Claudia Connor writes the best single parent books. The kids are hilarious and add to the story. This was a pretty quick read and I was left wanting more of the story. It surprisingly ended up having one of my favorite troupes! The pacing was a bit slow but there was great character development. These characters were drawn out each with their own nuances but they came together in a way that was complementary. It was a warm, charismatic romance between Clare and Deacon that started off as a random encounter at a conference. This then leads to a whirlwind of a trip that leaves lingering feelings. I love seeing both point of views and how they both went through the turmoil separately but together.

I loved the storyline of this book and was completely drawn into the relationship forming between Deacon and Clare. This is my first book by Claudia Connor and I thoroughly enjoyed her writing.

I have fallen hard for Deacon; he is such a kind, caring and considerate man that you can't help but fall for him. I especially love the way he is with all the different characters. Clare is, understandably, a bit wary of men, her past relationships have burnt her a lot so I totally get her behaviour and feelings.

Clare is left reeling from her wedding day confession that her fiance was in love with someone else! How do you cope with that situation? Clare goes on her honeymoon; to the Dominican. Deacon has a complicated life and doesn't expect to find a woman who captures his heart, but that's what happens when you least expect it.

These two have a lot of confusion and complications in their lives and I loved reading every word.
It's totally addictive. I shed a few tears and there are some really funny incidents too, that make the story a very easy, fun and compelling read.

I'm going to be looking at more books by Claudia.

I know, this is going to be just me, and I am going to get all sorts of comments about how I am wrong.

But, in books, I have a firm rule that I have to believe the characters chose to end up together, and that they would pursue one another, when an outside element is introduced to move them into the relationship.

This is a tough one to review without spoilers, as the plot point I had issue with is part of a major point in the book. But, I can say that there is a conversation and that Deacon tells Clare that he doesn't know if they would have ended up together were the one thing not to have happened.

And, I am out. Nope. I need to believe the characters love each other, that they would have moved heaven and earth to be together. That there is nothing they want more than one another. And, well, this wasn't the case. They got there, and this I think was where they ended up. But, by the time they got to the point where I was able to sort of believe they were the happily ever after, I was already off the train at the "I don't know if we would have been together" train.

I do see the story arc, and I see why the author made the choice she did, but it stepped on one of my lines, one of the things I have to have in a book wasn't there, and for me, it was an issue.

That said, there were parts of the story I enjoyed. Which is why I did an overall 2 rating, as the book wasn't awful...but it definitely had a flaw I could not get past and fully enjoy it.

While I am not able to recommend this title, I have a speaking suspicion that there will be others who love this one, and don't have the issue with it that I had.

It was supposed to be Clare’s honeymoon. But when her groom doesn’t bother to show up to the wedding, she takes the honeymoon as a chance to rethink, reevaluate, and reset her life. She didn’t expect to spend her honeymoon getting to know a new man.

Deacon Montgomery was there to participate in a work conference, and was all set to return home to his twin daughters. He wasn’t expecting to meet a woman, let alone fall so quickly after the way his last relationship ended.

The chemistry was off the charts. These two have been hurt in the past, but the way they come together is beautiful. There is so much of this story that is just plain sweet all around.

What surprised me more than their vacation chemistry was their individual responses as they returned to their everyday lives. Deacon is so focused on his daughters, and I loved that aspect of his character. He genuinely cares for the people in his life and he is devastated when he gets the call that cuts his trip short. He is torn between his daughters and a woman for the first time since their birth.

Parts of the story felt familiar, with the jilted bride/vacation fling aspect. But once I dug into the story, it turned into something else entirely. I was frustrated by Clare’s responses to returning to real-life, and the period of time following the vacation, but at the same time I can’t say she acted irrationally.

Overall this was a sweet read. I enjoyed the tropical vacation, the aftermath, and the rebuilding that happened when reality catches up to them. These characters are generally likable, the plot was easy to read, and the story allowed me to escape my own reality for a time.

