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The Last Page: The sexy new enemies-to-lovers rom com from the author of Not In My Book
Win a free print copy of this book!
15 days and 20:20:50
5 copies available
U.S. only
A bookseller with a dream of running her beloved bookstore vs. the owner’s out-of-touch grandson who inherits everything. Game on.
Book Lovers meets You've Got Mail in this sweet, sexy romcom from the author of Not in My Book
Ella lives for The Last Page, the beloved New York bookshop where she’s spent most of her adult life. A bookseller of many years, Ella dreams of inheriting the store someday and just can’t see herself doing anything else.
But when the store’s owner, Ben, dies unexpectedly and leaves the shop to his clueless grandson Henry, Ella’s dreams – not to mention her financial future – are in serious jeopardy. When Ella and Henry learn that the store is on the brink of collapse, they must overcome their differences and work together to save The Last Page – and maybe even find their own Happily Ever After.
You can expect...
opposites attractforced proximitycozy workplace romanceNYC vibesbookish settingrivals-to-friends-to lovers!
Praise for Katie Holt
'The ultimate sexy, slow burn romance' --Hannah Grace, Sunday Times bestselling author of Icebreaker
'An absolutely sparkling debut! Not in My Book is an absorbing, hilarious love letter to romance fans everywhere' --Christina Lauren, internationally bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners
'Romcom perfection' -- Lana Ferguson, bestselling author of The Nanny
'Blushing, swooning, and kicking my feet. An incredible meta-layered romance about writing romance, and all the feelings that emerge in between' -- Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights
Book Lovers meets You've Got Mail in this sweet, sexy romcom from the author of Not in My Book
Ella lives for The Last Page, the beloved New York bookshop where she’s spent most of her adult life. A bookseller of many years, Ella dreams of inheriting the store someday and just can’t see herself doing anything else.
But when the store’s owner, Ben, dies unexpectedly and leaves the shop to his clueless grandson Henry, Ella’s dreams – not to mention her financial future – are in serious jeopardy. When Ella and Henry learn that the store is on the brink of collapse, they must overcome their differences and work together to save The Last Page – and maybe even find their own Happily Ever After.
You can expect...
opposites attractforced proximitycozy workplace romanceNYC vibesbookish settingrivals-to-friends-to lovers!
Praise for Katie Holt
'The ultimate sexy, slow burn romance' --Hannah Grace, Sunday Times bestselling author of Icebreaker
'An absolutely sparkling debut! Not in My Book is an absorbing, hilarious love letter to romance fans everywhere' --Christina Lauren, internationally bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners
'Romcom perfection' -- Lana Ferguson, bestselling author of The Nanny
'Blushing, swooning, and kicking my feet. An incredible meta-layered romance about writing romance, and all the feelings that emerge in between' -- Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2026
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April 18, 2026
2.75 ⭐ (I changed my mind because the more I think about it, the more frustrated I get.)
જ⁀➴ Ella grew up at a local bookstore in New York City called The Last Page, and now works there. The owner, Leo, was more than a friend to her–he was like a second father and grandfather, and trained her to one day take over the store. She’s thrilled about the idea, but when Leo unexpectedly dies and leaves everything to his estranged grandson, Ella is not only heartbroken, but is also angry that the grandson knows nothing about running a bookstore yet is in charge of her second home.
It’s been years since Henry has been in New York, and he wants nothing more than to go back to Tennessee, where his mom and best friend are, so he plans on making sure the bookstore his late grandfather left him is in order so he can return home. But he didn’t expect to be attracted to a beautiful, funny bookseller who sees him as her enemy, which shouldn’t matter since he’s going back home anyway. However, when Henry finds out that The Last Page is in financial trouble, he and Ella decide to work together to save the store, all the while trying to ignore the sparking chemistry between them.
┗━•❃°•°❀°•°❃•━┛
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: More than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen
0:45 ───ㅇ───── 3:36
જ⁀➴ TL;DR: I didn’t hate the book–the characters just sucked. It wasn’t for me.
જ⁀➴ Welcome to another episode of “Not even a hot, nerdy Tennessee man with glasses, a Southern drawl, and a love for his hometown could make me love this book!” I’m your host, Negative Nancy!
My first complaint is the booksellers at The Last Page. They were so annoying and immature, especially when Henry came and tried to make some changes to help the store. Like, I'm sorry, I thought adults worked here–not third graders throwing a tantrum because the teacher decided to make the lesson a little longer than usual FOR YOUR BENEFIT. I was shocked and so freaking annoyed by their behavior, like I would have quit and never stepped foot in New York again because, wow, they sucked. Spoiled children are what they are.
And the things they said! If I were a customer at the bookstore and heard all the things coming out of their mouths, I'd shake my head and chuckle in disbelief, thinking how glad I am that I don't work there because, my God, boundaries and discretion are words that are nonexistent in their vocabulary. Look, I get it. They're “family,” and in a family you can say whatever you want and still be loved, right? Well, I must've had a completely different family dynamic because I would never–and I repeat never–just say the first thing that popped into my head, no matter how true or funny it is (well, it totally depends on the person 😏). I don't want to embarrass myself or the person being talked about, especially if they are present. That's why there's such a thing called etiquette and workplace behavior, because not everything needs to be shared and discussed unless that person would care to share, privately. I don't know. They just rubbed me the wrong way, and they were the reason I hated the first half of the book. They did get better in the second half, but by then it was too late to change my feelings about them.
My next complaint is Ella. Now, I didn't dislike her. She grew on me, except for her biased opinion that New York could be better than a Southern small town because, honey, everyone is different, and it's okay for people to not love what you love. It's called having preferences. Ever heard of it? Not only that, but she also annoyed me in the first half of the book when she was being rude to Henry since he inherited the shop and not her, like Leo said she would. If anything, get mad at Leo, not Henry, for the situation. But no! We need conflict, and the only way we can have the two characters clashing is if they fight over something that could easily be resolved with communication, something mature adults do. Ugh, I am so sick of it. 🤦♀
I don’t know what it is with contemporary romances these days, but the FMCs' “quirky” personalities get on my nerves. Like, you’re not cute, you’re not funny, and no, I cannot relate to you and your bitchiness. Who acts like that to strangers? I try to be a girl’s girl, I really do, but I always find myself rooting for the MMCs the majority of the time because they seem…normal. I think my problem is that our personalities just clash, which is why I get so fed up with them. Maybe I need a break from romances because I am feeling burnt out. 😅😔
Anyway, it’s not like I liked Henry more than I did Ella. I mean, he wasn’t annoying like everyone else in this book, but I didn’t care for him, if that makes sense. He was a meh character, but better than the rest, that's for sure. The only people I actually liked were Ella’s siblings and parents. They made me laugh and smile because they reminded me of my family. But other than that, everyone pretty much sucked the majority of the time.
However, I really did like the second half of the book, when Ella and Henry swallowed their pride and started working together. Did their romance make me swoon? No, but I really liked their friendship, and I love it when romances start as friendships before they develop into something more. And there was no third-act breakup!! Praise the Lord, lol! 😂 That right there gets a star. If there had been a breakup, this would have been an automatic two stars, no questions asked. 😆
I know I complained a lot about this book, but I’ve read worse, so this wasn’t too bad. It was mainly the characters that bothered me, but the plot was okay, and the writing was good, so there are still positives that I can name. And the cover is sooo cute! 😍
Overall, this was pretty much a disappointing read for me. I still recommend it, though, because I’m just not in the mood to be gracious and understanding toward things that get on my nerves, which greatly affected my rating and review. I sincerely hope you love it, if you choose to read it. 💜
୨୧ Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ୨୧
❗Content Warnings❗
Death of friend/loved one & parent (off page)
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶🌶/5)
જ⁀➴ Ella grew up at a local bookstore in New York City called The Last Page, and now works there. The owner, Leo, was more than a friend to her–he was like a second father and grandfather, and trained her to one day take over the store. She’s thrilled about the idea, but when Leo unexpectedly dies and leaves everything to his estranged grandson, Ella is not only heartbroken, but is also angry that the grandson knows nothing about running a bookstore yet is in charge of her second home.
It’s been years since Henry has been in New York, and he wants nothing more than to go back to Tennessee, where his mom and best friend are, so he plans on making sure the bookstore his late grandfather left him is in order so he can return home. But he didn’t expect to be attracted to a beautiful, funny bookseller who sees him as her enemy, which shouldn’t matter since he’s going back home anyway. However, when Henry finds out that The Last Page is in financial trouble, he and Ella decide to work together to save the store, all the while trying to ignore the sparking chemistry between them.
