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Last Resort: A spicy second chance romance
What if your last resort was your first choice all along?
Abby Ashe didn’t plan on honeymooning alone. But when her fiancé leaves her three months before the wedding, their non-refundable all-inclusive vacation in Cabo might just be the thing she needs.
She didn’t expect to run into Miles Barker —her college ex and first love, who is somehow even more infuriatingly handsome than Abby remembers. But suddenly, every carefully planned moment of solitude is under threat as full-time-flirt Miles keeps showing up in all the wrong—and very right—places.
Miles has been on autopilot since an injury ended his hockey career, until Abby shows up like an oasis in the desert of his life. This is one second chance Miles never thought he’d get—but as sun-soaked days turn to tempting nights, old habits come knocking.
And as Abby starts to wonder if some mistakes are worth repeating, Miles realizes the one who got away is the one he should never have let go…
Last Resort is a dual first person POV, spicy and swoony romance for lovers of Tessa Bailey, B. K. Borison, and Ali Hazelwood. Best read with toes in the sand.
Click ‘Buy Now’ to get swept away in Cabo heat today!
Abby Ashe didn’t plan on honeymooning alone. But when her fiancé leaves her three months before the wedding, their non-refundable all-inclusive vacation in Cabo might just be the thing she needs.
She didn’t expect to run into Miles Barker —her college ex and first love, who is somehow even more infuriatingly handsome than Abby remembers. But suddenly, every carefully planned moment of solitude is under threat as full-time-flirt Miles keeps showing up in all the wrong—and very right—places.
Miles has been on autopilot since an injury ended his hockey career, until Abby shows up like an oasis in the desert of his life. This is one second chance Miles never thought he’d get—but as sun-soaked days turn to tempting nights, old habits come knocking.
And as Abby starts to wonder if some mistakes are worth repeating, Miles realizes the one who got away is the one he should never have let go…
Last Resort is a dual first person POV, spicy and swoony romance for lovers of Tessa Bailey, B. K. Borison, and Ali Hazelwood. Best read with toes in the sand.
Click ‘Buy Now’ to get swept away in Cabo heat today!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
hard-dnf-s
May 16, 2026Thank you to LunaLit for providing me with the opportunity to read this as an arc.
DNFing on May 16th, at 160 pages (45%).
I wanted to love this so bad!! I was enjoying this, but then the FMC was a people pleaser with no back bone, and I didn't like that, so I didn't feel the chemistry between her and the MMC and so when they did some sexual, it didn't feel earned because the FMC heard what the MMC had to say but didn't lash out and truly share her feelings.
A frustrating read.
DNFing on May 16th, at 160 pages (45%).
I wanted to love this so bad!! I was enjoying this, but then the FMC was a people pleaser with no back bone, and I didn't like that, so I didn't feel the chemistry between her and the MMC and so when they did some sexual, it didn't feel earned because the FMC heard what the MMC had to say but didn't lash out and truly share her feelings.
A frustrating read.
June 5, 2026
3.5🌟, 3🌶️
This was such a warm, heartfelt romance that stayed with me long after I finished it.
The beautiful Cabo setting was the perfect backdrop, but Abby and Miles were what truly kept me invested. Eleven years after their breakup, their chemistry still felt effortless, and watching them reconnect while facing old hurts was both emotional and rewarding.
What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Abby’s struggles with burnout, chronic pain, and migraines were portrayed with care and authenticity. Miles made mistakes, but seeing him grow and work toward becoming a better man added so much heart to the story. Walter and Hazel also brought a lovely warmth that made the book even more enjoyable.
This delivered everything I want from a second-chance romance: tension, vulnerability, and meaningful growth. While the pacing wasn’t always perfect, the emotional payoff more than made up for it.
A sweet, emotional, and deeply heartfelt, this is a romance I’d happily recommend.
~~~~
Special thanks to Liz Leiby & Luna Literary for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
This was such a warm, heartfelt romance that stayed with me long after I finished it.
The beautiful Cabo setting was the perfect backdrop, but Abby and Miles were what truly kept me invested. Eleven years after their breakup, their chemistry still felt effortless, and watching them reconnect while facing old hurts was both emotional and rewarding.
What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Abby’s struggles with burnout, chronic pain, and migraines were portrayed with care and authenticity. Miles made mistakes, but seeing him grow and work toward becoming a better man added so much heart to the story. Walter and Hazel also brought a lovely warmth that made the book even more enjoyable.
This delivered everything I want from a second-chance romance: tension, vulnerability, and meaningful growth. While the pacing wasn’t always perfect, the emotional payoff more than made up for it.
A sweet, emotional, and deeply heartfelt, this is a romance I’d happily recommend.
~~~~
Special thanks to Liz Leiby & Luna Literary for providing this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ✨
May 23, 2026
Thank you so much Luna Literary for the e-ARC! This was my first book by Liz Leiby and I truly enjoyed reading it. Last Resort brought out so many emotions, as it was filled with undeniable chemistry, unresolved feelings between ex-lovers, heart-to-heart conversations, and the chance of a second chance with your first love.
Read Last Resort if you enjoy:
💗 second chance (right person, wrong time)
🍹 first love/always been you
⛵️ summer vacation romance
💘 main characters in their 30s (both are 33)
🏖️ growth and healing
👙 secret tattoo
Abigail Ashe and Miles Barker were once lovers. Met in university, dated for two years, loved each other deeply, and then... broke up and never saw each other again. Eleven years later, they get reunited at the White Sands Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Abby is there honeymooning alone, after her fiancé leaves her three months before the wedding. Miles is living there temporarily for work, as a contractor. When they're faced with arising feelings, Miles wants a second chance to prove he can be better, and Abby starts to wonder if they could finally have their happily-ever-after.
𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 Review 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭
I loved the emotional vulnerability throughout the book. The risk and the chance of a second chance. There's risk in letting yourself try again when in the past you've been hurt, and there's the risk of not trying and always wonder "what if?"; there's the chance to try again and now, older and wiser, succeed at having a relationship you've always yearned for.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I was crying one moment, smiling the next, then laughing. There's a lot of emotional growth between the characters, and seeing them figure out their feelings after so long, and how to take the next step, was a journey I enjoyed. And the nostalgia? Remembering the past, the lover you onced thought you'd marry, and the wave of emotions going from hurt, grief, sadness, to hope, attraction, and love.
The angst. The bittersweet memories. All the mentions about their past relationship had my heart crying for them. Specially through Abby's POV - I did shed some tears over how hurt she was even eleven years later - because Miles would always be "the one", even if she moved on, her heart still had a special place for him. It was pretty cool seeing her figure out how to feel as she connects past to present.
The fun, cute, sweet, funny, and romantic moments! I adored all the scenes where I got to see Abby and Miles spending time together, him flirting with her, her trying to keep distance at first but failing to, all the "Does this count?" moments, and much more. The 'dough' scene with the cooking instructor and the 'pink shell' scene had me giggling. This book had a nice mix of angst when they talk about the past + the light and fun moments between them during the vacation where all those lovely feelings come back like they never left - now with the prospect of a new chance.
Abby really dealt with a lot in the past three months - a breakup, difficult work situations, career doubts - and now she has to face her first love/college boyfriend. I felt so much for her and empathized a lot. A non-refundable booking changed Abby's life. She goes on this trip with the hope that she'll have space to think and figure out what she's gonna do with next her life: continue working as an art teacher, or finally go back to school to pursue graphic design at her community college? I realy enjoyed following Abby while she navigates her thoughts on starting over and trying a new career or stay where she is, even if she doesn't feel fulfilled. There are pros and cons, so all her worries were very real. With that, enter the character Walter, a nice older gentleman she meets at the resort, with whom she talks about her life and shares her thoughts. Walter was such a nice addition to the story, and all their conversation, plus their scene with the baby turtles was pretty sentimental and meaningful to help her make a choice.
"I’ve always wondered if he regretted leaving me." + "When it comes to Abby, I have nothing but regret." Through Mile's POV, I could feel how much regret and shame he had over how he dealt with their breakup, as well as understand why he did it, and that if he hadn't broken up with Abby at that time, the turmoil of losing his career as a hockey player would get to their relationship and possibly ruin them. Still, I'm able to see through Abby's POV and feel sad that he didn't let them even get to that point and try. Maybe they would have broken up later like he imagined, maybe they wouldn't. All the "what ifs?". I like feeling both of their emotions, empathizing and understanding why they did what they did, and that adds to show how their story has so many layers.
Abby has 10 vacation days at the resot. Miles now has 10 days to prove that he's worthy of Abby. He wants to prove himself as a better, changed, and mature man. He uses all his charms, flirts with her, and does romantic gestures to show her how much he wants her back. But Miles is so eager to have Abby now that they met each other again, that his anxiety takes charge. At the same time I undertand that he's afraid of losing her again and wants to jump quickly into dating again, I can recognize how that's now the smart choice. And luckily, Abby also wants to take it slow, talk, understand where they stand and what the future looks like. He had anxiety over that, thinking he'd lose his chance and never see her again. I was relieved that Abby set her boundaries and explained that it was all too soon. She needed space to think before making a life-chaning decision. I liked how the book developed when they were reaching the end of the vacation - when Miles needs to take some time to really think things through and realized he was being unreasonable. It adds depth and growth to their characters.
Miles, oh Miles. Some times, right at the beginning, I wanted to grab him by his shoulders and shake him HAHAHA I felt so much for Abby. Even though he understand he doesn't deserve her time or attention, he still wants to apologize, but as he tries, she wonders - why now? At the same time he wants to make things right after his poor past decisions, he wants to clear his conscience.
Abby's flashbacks with Todd, her ex-fiancé, showed her people-pleasing tendencies. I can see how for some readers that is an infuriating aspect, but to me it worked to show how much she changed and grew after the engagement ended. If they stayed together, I believe she would find herself in a much deeper problem way later and it would be harder to stand up for herself and do/say what she wants.
Hazel, Gray, Walter, Destiny and Winnie - the side characters - were incredible! Lovely characters that had a lot of fun, cute and funny scenes. They were valuable additions to the story, helping Abby and Miles throughout the book. Special mention to Captain, the cat! I love when there are pets in the books.
Finally... the epilogue! What a beautiful moment 🥺🥺😭💓💓 Such a special mention of what they talked about in the past, now coming to life in the present. I was hoping we'd get that in their epilogue, so I was super happy to see that was the special moment in their epilogue. Tear-eyed and heart full of love for Abby and Miles. Their love story captivated my heart. I ended my reading session very fulfilled.
Special highlights/quotes:
“Hello, gorgeous,” “You have a lot of audacity to flirt with me right now.” “I literally cannot help myself.”
“You think I’m hot?” “Shut up.” “Oh my god, Abby. Why didn’t you say so sooner? I think you’re hot too.”
“Maybe if you got on your knees,” “I like a bit of groveling.” “I can get on my knees,” “And grovel?” “I would grovel for you.”
She’s all the things she was over a decade ago when we dated, and I know there’s so much I missed. I want to know her again, find out all the things I missed and learn who she is now.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”“How am I staring at you?” “Like you might eat me.” “Because I might.”
There isn’t a multiverse or a timeline where I don’t belong to her body and soul.
I’m already hers and I want nothing more than to make her mine again.
“You bring so much light and joy into my life and I want you to be mine again. I want to be yours.
Read Last Resort if you enjoy:
💗 second chance (right person, wrong time)
🍹 first love/always been you
⛵️ summer vacation romance
💘 main characters in their 30s (both are 33)
🏖️ growth and healing
👙 secret tattoo
Abigail Ashe and Miles Barker were once lovers. Met in university, dated for two years, loved each other deeply, and then... broke up and never saw each other again. Eleven years later, they get reunited at the White Sands Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Abby is there honeymooning alone, after her fiancé leaves her three months before the wedding. Miles is living there temporarily for work, as a contractor. When they're faced with arising feelings, Miles wants a second chance to prove he can be better, and Abby starts to wonder if they could finally have their happily-ever-after.
𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 Review 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭 𖹭
I loved the emotional vulnerability throughout the book. The risk and the chance of a second chance. There's risk in letting yourself try again when in the past you've been hurt, and there's the risk of not trying and always wonder "what if?"; there's the chance to try again and now, older and wiser, succeed at having a relationship you've always yearned for.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. I was crying one moment, smiling the next, then laughing. There's a lot of emotional growth between the characters, and seeing them figure out their feelings after so long, and how to take the next step, was a journey I enjoyed. And the nostalgia? Remembering the past, the lover you onced thought you'd marry, and the wave of emotions going from hurt, grief, sadness, to hope, attraction, and love.
The angst. The bittersweet memories. All the mentions about their past relationship had my heart crying for them. Specially through Abby's POV - I did shed some tears over how hurt she was even eleven years later - because Miles would always be "the one", even if she moved on, her heart still had a special place for him. It was pretty cool seeing her figure out how to feel as she connects past to present.
The fun, cute, sweet, funny, and romantic moments! I adored all the scenes where I got to see Abby and Miles spending time together, him flirting with her, her trying to keep distance at first but failing to, all the "Does this count?" moments, and much more. The 'dough' scene with the cooking instructor and the 'pink shell' scene had me giggling. This book had a nice mix of angst when they talk about the past + the light and fun moments between them during the vacation where all those lovely feelings come back like they never left - now with the prospect of a new chance.
Abby really dealt with a lot in the past three months - a breakup, difficult work situations, career doubts - and now she has to face her first love/college boyfriend. I felt so much for her and empathized a lot. A non-refundable booking changed Abby's life. She goes on this trip with the hope that she'll have space to think and figure out what she's gonna do with next her life: continue working as an art teacher, or finally go back to school to pursue graphic design at her community college? I realy enjoyed following Abby while she navigates her thoughts on starting over and trying a new career or stay where she is, even if she doesn't feel fulfilled. There are pros and cons, so all her worries were very real. With that, enter the character Walter, a nice older gentleman she meets at the resort, with whom she talks about her life and shares her thoughts. Walter was such a nice addition to the story, and all their conversation, plus their scene with the baby turtles was pretty sentimental and meaningful to help her make a choice.
"I’ve always wondered if he regretted leaving me." + "When it comes to Abby, I have nothing but regret." Through Mile's POV, I could feel how much regret and shame he had over how he dealt with their breakup, as well as understand why he did it, and that if he hadn't broken up with Abby at that time, the turmoil of losing his career as a hockey player would get to their relationship and possibly ruin them. Still, I'm able to see through Abby's POV and feel sad that he didn't let them even get to that point and try. Maybe they would have broken up later like he imagined, maybe they wouldn't. All the "what ifs?". I like feeling both of their emotions, empathizing and understanding why they did what they did, and that adds to show how their story has so many layers.
Abby has 10 vacation days at the resot. Miles now has 10 days to prove that he's worthy of Abby. He wants to prove himself as a better, changed, and mature man. He uses all his charms, flirts with her, and does romantic gestures to show her how much he wants her back. But Miles is so eager to have Abby now that they met each other again, that his anxiety takes charge. At the same time I undertand that he's afraid of losing her again and wants to jump quickly into dating again, I can recognize how that's now the smart choice. And luckily, Abby also wants to take it slow, talk, understand where they stand and what the future looks like. He had anxiety over that, thinking he'd lose his chance and never see her again. I was relieved that Abby set her boundaries and explained that it was all too soon. She needed space to think before making a life-chaning decision. I liked how the book developed when they were reaching the end of the vacation - when Miles needs to take some time to really think things through and realized he was being unreasonable. It adds depth and growth to their characters.
Miles, oh Miles. Some times, right at the beginning, I wanted to grab him by his shoulders and shake him HAHAHA I felt so much for Abby. Even though he understand he doesn't deserve her time or attention, he still wants to apologize, but as he tries, she wonders - why now? At the same time he wants to make things right after his poor past decisions, he wants to clear his conscience.
Abby's flashbacks with Todd, her ex-fiancé, showed her people-pleasing tendencies. I can see how for some readers that is an infuriating aspect, but to me it worked to show how much she changed and grew after the engagement ended. If they stayed together, I believe she would find herself in a much deeper problem way later and it would be harder to stand up for herself and do/say what she wants.
Hazel, Gray, Walter, Destiny and Winnie - the side characters - were incredible! Lovely characters that had a lot of fun, cute and funny scenes. They were valuable additions to the story, helping Abby and Miles throughout the book. Special mention to Captain, the cat! I love when there are pets in the books.
Finally... the epilogue! What a beautiful moment 🥺🥺😭💓💓 Such a special mention of what they talked about in the past, now coming to life in the present. I was hoping we'd get that in their epilogue, so I was super happy to see that was the special moment in their epilogue. Tear-eyed and heart full of love for Abby and Miles. Their love story captivated my heart. I ended my reading session very fulfilled.
Special highlights/quotes:
“Hello, gorgeous,” “You have a lot of audacity to flirt with me right now.” “I literally cannot help myself.”
“You think I’m hot?” “Shut up.” “Oh my god, Abby. Why didn’t you say so sooner? I think you’re hot too.”
“Maybe if you got on your knees,” “I like a bit of groveling.” “I can get on my knees,” “And grovel?” “I would grovel for you.”
She’s all the things she was over a decade ago when we dated, and I know there’s so much I missed. I want to know her again, find out all the things I missed and learn who she is now.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”“How am I staring at you?” “Like you might eat me.” “Because I might.”
There isn’t a multiverse or a timeline where I don’t belong to her body and soul.
I’m already hers and I want nothing more than to make her mine again.
“You bring so much light and joy into my life and I want you to be mine again. I want to be yours.
May 17, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was an absolutely delicious way to kick off summer! The yearning? The setting? The secret tattoo? The slutty little necklace?!?!? GIMME.
Miles is Pathetic™️ and I am absolutely obsessed with him. He knows he fumbled hard 11 years ago and ain’t too proud to beg for a second chance with Abby. AS HE SHOULD. Abby is so kind, intelligent, and talented. She is going through a LOT and still handles it with such grace. Chronic pain, work stress/burn out, lame ex fiance…you name it, she’s dealing with it.
Miles and Abby both learn a lot about themselves when they reunite, and it’s wonderful to see their growth as the story goes on. Seeing snippets of their past was so bittersweet, and it made me ache for the 20-somethings in love that lost it all so fast. What can I say? I love angst.
Last Resort is such a sweet, poignant, HOT, gem of a book. It’s the perfect beach read, and you should absolutely use it to kick off your summer!
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book was an absolutely delicious way to kick off summer! The yearning? The setting? The secret tattoo? The slutty little necklace?!?!? GIMME.
Miles is Pathetic™️ and I am absolutely obsessed with him. He knows he fumbled hard 11 years ago and ain’t too proud to beg for a second chance with Abby. AS HE SHOULD. Abby is so kind, intelligent, and talented. She is going through a LOT and still handles it with such grace. Chronic pain, work stress/burn out, lame ex fiance…you name it, she’s dealing with it.
Miles and Abby both learn a lot about themselves when they reunite, and it’s wonderful to see their growth as the story goes on. Seeing snippets of their past was so bittersweet, and it made me ache for the 20-somethings in love that lost it all so fast. What can I say? I love angst.
Last Resort is such a sweet, poignant, HOT, gem of a book. It’s the perfect beach read, and you should absolutely use it to kick off your summer!
September 25, 2026
Are you a post college adult who lived for the yearning in Off Campus and have been left wanting more? Well your search is over because it’s right here in Last Resort. Past lovers have a fated meeting in this second chance romance but is there too much baggage there for a future? You’ll just have to read and find out.
Review of advance copy
🏝️💜 Last Resort ARC Review 💜🏝️
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (Rounded up)
🌶️🌶️
Two things can both be true.
MCs in their early 30s
📓 Last Resort by Liz Leiby is a second chance romance that understands heartbreak isn't always loud. It can linger quietly in unfinished conversations, old wounds, and chemistry that never seems to fully fades. Set against the emotionally charged backdrop of a resort getaway that was supposed to be her honeymoon, the novel leans into yearning, vulnerability, and the terrifying hope of trying again with someone who once shattered your heart. With simmering tension, emotionally messy characters, and a romance built as much on crushing regret as long held desire, Last Resort delivers a heartfelt contemporary love story about what if it was the right person, wrong time but can people really change?
📒 When old flames serendipitously collide at a resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, buried feelings reignite into something impossible to ignore. Last Resort blends messy shared history, sharp tension, mental health rep, chronic illness rep, and aching vulnerability into a romance about personal growth and a second chance at love.
🫵🏼 Last Resort is for readers who:
• love a second chance romance
• enjoy vacation/beach settings
• love simmering chemistry and unresolved tension
• enjoy contemporary romance with heartfelt emotional connection
• enjoy character-driven relationship drama with purpose
• love romances where the couple has prior history they have to confront now
📒 Last Resort is quite emotionally-driven, and I loved that aspect. I also love how mental health and chronic illness are thoughtfully represented with care and compassion, but also without romanticizing either one. The choice of having the MMC dealing with one of those things - I love that. It's so refreshing to have a MMC that's emotionally mature and has his own struggles that's he's open about and seeking appropriate care for. He doesn't use it as an excuse to cause harm or absolve himself of blame, either.
The only sliver I took off is because the build up tension wasn't quite there for me (I want it to be palpable, and preferably a slowww burn). It wasn't a slow burn, but because of the circumstances and timing, I'm not docking that. It genuinely worked well for this story to not be a painfully slow burn, so not docking for that. It wasn't insta-spice, to clarify. The other tiny thing was I didn't quite feel the emotional impact like I wanted to. Emotionally, I didn't attach or feel with them past surface level. Could possibly have been a me issue. It isn't a book that's super heavily plot-driven - it's mor emotionally- driven, heavier on characters and their growth and healing. I enjoyed that about it, but others may not.
Themes, Metaphors, & Deeper Meaning
💟 Love as Risk
Second chance romances almost always ask: is love worth trying again when failure already hurt once? That emotional gamble is the heart of Last Resort, and it pays off beautifully.
🗝️ The Past that Never Fully Leaves
The resort setting metaphorically suggests escape, retreat, and temporary refuge. Here, it's also symbolic for characters who need a vacation from emotional and/or nervous system overwhelm. However, their serendipitous meet cute happens and brings unresolved feelings to the forefront.
📈 Emotional Growth vs Nostalgia
Leiby does an excellent job teasing apart and differentiating between loving the memory of someone and loving the person they are now. It also add a thoughtful, realistic layer to the story.
✍🏼 With clear, accessible prose, this reads quickly and easily. Not to say it was simplistic, as it wasn't. It thrives in its depiction of emotions, chronic illness, anxiety, and panic attacks. As someone with chronic illness, anxiety, and panic attacks, the rep read and felt authentic, thoughtful, and respectful and just generally well done. It reads like great care was taken to ensure these aspects read as such, and I appreciate that. The narrative feels conversational, like chatting with a good friend you've known forever. I loved the bits of emotionally-charged internal monologue and the chemistry-laden dialogue. I enjoyed the scene-level intimacy. I love that the emotional beats felt authentic, even when messy, rather than polished and/or melodramatic.
✨ If you enjoy the emotional openness Emily Henry is known for and vulnerable romantic conflicts you often get with Abby Jimenez's books, I think Last Result is likely to hit for you.
⏳ I quite enjoyed the pacing, I'd put it as medium paced without any pointless meandering. The set up had me interested and when the inciting event occurs soon after, I was fully invested. I loved their awkward moments early on. Their emotional history felt believable and realistic to me. I love that it wasn't skirted or skimmed over. It's acknowledged, discussed, and dealt with. It doesn't overtake the plot, either. The emotional progression and yearning do the heavy lifting with pacing and I enjoyed that.
👥 The characters show growth throughout, as well as personality and depth. I love that we get to see how both characters have changed since they dated before. And we get to hear about the way they changed as well as the impetus. They've both matured emotionally and it shows. I love how kind and caring they are towards one another.
The secondary characters are interesting and add to the story nicely.
I'm kinda hoping to read a book about the gym buddy and brother (together or separately) down the road. And I'd love Walter cameos in the future.
💜 Second chance romance that's emotionally charged, believable, and emotionally mature - huge W in my book. I love how openly they discuss feelings and thoughts, they aren't afraid of showing vulnerability or being seen as weak with the each another. It's more about quiet moments of tenderness than it is grand gestures, which I appreciate.
🌶️ The spice is quality over quantity, which fits my preference, and, more importantly, the story/characters. The tension is solidly simmering from their re-meet cute on. When you do get to those scenes, they feel earned. They add to their relationship, enrich the story. Fans of talking during will likely enjoy these scenes.
📚 Read if you liked: Before I Let Go (Kennedy Ryan), Honey Girl (Morgan Rogers), Written In The Stars (Alexandria Bellefleur), A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke (Adriana Herrera), Funny You Should Ask (Elissa Sussman), Seven Days in June (Tia Williams), Delilah Green Doesn't Care (Ashley Herring Blake), The Stand-In (Lily Chu), The Kiss Quotient (Helen Hoang), Yours Truly (Abby Jimenez), Happy Place (Emily Henry), or Damaged Goods by Talia Hibbert.
Thank you to @ Liz Leiby and @ Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (Rounded up)
🌶️🌶️
Two things can both be true.
MCs in their early 30s
📓 Last Resort by Liz Leiby is a second chance romance that understands heartbreak isn't always loud. It can linger quietly in unfinished conversations, old wounds, and chemistry that never seems to fully fades. Set against the emotionally charged backdrop of a resort getaway that was supposed to be her honeymoon, the novel leans into yearning, vulnerability, and the terrifying hope of trying again with someone who once shattered your heart. With simmering tension, emotionally messy characters, and a romance built as much on crushing regret as long held desire, Last Resort delivers a heartfelt contemporary love story about what if it was the right person, wrong time but can people really change?
📒 When old flames serendipitously collide at a resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, buried feelings reignite into something impossible to ignore. Last Resort blends messy shared history, sharp tension, mental health rep, chronic illness rep, and aching vulnerability into a romance about personal growth and a second chance at love.
🫵🏼 Last Resort is for readers who:
• love a second chance romance
• enjoy vacation/beach settings
• love simmering chemistry and unresolved tension
• enjoy contemporary romance with heartfelt emotional connection
• enjoy character-driven relationship drama with purpose
• love romances where the couple has prior history they have to confront now
📒 Last Resort is quite emotionally-driven, and I loved that aspect. I also love how mental health and chronic illness are thoughtfully represented with care and compassion, but also without romanticizing either one. The choice of having the MMC dealing with one of those things - I love that. It's so refreshing to have a MMC that's emotionally mature and has his own struggles that's he's open about and seeking appropriate care for. He doesn't use it as an excuse to cause harm or absolve himself of blame, either.
The only sliver I took off is because the build up tension wasn't quite there for me (I want it to be palpable, and preferably a slowww burn). It wasn't a slow burn, but because of the circumstances and timing, I'm not docking that. It genuinely worked well for this story to not be a painfully slow burn, so not docking for that. It wasn't insta-spice, to clarify. The other tiny thing was I didn't quite feel the emotional impact like I wanted to. Emotionally, I didn't attach or feel with them past surface level. Could possibly have been a me issue. It isn't a book that's super heavily plot-driven - it's mor emotionally- driven, heavier on characters and their growth and healing. I enjoyed that about it, but others may not.
Themes, Metaphors, & Deeper Meaning
💟 Love as Risk
Second chance romances almost always ask: is love worth trying again when failure already hurt once? That emotional gamble is the heart of Last Resort, and it pays off beautifully.
🗝️ The Past that Never Fully Leaves
The resort setting metaphorically suggests escape, retreat, and temporary refuge. Here, it's also symbolic for characters who need a vacation from emotional and/or nervous system overwhelm. However, their serendipitous meet cute happens and brings unresolved feelings to the forefront.
📈 Emotional Growth vs Nostalgia
Leiby does an excellent job teasing apart and differentiating between loving the memory of someone and loving the person they are now. It also add a thoughtful, realistic layer to the story.
✍🏼 With clear, accessible prose, this reads quickly and easily. Not to say it was simplistic, as it wasn't. It thrives in its depiction of emotions, chronic illness, anxiety, and panic attacks. As someone with chronic illness, anxiety, and panic attacks, the rep read and felt authentic, thoughtful, and respectful and just generally well done. It reads like great care was taken to ensure these aspects read as such, and I appreciate that. The narrative feels conversational, like chatting with a good friend you've known forever. I loved the bits of emotionally-charged internal monologue and the chemistry-laden dialogue. I enjoyed the scene-level intimacy. I love that the emotional beats felt authentic, even when messy, rather than polished and/or melodramatic.
✨ If you enjoy the emotional openness Emily Henry is known for and vulnerable romantic conflicts you often get with Abby Jimenez's books, I think Last Result is likely to hit for you.
⏳ I quite enjoyed the pacing, I'd put it as medium paced without any pointless meandering. The set up had me interested and when the inciting event occurs soon after, I was fully invested. I loved their awkward moments early on. Their emotional history felt believable and realistic to me. I love that it wasn't skirted or skimmed over. It's acknowledged, discussed, and dealt with. It doesn't overtake the plot, either. The emotional progression and yearning do the heavy lifting with pacing and I enjoyed that.
👥 The characters show growth throughout, as well as personality and depth. I love that we get to see how both characters have changed since they dated before. And we get to hear about the way they changed as well as the impetus. They've both matured emotionally and it shows. I love how kind and caring they are towards one another.
The secondary characters are interesting and add to the story nicely.
I'm kinda hoping to read a book about the gym buddy and brother (together or separately) down the road. And I'd love Walter cameos in the future.
💜 Second chance romance that's emotionally charged, believable, and emotionally mature - huge W in my book. I love how openly they discuss feelings and thoughts, they aren't afraid of showing vulnerability or being seen as weak with the each another. It's more about quiet moments of tenderness than it is grand gestures, which I appreciate.
🌶️ The spice is quality over quantity, which fits my preference, and, more importantly, the story/characters. The tension is solidly simmering from their re-meet cute on. When you do get to those scenes, they feel earned. They add to their relationship, enrich the story. Fans of talking during will likely enjoy these scenes.
📚 Read if you liked: Before I Let Go (Kennedy Ryan), Honey Girl (Morgan Rogers), Written In The Stars (Alexandria Bellefleur), A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke (Adriana Herrera), Funny You Should Ask (Elissa Sussman), Seven Days in June (Tia Williams), Delilah Green Doesn't Care (Ashley Herring Blake), The Stand-In (Lily Chu), The Kiss Quotient (Helen Hoang), Yours Truly (Abby Jimenez), Happy Place (Emily Henry), or Damaged Goods by Talia Hibbert.
Thank you to @ Liz Leiby and @ Luna Literary for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 23, 2026
A Review of Advance Copy Received from the Author.
Thank you to Luna Literary and Liz Leiby for providing me with the ARC.
A wonderful, emotional, and delightfully messy summer read! This heartfelt and healing second-chance romance perfectly captures the angst of starting over, featuring a burnt-out FMC finding her voice and a charming former-hockey-player-turned-contractor desperate for another chance in gorgeous Cabo, Mexico.
The Setting & Premise
Kicking off the summer in a sun-soaked Cabo resort, this story perfectly contrasts a tropical escape with intense emotional yearning. The FMC heads to the resort on a solo honeymoon trip after her fiancé leaves her months before their wedding, destroying her confidence and leaving her wondering about her life choices. She doesn't expect to run into her college love and former NHL player now working as a construction contractor after an injury ended his hockey career. The revealing of a secret tattoo later in the story adds another wonderful layer of depth to their history.
The Characters & Personal Struggles
The FMC: Sweet, kind, and incredibly intelligent, she is currently facing an intense career crossroads. She is deeply burnt out as an art teacher and is struggling with the heavy decision of whether she can even continue teaching, especially since her migraines are coming more often and she doesn't feel safe teaching after an active shooter event or say "yes" to the graphic design school that accepted her. At 13, I was diagnosed with migraines, I have to say the migraine scenes in this story were spot on-I felt incredibly seen by how accurately the author portrayed them.
The MMC: Her college sweetheart who left her years ago to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. While he is flirtatious and charming, he struggles with his own fears surrounding love and commitment. The author handled his mental health extremely well, showing how he is diagnosed with anxiety after the FMC leaves the resort.
The Growth & Romance
The depth of the story is fantastic, aided by insightful flashbacks to their college years that help both characters realize how much they’ve changed. Their reconnection is anything but perfect. While the MMC says almost all the right things, he struggles to truly listen to the FMC’s needs, leading them to realize they must take a step back before moving forward. Watching them slowly rebuild trust and become a safe space for one another is beautiful, and the book features just the right amount of spice to complement the emotional weight.
This is a healing, and deeply satisfying romance. Fans of second-chance stories and authentic personal growth will absolutely love it.
Thank you to Luna Literary and Liz Leiby for providing me with the ARC.
A wonderful, emotional, and delightfully messy summer read! This heartfelt and healing second-chance romance perfectly captures the angst of starting over, featuring a burnt-out FMC finding her voice and a charming former-hockey-player-turned-contractor desperate for another chance in gorgeous Cabo, Mexico.
The Setting & Premise
Kicking off the summer in a sun-soaked Cabo resort, this story perfectly contrasts a tropical escape with intense emotional yearning. The FMC heads to the resort on a solo honeymoon trip after her fiancé leaves her months before their wedding, destroying her confidence and leaving her wondering about her life choices. She doesn't expect to run into her college love and former NHL player now working as a construction contractor after an injury ended his hockey career. The revealing of a secret tattoo later in the story adds another wonderful layer of depth to their history.
The Characters & Personal Struggles
The FMC: Sweet, kind, and incredibly intelligent, she is currently facing an intense career crossroads. She is deeply burnt out as an art teacher and is struggling with the heavy decision of whether she can even continue teaching, especially since her migraines are coming more often and she doesn't feel safe teaching after an active shooter event or say "yes" to the graphic design school that accepted her. At 13, I was diagnosed with migraines, I have to say the migraine scenes in this story were spot on-I felt incredibly seen by how accurately the author portrayed them.
The MMC: Her college sweetheart who left her years ago to pursue his dream of playing in the NHL. While he is flirtatious and charming, he struggles with his own fears surrounding love and commitment. The author handled his mental health extremely well, showing how he is diagnosed with anxiety after the FMC leaves the resort.
The Growth & Romance
The depth of the story is fantastic, aided by insightful flashbacks to their college years that help both characters realize how much they’ve changed. Their reconnection is anything but perfect. While the MMC says almost all the right things, he struggles to truly listen to the FMC’s needs, leading them to realize they must take a step back before moving forward. Watching them slowly rebuild trust and become a safe space for one another is beautiful, and the book features just the right amount of spice to complement the emotional weight.
This is a healing, and deeply satisfying romance. Fans of second-chance stories and authentic personal growth will absolutely love it.
May 20, 2026
Last Resort Review 🌴🌊
This was my first book by Liz Leiby, and I want to thank her and Luna Literary for sending it to me.
I’ve said this a few times before, but I’m usually not the biggest fan of summer or vacation romances. I think they make me anxious because, from the very beginning, they are supposed to be temporary, even if we all know they probably won’t stay that way. Because of that, I tend to avoid them.
But I am soooo glad I didn’t stay away from this book, because it was so good.
We are introduced to Abby, who is currently on her honeymoon… without the husband. After her fiancé breaks up with her before the wedding, she decides to go on their ten-day trip alone for a change of scenery. And on the very first day, who shows up? Miles, her ex-boyfriend from ten years ago.
Miles is a former NHL player who now works as a contractor. After an injury ended his hockey career, he had to figure out what came next in life. Now he’s spending a few months in Cabo, expecting many things, but definitely not running into the girl who got away.
Abby is hurt and burned out. She feels like nothing in her life is going right. Her job is making her anxious, her ex-fiancé leaving her destroyed her confidence, and overall, she just isn’t happy. Seeing Miles again, the guy who broke up with her so he could focus on hockey, puts her in a situation she never expected. She is still very much attracted to him, but also deeply hurt by what happened between them.
Miles has ten days to convince Abby to forgive him and give him a second chance, and he is determined to make it happen. He is charming, flirtatious, and says almost all the right things. But the problem is that he isn’t really listening to Abby, and because of that, they need to take a step back before they can truly move forward.
I really loved Abby and Miles together. And when Abby said that saying yes to being his girlfriend also meant saying yes to being his wife one day? Oh, I was completely fangirling over that moment.
Second chances, vacation vibes, unresolved feelings, and a man desperately trying to win back the love of his life? This book absolutely delivered. An easy 5 ⭐ read for me. 🌴🌊
This was my first book by Liz Leiby, and I want to thank her and Luna Literary for sending it to me.
I’ve said this a few times before, but I’m usually not the biggest fan of summer or vacation romances. I think they make me anxious because, from the very beginning, they are supposed to be temporary, even if we all know they probably won’t stay that way. Because of that, I tend to avoid them.
But I am soooo glad I didn’t stay away from this book, because it was so good.
We are introduced to Abby, who is currently on her honeymoon… without the husband. After her fiancé breaks up with her before the wedding, she decides to go on their ten-day trip alone for a change of scenery. And on the very first day, who shows up? Miles, her ex-boyfriend from ten years ago.
Miles is a former NHL player who now works as a contractor. After an injury ended his hockey career, he had to figure out what came next in life. Now he’s spending a few months in Cabo, expecting many things, but definitely not running into the girl who got away.
Abby is hurt and burned out. She feels like nothing in her life is going right. Her job is making her anxious, her ex-fiancé leaving her destroyed her confidence, and overall, she just isn’t happy. Seeing Miles again, the guy who broke up with her so he could focus on hockey, puts her in a situation she never expected. She is still very much attracted to him, but also deeply hurt by what happened between them.
Miles has ten days to convince Abby to forgive him and give him a second chance, and he is determined to make it happen. He is charming, flirtatious, and says almost all the right things. But the problem is that he isn’t really listening to Abby, and because of that, they need to take a step back before they can truly move forward.
I really loved Abby and Miles together. And when Abby said that saying yes to being his girlfriend also meant saying yes to being his wife one day? Oh, I was completely fangirling over that moment.
Second chances, vacation vibes, unresolved feelings, and a man desperately trying to win back the love of his life? This book absolutely delivered. An easy 5 ⭐ read for me. 🌴🌊
June 5, 2026
Some second-chance romances are built around unfinished business.
Last Resort is built around something I love even more: right person, wrong time.
Abigail and Miles met in college, fell in love, broke each other’s hearts, and then spent eleven years apart building separate lives. By the time they run into each other again in Cabo, they aren’t the same people they were when they first fell in love.
And that’s exactly what made this story work so well for me.
Neither of them spent those years standing still. They grew. They changed. They made mistakes. They learned who they were outside of the relationship. Yet despite all that time apart, there is still something between them that never fully disappeared.
Watching them reconnect felt both emotional and believable.
I loved how the story balanced nostalgia for what they once had with the reality of who they are now. Their chemistry was immediate, but the emotional journey was what kept me invested. Every conversation, every memory, and every moment they shared reminded me why some people never truly leave your heart.
The Cabo setting also made this the perfect summer romance. The sunshine, vacation atmosphere, and forced proximity of running into your ex in paradise created the ideal backdrop for a second chance neither of them expected.
And let’s talk about the emotional side for a second.
This book absolutely took me on a rollercoaster.
There were moments that made me smile, moments that frustrated me, moments that made my heart ache, and moments that had me cheering for them to finally figure it out.
The spice delivered, the romance delivered, and the emotional payoff was worth every page.
If you’re a fan of second-chance romance, vacation settings, college sweethearts reconnecting years later, and stories that explore what happens when two people finally meet again at the right time in their lives, I highly recommend picking this one up.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 6/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 5/5
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Liz Leiby for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Last Resort is built around something I love even more: right person, wrong time.
Abigail and Miles met in college, fell in love, broke each other’s hearts, and then spent eleven years apart building separate lives. By the time they run into each other again in Cabo, they aren’t the same people they were when they first fell in love.
And that’s exactly what made this story work so well for me.
Neither of them spent those years standing still. They grew. They changed. They made mistakes. They learned who they were outside of the relationship. Yet despite all that time apart, there is still something between them that never fully disappeared.
Watching them reconnect felt both emotional and believable.
I loved how the story balanced nostalgia for what they once had with the reality of who they are now. Their chemistry was immediate, but the emotional journey was what kept me invested. Every conversation, every memory, and every moment they shared reminded me why some people never truly leave your heart.
The Cabo setting also made this the perfect summer romance. The sunshine, vacation atmosphere, and forced proximity of running into your ex in paradise created the ideal backdrop for a second chance neither of them expected.
And let’s talk about the emotional side for a second.
This book absolutely took me on a rollercoaster.
There were moments that made me smile, moments that frustrated me, moments that made my heart ache, and moments that had me cheering for them to finally figure it out.
The spice delivered, the romance delivered, and the emotional payoff was worth every page.
If you’re a fan of second-chance romance, vacation settings, college sweethearts reconnecting years later, and stories that explore what happens when two people finally meet again at the right time in their lives, I highly recommend picking this one up.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 6/5
🔥 Burn Level: 4.5/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 4/5
💧 Emotional Impact: 5/5
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and Liz Leiby for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
4 ⭐️
There’s just something about a “first love/second chance” romance that gets me every time. The idea that two people can find their way back to each other no matter how much time has passed? I eat that up. And Abby and Miles in Last Resort absolutely delivered.
The story starts with Abby taking what was supposed to be her honeymoon trip alone after her fiancé leaves her. Since the vacation was nonrefundable and she desperately needs a reset before the new school year, she decides to go anyway. Abby is an elementary school art teacher who’s dealt with chronic migraines for most of her life, so she’s really just hoping for some peace, rest, and a chance to feel like herself again. What she definitely didn’t expect was running into Miles, her college boyfriend and first love who broke her heart 10 years earlier.
Miles left Abby behind to chase a professional hockey career, but he’s regretted losing her ever since. As the two reconnect, old feelings come rushing back, and the chemistry between them never really skipped a beat.
This book was emotional in the best way. Both Abby and Miles carry a lot of baggage. Abby has spent so much of her life making herself smaller for everyone else, while Miles struggles with his own fears and unresolved issues surrounding love and commitment.
Watching them slowly rebuild trust and fall for each other all over again was so satisfying. Even after all those years apart, they still felt like home to each other. I loved seeing them become a safe space for one another again and finally put in the work to make things different this time around.
The romance was emotional and messy at times, and had just the right amount of spice. Overall, this was such a heartfelt and healing second-chance romance, and if that trope is your thing, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you Liz and Luna Literary for an advanced reader copy of Last Resort (publishing May 20, 2026).
There’s just something about a “first love/second chance” romance that gets me every time. The idea that two people can find their way back to each other no matter how much time has passed? I eat that up. And Abby and Miles in Last Resort absolutely delivered.
