I love second chance romance so I really thought I would love this but I had to DNF. I tried really hard to love it but I just couldn't get through it. It's so so slow.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, SMP Romance for my #gifted copies of One Last Shot! #MacAudio2024

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

★★★★★

Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and this book delivered! One Last Shot is the debut novel by Betty Cayouette and I can only hope that this will not be her last shot at writing because she is so talented and I loved this book! If you are looking for a super fun romance, this is it!

This book would make such a cute movie! I loved the premise of this book so much! Emerson and Theo were childhood friends who made a pact with one another to get married if they were both single at the age of 28. I equally loved both of the main characters. Both Emerson and Theo each had their flaws but I loved that about them, and I loved how there was so much character growth. I really appreciated the author’s note related to sexual assault and trauma and how this translated into not only Emerson’s life, but also the author’s life. Overall, I just found this book to be such an amazing love story and I highly recommend this one!

📸Second Chance Romance
📸Slow Burn
📸Friends to Lovers
📸Miscommunication
📸Model and Photographer
📸Dual POV

Posted on Goodreads on May 6, 2024: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/144922955?ref=nav_profile_l
**Posted on Instagram - Full Review- on or around May 7, 2024: http://www.instagram.com/nobookmark_noproblem
**Posted on Amazon on May 7, 2024
**-will post on designated date

I found this book to be a super cute, second-chance summer romance. Theo and Emerson’s backstory is the cutest and I loved the flashbacks we got from each POV. However, I could not stand the miscommunication that these two had in both the flashbacks and current time. I mean, I can understand it when you’re kids and scared of not only rejection but the idea of losing your best friend but for it to still be happening when you’re in your late 20’s… now you’re making yourself miserable for no reason at all. Beyond that, I really did enjoy this book. I thought the author did a great job with the writing and really kept the pace moving. This is a solid debut novel and one I recommend if you’re looking for a fun romance!

I’ve been an avid follower of BettysBookList on TikTok for sometime now and when I saw Betty wrote a book I was thrilled to read her debut novel. One Last Shot comes out tomorrow, May 7, 2024!

One Last Shot is a second chance romance between old friends Theo and Emerson. Emerson is a now a mega popular model and Theo is a fashion photographer. When Emerson gets a calendar notification from her past about her marriage pact with Theo she decides to look him up and get on his next campaign in Cinque Terre, Italy. What follows is two friends reconnecting after coming to terms with their pasts and fall out.

I love a friends to lovers romance and Italy 😍 so this was right up my alley. It had depth and heart and you’ll love both Emerson and Theo so much. The setting is beautiful and their friendship is genuine. You’ll be rooting for them to get together the whole time and this book will definitely make you want a donut! A great summer read!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC

One Last Shot is the debut novel by Betty Cayouette and one that I was interested in not only due to the blurb, but also because I visited Cinque Terra myself last fall, so I was keen to read about this magical place.

Supermodel Emerson pretty much has it all, but she has yet to find the kind of love she's been looking for. She's about to turn twenty-eight and she gets a reminder on her phone that she had set a decade earlier with her best friend Theo when they agreed to a marriage pact that if they weren't married by the time they were twenty-eight, they'd marry one another. Having never gotten over her feelings for him, Emerson knows that she needs to seek him out to find out if he feels the same way even though they haven't spoken in 10 years.

Emerson manages to get her agent to get her booked as model on the job Theo is shooting in the Italian Riviera, in Cinque Terra, Italy. Her plan is to try to rekindle the spark between the two of them in the few short days they have together. The problem? Theo may not be as excited to see her as she thought. Will these two be able to make a go of things or will this be a final goodbye?

I liked that we got to know Emerson and Theo both in present day and through the flashbacks of their relationship. I really felt like I could connect to them as teens and it really showed why they were so connected and why there was still so much between them. There were things that frustrated me at times with the way Emerson acted, but I also understood them because of the world in which she was living being a huge fashion model. Theo was trying so hard and sometimes it just felt like she was dismissing his feelings too quickly.

I was very impressed given this was a debut novel. I would absolutely pick up another of Cayouette's works in the future!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Emerson’s a super model, Theo’s a professional photographer, and now they’re working on a shoot together in Cinque Terre, Italy 🏖️

🗣️ dual POV, jumping timelines
🕯️ slow burn
💞 second-chance romance
📓 high school best friends

what a fun debut! seeing the history of their friendship and rekindling it as adults, both doing the thing they love. this would be a lighthearted poolside summer read!☀️

Theo is an absolute cinnamon bun the entire time! I feel like we journey with Emerson’s character more so than Theo’s

As a whole, it read a bit cheesy at times, but it’s well timed bc when isn’t falling in love not a little cheesy??

The last 10% felt off to me, their dynamic was so different from their usual chemistry and friendship, even throughout the conflict. It felt like the slowest final 10%. I enjoyed the first half much more, the ending felt so different from the first half of the book.

Told in dual timelines, this is a story of second chances and long lost loves.

Emerson Grey is a famous supermodel. So when an alarm goes off, reminding her of the marriage pact she made 10 years ago, it immediately transports her back to when she was 18. Now she is determined to rekindle with her one true love and hope that they can at least reconcile their friendship.

Theo Carson was devastated when Emerson left him behind. He has created a comfortable career as a photographer, going to shoot campaigns in Italy doesn’t hurt either. Imagine his surprise when the love of his life is one of the models. At first, Theo is determined to save himself the heartache and keep Emerson at a distance. But the more time they send together, the more their feelings rise to the surface.

Once the campaign is over will they go their separate ways or will they rekindle and give themselves the shot they always deserved?

Oh man did I want to throttle these two main characters with their second guessing, unsureness and miscommunication. The angst was definitely palpable. But when they make it work it’s pure bliss. I absolutely adored these two and was actually concerned that it might be a HEA afterall. You should pick up this book today – you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This was really cute! I loved the tropes and the writing was good. I felt like the location and scene were nice, I would've liked a bit more character development.

When supermodel meets her high school sweetheart on a photoshoot, and her phone reminder goes off.. the games begin. 10 years have passed since they have seen each other and supermodel has to decide if she still has feelings for her high school sweetheart, and also if the feelings maybe mutual. The stakes are high! I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t read it fast enough.
Many thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for providing me an advanced copy in exchange for my review

This was a cute fun debut romance! I’m sure it will be really popular with Betty’s social media presence. I enjoyed it.

Such an adorable read. It left me wanting to go to Italy asap for a love story! I felt like the last third really drug on though, and struggled to be engaged. Some was so I relatable.

With a stunning cover like this…… it’s bound to be an epic story!
And One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette was beyond incredible.
She did a fabulous job with debut romance.
Betty Cayouette’s character development just shines in the book. I was quickly drawn to Emerson and Theo, rooting for them individually throughout the book and, eventually, as a couple. Their distinct personalities made it easy for me to imagine them as my friends.
Grabbed me from the first chapters, the main characters were so fantastic to follow.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

One Last Shot is everything I love in an epic love story: yearning, angst, second-chance romance (my favorite trope), breathtaking locale (Italy), and, most importantly, a swoon-worthy love interest. Once I started reading the book, I was engrossed and didn't want to put it down. If I had to change one thing about the story, it would be easing off on the lack of communication between Emerson and Theo. Otherwise, the romance is pretty perfect! I cannot wait to read more books from Betty Cayouette. I hope she has more love stories up her sleeve.

"One Last Shot" by Betty Cayouette is a captivating debut romance that takes readers on a journey of rekindled love and second chances against the picturesque backdrop of Cinque Terre, Italy.

Emerson and Theo's teenage romance was cut short just when they confessed their feelings for each other. Now, nearly a decade later, Emerson, a supermodel, is determined to fulfill the marriage pact she made with Theo. When fate brings them together on a photoshoot in Cinque Terre, the sparks fly once again, but old wounds and misunderstandings threaten to keep them apart.

Cayouette crafts a heartfelt story filled with emotion, humor, and undeniable chemistry between the characters. Emerson's determination to win back Theo's heart is both endearing and relatable, while Theo's gruff exterior hides a depth of emotion that adds layers to their dynamic.

The stunning Italian setting adds an extra layer of romance and charm to the narrative, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding love story. As Emerson and Theo navigate their complicated feelings and the obstacles in their path, readers will find themselves rooting for their happily ever after.

While some aspects of the plot may feel familiar, Cayouette infuses the story with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged until the very end. "One Last Shot" is a delightful read that will leave you swooning and believing in the power of second chances.

This is a pretty great read for a debut. I believe this author will only improve with experience. I felt for Emerson but Theo was definitely my favorite. There are a lot of emotions in this story. Even when I was so frustrated with the characters I couldn't put it down. I definitely would read this author again.

I love Betty’s tik toks and was thrilled to read her debut novel. I am always a fan of celebrity romances. Parts of the story felt a little clunky but overall I enjoyed much more than I didn’t. Excited to see what she comes out with next!

3.5 stars

Emerson and Theo were teenage sweethearts, but then disaster struck and their bond was severed. Before they split, however, they made a pact. If they weren't married by their 28th birthdays, they'd get married. Fast forward ten years, and their alerts go off on their phones. It's time. But they've not had any contact. Are there still feelings there? Have they thought of one another since? And when the epic misunderstanding that destroyed them is brought to light, can they overcome the obstacles and become the couple they were always destined to be?

I enjoyed this second chance romance. Theo is a fabulous cinnamon roll hero, which is my JAM. I also really loved seeing the world of fashion and modeling through the eyes of a supermodel and photographer. The fact that we're treated to two timelines, both in their days as teenagers, and in the present, when they're reconnecting as 28 year-olds, set an effective narrative. Also, I love the dual POVs!

I was hoping to travel to Italy via this story, and it didn't quite deliver on the Italian vibes I was hoping for. It wasn't ever promised in the summary, however, but I was hoping, based on the cover, that I would hear Italian music in the background, haha! The miscommunication, especially during present day, felt a bit superficial to me, and left me a bit frustrated while reading at times. I just wanted to say, "TALK TO EACH OTHER!" But overall the characters and story were enjoyable.

Trigger warnings: sexual assault (off page), bullying, hoarding, death of a parent

I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Before she was Emerson (no last name needed) the supermodel, she was Emerson Grey, awkward teenager from a dysfunctional home who had trouble making friends. She meets Theo Carson, popular, athletic, and total eye candy, at high school freshman orientation. They connect in a way neither have with anyone else. Their relationship is torn apart at age 18 when Emerson feels trapped into making a sudden and desperate choice. When the opportunity to end her decade-long estrangement from Theo presents itself, Emerson finally takes the leap of faith to shoot her one last shot for true love.

The fact that I love this book despite my frustration with the one conflict (miscommunication) is a testament to how much I loved this author’s writing style and the insane chemistry she created between the protagonists. The angst was so palpable and so delicious on the page I couldn’t read fast enough to finally, finally see these two lovelorn idiots just kiss already!

This one is all about Theo for me. I died a thousand little deaths as I read the story of the sweet, gentle boy who has grown into a humble, tender man. His devotion and his goodness to Emerson since he was 14, even during the decade they were apart, absolutely made this love story come alive and sing. Some of my very favorite parts of the book were the flashbacks to Theo in high school and his thoughtful caring of Emerson since the day they met.

One of the aspects of the story that I thought was the most powerful was how Emerson’s trauma didn’t just change her, but irrevocably altered Theo’s life as well. I loved when Theo’s brother Owen helped Theo to understand that both he and Emerson have the capacity to heal, and the depth of love it will take to create true happiness together.

The donuts? The ring? The epilogue? I cried. The ending was swoony perfection.

Tropes: slow burn, friends to lovers, second chance

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.

This Emily Henry-esq novel is a freakin fantastic time. 

From the beginning, I was rooting for them both these fools in love. The book was funny, witty, and a little angsty as I watched them pass like boats at night. 

At times I wanted to lock them in a room and make them talk and when it all boils over there is something cathartic about the release of tension. 

The snippets of their past together were like an aloe on the slow burn of their story. 

The cast of characters, the picturesque landscape, and the mutual pining are all anyone can ask for.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy!!

If you love childhood friends to lovers to strangers back to lovers with the second chance element - this is the book for you!

I love all those tropes so I was excited from the beginning. We follow Emerson and Theo, who made a pact when they were 18 that they would marry each other if they were both single at 28. They lose touch/break up and haven’t spoken in years. However, when they reminder for their pact happens, they find their way back to each other. Emerson, an A-list fashion model gets a photoshoot where Theo is the photographer. Bringing both characters to Italy and back together, to figure out what happened and if they truly belong together.
I loved the past and present timeline and getting to see their friendship/relationship in high school and watch them grow up together. The dual POV was also a great addition because we got to see how they both were feeling during these times.
I always love a celebrity romance and those aspects were done really well.
There’s something truly special about childhood friends/lovers and second chance. The history those characters share is so special. Being a kid with someone then going your separate ways to come back together as adults with more life experience but knowing this is your person. Such an emotional and incredible trope.
I really enjoyed this book. From the setting, to the characters, to the dialogue.
Highly recommend this one!!

Thanks again to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy!