Reviews with content warning for Miscarriage - Final Offer

My summary: It’s been six years since Cal let his demons and addiction problems push him away from Alana and his late grandfather’s summer house in Lake Wisteria. And six years ago, Alana was left brokenhearted by Cal and then thrust into unexpected single motherhood shortly after. Needless to say, she is not happy to find Cal at her doorstep of the house that she believes was deeded to her by his grandfather years ago. Instead, Cal announces he is there to sell her beloved home. It’s a term of Cal’s inheritance clause in his grandfather’s will—and he can’t let Alana know that his and his brother’s futures are riding on it. Forced to confront not only his one true love but also his addiction issues, Cal must reconcile his feelings for Alana with his required tasks from his grandfather. And Alana swore years ago that she would never again let herself fall under Cal’s spell again, despite his return reviving all her buried feelings and dreams.

My thoughts: Final Offer is the final book in the Dreamland Billionaires trilogy and follows Cal’s story. I enjoyed the aspect of Cal being best friends with Iris in Terms and Conditions and was eager to jump into this one. I already knew from the prior book that Cal has struggled with addiction for his entire adult life, so obviously that was a big component of the story. But his addiction was very much a Dreamland-esque fairy tale version of addiction, which I guess is fine in a lighthearted billionaire romance trilogy. I just felt like it was viewed a little too much through rose-tinted glasses in the plot. This book is very long and moved fairly slowly for me. That being said, I did really enjoy the character development of Alana and the reblossoming of love between her and Cal. I enjoyed the aspect of Cal and Cami’s relationship growing, although at times it felt like there were some big leaps there that weren’t fully developed in the book. The first book I read by Lauren Asher was Love Redesigned, which is so far my absolute favorite of hers, so I loved that this book spent so much time in Lake Wisteria with some character cameos and mentions in this book. Overall, at least 100 fewer pages would’ve really improved this book for me but I did enjoy it.

Content Warnings

thebookaddict's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Toen ik begon in het laatste deel van deze serie had ik enorm veel hoop! De andere boeken waren echt geweldig en stiekem was cal mijn favoriete broer dus het leukst werd voor het laatst bewaard! Dit verhaal had alles waar ik in een boek naar zoek: romance, spice, kinderen, humor en een onderliggend plot. Tijdens het lezen heb ik zoveel verschillende emoties ervaren dat het bijna beschamend was om dit boek te lezen als mensen erbij waren. Ik moest af en toe een traantje laten en ik heb zeker ook hardop gelachen. De schrijfwijze was heel goed, ondanks dat het een engels boek is ben ik erdoorheen gevlogen. Ik had niet eens meer door hoeveel tijd er verstreken was! Ik raad deze serie aan iedereen aan het is zeker weten één van mijn mijn favoriete series geworden!

Ik vind het heel jammer dat deze serie nu klaar is! Ik had er nog wel langer van kunnen genieten!

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marippe's review against another edition

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4.25

I actually enjoyed how Cal's addiction was told in this book, I think it was able to explain him but also not excuse him. His addiction also doesn't go away, its a journey he'll continue to fight!

I liked the narrative of him choosing sobriety for himself rather than just Lana, that was a really good touch.

I thought Cal and Lana were cute but the childhood friends to lovers kinda doesnt work if theres a 4 year gap, like Cal at 16 is in love with a 12 year old? I tried not to think of it too much.

Cami was cute, I actually was fond of her.
The townspeople were kinda funny but I wish they were a little more fleshed out.
Delilah and Violet - I don't really know who they are lol they're just there so Lana has people to talk to but they aren't really given distinct personalities.

The book was long and I agree it defintely could've been shorter, but it didn't particularly bother me. It made me laugh a few times. I liked when Cal was like "Yeah, that was totally persuasive. You got her B)" when he convinced absolutely nobody.

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neverlandpages4's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This one has the small town and second chance trope which are also two of my favorites and I loved it so much!

The first two books almost made me believe in true love, Final Offer convinced me that there IS true love out there.

Cal struggled with his addiction and I was feeling bad for him the entire time. He ends up going to rehab to get another chance with Lana but I think it’s good that it emphasizes the importance of getting better for yourself before anyone else. Although he did it for their relationship, he also knew how much HE needed it.

The ending was everything I needed and more all 3 couples were together with their children and it felt like one big family 🥹

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jessreadseverything's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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marygg3's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I knew this would be my favorite one!
Cal is everything and we must protect him at all costs.
The smut? Top tier, God level, 5🌶 hot!
The struggle that Cal had to go through? Oh my God! So much growth, so much hardship, so much strength.
Lana got on my nerves sometimes when she kept assuming the worst, but I do see where she's coming from. My boy didn't make it easy on her.
Cami is the best thing that ever happened to this world.
The other two brothers are beautiful and I lived for their cameos, Iris is a goddess and Zahra deserves all the good things in this world. Plus, puppy-eyed Rowan and Declan have my heart.
The conclusion to everything with Seth was beyond satisfactory.
I'd never read something with the single-parent trope before and now nothing will ever compare.
The banter, the sweetness, the heart-wrenching moments that had me kicking and crying and giggling like and idiot.
Let's just say, this book gave me life. Will read everything Lauren Asher graces this world by writing. At this point, I'd expect to have hearts in my eyes at the sight of her grocery shopping list.

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siijayreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"Falling in love with yourself is ten times harder than falling in love with someone else, especially when I don't like myself very much."

*CONTAINS SPOILERS*

AAAHH It's a bittersweet feeling ending the series with this third and final book. I have grown attached to the characters and learned so much from their paths, struggles, and triumphs. Final Offer was a perfect mixture of tension, swoon, angst, and humor that had me hooked right from the start! There's a part that takes me back to the vibes of reading The Fine Print which makes me want to reread the whole series someday.

Out of all the three, this one is the most heavy, emotional, and heart-wrenching one for me that tugs at the heartstrings. From the first two books I already knew Cal is a fun character so to finally see things from his perspective and to see that despite the happy and jolly exterior he presents, there lies a tired and struggling man who only wishes to be loved and seen by his family. His character proves that sometimes the people we think to be the happiest tend to hide something. I relate to Cal in a way that we’re both middle children and that sometimes there is a lingering feeling of being the family fuck up who tends to be compared to others. I know little about alcoholism so Cal's journey is such an insightful experience and I appreciate how the author didn’t water down the reality and show how much addiction affects not only the person but also the people around them. Also, Cal being a book reader does things to my heart <3

Lana herself has been through a lot and, I got some insights on what it's like to have people in your life who has an addiction. She is selfless and strong but aside from that she is also relatable in the way that she doubts herself and her abilities. Her reluctance to follow her dreams because of her insecurities is something that hits too close to home. She is also a loving mom to Cami and her dedication to making sure her daughter is loved and cared for is what makes me love and respect her so much. Like Zahra and Iris, Alana made her way into my heart easily and it brings me so much joy that they have become great friends! I LOVE seeing my girls together!! I also love that she knows her limits and boundaries and when to say enough is enough.

Lana and Cal's relationship is such a rollercoaster ride and I loved every single moment of unraveling their dynamics and history. I love that they push each other to become the best versions of themselves. They share a lot of history and memories and the inevitable pull between them is evident in their every interaction. I can feel how much they still love each and no separation can dispel their passion for one another. If that doesn't scream soul mates then I don’t know what does. Their chemistry is palpable and I love how Lana acknowledges that no matter how much she loves Cal, so long as he doesn't love himself then building a relationship with him again might be tough, especially since she has a kid now. Cal and Cami's relationship is sweet and wholesome! I absolutely adored every interaction they had and those little moments that made Cal realize how much Cami has slowly made her way into his heart. That little girl has Cal wrapped around her little finger! Lana describing Cal as a girl dad makes my heart squeeze from the wholesomeness of it all!

When I started this series I expected to have the typical office romance book but it turned out to be so much more. I’m proud of the brothers and what they've achieved and overcome and for the men they've become. Each individual journey of theirs has been rough but I was cheering inside for them knowing that what made them cold, unfeeling, and an asshole is because of their upbringing and lack of a parental figure, specifically from their father. I’d like to think that their mother would be proud of the men they have become. I like that they acknowledge their shortcomings and actually put in the work to change rather than letting it stay as an idea. I also love that they are slowly mending their relationships as brothers!

The women, Zahra, Iris, and Alana have also secured a very special place in my heart. I am absolutely certain that without these women, the Declan brothers wouldn't even be half of the men that they are today. These women have made me realize the woman I aspire to become. They are the epitome of a strong-willed woman whose minds are as big as their hearts. They are everything to me and I am not exaggerating when I say that they have become one of my role models in life. Each woman, with their strengths and struggles, has become the one that grounds the story. The way they don't take any shit from others, especially from the Kane brothers is what makes me love them even more. The way they put the brothers into their places is so funny and admirable.

These characters and the story have meant so much to me and reading the third and final book solidified its spot as one of my favorite series ever. Its ability to make me empathize with the characters opened my mind and widened my perspective. I love how the series beautifully intertwines with one another. The way they flow and connect is beautiful and I love reading bits that reference the other books especially when characters from the previous book pop up. There's a sense of comfort in knowing that they exist in the same world. Spending almost 2 weeks immersed in the world of the Dreamland Billionaires series makes me want to read it again for the first time! The epilogue and extended epilogues have become my favorite part of reading the series. I absolutely love seeing their triumphs and finally being happy and at peace with their life together with their family. I love this series so much and it will stay with me for a long time.

Content Warnings

kiwij96's review

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a hefty read, emotionally, with the main theme of the story being addiction. However, it was handled and written sensitively and realistically by the author. For an almost 600 page book, this felt like way less. It was such an easy read with great pacing, generally great plot, and great characters.

Acouple of gripes would include a few grammatical errors and minor inconsistencies, and also that Cami felt like this idealistic, spoilt 5 year old written by someone who has never met a 5 year old. Also the way that Cal just barged back into his ex's life and just demanded she sell her home as if it didn't matter, bullying her into selling it until she agreed, and then when she had doubts about it he would get pissy and say "I thought this is what you wanted". However, if these things didn't exist then the book wouldn't have been as enjoyable as I found it.

Definitely a rollercoaster of a book. But definitely definitely not for people who may have triggers around addiction, specifically drugs and alcohol.

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