┗━•❃°•°❀°•°❃•━┛
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: More than My Hometown by Morgan Wallen
0:45 ───ㅇ───── 3:36
જ⁀➴ TL;DR: I didn’t hate the book–the characters just sucked. It wasn’t for me.
જ⁀➴ Welcome to another episode of “Not even a hot, nerdy Tennessee man with glasses, a Southern drawl, and a love for his hometown could make me love this book!” I’m your host, Negative Nancy!
My first complaint is the booksellers at The Last Page. They were so annoying and immature, especially when Henry came and tried to make some changes to help the store. Like, I'm sorry, I thought adults worked here–not third graders throwing a tantrum because the teacher decided to make the lesson a little longer than usual FOR YOUR BENEFIT. I was shocked and so freaking annoyed by their behavior, like I would have quit and never stepped foot in New York again because, wow, they sucked. Spoiled children are what they are.
And the things they said! If I were a customer at the bookstore and heard all the things coming out of their mouths, I'd shake my head and chuckle in disbelief, thinking how glad I am that I don't work there because, my God, boundaries and discretion are words that are nonexistent in their vocabulary. Look, I get it. They're “family,” and in a family you can say whatever you want and still be loved, right? Well, I must've had a completely different family dynamic because I would never–and I repeat never–just say the first thing that popped into my head, no matter how true or funny it is (well, it totally depends on the person 😏). I don't want to embarrass myself or the person being talked about, especially if they are present. That's why there's such a thing called etiquette and workplace behavior, because not everything needs to be shared and discussed unless that person would care to share, privately. I don't know. They just rubbed me the wrong way, and they were the reason I hated the first half of the book. They did get better in the second half, but by then it was too late to change my feelings about them.
My next complaint is Ella. Now, I didn't dislike her. She grew on me, except for her biased opinion that New York could be better than a Southern small town because, honey, everyone is different, and it's okay for people to not love what you love. It's called having preferences. Ever heard of it? Not only that, but she also annoyed me in the first half of the book when she was being rude to Henry since he inherited the shop and not her, like Leo said she would. If anything, get mad at Leo, not Henry, for the situation. But no! We need conflict, and the only way we can have the two characters clashing is if they fight over something that could easily be resolved with communication, something mature adults do. Ugh, I am so sick of it. 🤦♀
I don’t know what it is with contemporary romances these days, but the FMCs' “quirky” personalities get on my nerves. Like, you’re not cute, you’re not funny, and no, I cannot relate to you and your bitchiness. Who acts like that to strangers? I try to be a girl’s girl, I really do, but I always find myself rooting for the MMCs the majority of the time because they seem…normal. I think my problem is that our personalities just clash, which is why I get so fed up with them. Maybe I need a break from romances because I am feeling burnt out. 😅😔
Anyway, it’s not like I liked Henry more than I did Ella. I mean, he wasn’t annoying like everyone else in this book, but I didn’t care for him, if that makes sense. He was a meh character, but better than the rest, that's for sure. The only people I actually liked were Ella’s siblings and parents. They made me laugh and smile because they reminded me of my family. But other than that, everyone pretty much sucked the majority of the time.
However, I really did like the second half of the book, when Ella and Henry swallowed their pride and started working together. Did their romance make me swoon? No, but I really liked their friendship, and I love it when romances start as friendships before they develop into something more. And there was no third-act breakup!! Praise the Lord, lol! 😂 That right there gets a star. If there had been a breakup, this would have been an automatic two stars, no questions asked. 😆
I know I complained a lot about this book, but I’ve read worse, so this wasn’t too bad. It was mainly the characters that bothered me, but the plot was okay, and the writing was good, so there are still positives that I can name. And the cover is sooo cute! 😍
Overall, this was pretty much a disappointing read for me. I still recommend it, though, because I’m just not in the mood to be gracious and understanding toward things that get on my nerves, which greatly affected my rating and review. I sincerely hope you love it, if you choose to read it. 💜
୨୧ Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. ୨୧
❗Content Warnings❗
Death of friend/loved one & parent (off page)
Swearing: Yes
Spice: Yes (🌶🌶🌶🌶/5)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 2.5/5
I had some mixed opinions. I did like the concept of the book, but the main female character was a work of art.
I'm sorry, but Ella was getting on my last nerve. For a woman who's supposed to be in her twenties (I think 27? don't quote me on it), she's kind of immature. She almost threw a tantrum at everything that Henry did. I get that she's upset about things not going her way, but I was expecting her to be more mature about it. It's obvious she has a lot of unresolved feelings towards the whole situation and her grandfather-granddaughter type relationship with Leo, but she's putting all that aggression on the wrong person, Henry.
I'm not saying Henry didn't have his flaws, but she would consistently make him out to be the villain when he was trying to do his job as the owner of the store. She would undermine him at every step and I get that she has a very personal connection to the store and its history, but she was really starting to get to the stage of being over the top.
The scene where he asked one of the booksellers, Joey, to take out the trash and she was like "no, we have a system, it's not his turn". I mean, it wouldn't have hurt him if he did it after being asked by the owner, right?
That brings me to the point of the booksellers. I think they enabled a lot of the entitled behavior that Ella was showing. I'm glad they thought to be loyal to her, but their first loyalty should be to the person that pays them as well as the actual bookstore.
Other than that, the writing was really good. It definitely made Ella's entitled behavior so much better to get through. Well, initially, because I did like to see her character grow as the book went on. I just wish it didn't take that much time.
Overall, yeah, I did enjoy it, but I think had Ella acted more maturely from the start, I could have enjoyed it so much more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc!!
--------------
2.5(?) rtc.
--------------
pre-read: so I just got the arc for this, but I totally requested way to many arcs.
I had some mixed opinions. I did like the concept of the book, but the main female character was a work of art.
I'm sorry, but Ella was getting on my last nerve. For a woman who's supposed to be in her twenties (I think 27? don't quote me on it), she's kind of immature. She almost threw a tantrum at everything that Henry did. I get that she's upset about things not going her way, but I was expecting her to be more mature about it. It's obvious she has a lot of unresolved feelings towards the whole situation and her grandfather-granddaughter type relationship with Leo, but she's putting all that aggression on the wrong person, Henry.
I'm not saying Henry didn't have his flaws, but she would consistently make him out to be the villain when he was trying to do his job as the owner of the store. She would undermine him at every step and I get that she has a very personal connection to the store and its history, but she was really starting to get to the stage of being over the top.
The scene where he asked one of the booksellers, Joey, to take out the trash and she was like "no, we have a system, it's not his turn". I mean, it wouldn't have hurt him if he did it after being asked by the owner, right?
That brings me to the point of the booksellers. I think they enabled a lot of the entitled behavior that Ella was showing. I'm glad they thought to be loyal to her, but their first loyalty should be to the person that pays them as well as the actual bookstore.
Other than that, the writing was really good. It definitely made Ella's entitled behavior so much better to get through. Well, initially, because I did like to see her character grow as the book went on. I just wish it didn't take that much time.
Overall, yeah, I did enjoy it, but I think had Ella acted more maturely from the start, I could have enjoyed it so much more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc!!
--------------
2.5(?) rtc.
--------------
pre-read: so I just got the arc for this, but I totally requested way to many arcs.
May 13, 2026
🎉Happy Release Day!🎉
Who doesn’t love a shy, hot nerd with nerdy glasses? And if said nerd is also kind, caring, and overall adorable?
I guess the fact that he played football in college and therefore has the body of a football player is just a bonus. 😏
So.
Ella has been working at The Last Page bookstore since her teenage years. She was very close with the owner, who had been preparing her to run it one day and promised to leave it to her in his will. But he didn’t. He left it to his grandson, Henry.
There was a conflict of interest between Ella and Henry initially, but they approached it in an impressively mature manner and quickly became friends.
There’s something special about characters who choose vulnerability over miscommunication, and this book has that kind of magic. Both Ella and Henry were so wonderful that I feel all fuzzy inside when I think about them. And did I mention that there’s no third-act breakup? 😍
The fact that it all happens in a bookstore, and Ella and Henry are surrounded by books in almost every scene, adds to the charm of this story and makes it even more comforting and cozy.
I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Who doesn’t love a shy, hot nerd with nerdy glasses? And if said nerd is also kind, caring, and overall adorable?
I guess the fact that he played football in college and therefore has the body of a football player is just a bonus. 😏
So.
Ella has been working at The Last Page bookstore since her teenage years. She was very close with the owner, who had been preparing her to run it one day and promised to leave it to her in his will. But he didn’t. He left it to his grandson, Henry.
There was a conflict of interest between Ella and Henry initially, but they approached it in an impressively mature manner and quickly became friends.
There’s something special about characters who choose vulnerability over miscommunication, and this book has that kind of magic. Both Ella and Henry were so wonderful that I feel all fuzzy inside when I think about them. And did I mention that there’s no third-act breakup? 😍
The fact that it all happens in a bookstore, and Ella and Henry are surrounded by books in almost every scene, adds to the charm of this story and makes it even more comforting and cozy.
I can’t wait for everyone to read this book!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss for the arc, all opinions are my own.
May 13, 2026
The Last Page is a love letter to book worms and romance readers alike. The luscious story unfolds into a slow burn romance for those who crave yearning, connection, and a building tension that results in the most lovely pairing between Ella and Henry, two people who find themselves on the same side of grief and change. The bookstore setting was the perfect setup for the two to come together and offered so much charm and warmth to the story. It also fostered so much found family, and it was lovely to see all the characters come together and save the shop. Not to mention how refreshing it was to have two emotionally mature MCs. Ella and Henry were such good communicators, and it was so rewarding to watch them navigate everything together while being vulnerable and open. Their connection was palpable, and I just loved how they came into their relationship with so much passion and care for the bookstore and then each other. Filled with heartfelt charm and tender emotion, every page of this romance had me falling more and more in love.
~All the thanks to Alcove Press for an ARC in return for an honest review.
~All the thanks to Alcove Press for an ARC in return for an honest review.
May 13, 2026
3.25 ★— Bookstore romance! I wanted to love this more than I actually did, though I think the audiobook format worked in this story’s favor for me.
After the death of the bookstore owner Ella has worked for for years, she is flabbergasted when his grandson Henry is revealed as the one inheriting and taking over the store, a role she had hoped would go to her.
Interspersed with popular book references, the story maps out the process of Ella and Henry slowly getting over their initial distrust of each other. Most of the hostility between them stems from Ella, which honestly put me off and didn’t seem justified at all, considering Henry had literally just lost his grandfather.
Ella makes him out to be an enemy figure in her head and, though the book does go to great lengths to explain her complex emotions and the expectations she had about maybe running the store herself, and how rooted this all was in her love for the former owner... it just felt off to me, and this feeling wasn’t really eased by the romantic development between these two.
Also, while I thought the pacing was fine in the beginning, as the book does not rush their romance, I personally didn’t get any chemistry between these two when they did finally get closer. Their interactions in no way convinced me they would work in a proper relationship and sometimes it felt like the MMC’s only personality trait was that he was a former football player who wanted to take care of his mom.
Beyond them finding each other hot, there wasn’t really anything about their relationship that convinced me of their love?
So… I think this works as a mindless listen, but anyone wanting a romance that makes them giddy might want to look somewhere else.
🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
⭐ Listener Rating: 4/5
I thought the narrator used for Henry seemed a little too mature for the character he was portraying, which took a bit to get used to. This was ultimately still easy to listen to, and I thought both narrators were generally solid, but the disparity with the male narrator was quite noticeable.
__________
Thank you to Alcove Press for the ARC and to RBmedia for the ALC.
After the death of the bookstore owner Ella has worked for for years, she is flabbergasted when his grandson Henry is revealed as the one inheriting and taking over the store, a role she had hoped would go to her.
Interspersed with popular book references, the story maps out the process of Ella and Henry slowly getting over their initial distrust of each other. Most of the hostility between them stems from Ella, which honestly put me off and didn’t seem justified at all, considering Henry had literally just lost his grandfather.
Ella makes him out to be an enemy figure in her head and, though the book does go to great lengths to explain her complex emotions and the expectations she had about maybe running the store herself, and how rooted this all was in her love for the former owner... it just felt off to me, and this feeling wasn’t really eased by the romantic development between these two.
Also, while I thought the pacing was fine in the beginning, as the book does not rush their romance, I personally didn’t get any chemistry between these two when they did finally get closer. Their interactions in no way convinced me they would work in a proper relationship and sometimes it felt like the MMC’s only personality trait was that he was a former football player who wanted to take care of his mom.
Beyond them finding each other hot, there wasn’t really anything about their relationship that convinced me of their love?
So… I think this works as a mindless listen, but anyone wanting a romance that makes them giddy might want to look somewhere else.
🎧 Audiobook Notes
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
⭐ Listener Rating: 4/5
I thought the narrator used for Henry seemed a little too mature for the character he was portraying, which took a bit to get used to. This was ultimately still easy to listen to, and I thought both narrators were generally solid, but the disparity with the male narrator was quite noticeable.
__________
Thank you to Alcove Press for the ARC and to RBmedia for the ALC.
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May 9, 2026
A romance set in a bookstore?
What a perfect setting.
Sadly, the setting couldn’t really hold off my lack of love for the characters.
But let’s begin with the good things.
First of all there are two POV - and two audio narrators, which does make listening to it quite enjoyable.
(I don’t really like when they try to make female/male voices and it just sounds off.)
But while the POVs were rather nice, I didn’t like how the audiobook read out emails to me.
I know, it’s in the book, but it was really annoying listening to the email address, date and time in repeat.
Next, I liked how he was a nerdy ex football player, polite but also firm. He was so nice and such a cutie sometimes.
Carmilla was awful to him in the beginning.
I know she was grieving, but he was too?
Then, I don’t know if it’s me personally, but I didn’t really like the spicy scenes in this book.
Not only did they feel weird, the way he says honey reminds me of an old man calling his niece.
All in all, it was a nice read, just not the best.
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ✨
What a perfect setting.
Sadly, the setting couldn’t really hold off my lack of love for the characters.
But let’s begin with the good things.
First of all there are two POV - and two audio narrators, which does make listening to it quite enjoyable.
(I don’t really like when they try to make female/male voices and it just sounds off.)
But while the POVs were rather nice, I didn’t like how the audiobook read out emails to me.
I know, it’s in the book, but it was really annoying listening to the email address, date and time in repeat.
Next, I liked how he was a nerdy ex football player, polite but also firm. He was so nice and such a cutie sometimes.
Carmilla was awful to him in the beginning.
I know she was grieving, but he was too?
Then, I don’t know if it’s me personally, but I didn’t really like the spicy scenes in this book.
Not only did they feel weird, the way he says honey reminds me of an old man calling his niece.
All in all, it was a nice read, just not the best.
Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ✨
Want to Read
December 31, 2025₊⊹⁀➴ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
YAYYY I JUST GOT THE ARCCCC thank u mikaela!!!! <3
im so so excited for this!!!! katie's debut was amazing and i know this will be so good as well <333
release date: march 10, 2026
YAYYY I JUST GOT THE ARCCCC thank u mikaela!!!! <3
im so so excited for this!!!! katie's debut was amazing and i know this will be so good as well <333
release date: march 10, 2026
May 18, 2026
I’ve had to be there for so many people and books have always been there for me. No matter the day I’m having, I know can crack one open and feel like I can finally breathe again.
Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for sending me an ARC of The Last Page in exchange for an honest review.
The Goodreads description of this book perfectly sets up everything you need to know about the story, so I’ll jump directly to my thoughts.
The Last Page is a charming story. Ella is genuinely combative towards Henry at first, but softens as she learns his deep regret about how things ended with his grandfather. Their relationship develops believably, without any kind of forced third act breakup. There’s a lot of humor, especially involving several of the supporting character book sellers. I enjoyed using the staff pick book recommendations as openers to each chapter. I listened to the audiobook, and thought both of the narrators did a nice job.
The Last Page is a solid story, full of love for books, indie bookstores, and New York City. The store reminded me of The Book Loft in Columbus, Ohio, and that it’s been too long since I visited. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Recommended.
May 10, 2026
The Last Page truly felt like a book written about book lovers for book lovers, and i absolutely loved that atmosphere surrounding it. between the bookstore setting, the cozy found-family dynamic, and the New York backdrop, the whole story carried that comforting, deeply bookish charm.
the romance follows an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, beginning with Ella mistrusting Henry and resisting everything he represents, before the two of them are forced to work together and slowly navigate the shifting nature of their relationship. but what i appreciated the most was that their connection didn’t begin with the romance itself, there was already history tying them together long before the story started.
