At Last

Seven Brides for Seven Mothers #7

by Whitney Dineen

Queen Charlotte of Malquar has been hard at work setting up all her children, but so far, she's been unable to find someone for Sophie.

Princess Sophie was supposed to be the second royal sibling to marry, but she broke her engagement when she found out her fiance was cheating on her.

Sophie has all but given up hope of finding her own fairytale ending. That is, until a mystery bouquet of roses shows up at the palace. The note says they're from Arlo Hammond. After years of pining for the man she thought was her everlasting love, Sophie finally released all thoughts of Arlo, only to have him show up again thirteen years later. Why?

Will Arlo's explanation win Sophie's forgiveness? Will she give him another chance and find her own happy ending at last? Or will the heartache of the past be too much to forgive?

Genres: Romantic Comedy, Romance

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

About the author

Whitney loves to laugh, play with her kids, bake, and eat french fries -- not always in that order.

She's a USA Today Bestselling & multi-award-winning author of romantic comedies, non-fiction humor, thrillers, and middle reader fiction. Basically, she writes whatever the voices in her head tell her to.

She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband, Jimmy, where they raise children, chickens, and organic vegetables.

Gold Medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards 2017.

Silver medal winner at the International Readers' Favorite Awards, 2015, 2016, 2019.


Finalist RONE Awards, 2016.

Finalist at the IRFA 2016, 2017, 2019

Finalist at the Book Excellence Awards and Top Shelf Book Awards, 2017

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series so far. Sophie seems more down to earth and approachable than her siblings and I may have fallen a little in love with Arlo in this one. The writing, as usual, flowed so well that I was immediately drawn into the story and didn’t want to stop until I completely devoured it. Bonus points for the historical aspect to the story as well as the flower shop tie-in. I will miss the Malquar setting but not so much Queen Charlotte’s meddling (although it all worked out just the way she wanted it to in the end so she’s good at it).

I received a copy from #NetGalley and the author for an honest review.

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Last, by Whitney Dineen, is about the last unmarried child of King Alfred and Queen Charlotte of Malquar. Princess Sophie and her journey to finding her true love. At one time, Princess Sophie was the first to be engaged to Baron Harquardt; once she found out that he did not give up his mistress, she decided he wasn't suitable for her, breaking off their engagement.

Thirteen years ago, Princess Sophie went away to university; there, she met her roommate Avery Flemming from the U.S., Texas, that is, and they became best friends. Sophie was hoping for a typical college experience, but that wasn't happening, so she needed a time away, somewhere where no one recognized her and where she could be an average person. They devised a plan and ended up in Nappes, where they met Arlo Hammond and Daniel Creek, two local boys. Daniel was the player, and Arlo was the hardworking bartender that helped "Betty and Veronica" with a place to stay and places to visit.

This story is very different from the others in folklore, a family legend of Eduardo and Sophie at the Fainting Pond. "There is a fine line between love and hate; there is also a fine line between excitement and irritation."

Whitney Dineen has a way of writing comedies and romantic comedies. However, she outdid herself with this last story of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series.

Books in the Series
Love is a Battlefield
Ain't She Sweet
It's My Party
You're So Vain
Head Over Feet
Queen of Hearts
At Last

[Racheli Zusiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

הספר השביעי והאחרון בסדרת "שבע כלות עבור שבע אמהות" של ויטני דינין, שאני מאוד מחבבת. הספר הזה מוקדש לסופי, הבת היחידה של המלך אלפרד והמלכה שרלוט, שעדיין לא נשואה.
לפני 13 שנה, הנסיכה סופי מאסה בחייה הציבוריים ורצתה קצת חופש שבו תוכל להיות אנונימית. היא וחברתה אייברי מגיעות לכפר נידח לשבוע. הן פוגשות שם את ארלו, והוא וסופי מתאהבים. אחרי שנתיים שבהן הם ממשיכים להתכתב מרחוק, ארלו חותך את הקשר.
בינתיים סופי מספיקה להתארס וגם להיפרד מהארוס שלה, אחרי שגילתה שהוא בוגד בה.
ארלו בינתיים פותח עסק מצליח וגם עובר לעיר הבירה של הממלכה. סופי מתחילה לקבל זרי פרחים, כביכול מארלו, אבל לא יוצרת קשר.
סופי וארלו מתחילים להיתקל אחד בשנייה ברחבי הממלכה. סופי מתלבטת אם לתת לארלו הזדמנות שנייה.
ספר נחמד אבל ממש ממש קיטשי עם כל מיני קשקושים על גורל ועוד כל מיני. פחות התחברתי הפעם אבל היה נעים לקרוא.

