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At Last
Courtney is the good girl waiting for childhood crush Christopher to realise she’s the one for him. Unfortunately for Courtney, her sweetheart is a tosser. Anyone with eyesight could tell her, if only she’d listen. Christopher jaunts off to South Africa to apparently teach English to underprivileged children, but who knows what he's up to? While he’s there, Courtney catches the eye of one Ryan Klark, another teacher who attempts to educate her on the folly of her love. Instead, Courtney is the one who teaches Ryan more than a few things, and the friendship they strike up through cheeky emails, phone calls and letters from Paris is deeper and stronger than anything Courtney has experienced before. Before she knows it, their lighthearted correspondence turns into something romantic, then rather dirty, then more necessary than air. When Ryan comes back to London, Courtney is ready to enjoy all the perks of being with a person who likes you back! Only they both forgot who Ryan was in South Africa with. It doesn't matter, because Ryan's perfect. Right?
***Please note this is a re-release - no new material added***
***Please note this is a re-release - no new material added***
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2011
9 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Billy London
34 books270 followersAh, poor Billy. The only girl between two boys who each have nearly a foot on her. Didn't stop her from starting physical fights with them. She still thinks she can take them. So while she used to hide away in her wardrobe to read a book or four, she started to question why the heroines in those books would just lie there and take it. No, not just sex, but downright James-Bond-backhand-slapping, do-as-you're-told-woman, inappropriate lie there and take it.
She couldn't understand it. These women were just playing that mental woman from Coming to America, Miss “Whatever You Like” who barked like a dog and hopped on one foot. Billy didn't want to do that. Definitely not because one empty-headed fool with different anatomy told her to. So she started to create characters and worlds where the women could own their sexuality, their intelligence, their right to turn around and say “jog on, mate” without apology.
The small problem was that other people wanted to read what she was had written. “Er...why?” didn't cut it as an answer. After years of prodding and pleading and come on and for goodness’ sake, what's the point otherwise, she closed her eyes and pressed “submit.” Actually, she had Prosecco, limencello and white wine, then pressed “submit.” Who would have thought people would actually enjoy reading about the crazy characters who live in her head? But they have done, and Billy feels rather proud of that connection with her fellow man.
Billy lives in London with the most patient family in the world and doesn't forget for a minute how lucky she is. Well, she wouldn't mind a BBC adaptation of one of her novels... Ooh, with Richard Armitage!
She couldn't understand it. These women were just playing that mental woman from Coming to America, Miss “Whatever You Like” who barked like a dog and hopped on one foot. Billy didn't want to do that. Definitely not because one empty-headed fool with different anatomy told her to. So she started to create characters and worlds where the women could own their sexuality, their intelligence, their right to turn around and say “jog on, mate” without apology.
The small problem was that other people wanted to read what she was had written. “Er...why?” didn't cut it as an answer. After years of prodding and pleading and come on and for goodness’ sake, what's the point otherwise, she closed her eyes and pressed “submit.” Actually, she had Prosecco, limencello and white wine, then pressed “submit.” Who would have thought people would actually enjoy reading about the crazy characters who live in her head? But they have done, and Billy feels rather proud of that connection with her fellow man.
Billy lives in London with the most patient family in the world and doesn't forget for a minute how lucky she is. Well, she wouldn't mind a BBC adaptation of one of her novels... Ooh, with Richard Armitage!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 5, 2011
Billy London, where have you been all of my life?
I have been having an IR romance reading slump and this book broke the bad streak. At Last was everything an interracial romance should be.
First, race was not a huge deal. It was mentioned and that was it. Thank you for that Miss London.
Second, the virginal heroine was not sheltered. She just happened to be a virgin. She also did not have some crazy big booty or a bad attitude. Courtney was funny and sweet. She is now my favorite IR romance heroine.
Third, the hero, Ryan, was a sexy beast because he was hilarious and just as sweet as Courtney. He was also just a sexy beast in general.
Fourth, yes there was conflict but it wasn't drawn out and I didn't feel like anyone was being an idiot. I thought Courtney and Ryan both reacted and acted in a realistic manner.
