Last

by Garnet Christie

Nothing lasts—and I pray that’s true for Brett Walker.

Bianca

I heard “nothing lasts” when my father first said it.
I understood “nothing lasts” when my mother died and my dreams of becoming a romance author also withered away.

Now, I find myself begging that “nothing lasts” with the arrival of the town’s newest alphahole, Brett.

Every word out of his foul mouth and every smirk on his handsome but cruel face, ignites contempt.

I dish the misery right back at him, and in those few moments of triumph, I relish those gritted teeth, and the red glow on his face.

But beneath the biting comments, there’s something we share.

A yearning for something to endure and to hurt those who have wounded us.

However, it may be too late.

Our rough start might override our new fire filled connection, and when he starts to challenge all my beliefs, I might be too scared to give myself over. But if we do work past it all, something unusual may happen––we might fall in love.

Now if he can only make me believe that it will last.

Last is a new adult romance intended for readers 18+
Content warning includes strong, frequent language, mature situations, explicit sexual scenes, mentions of alcoholism, abuse, and suicide.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Adult, Dark Romance

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

Reviews

[Ayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ ok now this was fun. don’t come to this for inclusion. don’t come to this for any sort of diversity. because you ain’t gonna get it. however ☝

[m · Rating 2 out of 5]

i saw one line from this book on tiktok (the why are you kissing my gf one) and i am so sadly disappointed 2.5

[Beau · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is this fucking trash?
I tried, I really tried to finish this but 15% in and I already know I’m going to be really really frustrated with this trash ass story. It’s the writing for me.

These characters act exactly like Twilight the stupid movie; indeed, really really bad acting.
The h is a dumb bitch for real; I would have slapped the shit out of the H long ago like bitch what the fuck? How retarded do you have to be????

So basically the dumb bitch of a h saw the oh so hot n horny H getting head at a party, oh yes, she’s not supposed to be nosy and watch the whole interaction and rub herself off on it a multiple times after she went home.

The h’s mom is dead alright and the dad is abusive; says nothing lasts, which is a fact but ok bitch do you have to repeat it all the time?

So basically these characters sound like they’re 12 years old, the dumb stupid childish cat and mouse game but with no strategy, no real plot, nothing at all. What a fucking disappointment.

Oh so the H ruined the h’s dead mom’s blouse, like who the fuck wear dead people’s stuff??? And yes the H feels sooo sooo horrible about it and ok y’all wanna fuck then go fuck. So they fight all the time and both of them regret it every time it goes like this:

*H spits in her face and looks down at her with disgust*
h: You’re so mean. I bet you had a fucked up past!
[ h thinking to herself: OH GOSH THAT WAS SO MEAN OF ME, I SHOULD NOT HAVE SAID THAT OH GOSH]
H: I’ll show you mean 😈😈😈
[h’s mind: oh gosh he’s so HOT, I WANT TO FUCK HIM BUT DAMN HE IS SO MEAN! But COCK LOL]
h: Your dad probably didn’t love yo-
H: Now you’re digging really really deep! HOW DARE YOU!
h: I’m sorr-
H: NO! GO AWAY!

Well, this is just an example but ya got the deal. They’re so fucking childish and stupid I wonder how and why would someone publish this but then I’ve read worse I guess.

Oh Imma stop, this is just outright mean but damn am I frustrated 😂 I had to write this review I’m sorry. I’m less mad now haha.

If the author is reading this, I’m so sorry but this story ain’t it hon.

I guess this story would work for younger audience, 15 years old and under and a virgin (nothings wrong with that but you know) I guess. I just couldn’t find anything realistic in this story. It just feels all forced and dumb. I’m still confused this book has so many 4-5 stars feedbacks.

Ah yes and the H always says GAWD (is that supposed to be god?), oh an the h: Damn! (Overused) and UGH!
These are not spoken words gurl these are words little children use on Instagram or something 💀

[Nikki Bogard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good bad boy turned boyfriend love story and that is exactly what this book Last is. This story had me swooning so hard and I needed an ice bath just to cool down!! The chemistry between Bianca and Brett was smoking hot and I am a sucker for witty banter.

Bianca a struggling romance writer who has had a bestseller in over three years, meets the unbelievable gorgeous Brett under very weird circumstances. They get off to a very rocky start which is where all the sarcastic, witty banter comes in. You can tell from the beginning that they are going to be amazing for one another but just like every good love story they do not see it themselves or they do not think the other feels the same. Bianca was always led to believe that things do not last between people and as much as she wants to give into Brett, she is unsure of the outcome. You will be rooting for these two from the very beginning.

This is a slow burning romance, which happen to be my absolute favorite. I love the build up you just know something good is going to happen. Garnet Christie outdone herself with the characters and the storyline itself. I cannot wait to read the second in the series.

Thank you to Booksirens for my free advanced copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie Hubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut from Garnet Christie does NOT feel like a debut!

Last was somehow my first enemies to lovers, and it definitely showed me a new trope to dive into, though I'm sure not all will be this good!

I'm not usually a fan of slow burn, but the way Garnet built the tension between Brett and Bianca was amazing. And the payoff.....phew. SO worth it! Explosive barely covers it.

There are for sure some moments where you will be hot under the collar while reading.

If you like enemies to lover, if you like slow burn, if you like hot, steamy scenes, then don't hesitate to pick up this book!

[sarahthebibliomania · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5
I can't get over the fact that he calls her "little one" that's what I call my nieces and every time he said the nickname I couldn't take him seriously.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I posted a little bit about how going into books without expectations can turn out to be the best thing as sometimes the least expected books can turn out to be amazing diamonds in the rough or this case - the treasure in the world of books. This is how I felt with Last by Garnet Christie. This last month, I have struggled with reading, and just under half of everything I tried turned out to be a DNF. For me, that ratio was sad :(. However, back to Last by Garnet Christie, this book was a great read and I felt myself by the end of the book wanting a Brett Walker in my life too. I even really liked the main character Bianca though she did annoy me a little towards the end of the story she redeemed herself after a brief future ghost before the Christmas moment. In Last, the book starts with Bianca who is a writer but currently going through writers' block. She is at her friend's party and catches Monica and a newcomer having sex at a party. In that flash, Bianca and Brett meet eyes and we can see there will be chemistry as there is this love/hate energy between the pair which continues through most of the book as the pair keep getting put together in situations. Brett has never had a female get under his skin so much like Bianca and Brett brings out the feistiness in Bianca who is normally a hermit and introvert. All her life, Bianca has thought that good things never last and she is worthless just like her mother was and her father treated them. Brett, on the other hand, had nothing ever really to fight for but now he is prepared to fight for Bianca and prove to her that love can last when you have the right people in the equation and sometimes good things are just good things and there is no catch. A couple of the characters annoyed me a little like Bianca's friend Lizzie especially when Saber came back into the picture. I just hope she redeems herself for me in Book #2 - Stay which is Lizzie and Saber's story.

[Emily Kurosawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last is an enemies to lovers romance, and a full length interconnected standalone. Its also Garnet Christie's debut novel. Enemies to Lovers is my favorite trope! And wow!! Garnet Christie executed this trope and plot amazingly!! I really enjoyed how the storyline unfolded! Bianca (heroine) and Brett (hero) first encounter was most certainly interesting, to say the very least. And when they meet again, you could say that they got off on the wrong foot. But the heat and chemistry between them is sizzling! And oh boy!!  The s*xual tension is so thick, you can cut it with a knife!! Whenever Bianca and Brett are in the same room, they can't help themselves, they always end up in a heated argument.

Yes, there's an undeniable attraction but, Brett and Bianca rub each other the wrong way. I swear, it was like watching a tennis match! Neither of them would yield to each other! The witty remarks, come backs and innuendos, my gosh! As the plot started to unravel, Bianca and Brett have more things in common than they realize.They can relate to one another, and a mutual understanding forms. Bianca has certain fears and Brett can see right through them. And ultimately, this scares Biance at how Brett easily can read her. And the side characters! I loved reading the interactions between Bianca and her friends. They are such a fun a trio! Cannot wait to read Lizzie and Saber's story!

Bianca is an inspiring novelist, her work latest might not be as successful as she wanted to be. But that doesn't deter from persuing her passion and love of writing. After experiencing a bad breakup with her ex-boyfriend Bianca, is skeptical towards the opposite sex; she has trust issues. When Bianca discovers or meets Brett in a comprising situation, Brett is hell bent on making sure that Bianca doesn't utter a word of what she has witnessed.

**I received an ARC in exchange for my honest

[Clara Elroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit all the marks for me!
It's an enemies to lovers romance that's executed perfectly! The heat and chemistry between the two main characters is out of this world! The push and pull was amazing, this book was full of witty remarks, and come backs!
The flow of this book kept me sucked in. I loved seeing the characters grow and find happiness! I can't wait for Lizzie and Saber's story especially after that epilogue!

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 1 out of 5]

BookTok made me one click and I should have not. Was not to my liking at all BUT I might give the next story in the series a go.

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Garnet Christie’s debut novel Last is an enemies to lovers, slow burn romance. It’s well-written with an unexpected twist. Bianca is a bestselling romance author who hasn’t released a book in over three years. In the unlikeliest of circumstances she catches the breathtaking Brett in a compromising position. This begins their journey as rivals. After a series of confrontations and a hasty departure, Bianca and Brett’s give into the intense chemistry they have and it’s explosive! Their intense chemistry soon changes into a romantic relationship and the past rears its head bringing troublesome times.

The undeniable attraction between Bianca and Brett was evident in all their interactions. Their banter, witty comebacks, and lashing remarks showed how stubborn the two are. As Bianca and Brett put the conflict aside they realized how similar they are and how their past has shaped their present. Both of their goals are driven by revenge and together they work to overcome the scars of their past. Their relationship is one of mutual healing, overcoming their pasts, and finding something that lasts.I really enjoyed Bianca’s friendship with Cora and Lizzie. The three of them are like a little family and so different from each other. I’m looking forward to Lizzie’s book.

Garnet Christie has written a captivating book with an interesting beginning. Garnet Christie’s writing has the ability to make you feel and many moments in this book made me cry. These characters are relatable, flawed, and that’s partially what I liked about them.

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this book, but there were some parts that made me cringe. I wasn’t a fan of how Bianca and Brett had multiple public confrontations nor of the stubbornness of Bianca’s character occasionally. I understand why the author included Bianca’s stubbornness as part of the book, but I didn’t like it.

This was an amazing enemies to lovers/hate to love romance I really enjoyed. Enemies to lovers romances are my favorite and this one fits the trope to a T.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Annie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was seriously worried after the way Brett and Bianca met... how can Garnet Christie move them together after his Alphahole personality tries to intimidate and bully her. Thankfully, the little glimpses of his sweeter side in the middle of all their drama helped paint the picture of a misunderstood, broody hero... or someone you just know is putting on the mask for show.

Yes, I was shedding my own tears when he ruined her blouse on purpose, though you could see that if he had known he never would have toppled that wine. But the way he made up for it in the end, was just BEYOND 💓💓💓.

By that time, I did want to physically slap Bianca, or shake her, not to ruin their building relationship out of fear. It made sense with all the baggage she was holding from an abusive dad and losing her mom in the worst way, but still LOL... At that point, we all just wanted Brett to lay us on the table and take her place, so hello Bianca... work it out for those killer orgasms.

Basically, the flow of their relationship kept me sucked in and rooting for them both. I LOVED the growth of characters and proof that sometimes you have to get out of your own way to find happiness... and yes, no matter their past, everyone deserves that. Thank God, Brett was there for her at the worst time (no spoilers :) ) and that they both got their happily ever after!

Now, I'm dying for Lizzie's story! From the first introduction, but especially after that epilogue... I seriously need to give him a hug!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written enemies to lovers slow burn romance between Bianca and Brett. The author does a great job building the sexual tension and paints her scenes in vivid detail. She gives them a sizzling hot chemistry and an interesting banter as she delivers a heartfelt ,emotional story. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Ria · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know I really liked how it began, the hate-love was on point. I felt like it had a lot of incomplete pieces.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Machado · Rating 3 out of 5]

  ***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***


Last is book one of the Cooperslane series. This is an enemies to lovers romance and I believe this is a new up and coming author. The story revolves around Brett and Bianca. I have mixed emotions about this book.

The story was like a train wreck, but instead of not being able to look away, I couldn't stop reading. I guess you could say curiosity got the best of me. The plot was unpredictable, angsty, and gave me slight anxiety. The story def had a lot of potential, but their B.S. got repetitive, the characters were immature, and I didn't really understand why Brett hated Bianca, and I never understood how Bianca could want Brett after he acted like such a prick.  I started being more invested into wanting to know what was, and is, going on with Saber and Lizzie.

It just seemed like there was a lot fluff that could have been avoided. I felt like there was no solid growth in the characters relationship. Bianca's accident seemed to be the only tipping point, which honestly I thought would have come a lot sooner and been more of a focal point.

Their story does send a message that holding grudges and/or revenge isn't everything and it is better to let go of past mistakes/hurt in order to move forward and be happy in life. Otherwise you get consumed with anger and hate. It gave it an added touch of realism.

I am curious about Saber and Lizzie and what their history is, so I will probably end up checking out their book if and when it releases.

[Rachel (rachellynnreadss🪩🩵) Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bianca & Brett had a very weird yet intriguing start to their relationship. With Bianca being a struggling romance writer who with a damaged past and Brett being a mysterious super cocky rich businessman what could go wrong? Bianca discovers a secret that Brett would give anything to be kept quiet. Brett ends up doing nothing but threatening & intimidating Bianca into keeping her mouth shut so that Brett's business deal is not at risk. What Brett doesn't understand is that Bianca does whatever she wants & answers to no one. The sexual tension between these two is insane! You know from the moment that they lock eyes, there is some unspoken connection between the two. I will say that I felt something with their relationship was just a little off. I guess I just didn't get that WOW or SPARK factor as much as I wanted at first. Once the story picked up & they finally gave in to their feelings, I really liked seeing how they grew with each other. Although, Bianca did end up pissing me off a lot when it came to her fighting her emotions for Brett. She always thought that once his business deal was done, he would just leave town & they would be done. What happens when Brett decides he may not want to just up & leave? I do have to say that the author did an amazing job at dropping a huge PLOT BOMB that I did not see coming at all! I think that major drop in the story completely changed how I felt about Brett & his intentions with Bianca. You are going to fall in love with this world. I honestly cannot wait to learn about the other stories that are to come from this series!

[L.L. Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC Copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion on Garnet Christie's book, "Last".

Bad boy meets awkward novelist? Sign me up! The story follows Bianca, a novelist who pursued a career in writing just to spite her father and her "scandalous" introduction with Brett, an equally broken bad boy who came to town seeking revenge. When the two lock eyes in Lizzie's basement, let's just say... I can't look at basements the same way again.

Garnet's book is something I didn't know I needed to kick off a new year. It's unapologetically funny and sexy. The chemistry between Brett and Bianca was HOT and I look forward to reading a standalone novel following two other characters from this book: Lizzie and Cora (if the author chooses to do so as she brought some interesting openings one or two other standalone novels, particularly one between Lizzie and Saber.

The reason I rated this story a 4.5 out of 5 star is because I just didn't like Bianca. It's so obvious that she likes Brett and Brett likes her (and does everything for her) but she just can't let her past hurts go! If I was her friend, I'd slap some senses into this girl! I mean they *spoiler alert* do end up together by the end of the book, but I just found her logic for not taking a chance on a relationship with Brett really annoying (i.e. her saying if you 'don't have anger in you how can you do something you love?' was a little absurd. It must be really miserable to do something you "love" when fueled by "anger")

Overall I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in quirky female leads, enemies to lovers romances, and BDSM.

[a_littlebitbookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Heroine-
There were so many times I wanted to shake Bianca with her relationship and her health. Girl go to a doctor and a therapist. She was a little self destructive. In the end we eventually did get there. I really loved her backstory. The true crime lover in me was coming out.

Hero-
When we were first introduced to him and the following chapters I was like how is she gonna turn this around. I am not a fan especially when he ruined the blouse. (I still think it was on purpose) He had really great character development. And he always fought for her even when at that point I would have left. He was so amazing and was a big teddy bear after we got to know him.

The First Meeting-
I'm gonna be honest he was pissing me of. He was the one that was being a home wrecker and then had the audacity to threaten her. Even thought she called out hello to see if anyone was there. Whatever he just made me really mad in the beginning. When things were explained I was feeling a lot better about because cheating is just a no for me.

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has sexual tension like CRAZY, these two are absolutely explosive together! It was an interesting interaction, but I was definitely down for it. I gotta say that I was not a huge fan of Brett when he was introduced, I was right there with Bianca disliking him. I did not think anything would change my opinion of him, and then I got to know him and OH EM GEEEEEE, he became my favorite character!

All in all there were a lot of twists and turns but them chemistry is off the charts and super freaking hot! I give it 4 outta 5 stars and I am intrigued to see what is going to happen next and will be keeping my eyes open for the next book in the series!

PS: Thank you to Garnet Christie and Give Me Books PR for allowing me an advanced copy of the book to read and review honestly.

[K.C. Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this one! And for me to say that, with the dark romance kick that I've been on, means something...

The pushing and pulling, between each other and with themselves - this was *the best* representation of a love-hate relationship I think I've ever seen. But if Bianca didn't get to the hospital, I told our dear author that I was gonna beat her (Bianca) myself 🙄🤦‍♀️🤣

Poor Bianca, she reminds me so much of myself. So hopeful but hopeless at the same time.... I just wanted to give her a hug 😩🤗🤗🤗

And Brett, with his commanding presence and Alpha-holeness - well, he kinda reminded me of my Dominant... and the chemistry, holy wow! 😍🤤🥺😩🥵🥴🌊🥵 such a good story!

Good job babe, can't wait for more! 😘

[Chey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biana's life is downspiraling quickly. Her writing career is going down and she's been getting frequent headaches due to stress. She runs into Brett at her friend's party while he is in a compromising position. He threatens her and they quickly become enemies. But what neither realized was the spark they had igniting.

This book had me feeling everything! You could feel the characters pain and joy and the author did a phenomenal job at creating real characters. Brett is a bad boy, but his story is full of pain and anger. He shows Bianca that revenge isn't what should be fueling you, and that she needs to let go like he did. Great life advice and some incredibly steamy scenes too!

[Adelina Taneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really took me by surprise, I was going into it for a nice and steamy read with good characters and banter (hoping for at least because sadly not all steamy books have well developed characters).

I ended up starting this book at 9pm and finishing it at 1am because I could not put it down! From the start I was drawn into the story and then fell in love with the characters. This book had everything I need in a steamy romance, as a bonus it even made me tear up and get emotional towards the end which does not happen very often at all with these kinds of books.