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this is the last story of the series! I’ve loved each installment and will dearly miss Queen Charlotte’s meddling ways!
Dineen writes the most adorable characters and once I pick up one of her stories I find it hard to put down until I’ve finished. Each of these books can be read as a stand-alone but you definitely want to read them all!
At Last is a second chance romance with dual storyline that includes the first time around for our couple. Dineen ups the ante by revealing a long lost love-story that connects to Sophie’s family history. So well done! A must read for lovers of rom-com, Royal romance and fans of second chances.

[Marlene Sweet · Rating 3 out of 5]

End of the series

The series started out with a great concept with widower from the Northwest which ended up being a royalty series which really does not appeal to me. Mom Ruby was more believable than Queen Charlotte.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book as it was the completion of a 7 part series but I was disappointed. Overall it felt a little rushed and left me wanting.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book from Whitney Dineen. I had the opportunity to read this book prior to the release as an ARC reader. Without giving away the details, we revisit Malquar and the royal family. This is a part of the Seven Brides for Seven mothers series and continues on the path of mothers only wanting to see their daughters find a life partner. I loved the unfolding of Sophie and Arlo’s journey as the story takes us from their meeting thirteen years ago and the present day. If you are looking for a well written light book, I would recommend this book (and series).

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this last book in the series best, I think - Fate and what happens after we die has an interesting appearance.
Everyone likes a story where the hero proves to be a prince in all but social norms, he's good, hardworking, kind, generous and honorable.

Is love really capable to be immortal? Read to find out!!!.

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

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophi and Arlo's story is the last book in the series and was one that grabbed me with each turn of the page. Their story is thirteen years in the making and shows you the love and heartache the felt.

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

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a second chance romance with a fairy tale happily ever after. As the series comes to a close, Dineen gives our beloved Princess Sophie a second shot for a fated romance of the ages. Follow Sophie and Arlo along their journey to forever with a perfect mix of past and present, topped off with Queen Charlotte’s meddling to find love for her last child.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh and last book in the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series and Queen Charlotte of Malquar has only one child not married or just about to be. She has worked hard to find true love for all of her children, much like her and her husband, King Alfred, not allowing any problems to stop her. Princess Sophie is named after a Princess Sophie from the past, who tragically died after losing her love to another, due to the family circumstances at the time. Sophie’s best friend since college has been American Avery, who is the complete opposite of her, but has always been at her side whenever she was needed. Thirteen years ago, whilst both in their third year at college, Avery persuaded Sophie to go away to a small place called Nappes, in the middle of nowhere, where she could hopefully have the chance to have a week of living as a normal person and not be recognised as the Princess! At the local pub, she meets Arlo Hammond and his best friend Danny, who is a bit of a player and likes the look of Avery. Not that she is interested in someone like him! Arlo and Sophie hit it off straight away and Avery helped them spend lots of time together, but his mother and stepfather are problematic to their relationship. Their relationship was stopped in its tracks after unfortunate events beyond their control and after years of pining for him, she had tried to move on and got engaged.