Ella’s relationship with The Last Page and its former owner added so much emotional depth to the narrative, especially considering Henry is his grandson. i really loved that contrast: Henry barely knowing his grandfather over the years, while Ella had been one of the closest people to him. it gave them this quiet, shared point of connection that ignited all the tension.
i also enjoyed the way the story balanced the romance with the emotional weight both characters carried. Ella navigating her family dramas and struggles, Henry dealing with his own concerns about his mother, it all blended naturally into the narrative without overwhelming the lighter moments. and i especially loved the employees and found-family atmosphere surrounding the bookstore. it made everything feel warm and alive.
overall, it was such an enjoyable read: cozy, emotional, and filled with that unmistakable love for books and the people who cherish them.
many thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
the romance follows an enemies-to-lovers dynamic, beginning with Ella mistrusting Henry and resisting everything he represents, before the two of them are forced to work together and slowly navigate the shifting nature of their relationship. but what i appreciated the most was that their connection didn’t begin with the romance itself, there was already history tying them together long before the story started.
Ella’s relationship with The Last Page and its former owner added so much emotional depth to the narrative, especially considering Henry is his grandson. i really loved that contrast: Henry barely knowing his grandfather over the years, while Ella had been one of the closest people to him. it gave them this quiet, shared point of connection that ignited all the tension.
i also enjoyed the way the story balanced the romance with the emotional weight both characters carried. Ella navigating her family dramas and struggles, Henry dealing with his own concerns about his mother, it all blended naturally into the narrative without overwhelming the lighter moments. and i especially loved the employees and found-family atmosphere surrounding the bookstore. it made everything feel warm and alive.
overall, it was such an enjoyable read: cozy, emotional, and filled with that unmistakable love for books and the people who cherish them.
many thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Want to Read
December 8, 2025guess who got the arc!
May 26, 2026
If you love bookstores and New York, this is the perfect cute and cozy romance for you 📚💕
I really enjoyed this! The plot was predictable in a good way, I love that I got just what I expected from this story. The romance was really sweet and I really liked both main characters.
Extra points to this book for not making Ella and Henry unreasonable even if they’re sort of rivals at first. Another aspect I enjoyed was the representation of Peruvian culture since Ella's parents are from Peru.
One thing that I didn’t connect with was the librarians that worked on the bookstore. I got that they were meant to be this bunch of endearingly quirky characters, but personally I felt they were unreasonable and childish 😅
Other than that I had a great time listening to the audio version of this book!
The narrators were both really good, although the male narrator sounded a lot older than Henry was supposed to be, I had to intentionally not think about it when I listened to his chapters 😅
The female narrator was perfect for her character and I loved the range of voices she was able to make, it truly felt like I was listening to different characters talking.
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it!
Thanks to Recorded Books via NetGalley for providing an ALC
I really enjoyed this! The plot was predictable in a good way, I love that I got just what I expected from this story. The romance was really sweet and I really liked both main characters.
Extra points to this book for not making Ella and Henry unreasonable even if they’re sort of rivals at first. Another aspect I enjoyed was the representation of Peruvian culture since Ella's parents are from Peru.
One thing that I didn’t connect with was the librarians that worked on the bookstore. I got that they were meant to be this bunch of endearingly quirky characters, but personally I felt they were unreasonable and childish 😅
Other than that I had a great time listening to the audio version of this book!
The narrators were both really good, although the male narrator sounded a lot older than Henry was supposed to be, I had to intentionally not think about it when I listened to his chapters 😅
The female narrator was perfect for her character and I loved the range of voices she was able to make, it truly felt like I was listening to different characters talking.
This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it!
Thanks to Recorded Books via NetGalley for providing an ALC
May 19, 2026
This was definitely a cute story! I feel like it would have been a 5-star rating had there been higher stakes. It was a bit cozy, but again - still really really good.
The characters were hella fun. The book sellers were definitely a wide variety and I loved that about this story.
I feel like the story between the MMC and Leo was a bit drawn out for what it actually was. Still good, but a bit drawn out.
Overall, really liked this book. Found myself laughing out loud a few times.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
The characters were hella fun. The book sellers were definitely a wide variety and I loved that about this story.
I feel like the story between the MMC and Leo was a bit drawn out for what it actually was. Still good, but a bit drawn out.
Overall, really liked this book. Found myself laughing out loud a few times.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
May 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
Huge thanks to RB Media via NetGalley for the complimentary ALC and the publisher for the physical ARC—this ended up being an immersion read for me which helped me but not in the typical way.
I overall enjoyed this one, but if I’m being honest, a lot of that came from pure nostalgia. This book completely transported me back to wandering through NYC—ducking into those tucked-away Manhattan bookstores, spending hours browsing, and soaking in all the quirky charm and unforgettable characters that make those spaces feel so magical. That vibe? Absolutely nailed.
That said… this was a bit of a slow start for me. I really struggled with the FMC at first. Her immediate reactions and behavior toward the MMC were frustrating, even though her internal monologue knew better. I get that conflict has to exist, but it definitely tested my patience early on.
Thankfully, things turned around once the two main characters started working together. Their dynamic improved so much, and I genuinely enjoyed their banter and growing connection. The romance includes some spice, but it felt purposeful—supporting the story and their relationship rather than overpowering it, which I appreciated.
I paired the physical copy with the audiobook, and while I love an immersion read, this one didn’t quite elevate the experience. The narration (Elena Rey and Dan John Miller) just didn’t fully land for me. This screams duet narration, and it’s such a missed opportunity that it wasn’t done that way. Rey handled the FMC well, but the secondary voices—especially male ones—were TOUGH to get through at times. I was definitely grateful to have the physical book to lean on, because I’m not sure I would’ve stuck it out on audio alone.
All that said, this still landed as a comfort read for me, flaws and all, and I’d absolutely pick up this author again.
Huge thanks to RB Media via NetGalley for the complimentary ALC and the publisher for the physical ARC—this ended up being an immersion read for me which helped me but not in the typical way.
I overall enjoyed this one, but if I’m being honest, a lot of that came from pure nostalgia. This book completely transported me back to wandering through NYC—ducking into those tucked-away Manhattan bookstores, spending hours browsing, and soaking in all the quirky charm and unforgettable characters that make those spaces feel so magical. That vibe? Absolutely nailed.
That said… this was a bit of a slow start for me. I really struggled with the FMC at first. Her immediate reactions and behavior toward the MMC were frustrating, even though her internal monologue knew better. I get that conflict has to exist, but it definitely tested my patience early on.
Thankfully, things turned around once the two main characters started working together. Their dynamic improved so much, and I genuinely enjoyed their banter and growing connection. The romance includes some spice, but it felt purposeful—supporting the story and their relationship rather than overpowering it, which I appreciated.
I paired the physical copy with the audiobook, and while I love an immersion read, this one didn’t quite elevate the experience. The narration (Elena Rey and Dan John Miller) just didn’t fully land for me. This screams duet narration, and it’s such a missed opportunity that it wasn’t done that way. Rey handled the FMC well, but the secondary voices—especially male ones—were TOUGH to get through at times. I was definitely grateful to have the physical book to lean on, because I’m not sure I would’ve stuck it out on audio alone.
All that said, this still landed as a comfort read for me, flaws and all, and I’d absolutely pick up this author again.
May 16, 2026
The Last Page has officially made Katie Holt one of my must read authors! This was just as fantastic as her debut, Not in My Book, and we even got a small cameo from Rosie and Aiden. The Last Page felt like a warm hug--I was smiling the entire time I read it and anytime I put it down, I was eager to pick it back up. Henry was just as swoon worthy as Aiden, and his southern charm made him one of my favorite MMCs in a looooong time. I loved that we got to see his protectiveness of Ella, and how he took care of her. Those who love strong, independent, stubborn FMCs who take care of everything alone until they meet the guy who wants to take care of her for a change will absolutely die for Ella and Henry. Their love was subtle and felt genuine, and I really enjoyed how we got to see their relationship progress from strangers, to friends, to lovers. Outside of Ella and Henry, I also loved the eclectic cast of side characters. They added just the perfect amount of realness to the story, and kept it feeling fresh and fun.
All in all, The Last Page was a fun, light hearted romance that I think all will enjoy. I recommend for those looking for a quick palate cleanser, or for a feel good love story that will leave you smiling. Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own. The Last Page is out now!
All in all, The Last Page was a fun, light hearted romance that I think all will enjoy. I recommend for those looking for a quick palate cleanser, or for a feel good love story that will leave you smiling. Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own. The Last Page is out now!
May 25, 2026
4,5 ⭐️ I had such a fun time reading this book!! Loved it.
