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Kitty St. Clair's Last Dance: A Novel
When a young woman is bequeathed a shuttered dance hall, she begins to dream of its heyday—and learns to see her present-day entanglements in a new light.
Jules is stunned when eccentric and glamorous retiree Kitty St. Clair passes away and leaves her a dilapidated dance hall in their quaint lakeside community.
That is until Reeve, a charming, successful developer, returns to town, looking for the new owner of the dance hall, intent on turning it into luxury vacation condos. Suddenly Jules has a way to make her lifelong dream of going to medical school a reality. But selling the dance hall will only add to the steadily rising real estate prices, making it harder for the residents of her tiny vacation town to live there, not to mention Reeve also happens to be the man who Jules shared a magical night with two summers ago—and never heard from again.
Reeve wants a second chance with Jules and is determined to earn back her trust. But can she let herself fall for him again? Does he want her, or a guaranteed sale?
Jules wishes she could talk to Kitty, who always seemed to have the best advice, so she turns to the diary she left her. But as Jules falls asleep reading, she wakes up in the world of the diary, fifty years ago, accompanying a young Kitty to the dance hall in all its glory. Her dream visits to Kitty’s past begin to parallel the questions plaguing her in her own world. Will Kitty’s past hold the keys to unlocking Jules’s future?
Jules is stunned when eccentric and glamorous retiree Kitty St. Clair passes away and leaves her a dilapidated dance hall in their quaint lakeside community.
That is until Reeve, a charming, successful developer, returns to town, looking for the new owner of the dance hall, intent on turning it into luxury vacation condos. Suddenly Jules has a way to make her lifelong dream of going to medical school a reality. But selling the dance hall will only add to the steadily rising real estate prices, making it harder for the residents of her tiny vacation town to live there, not to mention Reeve also happens to be the man who Jules shared a magical night with two summers ago—and never heard from again.
Reeve wants a second chance with Jules and is determined to earn back her trust. But can she let herself fall for him again? Does he want her, or a guaranteed sale?
Jules wishes she could talk to Kitty, who always seemed to have the best advice, so she turns to the diary she left her. But as Jules falls asleep reading, she wakes up in the world of the diary, fifty years ago, accompanying a young Kitty to the dance hall in all its glory. Her dream visits to Kitty’s past begin to parallel the questions plaguing her in her own world. Will Kitty’s past hold the keys to unlocking Jules’s future?
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First published September 30, 2025
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September 30, 2025
My 700th NetGalley Review!
4.5 ⭐️
This is the kind of WONDERFUL & WHIMSICAL book that I am gravitating toward, more and more frequently, and one that probably would not have ended up on my radar if not for Goodreads! The cover and title didn’t catch my eye-but fortunately, it caught the eye of a friend, and her review then caught mine.
It’s a book about two women decades apart, who must make a decision that will change the trajectories of not just their own lives, but about those they care about too-and it isn’t easy for either young woman.
Jules is shocked when Kitty St. Clair, a glamorous resident at the retirement home where she works, bequeathes her a crumbling building that was once a popular dance hall in their picturesque Canadian lakeside community of West Lake. She had no idea that Kitty even owned the property.
Selling it would give her the money she needs to attend Med School in Toronto, but the luxury Condos that will be built in it’s place make it harder for the long time residents of her town to continue to live there, as the rising real estate prices drive out local businesses. That doesn’t sit right with her, and she is struggling with her decision.
As she is clearing out Kitty’s room, she finds the older woman’s diary. Looking for answers about why Kitty left the dance hall to her, she pockets it, hoping that it might bring her clarity.
Two years prior, Jules shared a a memorable night with a gorgeous guy named Reeve-but she never heard from him again, which surprised her, as he SEEMED to be genuinely interested in spending more time with her despite the fact that he lived about 3 hours away in Toronto.
Now, he is back and working for the Developer who wants to purchase her land, and he seems to still be interested in her despite the fact that he thinks that she is the one who ghosted him.
But, is his interest sincere or is the land the real motivation?
IF ONLY, Jules could still talk with Kitty.
Then, as Jules begins reading Kitty’s diary before falling asleep each night, the strangest thing begins to happen…she is transported back in time to Kitty’s world, fifty years prior where it appears that she is Kitty’s best friend, Dot. As she accompanies Kitty to the thriving dance hall she discovers that her friend was also grappling with a difficult, life changing decision about her own future…
This SECOND CHANCE story had so much more emotional depth than most romances, and was filled with characters that I grew to care about. I was invested in the outcomes of both timelines, and enjoyed becoming immersed in this story.
Shoutout to Kaceey for her enticing review, and to DeAnn for encouraging me to squeeze it in!
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to The Dial Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
4.5 ⭐️
This is the kind of WONDERFUL & WHIMSICAL book that I am gravitating toward, more and more frequently, and one that probably would not have ended up on my radar if not for Goodreads! The cover and title didn’t catch my eye-but fortunately, it caught the eye of a friend, and her review then caught mine.
It’s a book about two women decades apart, who must make a decision that will change the trajectories of not just their own lives, but about those they care about too-and it isn’t easy for either young woman.
Jules is shocked when Kitty St. Clair, a glamorous resident at the retirement home where she works, bequeathes her a crumbling building that was once a popular dance hall in their picturesque Canadian lakeside community of West Lake. She had no idea that Kitty even owned the property.
Selling it would give her the money she needs to attend Med School in Toronto, but the luxury Condos that will be built in it’s place make it harder for the long time residents of her town to continue to live there, as the rising real estate prices drive out local businesses. That doesn’t sit right with her, and she is struggling with her decision.
As she is clearing out Kitty’s room, she finds the older woman’s diary. Looking for answers about why Kitty left the dance hall to her, she pockets it, hoping that it might bring her clarity.
Two years prior, Jules shared a a memorable night with a gorgeous guy named Reeve-but she never heard from him again, which surprised her, as he SEEMED to be genuinely interested in spending more time with her despite the fact that he lived about 3 hours away in Toronto.
Now, he is back and working for the Developer who wants to purchase her land, and he seems to still be interested in her despite the fact that he thinks that she is the one who ghosted him.
But, is his interest sincere or is the land the real motivation?
IF ONLY, Jules could still talk with Kitty.
Then, as Jules begins reading Kitty’s diary before falling asleep each night, the strangest thing begins to happen…she is transported back in time to Kitty’s world, fifty years prior where it appears that she is Kitty’s best friend, Dot. As she accompanies Kitty to the thriving dance hall she discovers that her friend was also grappling with a difficult, life changing decision about her own future…
This SECOND CHANCE story had so much more emotional depth than most romances, and was filled with characters that I grew to care about. I was invested in the outcomes of both timelines, and enjoyed becoming immersed in this story.
Shoutout to Kaceey for her enticing review, and to DeAnn for encouraging me to squeeze it in!
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to The Dial Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
September 14, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
You know how some reads will just grab you, wrapping warmly around your heart…well this is one of those books.!
Jules lives in a small lake side town in Ontario. She watches as the wealthy travel from Toronto to celebrate the holidays then return back to their privileged lives. One afternoon Jules meets one of those fortunate few named Reeve, instantly feeling he’s different from the rest. That is until he ghosts her the next day. Is this the end of their story? (Stay tuned)😉
Jules' life is about to change in a big way. Kitty St Clair, a resident of the care home where Jules works has passed, leaving the rundown building next door to Jules. But she’s not sure if she can afford, or even want to keep it.
While packing up Kitty’s belongings she comes across a dusty, old diary. One that will take her on a delightful journey, showing her the magic and joy of what happened inside that old, dilapidated building. To be precise, the beauty and memories of an old fashioned dance hall.
This was such an extraordinary, thoughtful storyline of choices in life, love and loss. Kitty had a treasure trove of life saying for every situation, and let me tell you…she was a wise woman.
I loved Jules' character and how she struggled with what she hoped for in her own life, always considering how that would affect those around her.