That relationship soon faltered when her fiancé thought he could cheat on her! The press made a lot of that breakup and a few months afterwards, getting lovely bouquets of flowers delivered to the palace, apparently from Arlo after all these years, has her thinking of him again. Only one thing doesn’t ring right and that is the wording on the cards! Arlo made a success of his mother’s side business, finally opening a shop in the capital and moving there after hearing of her breaking her engagement! Her mother had thought she might be her second child to marry, now she is her last and she can’t help but interfere, as she and her husband check out Arlo and she asks Sophie about him! Sophie isn’t happy with her mother’s interference, nor is she happy to find out Arlo hadn’t tried to contact her in the whole year he had been in the capital. He wants to see her and give her the explanation of his actions in the past, but circumstances are almost against them. Only the fact they get pushed together by the queen, allows Arlo to finally tell Sophie how he feels and that he never gave up on loving her, but his stepfather’s crimes made him give up on Sophie, to not tarnish her name or her family’s’! There is lots to forgive, but also a lovely conclusion to the mystery they discovered part of all those years ago. Another wedding is all her mother wants and what the Queen wants, she often gets! Lovely tale and a great series with love in the forefront, as love matches are sought out, no matter what the people may think. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story over 350 years in the making...

Princess Sophie of Malquar is the last child of Queen Charlotte and King Alfred left unwed and unengaged. Something her mother plans to fix. Little does the Queen know about Sophie's past.

Thirteen years ago as university students, Princess Sophie and best friend, Avery, went to the small village of Nappes in hopes of being ordinary.

Avery introduces herself as Veronica and her friend, Betty.

The village is too small for an inn or a B&B, so they talk the handsome barkeeper, Arlo Hammon, into letting them rent his bedroom for a week. Arlo is in need of money to help his mother keep her farm. His step-father is a gambler (but not a very good one), a thief and overall just not a very nice person. He still doesn't know why his mother married George or why she stays married to him.

While in the village, Sophie and Arlo fall in love. She learns her family has ties to the village due to the Fainting Pond. Princess Sophie in the late1600s waded into the pool and drowned after she saw the man she loved with another woman. Since her death, every generation of the royal family has had a Princess Sophie. The royals hope that some day the original Princess Sophie will have a chance for the happy ending she didn't get in her life.

For 2 years after Princess Sophie left the village, she and Arlo wrote letters to each other. Then out of the blue, he dumped for no given reason. She was left to try and rebuild her life. She became engaged. Then she found her fiancé had a mistress that he was planning to keep after the wedding. Not with her!

Now for 7 months, Arlo has been  sending her flower arrangements. He now owns a flower company, Floribunda, in the capital city. But the arrangements don't look like something he'd do nor do the cards sound like him...

What's going on? His best friend, Danny, is meddling in Arlo's and Princess Sophie's love life. Avery, the Queen and the King are also getting involved! The 2 of them keep getting thrown together. The past becomes clearer as more is learned about the original Princess Sophie and Eduardo, the man she loved. There's much more to the story than the royals knew.

This was a fun story to read. If you've heard of the "velvet glove" approach, well Queen Charlotte uses the "velvet bulldozer" one. She still makes no excuses for her meddling. Her problem now will be having to wait until those grandkids are old enough to need her help with finding love...

I love epilogues! There's one available at the end of this book. It's about their unique royal wedding. Don't miss it!

I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming romance

This delightful romance is at its heart a second-chance love story, but it's also set against the backdrop of a centuries-old ill-fated romance, fables of which are still talked about and a hint of a supernatural connection connects the past romance with the present.

Arlo meets Sophie one day when she's traveling in the countryside with her best friend, trying to fly under the radar and see, just for a few days, what it's like to be a normal person, not a princess of the realm, constantly followed by paparazzi. Their instant connection is powerful, but not strong enough to overcome a series of unfortunate circumstances from which Arlo feels honor bound to protect Sophie, and by extension the royal family.

Thirteen years later, circumstances - and certain people - conspire to reunite them, to see if what they had is worth a second chance. The story is structured to go back and forth between the present time and thirteen years ago, spreading both stories out as the romance builds and the secrets spill forth.

