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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
Review:
This story was compelling from start to finish. Harper is work focused, but also incredibly good at her job, which makes her humanity fly off the page. I loved her realtionships with the celebrities she interviews and how it humanizes them. Her passion for storytelling and the truth makes her so relatable and interesting. When her nemesis moves to her magazine we see a new part of her. A small, bitter part of her that loves to bicker and refuses to back down. As their backstory unfolds we understand their past and their relationship really starts to take off. The format of this story is the only thing that I wasn't sure worked. It dragged on a bit as we try to figure out how these people are related to each other and their past. It took a little bit too long for me to understand, not only why Harper was so mad, but who this random guy was and why she had such strong feelings about him.
Synopsis:
The Hating Game meets Beach Read in Katy Birchall's enemies-to-lovers romcom The Last Word, about a young journalist who puts her career (and her heart) on the line when her former work nemesis is hired in her newsroom.
Harper Jenkins is at the top of her game. A brilliant, determined journalist with a well-known knack for getting tight-lipped Hollywood stars to open up to her, Harper loves her job as Celebrity Editor at a newspaper’s glossy weekend magazine and has the best contacts in the business.
But when her awful boss hires talented reporter Ryan to be the new Features Editor, Harper is furious. Because the two have met before: a decade ago, they were interns at the same publication, where they fell into a whirlwind romance…until Ryan betrayed Harper, and they never spoke again.
Thrown together in a busy newsroom, their dynamic is a disaster from the start. They can’t agree on anything and bicker constantly—Ryan can’t bear how chaotic and messy Harper is; Harper finds Ryan’s condescending nature infuriating. They clash over who’s writing what article, and fight over who’s going to which event.
Yet as they’re forced to spend more and more time together, Harper realizes she may have misjudged Ryan and can’t help but feel a spark growing between them. Long buried feelings start to resurface and, when they’re thrown together on a romantic press trip abroad, their chemistry comes to a head.
But all is fair in love and magazines, and with the news that layoffs across the department are imminent, Harper is left to wonder: who will get the last word?
This story was compelling from start to finish. Harper is work focused, but also incredibly good at her job, which makes her humanity fly off the page. I loved her realtionships with the celebrities she interviews and how it humanizes them. Her passion for storytelling and the truth makes her so relatable and interesting. When her nemesis moves to her magazine we see a new part of her. A small, bitter part of her that loves to bicker and refuses to back down. As their backstory unfolds we understand their past and their relationship really starts to take off. The format of this story is the only thing that I wasn't sure worked. It dragged on a bit as we try to figure out how these people are related to each other and their past. It took a little bit too long for me to understand, not only why Harper was so mad, but who this random guy was and why she had such strong feelings about him.
Synopsis:
The Hating Game meets Beach Read in Katy Birchall's enemies-to-lovers romcom The Last Word, about a young journalist who puts her career (and her heart) on the line when her former work nemesis is hired in her newsroom.
Harper Jenkins is at the top of her game. A brilliant, determined journalist with a well-known knack for getting tight-lipped Hollywood stars to open up to her, Harper loves her job as Celebrity Editor at a newspaper’s glossy weekend magazine and has the best contacts in the business.
But when her awful boss hires talented reporter Ryan to be the new Features Editor, Harper is furious. Because the two have met before: a decade ago, they were interns at the same publication, where they fell into a whirlwind romance…until Ryan betrayed Harper, and they never spoke again.
Thrown together in a busy newsroom, their dynamic is a disaster from the start. They can’t agree on anything and bicker constantly—Ryan can’t bear how chaotic and messy Harper is; Harper finds Ryan’s condescending nature infuriating. They clash over who’s writing what article, and fight over who’s going to which event.
Yet as they’re forced to spend more and more time together, Harper realizes she may have misjudged Ryan and can’t help but feel a spark growing between them. Long buried feelings start to resurface and, when they’re thrown together on a romantic press trip abroad, their chemistry comes to a head.
But all is fair in love and magazines, and with the news that layoffs across the department are imminent, Harper is left to wonder: who will get the last word?
3.5 stars rounded up !
"He called me a chaotic, shiny star." GAHHH this line.
guys i will forever be a sucker for an office romance... but adding in past lovers who bicker nonstop, sign me up!!!!! the banter was EVERYTHING.
i genuinely loved both harper and ryan so much. ryan is such a sweetheart. these characters were written so beautifully. i would've done ANYTHING to get a ryan pov though... like just imagining what was going through his mind all the times they were together just has me like omg!!!!
i really liked how this book shed light on not only how hard pursuing journalism can be, but how hard it is for women in that industry as well. it was written and incorporated very well. i love how female centered and uplifting this book was.
overall this was such a wonderful book and thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc.
