Love can grow in the strangest places—like the back of a city cab.
Adrian Solano is a warm-hearted driver navigating the vibrant streets of La Costa Sierra in his aging Zeron X5. For him, every passenger carries a new story. For Marcy Rodriguez, a hardworking housekeeper far from home, it’s just another exhausting day—until a spontaneous ride with Adrian changes everything.
Their chance encounter leads to a whirlwind of unexpected exploring secret gardens, chasing ghost stories, helping at a chaotic noodle shack, and sharing quiet conversations beneath starlit skies. As laughter turns to trust and friendship deepens into something more, Adrian and Marcy find themselves caught between past wounds and present hope.
But in a world full of pressure, heartbreak, and hidden truths, can two people from such different worlds truly find a future together?
The Last Ride is a heartwarming romantic tale of courage, connection, and healing—where love finds its way through broken roads and everyday heroes.
I appreciated how the novel chooses softness over spectacle. Instead of dramatic turns, it explores trust, regret, and the fragile desire to heal.
The characters feel sincere, carrying their past mistakes without becoming defined by them. Some plot points felt familiar, yet the emotional pull remained strong throughout. The quieter scenes, where fears are faced honestly, were especially moving.
This book doesn’t aim to shock; it aims to comfort. It’s a calm, thoughtful romance that rewards patience and leaves you feeling understood rather than overwhelmed by gentle storytelling, emotional clarity, and heartfelt moments shared quietly within its pages for readers❤️
This book,"The Last Ride" by Raquel Tellez Mamaril is a heartwarming, soft and comforting romance novel.
The story is set in fictional city of La Costa Sierra and it revolves around Adrian Solano, a kind and thoughtful taxi driver and Marcy Rodriguez, a hardworking housekeeper weighed down by responsibility and distance from home.
The way the author has sketched their story is full of heartfull moments. Though their meeting is accidental and ordinary but it slowly changes both their lives in meaningful ways.
What i loved about this book most is it's emotional tone. And the love between Adrian and Marcy which does not rush forward but grows slowly through small conversations, shared silences and gentle understanding.
There are no grand declarations of love in this novel but rather there is patience, respect and care shown for the person we love. The taxi itself becomes an important element in story as it is where stories are shared, fears are spoken and healing quietly begins.
The author uses everyday stuffs very effectively like late night drives, simple food places, hidden gardens and quiet streets which make the story feel more real and relatable. These ordinary moments show how deep connections often grow in unnoticed places.
The writing style is simple and easy to read which makes it a must read for all kinds of readers. The story gently reminds us that love is not about competition but about understanding and choice.
The pacing is calm and sometimes predictable but warmth of story keeps it engaging. Overall, a perfect book for readers who love slow and gentle romances. Do grab your copy from Amazon 😍
Book : The Last Ride Author : Raquel Tellez Mamaril Genre : #romancefiction #contemporaryfiction Ratings : 5/5
The Last Ride is a tender and emotional story that captures love, longing, loss, and the quiet courage that it takes to heal. What began as a gentle slow burn between Marcy and Adrian slowly turned into a complicated love triangle once Jonah entered the picture. And what surprised me was that there was no villain here. Each character carries their own goodness, their pasts, their insecurities, and their hopes for a future they are not quite ready to take a step into.
The transition from a mere driver-passenger relationship to one truly meaningful and deep, between Adrian and Marcy, is written so sincerely. Her connection with him grows in silence, in respect, in those moments when both of them seem to feign indifference while everything inside says otherwise. I loved how their relationship is built up with mutual admiration and genuine care; it really makes the two of them come across as pure and real.
Meanwhile, Jonah brings a different layer to the story with his open heart, his immediate affection, and the softness he sees in Marcy. His love is direct and warm, which just makes the emotional conflict even stronger. Marcy’s confusion, her fears, and her longing make her journey relatable.
This book moved me on levels I did not expect. It shows how love can come in many shapes and how respect forms the strongest foundation of all.
✨ A heartfelt and beautifully layered romance that stays with you. Full of tenderness, emotional honesty and unforgettable characters. A must read for anyone who loves slowburn relationships with real depth.
When I first picked up the book, it reminded me of the taxi driver in the 'Cleopatra' series of one of my favorite bands, The Lumineers: "Yes my flesh, it was my currency, but I held true/So I drive a taxi, and the traffic distracts me/From the strangers in my backseat, they remind me of you"
The Last Ride is a gentle, beautifully written love story about two ordinary people—Adrian, a kind-hearted city cab driver, and Marcy, a hardworking housekeeper—whose chance encounter slowly turns into something deep and meaningful. Set in the vibrant fictional city of La Costa Sierra, their connection grows through quiet cab rides, small unexpected adventures, secret gardens, and moments where they finally feel seen and understood.
In a time where so many romance novels rely on insta-love and repetitive tropes, this one felt refreshingly genuine. What stood out to me most was the respect between Adrian and Marcy—how carefully they understood each other, how patient they were with each other and how their bond grew not through grand gestures but through everyday kindness.
The characters are extremely likeable and the romance is filled with warmth. Their story is slow-burn, soft and so full of heart that it made me smile even after I finished reading.
The writing is simple, smooth and beginner-friendly. I especially loved reading about their backstories and how the lives they have lived have shaped who they became. The author has created a world that feels comforting.
Overall, The Last Ride is a lovely, tender read for anyone who wants a soft, healing love story. If you’re looking for a romance that makes you feel warm, understood and a little braver about love—this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to Notion Press, the author, and BRC, for the review copy.
'The Last Ride' by Raquel T. Mamaril is a contemporary slow-burn romance that follows the story of Adrian Solano, a warm-hearted cab driver, and Marcy Rodriguez, a hardworking housekeeper, whose chance meeting grows into an intimate and healing relationship that precisely navigates past wounds and small-town secrets.
The novel’s setup and plot sings like secret gardens, ghost-story detours, and low-stakes adventures that lean into episodic scenes that build emotional trust rather than high melodrama.
Major themes include the power of resilience, the dignity of ordinary labor class, and the reparative power of companionship. Other themes of courage, connection, and healing are also seen to be woven throughout the narrative by the author.
This book, on the other side, interrogates socioeconomic gaps in a gentle tone and by focusing on small acts of care and the characters’ shared vulnerabilities. This makes it appealing to readers who want the taste of both hope and emotional repair without heavy tragic stakes.
The writing style focuses on real emotions and human kindness thereby, emphasizing the beauty and strength found in small moments amidst chaos. Ultimately, this story serves as a testimony to hope, resilience, and the power of simple encounters to fundamentally change a life's trajectory.
This is a lovely read for those who enjoy romance and seeking a story where friendship blossoms into deep love on the broken roads of life.
Have you ever picked up a book completely by accident and ended up loving it? That's exactly what happened to me. I usually don't choose authors I'm unfamiliar with unless it's a thriller. So, I had my doubts when I bought this one. But I'm glad I was wrong. I stand corrected.
The Last Ride has a warmth I didn't find in any other book I read this year. The story follows two people—Adrian Solano, a taxi driver, and Marcy Rodriguez, a housekeeper—who happen to cross paths, setting off some unexpected events that lead them to where they are today. Written in the third person, the story also offers glimpses into the lives of a few other characters.
Give me a slow-burn romance and I'm seated. This is the kind of love story that unfolds quietly between adults. It's not too loud, but hold us emotionally. There's excitement, but it’s subtle. The love the characters feel is grounded by their responsibilities.
I loved the conversations between Adrian and Marcy. Some of them were genuinely hilarious. There were a few plot twists I didn't anticipate and they landed well, while some parts of the plot didn't feel relevant to the story. That won't take you away from the core emotions though. This book offers a little bit of everything— heartbreak, happiness, friendship, guilt.
This was my first time reading a Filipino author, and I’m so glad I did. I truly enjoyed getting to know Adrian and Marcy.
Thank you to Notion Press, and BRC for the review copy.
In The Last Ride, Raquel Tellez Mamaril paints a tender, hopeful portrait of unexpected connection. When cab driver Adrian Solano picks up housekeeper Marcy Rodriguez for what seems like an ordinary ride, neither expects how deeply their worlds will collide. Their journey winds through secret gardens, city streets, ghost-stories, and quiet starlit nights and with each mile, laughter blossoms into trust, and friendship begins to stir into something more.
What I loved most is how Mamaril turns everyday life an aging Zeron X5 taxi, a chaotic noodle shack shift, late-night conversations under moonlight into a space of healing and gentle magic. There’s no grand fantasy here, no sweeping epic, but rather a realistic, heartwarming romance built on kindness, second chances, and the courage to hope again.
Adrian and Marcy may come from different worlds, but their shared vulnerability and quiet strength make their connection feel deeply real. This book reminds you that love doesn’t always burst like fireworks sometimes, it arrives softly, in the backseat of a cab, guiding two souls toward a future neither dared to dream of.
If you crave a gentle, emotionally rich romance that celebrates healing, everyday kindness, and slow-burn love, The Last Ride is one ride you won’t regret taking.
A story about how expected encounters and spontaneous detours can change the path of life.
This story has two main characters , Adrian Solano, a taxi driver and Marcy Rodriguez, a housekeeper. By happenstance, the both meet one day. Adrian gives Marcy a much needed break from her routine by giving her a free tour of the city. What starts as a chance meeting turns into a life altering event.
The author has created the two characters with real life problems and a believable back story. The characters have family issues, personal struggles and the responsibility to support their families. Their lives coincide in a manner which is a pleasant change for both of them. In the race of the world, the story tries to capture the need to stop, talk and listen to one another.
The essence of companionship, understanding relationships and healing conversations has been explored beautifully through the story. The emotions of the characters portray the impact of kindness, care and support needed for everyone. The little moments of contemplation and solidarity have been depicted nicely in the story. The trope of friendship turning into a romance has been explored nicely here.
Overall, this is a low-stakes romantic tale which highlights the need of meaningful relations and how surprise meetings can change the path of one’s life
The story follows Adrian, a soft‑hearted city cab driver and Marcy, a hard‑working housekeeper, who meet by chance in the colorful, made‑up city of La Costa Sierra. Their connection blooms in the small moments: a late‑night ride, a secret garden, a shared laugh over a spilled coffee. It’s a slow‑burn romance that lets the chemistry grow naturally, without any flashy fireworks.
What makes this novel stand out is the genuine respect between the two leads. They listen, they’re patient, and they build their bond on everyday kindness rather than grand gestures. The author never forces the romance and instead, she lets Adrian’s gentle patience and Marcy’s quiet strength speak for themselves, turning ordinary encounters into something deeply meaningful.
The writing is simple, smooth, and easy for any reader to slip into. I loved the back‑stories that explain how each character’s past shaped who they are today, and the world‑building feels warm and comforting.
Overall, it is a tender, feel‑good read perfect for anyone craving a low‑key love story that still packs an emotional punch. If you want a romance that makes you smile, feel seen, and maybe a little braver about love, grab this book.
I just finished The Last Ride and it pulled me in with its emotional core, even if it wasn’t perfect. The story follows characters facing their pasts, regrets, and the fragile hope of second chances. What struck me most was how real the relationships feel they are messy, tender, and sometimes painfully honest. I found myself rooting for them, even when their choices weren’t perfect.
The writing is warm and accessible, with moments that made me pause and reflect. The quieter scenes, where characters confront their fears and longings, are where the book shines the most. Those parts stayed with me after I turned the last page and reminded me that healing is rarely a straight line.
At the same time a few plot points felt familiar, and a couple of twists were predictable. There were moments when I wished for deeper layers or more surprising development. But even then the emotional pull kept me reading.
If you enjoy heartfelt contemporary stories about love, loss, and finding your way back to yourself, The Last Ride will resonate with you. It is gentle, reflective, and reminds you that sometimes the most meaningful journeys happen within.
Raquel Tellez Mamaril’s “The Last Ride” is a emotional slow romantic read which gives you warmth, love, respect, trust and the need to heal. The main characters Adrian and Marcy are so full of gentleness, warmth and a back story that will decide their future.
What starts a relation as taxi driver and passenger, Adrian and March end up touring the whole city. Both of these characters are embroiled with their own personal issues, struggles and their responsibility to handle their respective families. The way they respect each other, listen out to each other becomes the foundation of their relationship. The story has no villains and each character have their respective emotions completely put up into the character.
The story is a slow and gentle romance, with realistic background and deep connection. There is no hype or show off and it’s a gentle love story between two normal people. The book focusses on companionship, love, respect, resilience, gentleness, adventure and exploration. A lovely read for people who love romance and is surely a light read with all the external pressure hammering us.
This book is a heartfelt romance novel that talks about how love grows between two ordinary people — Adrian, a taxi driver, and Marcy, a housekeeper and their meeting by chance turns into something deep.
The book is set in the fictional city of La Costa Sierra where they go on quiet rides, small adventures and have tender conversations in which they share their past hurts and present hopes.
This is a slow-burn romance novel that has warmth and emotions.
This book shows how love can grow in simple, everyday moments and heal you, make you trust again and also fills you with courage.
The author has written a beautiful story which is very captivating.
The language used is easy and beginner-friendly.
The cover page and the title of the book are quite appropriate.
Overall, this book is perfect for people who want to read a simple and gentle love story rather than a complex and dramatic one.
The city becomes a living backdrop, full of small adventures and unexpected kindness
I loved how both characters heal without dramatic gestures, choosing honesty instead,
Their journey feels realistic, tender, and emotionally earned, making the ending deeply satisfying and quietly uplifting. It celebrates chance meetings, patience, everyday courage, and hope found between strangers..✍️
This narrative captures the beauty of everyday encounters transforming ordinary routines.
The driver’s warmth balances the passenger’s hesitation. Their relationship grows through trust and shared curiosity,
I admired how the story avoids extremes, choosing sincerity instead.,
The city acts as a companion rather than a distraction. Each character learns without losing themselves
The overall tone remains gentle and hopeful
It’s a story that values human connection above all else by showing how kindness, listening, patience, and courage shape meaningful bonds across brief moments that quietly change lives forever, softly, honestly, realistically, tenderly, slowly, deeply, fully, always, together, again, today and now....📚📚
It took me a while to finish reading the book because of my busy schedule. If not, I would have finished the book in a day or two. The Last Ride isn’t your usual love story—it’s different in the best way. What stood out for me was how much it focused on respect and really understanding each other, not just the romance. Adrian and Marcy felt so real, and their story had me hooked from start to finish.
Honestly, after I finished reading, I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days. The emotions just hit so hard and stayed with me. It’s one of those books that sticks, not just while you’re reading, but long after.
If you’re looking for a love story that’s heartfelt, emotional, and a little different, this one’s worth picking up.
This story follows two strangers whose lives briefly intersect during an ordinary day, then slowly change through shared moments. The driver feels grounded, observant, quietly hopeful. The passenger carries exhaustion, distance, and unspoken longing. Watching their conversations grow from polite talk into trust feels natural and sincere. The city becomes a living backdrop, full of small adventures and unexpected kindness. I loved how both characters heal without dramatic gestures, choosing honesty instead. Their journey feels realistic, tender, and emotionally earned, making the ending deeply satisfying and quietly uplifting. It celebrates chance meetings, patience, everyday courage, and hope found between strangers.
I was drawn into a simple yet meaningful journey built around a single ride and its ripple effects. The main pair feel refreshingly human, imperfect, and emotionally guarded. Their conversations reveal fears, humor, and vulnerability in equal measure. Side encounters add charm without stealing focus. The pacing allows moments to breathe, letting trust develop slowly. What stayed with me was how ordinary settings create extraordinary connections. By the end, both characters feel changed in believable ways, leaving the reader hopeful about unexpected beginnings and gentle second chances that feel earned, warm, realistic, and emotionally grounded throughout the entire narrative today
I was drawn into a simple yet meaningful journey built around a single ride and its ripple effects
The main pair feel refreshingly human, imperfect, and emotionally guarded. Their conversations reveal fears, humor, and vulnerability in equal measure. Side encounters add charm without stealing focus
The pacing allows moments to breathe, letting trust develop slowly. What stayed with me was how ordinary settings create extraordinary connections
By the end, both characters feel changed in believable ways, leaving the reader hopeful about unexpected beginnings and gentle second chances that feel earned, warm, realistic, and emotionally grounded throughout the entire narrative today😎
I appreciated how the story uses a chance ride to explore loneliness and connection
The driver’s openness contrasts with the passenger’s cautious nature
Their bond grows through simple tasks and shared discoveries.
The writing keeps emotions subtle yet strong. Nothing feels rushed or exaggerated,Supporting scenes enrich the journey without distraction.
By the end, both characters feel transformed, not by fate, but by empathy and understanding, leaving a calm, hopeful impression that lingers gently, encouraging reflection about trust, openness, and everyday moments shaping meaningful connections between ordinary people in unexpected situations across shared paths together...✍️✍️
I found this story refreshing in its simplicity and emotional honesty. The main characters feel real, shaped by work, fatigue, and quiet dreams. Their connection builds through shared moments rather than dramatic turns. The writing keeps everything grounded and sincere. Side experiences add color and warmth. Growth happens gradually, making it believable. By the final chapter, the journey feels complete, leaving the reader content and reflective about life’s unexpected meetings, emotional timing, and the courage required to open up again after disappointment, uncertainty, and distance while trusting possibility quietly exists everywhere...
I liked how the story centers on two people learning to trust through shared experiences
Their personalities unfold naturally through dialogue and action. The driver’s optimism contrasts with the passenger’s guarded realism. The narrative stays focused, letting emotions rise without force. Small adventures create space for reflection and connection
By the end, both characters feel more whole. It’s a warm, thoughtful journey that celebrates human understanding while reminding readers that healing, hope, and meaningful change often begin quietly, inside simple moments, shared time, honest conversations, and brave listening between strangers becoming something deeper📖
This novel delivered a heartwarming, immersive experience with a slow pace. The journey of Adrian and Marcy emphasized trust, understanding and patience, making their bond feel even more genuine!
The writing diligently captures the beauty of ordinary moments, while tensions and unexpected events enhanced emotional depth. Family obligations, work stress, personal insecurities were made to handle authentically which created relatability and realism. It’s a very comforting read that'd also encourage its readers to appreciate the small joys of love, companionship and personal growth! Gentle yet emotionally resonant, the story left a lasting impression, proving that even understated romances can be as compelling as dramatic, high stakes narratives entirely...
This story proves that the most powerful journeys often begin in the most ordinary places. It transforms a simple encounter into a deeply emotional experience, showing how trust, healing, and connection can grow naturally over time. The writing feels warm and immersive, drawing readers into moments that feel lived-in and real. Every page reminds you that love doesn’t arrive perfectly formed; it’s built through patience, vulnerability, and shared experiences. This book delivers comfort, hope, and emotional fulfillment, making it ideal for readers seeking a heartfelt romance grounded in authenticity rather than exaggeration.
This novel offers a calming, immersive reading experience that feels both comforting and inspiring. The storytelling is gentle yet engaging, allowing readers to slow down and savor emotional depth. The characters feel relatable, their struggles familiar, and their growth earned. The narrative celebrates kindness, patience, and hope without losing momentum. It’s perfect for readers who want romance that feels honest and grounded, delivering emotional warmth without overwhelming intensity. Every chapter reinforces the idea that healing and love often arrive together, quietly and unexpectedly.
This book shines through its simplicity and emotional clarity. The writing is easy to follow but layered with meaning, turning ordinary scenes into memorable moments,Instead of dramatic twists, it focuses on connection, healing, and understanding. Readers will appreciate how relationships evolve through conversation and shared experiences
It’s a story that values emotional maturity and kindness,Perfect for those who enjoy slow, meaningful romance rooted in real life, this book leaves behind warmth and a reassuring reminder that small choices can lead to lasting change.
This book delivers comfort without trying too hard The story flows with emotional ease, showing how everyday moments can slowly change a person’s outlook on life
The writing is smooth, visual, and warm, making each interaction feel sincere What stands out is the focus on kindness, patience, and listening—qualities often missing in modern romance. Readers who enjoy grounded storytelling will appreciate how feelings grow through shared time rather than sudden drama.
It leaves you with a sense of hope, reminding you that connection often arrives when life feels most routine....
This book feels like a slow, meaningful conversation after a long day.. It captures how ordinary routines can suddenly become unforgettable through human connection.
The writing is gentle, visual, and emotionally grounded, making each moment feel lived-in and sincere. Instead of rushing toward dramatic conclusions, the story allows trust and affection to grow naturally. Readers who enjoy heartfelt romance rooted in everyday life will appreciate its warmth.
It’s a reminder that healing doesn’t arrive loudly it shows up quietly, through kindness, patience, and shared journeys that change everything...❤️
This story celebrates the beauty of chance encounters and emotional openness 'The writing flows smoothly, drawing readers into a comforting rhythm that mirrors real life. Each chapter highlights growth through shared experiences rather than grand gestures'
It’s especially appealing to readers who value emotional realism over fantasy.
The narrative emphasizes hope, resilience, and the courage to start again, By focusing on human connection, this book delivers a satisfying romantic experience that feels authentic and deeply relatable, leaving readers with a calm, optimistic afterglow...✍️