Apparently Miss London needs to teach classes on how to write an IR romance and everyone needs to attend. How is everyone who loves IR not building altars to this author?
I have been having an IR romance reading slump and this book broke the bad streak. At Last was everything an interracial romance should be.
First, race was not a huge deal. It was mentioned and that was it. Thank you for that Miss London.
Second, the virginal heroine was not sheltered. She just happened to be a virgin. She also did not have some crazy big booty or a bad attitude. Courtney was funny and sweet. She is now my favorite IR romance heroine.
Third, the hero, Ryan, was a sexy beast because he was hilarious and just as sweet as Courtney. He was also just a sexy beast in general.
Fourth, yes there was conflict but it wasn't drawn out and I didn't feel like anyone was being an idiot. I thought Courtney and Ryan both reacted and acted in a realistic manner.
Apparently Miss London needs to teach classes on how to write an IR romance and everyone needs to attend. How is everyone who loves IR not building altars to this author?
August 9, 2012
Description: Courtney has been nursing a low-grade crush on her long time mate, Chris, who is away, teaching English in South Africa — so imagine her surprise when she starts receiving emails from Chris’s housemate, Ryan. Can Courtney and Ryan bring their online romance into the real world?
The Good: This is a sweet but seriously sexy story, featuring a very cute, young couple, who make each other laugh. They had terrific banter, and again the sex was very, very hot. I loved that the two characters really felt like young people. They have young people flaws, get in young people scrapes, and generally do the things that young people do. The story felt culturally authentic and age appropriate.
The Bad: Lots of references to Brit pop culture and lots of British slang, which might confuse or annoy some American readers. I actually loved it and thought it really added international color to the overall story and setting. Also, the few jokes I got were really funny.
The Naughty: Erotic. Hot phone sex. Virgin. Explicit language.
Editing issues: 1 typo found.
Publisher: Beautiful Trouble Publishing
Length: 131 pages
Final Grade: A-
Happy Reading,
Theodora at irbookreviews.com
The Good: This is a sweet but seriously sexy story, featuring a very cute, young couple, who make each other laugh. They had terrific banter, and again the sex was very, very hot. I loved that the two characters really felt like young people. They have young people flaws, get in young people scrapes, and generally do the things that young people do. The story felt culturally authentic and age appropriate.
The Bad: Lots of references to Brit pop culture and lots of British slang, which might confuse or annoy some American readers. I actually loved it and thought it really added international color to the overall story and setting. Also, the few jokes I got were really funny.
The Naughty: Erotic. Hot phone sex. Virgin. Explicit language.
Editing issues: 1 typo found.
Publisher: Beautiful Trouble Publishing
Length: 131 pages
Final Grade: A-
Happy Reading,
Theodora at irbookreviews.com
July 21, 2015
3.5 stars
Just as good as I remembered!
This story was a short but very emotional read (with really hot dirty talk and a phone sex scene! Holla!) All of the emotions were so real and in your face. When Courtney was happy you felt it, when she was sad you wanted to cry with her, and when she was angry you felt that justified anger! Her anger is something I really loved, because it felt so real I felt like the author listened to one of my arguments with an ex and transcribed it for her book.
"'You don't need to put yourself through this Court.'
'I didn't put me through this, you did! You did this! You did this to us, not me!'"
"'Shut up, just shut up!,' I screamed. 'Just accept for once in your fucking life that you've done something wrong and you do not get instant forgiveness, you don't deserve it!'"
I feel like in books the wronged MCs are never able to be upset for too long or the separation/forgiveness period is a fast one, but not in this book(they broke up for about 6 weeks). It was so refreshing to see someone able to be upset and mad, to be able to express these feelings and to be able to have the time to come to terms with how they feel instead of accepting an apology 30 seconds after they were hurt.
I really adored the emails that Courtney and Ryan sent back and forth to each other I thought they were a perfect way for the readers to experience the "newness" of the relationship with the MCs. It made it so that their relationship didn't feel insta or too rushed; I loved that Court was weirded out by Ryan the first couple times they talked, not only was it hilarious it also felt very genuine. I mean what how would you feel if some rando started emailing you? This author totally gives life to characters.
Ryan: "Kiss kiss darling, bonsie bons, good day."
Courtney: "Did your mum drop you as a baby?"
Obviously not every book is perfect and there were things in this read that I wasn't in love with. Like the main conflict, I felt that it would be very hard to trust that person again, and it would make me doubt my relationship. I didn't like the unfinished feeling that the book had; I was expecting at least one more chapter or a even few more pages and then the epilogue. At least we got an epilogue and it definitely gives you a happy HEA, but I wanted something more. I was also a little confused with the side characters; I felt like there were too many that were brought up but only like 3 or 4 actually played a role in the story.
Overall this was such a sweet and quick read. Definitely worth checking out.
Just as good as I remembered!
This story was a short but very emotional read (with really hot dirty talk and a phone sex scene! Holla!) All of the emotions were so real and in your face. When Courtney was happy you felt it, when she was sad you wanted to cry with her, and when she was angry you felt that justified anger! Her anger is something I really loved, because it felt so real I felt like the author listened to one of my arguments with an ex and transcribed it for her book.
"'You don't need to put yourself through this Court.'
'I didn't put me through this, you did! You did this! You did this to us, not me!'"
"'Shut up, just shut up!,' I screamed. 'Just accept for once in your fucking life that you've done something wrong and you do not get instant forgiveness, you don't deserve it!'"
I feel like in books the wronged MCs are never able to be upset for too long or the separation/forgiveness period is a fast one, but not in this book(they broke up for about 6 weeks). It was so refreshing to see someone able to be upset and mad, to be able to express these feelings and to be able to have the time to come to terms with how they feel instead of accepting an apology 30 seconds after they were hurt.
I really adored the emails that Courtney and Ryan sent back and forth to each other I thought they were a perfect way for the readers to experience the "newness" of the relationship with the MCs. It made it so that their relationship didn't feel insta or too rushed; I loved that Court was weirded out by Ryan the first couple times they talked, not only was it hilarious it also felt very genuine. I mean what how would you feel if some rando started emailing you? This author totally gives life to characters.
Ryan: "Kiss kiss darling, bonsie bons, good day."
Courtney: "Did your mum drop you as a baby?"
Obviously not every book is perfect and there were things in this read that I wasn't in love with. Like the main conflict, I felt that it would be very hard to trust that person again, and it would make me doubt my relationship. I didn't like the unfinished feeling that the book had; I was expecting at least one more chapter or a even few more pages and then the epilogue. At least we got an epilogue and it definitely gives you a happy HEA, but I wanted something more. I was also a little confused with the side characters; I felt like there were too many that were brought up but only like 3 or 4 actually played a role in the story.
Overall this was such a sweet and quick read. Definitely worth checking out.
July 23, 2012
3.5 stars.
I have to say I loved the tone and writing in this book. It was light and fun. I felt like I was 'watching' a cool British romantic comedy.
It starts out great as a nod to a modern epistolary novel with Ryan and Courtney sending each other cute, charming and flirty emails. Courtney has had a long-time crush on her friend Chris who has gone to South Africa to teach. Ryan is his roommate there also a teacher. Ryan happens across a picture of Courtney amongst Chris' things and winkles out her email.
I liked Ryan right off the back. He had a gleeful, irreverent sense of humor that came through easily in his emails. Courtney starts out a little unsure and hesitant but goes along for the ride.
Eventually the emails get more serious as they begin to get to know each other. They graduate to phoning and then Skyping. The two manage to fall in love even before they meet in person.
Normally I would be skeptical of this, but I thought the author sold it well and I was very much anticipating the first face to face meeting.
So why not a higher rating? Well, the charm is all in the writing. I thought from a romance storytelling aspect it felt a little ephemeral. All the dots where there, but the lines between them didn't always work. I felt scenes and transitions sometimes seemed disconnected and honestly I did need more depth in the relationship than what we got.
The other big issue is waiting for the shoe to drop. Courtney and Ryan have pretty much a drama free relationship that is lovely to witness. Except you know there has to be some conflict that pulls them apart or something that causes a hiccup in their so far smooth-as-silk relationship. It finally does happen and frankly I was underwhelmed. It was contrived and made all the people involved seem like they had fallen out of the lovely aforementioned British RomCom and stumbled into an overwrought teen drama.
But overall this was a nice little gem and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I have to say I loved the tone and writing in this book. It was light and fun. I felt like I was 'watching' a cool British romantic comedy.
It starts out great as a nod to a modern epistolary novel with Ryan and Courtney sending each other cute, charming and flirty emails. Courtney has had a long-time crush on her friend Chris who has gone to South Africa to teach. Ryan is his roommate there also a teacher. Ryan happens across a picture of Courtney amongst Chris' things and winkles out her email.
I liked Ryan right off the back. He had a gleeful, irreverent sense of humor that came through easily in his emails. Courtney starts out a little unsure and hesitant but goes along for the ride.
Eventually the emails get more serious as they begin to get to know each other. They graduate to phoning and then Skyping. The two manage to fall in love even before they meet in person.
Normally I would be skeptical of this, but I thought the author sold it well and I was very much anticipating the first face to face meeting.
So why not a higher rating? Well, the charm is all in the writing. I thought from a romance storytelling aspect it felt a little ephemeral. All the dots where there, but the lines between them didn't always work. I felt scenes and transitions sometimes seemed disconnected and honestly I did need more depth in the relationship than what we got.
The other big issue is waiting for the shoe to drop. Courtney and Ryan have pretty much a drama free relationship that is lovely to witness. Except you know there has to be some conflict that pulls them apart or something that causes a hiccup in their so far smooth-as-silk relationship. It finally does happen and frankly I was underwhelmed. It was contrived and made all the people involved seem like they had fallen out of the lovely aforementioned British RomCom and stumbled into an overwrought teen drama.
But overall this was a nice little gem and I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 7, 2011
I have to second the poster who wrote Billy London, where have you been all my life?
Firstly, At Last scores major points for prominently featuring one of my all-time favorite British television shows, East Enders. It's so nice to read an interracial romance where race just doesn't even factor into the equation; that it's just two people who meet (here they meet online) and fall in love. There's an awesome line in the book where that comes up once and the answer is just so rib-tickling hilarious that I bookmarked it on my Nook. Unfortunately at the time of this review my Nook is being juiced up but I'll be sure to add it so you can see why I laughed mmy ass off. Not to mention it's British, with a British sensibility that's refreshing considering that the bulk of IR's are set in America. I was kind of surprised that Beautiful Trouble snapped this up, since most of their books tend to have a decidedly regional (say Southern) slant, but I'm thrilled they did. Ryan and Courtney are a cute couple andI loved how they got to know each other sight unseen. I thought the use of e-mail as narrative really worked here.
I think the only thing that didn't excite me was the "ex-girlfriend comes back to dig her claws into said hunk and heroine goes ballistic" plotline. Though I have to give Courtney a little credit for having a pretty snappy comeback to the snarky "so that's what you look like," line. For all that, I really loved this book and Billy London has become another auto-buy author. Great stuff.
Firstly, At Last scores major points for prominently featuring one of my all-time favorite British television shows, East Enders. It's so nice to read an interracial romance where race just doesn't even factor into the equation; that it's just two people who meet (here they meet online) and fall in love. There's an awesome line in the book where that comes up once and the answer is just so rib-tickling hilarious that I bookmarked it on my Nook. Unfortunately at the time of this review my Nook is being juiced up but I'll be sure to add it so you can see why I laughed mmy ass off. Not to mention it's British, with a British sensibility that's refreshing considering that the bulk of IR's are set in America. I was kind of surprised that Beautiful Trouble snapped this up, since most of their books tend to have a decidedly regional (say Southern) slant, but I'm thrilled they did. Ryan and Courtney are a cute couple andI loved how they got to know each other sight unseen. I thought the use of e-mail as narrative really worked here.
I think the only thing that didn't excite me was the "ex-girlfriend comes back to dig her claws into said hunk and heroine goes ballistic" plotline. Though I have to give Courtney a little credit for having a pretty snappy comeback to the snarky "so that's what you look like," line. For all that, I really loved this book and Billy London has become another auto-buy author. Great stuff.
July 28, 2012
This book BEYOND exceeded my expectations. Ryan and Courtney's relationship was so sweet and believable. Best IR I've read in a while. PLEASE keep 'em coming Ms London!
October 9, 2011
Billy London's "At Last" was a page turner for me, through and through. She wrote to endearing characters in Courtney and Ryan. I thought the start of their friend-of-a-friend email correspondence was brilliant. I think I actually fell in love with Ryan's character along with Courtney once they started to Skype each other. It realistic, authentic and just plain old good. I also enjoyed the supporting characters they were added to enough scenes to not overwhelm the main story. And I actually thought I knew where the book was going, but alas Ms. London surprised with the ending. Loved this book! Buy this book! This is interracial romance at its best!!! Definitely will add her to my new fave romance writer's list! Well done, Billy London!
December 27, 2014
I was charmed by this New Adult read in a very foul mouthed sort of way. It is written with a load of British slang with no apologies. Our hero is a bit crass but lovely all the same. Our heroine has a crush on someone else and meets the hero via emails. They fall for each other. They make the kind of mistakes the young do and eventually move on from them.
I am always looking for good New Adult and this books meets my demands. I have compassion for the characters and drama while high in places doesn't make me cringe.
Enjoy this love story! I did.
I am always looking for good New Adult and this books meets my demands. I have compassion for the characters and drama while high in places doesn't make me cringe.
Enjoy this love story! I did.
November 11, 2012
Cute not great interracial romance. The English slang sometimes made it hard for an American to follow but a handy glossary was provided.
January 23, 2019
This was a quick read with enough romance and drama to keep the pages turning.
November 5, 2018
Amazing book
Very good read. So funny that I actually laughed out loud. She does a great job with character development. Well worth you time!
Very good read. So funny that I actually laughed out loud. She does a great job with character development. Well worth you time!
May 31, 2022
dnf could not finish so boring
June 19, 2021
Love it
An amusing, fun, addictive read. Great characters, both the heroes and the villains, and all points in between.
Go read & enjoy.
An amusing, fun, addictive read. Great characters, both the heroes and the villains, and all points in between.
Go read & enjoy.
March 7, 2014
This book came highly recommended but I don't see what all the fuss is about. I was confused at the start. I didn't quite get how Courtney and Ryan started emailing each other (that confusion cleared up later on but still).
I hated the first chapter with the email conversations. Gotta say 50 Shades of Grey did that better and the emails in that book were funny. Can't say the same for At Last. I was so happy when I realized the entire book wouldn't be email conversations.
Another thing I didn't understand is why Ryan would feel compelled to remain in his flat with his ex-girlfriend who cheated on him with Chris. Ryan has money. Why not move out? I really didn't care for the characters.
The scenes were Courtney lost her virginity were at least realistic and not so far fetched as I'm used to. This was a fairly short book and it took me too long to finish it. Other reviewers mention that there was humor in this and I found none. Oh well, maybe it's a British thing that I don't understand.
I hated the first chapter with the email conversations. Gotta say 50 Shades of Grey did that better and the emails in that book were funny. Can't say the same for At Last. I was so happy when I realized the entire book wouldn't be email conversations.
Another thing I didn't understand is why Ryan would feel compelled to remain in his flat with his ex-girlfriend who cheated on him with Chris. Ryan has money. Why not move out? I really didn't care for the characters.
The scenes were Courtney lost her virginity were at least realistic and not so far fetched as I'm used to. This was a fairly short book and it took me too long to finish it. Other reviewers mention that there was humor in this and I found none. Oh well, maybe it's a British thing that I don't understand.
Want to read
January 27, 2015Courtney Phillips has always been the standby girl for Christopher Wilkinson, who thinks he's God's gift to women. He isn't. He's a tosser. Just think of one of those guys who sows his wild oats all over the damn shop, then comes home and marries a “good girl.” Courtney's supposed to be the “good girl.”
Imagining Chris has gone to South Africa to teach English to underprivileged kids to do something good for the world, Courtney is shocked to get an email from one of the teachers, Ryan Klark, who is sharing living quarters with Chris. They start a relationship via email which grows into something unexpected and romantic, then rather dirty. The story follows their emails, telephone conversations, their first meeting and how they fall in love. But things get complicated when Chris gets back, and the few details Ryan kept out of conversations are revealed—and threaten to ruin everything.
Imagining Chris has gone to South Africa to teach English to underprivileged kids to do something good for the world, Courtney is shocked to get an email from one of the teachers, Ryan Klark, who is sharing living quarters with Chris. They start a relationship via email which grows into something unexpected and romantic, then rather dirty. The story follows their emails, telephone conversations, their first meeting and how they fall in love. But things get complicated when Chris gets back, and the few details Ryan kept out of conversations are revealed—and threaten to ruin everything.
May 15, 2016
An okay read, but a little on the short side and it didn't really bother getting too deep in to anything. I liked the characters and enjoyed "hearing" the Londoner accents from Courtney and her mates, but again, their deeper thoughts and motivations were never really delved in to. I also don't get why Courtney decided to keep replying to some random guy's (Ryan's) email just because he claimed to know and share a place with her friend/ crush.
Overall a nice quick read, but nothing amazing.
Overall a nice quick read, but nothing amazing.
August 12, 2013
4.5 A pretty sweet story. I'm not normally a fan of epistolary, but it was handled pretty well and was engaging. Definitely a bit heavy with British Pop-culture, so if you're not familiar please be very much aware. It only looses a half a star because of how the contrived way the conflict was shoved in towards the end. Plus you knew it was coming, everything was just too peachy up until that point. Other than that, great dialogue and a charming story.
May 8, 2016
I like this author and I like how fun her characters are.
It was interesting how the main characters meet and how they bonded via email.
It was funny as I thought that was unrealistic until I realized that I have worked with someone for over 2 years and I have never met them in person. Granted, working with someone and getting involved romantically with someone is different. The fact is you are able to connect with people sight unseen.
It was interesting how the main characters meet and how they bonded via email.
It was funny as I thought that was unrealistic until I realized that I have worked with someone for over 2 years and I have never met them in person. Granted, working with someone and getting involved romantically with someone is different. The fact is you are able to connect with people sight unseen.
April 6, 2015
Don't get me wrong, I love the way that Billy London normally writes, but personally, I couldn't get connected to the characters in this book. It was OK, but it wasn't spectacular. To be fair, I ended up fast forwarding through this book. This one just did not do it for me.
Giving this one: 2.5 stars.
Giving this one: 2.5 stars.
June 23, 2012
This book did not disappoint me and I appreciate that. I could connect with the characters and though they made mistakes it was understandable instead of stupid and annoying. My first Billy London and I will be reading more.
June 9, 2012
Great read! I hope Summer and Andie get their own books.
October 14, 2013
A nice quick read. I enjoyed it!
November 15, 2013
I was enjoying it until the end when Courtney started to get on my last nerve over-exaggerating.
December 3, 2013
This book was awesome!! For a quick read with lots of laughs i highly recommend it.
February 25, 2014
I flew through this book, it was light reading and good enough to enjoy on a Saturday afternoon.
March 11, 2016
Damn that was a nice read. Okay I skipped a few paragraphs somewhere towards the end but overall really enjoyed it even though a few questions were left unanswered
3+ stars
3+ stars
April 9, 2016
3 1/2 Stars.
March 26, 2017
It reads as if the author was trying to write a hip story using all the latest colloquialisms that she could think of and having the characters talk and behave like the author's ideal image of someone popular. It was irritating. Not only that, the 1st fourth of the book was a bunch of emails that was not interesting to read. I rate it one star because I had to skip over major parts of the book and I am 3/4 done and the book does not have a purpose. It is not a romance (nothing romantic about it), not an action based book or anything. Its just a bunch of conversations laced together without any purpose.
So 4/5 into the story, the author decides she needs some type of conflict. So one is contrived. The only problem, the author is blaming the wrong person for the conflict so that the story can have its happily ever after.
Needs more work
So 4/5 into the story, the author decides she needs some type of conflict. So one is contrived. The only problem, the author is blaming the wrong person for the conflict so that the story can have its happily ever after.
Needs more work
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews