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The Last Resort
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Expected 26 Feb 26Sydneysider Abbey Parker, 42, arrives on an idyllic island resort in the Maldives. Her marriage is over, it's her first holiday alone, and an identity crisis is looming. Her solution? A complimentary bottle of champagne and a swim in the Indian Ocean. Staying in the room next door is brooding Londoner Nick Northby, 41. He's on his annual holiday, avoiding the sun, the glare and people - but he can't avoid having to rescue a tipsy, half-naked woman from drowning.
Their chemistry is immediate and undeniable. And with a mysteriously invested resort worker playing cupid, a holiday fling is inevitable.
Abbey returns home changed, but still struggling to assert herself among her all-female family of powerhouse personalities. Meanwhile, changes are also occurring at her work. Delacqua Hotels has new English owners and her role as Executive Assistant to the CEO becomes extremely awkward - her new boss is none other than her former holiday flame, Nick Northby.
Boss Nick is very different from Holiday Nick - and it isn't just the bespoke suits. He's all business and boundaries. As Abbey finds her voice and opens her heart, Nick sheds his layers reluctantly. She discovers a guarded and damaged man, who manages his heart like a high-risk venture.
Nick is determined not to fall for her. So why does he keep creeping past the line they drew in the white Maldivian sand, marking the end of their affair?
If they're going to have a future together, they'll need to decide whether their self-imposed boundaries are a strength or a weakness - and if falling in love is worth the risk.
The Last Resort is a warm, sophisticated, funny and poignant novel about two people reluctantly falling in love and trying to find hope when the realities of middle age have overtaken the optimism of youth.
Their chemistry is immediate and undeniable. And with a mysteriously invested resort worker playing cupid, a holiday fling is inevitable.
Abbey returns home changed, but still struggling to assert herself among her all-female family of powerhouse personalities. Meanwhile, changes are also occurring at her work. Delacqua Hotels has new English owners and her role as Executive Assistant to the CEO becomes extremely awkward - her new boss is none other than her former holiday flame, Nick Northby.
Boss Nick is very different from Holiday Nick - and it isn't just the bespoke suits. He's all business and boundaries. As Abbey finds her voice and opens her heart, Nick sheds his layers reluctantly. She discovers a guarded and damaged man, who manages his heart like a high-risk venture.
Nick is determined not to fall for her. So why does he keep creeping past the line they drew in the white Maldivian sand, marking the end of their affair?
If they're going to have a future together, they'll need to decide whether their self-imposed boundaries are a strength or a weakness - and if falling in love is worth the risk.
The Last Resort is a warm, sophisticated, funny and poignant novel about two people reluctantly falling in love and trying to find hope when the realities of middle age have overtaken the optimism of youth.
Audiobook
Expected publication February 26, 2026
13 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Hewitt
1 book4 followersAmanda Hewitt is an Australian romance author. Based in the south of Sydney, she is a mum of three little guys and wife to a big guy. An expert on guys, she now writes love stories about guys that don’t exist. She loves Gothic literature and English period drama. When she is not writing, you can find her knee deep in laundry, or curled up on the lounge with a mystery and a glass of red.
The Last Resort is Amanda's debut novel and is being published on Feb 3rd, 2026.
The Last Resort is Amanda's debut novel and is being published on Feb 3rd, 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 9, 2026
This is a brilliant debut, a romance that has so many emotions flowing through the words it made me laugh as I turned the pages and got to know Abbey and Nick, come along and get to know them.
Abbey Parker, forty two is single now, mother to a sixteen year old daughter and has come to The Maldives for a much needed break what will these two weeks bring her?
Nick Northby forty one is a widow and is on his annual holiday in The Maldives, he takes this every year with no intention of mixing with anyone, will things be different this year?
A late night swim after drinking a bottle of champagne sees Abbey going for a naked swim but when Nick staying in the room next door thinks she is in trouble he saves her but did she really need saving? The chemistry between them is immediate and then their shared personal valet seems to be pushing them together and soon these two weeks turn into a very sensual and passionate two weeks but both knew from the start that it would be a holiday fling because Nick cannot fall in love.
Abbey is back home and getting herself off to work as an EA to the CEO of a big hotel in Sydney she knew her boss had retired when she went on holidays and is wondering what to expect when she returns, what she returns to is the last thing she expected that somehow Nick would be her new boss and that the personal valet is his brother Oliver and the first meeting did not go well.
Soon Abbey is realising that there are many Nicks, Holiday Nick, Boss Nick and so many more her life is being turned upside down with pressure from her ninety four year old grandmother Iris and bossy sister Kate Abbey finds herself on a roller coaster of a journey as she finally gets Nick to open up and slowly bit by bit she learns more about him and his family but the big question is can she make Nick realise that he can fall in love? Nick has a lot to overcome from his past and maybe Abbey is the one to help.
I loved, loved this one from start to finish, I laughed and cheered them on, the emotions and the other players in this story, Iris, Oliver, Kate Evelyn make this story a must read, getting to know all of the Nicks and Abbeys, how many can there be, that make themselves known in this story was fabulous, the setting, the sensuality bought everything together. This one is a beautiful story and one that I do highly recommend huge congrats Amanda Hewitt on a fabulous debut, I look forward to many more.
My thanks to Echo Publishing for my ARC to read and review.
Abbey Parker, forty two is single now, mother to a sixteen year old daughter and has come to The Maldives for a much needed break what will these two weeks bring her?
Nick Northby forty one is a widow and is on his annual holiday in The Maldives, he takes this every year with no intention of mixing with anyone, will things be different this year?
A late night swim after drinking a bottle of champagne sees Abbey going for a naked swim but when Nick staying in the room next door thinks she is in trouble he saves her but did she really need saving? The chemistry between them is immediate and then their shared personal valet seems to be pushing them together and soon these two weeks turn into a very sensual and passionate two weeks but both knew from the start that it would be a holiday fling because Nick cannot fall in love.
Abbey is back home and getting herself off to work as an EA to the CEO of a big hotel in Sydney she knew her boss had retired when she went on holidays and is wondering what to expect when she returns, what she returns to is the last thing she expected that somehow Nick would be her new boss and that the personal valet is his brother Oliver and the first meeting did not go well.
Soon Abbey is realising that there are many Nicks, Holiday Nick, Boss Nick and so many more her life is being turned upside down with pressure from her ninety four year old grandmother Iris and bossy sister Kate Abbey finds herself on a roller coaster of a journey as she finally gets Nick to open up and slowly bit by bit she learns more about him and his family but the big question is can she make Nick realise that he can fall in love? Nick has a lot to overcome from his past and maybe Abbey is the one to help.
I loved, loved this one from start to finish, I laughed and cheered them on, the emotions and the other players in this story, Iris, Oliver, Kate Evelyn make this story a must read, getting to know all of the Nicks and Abbeys, how many can there be, that make themselves known in this story was fabulous, the setting, the sensuality bought everything together. This one is a beautiful story and one that I do highly recommend huge congrats Amanda Hewitt on a fabulous debut, I look forward to many more.
My thanks to Echo Publishing for my ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
Wow what a page turner, The Last Resort Is so addictive and unputdownable. The perfect summer must read!
I cannot believe this is a debut, it’s beautifully written and I fell in love with the main characters.
Aussie Abbey Parker forty-two and recently dumped by her husband of thirteen years is holidaying alone in the Maldives. Brooding Nick Northby forty-one from London is also staying at the same resort and finds himself trying to rescue a half naked and tipsy Abbey from drowning.
Will Abbey have a holiday fling with the Englishman?
I loved their valet Oliver, he was a lovely surprise as you will see when you read the book!
When Abbey returns home from vacation she finds the company she works for has been acquired by new English owners. The new boss is revealed …….and he is determined not to fall for her.
I haven’t revealed too much as you need to go in blind!!
A wonderfully warm, engaging and feel good romance about second chances and changes, absolutely worth a read!
Publication Date 03 February 2026
Publisher Echo Publishing
A huge thanks to Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
Wow what a page turner, The Last Resort Is so addictive and unputdownable. The perfect summer must read!
I cannot believe this is a debut, it’s beautifully written and I fell in love with the main characters.
Aussie Abbey Parker forty-two and recently dumped by her husband of thirteen years is holidaying alone in the Maldives. Brooding Nick Northby forty-one from London is also staying at the same resort and finds himself trying to rescue a half naked and tipsy Abbey from drowning.
Will Abbey have a holiday fling with the Englishman?
I loved their valet Oliver, he was a lovely surprise as you will see when you read the book!
When Abbey returns home from vacation she finds the company she works for has been acquired by new English owners. The new boss is revealed …….and he is determined not to fall for her.
I haven’t revealed too much as you need to go in blind!!
A wonderfully warm, engaging and feel good romance about second chances and changes, absolutely worth a read!
Publication Date 03 February 2026
Publisher Echo Publishing
A huge thanks to Echo Publishing for a copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Most romance novels seem to focus on twenty-somethings finding their way, but The Last Resort was a breath of fresh air because it centres on protagonists in their 40s. Abbey and Nick are navigating the complexities of midlife, from the sting of divorce to the guardedness that comes with life experience. It was incredibly refreshing to read about a "second-chance" evolution where the characters already have established careers and baggage, making their eventual connection feel earned, sophisticated, and deeply poignant.
The story kicks off with a sizzling holiday fling in the Maldives, but the real magic happens when the setting shifts to Sydney. As a non-Australian reader, I absolutely loved being transported "down under." The author does a fantastic job of capturing the local energy – from the "Sydneysider" lifestyle to the high-stakes corporate world of Delacqua Hotels. It felt like a mini-holiday in itself (very welcome in the depths of winter in the UK!) to hang out in a different hemisphere while watching the awkward, high-tension chemistry between "Holiday Nick" and "Boss Nick" unfold in the office.
Ultimately, this debut is the perfect blend of top-notch banter, "spicy" workplace tension, and heartfelt growth. Abbey’s journey to finding her voice again at 42 is both empowering and relatable, and the supporting cast kept me smiling throughout (let's just say I would be very happy indeed if there could be more time with these characters in the future, particularly Ollie!)
So whether you’re looking for a bingeable beach read, or a story that proves love is just as exciting the second time around, I can’t recommend this one enough. Five stars!
The story kicks off with a sizzling holiday fling in the Maldives, but the real magic happens when the setting shifts to Sydney. As a non-Australian reader, I absolutely loved being transported "down under." The author does a fantastic job of capturing the local energy – from the "Sydneysider" lifestyle to the high-stakes corporate world of Delacqua Hotels. It felt like a mini-holiday in itself (very welcome in the depths of winter in the UK!) to hang out in a different hemisphere while watching the awkward, high-tension chemistry between "Holiday Nick" and "Boss Nick" unfold in the office.
Ultimately, this debut is the perfect blend of top-notch banter, "spicy" workplace tension, and heartfelt growth. Abbey’s journey to finding her voice again at 42 is both empowering and relatable, and the supporting cast kept me smiling throughout (let's just say I would be very happy indeed if there could be more time with these characters in the future, particularly Ollie!)
So whether you’re looking for a bingeable beach read, or a story that proves love is just as exciting the second time around, I can’t recommend this one enough. Five stars!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big thanks to Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Last Resort is a delightful contemporary fiction second chance romance with feel good vibes and an inviting aura.
A memorable tale with much to enjoy.
Abbey Parker is single, drinking too much champagne, in the ocean and at a resort in an exotic location contemplating her life.
Nick Northby is English, who doesn’t like people and won’t embrace his feelings, he’s also at the same resort watching and thinking Abbey is drowning.
He saves her and they have words and the chemistry between them boils over.
A good time is certain.
Then back in Sydney Abbey returns to work but while she was gone there was changes and the company has new bosses.
Abbey’s new boss is Nick.
Now the drama really begins…..
There’s so much to adore in this debut book and all its overloaded fun.
This was a bingeable read with emotion, intellect, boldness and wisdom.
I loved the banter, work place tension, dynamics and the cast.
Amanda’s entertaining writing style and storytelling will be a winner for many.
It’s great to have the two leads in their 40s with maturity and intelligence.
A light hearted read with plenty of chitchat, flirtation and pure escapism.
The Last Resort is a delightful contemporary fiction second chance romance with feel good vibes and an inviting aura.
A memorable tale with much to enjoy.
Abbey Parker is single, drinking too much champagne, in the ocean and at a resort in an exotic location contemplating her life.
Nick Northby is English, who doesn’t like people and won’t embrace his feelings, he’s also at the same resort watching and thinking Abbey is drowning.
He saves her and they have words and the chemistry between them boils over.
A good time is certain.
Then back in Sydney Abbey returns to work but while she was gone there was changes and the company has new bosses.
Abbey’s new boss is Nick.
Now the drama really begins…..
There’s so much to adore in this debut book and all its overloaded fun.
This was a bingeable read with emotion, intellect, boldness and wisdom.
I loved the banter, work place tension, dynamics and the cast.
Amanda’s entertaining writing style and storytelling will be a winner for many.
It’s great to have the two leads in their 40s with maturity and intelligence.
A light hearted read with plenty of chitchat, flirtation and pure escapism.
February 3, 2026
Couldn’t put it down!
I just downloaded The Last Resort this morning and, thanks to a workplace system outage, have already finished it. Every time I would start to put my Kindle down and do something else, I was pulled back in. There is something so relatable about Abbey - she’s authentic, with hilarious random thoughts in her head that we’ve all had and understand. And as Nick is the broody Austen-esque type that I adore, I just couldn’t help but be drawn in. Definitely worth the read if you are looking for something gripping and emotionally charged, but need assurances of a happy ending!
I just downloaded The Last Resort this morning and, thanks to a workplace system outage, have already finished it. Every time I would start to put my Kindle down and do something else, I was pulled back in. There is something so relatable about Abbey - she’s authentic, with hilarious random thoughts in her head that we’ve all had and understand. And as Nick is the broody Austen-esque type that I adore, I just couldn’t help but be drawn in. Definitely worth the read if you are looking for something gripping and emotionally charged, but need assurances of a happy ending!
February 5, 2026
The Last Resort was delivered so eloquently! The two voice actors were really lovely. I also appreciate multiple voices reading. It gives more emotion. I don’t enjoy the monotony of one voice. This was extremely charming. All surrounding second chance love for two people in their forties. With the added pressure from the corporate world, family trauma, the watchful eyes of people they love and self doubt, the two main characters are charming and relatable. I enjoyed this one a lot!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC!
February 11, 2026
I couldn’t put this down. The story hooked me right away with its awkward, meet-cute moment in the Maldives, but what really stood out was the emotional depth. It’s not just a romance, it’s about two guarded, middle-aged people learning how to open up and start over. The workplace tension added extra spark, and the honest look at midlife change made it feel real and relatable. Watching Abbey grow and seeing Nick slowly let his walls down was incredibly satisfying. Warm, witty, and beautifully written.
February 6, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. Abbey is such a compelling character and her journey deeply relatable. The way the author describes her as beige in her mariage, slowly dimming her light because of how her ex saw (or didn’t see) her, felt incredibly real.
The story has elements that are delightfully far-fetched, exactly the magic of a great romance novel. It gives you permission to imagine possibilities that real life doesn’t often offer so easily.
The story has elements that are delightfully far-fetched, exactly the magic of a great romance novel. It gives you permission to imagine possibilities that real life doesn’t often offer so easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
I’m lucky enough to have already read this page turner. The start of this book is honestly so vivid in my mind. I can still see myself there. It’s both a book for the couch and a book for beachside or poolside. The characters are the kind you love and the kind that make you want to tear your hair out. I loved it. Take me back to the champagne, the sand, and that Nick Northby.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll be honest, the first part had me thinking this was just another light summer romance. But I was wrong. The main characters actually have real depth, and I really enjoyed how the story slowly unraveled. 📚✨
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 7, 2026
I picked this one up not knowing what to expect and was utterly engrossed.
The characters develop such depth and the story is so well constructed. I couldn't put it down and finishef it in a single night. I'm not normally one to comment, but it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. Amazing, please, please let there be more.
The characters develop such depth and the story is so well constructed. I couldn't put it down and finishef it in a single night. I'm not normally one to comment, but it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. Amazing, please, please let there be more.
February 10, 2026
Wow, if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
Simply a wonderful story I couldn't put it down, and I want more.
Abbey and Nick are adorable and the other characters are wonderfully crafted, I particularly loved Iris.
Hope there's more to come from this Author.
Simply a wonderful story I couldn't put it down, and I want more.
Abbey and Nick are adorable and the other characters are wonderfully crafted, I particularly loved Iris.
Hope there's more to come from this Author.
November 23, 2025
So lucky to have already read this gem. The romance was sweet, the twists kept me hooked, and the hometown setting gave me all the nostalgic feels. Such a fun, addictive read.
February 12, 2026
perfect holiday read
Very good for a first novel. Perfect light holiday read, all the elements you want, humour, romance, sex and luxury!
Looking forward to what comes next
Very good for a first novel. Perfect light holiday read, all the elements you want, humour, romance, sex and luxury!
Looking forward to what comes next
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Holiday fling meets workplace romance meets second-chance love … yes, please.
I’m lucky enough to have received an ARC of The Last Resort after a friend met the author at work and we discovered we live local to one another. Hopefully I’ll get to catch up with Amanda for coffee and a proper book natter soon!
Holiday chemistry, champagne, and the Maldives had me wanting to jump on the next flight out the second I opened this. Abbey and Nick’s sparks fly perfectly, but the real fun comes with the internal struggles of Holiday Nick colliding with Boss Nick back in Sydney. High five for my home city getting a moment in the spotlight! I also loved watching Abbey stay entirely herself. EA Abbey, Holiday Abbey, always true to who she is while also growing and finding her confidence post-divorce. The chemistry and banter kept me grinning the whole way through.
I adored Kate and Oliver and would happily spend more time with them. Fingers crossed for a follow-up (or two) with this crew. The writing is funny, a little spicy, and utterly addictive.
A heart-warming and sometimes poignant story about finding hope, love, and your voice in the middle of life. My only gripe? It should have hit shelves before summer because it’s the perfect beach or poolside read.
Five stars from me and a huge thank you to @echo_publishing for the early copy. #thelastresort
I’m lucky enough to have received an ARC of The Last Resort after a friend met the author at work and we discovered we live local to one another. Hopefully I’ll get to catch up with Amanda for coffee and a proper book natter soon!
Holiday chemistry, champagne, and the Maldives had me wanting to jump on the next flight out the second I opened this. Abbey and Nick’s sparks fly perfectly, but the real fun comes with the internal struggles of Holiday Nick colliding with Boss Nick back in Sydney. High five for my home city getting a moment in the spotlight! I also loved watching Abbey stay entirely herself. EA Abbey, Holiday Abbey, always true to who she is while also growing and finding her confidence post-divorce. The chemistry and banter kept me grinning the whole way through.
I adored Kate and Oliver and would happily spend more time with them. Fingers crossed for a follow-up (or two) with this crew. The writing is funny, a little spicy, and utterly addictive.
A heart-warming and sometimes poignant story about finding hope, love, and your voice in the middle of life. My only gripe? It should have hit shelves before summer because it’s the perfect beach or poolside read.
Five stars from me and a huge thank you to @echo_publishing for the early copy. #thelastresort
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews