The Last Great Almost

by Quintana McConnell

Phases fade. Eras echo.
You don't always know you're in one,
until it's gone.

Nora Lowe never meant to return-not to the boy who once knew her better than she knew herself. But fifteen summers later, her car is back in the driveway across the street. Coming home means facing the ache they never named, the silences that shaped them, and the versions of herself she thought she'd left behind.

Elliott Ashby hasn't really slept since Nora left. Her absence rewrote him-into someone who measures mornings by shadows and rehearses reunions that never come. Now that she's here, everything he buried begins to surface.

Told in dual POV across layered timelines, The Last Great Almost is a slow-burning meditation on emotional imprinting, chosen family, and the quiet ways we carry each other-long after the moment has passed.

536 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 17, 2026

Reviews

[Carley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest I was very hesitant going into this book because my two least favorite tropes are second chance romance and friends to lovers. There was no way to dislike how these tropes were done with Nora and Elliott. These characters were so well developed and felt so human there was no way not to care. Definitely should be making it's way into your mental tbr. I also need to mention that you need to read the trigger warnings before going to into this book because some quite heavy topics are discussed. Also know there are a lot of pop culture references( which I enjoyed but I know some people aren't a fan of ). Overall, amazing job to the author and a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a sweet, second chance, dual POV, friends to lovers story. It was kinda like living my youth all over again with all the feels, miscommunications and up and downs of how relationship can go. Elliott and Nora are wonderful characters that makes you really care about them and their feelings.

[Caitlyn Lemberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dual POV, second chance romance, AND childhood friends to lovers? Amazing.
Also towards the end it was heavy events on football and I LOVE the NFL.
This was a long read, but such a cute one and I feel like the ending was predictable but I truly ate it up. I loved how it was every other chapter for the character.
Also PLEASE be mindful of the TW’s (parent death, grief, mental health).

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really sweet and a fun read. I enjoyed the dual perspective and the flow. It came together nicely without a lot of miscommunication between the characters once Nora came back. Elliot is love, care, strength and understanding wrapped together in a wonderful package.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[bri 🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear swifties, drop everything now & add this book to your tbr!! 😍

✨My review:
This story follows Nora and Elliott, almost high school sweethearts, when they reconnect fifteen summers later. Nora never dreamt of coming out of exile to return home to painful memories and the boy who got away. But when Elliott knocks on her door for the first time in years, she’s enchanted all over again. Elliott, who has been plagued by memories of Nora, remembers all too well. He remembers all the little things and versions of themselves so they can begin again. All Nora had to do was stay. Besides, nothing good ever happens in a getaway car.

Love, love, love this book so much!! I could not put this book down. It’s so millennial coded and the best Taylor Swift vibes!! And how fitting to have read it the day before the Life of a Showgirl 🧡

✨Tropes: slow burn romance, second chance, childhood friends reunion, chosen family, emotional scars, small town, nostalgia, black cat x golden retriever

Thank you so much to the author for this arc!!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando Nora regresa a Moonridge después de años fuera, lo hace con la sensación de haber perdido más de lo que ganó. Su vida en Portland se ha venido abajo y la casa de su infancia parece el único lugar donde puede sostenerse. Sin embargo, volver significa enfrentar aquello que siempre evitó. Al otro lado de la calle vive Elliott, su amigo de toda la vida y también la persona cuya ausencia marcó el rumbo que tomó su historia.

El reencuentro despierta emociones que creían enterradas. Nora lidia con la presión de sus padres, el eco de decisiones mal tomadas y el temor de revivir lo que la lastimó. Elliott ha construido una rutina rígida para no enfrentar su propia culpa y ahora debe reconocer que nunca logró dejarla atrás.


___


Esperaba que al final Nora rompiera todo contacto con sus padres.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was sweet, heartfelt and like a warm hug of a romance novel. There were some really profound moments and the whole book is very emotionally charged which I really enjoyed. I also loved the characters, Nora and Elliot are the sweetest and I’m so happy they got their happily ever after!

There isn’t a lot of dialogue in this one, it’s more reflective and full of quiet moments looking back and wishing. It gets pretty heavy at times and both Nora and Elliot go through some pretty tough stuff. But I absolutely loved the way everything came together in the end, this book really defines the phrase, “to be known is to be loved.”

The only thing i think could have made this better is if it were dual timeline. I would have loved to live through high school with our MC’s in stead of just hearing about it or flashing back to moments in their minds. I fell like that would have created a lot more tension and made me love these characters even more. But otherwise I had a great time with this story and would definitely recommend if you’re a fan of more emotional romance stories.

Thank you to BookSprout and the author for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Portia Citlali · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to connect with this book. While the chapters flowed going from one PV to another, the story itself felt rushed. Each character experienced significant trauma, yet these moments were glossed over rather than explored in depth. I appreciated the inclusion of grief and sexual assault representation, as these are important topics to address, but the book didn’t dive deeply enough into them for the impact to fully land.