I really enjoyed the way Sophie could be herself with Arlo, and I shared her frustration when things didn't work out. I'm not a huge fan of the way the past romance was conveniently used to explain "fate" and justify the years-long separation. Still, it was sweet to think that those long-ago lovers were able to find their eternal HEA through the present-day romance.

As in the earlier books, Queen Charlotte is at the helm, making sure to provide Sophie and Arlo plenty of opportunities to confront their feelings and each other. Personally, I'm glad all her children are married off and I hope she finds a new hobby before any of her grandchildren are of marriageable age.

If you've read any of the earlier books, you definitely don't want to miss this one. It smoothly wraps up the entire series, and, as in each book, both of the mothers contribute their own form of meddling to steer their children's love lives. If you like modern-day royal romances, you'll love this sweet story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Curtis E Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems like only yesterday I started on this series, and I am already finished with At Last! This is Book 8 of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers collection. And I must say, Whitney Dineen saved her best work for this final installment.

Mothers and daughters/sons are such a great, heartwarming mindset for me. And when Queen Charlotte has set her mind to it, her successes have been memorable. But there has always been a chink in the relationship success pattern. That hole has always belonged to Princess Sophie.

With At Last, we finally discover why that hole has been there, and it is nothing like you might think…especially if you have read the prior installments in this series. This story brings a whole new surprise to the mindset. Past surprises bring out present struggles. Historic events create excitement not expected. And last-minute revelations will have you swooning, smiling and feeling wowed like never before.

Anyone that has not discovered Whitney Dineen yet, you are missing out. She not only keeps you enthralled from beginning to end, but she has you laughing one minute, deep in thought the next, and cheering for the characters through the very last pages. Add in the mother factor and what can you expect other than amazing writing and wonderful success.

Five stars is not enough for this story. It grabbed me and held me from the first pages. Whitney surprised me with her ability to bring an entirely different style to this story. This author held me captive with each page. This is a story for the ages.

Great job lady and well worth the wait!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

💐Second chance at love for a princess: charming✨

4.5🌟 stars
A very satisfying way to end Dineen's light romance series with a scheming queen for a matchmaking mom. As it flips back and forth between Princess Sophie first meeting with commoner bartender Arlo and their reconnection thirteen years later, I really got caught up in Arlo's acceptance of the obstacles between them and his efforts to do the "noble" thing to protect Sophie's happiness.

Arlo was my favorite character. His backstory is so sad and his eventual rise through determination and hard work is inspiring. Plus, loved his warm devotion to his mom; the idea of him getting hooked on telenovelas; and fearing his housekeeper's wrath! And staying loyal to his friend Danny and the dream of reuniting with Sophie. My favorite bit character was floral assistant Betsy who just exudes enthusiasm. She only appears a few times but she's a scene stealer for sure.

I found At Last a charming, whimsical romance with fun characters, a bit of otherworldly magic when it comes to fated love and a sweet center. Sophie's obviously a good girl and Arlo fully accepts that. Though it connects with the stories of Queen Charlotte's other children earlier in the series, this story is easily read as a standalone. My favorite kind of series, where you don't have to go back to earlier books to brush up and understand all the references.

Really fun and easy to read.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book provided via Booksprout; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh Book of the Seven Brides for Seven Mothers series brings us the final story of Queen Charlotte's last unmarried child, Sophie.
Sophie and Arlo's story is thirteen years in the making. Sophie had wanted a typical college experience, but being a princess she wasn't getting that when she went to university. So she and her friend Avery decided to go where no one would recognize her, and that's when she met Arlo, who was a local bartender and helped her and Avery find a place to stay and settle in. They spent time together and fell in love, and even kept up correspondence when she went back home. Then without any rhyme or reason, he ended things, and left Sophie heartbroken. She eventually became engaged, but found out about her fiance's mistress and ended it. Sophie has not been truly happy since the time she spent with Arlo. All Queen Charlotte wants is for Sophie to find someone and be happy, so of course her meddling nature kicks in. Avery and Arlo's best friend and the King are all getting involved as well. You can imagine all the fun moments all this meddling is bound to bring!
The story was full of such fun and cute moments, and I enjoyed it very much. Ms. Dineen really draws you into the story with her well-crafted scenes and wonderful characters. This series has been such a delight to read, I can't believe it is ending. But I have no doubt Ms. Dineen will bring us more stories that will entertain and captivate. Highly recommend the whole series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Jessica Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this series and I’m sad to see it end.