December 18, 2025
katie holt, i absolutely love your books! not in my book was easily a five-star read for me this year so i had high hopes when i started the last page. when compared to her debut, however, this one did fall flat for me. given my four stars rating, i did still enjoy it but this would not be my favorite book by her.
the last page is an ode to bookstores and booksellers in new york city. there is such a strong emphasis on found family, with the entire plot centered on saving the bookstore after discovering it’s in debt and on the verge of closing. i was so drawn to the storyline and interactions between the main characters and side characters, that i didn’t mind when the romance took a backseat or the chemistry was not front and center. while the tension and banter was lacking, the spicy scenes were somehow incredible… as always katie absolutely knows how to write them.
thank you to netgalley and alcove press for the e-arc in exchange for a honest review.
the last page is an ode to bookstores and booksellers in new york city. there is such a strong emphasis on found family, with the entire plot centered on saving the bookstore after discovering it’s in debt and on the verge of closing. i was so drawn to the storyline and interactions between the main characters and side characters, that i didn’t mind when the romance took a backseat or the chemistry was not front and center. while the tension and banter was lacking, the spicy scenes were somehow incredible… as always katie absolutely knows how to write them.
thank you to netgalley and alcove press for the e-arc in exchange for a honest review.
April 19, 2026
I’m declaring this as a true love letter to bibliophiles and my new favourite romance!
For fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood, Katie Holt’s The Last Page is the perfect summer romance set in a NYC bookstore on the brink of closure.
After the unexpected death of it’s beloved owner, Leo, The Last Page’s booksellers are fearful about it’s fate and theirs. Bookseller Ella, who grew up amongst the books and experienced heartbreak and love between the bookshelves, is ready to take over as owner. That is until Leo’s estranged grandson, Henry shows up as the new official owner. Devastated by this outcome, Ella is determined to continue as a bookseller but when Henry tells her The Last Page is on the verge of closure in a few short months, she’s at risk of losing the place she loves the most. With Ella expertise and Henry’s experience as a business consultant, they put their differences cues aside, team up and hatch a plan to save the bookstore, and try to ignore the chemistry blossoming between them.
I think I loved everything about this book. From the endearing staff picks that begin each chapter, to the way Katie Holt’s writing brings The Last Page to life, to the booksellers who are oddballs but feel very realistic and charming, to the exploration of grief and to the slow burn dislike to love romance between Ella and Henry.
The romance was *screams* SO GOOD! It gave me the feel good feelings of an early 2000s rom-com with their disaster first meeting, slightly hating each other, rubbing each other the wrong way (and then the right hehe!) and seeing these two people gradually get to know one another, get to love parts of each other in secret until they can’t hold back any longer. Them making out amongst the bookshelves omgggg it was hot. And this book has one of my favourite romance micro-tropes in it and I am so thankful for that. The tenderness and love and understanding between them was so cute and just made me smile so much. Katie Holt made me feel things!!
This book just ticked so many boxes for me. I felt so at home reading this. I could so clearly imagine The Last Page, a place I’d definitely would find great comfort in visiting and browsing. I almost wish it was a real place!
Think what MADE this book was all the wonderful literary references. And I’m not only just talking about references to the Brontë sisters or modern classics, but about smutty books, Ice Planet Barbarians, Emily Henry, shipping, and … knotting! Which has me laughing out loud. This was written by someone who loves and breaths and lives for books. Katie Holt is a book girlie and I appreciate it.
If you’re looking for a book themed romance set in spring/summer in New York City, read The Last Page by Katie Holt! I can’t wait to buy a copy of this so it can live on my bookshelves forever! I love the feeling when you find a new favourite romance.
Thank you Alcove Press and Netgalley for this eARC!
The Last Page by Katie Holt is out on 12th May 2026!
For fans of Christina Lauren and Ali Hazelwood, Katie Holt’s The Last Page is the perfect summer romance set in a NYC bookstore on the brink of closure.
After the unexpected death of it’s beloved owner, Leo, The Last Page’s booksellers are fearful about it’s fate and theirs. Bookseller Ella, who grew up amongst the books and experienced heartbreak and love between the bookshelves, is ready to take over as owner. That is until Leo’s estranged grandson, Henry shows up as the new official owner. Devastated by this outcome, Ella is determined to continue as a bookseller but when Henry tells her The Last Page is on the verge of closure in a few short months, she’s at risk of losing the place she loves the most. With Ella expertise and Henry’s experience as a business consultant, they put their differences cues aside, team up and hatch a plan to save the bookstore, and try to ignore the chemistry blossoming between them.
I think I loved everything about this book. From the endearing staff picks that begin each chapter, to the way Katie Holt’s writing brings The Last Page to life, to the booksellers who are oddballs but feel very realistic and charming, to the exploration of grief and to the slow burn dislike to love romance between Ella and Henry.
The romance was *screams* SO GOOD! It gave me the feel good feelings of an early 2000s rom-com with their disaster first meeting, slightly hating each other, rubbing each other the wrong way (and then the right hehe!) and seeing these two people gradually get to know one another, get to love parts of each other in secret until they can’t hold back any longer. Them making out amongst the bookshelves omgggg it was hot. And this book has one of my favourite romance micro-tropes in it and I am so thankful for that. The tenderness and love and understanding between them was so cute and just made me smile so much. Katie Holt made me feel things!!
This book just ticked so many boxes for me. I felt so at home reading this. I could so clearly imagine The Last Page, a place I’d definitely would find great comfort in visiting and browsing. I almost wish it was a real place!
Think what MADE this book was all the wonderful literary references. And I’m not only just talking about references to the Brontë sisters or modern classics, but about smutty books, Ice Planet Barbarians, Emily Henry, shipping, and … knotting! Which has me laughing out loud. This was written by someone who loves and breaths and lives for books. Katie Holt is a book girlie and I appreciate it.
If you’re looking for a book themed romance set in spring/summer in New York City, read The Last Page by Katie Holt! I can’t wait to buy a copy of this so it can live on my bookshelves forever! I love the feeling when you find a new favourite romance.
Thank you Alcove Press and Netgalley for this eARC!
The Last Page by Katie Holt is out on 12th May 2026!
May 5, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
1.5/5 🌶️
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and when you set it in a bookstore, I’m already in. Turn the Page by Katie Holt had all the right ingredients for me, but what really stood out was how elevated the writing felt compared to other bookstore romances.
Ella’s connection to The Last Page is so personal and layered, and you can feel how much is at stake for her from the very beginning. Henry stepping in as the outsider who doesn’t understand that history sets up that perfect tension. Their dynamic delivers exactly what you want from enemies to lovers, but it never feels forced. The emotional stakes and the humor are both strong, and they’re balanced really well throughout the story.
There’s a lot of heart here too. It’s not just about romance. It’s about grief, legacy, and figuring out what to hold onto and what to let go of. That gave the story more depth than I expected, in the best way.
I listened to this on audio, narrated by Elena Rey and Dan John Miller, and both were new to me. They did a great job bringing Ella and Henry to life and really helped capture the tone of the story.
Overall, this is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love enemies to lovers, bookstore settings, and stories with both humor and heart, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC!
1.5/5 🌶️
I love a good enemies-to-lovers story, and when you set it in a bookstore, I’m already in. Turn the Page by Katie Holt had all the right ingredients for me, but what really stood out was how elevated the writing felt compared to other bookstore romances.
Ella’s connection to The Last Page is so personal and layered, and you can feel how much is at stake for her from the very beginning. Henry stepping in as the outsider who doesn’t understand that history sets up that perfect tension. Their dynamic delivers exactly what you want from enemies to lovers, but it never feels forced. The emotional stakes and the humor are both strong, and they’re balanced really well throughout the story.
There’s a lot of heart here too. It’s not just about romance. It’s about grief, legacy, and figuring out what to hold onto and what to let go of. That gave the story more depth than I expected, in the best way.
I listened to this on audio, narrated by Elena Rey and Dan John Miller, and both were new to me. They did a great job bringing Ella and Henry to life and really helped capture the tone of the story.
Overall, this is definitely going to be one of my favorite reads of the year. If you love enemies to lovers, bookstore settings, and stories with both humor and heart, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC!
May 14, 2026
Wonderfully bookish and romantic, this felt like a love letter in layers. It's a love letter to New York, bookselling, bookshops, family, stories and romance. It's rom-com with a touch of sit-com in the best way and I had a really great time with it!
what to expect:
- nyc setting
- bookselling
- slow burn
- workplace romance
- peurto rican fmc
- depression rep (mmc)
- found family
what to expect:
- nyc setting
- bookselling
- slow burn
- workplace romance
- peurto rican fmc
- depression rep (mmc)
- found family
February 16, 2026
The Last Page is a quick and fun romance for lovers of slow burn, found family, and books about books. Reading about Henry (the nerdy mmc that blushes and wears slutty little glasses) and Ellla (the sassy, type a latina fmc) was such a joy - especially when it came to their meet cute and the tension that came with reluctantly teaming up to save the bookstore they work in. And I can't forget about the eccentric bookstore staff, whose scenes always made me chuckle.
