As a Last Resort

by Kristin Wollett

Opposites attract in this debut rom-com when a real estate developer's quest for a promotion has her returning to the coastal hometown she loathes—and running into her teenage crush turned town golden boy.

After her mother’s substance abuse left her raising herself, Samantha Leigh left everyone in her Florida small town behind. She much prefers her new life as a real estate developer in New York City—with its nonstop noise, packed sidewalks, and her fellow workaholics. But when her work nemesis falls ill, she's forced to be his replacement on a new resort development project…in her hometown. Needing this assignment to get the promotion she desperately wants, Sam will just have to suck it up and get in and out as soon as possible.

Only the plan to avoid all of the hot local spots falls apart. Back on the island, Sam is confronted with everything she ran away her inebriated mother, her ex-best friend, and her old high school bullies now married with children. It certainly doesn't help when the town golden boy (and her childhood crush), Austin Marcs, keeps coming to her rescue. As her ex-best friend’s brother and someone who loves his hometown, he’s only trouble waiting to happen and comes with too many strings attached. Despite Sam's best efforts, Austin soon has her going out and enjoying old stomping grounds, white beaches, and the Florida sunset, making it hard to hold on to the grudges of her past. But will she leave all she’s worked for behind for a chance at love . . . or potentially destroy the small town that holds her most painful memories?

As a Last Resort is a closed-door, emotional, slow-burn Florida beach rom-com featuring the best-friend’s-brother trope, return-to-hometown tension, healing after grief, complicated mother-daughter dynamics, and a hopeful, swoony, Hallmark-but-deeper vibe.

Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Annabel Monaghan, Sarah Adams, Melissa Ferguson, and anyone searching for a clean, cozy, heart-mending book gift for the holidays.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Small Town Romance, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Anila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.25⭐️

As much as I love fall, this book made me miss warmer weather🙈

It was so much fun to read. With the short chapters, it felt like I was flying through this book and I honestly didn’t want to put it down. I needed to know how everything would play out. I really liked the leads and the coastal vibes. It was all very Hallmark-y. However, I do think that the romance wasn’t as strong as I hoped it would be. It had the potential based on the tropes, but the romance ended up being just mid. I wanted more sexual tension and angst, but the relationship between Austin and Sam moved way too fast. With the book being a romcom, the romance felt a bit surface level as well.

But all in all, I really enjoyed this book and it was a great debut novel for the author.

——————

Pre-read: I can’t seem to let go of the summer vibes😂🙈

[sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: beachy coastal town
🎶 Song: dare you to move - switch foot
📖 Favourite Quote: "sometimes, the last resort is where you end up, but it’s exactly where you were meant to be all along."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a great summer read that will make you want to move to a small coastal town

In the package:
📦 city girl x small town boy
📦 forced proximity
📦 family drama
📦 first crush

Plot: Real-estate developer Samantha Leigh must return to her Florida hometown because of her job. She's forced to face her painful past but has the chance to fall in love with her first crush. In confronting what she ran from, Sam discovers healing and second chances.

Thoughts: LOVED this book so much! It's the perfect beach read despite the fact that I'm reading this in the fall. This really felt like a typical rom-com (think cheesy JLo romcoms), which I absolutely adored. You have your city girl coming to develop a resort a resort the small town she grew up in and ran away from and the small town boy who never left said small town. The banter was top notch and I found myself laughing out loud a few times in the scenarios they got themselves in. Their romance was a little surface level, I was hoping for a little more pinning and angst but overall this was a great debut by this author!

Thank you Hachette Book Group Canada and Kristin Wollett for a finished copy of this book!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Stephanie Wilen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when debut authors totally knock it out of the park. As A Last Resort was so fun! SO. VERY. FUN.

Samantha left her home in Florida right after high school to escape the death of her father and her alcoholic mother. She cut off everyone, including her best friend. Sam now has "made it" in NYC, with a major promotion in reach. However, the real estate development project that she needs to complete in order to land the title and pay raise is in her home town. She is forced to go back and face her mom, friend and past. There also happens to be a very attractive ferry captain in the mix named Austin who shares a last name with her ex-bestie. EEK!

Name a better setup, I'll wait...

I loved Samantha, she has the best personality. She is determined, snarky, sarcastic and unintentionally funny. Sam and Austin, felt natural. He was undoubtedly right for her, meeting her exactly where she was at every turn and setback. I enjoyed seeing Sam struggle a bit because it made all the good things that followed, so much better. I was invested in her happiness and well being.

As A Last Resort is the perfect balance of Hallmark goodness and complex emotional turmoil. Think big city meets small town with noteworthy characters and banter that flowed freely. I can't wait to see what Kristin Wollett writes next!

Thank you Netgalley & Forever Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erin Branscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. If Wollett doesn’t get a multiple book deal from Forever and give Ivy the book she deserves, I say we all riot. And potentially sue. Haha For fans of Abby Jimenez, this authors writing style is similar and so much fun to read. 10/10 recommend.

[Monica Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic romance novel! I can't believe this was the author's debut novel. I need to read more by her.

I loved the two main characters, Samantha and Austin. Samantha has a difficult past and she ran to New York City to get away from the loss of her father and drug addicted mother. When a chance for a promotion comes up she heads back to her hometown, Rock Island, Florida to help move forward plans for a new resort. It has been 6 years since she has been back and not only did she run away from her mother but she left behind a best friend, Lexi, that she hasn't spoken to in years. While in town she also runs into Lexi's older and hot brother, Austin. Austin is the ferry boat captain and is still healing a broken heart from when his fiancee cheated on him with his best friend. When he sees Samantha sparks fly. Both Samantha and Austin have a lot of baggage but sparks begin to fly the more time they spend together.

What absolutely makes this book is the relationship between Samantha and Austin. Their banter sparkles, their stolen moments sizzle, and their emotional connection deepens naturally as Samantha learns to trust again. The author wisely avoids easy fixes, instead showing how love requires both people to grow and change. I really felt like I was reading about two real people and I was rooting for them to make things work.

This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with romance novels in the first place. It's got heart, heat, humor, and hope in equal measure. The author has created something special. This is a story that celebrates both the excitement of new love and the profound peace that comes from finally feeling like you belong.

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I partly went into this blind and, based on the cover, thought I was getting a breezy tropical vacation romance. Instead, it was even better! A truly heartfelt, hopeful story about forgiveness, all set in a cozy Florida coastal town. It was so good.

Now a successful real estate developer in NYC, Samantha has worked hard to leave behind her grief and the exhausting years of dealing with her mother’s addiction. But when work drags her back to her hometown, she’s forced to confront everything she thought she escaped.

I really felt for Sam, especially in the moments with her mother. Their history was complicated and heartbreaking, but also tender in its own way, giving the story so many emotional layers. Sam was such a great character with so much bottled-up pain, and I loved that Austin always managed to see the light in her despite everything she’d been through.

As for their romance, it was fun that they already had an established connection, with Austin being the brother of Sam's estranged best friend. Their relationship felt so effortless, and I loved seeing them slip back into an easy friendship before anything more. Very pleasantly surprised this was closed door too!

And I’m always a sucker for a romance where distance plays a big role. Austin is a small-town guy through and through, running his ferry business and totally content with the town Sam wants to leave behind. The question isn’t if they should be together, but how they could possibly make it work. I ate it up!

(heat level: closed door)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett
Contemporary romance.
Samantha Leigh left her small Florida hometown as soon as possible for the big city and escape. Her job has her going home for a few weeks to help plan a potential resort purchase. Going back home for Sam is an emotional minefield. Between her mother’s substance abuse, her former crush and the best friend she walked away from, Sam may not be able to keep to her goal of business only during this visit home.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook that was performed by Kristin Wollett and Patrick Zeller. Both did a wonderful performance with distinct voices and clear emotions. And with the author reading the female POV, we know she got the characters to come across as exactly as she wanted them.
I listened to this at 1.5 and slightly higher to more closely match local conversation speed and comfort.

A difficult topic, grief and escape via addiction. This is not a romcom. Yes, there is a romance and hea.
Given her mother’s issues, I was a little surprised by Sam’s casual drinking in several scenes.
An emotional journey from her job to her going home and reconnecting with Austin. Self analysis, decisions and connections are major factors in life and Sam can’t hide anymore. What does she want in life?
And then there’s the whole job thing and the blatant sexism. Her coworkers really came through in the end! Loved it.
Austin’s role is tough. He knows he wants to stay in his hometown. He’s willing to make changes. I admired his outlook and hope.

A romance with a lot of layers of life. Tears and ultimately cheers.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Hachette Audio.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trope check: ✅ Best friend’s brother ✅ Forced homecoming ✅ Small town Florida vibes ✅ Coastal romance

Emotional, heartfelt, and endearing—As a Last Resort is a strong debut with all the late summer romance feels. 🌊💕 It was an enjoyable listen and easy to sink into, def a breezy audio listen. I loved following Sam as she’s forced back to her small Florida hometown for work—her growth was so satisfying to watch, and the romance with Austin (her best friend’s brother!) gave me all the feels.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Line #1 that I adored:
Sunshine... what are you doing on the floor?? 😮🫢🤔😂

Line #2 that I also adored:
Yep, the sun-bleached faded avocado alligator was terrifying!! 🫢😁🤫

Just 2 lines that I took from this book already...
The one that has me, literally, cracking up while I'm reading it!!!

And then, just like that…it’s done!
If you are looking for an escape from reality… via a book… PLEASE, GIVE THIS ONE A SHOT!!
I absolutely adored it in so many ways!! 🩷🩷

It had me cracking up THROUGHOUT the book!!
BUT, it also made me think!

Does or SHOULD a job ever mean that much to anyone???

Can you, as a person, ever get over… or forgive… things that have happened in the past???

Are you ever able to repair friendships, broken families, errors in judgement, or… idiot co-workers???

At some point or another, these all come into play in this one…
So, although it had me laughing throughout, it also had me really giving some thought to things… and tearing up as well when I did. 🥹

Overall though… terrific read!
And, I believe this is another DEBUT AUTHOR!!
So yes, I am totally looking forward to more from her!!

All the stars for me, again, on this one!!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✨✨✨✨✨💫💫💫💫💫

IF an author can make me FEEL, all the FEELS, then they absolutely deserve the HIGHEST rating I am able to give! And this one shone through, brightly!!

#AsALastResort (As a Last Resort) by @KristinWollett. Beautifully narrated by said author as well as @PatrickZeller.

OH… and I love the cover too!

*** THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!! Look 👀 for it on shelves on Tuesday, September 2, 2025! ***

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio and #ForeverPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Ali Duggan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED the experience of reading this book!!! It’s such an ideal summery, beachy read with suuuuuch good vibes.

As a kid with a mother who is eerily similar to Sam’s mom — with a father who passed suddenly/unexpectedly— that part of the story was so spot-on relatable and damn well written. It’s really something unique to read a book and feel so seen and not alone within the pages… especially when it deals with a hardship in which you tend to feel very alone within. And when books deal with substance abuse it can often feel like a caricature of reality — and that’s not fun. But As A Last Resort didn’t feel that way at all. The struggles were centered around Sam’s experience and the way they were written felt authentic and the substance abuse was just handled really well.

Sam and Austin’s relationship came together in the cutest way. I love that some elements of their love story weren’t even fully revealed until the very final moments. 🥹 Also, the Notebook references were TOP TIER and induced tears immediately. **chefs freaking kiss, Kristin** I loved Lexi and Rex and his sisters and would love additional books about them, TBH. I loved the theme that love is powerful and transformative. 🫶🏼 It can change your outlook on life. I loved Austin’s parents sharing about the concessions they made in order to be together. And how the sacrifice is a no brainer because life wouldn’t be important without your person. I loved it.

*Audiobook notes: I really loved Kristin Wollett (the author of the book) narrating as Sam. She did a stellar job! I love that no one could know how to read as Sam better than the author!! I really enjoy Patrick Zeller as a narrator but felt that Patrick sounded a little bit too old for Austin and that took me out of the story often. But as usual, Patrick really does a heck of a job regardless.*

Overall, I’d give this one a very solid 4.5 stars. (And am waffling between a 4 & 5 star review here.)

Thank you to Hachette Audio for the ALC and Forever (Grand Centeal Publishing) for the ARC of As A Last Resort! And thank you to NetGalley for facilitating. Most importantly thank you Kristin Wollett for creating these characters & writing this story! Such a treat.

[Meghan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if you had to return home after years of staying away due to trauma and tragedy? This is what we find Samantha thinking when she is thrust into a big career determining job at the very last moment right before she is catching a plane to the tiny island in Florida she grew up on.
As A Last Resort is a fun, summer romance that begs the question of what if you finally had to face your past and all the baggage it came with. The best friend's brother trope can go either way for me. Sometimes I find it too cliche, but I enjoyed Sam and Austin's interactions and development of their relationship from just friends. The way that Austin helps, yet also gives Sam her space to unpack her trauma with her mother, was special. Plus the witty banter back and forth helped lighten the mood. This was a good summer read of second chances and helped lighten the mood from all other heavy reads, yet deals with it's own warnings of alcoholism, death of a parent, and trauma.
This was my first by Kristin Wollet and I was so happy to receive the #gifted ARC from her and publishing team at Forever (Hachette). I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was given an ALC for an honest review.

I believe novel was just okay. I certainly liked the woman character than the male. Maybe it was the narrator. Which i couldn't connect or feel anything for. But the author that narrator her own was story was phenomenal. Didn't like the characters together. The plot could have a little bit more exciting

[Kristy House · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, we LOVE a local author! Second, thank you to Kristin Wollett, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!

Listen... I might be born & raised in FL, yet still rag on it like it's my job, but the moment I pick up a book set in this state, ya girl is immediately IN IT. Kristin totally nails every aspect of a coastal city in Florida -- from the colors to the tourists to the INSANE AMOUNT OF STARFISH. (I laughed especially hard at this!) I went into this book sort of blind, expecting it would have something to do more with vacationing, so it was equal parts charming and heartwarming to see the way that Sam learns to really appreciate her hometown and the value it brings on its own, without giving in to big money-making corporate takeovers, haha.

But man, you wouldn't know this is her debut romance novel because she did a fabulous job with these characters and building their chemistry. Despite the fact that both Samantha and Austin have a fair amount of baggage, those sparks were flyin' from their first interaction to each time after -- I liked that they shared a little bit of history, given that his sister Lexi was Sam's BFF for many years, but that they had this opportunity to reconnect years later and see each other in new lights. Most importantly, I LOVED the way that this author really showed the way that in order for people to make things work, they're going to have to face change and really trust each other. I think this part worked especially well because of having the dual POV in this book, so we got that great look into both of their thoughts.

Lastly, this book does deal with some tougher concepts. Sam might be working to climb that ladder as a successful NYC real estate developer. Still, it didn't come without her running away from her hometown to escape the grief and pain her mother's addiction caused her (both mentally and physically!). So I liked that we got to see Sam work through these things, while also knowing that her hometown didn't have to be a place she avoided and condemned just because of these issues. But hey, let's not forget Austin -- he lost both his best friend and his fiancee to each other, and you were rooting so hard for him to open up and trust his heart again with Sam. (And like... not just throwing himself into distractions by overpiling his plate with work -- hand that responsibility off to Patrick, heck yeah!!!)

I really enjoyed this one -- from the excitement of watching their connection grow to feeling content as pieces came together for all of their lives. I truly cannot wait for this author's next novel.

Some extra things I loved from this book, ***SPOILERS, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED***

• "At any given time, there are twenty different imaginary conversations taking place in my head." SAME

• “Samantha Leigh. I hope I live to see the day you walk in after I’ve already clocked out for the night.” “The early bird catches the worm, Bo,” I said, falling into our cheesy greeting for the early mornings. “Yeah, but the second mouse gets the cheese!” Hahhahahaahah, I loved this so much.

• “What’s it like? You know, so I can properly prepare myself for any alligator run-ins or shoeless people I may encounter.” lol, such a ridiculous yet accurate Florida comment.

• "Cue the romcom movie montage of unexpected and humiliating events because that’s my life." HAHAHA.

• "Of course, the first person to welcome me to town was Austin. Austin Marcs. I had more than a few dedicated pages in my diary pairing my first name with his last—Samantha Marcs—written in pink glitter pen with hearts doodled around it." This, so accurate, omg.

• "'There’s a winery on the island?' I whispered to Austin as we walked out the door together. 'Winery might be a generous description,' he muttered." LMFAO, the truth of this, ooommgggg.

• Thank you for keeping it as "Gulf of Mexico" and not the stupid name it has now :)

• "My bucket list had the usual—white picket fence, two kids, a Labrador, and a happy wife. What it didn’t have was a best friend—the guy who taught me how to play checkers and who had a toothbrush at my house—slipping into my fiancé’s heart. And bed." OOOOOOOOF, Austin. :(

• "Everyone’s seen a sunset, but not everyone’s seen a Florida sunset." Again, I can rag so hard on FL forever, but the sunsets will never be outdone.

• "I would head to Lexi’s after school and we’d watch Little Mermaid almost every day. He said I reminded him of the seagull Scuttle, Ariel’s little sidekick. He called me that one afternoon and it stuck. Now that I’m older and have realized Scuttle is the weird uncle character in the story, I’m not so sure it was a compliment. But back then I melted every time I heard it—he didn’t have a nickname for everyone." Hahahahahha.

• “If I’ve survived seven years in New York City just to be kidnapped and skinned by a pirate wearing polyester on a run-down Putt-Putt course, I’m going to be really pissed off.” LOL

• "Side note, I love the starfish on your coffee cup.” “I never want to see another painting, statue, ceramic, or metal reproduction of a starfish in my entire life.” There is legit nothing I despise more than going to a "beach condo" and it's just teal + starfish EVERYWHERE. This was SO ACCURATE.

• "I took a deep breath, ready to thrust my hands through her hair again as she turned her head to the side and puked all over the ground." This was so unexpected, yet I laughed so much while also feeling SO BAD for Austin, omg.

• “He caught a slice directly from the toaster as it popped up. Well, that was surprisingly hot." HAHA

• The whole dead fish scene, and when he's like, "I'm going to kiss a dead fish for this woman." Haha, that's a man IN LOOOOVEEEEE.

• "...through that door, I’d be willingly handing over my heart, knowing it could go directly into a shredder. I didn’t just want a day or two with her. I wanted the thousand little moments of her brushing her teeth by my side, her pouring coffee into her cup, putting groceries in my pantry. I wanted my bathroom to smell like her in the mornings after she got ready. I wanted her jeans left haphazardly on the floor by my bed because there wasn’t time to do anything else when we got home but kick them off." :') :') :')

• “Okay, okay. For the record I’m happy you didn’t forget how to use your wiener.” LMFAO

• "I won’t ever move back here, Austin. The island is a last resort for me. Actually, it’s beyond a last resort. It’s not even a possibility.” We love when we see the title within the book.

• "I grabbed my keys off the dish and walked out the screen door. I refused to look back. This wasn’t going to be one of those endings where the girl changes her mind at the last minute, turns back, and runs into her lover’s arms. My life didn’t work like that. Pain didn’t just go away. Ghosts didn’t just decide to lie down and take a nap." This was just too funny not to laugh at while also being a little stressed at Sam.

• LOOOOOOVED that Robby helped Sam and Ivy on the new idea!!!! Not a total scumbag after all!!!

• “And to help bolster the local businesses, there will be upscale home goods like custom-made driftwood furniture, locally poured candles, and art—all in limited, numbered batch runs. Once they’re sold, they’re gone.” I'M OBSESSED. + “instead of roller coasters and bumper cars, you have sunset dolphin cruises and inshore fishing charters. We’d be able to justify higher prices because it’s a better quality experience. YES YES YES.

• Austin quoting The Notebook to her when they're at the rehearsal dinner LOL omg, it was too cute because of his love of RomComs, wow.

• "Her eyes lingered on the name painted on the back as the boat bobbed gently in the water, swaying in time with the waves—As A Last Resort." CUUUUUUUUUTEEEEEEEE!!! "Sometimes, the last resort is where you end up, but it’s exactly where you were meant to be all along." ugh, obsessed.

• Also, I saw her little note about the Palm Harbor library in the acknowledgements!!! Love!! (Even though they once almost tried to fine me for book damage I did not do, and that was the most stressful 3 days lol(

[Samantha✨ [reads everythinggggg] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett through a Goodreads giveaway. I’ve been trying to get into more romance books since they usually don’t make it to the top of my TBR… so when I saw that I won this one, I felt like it was the perfect opportunity to dive in!

I want to start off by saying this is the perfect beachy romance. It’s almost winter where I am right now, and the whole time I was reading, all I could think was, Oh my goodness, I already miss summer! That’s not something I usually feel — I’m more of a cold-weather person — but this book definitely made me long for warm days.

While the story was predictable to me (as many romance books are), I still really enjoyed it. It was super cute, and the characters had actual depth that made them feel believable. Overall, it made for a really good read.

I also liked how one of the villains ended up not being a villain after all. I found myself smiling — especially at the end — super wide. I definitely recommend this book to beach-read lovers, romance fans, and anyone who enjoys a happy ending.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartfelt and charming second-chance romance with just the right mix of humor, healing, and small-town nostalgia. Kristin Wollett’s debut delivered an emotional journey full of warmth, wit, and coastal charm. Sam and Austin’s chemistry was magnetic, and the themes of forgiveness and coming home felt both honest and uplifting. Wollett’s writing style echoed Emily Henry and Annabel Monaghan. Wollett is an author I’ll be following closely from here on out.

I appreciate receiving an advance copy from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in exchange for an honest review.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this amazing summertime romance!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the romcom feel of this book and all around summer beach read vibe!! I binged this in less than 4 hours on the beach so I feel like I was in the absolute perfect mindset to dive into this.
I am a sucker for slow burn/frenemies to lovers (?) trope so this was up my alley. Both the FMC and MMC were well written and I didn’t feel like the story was rushed or too long at all.
I can’t wait to tell all my romance loving besties to binge this on September 2! ❤️

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.

Wow! What a fantastic debut from Kristin Wollett! I was lucky to receive the audiobook version, and it truly brought the story to life—adding warmth, nuance, and emotional depth to an already moving narrative.

From the start, I loved Sam. She's instantly relatable: strong, guarded, and shaped by years of coping with her mother’s substance abuse. One of her biggest coping mechanisms? Leaving her Florida hometown and never looking back. But when her career unexpectedly sends her right back there, Sam is forced to face everything she ran from—her unresolved feelings, her estranged mom, high school bullies, and an old crush who’s still very much present.

I especially enjoyed watching Sam slowly let herself love again. Through reconnecting with her past, she begins a powerful journey of self-discovery and healing—realizing that success doesn’t always look the way she thought it would.

This book gave me Brenda Novak and Lori Foster vibes in the best way! If you love second-chance romances, complicated family dynamics, and women finding their strength, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books are like soulmates. There is someone for everyone and this one…..was for me!!!

I came for the cover but stayed for the plot. This was hands down a 5 star read and I wouldn’t be surprised if it got picked up for a tv/film adaptation. If you love 90s rom-coms, different POVs, character growth, forgiveness, coming home, and making it work against all odds then clear your schedule and dive into this story. Sam and Austin’s love story is one for the ages. Even when they shouldn’t work together they just do and it’s just right. Not only do you have the chance to fall in love with them but all the couples around them like Mark Kay and Bill (Austin and Lexi’s parents) who bring a love that last vibe that we all yearn for. Lexi and Rex (Austin’s sister and Sam’s best friend) a new love that’s so wholesome. Even Bonnie and her husband (Sam’s parents) a love that’s was cut too short. There is something for everyone but be warned this book does cover some topics that could be triggering for some people like addiction, infidelity, and death. I could go on and on about this book but it something everyone should experience. So make sure you put it on your TBR.

I can’t wait to get the physical copy of this book when it comes out in September. I look forward to reading more book by this author in the future. Thank you to the author Kristin Wollett and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC.

[Caitlynn Rushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC of this book.

I have to admit I am a sucker for a small town romance book and this one did not let me down! I loved how heartwarming it was and how it dealt with hard themes. This story dealt with grief, substance abuse, sexism in the workplace and trauma in general. It handled these heavy themes really well.
I also loved that both of the main characters grew in the book. In a lot of romance books one side grows while the other is just there. I liked seeing them both grow.
The RomCom and beach vibes for this book would be a perfect read for a summer vacation.

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Not a bad read, it has a little bit of everything you’d expect, a slightly more in depth Hallmark-style romance. Small town Florida girl with toxic mother moved to NYC for bigger and better things, never looked back, but (now all grown up) the boys club at her big firm is railroading her and she’s forced back “home” for a job. Enter the childhood crush to help her question everything and personal and professional dramas pulling her in every direction. It’s a good overview… EXCEPT Sam has more chemistry with her work nemesis Robby than hometown hunk Austin.

Don’t get me wrong, Austin is great. He fits the coastal Florida town leading man vibes perfectly. And Robby had icky moments, for sure, but not so much that he wasn’t ready for a perfect romantic character arc. His enemies vibes with Sam was just far more interesting and promising. The whole book felt off-kilter even when everything else was going well.

Overall, it was okay, there was promise even if I was thrown off, and I kinda wished for a different non-Hallmark ending (but it’s not a surprise). I still enjoyed the read.

* I received free audiobook access from the publisher

[Sarah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. From chapter 1 I was instantly hooked on Samantha and her work-a-holic cover up I felt like she had. Austin was definitely “boy next door” vibes and I was here for it! I loved this one!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fun RomCom! it is the big city girl travels to a small town for work but ends up falling in love trope. I thought the characters and their relationships were well done. I especially admired the relationship between Samantha and Ivy. it is so great to see women lifting each other up in the workplace.

I did have a little trouble understanding the audio arc couple of times. This might have been just me but I think I would have preferred reading it instead of listening to it.

Thank you to NetGalley for ALC in exchange for my review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would from the beginning. The first several chapters were a little choppy, and nothing seemed to point to how this would all fit together besides the inevitable. Pretty soon the characters are fleshed out and you're rooting for both of them. Samantha left her home town in Rock Island, FL soon after graduation and has visited very little trying to forget all the challenges there. She is a successful real estate professional in New York who works for some very annoying men who prefer their "boys club" members to the best producers in the firm who actually could be women. This is a rant I will always go on. Samantha is sent to her home town to do due diligence on this real estate project, and now we meet Austin, her best friend's older brother. Of course she knew him years ago, but they were too far apart in age to have much of a relationship. He has had relationship troubles in recent years (I won't spoil that story). Samantha repairs her relationship with her best friend Lexi and the story goes on from there.

I recommend this book as a great summer read. Thank you to NetGalley, Kristin Wollett and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confession: The only thing I loved the most about this book was its cover.

There, I said it. As promising as the synopsis sounded, I was really excited to read this one based on the romcom & summer vibes. However, I felt like a big chunk of the story focused more on the main characters' job rather than the summer setting or the romance element. What's more, our major couple's, Sam and Austin's, chemistry honestly was overpowered by that between Sam and her nemesis colleague, Robby. For a second, I almost wished this book would be an enemies-to-lovers story instead. Worse yet, I also found myself pretty lost with some '90s TV/film references...probably because I didn't really watch that much TV or movies growing up or maybe because that era wasn't really where my childhood lied. All in all, As a Last Resort wasn't a bad read for a debut but it simply just wasn't my cup of tea. I'd still recommend to those who were interested in reminiscing oldies but goodies '90s memories and weren't picky about a breezy summer read!

***Thanks to the author and the publisher for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

[Mich.elles_booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back to her hometown for work after seven years away, Sam never expected to be hit with so many old wounds… her strained relationship with her mom, the weight of old traumas, and memories she thought she’d buried. 🌴✨

What she really didn’t expect? Running into Austin—her estranged best friend’s brother. He’s now a ferry boat captain, still piecing himself back together after the betrayal of a cheating ex and a lying best friend. But when the two of them reconnect, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.

This story had everything I love in a romance—banter, emotional depth, messy healing, and that perfect second chance vibe. 💕 It’s not just about falling in love, it’s about forgiveness, resilience, and finding your way back to where you truly belong.

✨ Tropes you’ll find:
🏡 Small town romance
👩‍👩‍👧 Complicated family ties
💔 Second chance love
👩‍❤️‍👨 Best friends brother
🚪 Closed door romance
🤝 Healing & forgiveness

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the chance to read this early copy in exchange of my honest review!

[Ally | SkipTheSpice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristin Wollett’s debut novel, As A Last Resort, is a delightful small-town romance with a sassy female main character and a boat captain male main character from her past.

Samantha and Austin have chemistry and history, and I loved their interactions right from their first run-in. I also enjoyed the journey that Samantha goes on and the ways she grows and heals. The sass and banter had me smiling, too. Without giving too much away, this story is not only a romance. It deals with grief and addiction in realistic ways, without making the story slow or heavy. With equal parts romance, character development, and plot, I was thoroughly invested in Samantha’s story as a woman, daughter, and friend.

I also had a deep disdain for her obnoxious co-worker, which I’m sure was the point. And Wollett set it up nicely for a second book, which I really hope she writes. I’d love for Ivy to get her own book!

This is a fade-to-black romance, with moderate language and innuendo. The story deals with addiction, grief, and infidelity.

[TAYA · Rating 4 out of 5]

As A Last Resort beckons to you with an irresistible charm - drawing you in as a gentle tide pulls at the sand on a sun drenched beach.

Pub date - 9/02/25 by Forever publishing

Real estate developer Samantha’s next project is in her hometown. They say it’ll only last a couple of weeks. The one place she does not want to return to. The people she doesn’t want to see. Including her alcoholic mother. After all, that’s the reason she left the island. With anxiety at an all time high she wonders how she can get in and get out with the least amount of people noticing her. Sooner or later Samantha has to come to terms with unfortunate past events and move on with her life. With the support of her incredibly funny, loyal assistant, and an old teenage crush with eyes to get lost in, she may have to let her guard down and learn to trust.
The character development was spot on and the plot moved along in a way that had me looking forward to turning the next page. Flashbacks to childhood trauma were done tactfully and relatable. The romance was sweet with very little spice, keeping you focused on how Sam grows and heals.

Many thanks to Kristin Wollett and Forever Publishing via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful love story.

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this one. I went in forgetting it was a debut, and I would be excited to read more from Kristin! I also don't know if it's categorized as a romance, but I felt it was more contemporary. While there was romance between Samantha and Austin (which I loved), I thought the story took on a more healing and growth vibe. I liked the alternating chapters, and I also thought the friendships were the standout in the story. Between Samantha, Ivy, Lexi, and Ausin and Patrick, that was the real strong suit. I loved the vibes while reading, too. I was on vacation, and the Florida setting felt perfectly matched to. Overall, I enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what Kristin does next! Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me an ARC to read and review!

[Kristin (Readwithdubs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok. I’m obsessed. And this is coming from a thriller lover through and through. As A Last Resort is the absolute PERFECT summer read that you won’t want to put down. I’m shocked that this is a debut novel because it doesn’t read like one at all! I loved everything about this book and HIGHLY recommend adding to your TBR immediately. I’d be thrilled to see more of Samantha and Austin because they were literally perfect!

Thank you SO much to the author for allowing me the privilege of receiving an early copy! 5 ⭐️ my friends!!!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Forever Publishing for this ARC! ❤️

What I liked about it:
The setting! Rock Island was a great place to imagine. Beautiful and quaint. And I’m a sucker for a weddings in romance novels I’ll admit it!

Sam’s job! I enjoyed the competitive and professional side of Samantha. Her work life made her seem multidimensional and ✨not like other girls ✨

Almost all the characters were likeable! The author does a great job of adding depth to each character.

I would recommend to any romance fan 💘