At Last brings us the last to fly the nest from the king and queen of Malquar, Princess Sophie. After a terrible scandalous public break up, Sophie felt jaded. She had almost given up on love if it weren’t for the sudden appearance of floral arrangements from a local florist, Floribunda. Her past had suddenly caught up with her and she just didn’t know what to do. Arlo had spent the last few years making a name for himself and expanding his florist business, Floribunda. He watched as the love of his life suffered public heartbreak and he knew eventually he was going to have to try and shoot his shot again with Princess Sophie. After an unexpected and unsuccessful run in with Princess Sophie, he’s determined now more than ever to set their story straight and see what destiny has to say for their story.

I loved this so much, it had all the meddling mother business as the other books, it had great friends, a great story and it was the most magical and destiny filled book out of the whole series. Sophie and Arlo’s backstory was sweet and sad, and their historical past was devastating but their present day story was fun to read and I enjoyed it so much. I can never not recommend this series and I’d easily recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly charming romance 5*
I have read several of Whitney’s books and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. I loved this novel. The author produced dialogues that effortlessly created the backbone of an easy-flowing storyline bringing honesty, hope, witty intelligent humour, and burgeoning feelings of love and attraction easily to the surface. All the characters in the book were well developed, described, and those that were meant to be likeable, most certainly were. The style of writing, the use of English and vocabulary, and scene-appropriate dialogue were spot with a new take on the princess and the pauper angle. The book was brilliantly edited which was such a relief, as sadly so many books nowadays wouldn’t pass GCSE grammar. We follow the love story of Princess Sophie and Arlo through a total of a 15-year period. The storyline jumps from the present to the time they first meet but it is easy to read and there is a logical sequence to the scenes. The book is entertaining, enjoyable, and very human with witty dialogue in places with a lot of feel-good factors. I couldn’t understand why the last section was presented as an individual booklet rather than just a final chapter, but it completed their HEA story beautifully. I most happily recommend this novel to all romance lovers.

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

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been so great and I'm sad to see it end. The final installment did not disappoint!

'At Last' is Sophie and Arlo's story and it's a bit of a rollercoaster. Without giving too much away: Their meeting is seemingly fated and after a week together they aren't ready to say goodbye. Circumstances cause them to remain apart, yet they write to one another for years after. Their long awaited reunion eventually a no go, leaving Sophie heartbroken. Whether theirs love was of their choosing or the work of Destiny she doesn't know or care. All she knows is that she loved Arlo deeply and doesn't understand what went wrong.

Arlo loved Sophie just as much, however, he gave her up selflessly because he believed it to be what was best for her. Now, over a dozen years later he's living in her city, still pining over her. With a bit of maneuvering from Danny, Arlo's best friend, Sophie's mum, and perhaps Fate herself, they finally cross paths again.

Despite the passing of so much time, the feelings still run deep. Will Arlo share his reasoning for walking away all those years ago? Will he tell Sophie that he's still in love with her? Will Sophie finally find closure? Or will they find so much more? You'll just have to read the book to find out!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love indulging in royal romance, and add in a meddling (in the best of ways) Queen who is determined to marry off all her children, and it was gold. Princess Sophie is the last single child standing for Queen Charlotte of Malquar, and getting her married off isn't going to be so easy. See, she was engaged to a man, but that man wasn't about to stop cheating on her, so she called it off, and now doesn't believe she'll find anyone. Fate stepped in though, and she received some flowers from a man from her past who broke her heart, so now she has a decision to make. Whitney Dineen gave us Sophie's past with Arlo when she was a college girl trying to be normal, and I found myself turning the pages quickly so I would have all the answers as to why they aren't together in the present. He's not going to squander this round, but Sophie is a hard sell so will she or won't she give them another shot?! At Last was a delightful story with well placed humor, lots of sweet moments, and even some angst with the past needing to be faced. You certainly don't want to pass this book up as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Sandra Eggleston · Rating 3 out of 5]