One of my favorite things about reading books written by Katie Holt is the impeccable Peruvian representation. Being married into a Peruvian/Peruvian-American family, I loooved seeing all the references to their food and traditions. The mention of ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sour had my mouth water watering 😋
Although I felt like there was something missing for me in Katie's sophomore novel, there were still so many things that I enjoyed including a cute cameo of Aiden and Rosie from Not In My Book, the NYC setting, and how this story felt like a love letter to bookstores and book owners. I would recommend The Last Page to fans of enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romances with fun banter and latine representation.
One of my favorite things about reading books written by Katie Holt is the impeccable Peruvian representation. Being married into a Peruvian/Peruvian-American family, I loooved seeing all the references to their food and traditions. The mention of ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sour had my mouth water watering 😋
Although I felt like there was something missing for me in Katie's sophomore novel, there were still so many things that I enjoyed including a cute cameo of Aiden and Rosie from Not In My Book, the NYC setting, and how this story felt like a love letter to bookstores and book owners. I would recommend The Last Page to fans of enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romances with fun banter and latine representation.
December 14, 2025
not in my book was easily one of my favorite books i read in 2024 and a book i was so thrilled to be able to revisit again this year with my book club so needless to say, i was so excited for katie holt’s sophomore release but was unfortunately left feeling very underwhelmed.
i love a book about books and the synopsis promised charm and nostalgic comfort with a book centric plot line. our main characters come from two very different worlds and they must set aside their differences to team up and save a beloved independent bookstore in the bustling city of new york. a recipe with all the right ingredients but it just didn’t work for me.
the story is supported by a quirky cast of side characters (the booksellers) and while this was meant to add dynamics through humor and endearment, i found myself growing more and more irritated with the focus being on saving a bookstore with booksellers who were bad at their job (i work at a bookstore and the way nearly all of these employees were behaving was intolerable 😩). the romance didn’t even grow fledgling wings until over the 60% mark and at this point, i felt no spark between the leads, what was attempted to get them together felt forced and in all honesty, i would have preferred that they hadn’t ended up together as it felt like a typical case of falling for your coworker because they’re the only option in proximity.
katie’s writing is engaging and it’s so clear that she is talented but this was not the sweeping romance i anticipated after being left breathless with not in my book.
thank you to Alcove Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌
i love a book about books and the synopsis promised charm and nostalgic comfort with a book centric plot line. our main characters come from two very different worlds and they must set aside their differences to team up and save a beloved independent bookstore in the bustling city of new york. a recipe with all the right ingredients but it just didn’t work for me.
the story is supported by a quirky cast of side characters (the booksellers) and while this was meant to add dynamics through humor and endearment, i found myself growing more and more irritated with the focus being on saving a bookstore with booksellers who were bad at their job (i work at a bookstore and the way nearly all of these employees were behaving was intolerable 😩). the romance didn’t even grow fledgling wings until over the 60% mark and at this point, i felt no spark between the leads, what was attempted to get them together felt forced and in all honesty, i would have preferred that they hadn’t ended up together as it felt like a typical case of falling for your coworker because they’re the only option in proximity.
katie’s writing is engaging and it’s so clear that she is talented but this was not the sweeping romance i anticipated after being left breathless with not in my book.
thank you to Alcove Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest thoughts 💌
May 6, 2026
The Last Page by Katie Holt is a warm and cozy love story centered around a struggling bookstore and the people determined to save it. At its heart, the novel explores themes of community, grief, and unexpected connection.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the bookstore itself and its staff. The employees feel like a true found family, bringing humor, loyalty, and heart to the story. Their dynamic adds depth and charm, making the setting feel alive and comforting. This sense of community is easily the highlight of the novel.
The story follows Ella and Henry, who initially clash but are brought together through shared circumstances—especially after Leo’s death. While their journey from disagreement to romance has emotional potential, the relationship doesn’t always feel fully convincing. At times, their shift from conflict to connection feels rushed, and their chemistry comes across as somewhat forced rather than naturally developed.
That said, the book still delivers an enjoyable, feel-good reading experience. Readers who enjoy cozy settings, small communities, and stories about saving beloved spaces will likely find a lot to love here.
Overall, The Last Page is a sweet and comforting read with a standout supporting cast, even if the central romance doesn’t feel as authentic as it could have been.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the bookstore itself and its staff. The employees feel like a true found family, bringing humor, loyalty, and heart to the story. Their dynamic adds depth and charm, making the setting feel alive and comforting. This sense of community is easily the highlight of the novel.
The story follows Ella and Henry, who initially clash but are brought together through shared circumstances—especially after Leo’s death. While their journey from disagreement to romance has emotional potential, the relationship doesn’t always feel fully convincing. At times, their shift from conflict to connection feels rushed, and their chemistry comes across as somewhat forced rather than naturally developed.
That said, the book still delivers an enjoyable, feel-good reading experience. Readers who enjoy cozy settings, small communities, and stories about saving beloved spaces will likely find a lot to love here.
Overall, The Last Page is a sweet and comforting read with a standout supporting cast, even if the central romance doesn’t feel as authentic as it could have been.
February 17, 2026
The Last Page is a bookish contemporary romance that stole my heart.
Ella has grown up at this bookstore, The Last Page, and when the owner dies, she hopes she will inherit the store so she can keep on sharing the magic books have. But when she founds out his grand son has inherited the store, she's devastated. Henry isn't even a book lover! He doesn't seem to know how to run a bookstore. But there are bigger problems than the tense between Ella and Henry. The store seems to have financial problems. Will they be able to set their grudges aside and save The Last Page?
The biggest trope in this book is rivals-to-lovers and what was I down for that! This was done exquisitely well. The relationship building starts off steadily with the hate and stuff, but then develops in an exciting way. There's no way you can't ship Ella and Henry!
The story is also a love letter to bookstores, this made me want to work in a bookstore too! This big family of employees is heartwarming to read. Especially when they all try to save the bookstore. This is definitely a bookstore I wish that existed because I would travel to go to The Last Page!
The writing style was so smooth, I finished this really fast. I just couldn't stop reading! I absolutely like this book and I highly recommend it. This gets 4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK (export) for this eARC!
Ella has grown up at this bookstore, The Last Page, and when the owner dies, she hopes she will inherit the store so she can keep on sharing the magic books have. But when she founds out his grand son has inherited the store, she's devastated. Henry isn't even a book lover! He doesn't seem to know how to run a bookstore. But there are bigger problems than the tense between Ella and Henry. The store seems to have financial problems. Will they be able to set their grudges aside and save The Last Page?
The biggest trope in this book is rivals-to-lovers and what was I down for that! This was done exquisitely well. The relationship building starts off steadily with the hate and stuff, but then develops in an exciting way. There's no way you can't ship Ella and Henry!
The story is also a love letter to bookstores, this made me want to work in a bookstore too! This big family of employees is heartwarming to read. Especially when they all try to save the bookstore. This is definitely a bookstore I wish that existed because I would travel to go to The Last Page!
The writing style was so smooth, I finished this really fast. I just couldn't stop reading! I absolutely like this book and I highly recommend it. This gets 4 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House UK (export) for this eARC!
May 16, 2026
I had issues with the misogyny in the author's other book and genuinely thought this was going way better until I read the phrase "turning my brain off" in the context of the mmc cooking for her and it's just so ridiculous that I had to pause for a bit. We're not going to act like we're not aware of the misogynistic undertones that phrase carries too, like what happened to using the word relax?!!!
May 20, 2026
Just the type of book I was looking for. Solid cute read.
April 16, 2026
very meh; cringed through a lot of the back half lol 🥴
I've been in the mood for a fun lil romance read so I opened up the first romance ARC I saw on my kindle while I was traveling and decided to dive in. The first half of the book had me mostly invested, but after I crossed that 50%ish threshold, it went downhill for me. There was no further character development IMO--it just turned into a lot of smut, which I don't find very enjoyable. I did have some fun with this since the bookstore in the story is supposed to be based in NYC and the author mentioned other NYC bookstore staples like The Strand, which I just got to visit with a couple of my bookish besties last month! So the real-world tie-ins made this one a little more fun for me, but it didn't redeem it beyond 2 stars. If there had been more care given to the development of the main characters' relationship vs their physical interactions, I'd probably have liked this more, but the relationship almost felt forced just so that spicy scenes could be added in and then those turned into the whole plot.