Told in two timelines. The present, with Jules choosing her future, and the past with Kitty making choices about her journey.
I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately purchased a previous book from this author, This Spells Love and cannot wait to dive in!
✍️ Kate Robb
🗓️ Anticipated release date: September 30 2025
📑 368 pages
📈 5/5🌟
👉 Magical realism, romance, contemporary
Thank you to Random House Publishing via NetGalley
You know how some reads will just grab you, wrapping warmly around your heart…well this is one of those books.!
Jules lives in a small lake side town in Ontario. She watches as the wealthy travel from Toronto to celebrate the holidays then return back to their privileged lives. One afternoon Jules meets one of those fortunate few named Reeve, instantly feeling he’s different from the rest. That is until he ghosts her the next day. Is this the end of their story? (Stay tuned)😉
Jules' life is about to change in a big way. Kitty St Clair, a resident of the care home where Jules works has passed, leaving the rundown building next door to Jules. But she’s not sure if she can afford, or even want to keep it.
While packing up Kitty’s belongings she comes across a dusty, old diary. One that will take her on a delightful journey, showing her the magic and joy of what happened inside that old, dilapidated building. To be precise, the beauty and memories of an old fashioned dance hall.
This was such an extraordinary, thoughtful storyline of choices in life, love and loss. Kitty had a treasure trove of life saying for every situation, and let me tell you…she was a wise woman.
I loved Jules' character and how she struggled with what she hoped for in her own life, always considering how that would affect those around her.
Told in two timelines. The present, with Jules choosing her future, and the past with Kitty making choices about her journey.
I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately purchased a previous book from this author, This Spells Love and cannot wait to dive in!
✍️ Kate Robb
🗓️ Anticipated release date: September 30 2025
📑 368 pages
📈 5/5🌟
👉 Magical realism, romance, contemporary
Thank you to Random House Publishing via NetGalley
July 17, 2025
Whimsical, heartfelt, and full of charm—this was the engaging romcom I’d been eager to escape into! Another fantastic story from Kate Robb, filled with lovable characters, a sprinkle of magical realism, and a message that gently echoes Mary Oliver’s iconic question: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
The story centers on Jules, who’s feeling stuck in her hometown of West Lake—a tight-knit community slowly losing its soul to gentrification and glossy high-rises. Her med school dreams are shattered after discovering that her own mother—who raised her alone—has emptied the savings meant for her tuition. Now working in a nursing home, Jules finds herself unable to forget a one-night stand with the charming and elusive Reeve, an aspiring artist who disappeared without a trace.
Then comes the twist: after the passing of her beloved mentor Kitty St. Clair, Jules inherits the town’s old dance hall—a surprise to everyone, especially since Kitty had three grown children of her own. Things only get stranger when Jules discovers Kitty’s diary... and finds herself slipping into Kitty’s past through her dreams. She wakes up in a bygone version of West Lake, where a young Kitty (who calls her “Dotty”) is caught in a love triangle of her own—one path leading to a life of adventure, the other to the comfort of home.
Back in the present, Reeve returns to town—and to Jules’s life—claiming nothing has changed. But Jules soon discovers he works for the very real estate company trying to buy and demolish her newly inherited dance hall. Can she trust him, or is he playing her again? Selling could solve her debt and reignite her dreams… but what if the real dream is right in front of her?
While I would’ve loved more moments with the older version of Kitty—her wisdom, warmth, and spark light up every page she’s on—this story still shines with heart, humor, and inspiration. It’s a delightful blend of second chances, small-town magic, and self-discovery, beautifully connecting the threads between past and present, legacy and hope.
I truly loved this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone craving something feel-good, empowering, and tender enough to leave a lasting smile.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House / Dial Press Trade Paperback for sharing this heartfelt women’s fiction/romance with me in exchange for my honest review!
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The story centers on Jules, who’s feeling stuck in her hometown of West Lake—a tight-knit community slowly losing its soul to gentrification and glossy high-rises. Her med school dreams are shattered after discovering that her own mother—who raised her alone—has emptied the savings meant for her tuition. Now working in a nursing home, Jules finds herself unable to forget a one-night stand with the charming and elusive Reeve, an aspiring artist who disappeared without a trace.
Then comes the twist: after the passing of her beloved mentor Kitty St. Clair, Jules inherits the town’s old dance hall—a surprise to everyone, especially since Kitty had three grown children of her own. Things only get stranger when Jules discovers Kitty’s diary... and finds herself slipping into Kitty’s past through her dreams. She wakes up in a bygone version of West Lake, where a young Kitty (who calls her “Dotty”) is caught in a love triangle of her own—one path leading to a life of adventure, the other to the comfort of home.
Back in the present, Reeve returns to town—and to Jules’s life—claiming nothing has changed. But Jules soon discovers he works for the very real estate company trying to buy and demolish her newly inherited dance hall. Can she trust him, or is he playing her again? Selling could solve her debt and reignite her dreams… but what if the real dream is right in front of her?
While I would’ve loved more moments with the older version of Kitty—her wisdom, warmth, and spark light up every page she’s on—this story still shines with heart, humor, and inspiration. It’s a delightful blend of second chances, small-town magic, and self-discovery, beautifully connecting the threads between past and present, legacy and hope.
I truly loved this book, and I highly recommend it to anyone craving something feel-good, empowering, and tender enough to leave a lasting smile.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House / Dial Press Trade Paperback for sharing this heartfelt women’s fiction/romance with me in exchange for my honest review!
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October 3, 2025
If any of my friends ever find themselves in a slump, I will now be shoving this book into their hands it’s whimsical, heartwarming and just the right amount of magical. The romance was SO freaking cute, I was grinning through half the chapters.
Miss Kitty St. Clair is honestly a scene stealer. She had such an impact on everyone at Sunnyvale Retirement Home and she’s hilarious. I wish we could’ve spent even more time with her.
After Kitty passes, our girl Jules inherits a run down dance hall and accidentally stumbles upon Kitty’s diary. Naturally, you can’t just leave a diary unread. So she dives in and the next thing she knows, she’s slipping into the past walking through Kitty’s world in its full, glittering glory.
Oh, and the gorgeous hot MMC Reeves? I’ll be dreaming about you and hopefully waking up in your world.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
Miss Kitty St. Clair is honestly a scene stealer. She had such an impact on everyone at Sunnyvale Retirement Home and she’s hilarious. I wish we could’ve spent even more time with her.
After Kitty passes, our girl Jules inherits a run down dance hall and accidentally stumbles upon Kitty’s diary. Naturally, you can’t just leave a diary unread. So she dives in and the next thing she knows, she’s slipping into the past walking through Kitty’s world in its full, glittering glory.
Oh, and the gorgeous hot MMC Reeves? I’ll be dreaming about you and hopefully waking up in your world.
Thank you Netgalley for the arc!
December 25, 2025
RTC 💜!!!!! I’ve loved every book this author has written, but this one?!!! Absolute perfection!! It’s heartfelt, magical, and her best work yet!! My new favorite without a doubt!! 🥰💗✨
December 7, 2025
LOVED THIS
October 1, 2025
Tear jerking, inspiring, and romantic.
This story had me so emotional and made me think a lot about life.
Fun themes/tropes:
- Time travel
- Second chance romance
- Self-discovery/following your dreams
Jules’s dream has always been to go to medical school and become a doctor- but things haven’t quite worked out the way she’d hoped.
Money is tight and she can’t get a loan, so she remains in her hometown, working at a local nursing home.
When Kitty, one of the residents she took care of passes away, Jules discovers a very unexpected surprise. Kitty has left something strange for her in her will.
At the same time, she reconnects with Reeve, the man who ghosted her after a fling two years before.
Jules must find out the significance of what Kitty left her, what it means for her moving forward, and If Reeve’s suspiciously timed reappearance in her life has anything to do with it.
Let me start off by saying- Kate Robb KNOWS how to do a magical romance!
I have previously read her book “This Spells Love”, which I enjoyed, and this one was even better!
This was such a fun read, despite being so emotional.
I found myself super invested in the story, and eager to see what happened next.
Jules and Reeve are meant to be!
I really liked how their romance played out, and I loved how he wanted to support het through all of her dreams. So cutesy.
Both of them were developed quite well. They weren’t too shallow, and they felt pretty real.
I love Kitty’s Character here!
Every time her character made an appearance, she just had so much spunk and enthusiasm- along with a personality that makes you feel like you’re watching an old black-and-white movie.
My heart fluttered at the end when I found out the real ending to her story- and why she did what she did.
If I think about it too much I might cry.
This is really so wholesome and special overall. Fantastic story!
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback and author Kate Robb, for providing me with the eARC of “Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 30th, 2025
This story had me so emotional and made me think a lot about life.
Fun themes/tropes:
- Time travel
- Second chance romance
- Self-discovery/following your dreams
Jules’s dream has always been to go to medical school and become a doctor- but things haven’t quite worked out the way she’d hoped.
Money is tight and she can’t get a loan, so she remains in her hometown, working at a local nursing home.
When Kitty, one of the residents she took care of passes away, Jules discovers a very unexpected surprise. Kitty has left something strange for her in her will.
At the same time, she reconnects with Reeve, the man who ghosted her after a fling two years before.
Jules must find out the significance of what Kitty left her, what it means for her moving forward, and If Reeve’s suspiciously timed reappearance in her life has anything to do with it.
Let me start off by saying- Kate Robb KNOWS how to do a magical romance!
I have previously read her book “This Spells Love”, which I enjoyed, and this one was even better!
This was such a fun read, despite being so emotional.
I found myself super invested in the story, and eager to see what happened next.
Jules and Reeve are meant to be!
I really liked how their romance played out, and I loved how he wanted to support het through all of her dreams. So cutesy.
Both of them were developed quite well. They weren’t too shallow, and they felt pretty real.
I love Kitty’s Character here!
Every time her character made an appearance, she just had so much spunk and enthusiasm- along with a personality that makes you feel like you’re watching an old black-and-white movie.
My heart fluttered at the end when I found out the real ending to her story- and why she did what she did.
If I think about it too much I might cry.
This is really so wholesome and special overall. Fantastic story!
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback and author Kate Robb, for providing me with the eARC of “Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: September 30th, 2025
May 9, 2025
Jules and Reeves meet at a beach party and there is instant chemistry. A wrong phone number causes him to unintentionally ghost her, only to show up 2 years later. At this point Jules is working at Sunnyvale, an assisted living facility. She has great relationships with the residents but is shocked to learn that Kitty St Clair has bequeathed her an abandoned dance hall. But Jules’ dream is to become a doctor. Should she sell it to developers and open her community up to gentrification so she can go to med school?
Then- out of the blue- she gets Kitty’s diary from her youth, there is a bit of a love triangle- and ghost Kitty is also there via the diary, Tom Riddle style.
I really loved Reeve, he is a good book boyfriend. It’s a worthy plot although a bit predictable. If you like a magical realism romcom, Kate Robb is one of the best. There is good banter and fun side characters.
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial press for the ARC. Book to be released October 7, 2025.
Then- out of the blue- she gets Kitty’s diary from her youth, there is a bit of a love triangle- and ghost Kitty is also there via the diary, Tom Riddle style.
I really loved Reeve, he is a good book boyfriend. It’s a worthy plot although a bit predictable. If you like a magical realism romcom, Kate Robb is one of the best. There is good banter and fun side characters.
3.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial press for the ARC. Book to be released October 7, 2025.
September 28, 2025
the way I needed this 😭🥹 pure magic ✨
♾️ all the stars & love for this one
Thank you The Dial Press/Random House & PRH Audio for the ARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
✨ magical realism
1️⃣ one night stand + second chance
😍 instant connection
🏙 city boy & small town girl
⏳ past and present love stories
💭 visiting the past in dreams
🫶🏼 found family + small town love
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting
💖 single 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio/ebook | ⭐️: ♾ | 🌶️: 2 |
I was hooked from start to finish, read this in 24 hours and never wanted to put it down!
this is truly a story about following dreams (both figuratively & literally), as these characters got to know themselves, and what really matters to them 🥰
after reading her diary each night, Jules visits Kitty St. Clair “in the past” in her dreams, and this helps her answer questions in the present.
we also get Kitty’s own love story, and how she made the choices she did in her own life.
I loved every element of this story, both timelines, all the side characters, and especially Jules & Reeve’s meet cute 🥹
he never gave up on her, and I loved how they fell for each other so quickly that first night, & then got to do it all over again 🥰
all the little twists/surprises were so fun to guess & see revealed (most of which I was happy to get right 🤭)!
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Sarah Naughton knocked it out of the park with this narration - she reminded me of Patti Murin, who I also love so much!
✨ books with similar vibes:
this genuinely gave me Ashley Poston vibes (Seven Year Slip & Dead Romantics - 2 of my favs of all time!)
📖 Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance by Kate Robb
✨: contemporary romance/magical realism
🎙 narrated by: Sarah Naughton
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
♾️ all the stars & love for this one
Thank you The Dial Press/Random House & PRH Audio for the ARC & ALC. All opinions are my own.
✦ tropes & stuff:
✨ magical realism
1️⃣ one night stand + second chance
😍 instant connection
🏙 city boy & small town girl
⏳ past and present love stories
💭 visiting the past in dreams
🫶🏼 found family + small town love
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting
💖 single 1st person pov
•┈••✦ review ✦••┈•
🎧 audio/ebook | ⭐️: ♾ | 🌶️: 2 |
I was hooked from start to finish, read this in 24 hours and never wanted to put it down!
this is truly a story about following dreams (both figuratively & literally), as these characters got to know themselves, and what really matters to them 🥰
after reading her diary each night, Jules visits Kitty St. Clair “in the past” in her dreams, and this helps her answer questions in the present.
we also get Kitty’s own love story, and how she made the choices she did in her own life.
I loved every element of this story, both timelines, all the side characters, and especially Jules & Reeve’s meet cute 🥹
he never gave up on her, and I loved how they fell for each other so quickly that first night, & then got to do it all over again 🥰
all the little twists/surprises were so fun to guess & see revealed (most of which I was happy to get right 🤭)!
🎧 audiobook thoughts:
Sarah Naughton knocked it out of the park with this narration - she reminded me of Patti Murin, who I also love so much!
✨ books with similar vibes:
this genuinely gave me Ashley Poston vibes (Seven Year Slip & Dead Romantics - 2 of my favs of all time!)
📖 Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance by Kate Robb
✨: contemporary romance/magical realism
🎙 narrated by: Sarah Naughton
*Connect with Me*
🤍 Instagram 🤍 Blog 🤍
August 12, 2025
This book is an invitation to fall headfirst into magic, memories, and second chances. And I loved every minute of it!
When Jules unexpectedly inherits a crumbling lakeside dance hall, it’s her golden ticket to medical school or at least it would be if selling out didn’t threaten the heart of her small town. Now enter Reeve, the developer with a mysterious past and the kind of charm that makes you suspicious (but in a good way!).
And here’s where things get magical! So, Jules falls asleep reading Kitty St. Clair’s diary and then *poof* she’s reliving the dance hall’s glory days through Kitty’s eyes. This is where nostalgia, romance, and that “what if” feeling collide in the best way. And it’s a delight in every possible way!
With magic threaded through every page of this cozy small town read, Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance (out September 30th !!! ) is a love letter to believing in yourself…even when no one else does.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
When Jules unexpectedly inherits a crumbling lakeside dance hall, it’s her golden ticket to medical school or at least it would be if selling out didn’t threaten the heart of her small town. Now enter Reeve, the developer with a mysterious past and the kind of charm that makes you suspicious (but in a good way!).
And here’s where things get magical! So, Jules falls asleep reading Kitty St. Clair’s diary and then *poof* she’s reliving the dance hall’s glory days through Kitty’s eyes. This is where nostalgia, romance, and that “what if” feeling collide in the best way. And it’s a delight in every possible way!
With magic threaded through every page of this cozy small town read, Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance (out September 30th !!! ) is a love letter to believing in yourself…even when no one else does.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Dial Press for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2025
3.75/5
everyone is quitting their jobs and i'm just stressed...
every since reading one ashley poston book like two months ago, i know i'm very late to the game, i've had a new found interest in romance books with a magical realism plot line. this book is exactly that! jules is stuck in a small town life that she may hate may like, it's all up in the air, and she is maybe wanting to go to med school. when a former one night stand partner shows back up in town, and she inherits a fancy building and she can read journal entries and wake up in the past, her life gets a bit more interesting...
reeve and jules were great together, like a couple of the lines reeve said, i woulda folded, he coulda had that building from the start. but as good as the romance was, i liked that we focused more on jules' future. it was odd that she was so hellbent on maybe being a doctor but could only pull the trigger when reeve was around, like she's a strong woman, but i loved how much support reeve offered her. unfortunately i was so bored by reeve's stupid job, and the journal entries were also boring and predictable, so that led to my enjoyment of the story going down. there was just so much potential for the story to be fun and it just kept being real. no one can afford med school, everyone struggles with what path to choose, we already knew who kitty married, obviously dot was going to be significant in jules' life. all of those things just bogged the story down and took away the fun elements.
thats probably too harsh, i didn't hate this and if you're a fan of the aforementioned magical realism romance subgenera you should pick this up. i just got upset by the plot line of rich boyfriend in a job he hates and a dad who wants him to be a doctor/lawyer.
everyone is quitting their jobs and i'm just stressed...
every since reading one ashley poston book like two months ago, i know i'm very late to the game, i've had a new found interest in romance books with a magical realism plot line. this book is exactly that! jules is stuck in a small town life that she may hate may like, it's all up in the air, and she is maybe wanting to go to med school. when a former one night stand partner shows back up in town, and she inherits a fancy building and she can read journal entries and wake up in the past, her life gets a bit more interesting...
reeve and jules were great together, like a couple of the lines reeve said, i woulda folded, he coulda had that building from the start. but as good as the romance was, i liked that we focused more on jules' future. it was odd that she was so hellbent on maybe being a doctor but could only pull the trigger when reeve was around, like she's a strong woman, but i loved how much support reeve offered her. unfortunately i was so bored by reeve's stupid job, and the journal entries were also boring and predictable, so that led to my enjoyment of the story going down. there was just so much potential for the story to be fun and it just kept being real. no one can afford med school, everyone struggles with what path to choose, we already knew who kitty married, obviously dot was going to be significant in jules' life. all of those things just bogged the story down and took away the fun elements.
thats probably too harsh, i didn't hate this and if you're a fan of the aforementioned magical realism romance subgenera you should pick this up. i just got upset by the plot line of rich boyfriend in a job he hates and a dad who wants him to be a doctor/lawyer.
May 27, 2025
I loved this latest Ontario small lake town, opposites attract, single POV romance that sees Jules, a retirement home nurse and aspiring doctor inheriting a run down dance hall and being reunited with Reeve, the a big city developer who got away two years ago after a memorable night.
Jules has no idea why retirement resident Kitty left her the property and struggles to decide whether she wants to sell it to fund her med school dreams or preserve it and her hometown in an attempt to stave off the gentrifying, big city vacation home sprawl that is taking place across Canada in the post-COVID world.
I really enjoyed the female friendship, the dual timeline flashbacks and ALL the small town Lake Huron Canadian references (mmmm butter tarts)!!! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Carley Fortune or Ashley Poston!!
Jules has no idea why retirement resident Kitty left her the property and struggles to decide whether she wants to sell it to fund her med school dreams or preserve it and her hometown in an attempt to stave off the gentrifying, big city vacation home sprawl that is taking place across Canada in the post-COVID world.
I really enjoyed the female friendship, the dual timeline flashbacks and ALL the small town Lake Huron Canadian references (mmmm butter tarts)!!! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Carley Fortune or Ashley Poston!!
June 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the magical realism! This was my first Kate Robb book and was it really enjoyable! The story was slow at times and took me a while to finish but after pushing through the conclusion was satasifying! Kitty was absolutely adorable, loved her sooo much!
•eARC provided by NetGalley and Dial Press in exchange for an honest review.
•eARC provided by NetGalley and Dial Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2025
Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance has such a fun premise—inheritance drama, a nostalgic dance hall, and touches of magical realism. I really wanted to love it.
Jules is a sympathetic heroine, stuck between financial responsibility and the pull of preserving her town’s history. The romance thread with Reeve had potential, especially with their shared past. He had his swoony moments, but overall, I found him more frustrating than charming, which made it harder to root for their second chance.
The magical realism, usually one of my favorite elements in a story, didn’t fully land for me here. The sections where Jules dream-travels into Kitty’s past should have been the heart of the book, but I never felt truly connected to Kitty’s story. Instead of enhancing the narrative, those dream sequences sometimes broke the flow and made the story feel disjointed.
That said, there’s still a lot to enjoy. The small-town lakeside setting feels cozy and immersive, and Jules’s dilemma about the dance hall raises thoughtful questions about community versus personal ambition. The themes of legacy, love, and second chances are heartfelt, even if the execution was uneven.
Overall, this was a charming, easy read with moments of emotional depth, but it didn’t quite pull me in the way I hoped. A solid 3 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jules is a sympathetic heroine, stuck between financial responsibility and the pull of preserving her town’s history. The romance thread with Reeve had potential, especially with their shared past. He had his swoony moments, but overall, I found him more frustrating than charming, which made it harder to root for their second chance.
The magical realism, usually one of my favorite elements in a story, didn’t fully land for me here. The sections where Jules dream-travels into Kitty’s past should have been the heart of the book, but I never felt truly connected to Kitty’s story. Instead of enhancing the narrative, those dream sequences sometimes broke the flow and made the story feel disjointed.
That said, there’s still a lot to enjoy. The small-town lakeside setting feels cozy and immersive, and Jules’s dilemma about the dance hall raises thoughtful questions about community versus personal ambition. The themes of legacy, love, and second chances are heartfelt, even if the execution was uneven.
Overall, this was a charming, easy read with moments of emotional depth, but it didn’t quite pull me in the way I hoped. A solid 3 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
I couldn’t get invested in this book. It started out a little slow and disjoined, especially having started with the one-night stand and then jumping to Jules and Kitty, and then the elements of Kitty’s past.
I think that if the book wanted to explore Kitty’s past with some magic realism, it could’ve either stuck with the “reality” aspect OR the diary entries. Having both took away from Jules’ story.
But as a former Toronto girl, I loved seeing places I used to frequent.
Thank you, Netgalley and Penguin Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback, for the ARC!
I think that if the book wanted to explore Kitty’s past with some magic realism, it could’ve either stuck with the “reality” aspect OR the diary entries. Having both took away from Jules’ story.
But as a former Toronto girl, I loved seeing places I used to frequent.
Thank you, Netgalley and Penguin Random House | Dial Press Trade Paperback, for the ARC!
October 18, 2025
KR has been a steady read on my shelves for the past years, so I'm sad to say I couldn't even finish this one.
About the romance aspect, I don't feel a great chemistry between Jules and Reeve, despite the author’s many attempts with making them kiss and looking into each other's eyes.
He says all the right things and tries to make up for a mistake he didn't even intend to make; great motives to push us to like them, but I couldn't feel it.
And about that magic realism KR loves so much to write, I must admit I was never a big fan of it but here is just a no from me — what's the point of going back in the past (or hallucinating events you've been reading about) only for getting a couple of “wise words” and some memorable phrase from a woman you didn't really know, when your best friend — who's right there — doesn't even know your intentions of moving three hours from home to start at university?!
↠ 2.5 stars (DFN @42%)
Thanks to Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
About the romance aspect, I don't feel a great chemistry between Jules and Reeve, despite the author’s many attempts with making them kiss and looking into each other's eyes.
He says all the right things and tries to make up for a mistake he didn't even intend to make; great motives to push us to like them, but I couldn't feel it.
And about that magic realism KR loves so much to write, I must admit I was never a big fan of it but here is just a no from me — what's the point of going back in the past (or hallucinating events you've been reading about) only for getting a couple of “wise words” and some memorable phrase from a woman you didn't really know, when your best friend — who's right there — doesn't even know your intentions of moving three hours from home to start at university?!
↠ 2.5 stars (DFN @42%)
Thanks to Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 22, 2025
This book was so sweet! A very quick and easy read!
Normally I don’t love dual timelines but in this book, it didn’t bug me as much. I think it helped that it wasn’t every other chapter of changes.
I liked the flashbacks to Kitty’s timeline and the eventual connection between past and present. I honestly didn’t see it coming so well done!
I liked the romance and friendship that developed, it felt genuine and real. I skipped the spice but was happy to see that it wasn’t a ton of scenes.
I think I liked the connection to the nursing home the most! The side characters in town were sweet and I could envision Jules at her job and at the local restaurants. I love how overall the story was about Jules finding herself and her passion.
I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet and happy story! Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Normally I don’t love dual timelines but in this book, it didn’t bug me as much. I think it helped that it wasn’t every other chapter of changes.
I liked the flashbacks to Kitty’s timeline and the eventual connection between past and present. I honestly didn’t see it coming so well done!
I liked the romance and friendship that developed, it felt genuine and real. I skipped the spice but was happy to see that it wasn’t a ton of scenes.
I think I liked the connection to the nursing home the most! The side characters in town were sweet and I could envision Jules at her job and at the local restaurants. I love how overall the story was about Jules finding herself and her passion.
I would definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet and happy story! Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
October 2, 2025
Another magical winner from Kate Robb! I loved this one, both Jule's and Reeve's story and Kitty's and loved the way it all unfolded. I also really enjoy the Canadian setting! I can't wait to read her next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 16, 2025
This was really sweet and heartwarming. Loved the characters and the whimsical elements from the past!
September 30, 2025
Kate Robb once again captures the nostalgia I find myself hunting desperately for when the seasons change and summer ends, and it comes out just in time to be the perfect fall read.
For people who read Happy Place by Emily Henry and didn't like the ending, read this book.
This is Kate Robb's 3rd novel and it is now my favorite. I really didn't think it would be when I read the blurb but there is so much heart in this story. I don't know why I doubted it. I also feel it is just so well flushed out. I wouldn't change anything about it. A true 5 star read.
This book hooked me from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. Which, is rare for me these days. I think Kate Robb is just a kindred spirit, putting into her stories so much I find relatable.
She of course delivers you a swoony book boyfriend but more powerfully she brings to life Jules on page and I knew her. Her anxieties were relatable, her fear of getting her hopes up was something I felt deeply. The setting of her job at a retirement home was such a lovely spotlight - capturing the heart of what I love about working with the older adult population, as she says in her afterward "Her body may have been elderly and frail, but her mind was in that glorious place where she had seen some shit go down in her lifetime and had long ago stopped caring what people thought about her." Robb captures that spirit so well. I teared up at Jules and Zoe's friendship. The small town setting gave perfect sentimentality to the story. The 3rd act drama was a serious gut punch and not at all contrived. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what decisions Jules would make for her life. She was so brave and I was so proud of her.
Anyway, thank you Kate Robb for writing this book. The way you write magic realisms really is magic to me.
Thank you NetGalley & Random House for this ARC.
For people who read Happy Place by Emily Henry and didn't like the ending, read this book.
This is Kate Robb's 3rd novel and it is now my favorite. I really didn't think it would be when I read the blurb but there is so much heart in this story. I don't know why I doubted it. I also feel it is just so well flushed out. I wouldn't change anything about it. A true 5 star read.
This book hooked me from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. Which, is rare for me these days. I think Kate Robb is just a kindred spirit, putting into her stories so much I find relatable.
She of course delivers you a swoony book boyfriend but more powerfully she brings to life Jules on page and I knew her. Her anxieties were relatable, her fear of getting her hopes up was something I felt deeply. The setting of her job at a retirement home was such a lovely spotlight - capturing the heart of what I love about working with the older adult population, as she says in her afterward "Her body may have been elderly and frail, but her mind was in that glorious place where she had seen some shit go down in her lifetime and had long ago stopped caring what people thought about her." Robb captures that spirit so well. I teared up at Jules and Zoe's friendship. The small town setting gave perfect sentimentality to the story. The 3rd act drama was a serious gut punch and not at all contrived. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what decisions Jules would make for her life. She was so brave and I was so proud of her.
Anyway, thank you Kate Robb for writing this book. The way you write magic realisms really is magic to me.
Thank you NetGalley & Random House for this ARC.
October 10, 2025
I think magical realism is my sweet spot because I literally cannot stop thinking about this book.
ALL THE FEELS! ALL THE EMOTIONS! ALL THE ROMANCE!
This book gave me vibes of "The Seven Year Slip" which is ALSO one of my favorite books and this one might have topped it significantly. What is coined as a romance book also has so many layers of personal growth and overcoming trauma from childhood. Plus, the fact that this book's main character works in senior living? I am SOLD.
Jule was such a lovely character and incredibly complex. I felt her journey so significantly and Kate Robb did a phenomenal job of creating a strong woman who was forced into being an adult far too young. Reeve was such a sweetie...the relationship between these two and their differences and their COMMUNICATION made it so enjoyable. I related to Reeve even more, as a middle child hoping to live up to expectations set by someone else.
The only thing I wished I got more of was Kitty St. Clair in real time. The flashbacks were fun and adorable but I wanted to see more of how she grew up to be the strong, intelligent, confident woman she is.
This truly is an amazing novel about taking care of yourself in more ways that one. Sometimes we have to make decisions to better ourselves that don't feel right at the time, but we always can bring ourselves back. If there is a book that describes this feeling better, I have yet to find it.
Will always recommend. What a hidden gem from Kate Robb and a beautiful story of resilience and coming into our own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC of this phenomenal story.
ALL THE FEELS! ALL THE EMOTIONS! ALL THE ROMANCE!
This book gave me vibes of "The Seven Year Slip" which is ALSO one of my favorite books and this one might have topped it significantly. What is coined as a romance book also has so many layers of personal growth and overcoming trauma from childhood. Plus, the fact that this book's main character works in senior living? I am SOLD.
Jule was such a lovely character and incredibly complex. I felt her journey so significantly and Kate Robb did a phenomenal job of creating a strong woman who was forced into being an adult far too young. Reeve was such a sweetie...the relationship between these two and their differences and their COMMUNICATION made it so enjoyable. I related to Reeve even more, as a middle child hoping to live up to expectations set by someone else.
The only thing I wished I got more of was Kitty St. Clair in real time. The flashbacks were fun and adorable but I wanted to see more of how she grew up to be the strong, intelligent, confident woman she is.
This truly is an amazing novel about taking care of yourself in more ways that one. Sometimes we have to make decisions to better ourselves that don't feel right at the time, but we always can bring ourselves back. If there is a book that describes this feeling better, I have yet to find it.
Will always recommend. What a hidden gem from Kate Robb and a beautiful story of resilience and coming into our own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC of this phenomenal story.
September 25, 2025
Book Review
Kitty St Clairs Last Dance by Kate Robb
What Its Got
✅ Buttertarts
✅ Canadian locations and content
✅ Kittyisms
✅ Magical realism
✅ Second chance romance
✅ Big city guy meets small town girl
✅ choice vs expectations
✅ opposites attract
✅ sassy seniors
MCs
Kitty- a senior at the retirement home Jules works at with a story to tell
Zoe- Jules BFF
Reeve- City boy
Jules- small town girl with big dreams, strong ties to her community
Thoughts
📕 the author explores childhood dreams, finding your way as an adult , and how life (And love 💕) never goes according to plan- there are always barriers, bumps and bruises along the path
📕 I had Journey 🎶 playing on repeat in my head and then immediately needed to google 60s dance hall music
📕 can you even call yourself Canadian 🇨🇦 if you dont like butter tarts? I am team raisin and team walnut and I raise you (Kate Robb) dark chocolate chunks- but the true test is always the pastry, it needs to flake and melt in your mouth
📕 read the end notes, just do it
📕 I love how Kate wove the theme of elder wisdom throughout the book, there is so much we can learn from our elders, they are an often untapped source of inspiration and experience (I highlighted all the “Kittyisms”)
Overall
✨A love story fuelled by hopes and dreams with a touch of magic ✨
Publishes Sept 30 2025
Thank you to @netgalley @dialpress @randomhouseca for my digital ARC i return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
Kitty St Clairs Last Dance by Kate Robb
What Its Got
✅ Buttertarts
✅ Canadian locations and content
✅ Kittyisms
✅ Magical realism
✅ Second chance romance
✅ Big city guy meets small town girl
✅ choice vs expectations
✅ opposites attract
✅ sassy seniors
MCs
Kitty- a senior at the retirement home Jules works at with a story to tell
Zoe- Jules BFF
Reeve- City boy
Jules- small town girl with big dreams, strong ties to her community
Thoughts
📕 the author explores childhood dreams, finding your way as an adult , and how life (And love 💕) never goes according to plan- there are always barriers, bumps and bruises along the path
📕 I had Journey 🎶 playing on repeat in my head and then immediately needed to google 60s dance hall music
📕 can you even call yourself Canadian 🇨🇦 if you dont like butter tarts? I am team raisin and team walnut and I raise you (Kate Robb) dark chocolate chunks- but the true test is always the pastry, it needs to flake and melt in your mouth
📕 read the end notes, just do it
📕 I love how Kate wove the theme of elder wisdom throughout the book, there is so much we can learn from our elders, they are an often untapped source of inspiration and experience (I highlighted all the “Kittyisms”)
Overall
✨A love story fuelled by hopes and dreams with a touch of magic ✨
Publishes Sept 30 2025
Thank you to @netgalley @dialpress @randomhouseca for my digital ARC i return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
October 7, 2025
Delightful. I really enjoy Kate Robb’s magical realism!
Prime Time Romance was one of my favorite reads of last year - I didn’t like this one as much but still really enjoyed it! Jules is a great character to follow because she’s relatable. She’s in a tough situation and feels stuck but it isn’t depressing - it’s realistic. Jules does a great job of balancing the toughness of her life with the dreams of more.
And quite literally dreams of more - I loved reading about Kitty becoming the Kitty Jules knew but I wanted a lot more of it. Because I love the worlds Kate Robb creates, I wanted more.
Overall this is a blast and I definitely recommend reading for something light but reflective.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and Dial Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Prime Time Romance was one of my favorite reads of last year - I didn’t like this one as much but still really enjoyed it! Jules is a great character to follow because she’s relatable. She’s in a tough situation and feels stuck but it isn’t depressing - it’s realistic. Jules does a great job of balancing the toughness of her life with the dreams of more.
And quite literally dreams of more - I loved reading about Kitty becoming the Kitty Jules knew but I wanted a lot more of it. Because I love the worlds Kate Robb creates, I wanted more.
Overall this is a blast and I definitely recommend reading for something light but reflective.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and Dial Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2025
Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance is a beautiful blend of contemporary fiction and romance with a touch of magical realism.
Jules has lived in the same small town most of her life. One night, she meets a rich, handsome man—they share a single night together, and then she doesn’t hear from him for two years. Now he’s back in town as a real estate developer, just as Jules unexpectedly inherits a very expensive property.
This story really centers on Jules’ personal growth. There’s a gentle thread of magical realism woven throughout, and I was so invested in Kitty St. Clair’s story too.
I loved this book—it’s a cozy, comforting read. Both Reeves and Jules are flawed characters who grow meaningfully, yet never become unlikable.
It’s a story about second chances, healing, and the quiet magic of believing in yourself. One of those reads that leaves your heart full.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and Random House for a copy of this arc in exchange for a timely and honest review!
Jules has lived in the same small town most of her life. One night, she meets a rich, handsome man—they share a single night together, and then she doesn’t hear from him for two years. Now he’s back in town as a real estate developer, just as Jules unexpectedly inherits a very expensive property.
This story really centers on Jules’ personal growth. There’s a gentle thread of magical realism woven throughout, and I was so invested in Kitty St. Clair’s story too.
I loved this book—it’s a cozy, comforting read. Both Reeves and Jules are flawed characters who grow meaningfully, yet never become unlikable.
It’s a story about second chances, healing, and the quiet magic of believing in yourself. One of those reads that leaves your heart full.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and Random House for a copy of this arc in exchange for a timely and honest review!
October 19, 2025
“Life might not be the party we signed up for, but while we’re here, we might as well dance.”
If you add one more book to your immediate TBR let it be this one!!! Kate Robb you have done it again. I LOVED this book. Like would probably put it more so in the 6 star category.
I love a book that makes me swoon, giggle, freak out, and even cry. This book is so much more than a romance and there is so much to take with you. I wish I could go back and read this one again for the first time already 😭
If you add one more book to your immediate TBR let it be this one!!! Kate Robb you have done it again. I LOVED this book. Like would probably put it more so in the 6 star category.
I love a book that makes me swoon, giggle, freak out, and even cry. This book is so much more than a romance and there is so much to take with you. I wish I could go back and read this one again for the first time already 😭
July 5, 2025
This book really grew on me. It had a bit of a slow start so it really surprised me how fast I got through the story. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked the writing style but I kept going and got sucked into both Jules’ and Kitty’s stories.
Don’t be fooled by the cute cartoon cover, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It felt quite depressing at times but thankfully, the ending felt satisfying and worth the heartache. I enjoyed the magical realism aspect to it and happy to say it joins only a couple other MR books I’ve read that have done it well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
Don’t be fooled by the cute cartoon cover, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. It felt quite depressing at times but thankfully, the ending felt satisfying and worth the heartache. I enjoyed the magical realism aspect to it and happy to say it joins only a couple other MR books I’ve read that have done it well.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
October 6, 2025
Kate Robb's latest offering, Kitty St. Clair's Last Dance, is a tender waltz between what was and what could be—a story that asks whether we're brave enough to choose our dreams over our fears. Following her charming debut Prime Time Romance, Robb has crafted a more introspective tale that weaves magical realism into the fabric of contemporary romance with the skill of someone who understands that the most profound journeys often begin when we think we're standing still.
The story follows Jules DeMarco, a young woman working at a retirement home who unexpectedly inherits a dilapidated dance hall from recently deceased resident Kitty St. Clair. What begins as a simple bequest transforms into something far more complex when Jules discovers the building is worth enough to fund her dream of medical school—if she's willing to sell it to a developer who wants to transform it into luxury condos. The developer's representative? Reeve Baldwin, the man who shared one magical night with Jules two summers prior and then vanished without explanation.
The Magic of Parallel Lives
Where Robb truly excels is in her handling of the mystical elements that anchor the narrative. Through Kitty's diary, Jules finds herself transported into the 1970s dance hall during its heyday, experiencing young Kitty's romance with local boy Knots while she navigates her own complicated feelings for the wealthy Beau. These dream sequences aren't mere flights of fancy—they're perfectly crafted mirrors that reflect Jules's contemporary struggles with love, ambition, and the courage to choose an uncertain future over a safe present.
The author demonstrates remarkable restraint in her magical realism, never over-explaining the mechanism behind Jules's nocturnal visits to the past. Instead, she allows the dreams to unfold naturally, creating an atmosphere where the supernatural feels as comfortable as breathing. The parallel love stories—Kitty torn between security and passion in the 1970s, Jules grappling with similar choices in the present—create a compelling resonance that deepens both timelines.
Character Development That Rings True
Jules emerges as a protagonist who feels achingly real in her indecision and self-doubt. Robb avoids the trap of creating a heroine who simply needs the right man to unlock her potential. Instead, Jules's journey toward self-actualization is deeply personal, rooted in her own fears about reaching for more than life has handed her. Her relationship with Reeve serves as a catalyst rather than a solution, which makes their eventual romance feel earned rather than inevitable.
Reeve himself is refreshingly three-dimensional. Unlike many romance heroes who arrive fully formed and emotionally available, Reeve struggles with his own compromises and dreams deferred. His evolution from a man who settled for family expectations to one willing to risk everything for both love and artistic fulfillment provides genuine stakes to their relationship.
The supporting cast shines particularly bright:
Zoe, Jules's best friend, delivers sharp wit and unwavering loyalty without falling into the "sassy sidekick" trap
Young Kitty emerges as complex and sometimes frustrating, embodying the universal tension between following your heart and securing your future
Old Kitty remains an enigmatic presence whose final gift to Jules speaks to themes of second chances and chosen family
Prose That Dances on the Page
Robb's writing style has matured considerably since her debut. Her prose maintains the accessible warmth that made Prime Time Romance such a delight while incorporating a dreamlike quality that serves the story's magical elements. She has a particular gift for capturing the sensory details that make settings come alive—the lake town of West Lake feels as authentic as the vintage dance hall with its polished floors and glittering chandeliers.
The author's handling of dual timelines deserves special praise. Rather than jarring transitions, Robb creates smooth passages between present and past that feel like natural shifts in consciousness. The 1970s sequences pulse with period authenticity without falling into heavy-handed nostalgia, while the contemporary storyline addresses real economic pressures facing young adults today.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Romance
While romance provides the story's emotional core, Robb explores deeper themes about gentrification, economic inequality, and the tension between progress and preservation. Jules's dilemma about selling the dance hall isn't simply about choosing between love and money—it's about weighing personal dreams against community impact. The author doesn't offer easy answers, instead presenting the genuine complexity of these decisions.
The book also serves as a meditation on how the past informs the present. Through Kitty's story, Jules learns not just about love but about the courage to create rather than simply accept opportunities. The dance hall itself becomes a character—a repository of dreams and memories that asks whether some things are too precious to abandon to progress.
Where the Story Occasionally Stumbles
Despite its many strengths, the novel isn't without minor flaws. The resolution feels somewhat rushed, with Jules's financial obstacles solved perhaps too neatly through convenient scholarship opportunities and business arrangements. While the art gallery solution for the dance hall is thematically appropriate, it arrives with less organic development than the rest of the story.
Some readers may find themselves wanting more exploration of the supernatural elements. The diary mechanism works beautifully, but deeper understanding of why Jules specifically experiences these visions could have added another layer of meaning to her journey.
The Final Dance
Kitty St. Clair's Last Dance succeeds as both a satisfying romance and a thoughtful exploration of how we balance dreams with responsibility. Robb has crafted a story that honors both the dreamer who reaches for more and the pragmatist who weighs consequences carefully. The resolution—with Jules pursuing medical school while the dance hall becomes an art gallery—feels true to both characters' growth and the story's themes.
The novel's greatest strength lies in its understanding that the best love stories aren't about finding someone to complete you, but about finding someone who supports you in becoming who you're meant to be. Jules and Reeve's relationship develops against the backdrop of each pursuing their authentic dreams, creating a foundation that feels sustainable beyond the final page.
The story follows Jules DeMarco, a young woman working at a retirement home who unexpectedly inherits a dilapidated dance hall from recently deceased resident Kitty St. Clair. What begins as a simple bequest transforms into something far more complex when Jules discovers the building is worth enough to fund her dream of medical school—if she's willing to sell it to a developer who wants to transform it into luxury condos. The developer's representative? Reeve Baldwin, the man who shared one magical night with Jules two summers prior and then vanished without explanation.
The Magic of Parallel Lives
Where Robb truly excels is in her handling of the mystical elements that anchor the narrative. Through Kitty's diary, Jules finds herself transported into the 1970s dance hall during its heyday, experiencing young Kitty's romance with local boy Knots while she navigates her own complicated feelings for the wealthy Beau. These dream sequences aren't mere flights of fancy—they're perfectly crafted mirrors that reflect Jules's contemporary struggles with love, ambition, and the courage to choose an uncertain future over a safe present.
The author demonstrates remarkable restraint in her magical realism, never over-explaining the mechanism behind Jules's nocturnal visits to the past. Instead, she allows the dreams to unfold naturally, creating an atmosphere where the supernatural feels as comfortable as breathing. The parallel love stories—Kitty torn between security and passion in the 1970s, Jules grappling with similar choices in the present—create a compelling resonance that deepens both timelines.
Character Development That Rings True
Jules emerges as a protagonist who feels achingly real in her indecision and self-doubt. Robb avoids the trap of creating a heroine who simply needs the right man to unlock her potential. Instead, Jules's journey toward self-actualization is deeply personal, rooted in her own fears about reaching for more than life has handed her. Her relationship with Reeve serves as a catalyst rather than a solution, which makes their eventual romance feel earned rather than inevitable.
Reeve himself is refreshingly three-dimensional. Unlike many romance heroes who arrive fully formed and emotionally available, Reeve struggles with his own compromises and dreams deferred. His evolution from a man who settled for family expectations to one willing to risk everything for both love and artistic fulfillment provides genuine stakes to their relationship.
The supporting cast shines particularly bright:
Zoe, Jules's best friend, delivers sharp wit and unwavering loyalty without falling into the "sassy sidekick" trap
Young Kitty emerges as complex and sometimes frustrating, embodying the universal tension between following your heart and securing your future
Old Kitty remains an enigmatic presence whose final gift to Jules speaks to themes of second chances and chosen family
Prose That Dances on the Page
Robb's writing style has matured considerably since her debut. Her prose maintains the accessible warmth that made Prime Time Romance such a delight while incorporating a dreamlike quality that serves the story's magical elements. She has a particular gift for capturing the sensory details that make settings come alive—the lake town of West Lake feels as authentic as the vintage dance hall with its polished floors and glittering chandeliers.
The author's handling of dual timelines deserves special praise. Rather than jarring transitions, Robb creates smooth passages between present and past that feel like natural shifts in consciousness. The 1970s sequences pulse with period authenticity without falling into heavy-handed nostalgia, while the contemporary storyline addresses real economic pressures facing young adults today.
Themes That Resonate Beyond Romance
While romance provides the story's emotional core, Robb explores deeper themes about gentrification, economic inequality, and the tension between progress and preservation. Jules's dilemma about selling the dance hall isn't simply about choosing between love and money—it's about weighing personal dreams against community impact. The author doesn't offer easy answers, instead presenting the genuine complexity of these decisions.
The book also serves as a meditation on how the past informs the present. Through Kitty's story, Jules learns not just about love but about the courage to create rather than simply accept opportunities. The dance hall itself becomes a character—a repository of dreams and memories that asks whether some things are too precious to abandon to progress.
Where the Story Occasionally Stumbles
Despite its many strengths, the novel isn't without minor flaws. The resolution feels somewhat rushed, with Jules's financial obstacles solved perhaps too neatly through convenient scholarship opportunities and business arrangements. While the art gallery solution for the dance hall is thematically appropriate, it arrives with less organic development than the rest of the story.
Some readers may find themselves wanting more exploration of the supernatural elements. The diary mechanism works beautifully, but deeper understanding of why Jules specifically experiences these visions could have added another layer of meaning to her journey.
