Ryder would do anything, if it meant Evie could have everything.
What happens when anything becomes that which puts her in danger?
Both orphaned and without a home, Evie and Ryder meet as young children the day they find themselves sharing a foster home. Their bond becomes one born from survival, only to be torn apart as it transforms into something tender.
Adopted into a well-off family, Evie’s had to fight tooth and claw to succeed in a world which is convinced she doesn’t the cut-throat upper class.
Ever since Ryder was forced to watch Evie walk away, he has been preparing for the unlikely day that their paths cross again, even if it required staining his soul.
If Evie lets Ryder back into her life after living worlds apart, she stands to lose everything she’s built. And potentially her life.
Last Home for Evelyn is a dual point-of-view romance novel with an alternating timeline that will have your heart squeezing and stomach twisting.
With its own happily ever after, it can be read as a standalone novel or as Book Three in The Last Series, following Last Stand for Genevieve.
Kaymie 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.
There is a 10 year separation where the H is not celibate. There is no exact number of women but he says there were a few. Listen, I know they were not in a relationship so technically he was ‘free’ to do as he pleased. However, the H claims the h has always been it for him. The cherry on top? The h stays celibate hoping to find the H one day. 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Admittedly I haven’t read the first two books in this series but I was going to read them before LHFE but I was surprised to find I had an arc waiting for me and I said screw it, I’ve been waiting for months for this baby to come out, I’ll just do it.
Now I need to read the first two books in the series because I need to know more about everyone.
“I told you a long time ago, Eves, I only have a heart for you”.
Are you KIDDING me?! Ryder was coded from the book boyfriend manual perfectly.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions from kicking my legs and smiling, to getting tears and feeling frightened of what may happen. I loved how it went back and forth, not only between Evie and Ryders POV, but back and forth between the past and the present. Everything about this book was pure perfection. Everything about Ryder and Evie is pure perfection. Like what 12 year old (I can’t remember his exact age) would risk the wrath of an a6usiv3 man to get a yellow rose ? Or take her out of school for McDonald’s ? To getting splinters and cutting his hand to carve their name into their only safe place, a willow tree?!
“I’ve always known, Eves. I’ve always known you were my home”.
Their connection and chemistry is out of this world. Them seeing each other for the first time in ten years? I saw it in my mind, the way they felt one another’s presence, looked up, locked eyes and ran. It happened in slow motion in my mind. “I’m real, I’m real Eves”. Like what more could you want? Let me tell you what more you could want, a certain scene including the rain, a church and perfection.
The man sings to her. He SINGS to her. He cuddles her when she wakes up screaming from nightmares and sings her back to sleep.
I don’t know if I can write much more without giving everything away. All I can say is I’m absolutely obsessed with this book and I will be obsessed with the whole series.
Do yourself a favour and read this.
Thank you so much Kaymie for the ARC. I loved it.
To end this review, I’ll leave you with the song he sings to her;
“Grew up thinking there would only be darkness It was endless, that midnight sky Then like the sun breaks the day, you were a sparkling streak of light Now, I may never keep the world at bay But here’s a promise I can make When the sea is dark When the waves are rough When the darkness tries to swallow you whole There I’ll be I’ll be, I’ll be, I’ll be I beeeeeeee”
Writing this review is bittersweet, as it signifies the end of an era with the third book in The Last series. This book took me on an emotional journey that I’d like to say I was prepared for, but I was humbly reminded I wasn’t. LHFE delves deeper into Ryder’s character beyond what we've seen before in the previous books and introduces us to our Taylor Swift lovin FMC, Evie. While this book is told through multiple POVs, it also shifts between past and present allowing us to learn more about our main characters and fall deeper inlove with them. Every moment, from the tree carving to sharing McDonald’s to the roses (etc) all felt so perfect. And the spice? Let’s talk about it. It had me sweating. Dry heaving. Clutching. My. Pearls. The church worshipping scene was something I didn’t know I NEEDED until now. And the twists? UGH. I won’t spoil them, but Y’ALL, Kaymie caught me off guard with them. This book had me in tears but also had me giggling (side note: Lou is hands down the best character and gives total Peik Lin from Crazy Rich Asians vibes.) And damn you Kaymie for giving us another letter from Ara’s dad that made me sob. That one hurt.
If you’re looking for a book (and series) with characters you’ll fall in love with, this is for you. I hope you love them. Because I know I do.