At Last

Well, I finished the story of Arlo and Sophie. It's a good thing I wasn't writing their story or I would have told Arlo to take a hike. He let 13 years go by, and THEN he decides he's going for a second chance. She is now middle-aged. They talk about having biological children- at 40. Have they even THOUGHT about the consequences for the children; that's IF she can get pregnant? He wasted her child bearing years by HIS decisions. So as far as I can see, biological kids are out of the picture. Of course with her financial background, she can probably afford to have "help" to look after her birth defected, disabled children conceived at 40. I am glad they have their older life together. That's nice. But life moves forward, and opportunities are lost by this kind of thing. The author needs to have their reunion at a younger age if she wants a believable Happy Ending for these two. Sorry to be a negative Nellie, that's how I see this story. Dineen writes well, and I will read her next book with the hopes of feeling more satisfied at the conclusion of her plot. I have read her other books and enjoyed them immensely.

[Narci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A forever Satellite Destiney. First, I'd like to say that I am so very sad this story ended, but I was blown away with this last book in the series. I absolutely loved this series and if I could give it a ten I would. Arlo captured my heart with his sweet, intelligent, loving, handsomeness whose had a hard life. Sophie is such a complex, good hearted woman who carries her ancestors name, and with it all the hardships. I love that this book touches a bit on how two opposite people from extremely different upbringing can still fall in love. I loved this quote "life gives and it takes the trick is to accept the gift and live in the moment with them that way even if they don't last you will have formed a connection that can never be broken". I loved the mystery, the banter, their witty flirting, the friendship and meddling Parents, but most of all I loved the instant connection and banter Sophie and Arlo have throughout the story no matter how much time passes. The flashbacks in the story line kept me intrigued, as did the letters. This series was absolutely brilliantly amazing and full of wonderful characters. I loved it!

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute and funny second chance romance. It goes back and forth in time from the past to present. The past, when the couple meet, and to the future after they've been apart for more than a decade. She is a Princess and wanted to just be normal, at least for a little while, so her friend concocted a plan to vacation in a small country village using fake names. She meets a sexy bartender who doesn't know who she is, and all is perfect... for a day. But all good things must come to an end, and in the end she is left broken hearted. Now he's back and wants to explain his side of things in hopes of having a second chance, but is it a little too late? Of course, her mom, The Queen is quick to give her input. The characters are all wonderfully written, and enjoyable. There's plenty of laughs, but also some heavier moments. There is no sexual content on the pages, no strong language and no violence (though there is mention of murder) so this is safe for teens and up. Good, easy and quick to read. It alternates between a few POVs.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Evelyn V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank Author Whitney Dineen for an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Princess Sophie and her best friend Avery decide to ditch school and go incognito. They pick a location and use made up names so that Sophie can get away from her Princess status for a little while. They end up in a small town where they meet Arlo. He needs money to help his mom out and he just so happens to have an apartment above the pub that they show up in. When Avery notices the attraction between the two,she makes herself scarce and allows Arlo and Juliet to spend time getting to know each other. When Arlo finds out who Juliet really is,he is more concerned about not ruining her social status with rumors about his no-good stepfather. He chooses to tell her that they should stay apart for awhile. Due to circumstances and misunderstandings,13 years go by. Is there any way that Arlo can convince Juliet that they deserve another chance? This is my favorite Whitney Dineen book this far!!! It was swoony,sweet and romantic! A true joy to read!

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such fun to see Queen Charlotte’s “swan song” to help her daughter Sophie find her HEA. Not that Sophie wanted her help or...nosiness! This is the last book in the series and I’m going to miss them all.

Princess Sophie’s and Arlo Hammond’s story is different than the previous match ups. Unbeknownst to all but a couple of folks, they actually have a past. Both the old story and the new are full of love. For Sophie, there is the love of her family, the love of her friends, and the love of Arlo’s friends that will warm your heart. Most of all, though, there is Arlo’s love and that is truly warm and sweet.

Their journeys are both long and sometimes bumpy and it has ties to Sophie’s royal ancestors. However, it is all current and full of ups and downs. I give Arlo much love and credit for standing by his belief in his love for Sophie and knowledge that they belong together. Great story and wonderful end to this series.

[Romcom Queenie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sophie’s turn with Queen Charlotte’s matchmaking meddling. Was waiting for this book and thinking it was going to be a big bang to the ending of this series, unfortunately it was a small bang.
It just seemed as though Arlo and Sophie were just put together. They did have a connection as to why but wanted to see more chemistry. Needed more of something. Maybe some of the letters that were written to each other to get more of an insight to their feelings. Not enough chemistry with the characters for me.
I see where the author was going with the ancestor story but it was so sad it brought me down while reading. Wish they had more happy moments with Sophie and Arlo to get me out of it.
It was an emotional journey with an HEA. Enjoyed the ending with a glimpse of some of the previous couples. Loved this series and maybe my anticipation to the end let me down. All and all a good read.
I received this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.

[MrsL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the previous books in this series, I knew this would be a good finale, and I wasn't wrong.

This tells the story of Princess Sophie and Arlo, who first met 13 years ago. Circumstances then dictated that they couldn't be together, however different times, different attitudes, mean that this could all change.

Essentially, this is a second chances romance with a little bit of fairy dust thrown in; add in an interfering Queen, meddling best friends and you have the potential ingredients for a happy ever after.
It's always good to catch up with previous characters and find out what happening in their lives; the only question I have is - did Danny end up with Pippa, or is there another story here??

I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in the series and since I haven't read any of the others I can confirm that it is very easily read and understood as a standalone. I enjoyed this story from the start: it had great characters with wonderful interaction between them all, an interesting premise and was very easy to read. There were quite a number of side characters, which was to be expected from book 7 in a series, but it didn't overly impact my understanding. I'm not usually a fan of including of past and present in a story but it worked for me in this. Without it, I have a feeling the writing could have become to saccharine for me. Also, it did tend towards mystical in places which is not my thing. I really liked how the characters worked things out for the ultimate HEA and overall really enjoyed this.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains: kisses and some mild swearing. At Last a book where Queen Charlotte isn’t as horrible! I liked Sophie, I thought she had some great points. Arlo’s reasoning I didn’t like as much. I also didn’t care for the idea that they were fated to be together. Also, I was surprised that the paparazzi didn’t bother Sophie more considering how often she went out and how many important conversations she had in public.

This whole series has been interesting. It is seven brides for seven mothers but as soon as this fictional royal family was introduced (in book 3 or 4) the series pivoted and should have been called “Queen Charlotte Meddles” or something like that. It is hard to remember that the earlier books took place in America and had no mentions of Queen Charlotte. Had I known the turn the series would take, I don’t think I would have read it as I don’t like books with fake royals.

[Rhiana Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! Queen Charolette once again dives in to the love lives of her children, this time Princess Sophie, the last to find love, or so the Queen thought.

Thirteen years ago, Princess Sophie temporarily escapes royal life for a taste of normalcy with Avery, her best friend from university. Posing as a commoner, Princess Sophie goes along with Avery's crazy plan to hideout in a small, rural town for a week of freedom. During her adventure, she unexpectedly meets a man who will change her life forever. Was it chance or fate?

Imagine finding a love so deep it transcends time and circumstance. At Last is a love story bound to inspire the die hard romantic type to hold out for epic true love. Keep tissues close by! ❤️