"He called me a chaotic, shiny star." GAHHH this line.
guys i will forever be a sucker for an office romance... but adding in past lovers who bicker nonstop, sign me up!!!!! the banter was EVERYTHING.
i genuinely loved both harper and ryan so much. ryan is such a sweetheart. these characters were written so beautifully. i would've done ANYTHING to get a ryan pov though... like just imagining what was going through his mind all the times they were together just has me like omg!!!!
i really liked how this book shed light on not only how hard pursuing journalism can be, but how hard it is for women in that industry as well. it was written and incorporated very well. i love how female centered and uplifting this book was.
overall this was such a wonderful book and thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc.
The Last Word by Katy Birchall is a delightful and entertaining young adult contemporary novel that will captivate readers with its witty humor and relatable characters. Birchall's engaging writing style and engaging storytelling make for a fun and engaging reading experience. The book follows the story of Emily, a determined and endearing protagonist who finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of mystery and adventure.
One of the strengths of The Last Word is Birchall's ability to blend humor and suspense seamlessly. The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to Emily's sharp wit and hilarious antics. The author's comedic timing and clever dialogue add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story, making it a truly entertaining read.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and insecurities. Emily's journey of self-discovery and growth is authentic and heartfelt, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level. The friendships and familial relationships portrayed in the book are also a highlight, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.
Birchall's writing is fast-paced and engaging, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing and eager to uncover the truth alongside Emily. The balance between humor, mystery, and character development is well-executed, making for a compelling and satisfying reading experience.
In conclusion, The Last Word is a delightful and entertaining young adult novel that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Katy Birchall's witty storytelling and relatable characters make this book a great choice for those seeking a lighthearted and engaging read. If you're in the mood for a humorous and thrilling adventure with a relatable protagonist, The Last Word is the perfect pick.
One of the strengths of The Last Word is Birchall's ability to blend humor and suspense seamlessly. The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, thanks to Emily's sharp wit and hilarious antics. The author's comedic timing and clever dialogue add an extra layer of enjoyment to the story, making it a truly entertaining read.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and insecurities. Emily's journey of self-discovery and growth is authentic and heartfelt, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level. The friendships and familial relationships portrayed in the book are also a highlight, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.
Birchall's writing is fast-paced and engaging, keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing and eager to uncover the truth alongside Emily. The balance between humor, mystery, and character development is well-executed, making for a compelling and satisfying reading experience.
In conclusion, The Last Word is a delightful and entertaining young adult novel that will leave readers with a smile on their faces. Katy Birchall's witty storytelling and relatable characters make this book a great choice for those seeking a lighthearted and engaging read. If you're in the mood for a humorous and thrilling adventure with a relatable protagonist, The Last Word is the perfect pick.
This was a fun romance. I really enjoyed watching the relationship between Harper and Ryan. The way they pushed each other’s buttons. I really enjoyed watching Harper at work - how she looked for articles and connected with her interviewees.
I feel like the secret Ryan kept from Harper in the past wasn’t such a crazy thing. But I can also understand the feelings Harper was dealing with.
Overall enjoyed this one.
I feel like the secret Ryan kept from Harper in the past wasn’t such a crazy thing. But I can also understand the feelings Harper was dealing with.
Overall enjoyed this one.
The Last Word is a workplace, enemies to lovers romance. This story is about Harper and Ryan. Harper is at the top of her game working a talented journalist, she writes the stories of celebrities, while being respectful and caring. She loves everything about her job, until Ryan, her nemesis starts as the features editor. As they are forced to spend time together Harper remembers the time they worked together and feels the spark growing between them. Harper has to decide if she can trust and give her heart to him.
The banter and chemistry between Harper and Ryan is top notch! Even when they are hating each other, the sparks are flying. I did find Harper to be a bit immature when they were fighting as if she was just continuing to fight, for the actual fight. Even up to the third act break-up/conflict she was still struggling to listen. She did seem to grow after that, and come to a better headspace where she could forgive and move forward.
I did really enjoy this book though. It was a slow burn, and we really got to know the characters both separate and together. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
The banter and chemistry between Harper and Ryan is top notch! Even when they are hating each other, the sparks are flying. I did find Harper to be a bit immature when they were fighting as if she was just continuing to fight, for the actual fight. Even up to the third act break-up/conflict she was still struggling to listen. She did seem to grow after that, and come to a better headspace where she could forgive and move forward.
I did really enjoy this book though. It was a slow burn, and we really got to know the characters both separate and together. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book. All opinions are 100% mine.
Workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, and a second chance romance, several of my favorite tropes all rolled in to one novel.
Birchall does well with the developement of the characters. Both Harper and Ryan are total opposites, yet they are relatable characters in their own right and bringing them together makes you want to root for them as a couple. I enjoyed the flashbacks giving the background and history to the development of Harper and Ryan's relationship this time around.
The family themes and the workplace drama add just a little bit extra that make The Last Word a great read.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin, and Katy Birchall for the opportunity to read and review.
Birchall does well with the developement of the characters. Both Harper and Ryan are total opposites, yet they are relatable characters in their own right and bringing them together makes you want to root for them as a couple. I enjoyed the flashbacks giving the background and history to the development of Harper and Ryan's relationship this time around.
The family themes and the workplace drama add just a little bit extra that make The Last Word a great read.
Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin, and Katy Birchall for the opportunity to read and review.
3.5 stars rounded up because I loved The Wedding Season and The Secret Bridesmaid so much (and because it could have just been the slightly wrong time to read this one for me).
4.5 stars. Katy Birchall can do no wrong in the romcom genre! I love that her books are sweet but not saccharine, and always have a fierce set of memorable characters. The will-they-won't-they, enemies-to-lovers, and workplace romance troupes all blended nicely into a satisfying story. I can't wait to see what is next for Katy Birchall!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
The Last Word is a journalism rivalry romance with a lot of heart, passion, wit, mixed with a touch of London flare. Having just been in London only a week ago, I loved being able to visually see where these characters interacted.
Harper is a celebrity journalist who is passionate about her job, and Ryan is just the one annoying guy standing in her way. I loved the way this romance was built around current second chance scenarios and past flashbacks. It felt very much in the vein of Same Time Next Summer meets The Hating Game.
There are a lot of cute little moments and I enjoyed Ryan as a love interest as there's definitely more to him than just a competitor. Theres many wonderful romantic situations that were really sweet.
What frustrated me about the book is that the conflict repeated itself in a way that felt retroactive to the characters growth. I just didn't like how the "history repeats itself" situation was done and handled. I also felt like the book could have had a great conclusion much earlier on in the story, so the ending felt a bit prolonged.
I loved the authors writing style and sense of story, so while this wasn't a home fun, I definitely would not hesitate to read this authors next book because I did enjoy quite a few things about it.
**2 open door more mild with light strong language.
Harper is a celebrity journalist who is passionate about her job, and Ryan is just the one annoying guy standing in her way. I loved the way this romance was built around current second chance scenarios and past flashbacks. It felt very much in the vein of Same Time Next Summer meets The Hating Game.
There are a lot of cute little moments and I enjoyed Ryan as a love interest as there's definitely more to him than just a competitor. Theres many wonderful romantic situations that were really sweet.
What frustrated me about the book is that the conflict repeated itself in a way that felt retroactive to the characters growth. I just didn't like how the "history repeats itself" situation was done and handled. I also felt like the book could have had a great conclusion much earlier on in the story, so the ending felt a bit prolonged.
I loved the authors writing style and sense of story, so while this wasn't a home fun, I definitely would not hesitate to read this authors next book because I did enjoy quite a few things about it.
**2 open door more mild with light strong language.
*Thank you @smpromance and @netgalley for the copy of this book*
Harper Jenkins is an extremely likable and successful celebrity journalist for a weekend magazine. She is a total workaholic with an awful boss but loves her job. When a new editor, Ryan, is hired she is livid. Although Ryan is talented, they have a colorful past - they were interns at the same publication and had a brief romance that did not end on great terms. As they are forced to work together, she starts to see a different side to him and old feelings resurface. However, when rumors of layoffs arise, they are placed into a similar scenario from their past.
Although this is labeled as a romance, I felt like this story mainly focused on Harper's career, personal growth, and friendships. The romance aspect was definitely pushed to the backburner and didn't really appear until midway through the book - I am all for a slow burn but this was super slow. Once the romance amped up the book was already ending and a majority of their relationship took place during a time gap at the end. A little spice would have been a nice addition to this story - the few scenes included were very light. I could have done without all the simple miscommunication - my least favorite trope. I loved how fun and quirky Harper was but the way she treated Ryan drove me insane. Ryan was super sweet and a total saint to deal with Harper. The entire story is from Harper's perspective, it would have been interesting to see Ryan's POV. This was still a simple and entertaining slow burn, second chance, enemies to lovers story. (⭐️⭐️/5)
Harper Jenkins is an extremely likable and successful celebrity journalist for a weekend magazine. She is a total workaholic with an awful boss but loves her job. When a new editor, Ryan, is hired she is livid. Although Ryan is talented, they have a colorful past - they were interns at the same publication and had a brief romance that did not end on great terms. As they are forced to work together, she starts to see a different side to him and old feelings resurface. However, when rumors of layoffs arise, they are placed into a similar scenario from their past.
Although this is labeled as a romance, I felt like this story mainly focused on Harper's career, personal growth, and friendships. The romance aspect was definitely pushed to the backburner and didn't really appear until midway through the book - I am all for a slow burn but this was super slow. Once the romance amped up the book was already ending and a majority of their relationship took place during a time gap at the end. A little spice would have been a nice addition to this story - the few scenes included were very light. I could have done without all the simple miscommunication - my least favorite trope. I loved how fun and quirky Harper was but the way she treated Ryan drove me insane. Ryan was super sweet and a total saint to deal with Harper. The entire story is from Harper's perspective, it would have been interesting to see Ryan's POV. This was still a simple and entertaining slow burn, second chance, enemies to lovers story. (⭐️⭐️/5)