First off I want to thank the author, Kaymie Wuerfel, for sending me an arc copy of her book! I’m honored I was one of the first few to read an early copy of this!
Secondly, Ryder and Evie were everything! I absolutely loved how the story unfolded by showing the past and present. It really gave insight into how attached these two characters had become and why their reunion was so emotional and important!
I loved how Evie and Ryder both stayed true to their characters from past to present. Ryder always did whatever he could to protect Evie and it was so emotional and heartwarming! Especially that one chapter in the past, IYKYK, where he gives her a future by surrendering his.
SO emotional!
Also the suspense was killing me knowing that all of these heartwarming and beautiful moments were leading to the biggest storm! I was practically biting my nails through the last several chapters! It was so intense!
Overall, I really enjoyed this one! It’s a bit darker than I normally read but the relationship between the two main characters was so worth it!
‘ I would watch the rest of the world burn with a smile on my face if it meant you lived’.
"Last Home for Evelyn" had me in an absolute chokehold from start to finish. The story follows Ryder and Evelyn, two orphans separated in childhood after growing up in the same group home. Ryder, ever the protective and brooding force in Evelyn's life, embodies that irresistible morally grey energy with a "touch her, you die" vibe that I couldn't get enough of. The dual timelines, weaving between their childhood and adulthood, added so much emotional depth to their story. Seeing their bond develop as kids and then witnessing the magnetic pull when they're reunited as adults was pure magic. And let's not forget that spicy church scene - chef's kiss perfection! The pacing was solid throughout, but the drama really hit its stride around the 80% mark. At that point, putting the book down wasn't even an option. It made me cry (more than once), gasp, and root for these characters with my whole heart. If you're a fan of emotionally charged romances with high stakes, beautifully flawed characters, and a love story that feels both raw and tender, "Last Home for Evelyn" is definitely worth picking up. Highly recommend!
#Review: *Last home for Evelyn* - Kaymie Wuerfel - ARC [18+] 5/5✨ 2.5/5🌶️ [Contains violence and mental health problems]
I think I found this book on Instagram and I instantly felt attracted to it. So I've applied for an ARC and I was lucky enough to be accepted for one💗. Thank you sooo much Kaymke!
Ryder and Evelyn end up at the same foster house, after having no one else to take care of them. They have the purest connection even from the beginning. Ryder knew that place better and he knew he had to protect her from the evil around them. He even did an ultimate sacrifice, in order to offer Evelyn the best life she could have. That's how strong their love for each other was, even though they were only kids.
Many years have passed and they haven't seen each other at all, until one day, when Evelyn ends up in the bar where Ryder was working. From there on, they couldn't be separated, even though Ryder knew his life is not good enough for her and could put her in jeopardy. But their love was stronger than ever and they couldn't just say goodbye again. So, they embarked in a dangerous mission, from which they wouldn't know if they'll survive.
This story was sooo emotional. I had a couple of sobbing sessions, but I just couldn't stop myself not to cry. Some parts were way too painful or, on the opposite side, something so damn sweet that instantly triggered something in me. Ryder may have looked like a really bad boy, with all his tattoos and dark demeanor, but he was the kindest when it came about Evelyn. I liked so much their love story, even though it was far for being perfect. That made it even more beautiful.
I can say that the scene which took place in that church was sooo hot🔥! I really haven't expected that😅. But that one scene proved to me how strong their connection was and how sweet and careful Ryder was with Eve.
I truly recommend this book! It was sweet, heartbreaking, it had some suspense, action and two pure souls who will go above and beyond to protect their love.
A great angsty conclusion to this series! And definitely the spiciest out of the bunch.
I think as a parent it’s hard for me to accept 7 and 8 year olds that act that mature and well spoken.. even with them being raised in rough situations. A lot of the dialogue and inner thoughts from when they were really young was just hard for me to wrap my brain around. I think it would’ve been better if they had been aged up a few years at the beginning of the flashbacks.
I was fortunate enough to be able to read The Last Home for Evelyn prior to its release. The history and relationship that the author built between the MMC and FMC was perfect. I loved that we were given flashbacks to various points in their childhood to show their bond. The story was fast paced and kept me wanting more. The scene in which Ryder takes her to church…I was panting. Having not read her other two books in this world I do not feel as if I was missing major plot points and intend on reading those, as they were funny and interesting side characters. I can’t wait to read Lou’s story.
