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The Last Shot Tavern
Finding Hope
Jami has never put herself first.
After disaster struck her family, Jami put her life on hold to take care of everyone but herself. A new tragedy sends her reeling and makes her face the unhealthy romantic relationship she’s accepted. Jami reaches out to the person who once offered to help, but gets sent a stand-in instead.
Malcolm has never felt like a hero.
Only his cousin could convince Malcolm to take in a wounded woman on the edge of breaking. One that stirs his memories of a night long before both their lives fell apart. Despite being drawn to Jami, Malcolm knows his own baggage is the last thing she needs.
When Jami realizes who he is, Malcolm can’t resist reminding her of what they once had. Every caress rekindles the passion and confidence Jami left behind.
But a predator still lurks, someone who has lured Jami back time and again. Jami struggles to break free from the habit, even for the man she was meant to be with.
With angsty pasts healed through love, and heroes who are gentle everywhere but in bed, The Last Shot Tavern series contains interconnected standalones with no cliff hangers and all the steam.
Amber Warden’s stories often include characters overcoming tragic pasts or current hardships and may include situations that not everyone would like to read. Content notes are included in the look inside to help you decide if this story is for you.The Last Shot Tavern Series
Finding Comfort – Trenton and Celia
Finding Nerve – Blake and Katie
Finding Instinct – Nicholas and Erin
Finding Hope – Malcolm and Jami
Finding Emotion – Damon and Skylar
After disaster struck her family, Jami put her life on hold to take care of everyone but herself. A new tragedy sends her reeling and makes her face the unhealthy romantic relationship she’s accepted. Jami reaches out to the person who once offered to help, but gets sent a stand-in instead.
Malcolm has never felt like a hero.
Only his cousin could convince Malcolm to take in a wounded woman on the edge of breaking. One that stirs his memories of a night long before both their lives fell apart. Despite being drawn to Jami, Malcolm knows his own baggage is the last thing she needs.
When Jami realizes who he is, Malcolm can’t resist reminding her of what they once had. Every caress rekindles the passion and confidence Jami left behind.
But a predator still lurks, someone who has lured Jami back time and again. Jami struggles to break free from the habit, even for the man she was meant to be with.
With angsty pasts healed through love, and heroes who are gentle everywhere but in bed, The Last Shot Tavern series contains interconnected standalones with no cliff hangers and all the steam.
Amber Warden’s stories often include characters overcoming tragic pasts or current hardships and may include situations that not everyone would like to read. Content notes are included in the look inside to help you decide if this story is for you.The Last Shot Tavern Series
Finding Comfort – Trenton and Celia
Finding Nerve – Blake and Katie
Finding Instinct – Nicholas and Erin
Finding Hope – Malcolm and Jami
Finding Emotion – Damon and Skylar
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2022
4 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Amber Warden
28 books48 followersA former numbers cruncher, Amber Warden left the accounting world to write emotional and steamy contemporary romance instead.
Her main hope is for those reading to take away the feeling that they are more than enough for anyone.
When she's not writing, she's reading shoujo manga, playing otome games, and listening to her favorite J-rock music.
She'd love to hear from her readers:
amberwardenauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @amberwardenwrites
Facebook @amberwardenauthor
Her main hope is for those reading to take away the feeling that they are more than enough for anyone.
When she's not writing, she's reading shoujo manga, playing otome games, and listening to her favorite J-rock music.
She'd love to hear from her readers:
amberwardenauthor@gmail.com
Instagram @amberwardenwrites
Facebook @amberwardenauthor
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 27, 2023
This book was a bit slow going, slower paced. Slow burn 2nd chance romance. It brought forward the issue that neglect, ab*se and non-consent comes in different forms and from different people. I really liked Malcolm's character and how protective and loving to everyone he was. I know there's a prequel for Malcolm and Jami, I would have liked a epilogue for them. I haven't read any of the other books in the series and although I feel I may have gotten a bit more context and knew the other characters and their stories, it wasn't necessary to read this book, it stands alone just fine without feeling confused and out the loop. Understanding the different issues Jami was dealing with, especially in regards to Andrew, I wanted to extend her some grace, but there were moments I was annoyed with her inability to let go of toxic people and behavior. Even after the fact of the situations she went through, overcame, the information that came to light, and the revelations of how truly toxic the relationship was and what he was really doing, she still had reluctance to do things as simple as deleting his number out of her phone. Overall, it wasnt action packed or overly exciting, but was a good read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 1, 2022
2.5 stars
Fourth in a series (of five), Finding Hope is my least favorite of the lot. I'm not sure if my interest in the Last Shot Tavern gang has simply waned or something, but my rating on each book has been successively lower than the previous installment.
Here we finally get overprotective brother/cousin Malcolm's story, which has been teased in previous novels. His heroine is Jami, a secondary character in the first novel who we meet when struggling Celia attempts to befriend her at a support group. The connection doesn't stop there, however. It turns out that Jami and Malcolm lost their virginity together at a dance back in high school, the night before their respective worlds were thrown into chaos. I may be doing my math wrong, but when they meet again in this novel, it's been maybe 10 or 12 years. Malcolm knows her right away, but she seems not to recognize him at all, minus a vague sense of familiarity triggered by his scent. I understand that she's had a pretty crappy time since that dance, but it stretches credulity a bit to believe she truly forgot such a pivotal moment.
Anyway, they're brought together by Celia, whom Jami contacted when she needed help. Celia, unable to respond herself, sends Malcolm. From here, the storyline gets choppy. Is it about Jami finding herself again after years of living as her father's round-the-clock nursing aid? Or Malcom finding a healthier outlet for his inner rage than beating people up? Or a second-chance romance? Or is it a suspense novel about a woman stalked by her former abuser? All four elements can surely coexist in a plot, but here it seems fractured, as if the author wasn't sure which angle to take, only that she didn't want to write Jami's story as a copy of Celia's. The second-chance angle is also underdeveloped; how did two teens who apparently never met before find themselves losing their v-cards to each other (and so capably--three Os?) At a high school dance?
To be fair, I'm probably judging a bit harshly. In spite of the flaws, the story reads easily, and it's good to see familiar characters again. On that note, though the story can be read as a standalone, you'll probably find yourself confused by quite a bit. At minimum, read the first book so you can better understand Celia's story as it figures significantly in Malcolm's. For what it's worth, that book was a five-star read for me.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Fourth in a series (of five), Finding Hope is my least favorite of the lot. I'm not sure if my interest in the Last Shot Tavern gang has simply waned or something, but my rating on each book has been successively lower than the previous installment.
Here we finally get overprotective brother/cousin Malcolm's story, which has been teased in previous novels. His heroine is Jami, a secondary character in the first novel who we meet when struggling Celia attempts to befriend her at a support group. The connection doesn't stop there, however. It turns out that Jami and Malcolm lost their virginity together at a dance back in high school, the night before their respective worlds were thrown into chaos. I may be doing my math wrong, but when they meet again in this novel, it's been maybe 10 or 12 years. Malcolm knows her right away, but she seems not to recognize him at all, minus a vague sense of familiarity triggered by his scent. I understand that she's had a pretty crappy time since that dance, but it stretches credulity a bit to believe she truly forgot such a pivotal moment.
Anyway, they're brought together by Celia, whom Jami contacted when she needed help. Celia, unable to respond herself, sends Malcolm. From here, the storyline gets choppy. Is it about Jami finding herself again after years of living as her father's round-the-clock nursing aid? Or Malcom finding a healthier outlet for his inner rage than beating people up? Or a second-chance romance? Or is it a suspense novel about a woman stalked by her former abuser? All four elements can surely coexist in a plot, but here it seems fractured, as if the author wasn't sure which angle to take, only that she didn't want to write Jami's story as a copy of Celia's. The second-chance angle is also underdeveloped; how did two teens who apparently never met before find themselves losing their v-cards to each other (and so capably--three Os?) At a high school dance?