This is a second-chance romance between Nora and Elliot, told through a dual timeline and dual POV. There were aspects of their relationship that were endearing, but as it progressed, everything began to feel increasingly rushed. I did like that there was no physical intimacy until the very end, but there was little chemistry or emotional buildup to support it. As a result, the romance never fully resonated with me.

Dual POV
Second Chance Romance
Under One Roof

I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read books by Quintana McConnell before and this one is probably one of my favorites so far.

Be aware of your triggers before you start reading this book as there are heavy themes dealt with detail.

This is such a great and heartfelt book about a girl who left her home to discover herself, but life was not gentle, and she is back to face what she left behind, and the boy who has almost her love, but has pined for her through time and her evolution. And oh my, is it ever a great story. Nora and Elliot were neighbors, confidants, the best of friends, but before he can confess his feelings, she leaves. What comes next is an exploration of time and love and the struggles that life brings. The author doesn't shy from bringing stories to life and showcasing them and seeing how they are shaping the characters until the time they get a second chance.

A great book !.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly Kenyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and author for an advanced copy of The Last Great Almost by Quintana McConnell.
This is a second chance/childhood best friend read. I’m not sure if it is a YA book but it reads like one. It’s very cute and sweet with some heavier topics sprinkled in. The FMC’s mental health is touched upon but not in depth. The MMC is an absolute sweetheart, patient and kind. He is also healing from trauma that isn’t explored much. I was rooting for them both as a couple, but more importantly, individually.
I loved the nostalgia, esp th music.
I felt like many of the storylines were too vague, I was left with questions. I really never understood the reason the FMC and the MMC lost touch in the first place. Or what exactly happened to her. ALS the ending was cute but again, not many details.
3.25⭐️

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Team Reader -

The Last Great Almost is a cute, comforting read that delivers exactly what it promises—a gentle story with steady pacing and a warm, familiar feel. It’s the kind of book that invites you to settle in, relax, and simply enjoy the company of its characters. While a few parts felt like they were a bit long/drawn-out, the overall flow made it an easy, enjoyable escape.

What I appreciated most was how refreshing it felt compared to the adrenaline-heavy, action-packed fantasy novels dominating my reading list lately. This book doesn’t try to thrill you; instead, it feels like spending time with a comfortable friend—low-pressure, kindhearted, and pleasantly soothing. A quick, feel-good break that’s well worth the read.

[Sharyn Stieglitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book! Nora and Elliott's story is the perfect book for any Swiftie. I was so impressed by all the Easter Eggs Quintana was able to incorporate into the story.
Nora and Elliott are childhood next door neighbors, who have gone separate ways for 15 years. When Nora moves back to Ohio, she reconnects with Elliott, and is trying to figure out what she wants to do in life. Throughout this book, we're taken down memory lane to their childhood and high school, along with their current day story and reconnection.
I adored Nora, the FMC, and found her to be very relatable. She was dealing with family and mental health issues, and navigating a very tough time in her life. She took on a job at the local diner, but knows there's something bigger for her out there.
Elliott is the book boyfriend of my dreams. He's such a kind soul, and has always been there for Nora, and is hoping they can move past their 15 year hiatus, and move forward together as adults.
I adored this book and every time I caught a Taylor Swift reference, I was so giddy inside.
This was my first book by Quintana McConnell, but definitely won't be my last!

[Cheryl Tabor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Book Sprout. Two people whom as young people were best friend, each falling in love back then but never revealing that fact. Elliot lost his best friend that left without a word after graduation. Then he lost his parents. A teacher/coach still in same town grew up in. In his parents home, across the street from Nora's parents home. Who he visits often. Norma doesn't visit as he'd hoped. Nora had so many traumas from high school, her parents. Nothing left for her to stay even she an Elliot have fought before she left. Some things happened in her new life that some how brought her back home. Was this a mistake. Would her parents ever change. Would she be able to avoid Elliot while home. The secrets are revealed of both Elliots and Nora's and from that what remains?

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great second chance romance, friends to lovers story. Nora and Elliot were neighbors and best friends since they were young. There was always an undercurrent of more, but they both were afraid of disturbing their friendship. There friendship was impacted by a traumatic event in high school and they didn't talk for 15 years. Their friendship is rekindled when Nora comes back home. They have to work through their issues, their memories, but are able to get through with a much stronger relationship. A great read overall.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Markowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took my time with this book as I realized while reading that I was needing to stop and absorb what I was reading frequently. This book packed a punch in the feelings department. It had me crying mostly because I identify so much with the FMC. This isn’t the kind of book you can speed read and expect to get the full experience from reading it. You really need to take your time with this book in order to truly appreciate it. I highly recommend if you’re looking for something that makes you feel things you weren’t expecting to. You can tell that the author poured a lot of herself into the characters and story.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance/friends to lovers
I highly enjoyed Nora and Elliot’s story.
Nora and Elliot were childhood best friends that obviously crushed on each other but never pursued a relationship due to timing and miscommunication. Then abruptly, Nora leaves town for quite a few years and ends up coming back to town to realize she’s still in love with Elliot. From there, we go on a roller coaster of emotions and understanding between the two characters.
The banter between Nora and Elliot is top-tier!

[Courtney Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy read to calm your mind when everything is going on around you. Everyone has struggled a time or two finding themselves and that is exactly the journey this book takes you on. Coupled with self reflection and growth is the what could have been moment with someone who got away.

This book is relatable and a lovely reminder of the growth and healing journey. When I finished the book, I smiled because I could reflect on my own journey just like Nora did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Veronica Iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nora and Elliot will take you on a long journey of friendship, trauma, grief, mental health struggles and healing. You’ll want to reach in to hug them so many times. There will be lots of emotions felt throughout your reading. It’s a story of another chance at love not only with the only person your heart has ever loved, but yourself. The found family makes that love even sweeter.


Triggers:
Sexual Assault (not on page)
Grief
Loss of parents
Anxiety/Depression
Suicidal Ideation
Toxic Family

* I received an ARC *

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I have to be honest I didn't know if I would finish it. I felt that at first it was very slow moving and it didn’t catch my attention right away that I wanted to just sit and read it. But as the story developed I started to get into it more and by the end I couldn’t put it down.
This is a second chance friends to lover slow burn troupes. If you are a Swiftie you will like the Taylor Swift vibes. By the end I had all the feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review**

This is such a beautiful story of a rekindling of long lost love. A very cozy, kind of cliche but in the most perfect way, retelling and illustration of a missed opportunity for 2 people. The way that the author was able to perfectly capture the words I could never even begin to think of, like saving it in a jar, like a favorite smell or taste that unlocks a memory that was stowed away for years and years that we almost forgot about until it resurfaces.

Such a sweet and wonderful love story that made me happy cry.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tribute to the 90s and 00s, Taylor Swift, and the power of genuine, quiet love, The Last Great Almost is for anyone who needs to be reminded that, despite past wounds and mistakes, they are worthy of being seen, known, and cherished. The world needs more stories like this one where respectful, patient, and mutually edifying love is championed.

*Content considerations: I would recommend this book for older teens and adults as it does deal (tastefully and not in detail) with some heavier topics like trauma, assault, and abuse.

[C Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the authors writing and descriptions in the book. I also enjoyed the character growth. If you like a good slow burn, this is the book for you! However, I think it took way too long for the couple to acknowledge their feelings for each other so I started to get bored because I felt like nothing was happening.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Meg O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced copy from the Author and it definitely hits on many themes elder millennials struggle with as they move through this phase of life called adulthood.

I LOVE the dual POV where we get to see inside the minds of both Nora and Elliott. There’s history between them but there’s also life, trauma, healing, and experiences they need to muddle through on their own to get to the next chapter of themselves.

This is a heavy pining, self-discovery, no spice, story of life, love, expectation, and forgiveness that really tugs at the heartstrings. It is especially poignant for those who have experienced similar feelings of loss, unmet expectations, feeling less-than, and the notion being seen for who you are.

Add this to your TBR, ASAP.

[Stephanie Ludington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really so cute. I LOVED the subtle Taylor Swift vibes in it. I think that Elliot is your typical guy that every women wants but in like the… super cute keep everything from childhood type of guy. I do love the character development between Nora and Elliot. I also love the subtle crush not sure if we should touch hands or talk about it phase. Ugh.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sara Arlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

100% recommend! It’s more than a second chance romance, friends to lovers trope. It’s self discovery, acceptance and not just finding love outside but within as well.

At the end of the book in the authors note to us, she writes about this book “meeting you where you are.” This was a read I never knew I needed.

[Ava P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was INCREDIBLE!!! I loved the dual perspectives between the fmc and mmc. The slow burn had me constantly reading and thinking about reading. If you like slow burn, second chances with a “why didn’t you tell me?” micro-trope, you HAVE to put this on your tbr! ❤️.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a beautiful story of second chances. With characters that make you fall in love with them, I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting. It was cute and sweet and such a good read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow just wow I loved Elliot so much and Nora the emotional roller coaster a person goes through reading this book is what every reader wants the way these two characters went through so much especially Nora broke my heart if you want to read a book you won’t regret this is the book !!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely story and great characters.
Author took excellent care of details. It’s not fast read as it took some time to accept depth of facts and feelings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashleigh Nowiski · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved the duel pov. it was a sweet quick read for me! i loved the characters, they were super sweet.

i received this via booksprout!