I don’t know how I’m going to put into words how much I loved this book but I’m going to do my best okay? Bear with me, guys.
First off, I’d like to say a massive thank you to Kaymie for allowing me to be a part of her ARC team. I’m so proud of you and all you have accomplished with this series and I’m honored to have been one of the first people to experience this story. I’m genuinely so sad it’s over but I can’t wait to see what you’ll write next!
From the first moment I read Last Letters to Ara, I knew Ryder was my kind of guy. Dark haired, tortured, brooding, tattooed and emo?? sign me up! So when Last Home for Evelyn was announced, I was so ready for it. And let me say, it did not disappoint.
Ryder is our morally grey, introverted bartender bad boy MMC with a healthy pinch of childhood trauma and mental health issues to garnish. He is rude at times, keeps everyone at an arms length and borderline selfish. Except when it comes to Evie.
Evie is the one that got away. The one he would give his life for, no questions asked. The only one who brings colour and life into his otherwise bleak existence. The sunshine in the rain. The light at the end of the tunnel.
Both characters share a tough past within the foster system, before eventually being separated and growing up in different environments. While Ryder is left to fend for himself, Evie gets adopted into a life of lavish and luxury, being able to start her own business and grow into success. Ryder gets a job at a local bar, that may or may not be tangled up with the wrong kinds of people, and cuts everyone out of his life to avoid anyone else getting hurt.
The way the love story played out, alternating between their childhood past and the present, really set the tone for how they were eventually reunited (no spoilers dw). The moment they’re both back in a room together after so long, I could feel the chemistry oozing from the pages. The tension, the banter, the desperation… absolutely incredible, I genuinely couldn’t stop reading.
Let me just follow by giving a massive shoutout to THE DAMN CHURCH SCENE!??? Kaymie, you were so right for that oh my goodness. Immaculate. Spectacular give me 14 of them right now. *chefs kiss* (insert all the other memes because I genuinely can’t express how much I devoured this scene). Sexy, steamy, and so beautiful. This is not my first rodeo with church scenes (I’m looking at you Priest by Sierra Simone 👀) but I thought this was so tastefully written and sweet!
Also I have to mention the musician side of Ryder because what’s sexier than a tall, hot, tatted man? A tall, hot, tatted man who’s also a devastatingly good singer. In my opinion, Ryder is very sleep token-coded (Go listen to “Is It Really You?” by Sleep Token because it perfectly fits how I imagine him singing to Evie 😭) and of course Evie is so swiftie-coded there’s zero surprise there 🤣 I loved how they both appreciated each other’s tastes even though they were so different. I just thought that was so cute I just had to mention.
Compared to Kaymie’s other books, this one contains much darker themes and even a bit of crime and blood (I’m a dark romance girl so I ate this up, naturally). The more intense scenes were tastefully done, not too scary or gory for readers to digest who may be newer to themes like this.
Overall, the best part for me is the found family aspect of it 🥹 it just makes me so happy to see all my favorite characters find happiness and love despite all the trauma and horrible things they have to endure. If you are looking to start a series that will make you cry all types of happy and sad tears while you thank the author for it throughout, the Last Series is for you.
I think this is the longest review I’ve ever written (and I was not asked to write this by the way I just couldn’t hold it in). This book deserves its laurels, it was worth all the waiting and if no one else has encouraged you to read this series, especially this book, let me be the one to say do it. I don’t think you’ll regret it 💛
This was a great heartwarming read, with a little action too. The relationship between the characters was very sweet and well written. The plot was fun, spicy, emotional, and thrilling. I would definitely pick this up if you’re looking for a good book! Kaymie Wuerfel did a great job with this one!
I'm so glad I picked this book up and read it. The things Ryder and Evie had to go through growing up, hurt my heart. They both grew into amazing people (Ryder just needed Evie's help lol). The love between them, the newfound friendships, the character growth.. I just loved it all. Please do not hesitate to read this book!! It's totally worth it!
“For girlies who like the weather the same way they like their fictional men: cold, a little gray, and definitely gloomy.”
With a dedication like that, what could go wrong? Nothing, that’s what. This book was so freaking good from start to finish, I finished it in one day.
Ryder is, in Evie’s words, Mr. Tall, Dark, and Depressy. Could not have described him better in this book. This man I book boyfriend goals, and as Lou says, “The man of all mans!” This man does everything to ensure that Evie gets the life she deserves, from raising her to her getting adopted.
And don’t get it twisted bc the man in this book is not the only one to be admired. Love a strong minded FMC. Evie is Ryder’s match in every way, saying things like, “I would burn the world to the ground if it meant protecting that smile.” Woman is fierce in this book. From her sassy attitude to her melting the man that literally no one sees smile.
Just two orphans trying to make the rest of their lives better, Ryder and Evie meet in a foster home. Ryder takes one look at her and know soul deep this girl is going to change his life forever.
10 years after Evie gets adopted, they finally find themselves face to face. Ryder is in some deep shit that he doesn’t want Evie any part of but that girl and her sassy attitude don’t back down.
When I tell you this book was so good, I am going to be thinking about it for a long time!
Tropes: 💐I only have a heart for you 💐Orphans reunited 💐Morally grey MMC 💐Complex characters 💐Found family 💐He can’t stay away
I love love this book! The love story in this is just so heart felt and longing. I could not put this down! I was up until 2 in the morning to read through this!
If you love torment, hard pasts and the MMC who is obsessed and will burn the world for her than pick this book up! It is a slow burn as well.
I haven’t read the first two books and I regret that but I couldn’t wait to read this one from the character art work I saw!
It is multiple pov and you see Ryder and Evie’s point of view which is one of my favourites. I love seeing how they both feel! Their maybe triggers so just read them before you start the book.
This is the story of Ryder and Evie who meet as foster kids when Evie is 7 and Ryder is 8. I loved the premise of this story and the plot was good. I even went into this thinking it could very well be a 5* read for me and it could have been but unfortunately the execution of the actual story didn't work for me. I need to believe the love story I'm being told and I unfortunately didn't! I will say that I really did like this authors writing style and I would absolutely read more from her.
We have two foster children (Ryder and Evie) who are each other's everything. They meet at 7/8 spend every day together for 7 or so years and are then separated when Evie is 14 and Ryder is 15 when Evie is adopted. They don't see each other for 10 years and then bump into each other when they are 24/25. Evie has tried to look for Ryder but he has never tried to look for her. When they are younger Ryder does everything in his power, even as a young child, to protect Evie and we hear throughout the story the sacrifices he makes to ensure she has a good life meanwhile his is not so great and he gets mixed up in things that are pretty dangerous.
We are told throughout that they have this once in a lifetime, soulmate connection and have always loved each other. For that to work it has to be executed properly and for me sadly this wasn't. Very early on in the story we get told by Ryder that he slept with a co-worker he didn't even like and he had no idea why he did it. For me, it didn't really even fit into the story where it was dropped in and served absolutely no purpose but I gave it the benefit of the doubt thinking it would fit into the story later - it didn't. There was just no purpose to it at all and it was strike number 1 for me in not believing in the love story we were being told. We then get a later conversation between Ryder and Evie about their past experience and while Ryder has had some occasional fun, Evie remains untouched aside from a few kisses! This isn't necessarily an issue for me on a whole but throughout the rest of the story we hear Ryder wax lyrical about how he only has a heart for Evie and how he has always loved her and everything he has done is for her presumably not including sleeping around though!?! Meanwhile Evie waited for him because she loved him so much. The imbalance here didn't work either have them both wait or neither but her waiting and him not just cheapened his devotion to her. I get it, they were separated for 10 years, it's not unrealistic to think they might need some action but what didn't work for me was the lack of explanation or justification for said action but we are supposed to believe they have always only wated each other!?! My biggest issue was the co-worker though, there was absolutely no purpose to him sleeping with the co-worker. He explicitly states he doesn't like her yet he liked her enough to sleep with her - why? It just totally took away from the love and devotion that he was supposed to feel for Evie sadly and I was really disappointed.
What did I need to rate this higher: 1. I needed more about their history and their childhood in the earlier parts of the book, I needed to get to know the characters better before we got the present;
2. I needed more pining for each other. Evie looked for Ryder but he never made the effort to find her yet we are supposed to believe she was his one;
3. She waited her whole life for him but he couldn't afford her the same courtesy;
4. I needed Ryder's devotion to be believable. For me, if he loved Evie the way he said he did he wouldn't have been able to move on the same way she didn't;
5. If he did, it needed to be explained - I was lonely, drunk etc. I appreciate we get that it was occasional but still. Where was the explanation as to how he even managed to do that given his love for her;
6. It needed to make sense, the co-worker thing was dropped into the story and served no purpose to the actual story, at least if he had maybe been drunk it would have provided an explanation;
7. There needed to be either less detail of his extra-curriculars or more explanation as to why for his love for Evie to be believable.