To be fair, I'm probably judging a bit harshly. In spite of the flaws, the story reads easily, and it's good to see familiar characters again. On that note, though the story can be read as a standalone, you'll probably find yourself confused by quite a bit. At minimum, read the first book so you can better understand Celia's story as it figures significantly in Malcolm's. For what it's worth, that book was a five-star read for me.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author and BookSirens. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
February 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but I did go back and add the other books to my TBR list as I think you get a bit more background on the characters and would have a deeper understanding. But it can certainly also be read as a standalone!
I really liked Malcolm's personality and how protective he was. He definitely has hero tendencies ingrained in his personality and seems to want to be that hero for "damsels in distress". And while I am all about strong female characters and pride myself on being an independent woman, I just can't help but swoon for characters like Malcolm. He's freaking irresistible.
Something Jami obviously agrees with as she has a difficult time resisting him as well. Which I don't blame her for at all. Even if she hadn't come from a terrible situation, Malcom's protective and nurturing personality would be easy to fall for. The fact that Jami did come from a terrible situation just meant that Malcolm was the exact kind of person she needed and deserved in her life. While she is an independent and strong character, it had been a long time since she had someone to lean on and could rely on to take care of her. So it was nice that Malcolm offered her that shoulder to lean on and safe place to land.
I loved that there was so much character growth and change happening in this book. And I loved being able to go on that journey of love with Malcolm and Jami. There was also some great suspense within the book and I definitely recommend it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked Malcolm's personality and how protective he was. He definitely has hero tendencies ingrained in his personality and seems to want to be that hero for "damsels in distress". And while I am all about strong female characters and pride myself on being an independent woman, I just can't help but swoon for characters like Malcolm. He's freaking irresistible.
Something Jami obviously agrees with as she has a difficult time resisting him as well. Which I don't blame her for at all. Even if she hadn't come from a terrible situation, Malcom's protective and nurturing personality would be easy to fall for. The fact that Jami did come from a terrible situation just meant that Malcolm was the exact kind of person she needed and deserved in her life. While she is an independent and strong character, it had been a long time since she had someone to lean on and could rely on to take care of her. So it was nice that Malcolm offered her that shoulder to lean on and safe place to land.
I loved that there was so much character growth and change happening in this book. And I loved being able to go on that journey of love with Malcolm and Jami. There was also some great suspense within the book and I definitely recommend it! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2023
“It was too bad she didn’t believe in dreams anymore.”
Finally, finally we get Malcolm’s story. I was very surprised to discover the troubled woman Celia met at group in the first book was the girl Malcolm confessed to Nicholas he’d loved and lost back in high school and who he had never gotten over. Jami was so broken and lost. No one but Malcolm could have even helped her find herself again. I have loved Malcolm since the first, he’s always been my favorite, and I’m thrilled he’s finally found true love and happiness. Both Malcolm and Jami deserve nothing less.
No spoilers. I’m not going to summarize the book. You need to read it yourself. Also, even though you can probably read it as a stand alone, at the very least you should read book one in the series. That book and this one are better as a set and there’s just so much you will miss if you don’t.
The last book in the series is due next month. We already know it’s going to be Damon and Skylar. We haven’t had much of a chance to really get to know Damon but he’s such a part of the Last Shot family I’m very excited and looking forward to it. We did get some glimpses of Skylar. I find the idea of them as a couple intriguing and can’t wait to see what happens.
Finally, finally we get Malcolm’s story. I was very surprised to discover the troubled woman Celia met at group in the first book was the girl Malcolm confessed to Nicholas he’d loved and lost back in high school and who he had never gotten over. Jami was so broken and lost. No one but Malcolm could have even helped her find herself again. I have loved Malcolm since the first, he’s always been my favorite, and I’m thrilled he’s finally found true love and happiness. Both Malcolm and Jami deserve nothing less.