I've been in the mood for a fun lil romance read so I opened up the first romance ARC I saw on my kindle while I was traveling and decided to dive in. The first half of the book had me mostly invested, but after I crossed that 50%ish threshold, it went downhill for me. There was no further character development IMO--it just turned into a lot of smut, which I don't find very enjoyable. I did have some fun with this since the bookstore in the story is supposed to be based in NYC and the author mentioned other NYC bookstore staples like The Strand, which I just got to visit with a couple of my bookish besties last month! So the real-world tie-ins made this one a little more fun for me, but it didn't redeem it beyond 2 stars. If there had been more care given to the development of the main characters' relationship vs their physical interactions, I'd probably have liked this more, but the relationship almost felt forced just so that spicy scenes could be added in and then those turned into the whole plot.
May 7, 2026
Update on my rating a week after reading and going through the audiobook: solid 4.5⭐️!
And I’m still thinking about Magnolia Bakery banana pudding (the cupcakes are mentioned in the book but I personally crave the pudding)
Review 30.04.26 (kindle read):
Why the thing around 90% almost made me cry?
Debating between 4 and 5 cause this book got me hooked and I enjoyed it immensely. I feel my thought will be coming back to this book quite often. It gave me nice NYC vibes and some nostalgia.
The Last Page is romance story between Ella and Henry who started their story with a bit of enemies situation, but it’s also an ode to bookstores and books.
I enjoyed the writing style and the whole storyline. I liked how it progressed and wrapped up. I was hooked from the beginning. I think it was partially right timing thing, I didn’t know what I’m in a mood for but this book was it.
At the end I got quite emotional and almost cried!
I liked the meet cute and how they started off as enemies (which made so much sense!) but didn’t lean into war territory but started working together to save the bookstore.
This story showed power of family - both the biological one and the one we choose or in this case more like end up with. This group of people was a specific and at times quirky one but somehow they worked together well and when it came to it they cared for each other and all had the same goal - saving The Last Page bookstore.
I loved the NY setting and all things books related. There were couple spicy scenes but they served as addition to the story and I think closed door romance readers can still pick up this book and enjoy it with just a couple pages skipped.
I passed on Katie’s first book but I will certainly move it up my TBR after reading The Last Page.
Big thanks to Alcove Press and PRH International Team for the NetGalleys.
I might be back later with some of my highlights. Check my reading updates, I added some quotes there as well!
Oh, probably it’s only a me thing but with how Magnolia Bakery cupcakes were a thing in this story, it made me crave their banana pudding so badly I can’t stop thinking about it, lol!
Update on 7.05.26 after going through the 🎧:
Big thanks to RBmedia for the NetGalley ALC approval.
I only got approved for the audio just as I finished reading and I listened to this book shortly after. Such “reread” only solidified my rating. It’s a strong 4.5 in my book.
I love the staff pics before each chapter and the emails between Ella and Henry. The group of booksellers is a bit (or a lot?) eclectic but it provided some laughs.
I really loved how Ella and Henry were not enemies/rivals to lovers but only rival-ish.
The audio is ~11 long, dual narration narrated by Elena Rey and Dan John Miller.
I don’t know how exactly I imagined Henry but at first the male narrator didn’t match my view of Henry (*I read the whole book first before starting the audio) and I needed to get used to it but it’s a classic case of when you read with your eyeballs and have a certain perception of the characters but then the narration makes it a bit different.
That is not saying I didn’t enjoy the narration, quite the opposite!
Go for the ebook, paperback or the audio - each format is worth recommending. As long as you like books about books with slight enemy vibes, romance (duh) and enjoy NYC setting.
Strong 4.5 from me!
~~~ some of my highlights ~~~
“There was a certain magic that accompanied bookstores. They were a portal to a completely different world, where everyone cared about the same thing: books. Cocooned in the warm stacks were characters that you knew as intimately as family. Worlds you felt like you were standing in the middle of.”
“This was the worst part about working in a bookstore. Men instantly became more attractive surrounded by books or holding a paperback in their hands. And when they leaned against a shelf? God, it was almost unbearable.”
““Then I want to read the books you love.” I’m not necessarily a romantic. But saying that to any booklover would make them a little weak in the knees, too.”
“And of COURSE it’s a romance. They’re both horrible people, that’s what makes it romantic! No one else would be able to stand the other but each other. It’s twisted. Which only makes it hotter.”<-this made me want to give Wuthering Heights a go after all…
“Writers were architects, in my mind. They built emotions and worlds and relationships in just a few paragraphs and sentences. And nothing that I ever felt compared to the words I read in my bed with a flashlight.”
Ok, I need to stop myself. I have 55 highlights but I cannot just copy paste all of them here. Just one more:
“But if I could choose fiction over reality? Why on Earth would I choose reality?”
Honestly, same.
And I’m still thinking about Magnolia Bakery banana pudding (the cupcakes are mentioned in the book but I personally crave the pudding)
Review 30.04.26 (kindle read):
Why the thing around 90% almost made me cry?
Debating between 4 and 5 cause this book got me hooked and I enjoyed it immensely. I feel my thought will be coming back to this book quite often. It gave me nice NYC vibes and some nostalgia.
The Last Page is romance story between Ella and Henry who started their story with a bit of enemies situation, but it’s also an ode to bookstores and books.
I enjoyed the writing style and the whole storyline. I liked how it progressed and wrapped up. I was hooked from the beginning. I think it was partially right timing thing, I didn’t know what I’m in a mood for but this book was it.
At the end I got quite emotional and almost cried!
I liked the meet cute and how they started off as enemies (which made so much sense!) but didn’t lean into war territory but started working together to save the bookstore.
This story showed power of family - both the biological one and the one we choose or in this case more like end up with. This group of people was a specific and at times quirky one but somehow they worked together well and when it came to it they cared for each other and all had the same goal - saving The Last Page bookstore.
I loved the NY setting and all things books related. There were couple spicy scenes but they served as addition to the story and I think closed door romance readers can still pick up this book and enjoy it with just a couple pages skipped.
I passed on Katie’s first book but I will certainly move it up my TBR after reading The Last Page.
Big thanks to Alcove Press and PRH International Team for the NetGalleys.
I might be back later with some of my highlights. Check my reading updates, I added some quotes there as well!
Oh, probably it’s only a me thing but with how Magnolia Bakery cupcakes were a thing in this story, it made me crave their banana pudding so badly I can’t stop thinking about it, lol!
Update on 7.05.26 after going through the 🎧:
Big thanks to RBmedia for the NetGalley ALC approval.
I only got approved for the audio just as I finished reading and I listened to this book shortly after. Such “reread” only solidified my rating. It’s a strong 4.5 in my book.
I love the staff pics before each chapter and the emails between Ella and Henry. The group of booksellers is a bit (or a lot?) eclectic but it provided some laughs.
I really loved how Ella and Henry were not enemies/rivals to lovers but only rival-ish.
The audio is ~11 long, dual narration narrated by Elena Rey and Dan John Miller.
I don’t know how exactly I imagined Henry but at first the male narrator didn’t match my view of Henry (*I read the whole book first before starting the audio) and I needed to get used to it but it’s a classic case of when you read with your eyeballs and have a certain perception of the characters but then the narration makes it a bit different.
That is not saying I didn’t enjoy the narration, quite the opposite!
Go for the ebook, paperback or the audio - each format is worth recommending. As long as you like books about books with slight enemy vibes, romance (duh) and enjoy NYC setting.
Strong 4.5 from me!
~~~ some of my highlights ~~~
“There was a certain magic that accompanied bookstores. They were a portal to a completely different world, where everyone cared about the same thing: books. Cocooned in the warm stacks were characters that you knew as intimately as family. Worlds you felt like you were standing in the middle of.”
“This was the worst part about working in a bookstore. Men instantly became more attractive surrounded by books or holding a paperback in their hands. And when they leaned against a shelf? God, it was almost unbearable.”
““Then I want to read the books you love.” I’m not necessarily a romantic. But saying that to any booklover would make them a little weak in the knees, too.”
“And of COURSE it’s a romance. They’re both horrible people, that’s what makes it romantic! No one else would be able to stand the other but each other. It’s twisted. Which only makes it hotter.”<-this made me want to give Wuthering Heights a go after all…
“Writers were architects, in my mind. They built emotions and worlds and relationships in just a few paragraphs and sentences. And nothing that I ever felt compared to the words I read in my bed with a flashlight.”
Ok, I need to stop myself. I have 55 highlights but I cannot just copy paste all of them here. Just one more:
“But if I could choose fiction over reality? Why on Earth would I choose reality?”
Honestly, same.
December 11, 2025
This love letter to books, bookshops, New York, and romance was such a heartwarming, funny, soul soothing, warm hug of a book that I am anxiously awaiting publication so I can buy a trophy copy.
(I am not above begging the publisher for a physical ARC, so let’s start there.)
While I can understand some of the complaints from other reviewers, I felt the FMC and MMC worked for this story and this romance. Their two perhaps slightly cliché personalities were suited to this story. And yes, evil newcomer comes to take over store from a merry band of misfits, how will they cope???, is something we have all read before. But that makes it fun!
The various side characters were also a delight and I loved Ella’s family (lolling at how her mother will cut you). Learning more about Peruvian culture was a treat.
The jokes about Magnolia Bakery cupcakes (yes, Henry, they are dipped in gold), knotting, reading smut while shelving books, the dig at The Strand, Blank Street Coffee, the bad place, men holding paperbacks (true!!!! just had a meet cute in the bookstore myself! will update if it turns into something, ha, or if he was just a man surrounded by books), shipping, kissing and telling versus fucking and reenacting (SCREAMING at Julie’s comment), sad literary girls, Ice Planet Barbarians… such fun!
Right in the feels when Ella thought: “I loved helping out my family, which included the booksellers. But sometimes, I was exhausted being everyone’s big sister and no one’s friend.”
I already identified with her, but then it turned out she was a planner girlie with a binder (or ten) for every occasion? It me.
But also it Henry, as he said, to Ella’s ‘neat freak’ comment, “The community does not like the word freak.” Exactly.
Also, what do you mean Henry does not read that much??????
Glad things were turned around and he uttered the magical words “I want to read the books you love.” Dear reader, I was ready to marry him right there and then.
This book is not five stars as I did not like (minor spoilers) Leo’s manipulative tactics in demanding Ella to fix Henry. I was always the kid that was placed near the school bullies so my good behaviour would rub off on them. OK, yes, it is my trauma speaking, but Leo’s antics were uncalled for. Even if it did work out in the end.
Also, I did not vibe with the pet name “honey” at all!
Extra shoutout to the gorgeous cover and the fabulous book recommendations that are at the beginning of every chapter. I added most books to my TBR, but they also show the personality of each book seller and work in tandem with the story.
4.5 stars rounded up. If a book makes me cry in the train at 7AM, it is worth all its stars.
Thank you Crooked Lane / Alcove Press and Katie Holt for this ARC! I had a wonderful time.
(I am not above begging the publisher for a physical ARC, so let’s start there.)
While I can understand some of the complaints from other reviewers, I felt the FMC and MMC worked for this story and this romance. Their two perhaps slightly cliché personalities were suited to this story. And yes, evil newcomer comes to take over store from a merry band of misfits, how will they cope???, is something we have all read before. But that makes it fun!
The various side characters were also a delight and I loved Ella’s family (lolling at how her mother will cut you). Learning more about Peruvian culture was a treat.
The jokes about Magnolia Bakery cupcakes (yes, Henry, they are dipped in gold), knotting, reading smut while shelving books, the dig at The Strand, Blank Street Coffee, the bad place, men holding paperbacks (true!!!! just had a meet cute in the bookstore myself! will update if it turns into something, ha, or if he was just a man surrounded by books), shipping, kissing and telling versus fucking and reenacting (SCREAMING at Julie’s comment), sad literary girls, Ice Planet Barbarians… such fun!
Right in the feels when Ella thought: “I loved helping out my family, which included the booksellers. But sometimes, I was exhausted being everyone’s big sister and no one’s friend.”
I already identified with her, but then it turned out she was a planner girlie with a binder (or ten) for every occasion? It me.
But also it Henry, as he said, to Ella’s ‘neat freak’ comment, “The community does not like the word freak.” Exactly.
Also, what do you mean Henry does not read that much??????
Glad things were turned around and he uttered the magical words “I want to read the books you love.” Dear reader, I was ready to marry him right there and then.
This book is not five stars as I did not like (minor spoilers) Leo’s manipulative tactics in demanding Ella to fix Henry. I was always the kid that was placed near the school bullies so my good behaviour would rub off on them. OK, yes, it is my trauma speaking, but Leo’s antics were uncalled for. Even if it did work out in the end.
Also, I did not vibe with the pet name “honey” at all!
Extra shoutout to the gorgeous cover and the fabulous book recommendations that are at the beginning of every chapter. I added most books to my TBR, but they also show the personality of each book seller and work in tandem with the story.
4.5 stars rounded up. If a book makes me cry in the train at 7AM, it is worth all its stars.
Thank you Crooked Lane / Alcove Press and Katie Holt for this ARC! I had a wonderful time.
April 6, 2026
3.5. The Last Page takes place in NYC and I feel like it is a love letter to bookstores. In this our FMC, Ella, is the manager and she seems to have been groomed by the previous owner, who is now deceased to have taken over. She thought she would be left the store…clearly that is not the case when the grandson walks in and states that it was left to him. Previous to this both of them had a meet cute. That is cute. But it goes a different way once he realizes that she is the manager of the store and thought she was going to be left the store. Now they have to work together to keep the store a float. I feel like in the end the both are kind of stubborn in the beginning. He won’t let up that he is the owner and she is the manager. She tries to convince him to let her be co-owner and to tell her when he is ready to accept her help..meanwhile the booksellers have all their quirks. It is a slow burn. And while the meet cute definetly established the chemistry originally. I found that I could stand Henry in the chapters where he was in his own POV in the beginning versus when I was seeing him from Ella’s POV. I think it was just a personal thing. I was agitated at the time I was reading this and maybe it didn’t hit the way it should have. And I was more annoyed that he just didn’t want to be in NYC and wanted to go back to Tennessee
I thought the pacing was pretty good after you get into it a bit. I felt the beginning was a bit slow. I did like that it was a bookstore so it was a cozy setting. I am so happy there was no third act breakup! I still need to read Katie Holt’s freshman novel and I will be doing that soon as I have heard great things. Just becuase I was in a funky mood doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give this a try. Over all I still had a good time. I just was being super weird when I was reading!
Thank you so much to Alcove for the complimetnary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought the pacing was pretty good after you get into it a bit. I felt the beginning was a bit slow. I did like that it was a bookstore so it was a cozy setting. I am so happy there was no third act breakup! I still need to read Katie Holt’s freshman novel and I will be doing that soon as I have heard great things. Just becuase I was in a funky mood doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give this a try. Over all I still had a good time. I just was being super weird when I was reading!
Thank you so much to Alcove for the complimetnary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 23, 2026
An ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars
I would like to start by saying that The Last Page, the bookshop, plays a huge role in this novel. It isn’t just the setting of the story, it truly feels like a character of its own and maybe I can also say that it the embodiment of everything Leo was and believed in.
The bookshop works its magic on everyone: the community, the booksellers and obviously the two main characters, Henry and Ella. They had a bit of a rocky start, I’ll admit it, but I do not blame either of them since they were both dealing with grief and coming to terms with everything thrown their way.
I believe that the love they share for The Last Page can be considered a key factor that brought them closer together and slowly but surely made them realize their feelings for each other.
Other than their bookshop moments, I truly enjoyed their New York moments. I haven’t been to NY city yet, but I truly felt the love Ella has for this place and how happy she was to have Henry there and have the chance to show him around and make him fall in love with everything the city has to offer.
Overall I would say the book was a cute read, especially if you like reading about stories set in a bookshop. Plot-wise it was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable in the end. I already have Holt’s other novel, Not in My Book, added to my TBR and I will definitely check it out in the future.
3.5/5 stars
I would like to start by saying that The Last Page, the bookshop, plays a huge role in this novel. It isn’t just the setting of the story, it truly feels like a character of its own and maybe I can also say that it the embodiment of everything Leo was and believed in.
The bookshop works its magic on everyone: the community, the booksellers and obviously the two main characters, Henry and Ella. They had a bit of a rocky start, I’ll admit it, but I do not blame either of them since they were both dealing with grief and coming to terms with everything thrown their way.
I believe that the love they share for The Last Page can be considered a key factor that brought them closer together and slowly but surely made them realize their feelings for each other.
Other than their bookshop moments, I truly enjoyed their New York moments. I haven’t been to NY city yet, but I truly felt the love Ella has for this place and how happy she was to have Henry there and have the chance to show him around and make him fall in love with everything the city has to offer.
Overall I would say the book was a cute read, especially if you like reading about stories set in a bookshop. Plot-wise it was a bit predictable, but still enjoyable in the end. I already have Holt’s other novel, Not in My Book, added to my TBR and I will definitely check it out in the future.
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