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The Last Consort: Escape

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You know where it is, don’t you?....

Oh my God, you do.

Some secrets are better left with the dead. Especially the one Will knows. William Heaton is a man of many secrets and a hellish past. A new life and a new name are not enough to stop a series of events that unfold after a mass shooting. Events directly linked to that secret. How will he choose and what will he have to risk for those choices? Find out in this new romantic suspense that will keep you wanting to find out what happens next.

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2020

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Lauren Schultz

9 books33 followers

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5 stars
37 (50%)
4 stars
27 (36%)
3 stars
4 (5%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
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3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Saimi Vasquez.
2,077 reviews99 followers
April 24, 2023
William está huyendo hace mucho tiempo, pero si pasado lo alcanzó y ahora debe enfrentarlo de nuevo y con mucho más que perder. Son saber en quién confiar deberá enfrentar a varios grupos que intentan apoderarse de algo que puede ser muy peligroso y a lo que solo el tiene acceso e intentar salir con vida.

El libro es demasiado enredado, cuesta mucho entender cuál es la trama o cuáles son los Protas y los villanos. Además, cada cierto tiempo les cambian las personalidades de todos los involucrados. No tienes manera de saber si es lo que buscan o como se enteraron de dónde estaba este o aquel. Creo que se exagerado mucho con el tema de "mantener el misterio" y llega un momento que no sabes quién o que quieren o por qué.
En fin, es una primera parte y por eso el final queda tan abierto, pero no me llamo la atención lo suficiente como para leer la continuación, si si lo dejaré hasta aquí.
1,045 reviews65 followers
November 20, 2022
The Last Consort is an amazing romantic suspense novel written by Lauren Schultz. This book has a well-layered story that follows a man named William Heaton. Everyone has a past, but William's past has many buried secrets that are better left untouched. William is a man of many secrets and a hellish past.

His new identity isn't enough to stop the events that unfold after a mass shooting incident threatening to uncover the secrets he is desperately trying to hide.

This book was such a great read that it pleasantly surprised me and left me in awe. Although it took me some time to get into the story, I soon started enjoying it. The suspense and mystery element is well developed and well executed by the author and the book also has an element of romance.

There are many twists and turns in the book which kept me engaged throughout my reading. The plot and the characters both have been paid due attention and have been crafted and weaved skilfully by the author. Although this book is a lengthy one, I enjoyed reading it due to its impeccable story and great writing. 
Profile Image for Book Enchanted.
253 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2025
A Masterful Debut: The Last Consort: Escape by Lauren Schultz

Lauren Schultz has crafted an extraordinary debut novel that brilliantly showcases her talent for weaving complex narratives with emotional depth. "The Last Consort: Escape" stands as a testament to her ability to create compelling characters while maintaining relentless suspense throughout every chapter.

The protagonist, William Heaton, emerges as one of the most authentically flawed yet sympathetic characters in recent romantic suspense literature. Schultz demonstrates remarkable skill in portraying his internal conflicts, making readers genuinely invested in his journey toward redemption. The author's nuanced approach to character development ensures that William feels like a real person struggling with impossible choices rather than a mere fictional construct.

What truly distinguishes this novel is Schultz's exceptional ability to balance multiple narrative elements without sacrificing the integrity of any single component. The romantic tension between William and Patricia unfolds organically, never feeling forced or overshadowing the central mystery. Patricia herself is wonderfully realized as a strong, determined woman whose search for truth drives much of the narrative forward with purpose and authenticity.

Schultz's writing style demonstrates both maturity and sophistication that belies this being her first novel. Her pacing is particularly noteworthy, building tension gradually while strategically revealing information that keeps readers completely engaged. The author shows remarkable restraint in her storytelling, allowing mysteries to unfold naturally rather than relying on cheap tricks or contrived revelations.

The hospital setting provides a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, and Schultz utilizes this environment expertly to create an atmosphere of vulnerability and urgency. Her attention to detail in creating this world is impressive, making every scene feel vivid and immediate.

Perhaps most commendably, Schultz tackles heavy themes of trauma, identity, and survival with sensitivity and intelligence. She explores the lasting impact of past events while maintaining hope for healing and new beginnings. The author's treatment of these serious subjects shows both compassion and understanding that elevates the entire narrative.

The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each serving a distinct purpose in advancing both plot and theme. Schultz avoids the common pitfall of creating one-dimensional side characters, instead populating her story with individuals who feel genuine and contribute meaningfully to the overall experience.

"The Last Consort: Escape" succeeds magnificently as both an engaging page-turner and a thoughtful exploration of human resilience. Schultz has created something truly special with this novel, establishing herself as a formidable new voice in romantic suspense. This book promises great things for the remainder of the series and marks the beginning of what will undoubtedly be a distinguished writing career.

Readers who appreciate intelligent storytelling, complex characters, and skillfully crafted suspense will find this novel absolutely irresistible. Lauren Schultz has delivered a remarkable achievement that satisfies on every level.
Profile Image for Bree.
486 reviews33 followers
June 18, 2022
Lots of Mystery but…

I honestly don’t know how I feel about this book. It was a lengthy read at about 400 pages, but at the end I still felt like I didn’t know/understand anything. The mystery is really interesting but it never is truly explained, or even somewhat resolved to lead into a sequel book. There’s a lot of characters and it took me some time to sort out who was who.

The MCs were fine, while it was heavy on mystery, it was kind of light on the romance. I feel like we get a better look and feel for Will than we do Patricia. Also she states she wants to fight but every time something happens she seems to cower. The only time she didn’t was when the guy showed up at her house which she did some things that seemed unlike the character we’d seen so far.
And that sister, Christine?! While I know we should feel bad about her situation and what happened to her (which I did) I still couldn’t find it in me to like her. The things she did seemed obvious that she was going to be double crossed so why not stick with her sister and William?!


I think there’s a second book and maybe it will answer all my questions but right now I feel almost as confused as I did in the beginning. Also where were the parents in all this?!

Profile Image for Inked Orca.
314 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2023
4-E95-B0-AC-300-B-4-A24-8096-635-E1182-EE08

William was supposed to keep the darkness in the past while starting a new life. He was willing to keep the secrets to himself, but many people were determined to open that can of worms and take out all the skeletons in his closet. And it all came back when Patricia and her kids walked into the hospital he was working in. He never thought that their paths would cross again. She wants answers he’s not ready to give. Not yet. But she’s willing to wait, listen, and if she had to, fight.

They need to trust each other to survive and figure it out because they don't know who to trust or who's exactly in charge of all the madness.

4-B6-EDF71-337-B-464-E-8522-3-D3064-C23-E59

There are a lot of secrets and deceptions in this romance suspense novel. With mysteries and murders, there's much more to uncover. This book doesn't give all the answers as there are two more books to continue where this one left off. I’ve come across a few grammatical mistakes while reading. It’s in the third person from multiple perspectives.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and the writing is unlike anything I've read before. It’s gripping and mysterious, making you question a lot about the plot and the characters. It just didn’t work for me to have a lot of characters introduced right away. This was even more confusing with the many secrets that were introduced along with each character.

B62-B773-E-51-ED-4-FC1-B251-42-DA6-B4-EBEFE

The plot felt like a tangled mess. Each time something is revealed, it adds to the mess and soon everything feels confusing. Lies and secrets were all over the book and it was tricky to know who to trust. And somehow all that made the title make sense. They escaped but the past continued to haunt them and now what was left in the dark is slowly coming to light. Everything and everyone are connected in a dangerous game.

B04410-B2-E63-C-4076-BDBC-29-E341319-B42

We learn that William is a player of value in a game that’s unknown. It has to do with his past and that Patricia’s father is involved. In fact, he might be the one in charge of all the chess pieces. A teenager once ruined Evans' chances of fulfilling something he wanted. Albert also wants what Evens wants and won't stop until he gets it. Hunter worked with Albert, but now he wants to switch sides. There’s also Patricia’s mother who’s still involved with her ex. In spite of Christine's desire for her sister to tell her everything, she keeps secrets and lies. William’s twin brother, Derrick, is equally involved. The twins apparently carried a virus in their blood and they needed pills to stop the symptoms. They were offered a cure but that could be one of the many lies they’ve been told.

DD2-A7-E70-4679-46-F5-879-E-F07-DC9-D9146-E

This book is filled with secrets, deception, and betrayals. Patricia was ready to risk it all to find out the answer. William warned her that the truth would bring back danger and unwanted answers. It was a challenge for both of them, reliving a past they thought was long forgotten.
Profile Image for Vidhika Yadav.
772 reviews37 followers
August 15, 2025
Book Review: The Last Consort: Escape (The Last Consort Series Book 1) by Lauren Schultz

Lauren Schultz’s The Last Consort: Escape deftly combines elements of mystery, romance, and high-stakes suspense that will keep the reader riveted from page one until the final page. As the first in the series The Last Consort, The Last Consort: Escape follows William Heaton, a man formerly cloaked in violence, now with a new life that involves much sadness, secrets dangerous enough from his former life that disclosure might mean death. After a mass shooting starts a series of events connected to his previously hidden history, Will must go back into the fray that he fought so hard to escape.

Rooted deeply in the story is Will's charged relationship with Patricia, a single mother of two trying to find her estranged father. First, Will and Patricia meet in a hospital setting where Patricia recognizes Will through a moment of significance for her past. Her search for answers and truth evolves into a life-threatening situation at the hands of outside agencies and feverish misunderstanding, all while they have outstanding chemistry.

Schultz creates a layered story that is suspenseful and emotionally satisfying. William is illustrated as a real, complex, and relatable protagonist—one who is haunted, flawed, and yet likable—while Patricia is also engaging with her strength and vulnerability. The supporting cast are not background players; each of them function to deepen the intrigue and heighten the stakes.


The writing is so movie-like—and also did a good job with pacing its twists and revelations when providing details & information. The romance is well-balanced against the mystery without overselling the romance before it stops to catch its breath, but instead adds to the mystery’s intensity through its exploration of a heart racing event versus danger.


Thematically, the novel explores trust, redemption, and what I referred to as the "forever burden" of one's past. I thought its 400+ pages read like a fast train because of the quick and sharp dialogue, charged emotional encounters, and increased sense of peril! Romantic suspense readers will value and enjoy The Last Consort: Escape; it not only gives away the adrenaline but, is an enjoyable study in love as healing can happen even in dangerous places.


This is an engaging, well-manicured debut and leaves the reader anticipating the next stop on William Heaton's odyssey.
Profile Image for Glorious Readers.
18 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2022
📚 ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀsᴛ ᴄᴏɴsᴏʀᴛ : ᴇsᴄᴀᴘᴇ

📚 ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : ʟᴀᴜʀᴇɴ sᴄʜᴜʟᴛᴢ

✨ ᴍʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ : 𝟿.𝟻/𝟷𝟶

ʜᴇʟʟᴏ ᴍʏ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅs, ʜᴏᴡ's ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴏɴ ? ɪ ʜᴏᴘᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʟʟ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅᴏɪɴɢ ᴀʙsᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ғɪɴᴇ. ɪ ᴀᴍ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ, sᴏ ʟᴇᴛ's ɢᴇᴛ sᴛᴀʀᴛᴇᴅ. ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴘᴇɴɴᴇᴅ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ʙʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ʟᴀᴜʀᴇɴ sᴄʜᴜʟᴛᴢ ɪs ᴀ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴅᴇғɪɴɪᴛᴇʟʏ ᴛᴀᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀs ᴏɴ ᴀ ʀᴏʟʟᴇʀᴄᴏᴀsᴛᴇʀ ʀɪᴅᴇ ᴏғ sᴜsᴘᴇɴsᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ.
ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ʀᴇᴠᴏʟᴠᴇs ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ, ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ ʜᴇᴀᴛᴏɴ ᴡʜᴏ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ sᴛᴏʀᴍʏ ᴘᴀsᴛ ʟɪғᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʟᴏᴛ ᴏғ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs. sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs ᴀʀᴇ ᴏғ sᴜᴄʜ ɪᴍᴘᴏʀᴛᴀɴᴄᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ɪғ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴀʀᴇ ᴅɪsᴄʟᴏsᴇᴅ, ɪᴛ ᴍᴀʏ ʙᴇ ᴀ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀ ᴏғ ʟɪғᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ. ʜᴇ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ʜɪs ɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇɴᴛɪʀᴇ ᴡᴀʏ ᴏғ ʟɪᴠɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴏᴠᴇ ᴏɴ ɪɴ ʜɪs ʟɪғᴇ.
ᴘᴀᴛʀɪᴄɪᴀ, ᴀ sɪɴɢʟᴇ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴏғ ʟɪsᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟᴇx ᴘᴇʀsᴜᴀᴅᴇs ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ ᴀs sʜᴇ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇᴅ ʜᴇ ᴍɪɢʜᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ɪɴғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏɴ ʜᴇʀ ᴇsᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ. ʙᴜᴛ sʜᴇ ᴅɪsᴄᴏᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴇ ᴋɴᴇᴡ ᴄᴏᴜʟᴅ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ʜᴇʀ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ sᴍᴀʟʟ ᴄʜɪʟᴅʀᴇɴ's ʟɪғᴇ ɪɴ ᴅᴀɴɢᴇʀ. sᴛɪʟʟ, sʜᴇ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ᴅᴇɴʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɢɴᴇᴛɪᴄ ᴀᴛᴛʀᴀᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴛᴏᴡᴀʀᴅs ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ.
ᴍᴀɴʏ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀɪᴏᴜs ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟɪɴɢ ɪɴᴄɪᴅᴇɴᴛs ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴs ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴛᴏ ғɪɴᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ.
ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʀɪᴛɪɴɢ sᴛʏʟᴇ ɪs ɢʀɪᴘᴘɪɴɢ ᴀʟᴏɴɢ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜsᴀɢᴇ ᴏғ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴡᴏʀᴅs. ʙᴇɪɴɢ ᴀ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ, ɪᴛ ᴛᴏᴏᴋ ᴍᴇ ᴀʀᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴇᴡ ʜᴏᴜʀs ᴛᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇsᴇ 𝟺𝟶𝟶 ᴘᴀɢᴇs. ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴀʀʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴏɴᴇ ɪs sᴍᴏᴏᴛʜ ᴀɴᴅ ғʟᴀᴡʟᴇss ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ ᴛɪʟʟ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇɴᴅ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ʜᴀs ᴠᴇʀʏ ᴡᴇʟʟ ᴄʀᴀғᴛᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴇɴɴᴇᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡʜᴏʟᴇ ᴘʟᴏᴛ ᴍᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ɪɴᴛᴇʀᴇsᴛɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ. ɪ ᴡᴀs ᴄᴏɴsᴛᴀɴᴛʟʏ ᴄᴜʀɪᴏᴜs ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴ ɴᴇxᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ, ɪ ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ʟɪᴋᴇᴅ ᴛʜɪs sᴜsᴘᴇɴsᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜʀɪʟʟɪɴɢ sᴛᴏʀʏ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴠᴇʀ ɪs ᴡᴇʟʟ ᴅᴇᴘɪᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴛɪᴛᴛʟᴇ ɪs ᴅᴀᴍɴ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴏᴘʀɪᴀᴛᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ.
ɪ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀʀᴅᴡᴏʀᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴅɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ, ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ ɪᴛ ɪs ᴀ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ɪ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ ᴏғ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴏɴᴄᴇ.

ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ :
“ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪᴛ ɪs, ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʏᴏᴜ?....ᴏʜ ᴍʏ ɢᴏᴅ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴅᴏ.”sᴏᴍᴇ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs ᴀʀᴇ ʙᴇᴛᴛᴇʀ ʟᴇғᴛ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴀᴅ. ᴇsᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴋɴᴏᴡs.ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ ʜᴇᴀᴛᴏɴ ɪs ᴀ ᴍᴀɴ ᴏғ ᴍᴀɴʏ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ʜᴇʟʟɪsʜ ᴘᴀsᴛ. ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ʟɪғᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛᴏ sᴛᴏᴘ ᴀ sᴇʀɪᴇs ᴏғ ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛs ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴜɴғᴏʟᴅ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀ ᴍᴀss sʜᴏᴏᴛɪɴɢ. ᴇᴠᴇɴᴛs ᴅɪʀᴇᴄᴛʟʏ ʟɪɴᴋᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ.ʜᴏᴡ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴇ ᴄʜᴏᴏsᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ʜᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ʀɪsᴋ ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴏsᴇ ᴄʜᴏɪᴄᴇs? ғɪɴᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ɪɴ ᴛʜɪs ɴᴇᴡ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴛɪᴄ sᴜsᴘᴇɴsᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ғɪɴᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ʜᴀᴘᴘᴇɴs ɴᴇxᴛ.
😊
Profile Image for Aja🐼✨.
54 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2023
"ARC REVIEW"

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Hello again! My 4th ARC review is for this romantic-suspense book by Lauren Schultz.

I’ve read my fair share of romance suspense books so believe me when I say that Lauren Schultz knows how to set the scene. I mean that prologue alone is the perfect hook for readers. It reminds me of the writing of one of my favorite authors, Nora Roberts. Like Nora, Lauren was able to transport the readers to the darkness and mysterious vibes that surrounds the town and our characters.

Admittedly, I felt a bit misled by the title. When I saw “The Last Consort”, I immediately thought of palaces, kings and queens....basically royalcore.

The mystery behind our characters and their history is really interesting and at times really complex. There were so many layers to this novel than I could follow. Various characters with their own mysterious backgrounds and how they are all connected is going to keep you guessing. At times, I got lost on who was who and whose pov I was reading about. Though this is marked as a romance-suspense novel, there was more suspense than romance.

Will encounters Patricia when she brings her one of her kids to the hospital where he works as a nurse. This chance encounter is a shock to both. Why? Because their pasts have crossed before, years ago, surrounded by fire, guns and knife wounds.

Patricia after seeing Will again, doesn’t leave anything to chance and now wants answers about that dark night years ago. Will he be open to tell her what happened all those years ago? Readers are brought on this journey between past and present, through the eyes of all the characters who were part of that night.

Reminder: This book is part of a series so be ready for a cliffhanger.


-------------------------------------

Now I love a good romance-suspense book and this is the first book I’ve read by Lauren Schultz but I got really confused as more of the story unfolded. The plot was all over the place and I think there were too many characters introduced and each secret revealed felt like it added more to the confusion than resolve it. By the end, I was left with more questions than when I started reading.

Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,527 reviews141 followers
March 17, 2022
The Last Consort: Escape (Book I of theThe Last Consort Series - Romantic Suspense Criminal Novel 1)
by Lauren Schultz

Rating:4.9/5

Description:

"You know where it is, don’t you?....Oh my God, you do.”Some secrets are better left with the dead. Especially the one Will knows.William Heaton is a man of many secrets and a hellish past. A new life and a new name are not enough to stop a series of events that unfold after a mass shooting. Events directly linked to that secret.How will he choose and what will he have to risk for those choices? Find out in this new romantic suspense that will keep you wanting to find out what happens next.