The story starts with Abby taking what was supposed to be her honeymoon trip alone after her fiancé leaves her. Since the vacation was nonrefundable and she desperately needs a reset before the new school year, she decides to go anyway. Abby is an elementary school art teacher who’s dealt with chronic migraines for most of her life, so she’s really just hoping for some peace, rest, and a chance to feel like herself again. What she definitely didn’t expect was running into Miles, her college boyfriend and first love who broke her heart 10 years earlier.
Miles left Abby behind to chase a professional hockey career, but he’s regretted losing her ever since. As the two reconnect, old feelings come rushing back, and the chemistry between them never really skipped a beat.
This book was emotional in the best way. Both Abby and Miles carry a lot of baggage. Abby has spent so much of her life making herself smaller for everyone else, while Miles struggles with his own fears and unresolved issues surrounding love and commitment.
Watching them slowly rebuild trust and fall for each other all over again was so satisfying. Even after all those years apart, they still felt like home to each other. I loved seeing them become a safe space for one another again and finally put in the work to make things different this time around.
The romance was emotional and messy at times, and had just the right amount of spice. Overall, this was such a heartfelt and healing second-chance romance, and if that trope is your thing, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you Liz and Luna Literary for an advanced reader copy of Last Resort (publishing May 20, 2026).
May 12, 2026
“Have you no whimsy? Do you not believe in magic?”
📚Type- E-ARC from Luna Literary
🎼Song Vibe- All I Wanted by Paramore
💬POV- Dual
💞Relationship- MF
🌶️Spice- Yes
💭Thoughts at 34%
An F-it moment from HER! Get it girl!!
💭Thoughts at 52%
As a migraine sufferer I approve of this treatment!
💭Thoughts at 81%
Could this man be any more perfect!!!
📝Review📝
This is the perfect summer beach read, I am a sucker for a good second chance romance adding the backdrop of Cabo on what would have been her honeymoon just adds so much to this right person wrong time romance. Abby is the sweetest and very relatable, she is a people pleaser and when you find the root of that my heart broke for her. Miles what a golden retriever if I ever read one he is dealing with own hurt, living in Cabo for a short time while working. When Abby turns up at the same hotel he is staying in they are able to reconnect but he does have to work for it and they both learn new things about not only each other but themselves. This was a rollercoaster I loved every minute of it.
~~What to Expect~~
⛵️Second Chance
⛵️Vacation Fling
⛵️Always Been You
⛵️Retired Hockey Player turned Contractor X Art Teacher
⛵️Mc’s in their 30’s
⛵️First Love
⛵️Right Person Wrong Time
⛵️Anxiety Rep
⛵️Hotel Room Neighbors
⛵️Secret Tattoo
~~Quotes~~
💜I said I would be open to whatever the universe has for me on this trip, but I didn’t mean my college ex-boyfriend and first love.
💜I know I’ll never have her, but that fact does not seem to be stopping my desperate heart from wanting her. And if seven days is all I get just to be in her presence, then seven days is what I’ll take
💜I’m beyond just wanting time with her. I want her.
📚Type- E-ARC from Luna Literary
🎼Song Vibe- All I Wanted by Paramore
💬POV- Dual
💞Relationship- MF
🌶️Spice- Yes
💭Thoughts at 34%
An F-it moment from HER! Get it girl!!
💭Thoughts at 52%
As a migraine sufferer I approve of this treatment!
💭Thoughts at 81%
Could this man be any more perfect!!!
📝Review📝
This is the perfect summer beach read, I am a sucker for a good second chance romance adding the backdrop of Cabo on what would have been her honeymoon just adds so much to this right person wrong time romance. Abby is the sweetest and very relatable, she is a people pleaser and when you find the root of that my heart broke for her. Miles what a golden retriever if I ever read one he is dealing with own hurt, living in Cabo for a short time while working. When Abby turns up at the same hotel he is staying in they are able to reconnect but he does have to work for it and they both learn new things about not only each other but themselves. This was a rollercoaster I loved every minute of it.
~~What to Expect~~
⛵️Second Chance
⛵️Vacation Fling
⛵️Always Been You
⛵️Retired Hockey Player turned Contractor X Art Teacher
⛵️Mc’s in their 30’s
⛵️First Love
⛵️Right Person Wrong Time
⛵️Anxiety Rep
⛵️Hotel Room Neighbors
⛵️Secret Tattoo
~~Quotes~~
💜I said I would be open to whatever the universe has for me on this trip, but I didn’t mean my college ex-boyfriend and first love.
💜I know I’ll never have her, but that fact does not seem to be stopping my desperate heart from wanting her. And if seven days is all I get just to be in her presence, then seven days is what I’ll take
💜I’m beyond just wanting time with her. I want her.
May 25, 2026
3.5 stars!
I was utterly charmed by this book. I adore second chance romance and this one was so cute and satisfying. The writing style was my cuppa coffee. Her doubts and insecurities, his persistence and confidence. The tension!
After her fiance calls off their wedding, Abby decides to go on her honeymoon alone. She needs a week to relax and rest. Her true passion is art but with her need for health insurance due to her migraines, she feels stuck in her current teaching position.
She is shocked to find none other than her college ex-boyfriend, (also the one who utterly broke her heart) Miles at the same resort as her. Miles is in Cabo to help a friend renovate/build a vacation house and is staying at the resort. After their awkward first interaction, Miles keeps popping up everywhere. He knows she's the one that got away and Miles is determined to not let this second chance pass him up but Abby has her walls up and wont let him back in so easily.
I love a persistent MMC who breaks down the walls of the hurt FMC. This works for me every time! I like how she was cautious but also not completely closed off. She was guarded but also knew she had to let him explain, not only for closure, but also to forgive and move forward.
Miles and Abby had such fun banter and he was such an obvious flirt you couldn't help but like the guy! He was so charming and got under your skin in a way that made you giddy and not annoyed.
The relationship issues in the third act were a little disappointing for me especially because the book had so much momentum leading up to it but overall it was still enjoyable and fun!
Huge thanks to Luna Literacy Management and Liz Leiby for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.
I was utterly charmed by this book. I adore second chance romance and this one was so cute and satisfying. The writing style was my cuppa coffee. Her doubts and insecurities, his persistence and confidence. The tension!
After her fiance calls off their wedding, Abby decides to go on her honeymoon alone. She needs a week to relax and rest. Her true passion is art but with her need for health insurance due to her migraines, she feels stuck in her current teaching position.
She is shocked to find none other than her college ex-boyfriend, (also the one who utterly broke her heart) Miles at the same resort as her. Miles is in Cabo to help a friend renovate/build a vacation house and is staying at the resort. After their awkward first interaction, Miles keeps popping up everywhere. He knows she's the one that got away and Miles is determined to not let this second chance pass him up but Abby has her walls up and wont let him back in so easily.
I love a persistent MMC who breaks down the walls of the hurt FMC. This works for me every time! I like how she was cautious but also not completely closed off. She was guarded but also knew she had to let him explain, not only for closure, but also to forgive and move forward.
Miles and Abby had such fun banter and he was such an obvious flirt you couldn't help but like the guy! He was so charming and got under your skin in a way that made you giddy and not annoyed.
The relationship issues in the third act were a little disappointing for me especially because the book had so much momentum leading up to it but overall it was still enjoyable and fun!
Huge thanks to Luna Literacy Management and Liz Leiby for sharing this book’s digital advanced review copy with me in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2026
One of the most satisfying things about second-chance romance is watching two people completely change their lives, figure out what they actually want, and then realize they work even better together because of it!! Abby and Miles both felt so real to me, and I loved them more for it! Abby is anxious, hesitant (and I love that she's repping for us migraine girlies!) in ways that felt honest, while Miles has spent so much time shutting people out after his injury that you can practically feel the walls around him. But together? They just *fit*.
I also really loved the balance of this one. It has that low-pressure vacation energy at first, but once real life starts creeping back in, all the second-chance romance emotions hit harder. The chemistry builds into more of a slow burn before heating up in the second half, and by the end, Abby and Miles honestly felt like the kind of couple you’d root for in real life because you just know they’re exactly what the other person needs. <3
A perfect summer romance — quick, angsty, spicy, and absolutely the kind of book you’d want packed in your carry-on while heading to an all-inclusive resort somewhere warm!!!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: conversations about school sh00tings
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: -- / Can it be read alone?:
**Thank you to House of Hearts Lit for the book! I rec3ived this book for fr3e, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
I also really loved the balance of this one. It has that low-pressure vacation energy at first, but once real life starts creeping back in, all the second-chance romance emotions hit harder. The chemistry builds into more of a slow burn before heating up in the second half, and by the end, Abby and Miles honestly felt like the kind of couple you’d root for in real life because you just know they’re exactly what the other person needs. <3
A perfect summer romance — quick, angsty, spicy, and absolutely the kind of book you’d want packed in your carry-on while heading to an all-inclusive resort somewhere warm!!!
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: adult
* Content Warnings: conversations about school sh00tings
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: -- / Can it be read alone?:
**Thank you to House of Hearts Lit for the book! I rec3ived this book for fr3e, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
June 2, 2026
3⭐️ 4🌶️
Okay so this definitely had promise. Thank you Luna literacy and Love notes PR. For the Arc 💜💜
The vibes in Mexico so fun!!! I wish I could be at an all inclusive resort again!! I really wanted to like this, second chance romance, summer in Mexico, forced proximity!! All the tropes of a promising feel good giddy romance. However something fell short for me.
I liked the side characters, all of them balanced out the leads and allowed for some reason and rational for the two of them during their hot and heated second chance.
I think Abby and Miles felt rushed and forced (too forced imo). I think with a second chance romance there needs to be way more yearning and earning and grovelling. I also think it could’ve been longer and possibly not in such a far destination for just a week, that’s way too soon.
I feel like there were parts about Miles (his backstory) that needed to be flushed out more as well. Especially during their time apart!
I like the character growth for both of them. It’s so important for people pleasers to find strength in themselves and I’m glad Abby did. I also like the rep for mental health with Miles, he 100% has some anxiety and trauma after what happened to him and I wish we went more into that.
I will say the spice scenes were hot. Perfect amount of them, some kinda awkward, but those scenes themselves were great hahaha.
Overall it was okay, if you’re just getting into romance I think this is a great book to try out especially if you love good spice. It just was a little frustrating for me because I wanted to love this. I hope you, whoever else reads this book, falls in love though :)
Okay so this definitely had promise. Thank you Luna literacy and Love notes PR. For the Arc 💜💜
The vibes in Mexico so fun!!! I wish I could be at an all inclusive resort again!! I really wanted to like this, second chance romance, summer in Mexico, forced proximity!! All the tropes of a promising feel good giddy romance. However something fell short for me.
