At Last

by Krista Harper

Two years ago, Tyler Reid left the California Coastline in search of a new start. One that didn’t include Genevieve Lawson and the disastrous ending to their life together. Stubborn and alone, Reid is determined to move forward but remains haunted by his past and the events that occurred before he left the sleepy beach community.

Reluctantly, Reid finds himself in therapy, forced to deal with his past to embrace his future. But, as he begins to heal, the memories of his upbringing start to unravel, forcing him to question all he’s known about his relationship with Genevieve and those around him.

Determined to make things right, Reid returns to California attempting to make peace with his past and provide both him and Genevieve closure. Only when he arrives, their encounter takes a turn neither expected, nearly derailing his progress and their plans.

Can the two put aside the past for a chance at a possible future?

Genres: Contemporary, Second Chance

88 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2021

Reviews

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. It’s not my usual style but I found myself invested in Reid and Genevieve’s story. Reid’s character definitely intrigued me and I liked the writing style of his sessions with his therapist and his self discovery.

I received an arc of this book.

[K.L. Cottrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an early copy of this book, and what an intriguing book it was! At Last was short yet full of emotional twists and turns. I was impressed by how well I felt like I knew the characters despite that it wasn’t a long read.

Reid and Genevieve were easy to root for, even in their most painful moments. To be honest, I loved him—he had a lot to learn about himself and didn’t succeed at it without trouble, but that’s true for so many of us, and his journey touched me. I had no problem envisioning his and Gen’s world and feeling their highs and lows; sometimes, they moved me to tears. I was kept on the edge of my seat by our author’s writing because the tension felt real, and the romance was sweet, and the elements of angst and anger and heartache were gripping (and appropriately frustrating). I only guessed what was about to happen on one single part, but even then, it was a last-second realization, and it still hit my heart damn hard. In fact, this particular twist in the story didn’t let go of me until the very last page. I was breathless and distressed and hopeful just like Reid was.

As with all short love stories I read, I wished there had been a bit more for me to sink into. It would’ve been great to have additional information about some things just so I could’ve felt that much more entrenched in it all. On the whole, though, I definitely feel like At Last was satisfying. With characters like these, it’s not a story I’ll soon forget!

I knew I loved her. Even though I never said it, God, I loved her.

[K.T. Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a day late and a dollar short with posting this, but when a short bite of a story hits you so hard you have to read it twice that should be expected.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

I am a HUGE fan of Krista Harper’s work, and have really loved every single thing I’ve ever written by her. When I had the opportunity to read an ARC of “At Last”, of course I jumped. Well, raced for my Kindle app but still.

Tyler and Gen have a weird, intoxicating relationship, one that ended disastrously but had a real spark to it. It was a little disorienting watching them work, both backwards and forward at the same time, but that is part of the appeal.

I love how Harper tackled the idea of having to work on one’s self before diving headfirst in to a relationship. Having a character go to a therapist, tackling the idea of mental health being a reflection of the way people deal with each other, was fascinating. I really enjoyed the raw emotions Tyler experiences in sessions, and the way he has to find himself to make all the pieces fit.

This was a solid book with a happy ending that I am 100% pleased with.

120/125 📚

[Carmen Boyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Last, by Krista Harper, is a quick read that dives into the complexities of a man’s mind and regrets. Through sessions with his therapist, we learn about the decisions he’s made in his life, good and bad, relating to one woman—the one—and ultimately how those decisions and reactions are affecting his life in the present. He has another huge decision to make and when he does—You. Will. Swoon. This short read has all the feels, and the ending pretty much wrapped my heart up in a hug.

Recommended for a quick, feel-good HEA.

[Erin Knuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the boldness in telling a romance from a male-only POV. It's a fresh take. Tyler's inner voice is also unique. This short story showcases the complexities of romance, growth, and second-chances.

[Johanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring,predictable,thousand times seen.As a bad tele novela.

[Tammy - · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that I was totally taken off guard by this book. At Last by Krista Harper is a quick read that packs an emotional punch. It's different than almost anything that I've read before, and I honestly didn't realize how much it was affecting me until I'd turned the final page.

Tyler Reid left behind Genevieve Lawson and tried to move on with his life. Trying to come to terms with the developments in their relationship, he seeks counseling, and much of this story is just that - Tyler's sessions with his therapist. These sessions include flashbacks that show us how Tyler has come to be where he is in his life, and as Tyler comes to terms with his past, we do too.

I was truly surprised by how quickly I became invested in this story. As the story unfolds, I really felt like I should dislike Tyler. I wanted to dislike him, but I just couldn't. As much as I hated his actions, I couldn't hate him. As much as I felt like he didn't really deserve forgiveness, I had to forgive him.

This story took a turn that I wasn't quite prepared for, and my anxiety was truly getting the best of me as we neared the end. I knew the conclusion that I wanted, but I wasn't sure if I'd get it, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see how this story would end. And after I turned that last page, it all just hit me...the reality, the complexity, the heartbreak of this story. It's one that I will remember.

[Barbara Kellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engaging novella, told from the male MC’s point of view, could have been subtitled Man in Progress. We jump right into the heart of the matter, following Tyler Reid as he meets with his new therapist. Gradually, Reid unravels the past familial hurts that are preventing him from fully loving another or even being vulnerable enough to say I love you. Reid realizes he needs to change when faced with a life changing decision involving Genevieve, his one true love and the mother of his child (both of whom he abandoned before the baby was born). Through the chapters, you see Reid’s gradual transformation as he grows more self aware and learns to accept, forgive and love himself, but is it enough to regain Genevieve’s trust two years later?

This is a grown up romance. It’s a complicated situation. It’s a messy entanglement. There are real issues, raw emotions and a great deal at stake. Although a quick read, I was totally invested in the believable characters and riveted by author Krista Harper’s skilled storytelling until the satisfying conclusion. An easy five stars.

[Lopke · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗔𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 is a short story contemporary romance that follows a wounded Hero who is determined to heal and a torn heroine who's afraid of being hurt again.

For a short story this was surprisingly well written. I quite enjoyed the Hero POV as well as the therapy sessions (psychology student myself).

i loved loved loved how Reid saw his faults, and even though he made some messed up choices, i could definitely feel for his actions and emotions. and could definitely admire that even though he had actual problems he didn't spend those 2 years lost in other women.

even though i understood Reid's reasoning, when it came to him and Gen meeting up again, i thought Gen was way too forgiving especially since she was engaged to another man.
i wish the rekindling process was more expanded on, and made a bit lengthier as it felt a bit rushed in the end.

but it was still a beautiful redemption story with a HEA I'm very content about.

*𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳, 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤*

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Last by Krista Harper

Very short but intense romance.

What I liked:
* Genevieve: a good woman that loved deeply, was a good mother, had more ability to forgive than many.
* Reid: trust fund wealthy, adopted, privileged, complicated, unfinished, hard to like at first, showed growth.
* Dr. Rodsen: therapist with skills that truly helped Reid work toward his potential
* That Reid seemed to have finally found someone to help him resolve issues that needed to be dealt with
* That the final resolution seemed to be best for all involved

What I didn’t like:
* The parents and parenting of Reid that must have created his issues in spite of what must have been a lot of therapy in his earlier life
* The way Reid behaved more than once…even understanding later why that might have been

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Southside Mountain Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 Stars

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say that I really loved how this story was written with the hero POV as he's finally getting some help for his issues, however, I just wasn't a big fan of his. See, Tyler is the "hero" who acted like a boy when things took a turn so he ended up abandoning Genevieve at a very bad time (and while I'm glad he finally got help it was a little too late for me). I have to wonder if I would have warmed up to him if the story had been longer because I'm a girl who doesn't forgive as easily as I should so in my opinion, what he did was unforgivable to be honest, and the fact that he was out there living his life knowing what he had left behind was even worse to be honest. I would hope that you actually decide for yourselves since I'm me and you're you so please hit those one click buttons in order to form your own opinion! At the end of the day I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Christina Gizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was confused when I started this book because I thought that I had missed something. With the book being so short, I thought it was a novella explaining what happened after the main novel. I realized that this was just the style that the author writes in and I soon fell in love with the story. There are not a lot of stories talking about men's mental health and men seeking help when they feel like they do not have control. I loved that Reid worked with his therapist and even though he got mad, he still went back to understand why he is the way he is. I think it could have been a bit longer to show Genevieve's train of thought and her perspective, but I thought her character worked for the story. It was short, but it showed growth in Reid. He became a completely different person and learned to accept that not everyone is going to run away from him.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and Genevieve have just gone through a disastrous end to their relationship, and Tyler leaves town for a fresh start. Tyler always knew he was broken but did not realize the extent until he begins therapy and after rehashing his past, he knows he needs to confront his demons in order to move on with his life. Tyler always knows that he needs to make amends to Gen, but will she give him a second chance? This is a well written story which is a quick read, and is filled with emotions, a tad angst, heartbreak, redemption, healing, regrets, tension, twists, intrigue, and love, which leads to a sweet and all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[books.tea.happy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and happily give my opinion. This short read left me wanting more. Reid is very closed off, not good at showing his feelings but when he met Genevieve he couldn’t resist her. When things went outside his rigid plans he freaked out and left Genevieve in the lurch. I could understand his point of view and appreciated when he eventually got some help but I could understand why Genevieve would react the way she did but I wouldn’t have been as understanding. I definitely felt as though she was short changed.

[Born To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reid decided to leave everything behind two years ago. But now, he is ready to face his past, his mistakes and the people he tried to forget about.
The thing is, is it possible to recuperate what he lost?
I liked this book. It's super fast to read. At the beginning you don't really know what happened two years ago. But little by little Reid's story is revealed. It's a simple story but it happens every day.
Sometimes you just are not ready to welcome your future 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Shrutika _anand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm at the part where Gen tells Reid that she's pregnant and I.... truly do understand where he's coming from?

Reid had clearly stated before that he didn't want children, many times in fact. Where that baggage came from is something else but making such a theatrical out of it as if he just needs to be persuaded was really the worst way to go about it and showed that Genevieve didn't actually take him seriously.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista is a new author to me , but her new book at last has me hooked from the very start . This was a intriguing story told from the male MC’s point of view . Wonderful characters and a awesome story unlike any I have read before .what a emotional story dealing with tough decisions, love , regrets good and bad choices . You will swoon but you will also feel so many different emotions. Sadness , joy , heartache and love

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler and Genevieve Will Take Your On An Emotional Roller Coaster
A quick two hour read that will capture your attention right at the beginning and keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is told from Tyler's POV and a lot involves his therapy sessions. We learn about his regrets concerning Genevieve. There's a lot of emotion in this short two hours. A good read with complex characters and an engaging story line. I read an arc copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Rylee Ridolfi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista Harper delivers a quick read that draws you in from the start. This is the first story I'v written from the male POV and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We follow Reid thorugh his therapy sessions as he uncovers his greatest regret in life. This story about love and redemption will tug at your heartstrings.

[Doris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately it was just an ok read for me. It was too short, so I couldn't connect with the characters or understand their actions.

[Lili Grouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and fresh way of telling a love story spanning years in a novella format.

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting take