Despite being someone whose whole career depends on her ability to communicate with others, celebrity journalist Harper Jenkins really excels at embodying the dreaded miscommunication trope. This workplace rivals-to-lovers didn’t so much build up tension between the two main characters as much as it made me dislike our heroine and realize that she was essentially delusional and looking for a fight as often as possible.

The main story of this book essentially revolves around an editor who finds Harper’s work to be unimportant and works to sideline her as often as possible. Instead of leaning on coworkers who support her and encourage her to find a new job when they begin to leave the publication that they work for, she works harder out of spite; ignores obvious problems in her relationship with her boyfriend; and over analyzes the hell out of every interaction that she has with her newly-promoted coworker, Ryan, who she is convinced is out to ruin not only her career, but her life.

The book also uses flashbacks to show that Harper’s distrust of Ryan is warranted, based on a summer internship early in their careers that had them working together, to disastrous effect. And while it isn’t completely unreasonable to think that the characters dislike each other, the concept that they are rivals is absolutely baffling to me, instead of just two people who don’t know how to communicate like adults.

I am honestly the most shocked that I was able to get through it without DNFing (although I did make any excuse to avoid reading more than I probably should have). The Last Word really just rehashes a lot of the common tropes of rivals-to-lovers workplace romance with an extreme reliance on miscommunication and some workplace misogyny to push the plot along.

Fun romcom!
It’s an enemies to lovers, second chance, opposites attract, forced proximity, workplace romance, set in London.

Harper is a talented journalist working as the celebrity editor at The Narrative. Unfortunately her good friend leaves the role of features editor at her publication, and the position is filled by Ryan Jansson. Harper and Ryan first met many years ago as interns trying to get the same job. They were falling for each other, but after a big misunderstanding Harper has avoided him since 2012. Now working side by side with him again Harper remembers why she can’t stand him, but also why she fell for him all those years ago. Maybe things could go differently for them if they tried dating now. Or maybe things could blow up all over again.

There are some great behind the scenes elements of what might be involved in writing about celebrities with some fun stories mixed in, as well as general publication office interactions. The side friendships are great additions. There are also glimpses of Harper and Ryan’s families, dealing with some family issues along the way as well. I liked the dynamics between Harper and Ryan - but I would’ve preferred to get more of them together as a couple and less of the frustrating parts. The annoying boss and the repeated miscommunications were annoying to read about, but there was plenty of good to make up for the bad. I feel that some superfluous information and side stories could’ve been whittled down a bit, and this story could’ve benefited from a dual POV . . . But it’s pretty enjoyable just as it is.

Overall I feel like this was a good effort. It’s a good romcom (I’m ok with it being a bit predictable,) and I enjoyed reading it.

Didn’t finish this one sadly! I didn’t care for Ryan or Harper and definitely just wanted to skim. Maybe just wasn’t my writing style?

This was a cute workplace romance with enemies, Ryan and Harper, slowly becoming lovers again. This is also a second chance romance which is slowly laid out in a dual timeline format. I appreciated that most of the story takes place in the present

The characters are interesting to read about with Ryan being an easier character to like. Harper takes some work, for Ryan, and the reader. Harper and Ryan’s banter will have you laughing and their romance will have you rooting for this couple!

SO SO GOOD! i love katy's writing so much and this book blew me out of the water! i really loved the pacing of this story. ryan and harper were just everything and i think this would be the perfect summer read!

This enemies-to-lovers was enjoyable, although the banter got a little too much for my liking. Harper Jenkins a celebrity editor has worked hard to get to where she is. One day reporting to the office she bumps into Ryan, the new Features Editor, Harper is furious and pretends she doesn't know him. She hides the fact that 10 years ago, when they were interns at the same office, they had a short romance until Ryan's betrayal.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this story a lot. Harper and Ryan have a history from working together previously. They’re now working together again and little has changed. They have a great dynamic - even when arguing - which they’re very good at!
Slowly their relationship changes. They start to respect each other and their abilities. While the story may be a little wordy in spots, I didn’t mind it. You can’t help but root for them to get together. Harper’s friends and Ryan’s family are also great characters which add depth to the story.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slow burn romance story.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and I am writing this review voluntarily.

Katy Birchall’s “The Last Word” reminded me how much I love a good work romance.

Celebrity journalist Harper Jenkins is known to be the best in her field but when the features editor, Ryan Jansson, is thrown into her assignments, things get fiery. Because they are both opposites (she’s messy + personable; he’s a super clean + reserved), they both bring into the story the enemies-to-lovers vibes; at the same time, they also keep under the surface their romantic history 11 years ago.

It was a bit of a slow burn but I expected that; Katy still kept me in anticipation as she revealed how Harper and Ryan got together years ago and why they broke up. I loved seeing how Ryan fell deeeeep for Harper back then—and now. The chemistry between them is palpable; I enjoyed their banter and silly attempts to best each other. Though I disagree with Harper’s reaction and reason for the 3rd act conflict, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I laughed and I swooned and I was so happy to check off another winning book by this author. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5)

If you’re looking for a romcom with a workplace romance, second chance, and another sweet book boyfriend, I highly recommend this one.

Read The Last Word by Katy Birchall if you like these things…
-Enemies to lovers
-Second chance
-Workplace romance
-Celebrities/pop culture
-Journalism
-Are a fan of The Hating Game

I really liked Harper and her passion for her job. She really strives to be the best at what she does because she loves it so much. The banter between Harper and Ryan was fun (a little repetitive) but it definitely played well with their opposite personalities. I liked Ryan; I thought he lacked a bit of emotional maturity but he recognized his errors.

This is a fun and easy reading rom com.


Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback

Eh? I wanted more. I liked the first book even though it was closed door and this one just didn’t work for me. Plus still closed door, yuck

Started slow, and definitely more friendship than romantic, but it wasn't bad. I don't envision me re-reading, but like it wasn't bad.

This was so fun! It gave me Emily Henry x the hating game but in London. The banter was 10/10 and the love interest was swooney and so respectful! Loved it. I read it in two days, would definitely recommend it.

A perfect amount of tension and drama - The Last Word is relatable, lovable, and unputdownable. I can easily see this coming to life in on the screen.

Harper is a talented journalist- the best in the business, getting onto the best scoops and writing for the magazine she is with has been her dream. But when her former nemesis, Ryan, is hired, they clash repeatedly as she tries to resist his charm aware of his reality. With more and more projects together, it's sure getting impossible to avoid their history and chemistry.

This book is a gem! It's both funny and heartwarming, with characters that are easy to love. The flashbacks add depth to the story and make it feel more immersive. Ryan is a swoon-worthy hero who is just the right mix of genuine and heartfelt. Harper is a relatable protagonist who I cheered for from the first scene. I loved her true intentions and the general chaos of dealing with life. The MCs just fit in so well and made my heart go aww! The writing is mind-blowing, and the story is well-paced.

This is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good romance with a lot of humor and heart. Yes, it will keep that pretty smile fixed on your face and stay on your mind long after putting it down.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Griffin for the complimentary e-ARC in exchange for my honest views. I can't wait to get to the rest of your books, Katy! Write on <3

4.5 stars

A perfectly witty, heartfelt romance.

Journalist Harper Jenkins is a scatter brained creative genius doing her best to stay on top of life. She's the best celebrity columnist, and even if her irritating misogynistic boss can’t see it, she knows it. When Ryan Jansson, a blast from the past— aka no.1 nemesis and previous fiery fling—, gets hired to work alongside her, it takes everything in her to not combust. They both love having the last word in an argument, they soon find out that between love and hate is a very fine line indeed.

The dialogue between Harper and Ryan feels real, I felt like I was watching a legit interaction in an office space. But there's also a rawness to it.

I haven’t felt as in tune with a character as I did with Harper in a long time. From her disorganization to her internal monologue, I saw myself in her.

“I set my alarm for 5:55am, 5:57am, 6am, 6:03am and 6:05am."

She is me, I love her so much. Her apartment is a disaster, and she’s a mess, and she digs though piles of clothes to find what she needs, and I've never felt more seen. 😂

Although I love the romance, I really appreciated the deeper messages of self worth and perseverance.

Thanks St. Martins Press for the ARC!

2.5 rounded up

I’m landing in the middle with this one, as there were elements I liked about this, but the ending bothered me. Spoilers below for why -

I enjoyed that it was workplace enemies, second chance romance, forced proximity, cute dinner with his parents, the cab scene.

I liked that Harper was career driven and had the ability to get celebrities to open up because she had journalistic integrity and was kind.

When we meet the MMC, Ryan, I liked the flashbacks that slowly revealed what the tension was between him and Harper.

It was a case of miscommunication, but the explanation made me feel ok, could have been handled better, but now it’s been 10 years, surely they will do better with this second chance. Sadly, no, these two don’t seem to have learned a thing and Harper cannot apply her amazing celebrity communication skills to her own relationship.

I know Ryan is in a tight spot, choosing between his career and his love but I was hoping that after the prologue where they talk about what you’d choose, this whole situation would connect to that. In the end, the prologue seemed to have no purpose?

I also didn’t really understand how she was always late, and how that seemed to be funny and quirky? Honestly, as much as Cosmo seemed like a jerk, I was on his side for this one.

Reading the other reviews, it could be a case of these weren’t the characters for me, so I’d definitely give Katy Birchall’s other works a try.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin for the copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 Stars:

This book was a breath of fresh air during a very very bad reading slump. The romance between the characters was well developed, their characterizations were fantastic and the banter was very fun to read. The more I got to read about Harper and Ryan individually, the more I rooted for them to be together.
Although I would have loved to have the side characters a bit more fleshed out, I still enjoyed the friendships and loved Harper’s personality. Her love for journalism and her empathy towards A-listers made her genuine.

Overall, it was a very fun and enjoyable fast read!

Katy Birchall's latest The Last Word is well summed up by the tag line--it was Hate at first sight. Harper and Ryan have that hate you/love you dynamic going on and the journey with them is fun. I enjoyed the journalism backdrop and the ride with these warring lovers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the Last Word that is on sale now.

Harper and Ryan are sworn enemies...or are they co-workers who can't keep their eyes and minds (and hands) off each other?

I really, really enjoyed this one. Harper and Ryan were adorable and while Harper had her flaws (hotheaded, stubborn, and quick to jump to conclusions much?), she redeemed herself by being pretty badass at her job and had a spine of steel. I can deal with a flawed character if they aren't a COMPLETE mess. The characters were well-drawn out, and the story was much more than just a romance. I'd love to get my hands on whatever Katy Birchall comes out with next.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a good workplace, enemies to lovers trope, so this book was right up my alley. I literally laughed out loud as Harper and Ryan bickered.