I liked the side characters, all of them balanced out the leads and allowed for some reason and rational for the two of them during their hot and heated second chance.
I think Abby and Miles felt rushed and forced (too forced imo). I think with a second chance romance there needs to be way more yearning and earning and grovelling. I also think it could’ve been longer and possibly not in such a far destination for just a week, that’s way too soon.
I feel like there were parts about Miles (his backstory) that needed to be flushed out more as well. Especially during their time apart!
I like the character growth for both of them. It’s so important for people pleasers to find strength in themselves and I’m glad Abby did. I also like the rep for mental health with Miles, he 100% has some anxiety and trauma after what happened to him and I wish we went more into that.
I will say the spice scenes were hot. Perfect amount of them, some kinda awkward, but those scenes themselves were great hahaha.
Overall it was okay, if you’re just getting into romance I think this is a great book to try out especially if you love good spice. It just was a little frustrating for me because I wanted to love this. I hope you, whoever else reads this book, falls in love though :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2026
I am a sucker for vacation romances and Last Resort delivered, and I devoured it!
What are the chances you would run into your college ex-boyfriend/first love on your solo trip to Cabo of what was supposed to be your honeymoon? {Un}fortunately for Abby, 100 percent!
Chronic illness representation was done perfectly and tenderly mixed with the best banter between Abby and Miles, wholesome moments, adventurous excursions and real life advice and truths I needed to hear for my season of life!
I absolutely loved Liz’s writing! The strength from Abby, yearning from Miles and both their development and growth was orchestrated so well and made the perfect story! Last Resort was such a fun read and needs to be added to your summer tbr immediately!
Inside the pages, you’ll find:
🐚 Second chance
💜 A friendly older traveler, Walter
🐚 Baby sea turtles
💜 Secret tattoo
🐚 Lighthouse scene
💜 “I hadn’t realized how dark things had been until her sunshine smile and kindness were lighting up my days.”
Also to note — I am obsessed when worlds collide and to read Sheila’s name in the dedication and a mention of one of my very favorite books weaved into Last Resort had me grinning so wide and giddy! Such an amazing surprise in a fabulous book!!
Thank you so much to Liz and Luna Literary Management for an early copy! I ate this book up and so excited to dive into the backlist because I need more asap!
And I just love this quote, “Have you no whimsy? Do you not believe in magic?” ✨
What are the chances you would run into your college ex-boyfriend/first love on your solo trip to Cabo of what was supposed to be your honeymoon? {Un}fortunately for Abby, 100 percent!
Chronic illness representation was done perfectly and tenderly mixed with the best banter between Abby and Miles, wholesome moments, adventurous excursions and real life advice and truths I needed to hear for my season of life!
I absolutely loved Liz’s writing! The strength from Abby, yearning from Miles and both their development and growth was orchestrated so well and made the perfect story! Last Resort was such a fun read and needs to be added to your summer tbr immediately!
Inside the pages, you’ll find:
🐚 Second chance
💜 A friendly older traveler, Walter
🐚 Baby sea turtles
💜 Secret tattoo
🐚 Lighthouse scene
💜 “I hadn’t realized how dark things had been until her sunshine smile and kindness were lighting up my days.”
Also to note — I am obsessed when worlds collide and to read Sheila’s name in the dedication and a mention of one of my very favorite books weaved into Last Resort had me grinning so wide and giddy! Such an amazing surprise in a fabulous book!!
Thank you so much to Liz and Luna Literary Management for an early copy! I ate this book up and so excited to dive into the backlist because I need more asap!
And I just love this quote, “Have you no whimsy? Do you not believe in magic?” ✨
June 1, 2026
I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical on if I would like this book when I read the description, but I figured why not give it a shot, and I am so glad I did!!
Abby Ashe is on her honeymoon in Cabo… alone. When her engagement broke up 6 months ago, her ex offered it to her as a consolation prize, and after a hell of a year that Abby has been having, and some nudging from her best friend and parents, she decides it may be just the thing she needs to make some important decisions in her life. What she wasn’t expecting was to run into her ex-boyfriend Miles, the love of her life and man who broke her heart 11 years ago, choosing his hockey career over them. What she doesn’t know is that their breakup has been Miles’s greatest regret. Miles is living at the resort while he finishes building a client’s vacation home, and once he spots Abby he keeps showing up everywhere with and for her. When they have to make a decision about how things move forward when Abby leaves to go back to the real world, some of their old insecurities creep up and they have to determine if they are simply repeating the past of if they can have a future.
This book restored my faith in men, especially during the migraine scene. I think Abby is an extremely relatable character, especially to millennial women. We find ourselves people pleasing at the sake of ourselves, and when we do stand up ourselves people are super surprised.
Thank you to Liz Leiby and Luna Literary for sending me an eARC of this book! I was not compensated for my honest review!
Abby Ashe is on her honeymoon in Cabo… alone. When her engagement broke up 6 months ago, her ex offered it to her as a consolation prize, and after a hell of a year that Abby has been having, and some nudging from her best friend and parents, she decides it may be just the thing she needs to make some important decisions in her life. What she wasn’t expecting was to run into her ex-boyfriend Miles, the love of her life and man who broke her heart 11 years ago, choosing his hockey career over them. What she doesn’t know is that their breakup has been Miles’s greatest regret. Miles is living at the resort while he finishes building a client’s vacation home, and once he spots Abby he keeps showing up everywhere with and for her. When they have to make a decision about how things move forward when Abby leaves to go back to the real world, some of their old insecurities creep up and they have to determine if they are simply repeating the past of if they can have a future.
This book restored my faith in men, especially during the migraine scene. I think Abby is an extremely relatable character, especially to millennial women. We find ourselves people pleasing at the sake of ourselves, and when we do stand up ourselves people are super surprised.
Thank you to Liz Leiby and Luna Literary for sending me an eARC of this book! I was not compensated for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Abby is an art teacher whose fiancée broke off their engagement. She decides to go on their honeymoon to an all-inclusive resort alone. During her trip, she’s having a pretty good time. Until her ex-boyfriend from college shows up.
Miles was a hockey player until an injury cost him his career. He’s now in construction and is doing a project in Mexico, where his client puts him up at an all-inclusive resort. One day he’s sitting at the pool bar and sees a beautiful woman. As he gets closer, he realizes it’s none other than Abby, who he dumped when he started playing professional hockey. He’s not had a fulfilling relationship since.
As they reconnect, can Miles convince Abby he’s grown up? It’s been 11 years, for goodness sake! Can Abby learn to trust Miles again after he broke her heart?
I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two. Abby is rightfully mistrusting of Miles, and Miles is thrilled that he may get a second chance with the love of his life. Miles did get on my nerves a bit — he seemed overconfident, and Abby seemed to be a bit too wowed by his charms at first. As their time at the resort goes on, I saw how good their chemistry would have been at 22 to be this hot at 33! There is plenty of spice, and the ending is very sweet.
Tropes:
🌴Vacation fling
💖Second chances
🏒player x 🎨teacher
🫶🏻MCs in their 30s
✨Anxiety rep
👀Forced proximity
Abby is an art teacher whose fiancée broke off their engagement. She decides to go on their honeymoon to an all-inclusive resort alone. During her trip, she’s having a pretty good time. Until her ex-boyfriend from college shows up.
Miles was a hockey player until an injury cost him his career. He’s now in construction and is doing a project in Mexico, where his client puts him up at an all-inclusive resort. One day he’s sitting at the pool bar and sees a beautiful woman. As he gets closer, he realizes it’s none other than Abby, who he dumped when he started playing professional hockey. He’s not had a fulfilling relationship since.
As they reconnect, can Miles convince Abby he’s grown up? It’s been 11 years, for goodness sake! Can Abby learn to trust Miles again after he broke her heart?
I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two. Abby is rightfully mistrusting of Miles, and Miles is thrilled that he may get a second chance with the love of his life. Miles did get on my nerves a bit — he seemed overconfident, and Abby seemed to be a bit too wowed by his charms at first. As their time at the resort goes on, I saw how good their chemistry would have been at 22 to be this hot at 33! There is plenty of spice, and the ending is very sweet.
Tropes:
🌴Vacation fling
💖Second chances
🏒player x 🎨teacher
🫶🏻MCs in their 30s
✨Anxiety rep
👀Forced proximity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was such an emotional, comforting second chance romance and honestly made me want to immediately book a vacation 😭✈️🌊
Abby and Miles had the kind of connection that never really disappeared, even after years apart. From the moment they reconnect, you can feel how naturally they still fit together. The chemistry, the banter, the history between them—it all felt effortless and believable.
I loved the vacation setting so much too. The resort atmosphere added this soft, escapist feeling to the story while still allowing space for emotional conversations, healing, and growth.
What really stood out to me was how caring and supportive their relationship became. Miles taking care of Abby, especially with her chronic illness, felt incredibly tender and intentional. He wasn’t perfect, but you could tell how deeply he loved her and how much he wanted to become a better man for both himself and for her.
And Abby was such an easy heroine to root for. Strong, kind, and quietly resilient even after heartbreak and disappointment.
✨ what to expect ✨
🌴 Vacation romance
💔 Second chance
🏒 Former NHL player MMC
☀️ Forced proximity
❤️🩹 Healing & reconciliation
🔥 Chemistry + emotional tension
🤍 Chronic illness rep
This story felt warm, romantic, emotional, and hopeful all at once. Abby and Miles really did feel like two people always destined to find their way back to each other 🥹
Abby and Miles had the kind of connection that never really disappeared, even after years apart. From the moment they reconnect, you can feel how naturally they still fit together. The chemistry, the banter, the history between them—it all felt effortless and believable.
I loved the vacation setting so much too. The resort atmosphere added this soft, escapist feeling to the story while still allowing space for emotional conversations, healing, and growth.
What really stood out to me was how caring and supportive their relationship became. Miles taking care of Abby, especially with her chronic illness, felt incredibly tender and intentional. He wasn’t perfect, but you could tell how deeply he loved her and how much he wanted to become a better man for both himself and for her.
And Abby was such an easy heroine to root for. Strong, kind, and quietly resilient even after heartbreak and disappointment.
✨ what to expect ✨
🌴 Vacation romance
💔 Second chance
🏒 Former NHL player MMC
☀️ Forced proximity
❤️🩹 Healing & reconciliation
🔥 Chemistry + emotional tension
🤍 Chronic illness rep
This story felt warm, romantic, emotional, and hopeful all at once. Abby and Miles really did feel like two people always destined to find their way back to each other 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
Last Resort.
A second chance romance while on vacation while what was supposed to be your honeymoon.
Yes that is a lot but it was good and it worked for Abby and miles.
Abby is a gal whom was supposed to be married but instead turned an all paid for honeymoon into a recover/ get over your ex fiancé vacation in Mexico.
Miles is Abby’s ex college boyfriend whom she really did love as he did her! He’s a retired NHL player working for his company in Mexico where he finds the one that got away.
Let’s just say these two were like magnets and once they seen one another the enviable was bound to happen. One thing after another comes to surface from there past all the mistakes, misunderstanding, missed opportunities surface and they both realize that they are meant to be and that they are it for one another. But as simple as it may be the journey to come to that realization was an eye opener.
They both have faults and downfalls that they both have now learned to appreciate. They are older and understanding. They care for one another deeply health/ mental issues are cared for and they are able to help one another and that makes them realize how much they truly still love one another. And yes these two were steamy and hot when that chapter hit! For all you gals wondering.
⭐️3.4
🌶️2.5
💜4 my own personal rating/ heartfelt.
A second chance romance while on vacation while what was supposed to be your honeymoon.
Yes that is a lot but it was good and it worked for Abby and miles.
Abby is a gal whom was supposed to be married but instead turned an all paid for honeymoon into a recover/ get over your ex fiancé vacation in Mexico.
Miles is Abby’s ex college boyfriend whom she really did love as he did her! He’s a retired NHL player working for his company in Mexico where he finds the one that got away.
Let’s just say these two were like magnets and once they seen one another the enviable was bound to happen. One thing after another comes to surface from there past all the mistakes, misunderstanding, missed opportunities surface and they both realize that they are meant to be and that they are it for one another. But as simple as it may be the journey to come to that realization was an eye opener.
They both have faults and downfalls that they both have now learned to appreciate. They are older and understanding. They care for one another deeply health/ mental issues are cared for and they are able to help one another and that makes them realize how much they truly still love one another. And yes these two were steamy and hot when that chapter hit! For all you gals wondering.
⭐️3.4
🌶️2.5
💜4 my own personal rating/ heartfelt.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first book by Liz Leiby and okay girl, you killed it 😍… Last Resort completely stole my heart. This was an easy five-star read for me, and I honestly flew through it in less than 24 hours because I could not put it down.
I’m such a sucker for a second-chance romance, and the way the universe brought Abby and Miles back to each other felt so beautiful and heartwarming. Their connection felt real, emotional, and so easy to root for. Watching Miles slowly open up about his anxiety, learning to communicate his emotions, and finally admitting he needed help was handled so thoughtfully. His growth throughout the story honestly made me love him even more.
One thing I especially appreciated was the chronic illness and migraine representation. Seeing the spoon theory explained in the book meant so much to me personally as someone who lives with chronic illnesses like POTS and occipital neuralgia. I loved how the author used it not only to help the characters understand each other better, but also to educate readers who may not know what it’s like living with chronic pain and limited energy. It felt genuine, comforting, and incredibly validating.
This book gave me romance, healing, vulnerability, growth, and so many emotional moments that just stayed with me after finishing.
Thank you Liz and Luna Literacy for the ARC ✨️
I’m such a sucker for a second-chance romance, and the way the universe brought Abby and Miles back to each other felt so beautiful and heartwarming. Their connection felt real, emotional, and so easy to root for. Watching Miles slowly open up about his anxiety, learning to communicate his emotions, and finally admitting he needed help was handled so thoughtfully. His growth throughout the story honestly made me love him even more.
One thing I especially appreciated was the chronic illness and migraine representation. Seeing the spoon theory explained in the book meant so much to me personally as someone who lives with chronic illnesses like POTS and occipital neuralgia. I loved how the author used it not only to help the characters understand each other better, but also to educate readers who may not know what it’s like living with chronic pain and limited energy. It felt genuine, comforting, and incredibly validating.
This book gave me romance, healing, vulnerability, growth, and so many emotional moments that just stayed with me after finishing.
Thank you Liz and Luna Literacy for the ARC ✨️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Liz for the ARC!
✨ Second chance romance… ELEVEN YEARS LATER
✨ Honeymoon in Mexico… alone
✨ Anxiety & migraine representation
✨ Hidden tattoo
✨ “The one that almost got away” energy
✨ Learning that being a little selfish is sometimes necessary
“If strangers is what we are, then we are the most intimate of strangers.” 😭
This book was such a sweet, emotional, and heartwarming read with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Our FMC, Abby, is an aspiring artist currently teaching school when her life absolutely implodes after being dumped before her wedding. Instead of cancelling the honeymoon, she decides to go to Mexico alone to reset, relax, and emotionally recover. Sounds peaceful, right? WRONG. Because who should suddenly appear? Her college ex and first love, Miles.
And just like that… the yearning begins.
I thoroughly enjoyed Abby and Miles’ story, especially because it wasn’t just about romance. At its core, this book is really about growth, finding your voice, and realizing it’s never too late to change your life or ask for more from it. We LOVE emotionally supportive men around here, and Miles absolutely delivered.
Also, respectfully, Todd can kick rocks. 🫶
This one releases tomorrow and trust me… you are NOT going to want to miss it.
Happy reading! ☀️📚
✨ Second chance romance… ELEVEN YEARS LATER
✨ Honeymoon in Mexico… alone
✨ Anxiety & migraine representation
✨ Hidden tattoo
✨ “The one that almost got away” energy
✨ Learning that being a little selfish is sometimes necessary
“If strangers is what we are, then we are the most intimate of strangers.” 😭
This book was such a sweet, emotional, and heartwarming read with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Our FMC, Abby, is an aspiring artist currently teaching school when her life absolutely implodes after being dumped before her wedding. Instead of cancelling the honeymoon, she decides to go to Mexico alone to reset, relax, and emotionally recover. Sounds peaceful, right? WRONG. Because who should suddenly appear? Her college ex and first love, Miles.
And just like that… the yearning begins.
I thoroughly enjoyed Abby and Miles’ story, especially because it wasn’t just about romance. At its core, this book is really about growth, finding your voice, and realizing it’s never too late to change your life or ask for more from it. We LOVE emotionally supportive men around here, and Miles absolutely delivered.
Also, respectfully, Todd can kick rocks. 🫶
This one releases tomorrow and trust me… you are NOT going to want to miss it.
Happy reading! ☀️📚
June 3, 2026
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book.
I'm usually not a fan of a second chance romance, but sometimes time is what is needed for a relationship to succeed. You come back with difference experiences, but the love never really goes away. This is exactly the case between Abby and Miles where eleven years have passed since their breakup. I loved the "question for a question" scenes because it allowed Abby and Miles to get re-familiarized with each other. I also enjoyed how the author easily wove in parts/flashbacks of their past relationship.
Minor spoiler ahead. My favorite part is when Abby didn't want to get back together with Miles right away. In second chance romances, it is common for the MCs to get back together after a short period of time, so I enjoyed this more realistic writing. But the auther does use some modern terminology, which I'm not a fan of.
Side note: I also loved the side friendship between Abby and Walter. The cover for the book is stunning. There's the scene where Miles and Abby go sailing and the cover perfectly captures that scene.
Favorites quotes:
- “I feel safe here, in the quiet dark of my room in Cabo, in the arms of a man I once loved.”
- “But flowers are starting to bloom on the cracked, dying soil of our relationship, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe old dreams can be resurrected.”
I'm usually not a fan of a second chance romance, but sometimes time is what is needed for a relationship to succeed. You come back with difference experiences, but the love never really goes away. This is exactly the case between Abby and Miles where eleven years have passed since their breakup. I loved the "question for a question" scenes because it allowed Abby and Miles to get re-familiarized with each other. I also enjoyed how the author easily wove in parts/flashbacks of their past relationship.
Minor spoiler ahead. My favorite part is when Abby didn't want to get back together with Miles right away. In second chance romances, it is common for the MCs to get back together after a short period of time, so I enjoyed this more realistic writing. But the auther does use some modern terminology, which I'm not a fan of.
Side note: I also loved the side friendship between Abby and Walter. The cover for the book is stunning. There's the scene where Miles and Abby go sailing and the cover perfectly captures that scene.
Favorites quotes:
- “I feel safe here, in the quiet dark of my room in Cabo, in the arms of a man I once loved.”
- “But flowers are starting to bloom on the cracked, dying soil of our relationship, and I’m starting to wonder if maybe old dreams can be resurrected.”
September 17, 2026
✨𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰✨
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.”
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 10, 11, 16, 18 & 19
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧: 35%
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Second chance romance, it’s always been you, first love, forced proximity, the one that got away
𝐏𝐎𝐕: 1st person, Dual POV
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: TBD
𝐊𝐔: Yes
This is my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last! This was such a delicious second chance romance with all the tension, angst, and “will they or won’t they?” energy I love. The yearning was next level, and the MMC was absolutely pathetic for the FMC in the best possible way. Even without an alternating timeline, we get enough insight into their past to understand their history and what went wrong the first time, which I really appreciated.
I also loved the emotional growth from both MCs and thought the chronic illness representation was incredibly well done. The FMC’s experience with chronic migraines showed that living with a chronic illness is about so much more than managing physical pain. The emotional toll and impact on everyday life were portrayed with so much care. This had the perfect amount of angst, plenty of yearning, and a romance that kept me invested from beginning to end. Definitely a great second chance romance to add to your TBR!
⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⚠️
Multiple open door scenes with explicit descriptions
Strong language
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.”
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 10, 11, 16, 18 & 19
𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧: 35%
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Second chance romance, it’s always been you, first love, forced proximity, the one that got away
𝐏𝐎𝐕: 1st person, Dual POV
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: TBD
𝐊𝐔: Yes
This is my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last! This was such a delicious second chance romance with all the tension, angst, and “will they or won’t they?” energy I love. The yearning was next level, and the MMC was absolutely pathetic for the FMC in the best possible way. Even without an alternating timeline, we get enough insight into their past to understand their history and what went wrong the first time, which I really appreciated.
I also loved the emotional growth from both MCs and thought the chronic illness representation was incredibly well done. The FMC’s experience with chronic migraines showed that living with a chronic illness is about so much more than managing physical pain. The emotional toll and impact on everyday life were portrayed with so much care. This had the perfect amount of angst, plenty of yearning, and a romance that kept me invested from beginning to end. Definitely a great second chance romance to add to your TBR!
⚠️𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⚠️
Multiple open door scenes with explicit descriptions
Strong language
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Liz Leiby and Luna Literary for this ARC! You need to add this book to your summer TBR immediately. It’s a beautiful, non-cringey, second chance romance. I LOVE that these characters communicate so effectively and the mental health representation was woven in very well.
This is a perfect romance leading into the summer! It was light, spicy, and addressed important themes all in one. I was giggling, kicking my feet and cheering these characters on - even the side characters!
Abby is at a crossroads in her love life and career. Miles is haunted by various events of his past. Both characters are on their own mental health journeys that I think everyone can relate to.
The emotional vulnerability was well written for a second chance romance and the story had a good slow burn and had a good flow to it. I wish I were reading this on a resort or on vacation!
What I love about this book:
🏝️All-inclusive adults only resort in Los Cabos, Mexico
🖼️ She is a teacher, with love of art
🔨 He is former NHL, now owns contracting business
💕 Non-cringey, second chance romance
🐚 The one that got away
☀️ Forced proximity
❤️🩹 Mental health & chronic illness representation
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is a perfect romance leading into the summer! It was light, spicy, and addressed important themes all in one. I was giggling, kicking my feet and cheering these characters on - even the side characters!
Abby is at a crossroads in her love life and career. Miles is haunted by various events of his past. Both characters are on their own mental health journeys that I think everyone can relate to.
The emotional vulnerability was well written for a second chance romance and the story had a good slow burn and had a good flow to it. I wish I were reading this on a resort or on vacation!
What I love about this book:
🏝️All-inclusive adults only resort in Los Cabos, Mexico
🖼️ She is a teacher, with love of art
🔨 He is former NHL, now owns contracting business
💕 Non-cringey, second chance romance
🐚 The one that got away
☀️ Forced proximity
❤️🩹 Mental health & chronic illness representation
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC read courtesy of Luna Literary Management
As a fantasy romance reader who usually needs at least one war, a morally grey man, or a dragon to stay emotionally invested, Last Resort was such a good palate cleanser. It's messy, emotionally damaging, and spicy in all the best ways that somehow made me invested in a second chance romance.
Abby felt super relatable to me as a chronic illness girly and recovering people pleaser just trying to figure out who she is outside of everyone else's expectations. Watching her choose a new direction for her life while also rebuilding trust and connection with a lost love on what would have been her honeymoon after her canceled wedding was giving peak contemporary romance energy.
The vibes were hockey romance meets The Notebook, with yearning, banter, healing, and enough emotional tension to keep me reading. But the absolute topping on the cancelled wedding cake was the ex-fiance being described as a jar of mayonnaise, it took me out. Freaking Todd, man.
Also, if you're a regular reader of Liz's books, definitely be on the lookout for all of the amazing Easter eggs she slipped into this storyline! Overall this should be a go to beach read this summer.
As a fantasy romance reader who usually needs at least one war, a morally grey man, or a dragon to stay emotionally invested, Last Resort was such a good palate cleanser. It's messy, emotionally damaging, and spicy in all the best ways that somehow made me invested in a second chance romance.
Abby felt super relatable to me as a chronic illness girly and recovering people pleaser just trying to figure out who she is outside of everyone else's expectations. Watching her choose a new direction for her life while also rebuilding trust and connection with a lost love on what would have been her honeymoon after her canceled wedding was giving peak contemporary romance energy.
The vibes were hockey romance meets The Notebook, with yearning, banter, healing, and enough emotional tension to keep me reading. But the absolute topping on the cancelled wedding cake was the ex-fiance being described as a jar of mayonnaise, it took me out. Freaking Todd, man.
Also, if you're a regular reader of Liz's books, definitely be on the lookout for all of the amazing Easter eggs she slipped into this storyline! Overall this should be a go to beach read this summer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2026
What a gift this story has been to me. I laughed, I cried, I reflected, I swooned. This second-chance romance is so tender and sweet, how can readers not root for Abby and Miles individually AND as a couple? 😭
Abby is a school teacher who goes on her non-refundable honeymoon in Cabo... just 6 months after her fiance left. Her life is seemingly at one big crossroad and she's hopeful this trip will bring some clarity and vision.
Miles, Abby's former college sweetheart, has been renovating a vacation property and just so happens to be residing at the same Cabo resort. Over a decade has passed since either have seen or spoken to one another. I mean, what could happen when Miles sets eyes on the one who got away?
And what fun would it be if I told you?!
What to expect:
🌺Second Chance
🍹The One That Got Away
🌺Forced Proximity
🍹Chronic Pain Rep
🌺Caretaking
🍹Anxiety Rep
🌺Secret Tattoo
But honestly, Walter stole my heart 😭 IYKYK. I needed his words of wisdom as much as Abby, and the ripple effect continues... some books find you at just the right time. So grateful for this one 💜
Liz Leiby, I am forever grateful to you for sharing this story with the world 🥰 I can't wait to read more of your books in the years to come
Abby is a school teacher who goes on her non-refundable honeymoon in Cabo... just 6 months after her fiance left. Her life is seemingly at one big crossroad and she's hopeful this trip will bring some clarity and vision.
Miles, Abby's former college sweetheart, has been renovating a vacation property and just so happens to be residing at the same Cabo resort. Over a decade has passed since either have seen or spoken to one another. I mean, what could happen when Miles sets eyes on the one who got away?
And what fun would it be if I told you?!
What to expect:
🌺Second Chance
🍹The One That Got Away
🌺Forced Proximity
🍹Chronic Pain Rep
🌺Caretaking
🍹Anxiety Rep
🌺Secret Tattoo
But honestly, Walter stole my heart 😭 IYKYK. I needed his words of wisdom as much as Abby, and the ripple effect continues... some books find you at just the right time. So grateful for this one 💜
Liz Leiby, I am forever grateful to you for sharing this story with the world 🥰 I can't wait to read more of your books in the years to come
May 18, 2026
4 ⭐️, 2🌶️
Tropes/Microtropes:
🌺 Second chance
🌺 Chronic illness (migraines)
🌺 vacation romance (Mexico resort)
🌺 Secret tattoo
🌺 Close proximity
🌺 Anxiety rep
🌺 The one that got away
🌺 Cat companion
Second chance is usually a hit or miss for me. But this one completely sucked me in!
When Abby’s fiancée breaks off the wedding, Abby travels to Mexico to enjoy the nonrefundable honeymoon. While there, she collides with a college boyfriend and the boy who broke her heart. Miles is at the resort for a construction job. When he reunites with Abby, he has to come to terms with the damage he caused.
This book is all about yearning, faxing your failings, self-growth, and second chances. One of the best part of this book is its depiction of quiet heartbreak.
As a people pleaser myself, seeing Abby gain her confidence and voice was beautiful. It was also refreshing to see a male main character want to better himself through therapy, forgiveness, and putting others first.
Their journey of rediscovery was a pleasure to read. And the epilogue was just the cherry on top!
*Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Services for an ARC of this title in exchange for a honest review.*
Tropes/Microtropes:
🌺 Second chance
🌺 Chronic illness (migraines)
🌺 vacation romance (Mexico resort)
🌺 Secret tattoo
🌺 Close proximity
🌺 Anxiety rep
🌺 The one that got away
🌺 Cat companion
Second chance is usually a hit or miss for me. But this one completely sucked me in!
When Abby’s fiancée breaks off the wedding, Abby travels to Mexico to enjoy the nonrefundable honeymoon. While there, she collides with a college boyfriend and the boy who broke her heart. Miles is at the resort for a construction job. When he reunites with Abby, he has to come to terms with the damage he caused.
This book is all about yearning, faxing your failings, self-growth, and second chances. One of the best part of this book is its depiction of quiet heartbreak.
As a people pleaser myself, seeing Abby gain her confidence and voice was beautiful. It was also refreshing to see a male main character want to better himself through therapy, forgiveness, and putting others first.
Their journey of rediscovery was a pleasure to read. And the epilogue was just the cherry on top!
*Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Services for an ARC of this title in exchange for a honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Last Resort by Liz Leiby was the perfect mix of romance, heartbreak, healing, and second chances. I absolutely loved the emotional journey of watching the main character head off alone on what was supposed to be her honeymoon, only to
unexpectedly run into her ex. What starts as awkward and emotional slowly turns into a beautiful rekindling of their relationship, with some spicy stuff in between. I was hooked the entire time.
The chemistry between the characters felt natural and believable, and their history together gave the story so much depth. I appreciated that the romance wasn't rushed. You really get to see them work through past hurt, rediscover why they loved each other, and grow both individually and together. The vacation setting added the perfect dreamy escape atmosphere, making it feel emotional and cozy.
By the end, I was completely rooting for them, and the engagement felt earned and satisfying. If you love second-chance romances with emotional depth, great chemistry, and a heartwarming ending, this is definitely a must-read.
unexpectedly run into her ex. What starts as awkward and emotional slowly turns into a beautiful rekindling of their relationship, with some spicy stuff in between. I was hooked the entire time.
The chemistry between the characters felt natural and believable, and their history together gave the story so much depth. I appreciated that the romance wasn't rushed. You really get to see them work through past hurt, rediscover why they loved each other, and grow both individually and together. The vacation setting added the perfect dreamy escape atmosphere, making it feel emotional and cozy.
By the end, I was completely rooting for them, and the engagement felt earned and satisfying. If you love second-chance romances with emotional depth, great chemistry, and a heartwarming ending, this is definitely a must-read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advance copy received from author
Top quotes:
“The only people who like change are the people who use it as a way to escape.
“That jar of mayonnaise couldn’t find his way to a pleasure zone if someone mapped it out for him.”
“Two things can be true at the same time; I’ve just never been good at holding two truths.”
“That didn’t count.”
If you like…
* Second chance
* Secret tattoo
* The one who got away
* Mental health representation
* Summer vacay fling
This will be the perfect story for you!
In Last Resort, Liz has woven the perfect balance of complex emotions and witty banter into the story of Miles and Abby. Their chemistry is undeniable but they have a lot of history and baggage they both need to work through, together and individually. I absolutely loved reading their story and the ending was the absolute cherry on top!
Thank you Liz Leiby and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this eARC! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Top quotes:
“The only people who like change are the people who use it as a way to escape.
“That jar of mayonnaise couldn’t find his way to a pleasure zone if someone mapped it out for him.”
“Two things can be true at the same time; I’ve just never been good at holding two truths.”
“That didn’t count.”
If you like…
* Second chance
* Secret tattoo
* The one who got away
* Mental health representation
* Summer vacay fling
This will be the perfect story for you!
In Last Resort, Liz has woven the perfect balance of complex emotions and witty banter into the story of Miles and Abby. Their chemistry is undeniable but they have a lot of history and baggage they both need to work through, together and individually. I absolutely loved reading their story and the ending was the absolute cherry on top!
Thank you Liz Leiby and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to read this eARC! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Last Resort by Liz Leiby
What a fantastic beachy second chance romance! There’s the perfect amount of angst and banter. The spice was delicious too!
Abby is being selfish for the first time in her life. Taking the expensive what should have been honeymoon all.by.herself. She’s been a people pleaser since she was young. Never wanting conflict or to be a burden to anyone. Having chronic migraines her whole life she learned to deal with life on her own. Sitting pool side minding her own in walks Miles, her first love. The one man from a decade ago that destroyed her heart and never looked back.
Miles, former player in the NHL turned contractor building a house for a friend and living at this resort in Mexico. The same resort the only woman he’s ever loved is at right now.
Miles is kinda dense at first but absolutely redeems himself in the long run. Abby and Miles are just the most fun, sweet couple. I love the work that Miles puts in to better himself. Such a fun read, loved it!!
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