No spoilers. I’m not going to summarize the book. You need to read it yourself. Also, even though you can probably read it as a stand alone, at the very least you should read book one in the series. That book and this one are better as a set and there’s just so much you will miss if you don’t.
The last book in the series is due next month. We already know it’s going to be Damon and Skylar. We haven’t had much of a chance to really get to know Damon but he’s such a part of the Last Shot family I’m very excited and looking forward to it. We did get some glimpses of Skylar. I find the idea of them as a couple intriguing and can’t wait to see what happens.
May 6, 2023
I really did enjoy this novel. I liked the storyline, Malcolm’s protectiveness, Jami learning to trust. I found it just didn’t move me in the same way as Finding Instinct and Finding Emotion. Those two I related to more personally and this one didn’t have the same emotional connection for me. It was still a good read as Jami disentangled herself from a toxic relationship and Malcolm helped her to find hope in finding the “real thing”. His physical and emotional protectiveness towards her and his cousin Celia was heartwarming. I always like the authors endings where the “I love you”s become mutual and sincere-like the characters were finally able to let go of their pasts and truly love someone who loves them just as much. A very good story with just the right amounts of heat and sweet! Amber’s really got what “good” love is right! On to either Finding Comfort or Finding Nerve-haven’t decided which yet!
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2022
Emotional and heart wrenching at times:
This was another great book that was equally sweet and spicy. I enjoyed getting to know Malcolm better and seeing how protective and caring he was. In order to enhance reader enjoyment, I'd recommend reading this book as part of the series as the other couples feature quite heavily. However it was nice that the author did recap and provide some backstory on what had previously transpired, which was especially helpful for jogging memory.
The characters felt real and relatable given their various flaws and struggles. I liked Jami and Malcolm as a couple and was rooting for them all the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was another great book that was equally sweet and spicy. I enjoyed getting to know Malcolm better and seeing how protective and caring he was. In order to enhance reader enjoyment, I'd recommend reading this book as part of the series as the other couples feature quite heavily. However it was nice that the author did recap and provide some backstory on what had previously transpired, which was especially helpful for jogging memory.
The characters felt real and relatable given their various flaws and struggles. I liked Jami and Malcolm as a couple and was rooting for them all the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2023
I’ve loved Malcolm’s character in all the previous books in the series and I’m so happy he found someone. Jami was certainly his “type”, a young woman in a bad situation who needed his help. He’s always the stalwart, selfless protector and that’s how he starts out here. I was worried he wouldn’t be able to get out of his own way. The fact that he and Jami have a past besides their connection through Celia just adds to their attraction. With the horrible jerk Andrew in the mix, this book really pulls out angst and roiling emotions. Though Jami had it tough, Malcolm was just what she needed. I was really satisfied with the ending. Can’t wait to hear Damon’s story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 7, 2023
This is the fourth book in this series, and this is Malcolm and Jami’s story. After a tragedy Jami is forced to face reality and the unhealthy and toxic relationship which has always just accepted. Malcom is convinced to take a broken woman who needs his help. This is a well written story which has family, tragedy, angst, healing, emptions, intrigue, second chances, and love, which leads toa heartfelt page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2023
It's difficult to overcome abuse and accept help on the road to recovery. Jami's past was a kaleidoscope of pain, loss and hurt. When she finally accepts help from Malcolm, she begins a bumpy journey of rediscovery.
Malcolm has his own set of challenges to overcome, yet he allows himself to be vulnerable and protective of those in need of it.
A sensitive, well written story with unexpected twists and turns. I truly enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Malcolm has his own set of challenges to overcome, yet he allows himself to be vulnerable and protective of those in need of it.
