This felt like the kind of story I reach for when I want something comforting but still emotionally real. The small town setting, the slow burn tension, the messy pull of returning to a place you tried to forget all hit the right notes.

If you love second chances, complicated family ties, and romance that builds through quiet, honest moments, this one is worth picking up.

This book was truly a Hallmark movie in book form. We know immediately that Samantha and Austin will end up together, that's just how these books work, so the fun is in finding out how exactly they'll get there and what 'insurmountable' obstacles will get in the way.

It's a good summer beach read. I do have to say, even though it's almost required in these types of books, I don't like how they have a perfectly intelligent, competent woman suddenly jump to biggest wrong conclusion and have her babble on and on over anyone else, just digging herself in deeper and deeper. That and, for a woman whom we are told over and over is exhausted at being embarrassed by her mother's behavior, we now have to buy that she would willingly cause a scene at a rehearsal dinner - blurting out her wrong headed conclusions in front of Austin's entire family, and going on to declare her love and otherwise, steal Lexi's thunder.

This book made my heart do somersaults. It’s that kind of slow-burn, sun-drenched, deeply emotional romance that sneaks up on you and doesn’t let go. I completely fell for the way it balances humor and heartache, past wounds and new beginnings, and how it lets two people with so much history find their way back to something real. The writing has this breezy warmth to it, like the feeling of coming home after a long time away but realising home isn’t just a place, it’s a person. The chemistry between Sam and Austin is magnetic from the start. I loved how stubborn and guarded Sam is, how determined she is not to fall for nostalgia, and I loved even more how Austin sees right through her. There’s an ease to him, but he’s not without depth. He chooses this little town every day, and that quiet loyalty just made me melt. The romance unfolds in these gentle, honest layers. It’s not rushed. It earns every moment. And it’s not just about rekindled feelings. It’s about forgiveness, about allowing yourself to change, about choosing to love the parts of your past you once ran from. Sam’s emotional journey really hit me. The way she confronts old hurt, how she softens in spite of herself, it felt so human. It’s funny, heartfelt, and genuinely romantic in a way that lingers. I adored every second.

“As a Last Resort” is a cute, breezy read that captures that classic early‑2000s rom‑com vibe, making it a perfect book to toss in your beach bag. I really enjoyed the cozy setting and appreciated how it didn’t shy away from tackling some tougher moments and confrontations.

That said, a few things didn’t quite land for me. The book had a noticeable number of grammar and punctuation errors, and some of the long‑winded love declarations felt bloated along with many run‑on sentences. The continuity also stumbled — for example, Rex is said to have four little sisters he’s protecting with TMNT underwear, but later it’s stated that all four are older than him, which pulled me out of the story.

I also felt that Samantha’s chemistry with Robby was sometimes stronger than with Austin, which made their central romance feel a bit off‑balance. I know Robby is kinda grows but alas I felt a spark for them lol. Also, there were quite a few outdated references that felt out of place.

Overall, this is a charming, nostalgic summer read, but a tighter edit and closer attention to character dynamics could have taken it from good to great.

Taking place during a Floridian summer, our FMC must return to the small town she abandoned 7 years ago for a chance at a promotion, and navigate the complicated relationships she left in her wake.

What I liked:
- This had the perfect backdrop for a summer read! I loved hearing about a small town on the water complete with ferry boats, fishing charters, and oceanfront cottages.
- Austin (gonna be a new book boyfriend) is a wonderful MMC. I really enjoyed this second chance romance with history as the backdrop of their connection (he’s her childhood best friend’s older brother). If you want to read about a down-to-earth ferry boat captain who falls first (and for the first time in a LONG time), you’ll love Austin.
- Dual POV - hearing firsthand how Austin views Sam during their interactions offers so many swoon-worthy moments. He talks about Sam in his inner monologue the way every woman deserves to be admired.
- Kristin Wollett is an author AND actress (so cool!) and you can see that mirrored in a clear respect for dialogue and conflict-heavy scenes! While the structure of this book leads certain moments in the building of the relationship/plot feeling “left off screen”, we get so many confrontations of difficult topics where our characters air out their grievances and defend their perspectives in real time. She doesn’t allow her characters to shy away from the uncomfortable, and we get to see these moments fleshed out in a direct and unavoidable way.
- Great descriptions of behavioral gestures and body language that aided the dynamic of the scenes (especially in Austin’s POV as it aided the idea of 'being loved is to be known' and fully SEEN.) They were both very observant of each other’s quirks and the things that make a person unique.

Things I noticed:
- The plot of the book didn’t kick in until about 60%. It chose to focus more on confronting character relationships once on the island (and their daily lives before they came in contact until about 20%), and therefore our understanding of her importance/goal for being on the island didn’t offer much urgency or stakes besides needing to be there to further her chance at a promotion.
- The structure of the book felt a little confusing at times. As mentioned, most chapters began with playing catch up on where the characters were at emotionally because days/events would pass that we weren’t witness to. It was never drastic but many POV changes felt like a mini reset where we needed to be told what had just occurred vs seeing what just happened.
- I didn’t love our cocky-coworker character. I understood his archetype and willingness to maintain their boss's old-fashioned ideals (blatant gender discrimination in the workforce), but we spent quite a lot of time trying to humanize him anyway? I was confused what exactly we were supposed to glean from him.
- 3rd Act Conflict: It seemed like the solutions only came in black and white where one person would end up compromising and unhappy. It was a little much towards the ending (all the things they were trying to confront that kept being revealed) but I actually really enjoyed where they ended up! I thought it was going to settle in an unrealistic direction, but I think the themes of working for love and finding room for grey-area made it more believable. And who doesn't love drama...

All in all, glad I could read this! I highlighted SO many quotes that either made me laugh or swoon with BEAUTIFULLY specific romance brilliance.

✨ Book Review: As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett

Thank you @netgalley for this ARC!

This was such a fun and enjoyable read! Perfect book for the beach .🏖️

When NYC real estate developer Samantha Leigh is forced to return to the Florida hometown she swore off, she’s hit with her painful past—and an old crush who refuses to stay in the past. 💔🏝️

Full of heart, healing, and a splash of sunshine, this debut rom-com is about second chances, letting go of old wounds, and finding love where you least expect it. A perfect beach read with emotional depth and small-town charm! 💼➡️💕

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#RomComReads #BeachReads #AsALastResort #KristinWollett #BookReview #SecondChances

I enjoyed the coastal island setting and the lighthearted vibe of "As a Last Resort." The two main characters, Samantha and Austin, were likeable and the parts of the book that included Sam's assistant, Ivy, were hilarious. My main issue was that Sam is supposed to have just turned 26 (the story is set in 2023), yet there are several references to her teenage obsession with Taylor Hanson. Hanson's popularity reached it's zenith around the time the character was born. She also was fond of Debbie Gibson, easily a good 10 years before Hanson. There were also a couple of other instances that didn't match up with the time frame that were too distracting to ignore. Aside from that I enjoyed the novel.

Books are like soulmates. There is someone for everyone and this one…..was for me!!!

I came for the cover but stayed for the plot. This was hands down a 5 star read and I wouldn’t be surprised if it got picked up for a tv/film adaptation. If you love 90s rom-coms, different POVs, character growth, forgiveness, coming home, and making it work against all odds then clear your schedule and dive into this story. Sam and Austin’s love story is one for the ages. Even when they shouldn’t work together they just do and it’s just right. Not only do you have the chance to fall in love with them but all the couples around them like Mark Kay and Bill (Austin and Lexi’s parents) who bring a love that last vibe that we all yearn for. Lexi and Rex (Austin’s sister and Sam’s best friend) a new love that’s so wholesome. Even Bonnie and her husband (Sam’s parents) a love that’s was cut too short. There is something for everyone but be warned this book does cover some topics that could be triggering for some people like addiction, infidelity, and death. I could go on and on about this book but it something everyone should experience. So make sure you put it on your TBR.

I can’t wait to get the physical copy of this book when it comes out in September. I look forward to reading more book by this author in the future. Thank you to the author Kristin Wollett and NetGalley for allowing me to get an ARC.

📖 ARC Review 📖

Samantha has done everything in her power to stay far away from her hometown of Rock Island. Ever since the accident, she left behind everyone she knew and built a new life in New York City.

But luck isn’t on her side. Her company’s next big deal? It's in Rock Island. And the person originally assigned to do the due diligence? Out with appendicitis.

So now, for the first time in seven years, Samantha is heading back home and straight towards everything she's been running from. She's determined to keep her head down, get the job done, and fly under the radar. Only . . . falling straight into the arms of her childhood crush (literally) is not exactly part of the plan.

Now she’s knee deep in hometown nostalgia, boat rides, and feelings. She’s supposed to be all business, but Rock Island, and a certain someone, isn’t making it easy.

Overall I had a great time with this book, even if it wasn’t all sunshine and sparkles. Wollett weaves in heavy themes like addiction and childhood trauma, giving the story real depth. What seemed like a Hallmark setup surprised me with its grit and emotion. Don’t worry there’s a HEA, but the journey is a little heavier, and that’s what makes it so satisfying. If you love small town charm, healing arcs, and rom-coms that balance silly and serious, this one’s for you. 4.5 stars!

What I Liked:
☀️ The conflict!
There were real, tangible problems to work through, and they made sense. I didn’t spend the entire book rolling my eyes, screaming “just talk already!” Which, let’s be honest, happens way too often in romance.
☀️ The atmosphere!
 We really delivered on the island vibes, and I was here for it. All the boat scenes, the nautical themed local food joints, and pirate putt-putt! So much fun in the sun was poured into these pages.
☀️ The MMC!
 Austin was a 👌🏻 kind of book boyfriend. A green flag through and through, hardworking, kind, family-oriented, hot, and a business owner. I loved the romance and how the story unfolded but Austin stole the show for me.

What I Didn't Like:
☀️ The FMC. Samantha was hard to like. In some ways, this actually worked for the story but it also kept me from fully loving the book. She was so damaged it took some of the fun away and at the same time a little too quirky for me. Sometimes I vibed with it, other times I did not. I detracted just a bit for this.
☀️ The love proclamations. Yeesh ya’ll those speeches were too long.
Honestly? I started zoning out. They were repetitive and dragged a bit. Cutting them down would have brought more emotional impact. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely why this wasn’t a full 5-star read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, Forever Publishing, and Kristin Wollett for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was just what I needed to kick off the summer!

I thought it was breathtaking. A beautiful story of overcoming trauma responses you once used to keep yourself safe. I loved watching Sam and Austin fall in love. Especially against the backdrop of a small Florida beach town.
Definitely a great summer read!

This book was such a great read for summer and I could easily picture myself reading it at the beach, lake or on a boat. I could easily relate to Samantha’s situation and her past and even though she was extremely career driven, she was a really likable character. I loved Austin too and how he was in 100% from the beginning, even knowing Samantha might not stay. I am giving this 4 stars, since this was also categorized as romance, along with fiction, I did expect more on-page spicy scenes.

As a Last Resort” Deserves to Be Your First Pick: A Feel-Good Romance with Real Depth
As A Last Resort, the debut novel by Kristin Wollett, knocked it out of the park! This is a closed-door romance with the works: witty banter, big-time butterflies, quirky assistant, ride-or-die bestie, even a couple of unexpected tears. I was lucky enough to read this as an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) before publication, but rest assured that I’ll be grabbing a physical copy when it's published September 2, 2025!
Hype Report:
There isn’t any hype to speak of yet, but let me be the first to tell you that there should be! Romance readers, put it on your list. GET HYPED
Aesthetic
Cover:
Fun, beachy, and brightly colored, this cover spoke directly to my mood-reader needs. There is a wealth of rich detail in the illustrated style, but it is very balanced and well orchestrated, drawing your eye exactly where it needs to go. I especially like the interplay between the illustrated elements and the book title (birds and palm fronds). I also like the detail that the shoes she is carrying are a similar hue to his shorts, creating a connection between the main characters before we even crack the cover!
Interior:
The Kindle version worked perfectly. Chapter headings make it clear whose point of view you are reading. Font choices were appropriate and easy to read.
Did the design affect whether I bought the book?
Yes, when browsing available ARCs the cover certainly influenced my decision to read the description, which ultimately led to my read request.
Plot summary:
From the Publisher:
Opposites attract when a real estate developer's quest for a promotion returns her to the coastal hometown she loathes—where she's reunited with her teenage crush turned town golden boy.
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?
One Sentence Synopsis:
When a work assignment forces Samantha to return to the hometown she deliberately ran away from seven years earlier, she must confront her past – and the people she left behind – to find her way to a better future.
Character analysis:
The characters are fully formed and beautifully flawed. Even the side characters have been given thought. I could easily imagine related novels about their own love stories. Our FMC, Samantha, has trauma that doesn’t feel manufactured. Her choices are reasonable for a person in her position. What is even better is that as the story resolves, her struggles don’t just get swept away; you can see that she is developing and learning to face her fears instead of running away. The MMC is delightfully realistic. He is sweet and swoony in a way that feels genuine (i.e. achievable in real life), which adds to the appeal.
Writing style evaluation:
Wollett is a show instead of tell writer, and I am here for it! There are ample quirky turns of phrase that help to paint a clear picture of the scene, but also give you a glimpse into the character and keep the text buoyant. There is a lightness to the writing that makes it very appealing. The story is well paced, and elements unfold in a way that is organic. The problems introduced throughout the plot and the backstory that supports them are revealed rather than dropped in your lap. The writing style appealed to me so much that I read the bio at the end to see if there was a mention of other books, so I could go find them. I was wholly surprised to find this was a debut novel.
Theme analysis:
There were romance tropes – best friends’ older brother, opposites attract, and a little miscommunication. But the content doesn’t stop at the surface. Themes of alcoholism and the death of a parent are deeply woven into this story and dealt with as gently as one might while still allowing it to be traumatic for the character. There is also some inappropriate workplace behavior that could easily be filed as harassment in an HR complaint. Simmering on the sidelines are friendship, both new and rekindled old ones. For being a light-hearted romp, this novel packed a lot of emotional punch.
Critical evaluation:
Wollett has managed to write a story that seamlessly blends a tale of two hearts finding each other, with multiple personal growth journeys (yes, beyond just the main characters). There is a level of depth that makes the story resonate, combined with a lightness that makes the whole thing read like a rom-com. There are a number of pop-culture references that anchor the story in place and time. On one hand, these add a level of reality and connection with the audience. On the other hand, it may not age exceptionally well. (Does Gen Z even know who Debbie Gibson is?)
Personal opinion:
As a Last Resort combines A-level writing with a rollercoaster of emotions. It's exactly what I wanted it to be and so much more than I had hoped. Kristin Wollett will be an author that I will gladly read more of in the future.
Recommendation:
If you are a fan of closed-door romances and big-time butterflies, this book is for you. (Read the content guidance if you are sensitive to certain types of content.) Even if you tend toward open-door romances, I’d say this is a worthy detour.
Romance readers, mark the calendar - September 2, 2025. Get it. Read it. Come back here and share your thoughts. Do you ship Sam and Austin? I do.
Content Guidance: This story features a parent struggling with substance abuse as well as the sudden death of a parent (off-page) in the past. Please take care when reading.


**Review scheduled to be shared on https://laceyinthelibrary.com/ at the end of July. The review will be promoted via my social channels.

I quite enjoyed this romance. I thought the characters were well developed and it was enjoyable to see how each of them progressed throughout the story.

Thank you to the publisher for this ARC

I somehow didn’t see the content warnings for this one so I need to put it down for now. However I really enjoyed the cover, the writing style and the premise itself. I’m curious to see what other books this author has published as I enjoyed the portion I read of this one but unfortunately the content warnings are ones I personally need to avoid currently.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this eARC. I totally recommend this to romance lovers. I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.

The cover of this book was done well. The bright colorful jacket draws you in, setting the scene for the coastal Florida backdrop. As a Floridian, I felt the setting was right up my alley. I did, however, struggle to connect with the characters in the story. Sam and Austin, for me, needed a bit more developing to get me invested in their connection. I might give this a reread to see if my perception was off, but I really did want to love this "returning home" theme and letting go of past grudges which we can all relate to. Thank you to Kristin Wollett, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.