I was gifted a copy.

No one creates a more heart grabbing hero than Claudia Conner! This time she gives us single dad Dr. Deacon Montgomery and days later I'm still swooning over this man. Taking a rare break from his young twin daughters Deacon is at a conference at an exotic resort. Claire Franklin was just jilted at the altar so why not go on her paid for honeymoon on her own. Meeting a sexy veterinarian and making such a strong connection with him was never expected but that's exactly what happens . When Deacon disappears without as much as a note Claire's heart is once again shattered but that's nothing compared to what she'll be facing in the months to come.

Do yourself a favor and put this one on the must read list. I highly recommend it.

Two lost souls, not looking for love, gain more than they bargained for whilst in a paradise setting.

This is an unusual contemporary romance, fraught with separation and events that don't really happen in the expected order. I've only read one other book by Claudia Connor (Worth the Wait), which I really enjoyed, so after reading the blurb for this I was intrigued enough to give it a try. I was hoping to enjoy this as much as W.T.W., thankfully I wasn't disappointed. It is an engaging and captivating story.

Clare is in her wedding dress, ready to walk down the aisle, when her fiance tells her he has met someone else. She decides to enjoy what should have been her honeymoon and contemplates whether love and a HEA is just not on the cards for her. Whilst there, Clare literally falls into the arms of a hot and sexy vet. Deacon and Clare stirs emotions in the other that they have never felt before. Just as things seem to be going somewhere life gets in the way, suddenly Clare and Deacon wish they'd shared more than a few days and nights....

Overall I really enjoyed this story, I struggled with the beginning but I think this was because I knew the paradise holiday was temporary and I wanted to get to the 'real life' part! The writing is really good, I never struggled with who was speaking, the prose is easy to read and the book really held my attention. I really liked both Deacon and Clare, they felt very natural, were totally believable and I did feel a connection to them. There was one big decision Clare made that I sort of didn't agree with BUT I could understand why she made that choice. Her understanding of the situation did put her somewhat between a rock and a hard place!

This took the contemporary romance mould and threw it away, instead forging its own unique path. The plot was a breath of fresh air, I was never quite sure where the story would take me or what would happen next. It has a few love scenes, enough to had heat and depth but without being too much. If you want a well written, unusual and wonderful contemporary romance then I do recommend this as one to try.

Love at Last by Claudia Connor was a sweet, cute, and easy going read. I'm a huge fan of Claudia Connor and have been since I read Worth the Fall. She has a knack for writing sexy, sweet, and protective heroes that really stand out. Dr Deacon Montgomery was a yummy single dad and a vet. Good with kids and animals.... so swoon worthy! Deacon made the book for me. Clare on the other hand at times annoyed me. She was likable, but I felt she was too standoffish, for way too long. Some push/pull was understandable but she took to long to come around for my taste. Other than the few times Clare bugged me the read for the most part was very enjoyable. I found myself unable to put it down and I stayed up to 4am finishing it. I really liked Clare's bf Jess and her brother. I could totally see them as a couple. I kinda hope they get their own book. Another sweet read from Claudia Connor!

Claudia Connor has a style of writing that immediately consumes me from the very first pages. She continues to give the reader real kinds of characters, ones who appreciate and adore family and who need that connection with someone to make them whole. Clare and Deacon fit that bill perfectly and it was heartwarming to watch as their lives intersected and blossomed into pure love.

Clare as the bride left at the altar and Deacon as the single Dad made for extremely touching bedfellows. Neither saw the other coming and as they get to know each other oh so briefly in the Dominican Republic, they both wonder if this is all just a quick respite or could perhaps be the real thing both have been looking for their whole lives. They have some very sexy times in this island paradise and their chemistry was wonderfully explosive. I liked their maturity and Clare's ability to laugh at her missteps both in life and in Deacon's company.

This is a true slow burn with misunderstandings and missed opportunities keeping Clare and Deacon apart for a long 9 months. And although I love a slow and steady kind of love story, this one felt a bit draggy at times and I admit I skimmed a little bit. I also thought Clare could have tried just a bit harder to contact Deacon when she had some pretty darn important life-altering news to share with him. Her emotions were all over the place and although I understood I do wish she would have found him sooner. Deacon is one of the true good guys and his love for his family made my heart swoon. His reactions were spot-on and his patience and understanding of his time away from Clare made him pretty perfect. Deacon is clearly one of Connor's best heroes to date.

But overall, Connor continues to deliver well-written and extremely touching stories that you can't help but love. Both Clare and Deacon deserve their happy and although it was a long road to find it, I can never resist a second chance at romance. Love at Last certainly proves that good things come to those who wait.

3.5 stars!

A jilted bride takes her lady-moon and falls for a vacation guy. While this book has a lot of obvious "stuff" happen it also brings out lots of feelings. They truly enjoyed themselves and forgot about their everyday lives, until they had to. Without giving anything away I was a little annoyed at how a few situations were handled and a serious lack of communication felt like a high school romance. Their story starts off sexy and swoony, the middle was frustrating, and the last third was where my heart went crazy and was excited again. I received my copy through Netgalley.

3 - "I'm glad I found you..." Stars.

I have been reading this author for a while now, and it’s safe to say that you in general know what you are going to get from one of her reads. They are generally sweet, hopeful, emotional reads, and Love At Last predictably delivered all those things.

Something was always missing, or she was missing something…

Having to go on your honeymoon solo after being jilted at the alter isn’t generally something a woman wants to do, but for Clare Franklin, it’s the beginning of a new start, settling for Mr. Right-on-paper, didn’t turn out so well, so literally falling into sexy veterinarian Deacon Montogomery’s arms whilst on her vacation opens up all sorts of possibilities. They are both away from their normal lives so why not live for the here and now…

He hadn’t planned this… Sure as hell hadn’t been looking for it.

A friendship blooms, along with attraction, and after one hot night together, Clare believes there may be something more there worth pursuing, that is until she realizes that Deacon has left without a by your leave…

Not a huge amount more I want to say about the plot in this one as it would essentially be one massive spoiler, but I will say if you have read anything by the author previously you will know what you are getting, I will be honest and say that for the most of its reading, I felt like I was in a perpetual state of de-ja-vu, because there were so many aspects of the story that I felt I had read before in one way or another in previous books by the author. That said if you are looking for a good old fashioned romance, then this will be right up your street. Claudia excels at bringing close familial ties into all of her books and that is no different with this one.

Easy-going reading if you are looking for something light and not too taxing on the brain

Loved Loved Loved it!
Clare is a little broken but not quite heartbroken. Deacon’s life is missing something. These two have quite the meet-cute and begin dancing around their attraction to each other, figuratively and literally. There are obstacles and misunderstandings, humor and heat, but it’s a wonderful ride for the reader. I laughed, I cried, I sighed (no rhyme intended).

Ms. Connor is one of my favorite up and coming authors and I can’t wait for the next romance or rom-com she produces. She has a genuine talent for dialog, plotline and character development, writing from the perspective of both primary characters in third person – my fav.

Bring it on, Claudia. Can’t wait for the next one!

Attending a conference on a tropical island still means all work and no play to Dr Deacon Montgomery until he sees a beautiful woman and asks her out for dinner. A fling is just what he needs but spending time with Clare makes him realise how lonely he is. When a phone call summons him home, he leaves without saying goodbye, but their story is far from over. 

Clare Franklin should be on her honeymoon, but without a husband, the trip to the Dominican Republic has become a singles holiday. After the drama, it's a chance to relax and recuperate before moving to Chicago to begin her new life. Surrounded by sun, sea and sand it's more than she needs until a sexy fellow guest walks into her life and turns it upside down.

