It took me a minute to get in to this book, but once I did I was hooked! A young woman, August, transplanted to NYC felt like the city would be the perfect place for her because it would help her maintain her jaded thoughts and independence. She never needs anyone, a concept her mother has drilled in to her. Suddenly, there is a woman on her train every single time she gets on it, and that woman, Jane, is special. Not just special because August is interested in her, but Jane is special because she has very few memories but from what she does remember she's from the 1970s... She is certainly confused when August tells Jane that it is 45 years later than Jane realized. Can August find out what happened to Jane and how to help her without falling for her?

I absolutely finished this book and texted multiple friends to pre order it now! The writing is engaging and witty, the plot is unique, and the romance is incredible without being too sappy. For as fantastical as it is, the book is real and relatable. The characters are wonderful, fleshed out and colorful, and the relationships between them made me really happy.

It took me some time to evaluate how I felt about this book. When I read Red, White and Royal Blue it was at the right time, right place. I can’t articulate what resonated about it with me. I had hoped that <I>One Last Stop</i> would follow in those footsteps. This book also encompassed things I liked – more so than RWRB, so why did I like this one less than RWRB? My only conclusion is that <b>I felt RWRB had more heart</b> than OLS did. For me, personally at least. I really wanted to be like 10000/5 stars, but unfortunately, for me, that isn’t the case.

Let me make it very clear <b>this book is still fabulous and a lot of people will love it</b> but I think overall it had some issues because I feel RWRB was <I>a lot</i> to beat. Now that I've said that, there are some things that this book does that RWRB did as well, and did splendidly. As always, there is a lot of diversity in this series. It feels like McQuiston is really trying to reach the largest audience and most diverse one. So points for that. I think that they accomplish this very well. We’ve got Asian characters, Black characters, trans characters, queer characters and I do believe August is fat, so fat characters as well.

I think my biggest issue with this book is the pacing. The pacing was driving me up the wall. I love a good slow paced character driven book. And this I think was supposed to be that. Unfortunately, <b>some of it was a bit repetitive and boring at points</b>. Usually you’re supposed to see character progression and we don’t really get that until the very end. I really think the pacing of this book is what made me love it a little bit less.

I did enjoy the characters. I like that August feels real. She was relatable to me in many ways, and I think she was <b>the perfect character for the story to focus on and around</b>. We get to see her POV more than anyone else’s and it is her story that drives the book. But as I said previously, at times it feels like the pacing doesn’t work and we’re not getting any progression which doesn’t help August’s character at all. I know August is supposed to be bi, and as a bi person and fat, I love her for it. I just wish...I’m not sure what else I wanted from her. But I feel that it is missing something for me.

The side characters were lovely too. I like how they all interacted and their stories that we get briefly. I especially liked how it all came together in the end. I'm not sure I could pick a favorite side character.

I very much enjoyed the relationship between Jane and August. I think the romance was well developed and<b> absolutely adorable</b>. As a note for people, this book does have explicit steamy scenes. So...yes. 😏

Moving on...

The plot. Granted, I only half read the description. Saw the author the cover, heard f/f meet cute essentially and was sold. I did not realize how much of a supernatural or paranormal element there was going to be in here. That was a lovely surprise because I love those elements in any story. I like how it was introduced too. I think that was so well done, that <b>if you hadn’t know it had a supernatural element your jaw would drop. Mine did. </b>

I think the only downside also is that it feels like there was so much going on in this book. <b>Lots of little subplots </b>supposed to be connecting to the next, and while I generally felt it was well done, I did feel that at points it was almost too much trying to juggle.

But overall, I think this book was absolutely amazing, and people are going to LOVE it. This is a <b>sweet paranormal rom-com meet cute book</b>, and it is going to appeal to a lot of people.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press + NetGalley for the e-ARC of "One Last Stop" by Casey McQuiston {expected pub date 6.1.21}

I am IN LOVE with "One Last Stop" - it has a mix of romance, mystery, and fantasy that is absolutely perfect. Once the story got going, I was completely drawn in and couldn't read quickly enough in following *all* the characters stories.

I wasn't quite sure how Casey McQuiston would top "Red, White, and Royal Blue" but I am happy to report that she most definitely did it with a book that is entirely different.

There are definitely open door sex scenes, so feel free to skip those pages if you must, but I highly recommend this genre-mix of a book, perfect for summer reading.

I enjoyed this one!

This is the story of August, a reluctant waitress and college student, and Jane, a mysterious punk-rocker stuck on the Subway. Their relationship is very much at the forefront of this story, but it's the side characters that really make this book fun. There's August's roommates: Wes of the nocturnal waking hours and dating-so-long-they're-practically-an-old-married-couple Niko and Myla. These guys were so fun! (And they're backstories were really interesting!) Then there's the drag queen neighbor across the hall, who was such a fun character! Then there's the staff of Billy's that rounds out the cast!

There's hints of science/magic in the form of time travel, and Jane being stuck on a Subway line (and some little things that are results of that). There's a psychic, who might just be the real deal. There's a collection of little things that add to this book and make it a little bit magical.

There's a few things here and there that I wasn't the biggest fan of - mainly because I'm not the biggest PDA fan and my not-so-slight germaphobia kicked in during a few subway scenes, but that's just a me problem.

Overall, this book was great! The way the plots come together and weave the storyline together was a little bit magical, too. I will say that this book had a little more autumnal vibes woven in than Red, White, and Royal Blue. One Last Stop is more like The Lake House than a Hallmark/DCOM. However, I do believe that One Last Stop and Red, White, & Royal Blue show that Casey McQuiston definitely holds a crown in the New Adult Romance Genre!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin) and NetGalley for this e-ARC! I am extremely thankful for the opportunity to read this gem!

I love Red, White and Royal Blue and I wasn't sure if I could love any book more. One last stop is clearly very different from Red, Whit and Royal Blue. No royals involved for one thing. :) And the tone is very different.... There is a bit of magic fantasy in this one. However, it has the same charm, same type of delightful characters and an interesting plot. Love it very much even if Henry and Alex aren't in this one. :)

Thanks to the publisher for providing an arc for me.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. When you fall in love with an author’s debut book, you can’t wait to read their next book. I was very excited to read this, and didn’t pay much attention to the description of this story. I won’t lie and say I wasn’t completely let down by it-not because it’s not an interesting story with some great characters, but because it’s nothing like her first book which was funny, and breezy and made me madly fall in love with everyone in the book. I have talked about that book and recommended it to so many people, all who felt the simple joy that it brings with such a charming story. This book didn’t feel charming, it felt much more maudlin to me and I put it down a lot. Time travel or whatever this is is not a trope I enjoy, and especially one that takes forever to spell out. **The reason why I am unlikely to purchase it for my library is due to the fact that the age range-emerging adults-is not a popular category and I have a very limited romance book budget.

Red, White, and Royal Blue is now on my top ten reads of all time. So when I saw that this author was releasing a new one I had to read it. This is an awesome book and McQuiston is an amazing voice. McQuiston is great at writing characters and making them so real. This author will always be on my auto-buy list.

Casey McQuiston does it again with One Last Stop. This is a book that I read slowly, savoring. It's hard to follow up a book like Red, White, and Royal Blue. One Last Stop does so magnificently.

With her second book, McQuiston introduces readers to August and her delightfully quirky roommates. August has never really felt like she belonged, and it takes landing in this queer and accepting group for August to start to figure out that maybe she has more than she thought to offer.

And, what's a story set in NYC without a bit of love. With a bit of magical realism, August also falls for a girl on the Q train. There's just a catch (or two) that may involve some time travel to figure out if the connection is one that can last.

It's a delightful book with heart that readers are going to fall for this summer.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for sharing this book with me. All thoughts are my own.

Damn! McQuiston does it yet again! I didnt think she could really get me to enjoy this book as much as Red, White and Royal Blue but I was wrong. Rom-com/thriller all in one and has you waiting to see what happens next!

One Last Stop takes its time to lay the groundwork of this magnetic and passionate yearning romance. The original story slowly unravels the mystery and eases into a slightly supernatural space with creative antics.

Though the book is grounded in many realistic events, it is surprising in how it smartly addresses small continuity errors when introducing and explaining the fantastical, proving how detailed and well thought out the world building in the writing is. When the story reaches the breaking point, the set up pays off and unpredictably ties back together.

Though some of the party scenes don’t have large motivators pertaining to the plot, McQuiston gives us great descriptors to aid in visualizing how each scene will play out. The book builds appealing intrigue and raises the stakes, making you want to learn more about these characters and see what becomes of them.

The novel’s characters are inclusive, diverse and queer without overtly pushing an agenda. The side characters could have been more fleshed out, but there are so many layers added to the protagonists. Witty humour is sprinkled throughout the novel, guided by a millennial voice and narrated with contemporary dialogue.

What is most fascinating about this story is the manner in which it explores intersectional queer Asian identity, touching on history and gentrification, driving home the point of the importance of identity and knowing your roots.

Thank you to St, Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC!

I only read rwrb for the first time about a week ago and still haven’t given it a rating. I was stuck between four or five stars. One last stop knocked it out of the park. Definitely a five star read for me. Sometimes comparison makes things a little easier.

I feel like since their last book, McQuiston stepped up their game. One last stop cuts through the surface level, and made me truly believe that Jane and August loved each other. The side characters were so fun, and while I wished we could get a bit more of a backstory for them, maybe a novella about Niko and Myla, I was given enough that it wasn’t disappointing.

I never wanted to put this book down. I cursed work for making me busy, and spent half my shifts itching to read again. The fantasy twist really throws everything into gear - the characters are interesting, the writing is seamless and beautiful, the relationships are developed well. But there’s something about a sprinkling of fantasy in this way that brings in the magic. Not just in the plot, in a literal kind of way, but in a way that excites you while you read. I was there, rooting for them, just as confused as everyone else, while they were figuring it out. I knew time travel was involved but I wasn’t expecting it in this way, and it was a fantastic surprise.

100% recommended One last stop. I’ll definitely be buying my own copy when the physical book is released.

This is the sweetest, purest little queer romp, a love letter to New York and leather jackets and pancakes and drag shows and found family.

Many a book has tried to destroy me over the years—Where the Red Fern Grows and all the Wayward Children books, I’m looking at you—but never has one done so thorough a job as this one. At 55% I was telling my amazing queer group chat that I was officially dead and McQuiston was the culprit. Then I kept reading. Burnt to ashes, my pretties. Ugly crying in my bed past midnight with a 5 am alarm and my wife sleeping and turned so the reading lamp wouldn’t hit her face. I was NOT sleeping till I knew what happened.

I don’t know how I’m expected to continue living and breathing as if this meteor of a book didn’t just lay waste to me. McQuiston, you owe apologies to every wlw book I read from here on out. You have wrecked the fucking curve.

It’s a contemporary romance about a tall butch Subway angel and a curvy bisexual woman. This story meant everything to me as a queer woman who just entered her 20s. August is so cute, lovely, and caring. She’s generous and selfless. The queer ensemble of cast members is comforting, hilarious, and loveable. I would love for a community like that.
Casey McQuiston continues to give us great bisexual rep and amazing, poetic love confessions. Jane is a complex character, she’s magical and mysterious but so soft. I went into this book for a cute love story but the number of times my jaw dropped to the floor and the tears that spilled out of my eyes. I was on the edge of my seat for the last two chapters. It was so beautiful that it hurts. I demand more novels about time-traveling sapphics! Now if I could just have a novella or long epilogue about these two.

Okay my only critique: there’s a scene where they talk about how virginity is a social construct (true) but then ask the character if the person she hooked up with was “clean” when the idea someone having an STI makes them unclean is a backward and conservative narrative.

Favorite Quote: “Hell no,” Jane says, instantly affronted. “If you care what time brunch happens, you’re a cop.”

Finished last night and I’m still processing! This book was a window in many ways- setting, culture, and more. I really enjoyed how New York City was such an important part of the story- almost a character itself. There is a sci-fi element that requires suspending disbelief, but it’s an enjoyable twist. I’ve never read a book like this before! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great, a really really great book. I honestly didn’t know much about it other than it was f/f and written by Casey McQuistion so I wasn’t expecting the magical realism but I loved it. I really connected with August, probably because we had similar upbringings. I also really felt her struggle with finding herself—I’m almost 24 and have no idea what I’m doing. I loved every character—I wish I could be friends with all of them. The romance was perfect. This is an excellent book.

Still digesting this one - I loved Casey McQuiston’s first novel, and this one diverged in genre. This still centered around romance, but had strong magical realism vibes I wasn’t prepared for, and I’m not sure lived up to the full potential of either genre

But it was an interesting premise, an absolutely fun read, and I still like McQuiston’s writing style so still found myself wanting to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.

Good read! After loving red white and royal blue (which was the first book I read after years of no reading), I was so excited to read this. Although I liked it, it was not similar to rw&rb. There's a faster slow burn (still slow burn) and less angst (almost barely any angst). I didn't really see a connection being formed for the relationship, it was very much love at first sight. It was a very delicate and nice relationship!! I LOVED the magical (for lack of better word) elements and the found family in this was amazing. This also gave me fanfic vibes.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. .August decides to move to New York City. She doesn't believe in love until she meets Jane on the train. Jane makes her realize many things. I enjoyed the way we saw August grow as a person.

One Last Stop is hilarious, poignant, witty, and profoundly queer. August is a cynical twenty-three-year old who just wants to find a place where she belongs, and she does just that when she moves to NYC and falls in with a group of ragtag misfits living in an apartment above a Popeyes. She feels an instant electric spark when she meets Jane on the Q train, but their romance becomes so much more than August could have ever expected--especially for someone who’s so closed off to love and being loved. The cast is effortlessly diverse in a way that feels natural and realistic, especially for NYC. I would kill for any of these characters. Even though August and Jane’s romance is at the center of this plot, it’s so much bigger than that, and this book is more about finding where you belong in both setting and with people than about finding someone you should be with. Not only is it a queer history lesson, but it’s a recording of current queer culture, too. If Red, White & Royal Blue was a comforting hug, One Last Stop is more of a punch to the gut--but one that I welcome whole-heartedly. Casey McQuiston strikes a hard-to-find balance between lots of millennial humor and unexpectedly poetic prose. This is exactly what I was hoping for from my favorite author.