Review:

👉The title of the book is really so interesting to read.

👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style of the author is quite appreciable .

👉This is a dark secret novel that rotates around Patricia, a separated from mother of two, and William, a puzzling medical caretaker. On one critical day, Patricia takes her girl, Lisa, to a medical clinic after she grumbles of an ear infection. As they are guided into a medical clinic room, Patricia perceives the essence of the attendant taking care of them.The nurture was a similar person who saved her and her family on the day that their lodge got singed. She needed to discover his name. She needed to realize what occurred after such a long time. She had to know why he was there on that critical day. Thus, she requested his name. "William, I am William," he said. Also that was the point at which her whole life got ugly. Who was William? How could he be associated with her past? Is it safe to say that he was without a doubt her guardian angel?.The characters of this book are William and Patricia.In the entire plot, William plays a crucial part. Everything seemed to point to him. No one knows his predicament, no one understands what he did in the past, and no one understands what is occurring now.Patricia is a single mother who is self-sufficient. She wishes Lisa and Alex all the happiness in the world.

For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Christeena  Thomas.
306 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2022
William Heaton is an enigma who has a lot of skeletons buried in his closet. He has been involved in some terrifying activities that can send a chill down the spine of a common man. Starting from political espionage to biological warfare, William carries the burden of some life-threatening secrets that can make or break lives.

Patricia is a troubled mother who chances upon William, firmly believing that he can guide her to her estranged father. When the plot thickens and the secrets come tumbling out, Patricia understands that some secrets are best left unattended, spilling of which can have dangerous consequences.
Somewhere down the journey, Patricia is emotionally stirred by William who becomes lot more than just a medium to find her father.

What is in store for Patricia and William? Will their relationship see the light of the day?

I am bowled over by the plot and the undercurrent of mystery throughout the storyline that kept me on the edge of my seat. It seems that the author wanted the readers to enjoy a roller-coaster ride of suspense with each twist bringing about a new surprise. I liked how the author presented a matured content in terms of political warfare which definitely increased the thrill quotient of this book.

William Heaton gave me a very ‘roguish yet on the good side of the fence’ vibe which added to the allure of the character. I personally pictured Tom Cruise/Matt Damon as William Heaton while reading the book. The character sketch and the action/mystery sub-context are on point which makes it a promising read.

Pace is important for any suspense thriller fiction and I felt that the book lost its pace at times due to lengthy texts which could have been turned a notch lower to make it more precise and gripping.

I felt that Patricia had a lot more potential to shine given her dark backstory and her current struggle as a mother of little children. I am looking forward to Patricia’s character becoming more substantial and promising in the next part of the book.

Overall I loved this beautiful mystery romance thriller and eagerly look forward to read the next in the series.
Recommended to Romantic thriller lovers!!
172 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2023
William heaton, who has a scary past life and many secrets, is the centre of the story. Secrets are so important that if they are left unknown, it could mean the difference between life and death. To advance in his life, he transformed his name and whole way of living. Lisa and alex's single mother patricia persuades william because she thinks he could know something about her missing father. But she unearthed that this is what he knew would endanger the lives of her and her young children. She still finds it impossible to deny her affection to william. She soon realises, though, that she wants more from william than just information as she devotes more time with him. As her passion for him grows, she starts to question whether she can actually trust him.

William Heaton's performance made the character more alluring to me since he struck me as being roguish but on the right side of the divide. The last consort is a potential book in its category because the characterization sketches and the intervention comment thread are both well done. Given her troubled past and her current struggles as a mother of young children, I believed Patricia had much more possibility to emerge. In the subsequent chapters of the book, Patricia's character will hopefully grow and show promise. The writing style and the use of effective words are gripping. I needed around a few hours to read all 400 pages as a reader.

The mysterious love thriller written by the author Lauren Schultz will undoubtedly transport reader on a rollercoaster of emotions filled with excitement and suspense. The narration is flawless and seamless from beginning to end. The entire plot has been expertly crafted and outlined by the author, rendering the novel more engaging to read.

I actually quite enjoyed this suspenseful and exciting story, and I was continuously interested in what would transpire next in the narrative. The book title is absolutely relevant to the contents and the design is well depicted. I really acknowledge the author's effort and dedication, and i would suggest that everyone please do read this book at least once.
Profile Image for Sayani.
372 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2023

--BOOK REVIEW--

//ᴡʜᴀᴛᴇᴠᴇʀ ɪᴛ ɪꜱ, ɪᴛ’ꜱ ᴇᴀᴛɪɴɢ ᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜ. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴇᴛ ᴛʜɪɴɢꜱ ᴇᴀᴛ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ᴀᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ ꜱᴘɪʀɪᴛ, ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ᴀʟʟᴏᴡɪɴɢ ɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴋɪʟʟ ʏᴏᴜ. ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴅᴏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ//

🌒The Last Consort: Escape by Lauren Schultz is the first installment of The Consort series encapsulating a gripping romantic thriller. The story starts with the introduction of the character Patricia, a single mother with troubled past that still haunts her and questions specially regarding her father whose answers stills she seeks. She coincidentally meets with Mr. William Heaton, our other protagonist, a man with many secrets and dark concealed backstory that he still carries buried deep inside him and now living a new life with new identity but still being unable to escape from the consequences of his past actions
🌖

//ꜱʜᴇ’ᴅ ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ʙᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴘʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ, ʙᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ꜱᴇᴄʀᴇᴛꜱ, ᴛʜᴇ ᴇᴠɪʟꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ᴘᴀꜱᴛ//

🌒Patricia believes William to be the guiding light that may give her the answers to her questions but as the mystery entangles and plot unravels the possibility of finding light in the darkest paths seems unlikely as some past haunts, some past kills but this one can do both alongside the thrill, romance also starts brewing in the heart but whether there will be any happily ever after is the question
🌖

//ɪᴛ ᴀʟʟ ᴇɴᴅꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪᴍ. ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴛ ʙᴇɢɪɴꜱ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʜɪᴍ//

🌒I was intrigue from the beginning. The plotline was engaging and the characters were well written. The narrative was rather slow paced which at times felt dragged and exaggerated. The language used was easy and can be easily comprehensible even by beginners. The plotline has a lot of potential. The story is divided into 3 parts, the last part was my favourite because of the elements of thrill and suspense looking forward to the other installments of the story. Overall this book like a roller coaster ride would recommend to readers who love reading romantic thrillers with characters having troubled past.
🌖

337 reviews7 followers
August 29, 2023
“The Last Consort: Escape” by Lauren Schultz is a gripping romantic suspense novel that delves into the life of William Heaton, a man haunted by a dark past and burdened by secrets. Set against the backdrop of a mass shooting, the story unravels as Will’s concealed history becomes entwined with the unfolding events.

Schultz masterfully weaves an intricate narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book artfully combines elements of mystery, romance, and suspense, creating a compelling blend of emotions that drive the plot forward. The author skillfully captures the internal struggle of the protagonist as he grapples with his past and the choices he must make to protect the people he cares about.

The character development is a strong suit of the novel. Will’s complexities are portrayed vividly, making him a relatable and multi-dimensional character. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, each character contributing to the layers of intrigue that unfold as the plot thickens.

Schultz’s writing style is engaging and descriptive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world she has created. The pacing is well-balanced, gradually building tension while revealing crucial details at just the right moments. As the mystery unravels, the story keeps readers guessing, eager to uncover the truth behind the protagonist’s past.

While “The Last Consort: Escape” delivers on suspense and mystery, it also offers a poignant exploration of human resilience, redemption, and the power of love to heal wounds. Schultz’s ability to intertwine these themes within a captivating storyline makes the book a compelling read for fans of romantic suspense.

In conclusion, “The Last Consort: Escape” is a skillfully crafted novel that combines romance and suspense to create an engaging and emotionally resonant story. With well-developed characters, an intriguing plot, and a satisfying balance between mystery and emotion, Lauren Schultz delivers a captivating debut that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in The Last Consort series.
1 review
August 2, 2023
"The Last Consort: Escape" by Lauren Schultz is a gripping romantic suspense novel that weaves an intricate web of secrets, past traumas, and the consequences of one man's choices. The story revolves around William Heaton, a man burdened with a troubled history and multiple hidden truths. Attempting to leave his past behind, he adopts a new identity and tries to build a new life. However, fate has different plans for him as a mass shooting sets off a chain of events that unravel the carefully concealed secrets of his past.

The book immediately captures the reader's attention with an intense and intriguing blurb, which sets the tone for the rest of the story. Schultz masterfully creates a sense of suspense and mystery right from the beginning, ensuring that readers are hooked right from the start.

The character development in the novel is commendable. William Heaton is a complex and relatable protagonist who struggles with his past while trying to forge a better future. His internal conflicts and emotional depth make him a compelling and three-dimensional character. The supporting characters are also well-crafted, each with their own secrets and motives, which add layers of complexity to the overall plot.

The novel effectively combines elements of romance, suspense, and mystery. The romantic aspect of the story is skillfully woven into the narrative, adding an emotional dimension that complements the suspenseful elements. The pacing is well-managed, with twists and turns at just the right moments, ensuring the reader remains engaged throughout.

Overall, "The Last Consort: Escape" is a captivating start to what promises to be an enthralling series. Lauren Schultz's ability to create suspense and craft compelling characters shines through in this novel. It is a story of redemption, love, and the consequences of one's past actions, leaving readers eager to find out what happens next in William Heaton's journey.
107 reviews
August 2, 2023
"The Last Consort Escape" is a gripping and suspenseful tale centered around William Heaton, a man with a mysterious and haunting past. The story revolves around the importance of secrets, which could mean life or death if left unknown. William's transformation, including changing his name and way of living, becomes pivotal in his journey to advance in life.

Lisa and Alex's single mother, Patricia, persuades William to help her find information about her missing father. However, she soon discovers that what he knows could put her and her children's lives in danger. Despite this, Patricia finds herself unable to resist her feelings for William and realizes she wants more than just information from him. As her passion grows, she begins to question whether she can trust him.

William Heaton's portrayal in the story makes him alluring, with a touch of roguishness yet seemingly on the right side of the divide. The characterization sketches and the intervention comment thread are well-done, making "The Last Consort" a potential standout in its category. Patricia's troubled past and her struggles as a mother add depth to her character, leaving room for growth in subsequent chapters.

The writing style is engaging, using effective words that keep readers hooked throughout the 400-page book. The author, Lauren Schultz, crafts a mysterious love thriller that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster filled with excitement and suspense. The narration flows seamlessly from beginning to end, and the expertly crafted plot keeps readers invested in the story's twists and turns.

The book title perfectly reflects its contents, and the design adds to its appeal. I highly appreciate the author's effort and dedication, and I recommend that everyone give "The Last Consort Escape" a read at least once. It is a thrilling and captivating journey that will leave readers wanting more.
104 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2024
Lauren Schultz’s The Last Consort: Escape is an engaging fusion of romantic suspense and thriller, kicking off what promises to be a compelling trilogy. The story revolves around William Heaton, a man whose life is shaped by secrets, danger, and a past that refuses to stay buried. Years after saving a woman from death as a teenager, he finds himself drawn back into her life, but this time, the stakes are even higher. The novel is driven by the intricate relationships between its characters. Schultz does a commendable job of building suspense by weaving together William’s shadowy past and the dangerous forces that are chasing after the secret he holds. The mystery of virus that has plagued him since childhood adds a unique twist to the typical suspense plot, making it feel fresh and intriguing.

Schultz’s writing is fluid and engaging, shifting between multiple points of view to deepen the reader’s understanding of the complex web of danger and emotions. Each character’s perspective offers a fresh lens through which the suspense unfolds, making the twists and turns even more compelling. What stands out in this book is the balance Schultz strikes between the thrill of danger and the pull of romantic tension. The author keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout the book.

The multiple POV structure enhances the suspense, allowing readers to see the larger forces at play while also connecting deeply with the characters’ personal struggles. Schultz skillfully handles the gradual reveal of secrets, creating an atmosphere of tension that never feels forced or contrived.
In summary, This book is a well-executed start to a promising series. It offers a satisfying blend of romance, mystery, and action that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense. This is the first part of the series and I am already very invested and I just cannot wait to read the next book of this series.
8 reviews
May 26, 2026
This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a good romantic suspense novel. From the very first chapter, the high-stakes atmosphere hooks you and refuses to let go. A decade ago, William Heaton was a completely different man. He has spent years trying to build a new start, adopting a new name and a new life to flee a dark history. However, a new identity cannot erase the danger he is running from. On the other side of the story is Patricia Evans, a divorced mother who is tired of living in the dark. She is determined to uncover the dangerous, unanswered secrets of her own past, including the biggest question of all: why someone tried to kill her over ten years ago.

