Town Vibes
• Slow Burn → Steamy Caretaking Moments
• Found Family
• No Third-Act Breakup (!!)
If you’re looking for a feel-good, bingeable romance with low drama, high chemistry, and a book boyfriend who redefines the standard, The Last Love Story is absolutely worth your time. I finished it with a big goofy smile on my face and the urge to immediately dive into the rest of the Baker Girls series.
June 30, 2025
The Last Love Story (Book 3 in the Baker Girls series) is the romance equivalent of a warm hug and a wink across the room. While characters do cross over from previous books, each story—including this one—can be enjoyed as a standalone.
This low-angst, high-swoon rom-com delivers exactly what it promises: a marriage of convenience between a plus-size romance author and the dreamy cover model/narrator who’s been secretly obsessed with her work (and her) for ages. Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Jade Jackson is a successful, body-positive author with a heart full of fairy tale dreams and a mother who made sure her childhood was anything but magical. Justin Ayers? He’s the sexy, swoony narrator-slash-cover model who slides into her DMs fangirling over her books and low-key plotting to wife her up. When Jade needs a quick solution for health insurance, Justin is ready with a ring and a plan—and maybe a few not-so-innocent intentions.
From flirty banter to heart-melting caretaking, their relationship evolves from strangers to friends to soulmates. He falls first (and hard), and she slowly realizes that maybe the book boyfriend she’s always written about actually exists—and he's been right in front of her, holding her coffee and fixing her mic.
This isn’t your average marriage of convenience—it’s packed with chemistry, genuine emotional connection, found family, and a refreshing dose of joy. There’s no third-act breakup drama here—just two people learning how to love and be loved, exactly as they are. And yes, there’s steam. Jade is a romance author, after all.
Justin is the blueprint for book husbands—protective, soft, obsessed, and oh-so-attentive. And Jade? She’s a badass, daydreaming, plus-size queen living her best author life. Together, they bring out the best in each other while proving that sometimes, the best love stories begin with a fangirl DM and a very convenient marriage license.
What to Expect:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
📚 Romance Author x Romance Narrator
💍 Plus-Size FMC with Body Positivity
📚 Small Town Vibes
💍 Slow Burn to Steamy
📚 Caretaking Moments
💍 Found Family
📚 No Third-Act Breakup
The Last Love Story is sweet, spicy, and sparkly with just the right amount of swoon. Bethany Monaco Smith delivers another feel-good romance that will leave your cheeks sore from smiling and your heart full.
Thank you to Bethany Monaco Smith, the author, for the ARC opportunity!
This low-angst, high-swoon rom-com delivers exactly what it promises: a marriage of convenience between a plus-size romance author and the dreamy cover model/narrator who’s been secretly obsessed with her work (and her) for ages. Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Jade Jackson is a successful, body-positive author with a heart full of fairy tale dreams and a mother who made sure her childhood was anything but magical. Justin Ayers? He’s the sexy, swoony narrator-slash-cover model who slides into her DMs fangirling over her books and low-key plotting to wife her up. When Jade needs a quick solution for health insurance, Justin is ready with a ring and a plan—and maybe a few not-so-innocent intentions.
From flirty banter to heart-melting caretaking, their relationship evolves from strangers to friends to soulmates. He falls first (and hard), and she slowly realizes that maybe the book boyfriend she’s always written about actually exists—and he's been right in front of her, holding her coffee and fixing her mic.
This isn’t your average marriage of convenience—it’s packed with chemistry, genuine emotional connection, found family, and a refreshing dose of joy. There’s no third-act breakup drama here—just two people learning how to love and be loved, exactly as they are. And yes, there’s steam. Jade is a romance author, after all.
Justin is the blueprint for book husbands—protective, soft, obsessed, and oh-so-attentive. And Jade? She’s a badass, daydreaming, plus-size queen living her best author life. Together, they bring out the best in each other while proving that sometimes, the best love stories begin with a fangirl DM and a very convenient marriage license.
What to Expect:
💍 Marriage of Convenience
📚 Romance Author x Romance Narrator
💍 Plus-Size FMC with Body Positivity
📚 Small Town Vibes
💍 Slow Burn to Steamy
📚 Caretaking Moments
💍 Found Family
📚 No Third-Act Breakup
The Last Love Story is sweet, spicy, and sparkly with just the right amount of swoon. Bethany Monaco Smith delivers another feel-good romance that will leave your cheeks sore from smiling and your heart full.
Thank you to Bethany Monaco Smith, the author, for the ARC opportunity!
June 26, 2025
I signed up to be an ARC reader for this book through my local online book club, thinking I'd be helping a local author and excited to get the opportunity to be an ARC reader/reviewer for once. After reading, and attempting to link it to my Goodreads profile to start the review I realized I've read multiple others that were some of my favorites on last years book challenge ❤️
In my initial thought when receiving my ARC copy prior to starting the book, I learned it was book #3 in a series, initially I groveled over the idea of having to add the prior two books before starting this one. I decided to trek forward to make sure I was able to review this story before the public release day. The book was so well written that you didn't feel lost or confused from the interconnections of the supporting characters stories intertwined in this book from the first two in this series.
The FMC is a Bad Ass Woman. She is a successful Author, who happens to be plus-sized (I LOVE that she lives by Body Positivity). She day dreams of having her fairy tale romance and finding her booktok boyfriend one day. The MMC is a gorgeous cover Model and a well known voice over to many books in the author community. He has an amazing friend group that has grown up together and have been supportive to his success. Both characters come from broken families, FMC had a mother was self centered, had no 2nd thoughts of body shaming opportunities and was more worried about her own selfish desires than raising a child. MMC's family were small minded, homophobic small town "there's only one right way to be" kind.
This love story was one that started as a friendship, let to a marriage of convenience, and successfully intertwined plenty of heart swooning, feet kicking & plenty of spicy scenes, ending with the fairytale love of their dreams.
In my initial thought when receiving my ARC copy prior to starting the book, I learned it was book #3 in a series, initially I groveled over the idea of having to add the prior two books before starting this one. I decided to trek forward to make sure I was able to review this story before the public release day. The book was so well written that you didn't feel lost or confused from the interconnections of the supporting characters stories intertwined in this book from the first two in this series.
The FMC is a Bad Ass Woman. She is a successful Author, who happens to be plus-sized (I LOVE that she lives by Body Positivity). She day dreams of having her fairy tale romance and finding her booktok boyfriend one day. The MMC is a gorgeous cover Model and a well known voice over to many books in the author community. He has an amazing friend group that has grown up together and have been supportive to his success. Both characters come from broken families, FMC had a mother was self centered, had no 2nd thoughts of body shaming opportunities and was more worried about her own selfish desires than raising a child. MMC's family were small minded, homophobic small town "there's only one right way to be" kind.
This love story was one that started as a friendship, let to a marriage of convenience, and successfully intertwined plenty of heart swooning, feet kicking & plenty of spicy scenes, ending with the fairytale love of their dreams.
July 8, 2025
The Last Love Story by Bethany Monaco Smith
One of my favorite things about Bethany's books is that they all intertwine in some way. Whether its big or small you get a glimpse in another series. Justin and Jade are no different! Especially if youve read her Lacy Creek Trilogy.
I was so excited when I learned that she was writing their story! And this book did not disappoint. (Let's face it she never does!) Because i loved watching them meet, bond over romance books, fall in love and grt their happily ever after!
I loved these two so much! Romance author Jade and Audiobook narrator/Book cover model Justin bring all the feels! The way he slides into her dms to gush over her books. The instant chemistry. The ease of their banter and just how perfect they fit into eachothers worlds. Because they come from the same world. The marriage of convenience aspect. This man so quickly would do anything for her! I am a sucker for her falls first. And boy does he ever!
The way he cares for her. From broken ac to French braiding her hair to just holding her and being there! Bethany knows how to write the swooniest of men that you cant help but fall in love with Justin Ayers is just the icing on a very large book stack!
And Jade i love her from the moment I met her. Her strength and independence! And her resilience. She's amazing!
This book fed my happy little heart. A true love story written in the stars! I absolutely adored this book and these characters! And all the fun side characters from the previous books (& future books!) And the nods to some of our favorites from other series! You can not go wrong with any Bethany book, so pick one up... I bet you'll end up reading them all!
One of my favorite things about Bethany's books is that they all intertwine in some way. Whether its big or small you get a glimpse in another series. Justin and Jade are no different! Especially if youve read her Lacy Creek Trilogy.
I was so excited when I learned that she was writing their story! And this book did not disappoint. (Let's face it she never does!) Because i loved watching them meet, bond over romance books, fall in love and grt their happily ever after!
I loved these two so much! Romance author Jade and Audiobook narrator/Book cover model Justin bring all the feels! The way he slides into her dms to gush over her books. The instant chemistry. The ease of their banter and just how perfect they fit into eachothers worlds. Because they come from the same world. The marriage of convenience aspect. This man so quickly would do anything for her! I am a sucker for her falls first. And boy does he ever!
The way he cares for her. From broken ac to French braiding her hair to just holding her and being there! Bethany knows how to write the swooniest of men that you cant help but fall in love with Justin Ayers is just the icing on a very large book stack!
And Jade i love her from the moment I met her. Her strength and independence! And her resilience. She's amazing!
This book fed my happy little heart. A true love story written in the stars! I absolutely adored this book and these characters! And all the fun side characters from the previous books (& future books!) And the nods to some of our favorites from other series! You can not go wrong with any Bethany book, so pick one up... I bet you'll end up reading them all!
June 27, 2025
Bethany Monaco Smith's The Last Love Story is Book 3 in the Baker Girls series, and even though I didn’t read the first two, I never felt lost. If anything, I’m even more excited to go back and read them now!
After falling head over heels for the Friends Like This series, it’s no surprise that A Baker Girls Romance has me completely hooked. Seriously… ahhh.
In this one, we meet Jade, a romance author, and Justin, a narrator and cover model. He slides into her DMs fangirling over her books and demanding to know what happens next. When they finally meet at a conference, Justin offers Jade an irresistible solution: a marriage of convenience for health insurance—and she won't have to touch her savings for her audiobooks.
Justin is utterly swoon-worthy. He shows up for Jade in all the right ways… even the ones she didn’t know she needed. Their playfulness, banter, and the way their relationship evolves is just so good. Overall, this is a quick read, a cute story, and another gem from Bethany!
Thank you, Bethany for the ARC!
After falling head over heels for the Friends Like This series, it’s no surprise that A Baker Girls Romance has me completely hooked. Seriously… ahhh.
In this one, we meet Jade, a romance author, and Justin, a narrator and cover model. He slides into her DMs fangirling over her books and demanding to know what happens next. When they finally meet at a conference, Justin offers Jade an irresistible solution: a marriage of convenience for health insurance—and she won't have to touch her savings for her audiobooks.
Justin is utterly swoon-worthy. He shows up for Jade in all the right ways… even the ones she didn’t know she needed. Their playfulness, banter, and the way their relationship evolves is just so good. Overall, this is a quick read, a cute story, and another gem from Bethany!
Thank you, Bethany for the ARC!
July 3, 2025
Romance author meets romance narrator and it is as cute of a whirlwind romance as you can imagine. He falls first and hard. A marriage of convenience- that for him was the real deal from the beginning; he wants her forever and will do whatever he can to show her and prove to her that she is what he wants. ❤️ And in doing so he is swoon-worthy, book boyfriend gold!
I love Jade and her personality- she is sweet, spicy, spunky- a great fmc!
Justin is a swoon-worthy mmc with a southern drawl, who I wish narrated books in real life! Together, they are an adorable couple who brings the sweet, the spicy, the swoons, a whimsy romance story and I could not get enough of it!
I knew I was going to enjoy this read based on the fmc being a romance author and the mmc being a romance narrator! Bethany has quickly became an auto-read for me. This is my third book I have read by her and each one has been so good! There is something about the way she rights. Her romances have hard, heavy, sad, spicy, happy, beautiful moments and you feel all of the emotions she writes like you are right there with them.
I love Jade and her personality- she is sweet, spicy, spunky- a great fmc!
Justin is a swoon-worthy mmc with a southern drawl, who I wish narrated books in real life! Together, they are an adorable couple who brings the sweet, the spicy, the swoons, a whimsy romance story and I could not get enough of it!
I knew I was going to enjoy this read based on the fmc being a romance author and the mmc being a romance narrator! Bethany has quickly became an auto-read for me. This is my third book I have read by her and each one has been so good! There is something about the way she rights. Her romances have hard, heavy, sad, spicy, happy, beautiful moments and you feel all of the emotions she writes like you are right there with them.
June 19, 2025
I was lucky to be chosen to read an ARC of “The Last Love Story” and I absolutely LOVED it!
While the book is part of the Baker Girls world it can still easily be read without reading the first 2 books. (I haven’t read them yet, but definitely will be soon!) The author does a great job of giving just enough details about the earlier stories that you feel in the loop, but doesn’t rehash them to where you don’t want to read them.
Jade is a romance author, beautiful inside and out, comfortable with her sexual desires, and she just so happens to be a plus-sized girlie. Justin is a model turned romance book narrator (and cover model), and also happens to be an avid romance book reader that loves love.
It’s hard to talk about the story without giving away spoilers… So… I’ll just say that the author writes a swoony tale about Jade and Justin that makes you believe book boyfriends could actually walk among us in the real world. There is great banter, great friendships, body positivity, and some spicy scenes (Jade is a romance author after all)!
While the book is part of the Baker Girls world it can still easily be read without reading the first 2 books. (I haven’t read them yet, but definitely will be soon!) The author does a great job of giving just enough details about the earlier stories that you feel in the loop, but doesn’t rehash them to where you don’t want to read them.
Jade is a romance author, beautiful inside and out, comfortable with her sexual desires, and she just so happens to be a plus-sized girlie. Justin is a model turned romance book narrator (and cover model), and also happens to be an avid romance book reader that loves love.
It’s hard to talk about the story without giving away spoilers… So… I’ll just say that the author writes a swoony tale about Jade and Justin that makes you believe book boyfriends could actually walk among us in the real world. There is great banter, great friendships, body positivity, and some spicy scenes (Jade is a romance author after all)!
June 28, 2025
Justin is a romance narrator and model and is stuck on Jade Jackson’s books so he slips into her DMs and they hit it off. When Jade has a problem with her health insurance of course Justin would offer to marry her to help..and maybe get some insights on her next book.
Bethany has a true talent of creating the most perfect book boyfriends ever. This was another hit out of the park. I can’t even imagine how awesome it would be to have an author and narrator together in real life, these two were the cutest couple. I was worried it would be a lot more angst but it was the bare minimum necessary for the story which was great. Five pepper spice right here, variety and high heat was such a treat. All around winner with this one, and as always great to see all the other beloved Baker Girls characters.
Bethany has a true talent of creating the most perfect book boyfriends ever. This was another hit out of the park. I can’t even imagine how awesome it would be to have an author and narrator together in real life, these two were the cutest couple. I was worried it would be a lot more angst but it was the bare minimum necessary for the story which was great. Five pepper spice right here, variety and high heat was such a treat. All around winner with this one, and as always great to see all the other beloved Baker Girls characters.
July 6, 2025
Jade and Justin have one of the most swoon worthy (in my humble opinion) stories that Bethany has ever written - and I feel like that’s saying a lot. There’s just something about this one that’ll grip you from the beginning and leave you continually wanting even more.
Jade is a writer, and Justin is a narrator…but what happens when the two finally meet in person at a book convention? Shall we say sparks fly? At least in the case of one they do immediately, while the other is a little more cautious.
I enjoyed that we get a full golden retriever vibe from Justin but he’s definitely not the annoying type. He’s so genuinely caring and ready to do anything for Jade. Jade is a bit of a black cat through this, and it makes you want to cheer for her true happiness.
Give me all of these golden retriever and black cat books because I am hooked!
Jade is a writer, and Justin is a narrator…but what happens when the two finally meet in person at a book convention? Shall we say sparks fly? At least in the case of one they do immediately, while the other is a little more cautious.
I enjoyed that we get a full golden retriever vibe from Justin but he’s definitely not the annoying type. He’s so genuinely caring and ready to do anything for Jade. Jade is a bit of a black cat through this, and it makes you want to cheer for her true happiness.
Give me all of these golden retriever and black cat books because I am hooked!
July 11, 2025
If my life hadn't been hectic lately, this would have been binged in ONE sitting. That's how much I enjoyed this book. Although this was a marriage of convenience kinda romance, it had so many relatable moments. A curvy plus size FMC, mention of StarWars, Once Upon a Time, Disney princesses... it was like reading about my own life. Minus the marriage of convenience and the FMC being an indie author herself. The feelings the characters had to work through in a short time with trust, communication, and instant love. All of it combined made up for a very enjoyable, cute, and relatable read. highly recommend!
(and yes there is SPICE) don't be like my boss and judge it by it's cover thinking it's innocent... I couldn't prove him wrong because that's how spicey it can get. yes, I laughed about that.
(and yes there is SPICE) don't be like my boss and judge it by it's cover thinking it's innocent... I couldn't prove him wrong because that's how spicey it can get. yes, I laughed about that.
August 7, 2025
“Love is born in seconds, but grows over a lifetime.”
This has been my FAVORITE of the Baker Girls Romances. Justin is so swoon worthy, and I loved that Jade was a romance writer. While their marriage was one of convenience, it became very clear, very quickly, that it wasn’t like that for long.
Justin is such a care giver. Taking care of her AC, her wrist after surgery, and her heart. Jade had some “social demons” to overcome. The hate people spew can be the worst, and reminding herself that hate isn’t the truth takes time.
“Plus size men can marry skinny women and it’s all good. There are tons of shows with that dynamic out there. But if a plus size woman is with a hot guy or one who is thinner than her, he must be cheating or lying or desperate.”
I always love stories with plus sized FMC, especially when authors nail the inner psyche.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
This has been my FAVORITE of the Baker Girls Romances. Justin is so swoon worthy, and I loved that Jade was a romance writer. While their marriage was one of convenience, it became very clear, very quickly, that it wasn’t like that for long.
Justin is such a care giver. Taking care of her AC, her wrist after surgery, and her heart. Jade had some “social demons” to overcome. The hate people spew can be the worst, and reminding herself that hate isn’t the truth takes time.
“Plus size men can marry skinny women and it’s all good. There are tons of shows with that dynamic out there. But if a plus size woman is with a hot guy or one who is thinner than her, he must be cheating or lying or desperate.”
I always love stories with plus sized FMC, especially when authors nail the inner psyche.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
December 16, 2025
This one hit me in the feels. It’s short and sweet but swoon worthy. It feels like someone studied my relationship and wrote a cutesy version of it. A month after my guy and I started “going steady” he was hospitalized for 2 weeks over Christmas. I spent the entirety of it with him and that’s the moment he quotes as knowing he was going to marry me. 5 months later he proposed and lost his job shortly afterwards. We had set the wedding for a year and a half out…But I begged him to get married in secret before the ceremony, so that he could get on my health insurance sooner. He didn’t want to disappoint his grandpa so we didn’t break the rules, but we still talk about how we should’ve done it. The best part is I’m the romance reader and he does voice acting and has done audiobooks… like I said, this book is the much cuter version, I just love it. 💕
June 29, 2025
The Last Love Story is a sweet and romantic love story that was a joy to read. Ms. Monaco Smith has given us a unique storyline where a romance author and a narrator/model enter into a marriage of convenience. The only thing is that he has admired and lusted after her from afar. Throughout this book, I smiled at the way he fell first and hard, and the way she secretly fell for him.
When Justin slides into Jade's DMs, something sparks between them, even before they meet. Jade needs help with a situation and Justin jumps at the chance to get her to marry him. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. This led to a relationship that started as a friendship, then turned into each other's forever.
When Justin slides into Jade's DMs, something sparks between them, even before they meet. Jade needs help with a situation and Justin jumps at the chance to get her to marry him. Talk about having your cake and eating it too. This led to a relationship that started as a friendship, then turned into each other's forever.
July 4, 2025
When Justin slips into his favorite romance author’s DMs, he just thought he was fanboying. Little did he know, Jade was a fan of his too, and she had a crush on him from afar. After texting back and forth for a month, the feelings just grew. Jade, the overthinker, thought there’s no way he’ll like me when we meet. Little did she know, he was already smitten. When a problem presented itself, Justin, our solutions guy, does the only thing he knows will solve the problem, and the only thing he wants to do, propose marriage. This is marriage of convenience done right! The banter in this book is spectacular, the spice is chef’s kiss, and you truly feel our characters emotional growth. I read this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down! Easy five stars.
June 13, 2025
Someone get a mop because I'm a puddle over here. I swooned so hard for Justin Ayers that this is all that is left 🫠! He is just absolute perfection from start to finish, and I can not control how jealous of Jade I was as I read this book 🫢.
If you are looking to melt for a low angst swoonfest 🤤... read this story. If you want to smile so much because these two are just so flipping cute 😍... read this story. If you want to consider investing in new toys for the collection because Jade inspires you with her own 🤣... read this story. If you want to read characters that see each other so completely 🥹... read this story. Just go read it 😘!
If you are looking to melt for a low angst swoonfest 🤤... read this story. If you want to smile so much because these two are just so flipping cute 😍... read this story. If you want to consider investing in new toys for the collection because Jade inspires you with her own 🤣... read this story. If you want to read characters that see each other so completely 🥹... read this story. Just go read it 😘!
June 27, 2025
The Last Love Story ( Baker Girls Book 3 ) Oh my gosh guys !!! No words can even start to express how much I absolutely adored this book , and for that matter the Baker Girls Series !!Jade and Justin oh how I could not get enough of these two together. What starts off as simple texting very quickly turns into the sweetest and emotional love story . A story that is guaranteed to make you smile , make you laugh out loud, have you crying and even yelling at times all while cheering so so hard . Unexpected meetings , marriage of convenience, crushes and all the feels . You absolutely need to read this emotional rollercoaster of a love story
June 29, 2025
I was reading this wondering if there were any authors who wrote multi book series featuring the same characters when my brain caught up with me. Obviously the Like This series by Bethany Monaco Smith is exactly as I just described.
The romance between Jade and Justin was sweet and I enjoyed every aspect of it. Their communication was fantastic, and I loved the way they had each others back. They became each others person…aah so swoony.
The only criticism I have is the text message exchange at the beginning. It felt a little weird and Justin was so
gushy about her books.,
Thank you to BMS and her team for the arc and this is my honest review.
The romance between Jade and Justin was sweet and I enjoyed every aspect of it. Their communication was fantastic, and I loved the way they had each others back. They became each others person…aah so swoony.
The only criticism I have is the text message exchange at the beginning. It felt a little weird and Justin was so
gushy about her books.,
Thank you to BMS and her team for the arc and this is my honest review.
July 3, 2025
A romance author and a romance narrator in a marriage of convenience? I’m sat. Such a light, fluffy (yet spicy) romance. It’s giving new day hallmark vibes. The dedication made my heart happy. The main characters are adorable. Justin is prime golden retriever book boyfriend coded. Extra perk that he’s a book narrator and cover model. Jade is a girl boss romance writer that just wants to be a Disney princess #relatable.
Who would have thought that sliding into someone’s DMs to gush about their work would lead to a Vegas wedding and a HEA.
This was the first book I’ve read in the Baker Girls Series and I will definitely be reading the others because this group of friends seem like so much fun.
Read if you enjoy:
📚 marriage of convenience
💜 plus size FMC
📚 no 3rd act breakup
💜 caretaking
📚 forced proximity
💜 found family
Who would have thought that sliding into someone’s DMs to gush about their work would lead to a Vegas wedding and a HEA.
This was the first book I’ve read in the Baker Girls Series and I will definitely be reading the others because this group of friends seem like so much fun.
Read if you enjoy:
📚 marriage of convenience
💜 plus size FMC
📚 no 3rd act breakup
💜 caretaking
📚 forced proximity
💜 found family
July 3, 2025
This book started off with a narrator sliding to a DM of an author, and we ended up with a good marriage of convenience trope. Gotta love when the MMC falls first too.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I got it as an ARC and was interested in due to the marriage of convenience, but let me tell you Justin was so sweet the entire book. It was a little things that he did, in the unselfishness that drew me to him. Throughout this book, I love how Jade‘s confidence continue to grow, whether it was in narration, whether it was working on a different type of series that had not been published before.
If you like a thick FMC with a sweet MMC you’re like this will book.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect from this book. I got it as an ARC and was interested in due to the marriage of convenience, but let me tell you Justin was so sweet the entire book. It was a little things that he did, in the unselfishness that drew me to him. Throughout this book, I love how Jade‘s confidence continue to grow, whether it was in narration, whether it was working on a different type of series that had not been published before.
If you like a thick FMC with a sweet MMC you’re like this will book.
July 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Quick and sweet romance read! Not a ton of angst, just two people who get fake married for insurance who fall in love pretty quickly!
Justin is a model and romance book narrator who is just a little obsessed with romance author Jade. He slides into their DMs and after a couple of weeks they decide to meet at a book signing. Jade needs carpal tunnel surgery which she can’t afford, so Justin offers to marry her. Little do they both know, they quickly do not want this to remain fake.. in fact, it never actually feels fake throughout the entire book.
📖 fake marriage | insta love | close proximity
Quick and sweet romance read! Not a ton of angst, just two people who get fake married for insurance who fall in love pretty quickly!
Justin is a model and romance book narrator who is just a little obsessed with romance author Jade. He slides into their DMs and after a couple of weeks they decide to meet at a book signing. Jade needs carpal tunnel surgery which she can’t afford, so Justin offers to marry her. Little do they both know, they quickly do not want this to remain fake.. in fact, it never actually feels fake throughout the entire book.
📖 fake marriage | insta love | close proximity
July 8, 2025
Hands down will buy every book Bethany ever writes, but these hold a special place in my heart. This one in particular, I mean how could I not love an author and a narrator finding their HEA through a marriage of convenience. But seriously the way I swooned for this man. All he wanted was a shot, and the way he was willing to do anything to make her life better gave me all the heart eyes! If you’ve never read a Bethany book I highly recommend these! They are low angst, the men are completely book boyfriend material and the women are feisty yet lovable. Serious girl squad vibes. Just go read it!
July 26, 2025
Now that I am officially a month behind. Let’s catch up on ARC’s.
The Last Love Story by Bethany Monaco Smith was a faced paced rom com that had all of the feel good moments. He fell first, he fell harder and then offered to marry her for her benefit. Justin and Jade are one of my favorite couples that I have read written by Bethany. An audiobook narrator and a romance author. Someone take notes because this book was absolutely perfection. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series and will be extremely sad when it’s over. I love it when the MMC is down bad and Justin was just that down bad from the beginning. Makenzie sure y’all go pick up the book today!
The Last Love Story by Bethany Monaco Smith was a faced paced rom com that had all of the feel good moments. He fell first, he fell harder and then offered to marry her for her benefit. Justin and Jade are one of my favorite couples that I have read written by Bethany. An audiobook narrator and a romance author. Someone take notes because this book was absolutely perfection. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series and will be extremely sad when it’s over. I love it when the MMC is down bad and Justin was just that down bad from the beginning. Makenzie sure y’all go pick up the book today!
August 25, 2025
Cozy, spicy, and sweet? Yes, please!
One of those Facebook/Tiktok videos promoting this book popped up, and I've been in quite a reading slump, so I figured I'd start it and if it didn't live up to how good the blurb sounded, I'd just DNF it.
My review is 5 stars and I read this book in roughly one sitting, so clearly I didn't stop. It's SO good. It lives up to what was promised and made me want to read more.
So yeah, I'm off to binge the rest of the series.
You should definitely read this book and probably every other one by Bethany! I mean, this doesn't become book 3 in the series by the other two sucking, right?
One of those Facebook/Tiktok videos promoting this book popped up, and I've been in quite a reading slump, so I figured I'd start it and if it didn't live up to how good the blurb sounded, I'd just DNF it.
My review is 5 stars and I read this book in roughly one sitting, so clearly I didn't stop. It's SO good. It lives up to what was promised and made me want to read more.
So yeah, I'm off to binge the rest of the series.
You should definitely read this book and probably every other one by Bethany! I mean, this doesn't become book 3 in the series by the other two sucking, right?
June 26, 2025
Bethany is one of my favorite authors of all time and this book did not disappoint! Jade and Justin’s story just is so sweet and reading it and watching it bloom was making me kick my feet like a little kid. The way they just cared for one another and how they both fell so hard. This book made me feel all the feels like most of Bethany’s books do! If you’re looking for a bookish themed romance, this is it and you need to read it. Thank you Bethany for trusting me always and trusting me with Jade and Justin. Highly recommend this sweet book!
October 23, 2025
To sum up - a good plot, tropes full of potential and even nice writing with likeable characters. Throw this all in a mix and it gives u an enjoyable read. Until you actually start reading and realise it has one of the most irritating trope present, an insta love. The entire mix goes from enjoyable to unbearable read because everything in this book happens at a speed of light. They texted, met and voila got married? Had instant feelings without knowing much about each other and the burn? Non freaking existent. The last 100 or so pages were sooooo difficult to go through cuz it had NOTHING.
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