A sensitive, well written story with unexpected twists and turns. I truly enjoyed the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2023
This book is incredible. It was so sad and emotional that sometimes it was hard to keep reading. But I just couldn't put it down. It's so good I found myself thinking about it for days after I finished it. The author explores some quite difficult topics, like toxic relationships and how hard it is to overcome them. The characters felt like actual persons, like someone you know. All situations/events/plot twists are believable and logical. I liked the dialogue because it was like regular people were talking.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2023
Thank you to Amber Warden and Book Sirens for providing me withan ebook copy of Finding Hope for me to read and review. This is the 4th book in The Last Shot Tavern series and they just keep getting better every time! What an incredible story of strength and overcoming obstacles and huge character growth. And the slow burn..... Sooo hot! The chemistry between the two characters is so powerful. I can't wait to see where this series will go next!
January 5, 2023
Finding Hope is Book 4 The Last Shot Tavern series by Amber Warden. Every book is as great as the last. They leave you wanting more. I could hardly put this book down to get supper. I was constantly wondering what Malcolm and Jami were up to. I love books that leave you wanting more. This book definitely did that. I liked the second chance love story between Malcolm and Jami. I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
This book touched my heart in so many ways. Finding Hope isn’t just a story—it’s a journey of heartbreak, resilience, and the power of not giving up when life feels impossible. Amber Warden’s writing is raw and emotional, and I found myself crying, smiling, and cheering for the characters as if they were people I knew personally. The message of hope is so powerful, reminding me that even in the darkest times, there’s always a light to hold onto. This is the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review
November 30, 2022
I have read the previous 3 books in The Last Shot Series and I can honestly say that I have never found Malcom attractive…. until now! Not only is he gentle, thoughtful and giving but he is also incredibly passionate and sexy. My heart was broken for Jami, but Malcom is exactly what she needed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 17, 2022
Amber Warden wrote a heartbreaking story of human fragility and their struggle to except the good things in life while letting go of the past. Couple's from previous books also appear with a continuous of their stories. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this series I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2023
Even though this is book four of five in the series, it's the fifth one I'm reading. Because I read them out of order and all in a matter of about a week, I had completely run out of steam by the time I got to this one. I didn't notably LOVE it, but I also didn't hate it. I think Malcom is adorable, but Jami was getting on my nerves.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 30, 2022
This was a good read. It works as a standalone but would probably be even better if read as a series. This was an interesting story with great characters.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
March 2, 2023
A well written plot line and the characters were intresting to read.The romance the love drama emotion between the characters were beautifully written.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2023
Good continuation of the series, with all the previous characters playing a continuous role in this book.
The whole series is a great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The whole series is a great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2024
A good story. The fourth book in the series. I enjoyed the story. and the characters are great together. This is a wonderful series. a great addition to the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2023
Another good read from this author. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone.
The series is full of realistic characters and situations that are not your fun, loving and lighthearted romance. They are all different stories of hardship, heartache, and gritty life.
This one is a battle of good versus evil with internal and external forces and not for the faint of heart, but a great emotional read.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The series is full of realistic characters and situations that are not your fun, loving and lighthearted romance. They are all different stories of hardship, heartache, and gritty life.
This one is a battle of good versus evil with internal and external forces and not for the faint of heart, but a great emotional read.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2023
The novel is part of a series but I read it as a standalone. With that being said, I think I would have enjoyed the book more had I had the backstory behind Malcolm and Jami. Malcolm has a “white knight” syndrome and derives satisfaction from helping women out of tough situations. Jami is the caretaker for her father and is in an incredibly difficult situation. When Jami finds herself in the hospital she doesn’t have many options besides accepting Malcolm’s help. As their romance progresses Jami learns the concept of sticking up for herself and begins to emerge from her shell. I enjoyed Malcolm’s character and his restraint but sometimes Jami’s lack of self confidence was astonishing. Overall it was a good book and I would recommend it for readers that appreciate a leading male hero who is respectful with a little edge and a leading lady who needs to be built back up my the hero!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews