The Last Stream

by C.M. Campbell

Six years apart didn’t change the way he looks at me.

Or the way I try not to look back.

We were supposed to be friends. Safe.

But the night he came home, he stepped into my world like he’d never left—and took something I didn’t even know I’d been holding back.

Now the rules we lived by are gone, and the line between us isn’t just blurred.

It’s gone.

And I’m not sure I want it back.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright Kairoh, I see you! Walked outta there with a plan, strategy, and holding a manual to get your girl! All gas, Kairoh was not playing when it came to Jayla. Seek, find, and conquer. Period! 😜
Love a good friends to lovers read, and this one hit just right. Jaylah had been hustling so hard, that she didn't know what it was like to not struggle. When Kairoh wanted to help ease her burden, she almost pushed back; cause you have to struggle to get what you want right? Sometimes, but with a man like Roh around, ain't no mo struggle life! 🤣 Enjoyed this quick read.

[Arii Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

i had the honor to read the last stream as an ARC


tropes: friends to lovers, MMC is her protector, sweet & spicy FMC, he falls first? (kinda- he always loved her😭)

i LOVE a man who knows what he wants. Roh wanted Jay for a WHILE and once he got her? Oh sweet baby it was wraps. what started off as bestfriends blossomed into something so beautiful

Jaylah, FMC aspires to open a book store, primary caregiver for her mom. She sacrifices in order to pay her mother’s health & home bills

Kairoh, MMC sentenced to jail for protected the one that he loves…(ALWAYS LOVED) once he was out, he knew not to let her go.

i wish the book was longer i want more of them. the SPICE. SPICED😩😍😍😍
thank you author CM Campbell for allowing me to be your ARC reader🥰

[CiCi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roh is pressureeeee!!!
He waited six long years to court his best friend and he sure did come correct! Every thing miss mamas wanted she got! I love a man that can make a woman’s dreams come true.
Jaylah deserved the soft life because she was really holding it down on her own.

And in true C.M Campbell fashion the spiceeeee whew baby 😮‍💨 Thank you for allowing me to arc read this sweet story :)

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaylah did what she had to do to take care of herself and her mom, pay bills and save for her dream business and I wasn't mad at her for it. Kairoh had to wait six years to confess his feelings to Jaylah and claim her as his but while he was locked up he planned and plotted because he knew he had to come correct when he came.

I liked how Kairoh had everything set up while he was on the inside and didn't let that stop him from building something worthwhile on the outside and that he tried to help Jaylah as best he could. Although he didn't know the extent to her financial situation and once he found out he felt he had the means to really take her out of the struggle. Jaylah was the epitome of an independent woman and didn't want to give in to what Kairoh was trying to give her but I appreciated how he helped her to understand that he didn't want anything in "exchange" for his monetary assistance and enabled her to get comfortable with what he was gifting her.

I also liked how Jaylah finally came around to giving into the feelings that she didn't want to admit she had for Kairoh with the help of her mother whose character I felt was a nice touch to the story too. I was happy that we got to see how Jaylah's business plan came about too.

I enjoyed the book overall, it had a nice storyline with plenty of spice not only with the two of them but with Jaylah and her streaming.

[MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

Kairoh 👏🏾 meant 👏🏾 business from the start 😮‍💨 After being away from Jay for six years, he came back determined to show her exactly how he felt and he left no room for questions or doubts. He stepped in, lifted the weight off her shoulders, and made sure she didn’t have to struggle anymore. This was a quick, feel-good read that left me smiling from the spice and their banter.

[derrellee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Prison Bae

I really enjoyed this story, It had all off my favorite tropes: prison bae, friends to lovers, spicy and he falls first. The MMC was thoughtful and he loved her through and through. I encourage you to buy this one it is a nice spicy read . I will be revisiting it over and over.

[Love BookReviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this friends to lovers romance! Beautifully written. It gave everything, sensuality and spice. Roh came home with one thing in mind, to get his woman. The way he carried the load for her and invested in her dream was so sweet. There was a powerful message about carrying the load and weight of the world alone that will stick.

At times repetitive and slow, but push through. 4.75 ⭐️

[AYOKIREADS (AUTHORSIERRAAMORE) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

★ ★ ★ ★
🌶️

I ate this uppppp!!! One sitting!! The chemistry between Jaylah and Kairoh is 😮‍💨😮‍💨. Kairoh didn’t come to play with our girl, periodddd. The sexual tension was everything too!!!

[Lexx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was SUPER cute, I definitely expected more spice though 🤣 Her last live stream was steamyyyyyyy, and I really wanted them to carry that over into their relationship….

HOWEVER, Kairoh came out of prison A MANNNNNNNNNN. He was wealthy and ready to get his woman. Jaylah was blowing me with the “I’ve been doing everything myself for so long” attitude 😓 LET THAT MAN TAKE CAREAYOUUUUU!!!

I lowkey felt like there was a prequel I shouldve read 👀 this was a fun, spicy quick read!

[Shalya Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making booty plugs and live stream sound poetic is a GIFT! And CM Campbell has mastered that. I loved this MMC real bad!

[Mz_MELLO YELLO from the BAY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kairoh 🥰🥰🌶️🌶️🥰🥰

Sometimes the love you need, want and deserve be right in front of you. Your best friend is normally the one that knows you best and wants the best for you. Let’s chat

First and foremost can we talk about the pressure and engry that Kairoh gave and applied to Jaylah 🥰. Can’t me talk about the way he shut it down the first night home? This man didn’t play fair at all but babe 🤪!!!! Can we talk about how he was coming behind her? Having to sit down for 6 years he was able to think about what he needed to do and who he wanted🥹. He had no regrets for the reason he was sitting down! This man made it clear that he would protect her by all means! The way this man handled his business while down to make sure he had no reason to return. Can we talk about how he didn’t just hear her, this man LISTENED to her 🥹. Who wouldn’t want a man that listened to them! Being down didn’t stop him from being the man he wanted and needed to be. This man was smart and calculated about his! The way this man made her dreams come true 🥰! Not only did he make sure she was good, he stood 10 toes down for her mom 🥰, that the spoke volume by itself! Oh and that B.D.E was everything and I was here for it 🌶️🌶️! Kairoh character was not of the standard statistics of those who done time. He’s was more of someone who used that down time to succeed and not return!

Jaylah, was that woman that put everything before her own needs. She was that woman that would do what needed to be done to stay above water. My girl struggle was real but she didn’t give up 😔. My girl was that woman that would do what needed to be done to make sure she was good and her mother🥰. Though she may have felt she was drowning, didn’t care too much for the things she was doing but she did what she needed to do in order to make her dream come true -Rooted Words. Oh but what she wasn’t ready for was that visit that changed her life for the best, the visit that listened to her and placed action behind it, the visit that she honestly didn’t know she needed - Kairoh 🥰!

This read was a short, spicy and to the point that is needed to recharge in this space. The spicy is spicing and the energy between both Jaylah & Kairoh was everything to me. The author has yet to disappoint and loving it 🥰!

[TheTBRWhisperer · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW*


What Jill Scott say, “If you can TELL me what to do, you can tell me what to do.”

You better know that our FMC found out REAL QUICK that our MMC can definitely tell her what to do🫡🤭

This book was so good!

I think I found my new favorite micro trope- books that have a bookish element to it. I like the ones that mention other books. However, I’m starting to love ones that talk about the bookish space.

Anyway, enough of all that…that ain’t what you came for!

——

Plot/storyline: friends to lovers vibe with a unique and spicy 🥵twist.
Chemistry: the friendship functioned as a good foundation. However, you definitely felt when the shift occurred😳🤭😏. You can almost say we saw it in HD🫣👀😈
spice: the spice was 🥵🥵🥵but this had a very good plot/storyline- a really good mix of both🥹
Pacing: amazing
Drama: no external drama, just previous history between the two of them (as friends).

——

Remember, this is 🥵🥵🌶️🌶️ but with a storyline!

Be prepared, the spice is on 10 when it appears but the love story is just as captivating.


—
Now, let’s code switch the review tone:
Putting on my glasses for a more professional approach 🤓🤓🤓
⬇️
——

“pen game 🔏✅” moment:

Our FMC.

I loved how the author wrote our FMC!

Our FMC was fiercely independent and did whatever needed to be done to accomplish her dreams.

While I don’t foresee myself taking that route🧐. I definitely related to the mindset and the hustle.

When our MMC arrived back, I loved that it wasn’t an automatic that he would “take over” financially. Although he could, the FMC wanted to keep her sense of self. We love that!!!

I enjoyed the way the author showed the internal battle of the FMC balancing her strength and vulnerability.

It wasn’t as easy as just accepting the help. She first had to acknowledge the reason her mindset craved that independence...

While our MMC was amazing, the FMC is the star of the show for me.

_____

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend this read!

[She Reads What She Wants · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes a love story don’t show up with bells and whistles, sometimes it just walks in quietly, takes off its shoes, and settles. And that’s exactly what this book did.

I’m usually not a best friends-to-lovers type of girlie. (Like... we been cool this long, what changed?? 😭) But baybeeeee, this one? This one hit different. Kairoh had me in my feelings from the start. One thing about him...he stood on business. He wasn’t hiding behind friendship anymore; he said what he wanted, and what he wanted was Jaylah. Period.

Jaylah? Now, sis took a lil more time to see the vision, but when your heart's been through some things, sometimes your brain gotta play catch up. She needed to feel worthy of the kind of soft, solid love Kairoh was offering. And when she finally caught up? Whew. It was beautiful.

Kairoh gave patient, consistent, grown man love. Not the fairytale kind, the real life, "I see you, I choose you" kind. And Jaylah gave us vulnerability, healing, and finally accepting that yes, good love can be yours too.

💭 Final Thoughts:
This book wasn’t loud or dramatic, but it was intentional, honest, and pure. The kind of romance that creeps up on you and just… stays. A quiet storm of a story that left me satisfied.

[The Urban Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading The Last Stream as an ARC, and it did not disappoint! This novella may be quick, but it packs so much heart, spice, and emotion.

The story follows Jaylah, a devoted daughter juggling her dreams of opening a bookstore while caring for her mother. Enter Kairoh—her childhood best friend who has always loved her, even through six years apart and a painful prison sentence. When he comes back, he’s determined to show Jaylah she’s never been alone and that their love is undeniable.

This book gave me everything: friends-to-lovers, protective MMC, sweet yet fiery FMC, and that delicious “he falls first (and never stopped)” trope. The chemistry between Jaylah and Kairoh was explosive—I devoured it in one sitting. Kairoh made sure there was no doubt about his feelings, lifting Jay’s burdens and proving he was her safe place.

A beautiful, spicy, feel-good read about love that withstands distance, struggle, and time. Quick but unforgettable.

[Ladi Tee Inferno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I Love Friends To Lovers

I was able to ARC read this great love story!!!

Your best friend, since you were sixteen, who just happens to be male, has come home and immediately started putting things in motion to have all your dreams and aspirations come to fruition.
He’s always known what she wanted to do with her life because during the six years they’ve not missed a beat communicating. When he found out how she was making some of her money, he nipped it right in the bud.
Once he had her understand she shouldn’t hold onto the guilt of his incarceration, because he’d do it again. He’ll always protect her, no matter what.
He made her see how he wanted to go from friendship to forever after without stopping pass Go! She’s always been who he wanted but wanted her to be comfortable with it and secure that she was it for him. And there you have it. Loved it down.

[lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

jaylah and kairoh… yeah, they had me in a chokehold immediately. six years apart didn’t do a damn thing but marinate the tension because the second roh came home? he stepped in like, “i’m laying claim,” and i felt that in my soul 😭🔥
this man did six years on behalf of protecting jaylah, walked out those doors, and still knew exactly who and what he wanted. the whole “we’re just friends” thing never stood a chance — roh pursued jaylah the right way, intentional, focused, and grown. the way he moved around her? pressure. HEAVY pressure 😮‍💨💋
their chemistry wasn’t just strong — it was magnetic. that kind of connection where a single look says everything. jaylah trying not to fall while roh is already ten toes down?? delicious.
roh is absolutely starter lineup material for the book boyfriend team. jersey #01. franchise player. i see the vision.
a beautiful, emotional, messy-but-right kind of love story.

[BookTimeWithShaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Last Stream, every glance, touch, and reunion will make your heart race and your pulse spike. By the end, you’ll be breathless, flushed, and completely addicted to their story.

This spicy read follows Jaylah and Kairoh, whose friendship is like no other until circumstances tear them apart. While one holds regrets, the other wouldn’t change a thing.

During their time apart, Jaylah runs her own personal online show, where things are always hot and heated. But after years apart, Kairoh is ready to reunite with Jaylah and to claim what he feels is rightfully his.

With one word and one touch, buried passion erupts, and the chemistry is explosive. Maybe it’s true: best friends can also be the best lovers…

Do I recommend? Yes!!

[Shamell · Rating 3 out of 5]

You’re about to learn what it feels like when your best friend’s been starving for you this long. That one sentence had me hooked chile lol. Whewwwwww where do I start lol. This was a spicy read chileeeeee. He went to jail for six years behind his love for his best friend. Six years of hidden love, desire, need and affection for one another.
Kairoh was definitely a man who paid the right to be there in years and choices. Six years is a long time to sacrifice for someone. Jaylah was blessed with a best friend who loved her but saw so much inside of her that he brought her dreams to life. I enjoyed this read somethings were a little repetitive but just read it.

[Jacknthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This book was the perfect mix of spice and romance. Kairoh came home and claimed his woman. I was here for all of it. The way he told her he had everything she needed to make her dreams come true had me smiling so hard. That man didn't play about Jaylah. I don't even know why she tried to play like she needed time and space to see if she really wanted what he was offering. No worries, because Kairoh applied pressure and didn't let up. As for the spice, I wanted to be a fly on the wall because these two were hot. The way he kept calling her good girl and talking her through it 🥵🥵🥵. This was my second read by this author, and she does not disappoint.

[Brisace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was tender, intimate, and full of that slow-burn tension that sneaks under your skin. Six years apart didn’t dim anything between them; it just made the pull sharper, deeper, and impossible to ignore. Jaylah and Kairoh’s connection feel like a quiet storm sweet on the surface, heavy underneath. Friends who were supposed to be safe suddenly become something charged, forbidden, and emotionally honest in a way neither of them is ready for but both of them feel. And Kairoh was not playing behind Jaylah. From investing in her dreams to protecting her without hesitation… whew. That’s a good man, Savannah.

[Monique McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I love this story. It took you through what's happens when you let love win.
Roh and Jay were a couple after going through life.
A lot of men get out of prison but dont know how to survive in the free world. Roh found someone who would help him get through his prison time and survive afterward.
I love how Jay lets him love and take care of her. Some women want a man to take care of her while she doesn't lose herself.
I love how they went through conflict but won in the end.

[Renee Booktok · Rating 4 out of 5]

YESS MA’AM ate this up

Kairoh whew honey that man said what he said and that’s exactly what’s it’s going to be! We love a man that can bring out our soft girl era!

Jaylah -Erikah said bag lady you gone hurt yo back dragging all them bags like that! Life ain’t easy especially when you taking care of everybody by any means!!

Oh and author I ain’t know you had them spice scenes in you girl 😜🔥

[Briana Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Need A Kairoh 😩

Imagine spending six years in jail for defending the woman of your dreams. Every day in lock up you’ve dreamt of the day you can get out and reclaim what has always been yours, but when the time comes you find her servicing her clients in front of the camera… Mhm challenge accepted 🤭

This was such a sweet and spicy second chance at love between twin flames. I picked this title up during BRAE and I can’t wait to read more from CM!

[Swan ౨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roh need to be in and ON me!!

I found this author on TikTok(now she’s my mutual) but funny thing is, I had this on my tbr for a hot minute so I finally gave it a try and roh lives up for the hype okay!!! I live for a second chance romance and WHEWW this had me hot and bothered!! Roh said what he said AND MEANT IT!!
The first scene with him seeing her on the steam… wish I had a bag of chips 🫣

[Kerris Solomon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers in the Best Way!

This was such a beautiful novella. The slow build of a love overtime, that eventually pours out and spills over everything it touches; not needing to be cleaned up. To fall in love with your best friend seems like the best kind of love. Kairoh protected Jaylah at all costs, she held him down in the hardest times, & he gave it all back to her tenfold. May we all find a love that real, deep, and unwavering!

[Savanah Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

“Strength don’t always mean carrying it all by yourself. Sometimes it means letting somebody else carry some of it with you.”

The growth of Jahyla, and to see how Roy came out of jail and did what he could to make sure they were both straight the legal way was nice to read. Getting through their trails and challenges and still coming out stronger together on the outside was great! A good read for sure!

[BeautifullyFlawedKAH · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review…

This story is what most women want. Jay was a woman trying to do it all, trying to hold it all together. Roh had a mission. He knew what he wanted and what he needed to do to get it. Talk about show up and show out! He did just that. If B.D.E. had a name it would be ROH! It was refreshing to read the story of Roh and Jay, a beautiful love story.

[_dulcekk · Rating 4 out of 5]

mhmmm…

If he wanted to he would! Kairoh may not have been physically present but that did not stop the way her took care of Jaylah. Once he was released, he was on a mission, which he accomplished and then some! I want to be employed at Rooted Words so bad!

[Sistaharlem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lingering Love

A love that two people ignored until one was forced to face issues & life in a box for 6 years. Kaiyroh didn't waste away. Instead he planned & built wealth, legal wealth, all in hopes of paying the woman back who rode for him with no strings attached.

[Mycherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roh is the man….

When he came out from doing six years in prison, he wanted to make sure that Jaylah (FMC) didn’t want for anything or need for anything in the world. Jay started doing Streaming on her laptop for money to help her and her family out.