There’s no place like home…and that’s exactly how real estate developer Samantha Leigh plans to keep it. When she ditched Rock Island, Florida for New York City, Sam left everything behind—her alcoholic mother, the high school bullies, her ex-best friend, and her first crush, Austin Marcs. She’s never looked back—until her boss ambushes her with an extended assignment on Rock Island, where promotion will be on the line. Sam has no choice but to book a flight home to where nothing has changed. Her mom still drinks, the mean girls became mean-girl mommies, and Austin? The town’s golden boy is now its favorite ferryboat captain—still smoking hot, inexplicably devoted to the island, and Sam’s total opposite in every way. He insists Rock Island is perfect as is, without her big corporate ideas, and he’s determined to prove it. Before long, Austin’s personal tours of sandy beaches and swoony sunsets almost make Sam forget her hometown hate. But is falling for the guy—and the town—she left behind worth the risk?

Thoughts
This was a cute summer read. I really loved the MMC, Austin. He was wounded from past betrayal and though he was jaded, he was self aware and put together. The FMC, Sam, definitely did some growing in this book. She wasn’t my favorite character but there were plenty of things working against her. It was good to see her come out of it. This was a pretty light read without anything too heavy.

This story follows Austin and Samantha, two characters who grew up on Rock Island. Samantha was once best friends with Austin’s little sister, so their history runs deep. Throughout the book, Samantha faces a lot of internal conflict, while Austin carries the weight of past hurt. At its core, this is a story about two people who desperately want to be loved—and ultimately find that love in each other.

It’s a slow burn romance, and I’ll be honest—the suspense nearly killed me! But every page was worth it. While it took me a little time to get into the story, once it clicked, I couldn’t put it down.

What truly impressed me was learning that this is the author’s debut. The writing felt seasoned, emotional, and beautifully crafted. I never would’ve guessed it was her first novel! I’m genuinely excited to see where her writing journey goes from here.

If you’re looking for a romance that gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings, this one is a must-read. It’s heartfelt, emotional, and simply beautiful.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC!

As a Last Resort is a quick-witted, easy-to- read love story that pulled me in from the very first chapter. Samantha lives a busy life in New York, but a new work project sends her back to the hometown she hasn’t visited in years. Once she’s there, she’s quickly swept back into her past—old friendships, unresolved feelings, and maybe even a shot at love.

Enter Austin, the brother of her former best friend, who steps in just when she needs someone. Their growing connection was such a sweet part of the story, and I found myself completely rooting for Samantha to get her happy ending.

If you love small-town romance, emotional depth, and a second-chance love story, I think you’ll really enjoy this one. It’s heartfelt, fun, and totally bingeable.

Just a heads-up—there should be a trigger warning for alcoholism and substance abuse.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of As A Last Resort.

When I looked at the description of the book, I thought I would be basically reading a hallmark movie. Instead, i think this may be one of the most realistic love stories I have read.

The characters had real issues in their families and job struggles with both achieving dreams. I liked that there was no unnecessary last minute miscommunication breakup just for the plot. Sam and Austin really leapt from the pages.

This was an emotional and sexy debut novel filled with heart and love. Sam and Austin are the perfect example of second change love done right. The trauma and emotional challenges these characters face offer the reader a chance to feel more connected with their relationship and root even harder for them to succeed. This is a great read to throw in your beach bag!

This was the best book I’ve read in a long time. If Wollett doesn’t get a multiple book deal from Forever and give Ivy the book she deserves, I say we all riot. And potentially sue. Haha For fans of Abby Jimenez, this authors writing style is similar and so much fun to read. 10/10 recommend.

Sweet, fun, romantic love story between Samantha and her best friends brother Austin. It’s a beautifully written book with great characters and great details.

This was swoony, emotional, and full of the kind of romantic tension that leaves your heart full. I loved it deeply.

This book is a perfect summer romance book! It is start off a little rough but it picked up fast. It could just be me but the first couple chapters were hard to get through but once it picked up, it picked up! I would recommend this book to my book club ladies. I love the attractions between the two main characters. I love that the story is told by both of them. Samantha’s growth throughout the book adds to the story. It’s just a fun, light book. Definitely recommend when it comes out!

this was a really cute book, i enjoyed it a lot! i’ll keep an eye out for other books from this author

This book feels both deeply emotional and refreshingly real. Set against the charming backdrop of a seaside resort in Florida the story follows two characters, Sam and Austin brought together by unexpected circumstances and unfinished business from both their pasts. The chemistry between Sam and Austin is undeniable but the emotional growth they both undergo is what stands out. The book is full of heart, healing and hope and a reminder that sometimes love returns when you least expect it or right when you need it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kristin Wollett for this ARC

I just love a tropical romance. The characters were so well defined and developed and the plot moved soooo well. I can’t wait to reread this so many times.

Thank you netgally for the ARC !!This is the ultimate beach read ! such a good book and doesn't shy away from real life problems . I love how the setting is in FL and I live here too . I really liked Samantha and Austin but there are other people in the book I feel like a sequel is going to soon happen. When I saw Kristin was writing a book I couldn't wait to read it she's my favorite on great American Family County Rescue

A cute romance.

This book had a hometown nostalgia feel and I appreciated the way it interjected that reality into the romance. There was no wave of the wand they fall in love and all their problems magically disappear… the problems are thought through and addressed and integrated as part of the book.

I loved Sam as the FMC. She was realistic and sassy and powerful and had a softer side that I appreciated. The way she handled her struggles felt real and personal and I was really cheering for her.

I loved the theme that appeared about preserving the hometown and the value of local businesses and small town feels. I personally love visiting new places, and find so much more value in a town than a theme park, so appreciated the preservation aspect.

Overall, it was cute and a good read.

loved this romance and told in the different point of views. loved that she figured out her love life and work. loved that she was able to go home and mend relationships with mom and friends. would love a book on lexi. loved her co worker and wanted more on her.

I was immediately pulled into this heartfelt novel by Kristin Wollett. Our main characters, Sam and Austin have a bout of insta attraction but have to undergo quite a deep emotional journey to get their HEA. I loved the story line and how the author sensitively handled complex issues. Set on a Floridian island, you can’t go wrong adding this to your vacation TBR. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was so cute! It is the ultimate beach read, featuring fun and interesting characters with depth. I enjoyed reading this book and getting to know Austin and Samantha. Seeing Samantha's growth throughout the book added significant depth to her character. Samantha also helped pull Austin out of his shell and find love again after devastating heartbreak. The author did a really good job of addressing the hardships and difficult navigations of addiction and grief, and how that has a lasting impact on those around them. The author also listed these as trigger warnings at the beginning of the book, which is always appreciated. There were plenty of lighthearted moments mixed in to balance out some of the darker themes explored. I enjoyed the book overall and recommend it to anyone seeking a fun, romantic beach read with depth. You would love this book if you enjoy small-town romance, beach vibes, and second-chance romances.

Thank you to the author, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the gifted early copy.

ARC review. Think 90s/early 2000s Rom Com vibes. Easy read that flows nicely throughout. Like the format of going back and forth and seeing the different perspectives of the main characters. Bringing in the romance as well as not shying away from tough situations and confrontations. Well developed characters and liked their progression throughout the story. Great summer read set in a beautiful cozy location.

The perfect summer romance book to kick off summer. The small-town beach vibes were amazing and I wish I could visit Rock Island, Florida. The characters were going through real life problems. I actually related to the FMC, Samantha, growing up in a small town where everyone knows you and your business. I also relate to dealing with the grief of having a sick parent at a young age. The feeling of growing up too fast, handling everything on your own, and hating the pitying looks from everyone you know. Thinking that everyone you love will eventually leave and staying busy to ignore the pain of it all. I enjoyed the different relationship dynamics throughout the book; the best friend relationship, the mother/daughter relationship and the romantic relationship. This novel deals with grief, rekindling old relationships, and learning how to find your happiness even through the darkness.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and Kristin Wollett for the ARC.

As a Last Resort is a fun read that I found hard to put down! It’s a perfect summer beach read, rooting for characters who have a “will they/won’t they” vibe. Samantha and Austin are likable main characters who have their own personal baggage to wade through before they can become their best selves. The cast of supporting characters are endearing and I fear I need a Patrick book next!

If you like a best friend’s older brother and super slow burn romance, grab this book now! With multiple throw backs to late nineties rom com movies and Disney character references, the millennial reader in you will be kicking your feet. I really like how Samantha’s family issues were confronted and therapy, which was so clearly needed, was included in the plot. I also enjoyed that Austin portrayed a healthy MMC not pushing Samantha to change who she is and waiting for her to be ready to make a move.

As a debut novel, I found the story to be somewhat predictable, yet I still cared about the characters enough to keep me intrigued. I would definitely read Kristin Wollett’s next book, especially if Patrick is the next MMC!

Thank you NetGalley for my first ever ARC read!