There are also some plot inconsistencies throughout for example where Ryder says he never thought he would see her again but then he says he had been saving all his money to give her a good life!?!
I went into this book with no expectations or prior thoughts of how the story would go and I was pleasantly surprised. This story has a deep level with different types of childhood trauma, foster care and all the history that happend to the characters while they were there.
I love how we see glimpses of their past to get a better understanding of the characters relationship aswell as their actions. The story was definitely fast paced and interesting which kept me engaged. The dark side to their story was so intriguing and I was so nervous how the story will end. I did feel perhaps like some parts were a bit long and could have been a bit shorter but that was just a personal preference!
So if you are looking for a romance book with suspens and Darkness I would definitely recommend you to check this one out!
Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy. This review is written from my own Honest thoughts.
The feels were real in this book. I honestly I didn't know how I was going to react to this. I am very late make this review, but I think it was worth it.
Of course with any books, I felt there could have been more. I would have liked to have more Evelyn's POV a bit, how she after being adopted. She explains about it, but it we didn't get to experience it through her. If we had, it would bring help shape her character more. Because we mainly get Ryder's POV, his character is more molded so there are feelings about him than Evelyn. For someone who hasn't read the other two standalones, I got a lot of info from Ryder.
For my spice girlies, the spice was a more fade to black and defnitely more on the tamed side. Granted they did bang in the confession chamber at a catholic church...soooo there's that.
Note: Because I didn't read the previous standalones, I did not read the "Last Epilogue." I plan to go back and read them, and then finally get the HEA they deserve.
I received an ARC from the author, and though my review is honest and true, I wish them the best of luck! Truly, the book was really good and so far the best ARC story I have read in 2025
UPDATE 05/04/2025 I have read the Last Epilogues, and they were everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
**This eARC was sent to me on behalf of the author for my honest review**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seriously, OH. MY. GOD. 😭😭
(I have to start by saying, I have not read the first two books in the series, but after finishing this I will certainly be going back to read them both.)
Now, this book was absolutely phenomenal. I am traditionally an emotional reader but this book had me to in tears more times than I can even count😭 The story of our two main characters was so special and the bond they formed from a very young age stood the test of time! 💛
This book bounces from present day to past tense to tell us a story that spans the course of 17 years. At first, I wasn’t sure it was something I was going to like but it ended up being so vital to the overall story and held build the emotion you feel for the MC’s.
Ryder seems like your classic broody, totally grey character but he is in fact so much more. And getting to see him grow from the age of 8, allows us to see how his past has affected him and caused him to dim overtime. Then we have Evelyn and she seems like our classic sunshine, but she is actually so feisty and a bit misunderstood and does not take crap from anyone, especially Ryder! They compliment each other sooo well!
When I first came across this author I was immediately interested in this story, the idea of kids who were in foster care together getting reunited and falling in love? What’s not to like, right? But I was so pleasantly surprised because this book surpassed my expectations! It’s not only a beautifully written romance but the suspense and mystery is such a fun added element with just enough spice! 😉
Easy 5 star read for me and will absolutely be recommending this to anyone who will listen! ☀️🌻🫶🏼
I was misty-eyed from the reunion of these two orphans grown up 9% into the book and continuing on.
It’s a heavy story, hard things happened and continue to happen to these two but it’s also a beautiful book. Their memories and love for each other from their difficult childhood absolutely squeezed my heart and brought tears to my eyes every time. So heart wrenchingly sweet. The deep run of their love brings a delicious intensity to the story.
The flashbacks to their youth have hard moments but also so many cute ones - the childhood 8-ball scene had my heart fluttering.
The major (and dark-ish/grey) plot/story outside of their direct relationship felt secondary to me in a way, a little thin/flat at times, but it wasn’t a huge impact for me as I was just so in love with the writing itself and the characters. In a way I wasn’t that concerned with the plot because I was just enjoying reading really.
There’s a few open-door scenes, but it’s not a particularly spicy book (to me), though the passion explosion behind their first scene is 🔥
The writing style in this book is emotive and poetic, I just loved the wording. There was so much I wanted to quote just from how it was written.
Really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading the first two!
4/5 ⭐️
I received an advance copy of the book and have left my honest, influence-free review.
I’m going to start right here and give y’all the cringe, I have not read the first two books of this series. I know, I know. BUT LISTEN. The way this interconnected series is set up, it is not an absolute necessity to read the other books. Should you read them to get the full emotional impact? Probably. But the author does a GREAT job making this story its own. And honestly, I am now very excited to check out the previous books!
This is the story of Evelyn and Ryder. From young ages these two grow up together in a foster home, an experience that bonds them forever. Unfortunately they are eventually torn from one another, until they find each other again 10 years later. Though grief and trauma push these two together, what comes out of it is an incredible journey for two people who are irrevocably meant to be.
This book dives into a lot of heavy topics such as grief, mental health, trauma, crime, and addiction. But honestly this story is so beautiful. Emotional and heartbreaking, yes, but just so so beautiful. I truly enjoyed reading this book and diving into these phenomenal characters. I laughed, I sat on the edge of my seat, and I MELTED. We get a surprising level of suspense that makes this book all the more thrilling and a level of pure wit and banter from the characters that makes this story additionally entertaining.
✨Dual timeline/dual POV ✨Second Chance Romance ✨Childhood friends to lovers ✨Grumpy/sunshine ✨“It’s always been you” ✨Found family
I definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys making themselves tear up because this book will for sure get you!
It has been so long since I've last read a dark romance book, and this one easily made me want to read more as soon as possible!
There are two alternating timelines and two points of view, providing all the information the reader might need and/or want about the two main characters and the storyline. The author created two vulnerable, strong, and yet soft characters that have been through so, so much. I ended up caring about the two of them greatly, hurting for them after reading some parts about their lives. I loved the sunshine/grumpy dynamic, although Ryder isn't really grumpy. He's... amazing, truly. Protective, caring, and strong despite the constant abuse he experienced throughout his life. I adored how much he loved Evelyn, how he kept putting her safety first despite the consequences he would have. This book was so thrilling; my adrenaline didn't ebb until I finished reading. Consequently, parts of the story were extremely violent and there are some triggers you might want to keep an eye out for before diving in.
I would highly recommend this one. If you're searching for a thrilling story with high stakes, near death experiences, and a wonderful love story sprouting despite it all, you might love this one!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
Wow. I was lucky enough to be chosen by Kaymie for an ARC for this book. I firstly want to say that I am super thankful to have the opportunity to read this MASTERPIECE before its official release date. Not only was it an easy read, but also a super action packed amazing storyline that followed two fantastic characters on their journeys!
To say that I fell in love with Evelyn and Ryder would be an understatement. I truly felt like I knew them. What great character development over the course of the book, in both of their POVs might I add. I can’t say that I’ve read a book that has left me truly stunned and unable to put it down in quite a while. I don’t normally put off everything in my day to read, but today I did just that. I was so enthralled with this storyline that I HAD to finish it. Putting it down wasn’t an option for me. I needed to know what was next.
So much was packed into this book and it was in the best way possible. With switching between present and past times of the main characters, it really gave you the time to learn them and gather who they are. The emotional aspect of this book was truly remarkable. Right as it pulls you in, WHAM! Heart string are pulled and truthfully, I cried many times while reading it.
Now I MUST go on to read Last letters to Ara and Last stand for Genevieve.
Quite literally loved this book. It did kinda remind me in aspects of Haunting Adeline but without so much of the darkness and trigger warnings, the reason it reminded me of it is because of the violence especially at the end as well as what Ryder does and just their relationship but without the toxicity and stalking. It was incredibly wholesome and I just want nothing for happiness for both of these characters. If you don’t read this book for anything else read it for some of my favorite lines:
“There isn’t a universe large enough to stop me from finding you.”
“I would watch the rest of the world burn with a smile on my face if it meant you lived.”
“What my soul demands, his soul delivers.”
“My home is the boy who was orphaned too young. The boy who saw too much, and having never been given opportunities, stole them for himself. The boy who clawed his way into surviving, eventually turning to stone, an assortment of dark, jagged edges. The boy who was softened by the hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair of an orphaned girl, too small for her age and a picky eater. A girl who blossomed into something special under his cold, black gaze.”