The plot truly ignites when William and Patricia are unexpectedly reunited in an emergency room. This chance encounter forces their two worlds to collide, bringing all of William's carefully buried secrets crashing back to the surface. Patricia demands the answers she has been searching for, and William is the only one who can provide them. However, giving her the truth means exposing things that should have stayed hidden forever.

You will absolutely love this book because it perfectly balances an intense, fast-paced mystery with a deeply satisfying slow-burn romance. What makes this story so compelling is its deeply flawed and fascinating main characters. The narrative is told through multiple points of view, which allows you to get inside the heads of both William and Patricia.

The author knows exactly how to build tension and drop clues without giving too much away too soon. The plot moves forward with an addictive urgency that will have you furiously turning pages late into the night, desperate to see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

By the time you reach the final page, you will be deeply invested in this dangerous world and itching to pick up the next installment. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Dr M S  Bhagyalakshmi Bhat.
102 reviews3 followers
November 3, 2022
It took me a day and
a night's sleep to let my thoughts settle enough so that I could pen down my review🌝

So, here we go!

❤️
😁 The genre was new to me as was the author, so the element of surprise in almost everything, from the writing style to the plot twists was absolutely thrilling!
😁 The character development was good and brought out different aspects of the people as and when required.
😁 There was no dumping of unnecessary information.
😁 There was a natural flow to the story.
😁 The language was easy enough to understand.

💔
☹️ I found quite a lot of grammatical/spell/typing errors in the Kindle version of the book that I read.
☹️ I did not find any trigger warnings at the beginning of the book which I believe are important even if they are going to give away a part of the story (better not trigger anyone, right?)
☹️The sudden change in POV (maybe a title of the character would have been nice? Instead of the reader simply trying to figure it out and re-reading an entire page?)
☹️ Romance was too much of a slow-burn and very sudden at times!

❤️🤔💔
I was not able to guess anything that would happen subsequently... Now, I don't know if that is a ❤️ or 💔 because on one hand, that is great! But, on the other, I felt like I could not guess because I did not understand where the story was going!
Maybe that was intentional to keep us hooked for the upcoming book(s) but if we are so confused as to what is even happening with a really really huge cliffhanger, I don't know how we would even remember the plot by ? I know you could reveal it in the next book but maybe a slice here wouldn't hurt anyone?

Nevertheless, it was a new day, a new book, a new author and a new experience 😀

⭐4/5
(-0.5 for the errors & -0.5 for me not knowing what this plot is mainly talking about..)
114 reviews8 followers
April 18, 2023
What a brilliant book. This was a great thriller. This one pressed all the buttons for me. I haven't read a book that kept me this captivated in a long time. The plot was intriguing and kept me guessing. It was a little hard to get into at the beginning because I didn't read one big chunk in the first sitting, so I found myself having to go back. Lauren Schultz has a great imagination and full open mind to create such a great suspense series.

There could be a lot said about writing style or even the plot but overall what I liked was it was a different kind of romance than I had read up to this point. Maybe one I might not have stuck with if not so well written. So for the amazing writing and character development I recommend savoring this book/author. There are not many authors who can pull of such a feat without surrendering some of the story quality.

Escape from Lauren Schultz leads me back to the days I couldn’t get enough of romance suspense and I remembered why I had such a burning torch for this genre. The prologue immediately sets the pace for the whole story though at first I got a whirlwind of character introductions where the names dazzled in front of my eyes. For me what qualifies as a good romance suspense is where the threat is luring at all times, increasing the feeling of looming dangers for the characters and the intensity of the doubts and fears felt by them. I got that in a high dose from Lauren and more.

This book was recommended to me, it has been around awhile before I read it, so after reading this book it left me wanting more, I ran to the store and bought the rest of the series to date. Now that I am caught up it pains me to have to wait for a new release! Please Lauren, write faster! In short this was a book that appealed to me at all levels and Lauren Schultz deserves all the praise one could bestow on her.
Profile Image for Emmaa.
265 reviews23 followers
January 28, 2024
The Last Consort: Escape,"
Lauren Schultz's
5 outof 5 🌟
The narrative is William Heaton, a character shrouded in enigma, attempting to forge a new identity amidst the wreckage of a haunting history.Schultz skillfully intertwines elements of suspense and romance, creating a narrative that resonates with emotional depth. The aftermath of a mass shooting serves as the catalyst for a series of events that not only unravel Will's carefully constructed new life but also expose a secret so profound it echoes with the whispers of the deceased. The author masterfully crafts an atmosphere where every revelation is a carefully peeled layer, revealing both the scars and desires that define the characters.What sets Schultz's work apart is the nuanced exploration of choices and consequences. Will's internal struggle becomes a focal point, and readers are drawn into the ethical quandaries he faces. The narrative poses existential questions about the weight of one's past and the lengths one is willing to go to protect those they care about. The suspense is not merely a device to keep the pages turning but a thematic exploration of the intricacies of the human experience.The prose is both evocative and restrained, allowing the emotions to simmer beneath the surface. Schultz weaves a tapestry of words that captures the essence of each character, making them feel authentic and relatable. The romantic elements are tender yet tinged with a sense of urgency, mirroring the high-stakes nature of the plot."The Last Consort: Escape" is more than a romantic suspense novel; it's a contemplative journey into the recesses of the human soul. Schultz's ability to balance intricate storytelling with profound introspection elevates this work into a realm where the boundaries between genres blur, leaving readers captivated by a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
74 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2026


The story follows two main characters who are dealing with a lot of hidden dangers. Ten years ago, William Heaton left his old life behind. He changed his name and started over to escape a scary past. But hiding from the truth does not make the danger go away. Then there is Patricia Evans, a divorced mom who wants answers. Someone tried to kill her over ten years ago, and she is determined to finally find out why.

Everything changes when William and Patricia run into each other accidentally. This surprise meeting brings William’s past right back to life. Patricia wants answers about her history, and William is the only person who can help her. But digging up the truth is incredibly dangerous. The more they try to solve the mystery, the more they put their lives at risk.

This book will give you a mix of a scary mystery and a sweet, slow-moving romance. From the very start, the story is fast, exciting, and keeps you guessing about what will happen next. The story is told from different characters' points of view. This means you get to see exactly what both William and Patricia are thinking and feeling. Watching them learn to trust each other while running for their lives makes the story feel very emotional and real.

The author does an amazing job of making this book feel like a classic puzzle. It is full of lies, secrets, and big surprises that you will not expect. The story moves very quickly, which makes it easy to read. It feels like an addiction—you will find yourself turning the pages late into the night just to see what happens in the next chapter.

By the time you finish the last page, you will be hooked on the characters and the plot. It leaves you feeling excited and ready to jump right into the second book. It is a perfect choice for anyone who loves a good love story mixed with plenty of danger.
Profile Image for Joi Review.
261 reviews4 followers
August 1, 2022
📓 THE LAST CNSORT : ESCAPE

AUTHOR- Lauren Schultz
PUBLISHER- Lauren Schultz
PUBLISHED ON- 17 March, 2020
GENRE- Romantic Suspense
RATING- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"SOME PAST CAN HAUNT,
SOME PAST CAN KILL,
HIS CAN DO BOTH"

ABOUT AUTHOR- Author of The Last Consort series and love to create characters.

BOOK DESCRIPTION- Book with a storyline of secrets of past and series of events that takes place to stop William from leading a new life.

BOOK REVIEW-

William Heaton, a man with hellish and haunting past which drags him into void of darkness. A past full of storm of secrets which everytime emerges into his new life, the secrets which are of matter of life and death. Past never leaves you doesn't matter how much we want it to.

Patricia, mother of Lisa and Alex, is a single mother and self sufficient lady. Patricia took Lisa to a clinic for the ear infection examination and there she encounters with William. Patricia believed that William might have some useful information about her father. But soon Patricia realizes that this could endanger her children life along with her. But with time they two gravitate towards each other.

What was William running from?
Will William be able to break free from his past?

The past cant be erased,changed, forgotten or edited , it can only be accepted. The past is very determined ghost, haunting every chance it gets.

Story is blend of mystery, thrill,romance and charm. Pace, flow, excitement, suspense was very well balanced and maintained.

BOOK KEPT MY INTEREST PIQUED THROUGHOUT!!
LOOKING FORWARD FOR NEXT!!

**********************************

PERFECT READ | THRILLING TALE

************************************

ALL VIEWS AND OPINIONS ARE OF MY OWN AND HONEST.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Social Librarian.
135 reviews17 followers
September 29, 2022
Book Name: The Last Consort

Genre: Romantic thriller

Blurb: “You know where it is, don’t you?....Oh my God, you do.”Some secrets are better left with the dead. Especially the one Will knows. William Heaton is a man of many secrets and a hellish past. A new life and a new name are not enough to stop a series of events that unfold after a mass shooting. Events directly linked to that secret.How will he choose and what will he have to risk for those choices? Find out in this new romantic suspense that will keep you wanting to find out what happens next.


My Opinion: A great romantic thriller that will take your breath away. Written for all romance lovers who want a twist in their story and who aren't up for those common and regular clingy romances, this book is for you if you know that your taste in romance is bold and storng with an extraordinary plot.


Good and Bad: I really loved how the storyline unfolds, bit by bit it creates a mark on the readers heart with good pace and characters who demand your complete attention but that's surely worth is was my favourite thing. I discovered that I love suspense romantic books more than anything after reading it.


My favorites from the book: Heaton has to be my favourite character, a very well sketched individual with characters I would drool for, yes for sure there were few loop holes but it's remarkable to get involved in his story.


Target Audience: 14+ onwards will enjoy it and romance lovers it's a treat for you.


What to expect: Suspense, thrill, good writing and an extraordinary plot with a good romance trope.


Final verdict: Can't wait to read the next one in the series. I will whole heartedly recommend it.

Rating: 5 /5
20 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2023
The ideal fusion of mystery and romance can be found in romantic suspense literature. When there are criminal elements present, it adds the icing on the cake for thriller fans. These stories typically blend traditional sensual romance narrative lines with all the intrigue and drama of suspense. Recently, I discovered a book that flawlessly blends all of these components. The book I'm referring to is The Last Consort: Escape by Lauren Schultz.
The plot centres on William Heaton, who is the primary protagonist.
Read is a thrilling romantic suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story follows William Heaton, a man with a troubled past and many secrets. After a mass shooting, Will's past catches up with him, and he finds himself facing a series of dangerous events directly linked to his secret.
What was William running from?
What were the secrets haunting him that can destroy everything?
Romantic suspense books really appeal to me! I adore reading, but when I found this book, it was a real treat.
The plot's placement has really blown my head! With the characters and their growth, Lauren Schultz completely satisfies me! All aspects are correct! Now that I've read this, I can't wait to check out the rest of it.
1. Outstanding style of writing.
2. Effortlessly explain every character.
"The Last Consort: Escape" by Lauren Schultz is a gripping and suspenseful read that is perfect for fans of romantic suspense and thrillers. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and well-written story that will keep them turning pages until the very
Profile Image for Shruthi Inkit writings.
606 reviews15 followers
April 24, 2023
Book review 📚🔖
🌞My Rating - 4/5🌞

The book "The Last Consort: Escape (Book I of The Last Consort Series - Romantic Suspense Criminal Novel 1)" is a Romantic mystery thriller by Lauren Schultz.

The story revolves around two main characters namely Williams and Patricia. Williams, is a medical care taker while Patricia on the other hand, is a troubled single mom of two children.

Williams is living a new life but deep down there are so many secrets and mysteries buried in his past that are to be unraveled as time goes by. The meeting of this duo, is where the story actually begins. On a fine day, Patricia takes her daughter to a clinic as she caught some ear infection. little did she know as she met him in that clinic as he was working there.

Patricia knows him as he has crossed paths with her in her past, and now she is interested in digging about him. With time passing by, she firmly believes that William could help her find her father. But is that what, is really destined to happen?

As secrets of both sides slowly unravel, things are getting heated up. The story develops further with suspense elements. What are those secrets? What is the relationship between Williams and Patricia? What is going to happen when the secret is completely unraveled?

Read and find out the answers. The book seems very interesting but the drawback was it was too lengthy for me. It almost had 400 pages which took some time to finish and also there were too many twists that could have been avoided. Still the story was worth reading and leaves you with questions in the end as this is the first book of the series. Overall a good mystery thriller.
Profile Image for Shiny  Jain.
319 reviews30 followers
May 12, 2023
The first book I have read by this author and I was not disappointed at all. I love reading a good book with twists and turns and this book had it in spades. I was so entranced I couldn’t stop reading. So many twists and turns, I was surprised with every few chapters, never expecting what came next. The author kept my interest peaked page after page. One of the best stories I’ve read in a long time.

All of the characters were so well-developed and played their parts. But the ending was so amazing and unexpected, it blew my mind and I am sure you will like it too. Several times I wanted to put it down and find a new book to read, but it is worth it to keep reading. The twists and turns are surprisingly interesting and not what one would expect. Keep reading and you will find this book is a page-turner. I liked the originality of the story. You will feel lost in this new romantic suspense that will keep you wanting to find out what happens next.

The plot makes you feel like there's so much mystery and it keeps the reader glued to the pages in wanting to know where it takes. The big picture is revealed slowly by showing bits and pieces of memories from the past and actions in the present. Then, all of a sudden the plot twists so much, it leaves one gasping and wanting more. Many twists and turns along the way until a satisfying end. The masterpiece is Lauren Schultz's way of expressing this plot and her classic writing skills. I would have a lot more to say, but it's hard without revealing spoilers. You'll just have to read this book right away for yourself and see what all the intrigue is about. I highly recommend this book and I will surely read more of her books.
Profile Image for Sagar Naskar.
928 reviews16 followers
July 30, 2023
Book Review ~ 📚

Title : The Last Consort: Escape (The Last Consort Series Book 1)
Author : Lauren Schultz

The gripping romance suspense book The Last Consort: Escape by author Lauren Schultz spins an exciting tale full of secrets, peril, and complex characters. William Heaton, the protagonist, is a guy with a troubled background and a dark secret that might endanger those close to him. Following a gunshot, William's background comes to light as the situation develops, causing him to face his secrets and make challenging decisions.

Readers are effortlessly sucked into the realm of intrigue and suspense thanks to the author's captivating and immersive writing style. William Heaton's enigmatic and roguish personality gives the plot an intriguing charm, and the characterization is excellent. Patricia's character, who is a distraught single mother looking for answers, also gives the story depth and emotional impact.

With every page flip, Lauren Schultz expertly generates suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The work is engaging and challenging to put down because of the carefully crafted plot.

My favorite character from the book is Patricia. Her strength and determination as a mother, as well as her willingness to seek answers despite the risks, make her a compelling and relatable protagonist.

The Last Consort: Escape is a romantic thriller story with well-developed characters and a plot full of surprises that I strongly recommend to readers. Readers are captivated by this engaging series as Lauren Schultz's skilled narrative and flawless narration take them on an amazing emotional rollercoaster.

⭐ Rating : 4/5 🌟⭐
⭐ Must Recommended 🌟
3 reviews
May 25, 2026
The protagonist of the story is William Heaton, a man who changed his name and built a completely new life to escape a highly dangerous past. He genuinely believes he has left his old life behind until a sudden twist of fate brings it all crashing back. The reason for this crash is Patricia Evans, a divorced mother who is on a desperate quest for answers. Ten years prior, Patricia was nearly killed, and she is determined to finally uncover the dark secrets behind that terrifying event.

Patricia demands the truth about her past, and William is the only one who holds the keys to those secrets. However, digging into the past proves to be incredibly dangerous. As William gets involved, they accidentally expose information that was meant to stay buried, putting both of their lives in danger.

The writing style is straightforward, accessible, and highly engaging. The author uses multiple points of view to tell the story, which allows the reader to get inside the heads of different characters and understand their unique motives. The language is simple and direct. The pacing of the book is brisk and lively.

I absolutely loved the way the author describes the scenes and the actions. Rather than cluttering the pages with heavy, slow descriptions, she uses sharp, impactful details to set the scene which allows readers to easily visualize the high-stakes drama and leaves them eager to dive into the next installment of the series.

I was hooked to the book from the very first page and I didn't get bored even for once. It's a mond blowing book and I highly recommend it to everyone.
33 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2022
Hiiii!! Happy Monday...Hope you all are doing great!

I recently finished 'The last consort: Escape' by Lauren Schultz and i can honestly say this is good.

🛡️The book revolves with previous events and secrets that have a negative impact on the present. The gift that caused William and Patricia to gravitate towards each other. They couldn't resist the magnetic attraction.

🛡️The key characters of this book are William and Patricia.In the entire plot, William plays a crucial part. Everything seemed to point to him. No one knows his predicament, no one understands what he did in the past, and no one understands what is occurring now.Patricia is a single mother who is self-sufficient. She wishes Lisa and Alex all the happiness in the world.

This book story completely revolves around William and Patricia. How did they meet?How both understand the secrets of their past? For find out all these questions you have to go through this book..

My Experience💬
🍁Many characters are intertwined in various ways throughout the narrative. It may be a little perplexing at first, but once the reader gets the hang of it, the intriguing bits will be revealed on purpose.
🍁This book contains various chapters which seems long but it is a worth reading. Each chapter is linking lead to the past, which is a nice way to unfold the secrets of the story.

✨I loved the twists and turns in this book. The way it was written was so mysterious. I kept trying to figure out what would happen at the end, but i didn't guess it at all! It was a complete surprise and i liked it!!!
Profile Image for Rutuja Ramteke.
2,123 reviews100 followers
June 5, 2022

🍷The first thing that grabbed my attention was the cover, like I was truly sold for it and I really wanted to know the story beneath. This is basically the first book in the series and it truly gave me those gansta vibes when I started it.
Do you remember those hit movies with big and massive settings that we all are crazy about this book really reminded me of those movies.
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The storyline revolves around Williams, a man dark and intense with secrets that can choke you, Wills does and did things and has been through stuff that's really crazy and eventually past never leaves you doesn't matter how much we want it to. I think the best thing about reading it is, it's a blend of everything that's needed to keep the audience entertained. It's a blend of mystery, thrill and budding romance that later brings in so much charm, well doesn't matter good or bad! The way characters are developed, I felt I knew them since so long and not just when I started reading this book. Pat is again a character who seems so shallow at first but as you flip the chapters you understand bro, she is no less mysterious.
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I was constantly curious about what will happen, especially the second half is way too interesting. It takes uncertain turns and it does entertain it's readers. You will enjoy it if you are a fan of thrilling tales with mind blowing plot and characters. I had love hate relationship with Wills but yes, I loved the way he was built. Definitely recommended, can't wait to read the next one.
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Rating: 4.25⭐️
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