The Last Chance

by Winter K. Willis

Desperate to rekindle the spark in her failing marriage, Amelia surprises her husband, Garret, with a secluded mountain getaway for their seventh anniversary. She envisions a peaceful retreat to restore what’s been lost, but as a sudden blizzard traps them and the other guests at the resort, their plans quickly spiral into a nightmare. When a staff member is found dead, it’s clear that someone in the resort is hiding something sinister.

Garret shares a past with the victim—a connection he’s determined to keep buried. But as suspicions build and secrets unravel, Amelia can’t shake the growing dread that her husband may be more involved than she ever imagined. Trapped in the storm, she finds herself caught in a tense, heart-pounding struggle between protecting her marriage and staying alive.

In this edge-of-your-seat domestic thriller, secrets, manipulation, and betrayal intensify in a twisted game of survival. Will Amelia find out the truth, or will secrets from the past destroy everything she’s fought to hold onto? Hidden agendas, buried memories and suspense collide in this gripping psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages until the shocking final reveal.

Genres: Thriller

292 pages, Paperback

Published December 6, 2024

About the author

Winter K. Willis is a pseudonym for our two-person writing team. We like to think of it as our band name.

Reviews

[Shauntelle (shauntellereads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author duo, but I've been wanting to try one of their books. I think I picked a great book to start with. This book was gripping and had twists and turns along with an unexpected ending. This book took me on a wild ride, and I truly enjoyed the roller coaster. This was a book that I couldn't put down. The characters were well developed and the plot was fast paced. I love a good "remote island"/"locked door" trope. I'm excited to read more by this author duo!

Thank you NetGalley and Celestial Bear Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Louise ᥫ᭡܀⊹✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Chance by Winter K. Willis is a gripping psychological thriller that masterfully intertwines suspense, emotional depth, and intricate character dynamics. The story follows Amelia and her husband Garret as they embark on a secluded mountain getaway intended to rekindle their faltering marriage.

However, their plans take a sinister turn when a blizzard traps them at the resort, and a staff member is found dead. As secrets unravel, Amelia is forced to confront the possibility that her husband may be more involved than she ever imagined.

The narrative is compelling, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The alternating perspectives and timelines add depth to the story, allowing readers to piece together the mystery alongside Amelia. The setting—a resort with a dark past—enhances the eerie atmosphere, making the unfolding events even more chilling.

While some twists were predictable, the overall execution kept me engaged. The exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships adds a layer of emotional resonance to the thriller elements. Amelia's journey is particularly compelling, as she navigates the treacherous path between love and survival.

In conclusion, The Last Chance is a well-crafted thriller that balances suspense with emotional storytelling. It's a testament to Winter K. Willis's ability to delve into the darker aspects of human relationships while delivering a page-turning mystery. I look forward to exploring more works by this author duo.


Disclaimer:

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I for one am starting to see one of your books and I know it will be a good one. And this one is good as well. You had me going from first page until the last and a few surprises and twists that I did not expect through the book. The ending was not what I expected and left me surprised.

This book is about Amelia and Garret and their marriage that is crumbling right in front of them. For their seventh anniversary Amelia is surprising Garret with a secluded mountain getaway at a new resort. This is the first weekend that the resort is open to guests so they are kind of like test guests to iron out problems that may arise before the grand opening. She wants this peaceful retreat to restore what is missing from their marriage. But their weekend away quickly goes the other way with a blizzard, Garret seeming to know other guests, especially one woman and the last straw is one of the staff members being found dead. So now they are not only trapped because of the blizzard outside and now they have a killer inside. So what and where do you go to be safe? And who is the killer?

[Jennifer Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Chance, how far will a person go to save a relationship? Was there ever anything to save? Well....I am a little late leaving this review cause I was so conflicted about it. I had to read it twice because I was confused about what was happening in a few instances. There were so many lies and so much deception I had a hard time keeping up with the story. Kora was the only honest person and even then she compromised her morals. I wanted to side with Amelia, but her desperation and inability to be honest with herself was too much for me. With her investigative skills, she should have been a detective. Still trying to figure out who the "good person" is, who am I supposed to root for? It did have a lot of plot twists that kept you guessing. Just when I thought I had figured something out, a twist - which did keep me invested in the story. I wanted justice, and sometimes there just isn’t justice and there isn’t a good outcome. Sometimes desperation and efforts to salvage the mess destroys everything in the process. And sometimes there is no good person. This read ran hot and cold for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brandi Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia and Garrett's marriage is falling apart, and Amelia is desperate to fix it and rekindle the relationship with her husband so she plans a romantic getaway in a secluded hotel. Fun fact...it used to be a prison! Yikes. Garrett is less than thrilled with the accommodations. Upon check in, he notices a woman and begins to start acting very strange. Amelia catches the interaction and wonders where Garrett knows her from. From this point on, we go on a very twisty ride as we find out Garrett's relation to the woman. Told from 3 perspectives, and bouncing back and forth from past to present, this story was a lot of fun. I guessed the ending about halfway through the book, but still enjoyed reading it anyway.

My main critique of this book is that, in my opinion, neither Amelia or Garrett were really likable. Garrett was often insufferable and seemed to lack any empathy at all for his wife. Amelia was needy and dependent, and that annoyed me at times.

Overall, its a solid read. The pacing is pretty good, and its good for a quick read. I finished this in less than 24 hours. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy!

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter K. Willis delivers a compelling and chilling psychological thriller with The Last Chance, a story that grips you from the outset and doesn’t let go until the final page. While the culprit might seem apparent early on, it’s the richly layered backstory and masterful psychological tension that make this book such an engrossing read.

Willis skillfully crafts a narrative where every detail matters, drawing readers deep into the minds and motivations of the characters. The backstory is woven seamlessly into the present-day suspense, adding depth and complexity that keeps you invested. The psychological elements of the story are particularly gripping, creating an atmosphere of unease and anticipation that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.

For fans of thrillers that focus on the “why” as much as the “who,” The Last Chance is a standout. Willis’s ability to balance suspense with emotional depth makes this book a must-read for anyone who loves a story that challenges their mind and keeps their heart racing. Highly recommended for thriller enthusiasts looking for a blend of mystery and psychological intrigue!

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Chance by Winter K Willis is a psychological thriller that asks the question how well do you really know your loved ones? Amelia and Garrett have been married for 7 years and are in desperate need for a chance to rekindle their marriage. When Amelia finds out about a new resort in Utah she makes plans for them to go to the opening weekend. Right away things are strained. The prison like resort is not what they were expecting, the location is strange and Garrett is acting weird, seemingly knowing one of the women at the resort. When a blizzard traps everyone there and the woman ends up dead they realize that the killer is still among them.
This novel had many twists and turns and is perfect for readers who like to know the "why" as much as the "who did it". I really liked how the backstory compliments the present day creating that perfect blend of unease and suspense. Definitely going to check out more work by Winter K Willis!
Thank you to NetGalley, Winter K Willis, and Celestial Bear Publishing for this ARC. Expected release day is February 3rd 2025.

[Suzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of those books in which you find yourself thing , why? Just why? On nearly every page.

Some thing(s) I liked:
✅The setting, I'd love to see the inside of a an old prison all done up like a hotel.
✅Quite liked the fight scenes.

Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕The whole trope "everyone falls at the feet of this one woman because she's super SPECIAL" - her special trait? She's hot.
⭕Too many adverbs - clear sign of an amateur writer
⭕Very repetitive, lots Amelia says/ the same thing again and again. It shows amateuriah writing again.
⭕Little plot hole: Amelia finds the letter from Kora, then spends the next few chapters desperately trying to find out her name... You already know it.
⭕Why do these sad women try to cling so hard to husbands who have already cheated and not just that, set up entire lives with another woman in another city? If he wants to leave, bye Felicia! I won't fight for someone who doesn't value me. After all, he'll do it again. They always do.

Anyway this wasn't for me. Very basic for a thriller.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Last Chance" was an exciting read that I could NOT put down! I read this mystery in one sitting! It has a unique setting with all kinds of twists for those who like mysteries/psychological thrillers. It was also a clean read (no swearing or spice). At less than 300 pages and short chapters, I kept saying to myself "just one more chapter" (and we all know how that goes!). This is my second read from Winter Willis, who is actually a writing duo; they are becoming a must-read for me.

Setting: winter/blizzard, former prison turned into a luxury hotel (catch the vibes here!?)

Characters/POV/timeline: 4 main characters and alternating POVs with past/present yet somehow this was easy to track...I promise!

Plot summary: a woman plans an anniversary retreat in hopes of rekindling their loveless marriage but ends up with more than she bargained for with a creepy setting, secrets and murder.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monica Mil-Homens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opinião: E esta dupla de autores fez de novo! Mas que estória mais alucinante e cheia de reviravoltas! E com um final surpreendente!!! Adorei tudo, desde as personagens e o seu desenvolvimento, à estória em si contada a dois tempos, e a capacidade que uma esposa tem de encaixar as agruras que o marido lhe dá na vida…
Amélia é uma mulher determinada a salvar o seu casamento, mas será que os meios justificam os fins? O cenário deste livro também é super interessante, um alojamento dentro de uma prisão antiga…no meio de nenhures... em que uma parte dessa prisão ainda está por reconstruir… Mas mais uma vez nada do que parece é e uma pessoa aparece morta, com ligações ao marido Garret… quem terá sido? Com a suspeita a crescer entre os vários hospedes, só existe uma solução… encontrar o assassino antes que morra mais alguém! Recomendo!

ENG Review: And this duo of authors did it again! What an incredible story full of twists and turns! And with a surprising ending!!! I loved everything, from the characters and their development to the story itself, told in two timelines, and the strength of a wife to endure the hardships her husband puts her through in life…

Amélia is a woman determined to save her marriage, but do the ends justify the means? The setting of this book is also super interesting—an accommodation inside an old prison… in the middle of nowhere… with part of the prison still under reconstruction… But once again, nothing is as it seems, and a person is found dead, with connections to her husband Garret… Who could it be? With suspicion growing among the various guests, there’s only one solution… find the killer before anyone else dies! I highly recommend it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

@bibliotecamil_insta

[Vania Vela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia and Garrett's marriage has been falling apart for years. In an attempt to reignite their passion, Amelia books them a weekend getaway at a resort to celebrate their anniversary. But things take a dark turn when someone turns up dead. Now Amelia must figure out if she can save her marriage—or at least save herself.
This book was supposed to be a psychological thriller, and while it did have some interesting twists, it also felt a bit melodramatic. I didn’t really like any of the main characters. Garrett was a liar, Amelia was trying too hard to be someone she wasn’t, and Kora played the victim while also being part of the problem. Honestly, I saw most of the twists coming, but it was still well done. A prison-themed cabin, a liar, and a snowy weekend—it's the perfect recipe for disaster.


Pub Date: 3 feb 25

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a twisted story about a love triangle. I disliked all three main characters. Miles seeded like a lost pawn in this game. Garrett was a cheater plain and simple. Kora was the other woman. At some point she knew it and continued the affair. Amelia the wife- I disliked her at first because she was so gullible and lived in her own bubble. Then, I disliked her for all her lies and other actions. She blamed everybody but herself for her problems. She was weak. The story wrapped up suddenly and with very little explanation (imo). I needed more details. I didn't like the ending. It was very unsatisfactory and without justice. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Tiffany Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Chance by Winter K. Willis is a heartfelt story about redemption, resilience, and second chances. The characters are relatable and well-developed, with their struggles and growth pulling you into their journeys.

The writing is clear and engaging, balancing emotional depth with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life. The pacing keeps you hooked, mixing moments of tension with meaningful reflections.

This is a touching and inspiring read that leaves you believing in the power of love and forgiveness. Perfect for anyone who enjoys uplifting contemporary fiction. Highly recommended!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Last Chance by Winter K. Willis is a gripping psychological thriller with a few twists and turns & an ending I didn't see coming. Amelia & Garret's marriage has been falling apart for a few years. Wanting to rekindle their passion for each other, Amelia books them into a resort for their anniversary and that's when things go from bad to worse. Will Amelia be able to save her marriage or is it doomed for failure? Although there were a few parts that were a bit repetitive, you won't be able to put this page-turner down until you see how it all ends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

An attempt to save her marriage, Amelia arranges for a weekend at a new resort. Things go away when she discovers the resort is in a renovated prison.

Amelia ia a likeable woman who is willing to fight for her husband. Her husband, Garrett, is a irritable and disagreeable person. Things begin on the wrong foot when Garrett gets lost and locked in a part of the prison that guests are not supposed to go near. Amelia keeps fighting for her marriage but Garrett does not seem interested.

How will the weekend turn out? Will their marriage be saved or will it be over for good?

A murder, a storm and angry guests complicate the plans Amelia has to save her marriage.

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started the book I thought I knew exactly what would happen in this book and how the plot would unfold. I was wrong! I didn't like any of the characters, and some of the plot was a little over the top, but ultimately, I couldn't put it down, which means it is a gripping novel. I did enjoy the different perspectives, especially when they covered the same parts of the timeline because it gave greater depth to the twists and turns of the plot. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.

[Hot Mess Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I’m not as foolish as you thought I was, am I?”

"The Last Chance" is an engaging and swift read that embodies the title of a popcorn thriller. The narrative flows easily, making it perfect for those who want something entertaining without having to dive too deeply into complex themes. The writing is straightforward and simplistic, yet it effectively captures the excitement of the plot. It’s a fun choice for a quick escape into a world of suspense and thrills. If you're looking for a book that provides enjoyment without heavy lifting, this one certainly delivers!

[AMBER CLARK]

A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Amelia surprises her husband, Garret, with a secluded mountain getaway for their seventh anniversary. But things quicky take a turn for the worst. Garret seems to know one of the women there. As a blizzard traps them in the women ends up dead. Who is the killer among them? Could it be Garret? This gripping tale is full of twists and turns and the ending will surprise you. I can't wait to read more from Winter K. Willis.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lies. Deception. Hidden agendas. There was a lot going on in this book. I wanted to see things work out for Amelia, but then I wasn’t so sure. Garrett was a piece of work without a doubt and definitely the most disliked character in this scenario. This story is told from the perspective of three different individuals, both past and present with provided insight into different areas of the story. There are some twists and turns that will keep you on your toes and wanting more. Definitely a solid read. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!

This is my first read by this author and it held me captivated to the end, where it got a bit complicated with the characters. It goes back in time and then to the present with certain characters, revealing the storyline until we know who did what and why. I didn’t really like any of the characters the main ones. The woman who narrates the story is rather delusional about her relationship with her husband, and one of those women who really can’t be alone. Still, it was worth the read, and I will read more by this author.

[Jeanelle Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the plot and its intriguing twists. However, I would have liked to see a deeper exploration of Amelia's and Garrett's relationship before their estrangement. The multiple perspectives of the main three characters added depth to the narrative, keeping me engaged. Each time I considered who might be the culprit, the mystery cleverly shifted my suspicions elsewhere. While the ending felt somewhat underwhelming, I was pleased with Amelia's resolution.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was supposed to be a psychological thriller and it was to some extent with a number of interesting twists and turns but it was also melodramatic and contained some unbelievable events. Having said that, I finished it because I was intrigued to see how it ended. It was all tied up in a neat bow. I’m not sure if I’ll read more by this author but I think I’ve read some of their writing previously.

I received an ARC for free and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Puisan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read! A disillusioned couple on the verge of divorce, a cheating husband, and prison-turned-hotel in the middle of the mountains, a murder and a snow storm…a recipe for disaster. Told from multiple characters’ POV, it went from mundane to twisted pretty quickly. I feel sad for Kora & Miles but I am glad Amelia found a new lease in life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jo Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Willis has written a great murder mystery! Two women in love with the same man, unknowingly end up in a prison transformed into a luxury hotel, eventually meeting each other face to face. What could be any creepier or heartbreaking than this? One is murdered, so someone definitely feels the heartbreak stab his dark aorta. Suffice it to say, this is an intriguing tale, sure to tantalize the hardened thrill seeker.

[Krystal Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have gotten to the point where when I see a book from this author, I know I'm going to love it! This book was fantastic, just like the others. It gripped me from the beginning, and had plenty of great twists and turns. The ending was so good too! I highly recommend this book and all books by this author!

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Here is another page-turner from this writing duo.
The premise of this story was novel. A couple
(Amelia and Garret) in a failing marriage plan a weekend away in a refurbished prison that is now a hotel. They are part of the first guinea pigs testing the place. Amelia is desperate to rekindle the dead flames of her marriage after she discovers her husband's duplicity. Will the break in the prison cause them to reconnect and resuscitate their relationship, or will the setting, the blizzard that has them snowed in, or the appearance of a singer who Garret claims to be the love of his life turn things on their head? Read in a day. 4 stars

[Ellen Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia plans an anniversary trip yo a new resort as a way of saving her marriage. But everything goes wrong and Garret seems further away than ever. Add in a blizzard, a woman who seems to know her husband, a power outage and a murder.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her marriage needs a spark adding to it so she books a retreat for them. Things will get worse when a murder happens and a blizzard is starting which may trap them there with a killer. They will need to work together to solve the murder before another body appears see how they get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and was kept on my toes for the answers

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read with an interesting storyline. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and learning about the characters in both the past and present. There were a couple of twists and a few breadcrumbs along the way to keep you guessing. It was a fun read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vievie2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the last chance to save Amelia and Garrett's marriage - a weekend surprise at a mountain getaway. Trapped with a dead body, secrets are revealed, trust is broken and there is a murderer on the loose. Gripping and well written - enjoyable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.