Holy shit Kaymie Wuerfel you freakin NAILED this book. I was so lucky to receive this book as an ARC and have the opportunity to read and review it before it was released. With that being said this is 100% not effecting my review at all, this book is THAT good. Dare I say one of my top 10 maybe in my top 5 books I’ve read this year.
This checked every single box. It has romance, spice, mystery, dual POV, a morally grey MMC, a FMC you absolutely adore, and the most suspenseful plot and thrill. I was at the edge of my seat the last 30%.
This instantly grabbed my attention in the prologue. It gave a Freida McFadden feel where you’re like woah where is this going to go? Ryder is the perfect morally grey brooding MMC but his soft spot for Evie had me MELTING. They were in the same foster home for 7 years and then were separated. Fast forward ten years and they see each other again (insert fireworks).
I loved how this bounced from past and present so you were able to get the full story and it was done so effortlessly! This book leaves you with no questions! It was beautiful and gripping. I’m in awe. If I could give this book more stars I would. It was nothing short of perfection!
[4.5/5] Best of the series! I absolutely love Ryder & Evie’s story. Getting glimpses into their childhood together—while I normally do not love a dual timeline—elevates the storytelling and makes me even more invested in their relationship & story. They are soulmates in every sense of the word, and they embody selflessness, love & devotion in a way few other characters are able to. Their trauma bond binds them but their emotional connection and devotion to each other exceeds it all. They’re drawn to each other in every way. After discovering how deep their connection truly goes further into the story, their reunion at the beginning of the book hits even harder.
Absolutely beautiful. I love both characters so much. I love the slow reveal of details throughout that kept me itching for more while enjoying the journey.
Oh, the EPILOGUE! Absolute perfection! Getting a glimpse 5 years into the future is absolutely beautiful. Getting it from one member of each of the three couples is even better, and I love the bookend finish with Lou potentially on her way to getting her own HEA.
Such a beautiful & emotional series. One I will cherish forever.
I'm really happy that I was chosen to receive an ARC of this book! Thanks to that I got to meet this two beautiful characters that literally healed each other throughout their lives. Ryder and Evelyn were together through the worse part of their lives but in the end, also in the best parts. I loved the entire story, the mistery and crime and THE ENDING!!! Also, the Taylor Swift references... AMAZING!! I was kinda scared going into this book because I didn't read the ones before, but I believe you can easily get into the story. I'll definitely read the other books in the future to learn more about the side characters present here 🥰 Overall it was a great experience, and I'm super grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this story ❤️ Here's my favorite quote: "And then there's music, a source of healing that winds through every single one, preventing the echelons of the universe from combusting into a fiery hell".
4.5 stars!! This book was sooo good!! I was so excited when I found out I got selected to receive the arc. This is the first Kaymie book I read and I loved her writing!
I was instantly intrigued when I read the blurb, I mean the idea of making a book about two orphans who have such a special connection as children and are reunited a decade later, has all the makings of a great story and it lived up to my expectations!
I literally couldn’t put it down! Ryder has been placed in my top 5 book boyfriends of all time. The way he loves Evelyn both as a child and an adult is just *chef’s kiss*. He is just perfection: loves only her, morally grey, tatted, motorcycle rider, singer, willing to die and kill for her and secretly is just a great big hearted guy.. I mean what more can you ask for?
I was genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters but I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!
I could not get enough of Ryder and Evie. I loved getting the past and present chapters of their lives because seeing how they grew up together made their love that much stronger and captivating on paper. It's my first time reading Kaymie and i can say her writing has become a favorite of mine. I love how Evie was portrayed as a boss ass chick and Ryder was there for the ride enjoying every moment of it. Even when things went sideways (which i will not get into details so i don't spoil the book) he never stopped being there for her. The book had me laughing and crying all at once but no regrets it was a story i will talk about for months now. Now i need to go back and read more of Kaymie's work because it won me over.
WOW! I haven't read the other books in this standalone/series, so I didn't read the final epilogue as to not spoil those books for myself. But - this book! I could not stop reading it, but forced myself to on occasion to prolong my enjoyment. I also could not stop talking about it to my friends. There are so many amazing aspects of this story, with a beautiful and heart wrenching love story, surrounded by darkness of the MMC and sunshine of the FMC, a couple spicy scenes, complex and addictive secondary characters, and a perfect HEA. This book is released December 1 and I definitely recommend you read!