I read this on Kindle Unlimited but I definitely want to pick up a physical copy as well because this book was beautiful. I believe this is the author's debut novel and I am so excited to see what they publish next because after this book I would read it all.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a book! I was hooked from the beginning and didn't want to stop reading. Enemies to lovers usually isn't my thing, but I was all about this one. Bianca is so stubborn and Brett is so cool! Their chemistry is FIRE!! I'm so glad she got out of her own way and gave Brett a chance. The only thing I would like to add is that there were a few grammatical errors (spelling and missing words) in the copy I reviewed. I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Nothing lasts." Love. Marriage. Relationships. Desires.
Those two words have been ingrained into Bianca's mind all her life. A fear that causes her not to let go and move forward.
When Bianca accidentally catches Brett in a compromising position he becomes her worst nightmare. An enemy he decides to keep closer.
Two lost and tortured souls surviving through life until they find each other and heal.
Brett came off as a douchebag at first but in the end he will make you swoon with his support and unconditional love for Bianca

[Pattip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Whenever I read a new author's work, I am worried that I won't like it. This author has hooked me. The was the words paint a picture and make you feel like you are RIGHT THERE is great. I love E2L stories and I have read many of them. This one will stand out. The characters are wonderful. Bianca is dealing with some emotional issues that she battles to work through and Brett is a real Alphahole, but they work their shit out and you will want to read this book to feel all the emotions! Can't wait for the next in this series! I was sent a copy and I am choosing to leave my honest review.

[Elle Nicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read! I found myself diving in whenever I got the chance, not wanting to put it down.

It’s a sexy, angst filled enemies to lovers with hidden depths and both characters with painful pasts that give them their own demons to face.

There were some very hot (scorching) scenes and lots of heartfelt ones too.

The side characters have me intrigued and I can’t wait to find out more about Saber!

A really beautifully written book.

[Macyn Craddick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, kind of cheesy but also really good at the same time. I found it pretty predictable but the enemies to lovers was so good. I felt like I had to read this because I kept seeing it on my Instagram explore page and let me just say I wish it kept the intensity that it had in the first half bc oh my it was amazing. The second half was good but kind of fell flat for me. The love interest calls the mc kitten a lot too and that’s kind of cringe but was easy to look past.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never accept less then what you deserve.

by and1515

Good or bad my dad's one piece of advice has been a part of my life ever since the day he uttered them and even though he's now gone those words still remain.
Because honestly she's been allowing a bitter man's memory to hijack her mind and he's now living there permently rent free.
Brett while he has that total "IT" factor going for him; well that is until he spoke then regrettably he needed better training.
Okay so Bianca considered herself happily unattached and it was totally her choice.
Bianca seriously couldn't understand what made her friends tick; and while she knew they truly cared for her there actions still had here wondering.
Unfortunately she and Brett seemed to have got off to a really horrible rough start and they just continue to have one miss step after another.
However there was one remarkable moment were he actually did something nice; Brett rescued her from a tense situation.
But then they were right back to their own brand of verbal warfare.
Until they finally discovered they did have one thing in common that was quite an attraction that quickly ignites into a full down and dirty love fest.
Even as good as things had grown between them Bianca wasn't going to wait she was going take a more proactive stance instead.
Because when you allow old painful wounds to grow and fester you could end up missing so much more.

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

[Brittany St Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bianca is stubborn, hardheaded and set in her ways of living in revenge of her father.

Due to the hatred from her father, and his always degrading words towards her, she truly believes that nothing good is in the cards for her. Nothing worth having will be hers and if she gets it, nothing will last.

Brett, new to town and caught by Bianca in a position he didn't want to be caught in, becomes invested in Bianca. Wanting to know about her, he speaks with her friends, learning what he can but trying to stay away.

The two of them, whenever they interact, have a hatred and distaste for each other that slowly disintegrates. Building up want and desire, they can no longer fight the pull.

They are so pulled to one another but yet again, Bianca believes that because it's something she wants, it's something she's going to lose.

Being afraid of an outcome, she either ignores it, or tries to ruin it before it starts. Brett, however, sees her for who she is and is determined to show her, that she fits his rough edges and they make each other whole.

I loved Bianca and Brett's story and I can not wait to see what happens with Lizzie and Saber.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable steamy romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

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