“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!
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Aesthetic
The Cover
Fun, beachy, and brightly colored, the cover of the As A Last Resort 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.
Summary
In Short
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.
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?
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
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 As A Last Resort is a debut novel.
Themes
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.
Buy The Book
Notes
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.
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.
May your life be as full as your bookshelf and as long as your TBR list.
Happy Reading!
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