The Final Dance
Kitty St. Clair's Last Dance succeeds as both a satisfying romance and a thoughtful exploration of how we balance dreams with responsibility. Robb has crafted a story that honors both the dreamer who reaches for more and the pragmatist who weighs consequences carefully. The resolution—with Jules pursuing medical school while the dance hall becomes an art gallery—feels true to both characters' growth and the story's themes.
The novel's greatest strength lies in its understanding that the best love stories aren't about finding someone to complete you, but about finding someone who supports you in becoming who you're meant to be. Jules and Reeve's relationship develops against the backdrop of each pursuing their authentic dreams, creating a foundation that feels sustainable beyond the final page.
November 19, 2025
Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance slowly unfolded into a tale that completely captured me. It was unlike anything I have ever read before. As the past and the present wove together with magical realism, this story completely surprised me. What started out as charming, turned emotional and I couldn’t help but cry. If you’re looking for a unique book that will stick with you for a long time to come, this is it!
Jules was left a vacant building by one of her elderly patients, Kitty St. Clair. And Reeve, a man from Jules’ past who ghosted her, was a developer who was interested in purchasing the property. Jules had so many questions, and when she found Kitty’s diary, she hoped there would be answers inside. As she started to read it before bed, the strangest thing happened. She became Kitty’s best friend Dot. They’re 50 years in the past and end up at the dance hall, which was the same vacant building she was set to inherit.
Between Jules' struggles with her mother, to her best friend always having her back, to a man who wanted a second chance, to her “dreams” starting to influence her life, her plate was so full. I loved going on this adventure with her and she was such an easy voice to listen to. And I had all of my fingers crossed that Reeve wouldn’t hurt her again. He was sweet and thoughtful, and the butter tarts awwww that just melted my heart! I was hopeful for their happily ever after!
Kitty had a personality that was vivacious and loud. We watched in the past as she started to fall for Knots, he was such a beautiful soul. But then there was Beau. His family was wealthy, and she knew that her future would be bright and shiny with him. While I didn’t always agree with Kitty’s choices, I understood what she wanted in life. And as I watched her chase after it, I realized Kitty would sacrifice everything for her hopes and dreams.
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
It feels clichéd to think about it, but something inside me has changed. Maybe it’s hope.
Jules was left a vacant building by one of her elderly patients, Kitty St. Clair. And Reeve, a man from Jules’ past who ghosted her, was a developer who was interested in purchasing the property. Jules had so many questions, and when she found Kitty’s diary, she hoped there would be answers inside. As she started to read it before bed, the strangest thing happened. She became Kitty’s best friend Dot. They’re 50 years in the past and end up at the dance hall, which was the same vacant building she was set to inherit.
Despite our rocky start, I remember why I fell so hard the first time.
Between Jules' struggles with her mother, to her best friend always having her back, to a man who wanted a second chance, to her “dreams” starting to influence her life, her plate was so full. I loved going on this adventure with her and she was such an easy voice to listen to. And I had all of my fingers crossed that Reeve wouldn’t hurt her again. He was sweet and thoughtful, and the butter tarts awwww that just melted my heart! I was hopeful for their happily ever after!
Life is a lot easier when you don’t let yourself want something in the first place.
Kitty had a personality that was vivacious and loud. We watched in the past as she started to fall for Knots, he was such a beautiful soul. But then there was Beau. His family was wealthy, and she knew that her future would be bright and shiny with him. While I didn’t always agree with Kitty’s choices, I understood what she wanted in life. And as I watched her chase after it, I realized Kitty would sacrifice everything for her hopes and dreams.
“I just thought that this was somehow going to be a love story.”
A single tear runs down Kitty’s cheek. She makes no attempt to wipe it away.
Secrets, hurt, friendship, broken hearts, steamy moments, and love swirled through the pages in this magical realism tale. And towards the end of this book I became so emotional. I didn’t expect for the hurt and anger to be simmering inside me so strongly. I couldn’t help but cry. But don’t worry, I closed the book happy and with a smile on my face. But the twists to get there kept me turning the pages. I guessed one of the big ones, but the other one…oh my gosh I didn’t even see it coming. Along with a few other twists too that surprised me. This novel was so cleverly crafted. I always know I’m going to have fun reading one of Robb’s books, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
“This is all your fault,” I tell her. “I was fine. My life was fine, and then you came along and…”
Changed things?
Changed me?
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
September 28, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Random House, and Dial Press for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jules has lived her entire life in her small lakeside town of West Lake, she has big dreams of going to medical school and becoming a doctor but circumstances have preventing her of getting there. She has just found out she has been willed a property that was once a dance hall by one of the residents who passed away in the retirement home she works at.
At the funeral she runs into Reeve, a guy who she hooked up with 2 years ago and never heard from again, and who is in town to buy up the dance hall property to turn into luxury condos. Jules sees a way of making her dream come true but the expense is a huge cost to the affordability of her town and for the residents already living there.
As Jules and Reeve get closer and start to really develop feelings, they learn the hard way that mixing business and pleasure complicates everything.
Once again this author has written a wonderful novel. This one focused a lot on small town living and the hard choice of staying in the familiar, loving the life mapped out for you, or getting out, searching for something more than where you came from, and going to the big city to fulfill dreams. The magical element of this novel really added the experience and I had a good time. The romance was very well written, I really felt the chemistry between the characters, and was rooting for them the whole time.
Jules has lived her entire life in her small lakeside town of West Lake, she has big dreams of going to medical school and becoming a doctor but circumstances have preventing her of getting there. She has just found out she has been willed a property that was once a dance hall by one of the residents who passed away in the retirement home she works at.
At the funeral she runs into Reeve, a guy who she hooked up with 2 years ago and never heard from again, and who is in town to buy up the dance hall property to turn into luxury condos. Jules sees a way of making her dream come true but the expense is a huge cost to the affordability of her town and for the residents already living there.
As Jules and Reeve get closer and start to really develop feelings, they learn the hard way that mixing business and pleasure complicates everything.
Once again this author has written a wonderful novel. This one focused a lot on small town living and the hard choice of staying in the familiar, loving the life mapped out for you, or getting out, searching for something more than where you came from, and going to the big city to fulfill dreams. The magical element of this novel really added the experience and I had a good time. The romance was very well written, I really felt the chemistry between the characters, and was rooting for them the whole time.
September 4, 2025
4 ⭐️
Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance was a fun, lighthearted read full of charm and taking chances.
It’s in the heroine, Jules, POV only and there are some great tropes like he falls first, found family, small town x big city, and a second chance romance.
The overall premise was enjoyable. The dual timelines with a bit of magical realism was amazing. While the pacing was a bit slow, the heroine’s journey and secondary characters were written perfectly.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was the dance hall and journal. The history and moments shown were heartbreaking but beautiful. It blended self-discovery, love, and responsibility vs chances beautifully.
The romance between the main characters was really sweet. The miscommunication was resolved quickly and I enjoyed their romantic development. Their relationship felt realistic and I just loved the emotional honesty between them. There was a bit of open-door spice but very minimal.
I will say though, there were certain subplots that I wished had been more expanded on. The conflict and resolution at the end felt a bit rushed as well.
Overall, just a delightful and cozy read.
**ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.**
Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance was a fun, lighthearted read full of charm and taking chances.
It’s in the heroine, Jules, POV only and there are some great tropes like he falls first, found family, small town x big city, and a second chance romance.
The overall premise was enjoyable. The dual timelines with a bit of magical realism was amazing. While the pacing was a bit slow, the heroine’s journey and secondary characters were written perfectly.
One of my favorite aspects of this story was the dance hall and journal. The history and moments shown were heartbreaking but beautiful. It blended self-discovery, love, and responsibility vs chances beautifully.
The romance between the main characters was really sweet. The miscommunication was resolved quickly and I enjoyed their romantic development. Their relationship felt realistic and I just loved the emotional honesty between them. There was a bit of open-door spice but very minimal.
I will say though, there were certain subplots that I wished had been more expanded on. The conflict and resolution at the end felt a bit rushed as well.
Overall, just a delightful and cozy read.
**ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.**
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