It's complicated! Deacon and Clare's relationship may have begun almost perfectly, surrounded palm trees and the sound of waves but the reality now is unfamiliar. Their path to reconnect after Deacon's hasty departure is full of misunderstands. When they finally reconnect, their attraction to each other is still there, but with the added baggage of undisclosed information not shared in the Dominican Republic and a surprise discovery, the protagonists have greater challenges to overcome than the geographical distance between them.

I'm not a huge fan of children included within a romance novel however, Ms Connor always has a knack of incorporating little people into her narratives which doesn't detract away from the sexual chemistry between the protagonists. As a single father of twins, Deacon is caring and considerate of others, even though he has little time for himself. Yet, he still manages to go the extra mile when he and Clare finally reconnect. Clare isn't the same woman he fell for on the tropical island, her life has changed dramatically since he distracted her from the memory of her non-wedding day. She's strong and determined but cautious so their relationship begins tenuously as past actions are forgiven.

With strong secondary characters to support Deacon and Clare, the beginning may have started quickly, but circumstances slowed it down in a satisfying way. The ending is a sugar-coated cliché, but satisfying all the same. Overall, a fun, light and entertaining novel. Perfect for a poolside read with a cool drink.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley***

I’ve read and loved all of Ms. Connor’s books and she has talent at writing engaging family dynamics, heroes who focus on family, heartbreaking angst, and some sweet sexy times.

This book seemed very similar to her series stories so it felt like I had already read many parts. The middle seemed a little slow and I felt like I needed more details. But I love the single dad and/or left at the altar type stories.

I felt for Clare in being left at the altar and so unceremoniously by her finance. We don’t know much about him but he seemed quite unconcerned with leaving her. Clare has had some relationships where the men seem to love her until they don’t, which leaves her feeling insecure.

With Clare heading to her honeymoon alone, and Deacon there for a conference, it was cute how they met and quickly felt a deep connection. Unfortunately, they didn’t share much personal information and with his unexpectedly having to leave quickly, Clare was left in tears.

Meanwhile, Deacon is trying to locate Clare but didn’t know her last name which made for a frustrating situation. Clare has looked online for Deacon but after learning some information, can’t decide when or how to contact him, which was frustrating at times. I understood how she felt but kept wishing she would hurry up!

There’s some interesting developments that I won’t spoil but I was happy to see Deacon and Clare together again, each meeting family and friends, and working towards a future. Deacon is a dream of man when it comes to family and his love for Clare. He is kind and caring and yet overwhelmingly male.

I love epilogues and while this one isn’t too far into the future, it was sweet and full of love, and some of the special guests really stole the show!

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Connor’s work.

One of the things I really like about reading a book by Claudia Connor is how much I can feel the love her characters share come right off the pages of the book. She writes these wonderful hero driven stories and each guy is so wonderful, loving and just plain caring.

I just love her men. They always love children, how could that not be a draw. Plus there is no question with them loving the women in their lives. They just do!

Love at Last is her latest and it is so good! I so loved Deacon and his family. His little girls are so sweet. He's such a wonderful father. He put everything aside to raise his daughters even having a personal life.

I think poor Clare was looking for the happy-ever-after with all the wrong people. What she forgot was that you had to love the person you're with to have your happy ending. It took her a while but she finally found that person.

Along with a few children to add to the mix.

So many children! I'm tired just thinking about it. Heck, I can barley move after I babysit my 14 month old nephew. I don't want to think about four kids.

I really enjoyed how the author made their getting to know each other drawn out. There was no rushing it for them. It might seemed rushed but it's not. Add in when they meet till when they get back together and it's almost a year.

This is a great romance and I'm so happy I read it. Besides enjoying the characters the writing was well done and easy to read. I moved quickly though the story. It's perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

4.5 stars

This is such a beautiful story! A sweet, sexy, chemistry-filled love story that is surprising and unexpected, and that completely swept me off my feet.

Clare is literally minutes away from walking down the aisle when she hears the words that no bride… no person ever wants to hear – “I’m in love with someone else.” To clear her head and pull herself back together after such a shock, she takes her planned trip to the Dominican Republic, turning her honeymoon into a “ladymoon” (I freaking love that name btw), giving herself a much-deserved break and time to relax and just ‘be’.

So immediately, I’m already half in love with Clare. She’s smart, strong and sensible, and I was so proud of her for handling her situation the way she did. However she very quickly realises that moving on isn’t going to be too difficult. She’s not as devastated as she should be, and looking back, her fiancé never really gave her the butterflies she always imagined would happened when she fell in love. In fact, maybe she’s narrowly escaped what could have been the worst decision of her life. And that is only reinforced when she literally stumbles into the hottest man she’s ever seen.

“I’d rather have nothing than something that isn’t real. And I’m okay with that. Coming so close to almost making a mistake has made me okay with that.”
“Really?”
“Yep.
“So you’ve given up?”
“Maybe I’ve finally grown up. You have to let go of the fairy tales at some point. I always thought when it was right, you’d just know and that would be it. But how can you really ever know when it’s real?”


Deacon is in the Dominican Republic speaking at a veterinary conference when Clare comes crashing into his life. He’s a single father of two-year-old twin girls and doesn’t have time for dating or romance, but being away from home and being completely captivated by Clare, he allows himself to get swept up in his attraction to her.

And OMG, I loved this romance! Easy and natural, it just flows. It happens quickly, but the pacing felt realistic and I loved seeing the chemistry sizzle between these two as they enjoy living in the moment with each other, allowing their emotions (and their libidos) to take them on an amazing journey together, and it’s so, so beautiful! Sweet, fun, spine-tingingly flirty and gorgeously steamy.

But it all comes to a sudden stop when real life gets in the way of their burgeoning romance, and when they return home they both find that nothing will be the same for either of them again.

I won’t say anything more than that because I don’t want to spoil anything, but OMGOMGOMG, I loved it! The story twists in directions I didn’t see coming, written with lots of heart, humour and emotion, and I loved watching it all play out. My heart ached, I swooned, and I may have even squeed out lout at one point. And I couldn’t put this book down, desperate to see what was coming next.

Didn’t she more than anyone know how rare it was to find a love that made your heart tremble? And if you found it you should grab hold with both hands and not let go.


I fell in absolute love with these characters. I’ve already gushed about Clare, but I need to gush even more over Deacon because he is an absolute sweetheart! I knew that from seeing him in the role of romantic hero, but when he switches over into single father mode he is still just as incredible. Beware your ovaries reading this one! And his little girls are absolute scene-stealers! I loved their importance to Deacon, and to the story, and I thought the theme of family was beautifully carried throughout the book. And on a personal note, I am a parent of twins myself, so I was particularly invested and giggling away at the truth behind a lot of those scenes.

He crossed the room and standing beside her in the quiet, stroked a hand over her hair. She was the loving, fierce mama bear his girls never had. And she was the woman he loved with everything in him.


I was captivated by this story from start to finish, and though I was a little bit wary at times, in the end it all worked out, unfolding as it needed to, with scenes that had me clutching my heart, laughing, or tearing up at the gorgeousness of it all.

Absolutely beautiful, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a follow up book for Jess and Connor soon!!!!

4.5 stars.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars

This book had me sucked in from the beginning to the end - which were both perfectly coordinated making the book that much more special.

Deacon and Clare meet at an exclusive resort where he’s presenting at a veterinarian conference and she’s honeymooning alone. They literally run into each other and then spend every night following that together until Deacon is called home for an emergency and Clare is left wondering if it really meant anything after all.

I really, really liked Deacon. He was the perfect man, daddy, and so much more. I liked Clare well-enough, but sometimes felt like she overthought things too much. I appreciated her concerns and didn’t disagree, but felt like she held herself back too much. Deacon really stole my heart with his care of Margo and Maci.

The story flowed so well and I enjoyed watching it all unfold. The characters were likeable and the story was fun, swoony, inviting, heart-warming and sometimes even heart-breaking. I have loved everything I’ve read from this author and this story is no exception! I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!!!


*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***

I've enjoyed Claudia Connor's previous works and this was great as well.
I recommend to read it if you are looking for a good, sweet story.

Clare and Deacon met at a beach resort and the few days they spend together are like a dream,their relationship is easy and effortless, until the reality breaks into their fairy tale leaving them alone and unhappy.

I loved Deacon,how he always takes responsibility for his actions and how good he is with his family.
I liked all the characters and I hope to see some of them again maybe in their own story.

4.5 Stars

I became a fan of this author after reading Worth the Fall and the books that followed in the series. While this story is a standalone novel, it had the essence of her previous books.

Clare is blindsided by her fiance who tells her on their wedding day that he is in love with someone else. She's stunned and decides to go on her honeymoon trip to isolate herself and process what has happened. She can't help but notice all the couples and as she tries to enjoy her solo excursion, she meets Deacon who is there on business. Their meeting sparks a connection and they make the most o their time together and the rules are that they only discuss the "here and now". Clare is receptive to a fling as it is helping her cope with the events at her wedding and also prompting feelings that she did not have for her ex-fiance. Deacon is also feeling vulnerable and doesn't want this to end, until it abruptly does.

Deacon's departure adds to Clares feeling of insecurity and she wants to forget their encounter or the feelings she has developed for him. Deacon had left a note for Clare before he left and she never received which makes him wonder if his feelings for her were one-sided, but he can't stop thinking about her.

Deacon is also juggling his career and his 3yr old twin daughters, Maci and Margo. They are everything to him and this author does a great job highlighting the unconditional love he has for his family. Deacon wants more and decides he needs to find Clare. He hires a PI to find her.

Clare is settling into her new home and job as a teacher. She is getting into a routine when she finds herself sick and soon realizes that she isn't sick but pregnant and knows the father is Deacon. She finds herself back home with her family trying to figure out what she is going to do.

You are now at the halfway point of the book and this author now takes you on a journey of how Clare and Deacon can connect again and if they can be a family. She adds layers of interesting characters that add to the storyline. Deacon is secure with his love and protection of his daughters and get wants to add Clare to the family and slowly convinces her that she can trust him even when she doesn't trust herself. This was a feel good story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Love at Last, a beautiful encounter about Clare and Deacon, turning into his lovely, emotional romance.

I do like a romance where the main characters are doing all the things in a different way, totally unconventional, doing things differently.
Two characters in a paradise place, being there for two different purposes, two people who really never fell in love and gonna learn that you can’t chose when you fall, you just did. I was hooked from the beginning, I couldn’t stop reading, transported into this romantic mood the author settled you in. So damn good.

As insane as the situation was, I meant, Clare has being ditched at her own wedding, Deacon was a single dad of two cuties twin, an instant connection and irresistible pull later, incredible things happened. They both felt something they haven’t felt before, proving that maybe there’s still love somewhere but these two haven’t met it yet. What would might have been a recipe for disaster became something more and life changing.

I liked the slow pace, bringing surprisingly emotions so powerfully, a great blend of sweetness and hotness. I loved Claudia Connor’s writing style, telling stories that might be surprising at first, but making you believe in it, with connections that felt real and genuine, swoon worthy but also so passionate. I adored it, so much.

Claudia Connor weaves a wonderful tale about two people who by chance meet at a resort, connects both emotionally and physically and had a sudden parting of ways. Romantic catnip for a reader like me! Plus I love Ms. Connor's books. In Love at Last, she manages to take a common trope and makes it unique. I love Deacon and Clare, and the twins and the way this story unfolded to sweet romance, sexy encounters and family! It just basically explains trust and love so well, how Clare and even Deacon accepts what happened to them in the past and that what they have now is totally different despite the similar circumstances. It is a feel good novel that makes you warm all over and smile!