Book Review: The Last Boyfriend

Nora Roberts

First Impressions:

The Last Boyfriend is the second book in the “Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy” and this is the story where we get Owen’s book. This has the flair of Nora Roberts’ signature writing. It has the level of charm and witty humor that is so layered within the dialogue; it has the cozy but detailed atmosphere and enchanting family dynamics. The world-building is spot on and really captures the beauty and essence of the renovation of a bed + breakfast as what is displayed within this story. It brings together a friendship that develops deeper bonds but also tackles some challenging conflicts that only bind our couple together even stronger than before.

I have missed this too…..missed touching you. Here he was smelling of sawdust, her true north…constant and steady.”

Book Evaluation

Plot: 3/5
World Building:5/5
Cover:5/5
Hero: 4/5
Heroine:3.5/5
Intimacy Level: 2.5/5
Relationship Building: 4/5
Heart & Feels:4/5
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 5/5
Page Turner Level:4/5
Narration:3/5
Ending:5/5
Overall View: 4.5/6

The Main Protagonists

The Hero: Owen Montgomery
The Heroine: Avery MacTavish

What I Loved

The Last Boyfriend was a story that I was really excited for. I didn’t really remember too much about the first book since I read it so long ago, but only recently did I realize I never finished the trilogy, and I will be frank: I am not sure why, as I actually loved the first book. This is a gentle and slow friends-to-lovers. Its not quick in the spice, and it’s not going to be a super consuming read. But what it delivers is soft and easy and packed with comforting vibes. It builds slowly. Owen and Avery have been friends since they were kids and they don’t see the romantic feelings until they are invested in each other. Seeing the sparks slowly build with them was captivating. There is an easy charm and such a comforting relationship that they have for each other. They don’t fight their feelings too much, and that was beyond refreshing. The details of the world-building were so rich in detail. In this installment, we are focusing on the decoration of the Inn they are building together. I really liked that we are seeing the beautiful touches and how the author really tackles it so well to build on the atmosphere so well. The family dynamics portrayed was just right. And I found it so fun to have the parents falling for each other. Avery’s dad with Owen’s mom but the fallout was beyond a RIOT! Every time I pick up a Nora Roberts I am reminded on her simple talent that packs the right punch.

He thought he knew her, every facet. The parts of her that questioned her worth and her courage and heart were new to him. Added Complexities and vulnerabilities to those hurts he offered a gentle touch.”

What I Struggled With

I will be honest in that the pacing is what I struggled with the most in the story. Much of this I believe, is down to the audio, but I will talk about that later. The story does start very slow and so it takes time before you become fully invested in the story as you should. But once the romance really starts to pick up steam is when you really get pulled into the story.

Narration

I wanted to really love the narration, but it was a battle, and it was one of the biggest reasons why it took so long for me to really enjoy this one here. I wanted to love it more than I did. But I really didn’t want to waste an Everand credit lol, so I stuck with it. I think I probably would have enjoyed this one better if I had physically read it or it had a narrator that wasn’t so monotone in their voice style.

Overall Thoughts

The Last Boyfriend really tackles the portrayal of a rich setting that delivers in both detail and cozy vibes. Its romance might start out slow at first, but it will dig deep for the reader in the emotion, the moments in which they battle for each other, and the ending will stick with the reader deep and with vivid detail of poignant emotion to bring a tear to your eye!

I thought something was missing in me because I didn’t feel enough. But what was missing was….you”

Book Details:

Title: The Last Boyfriend

Author: Nora Roberts

Publication Date: May 1 2012

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Narrator: MacLeod Andrews

Length: 10 Hours + 40 Minutes

Tropes/Character Types: Baker/Chef, Business Owner, Property Renovation, Family Saga

Spice Level: Warm (There are a few sex scenes, but they are short and sweet, and nothing too much in detail)

POV: 3rd

Music Song That Is Themed After This Book: Say You Love Me by Jessie Ware

Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family’s construction business with an iron fist – and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers give him grief for his compulsive list making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn’t plan for was Avery MacTavish….

Avery’s popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation — and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery’s thoughts. But the attraction she’s feeling for him now is far from innocent.

As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of BoonsBoro a reason to celebrate. But Owen’s hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected — and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last…