3.58 AVERAGE

emotional hopeful sad slow-paced
mysterious medium-paced
medium-paced
adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes

I dont know if it’s just me but this book was so confusing. There was so many characters that I couldn’t figure out who was who. Let alone keep track of who was related to who.
I do feel like that made me not love the book. 

I did like the writing though and I would try a different book by this author. 

Wow. I've just finished and I'm still stunned. This is a well-paced, suck-you-in kind of mystery. It was a little jumbly to start - I had to catch on to who everyone was and how they tied together. It took a minute but once I did, I found their unique pieces, the story was easy to slide into.

And I was completely immersed! Lucy was compelling, her story was so sad and horrible. Her shooting isn't something I know about so I was intrigued with this part of her life. I liked that this was based so much on their land and where they lived. They are next to moving water, the Tennessee River, and it feeds and nurtures as much as it hurts and takes.

When Lucy was very young, the dam failed. Her family, along with many others, were caught in the water. This molds most of their lives in the town, as they grow up respecting, loving, and hating the water that has taken so much. Because they are all tied to the water in different ways.

I was surprised that others said they were able to guess the twists. I never saw them coming and enjoyed each twist and turn. The characters had me hooked. I loved this one!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

actually really good! I enjoyed this book a lot. I felt bad for the main character though.
dark tense fast-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A Riveting Tale Hindered by Narration


I must express my gratitude to Netgalley and all involved for providing me with the opportunity to experience Last Girl Breathing in audiobook format. As an avid reader, I was drawn to the intriguing concept promised by Court Stevens' narrative. Regrettably, my journey through this story was significantly impeded by a major drawback—the narration—which ultimately influenced my rating of this otherwise suspenseful tale.

Initially, I approached Last Girl Breathing with the expectation of a quick and engrossing read, but the audiobook format proved to be a double-edged sword. The central issue that marred my overall enjoyment was the narrator's performance. The audible inhalations and deep breaths became a constant distraction, hindering my ability to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Unfortunately, this detracted from the overall experience and contributed to my decision to rate the book at three stars.

Moving past this hurdle, let me delve into the heart of the story. Last Girl Breathing follows Lucy Michaels, a young woman haunted by the tragic loss of her little brother in a devastating flooding accident. Lucy, who had the capacity to save lives during the incident, finds herself unable to rescue her own sibling. Fast forward to the present, where Lucy is on the cusp of graduating from high school when her stepbrother mysteriously disappears.

Stevens weaves a compelling tale of suspense and secrets, entwined with a significant focus on character development. Lucy, grappling with the burden of her past, becomes a complex protagonist whose journey resonates with the reader. The narrative successfully navigates the intricate web of mystery, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as Lucy confronts her past and unravels the enigma surrounding her stepbrother's disappearance.

Despite the narratorial setbacks, the strengths of Last Girl Breathing lie in Stevens' ability to craft a small-town atmosphere with charm and precision. The picturesque description of the setting enhances the overall narrative, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The author's talent for portraying the nuances of a close-knit community adds depth to the story, making it an engaging exploration of both mystery and the intricacies of human relationships.

Despite my reservations about the audiobook narration, I extend a measure of grace to Court Stevens, offering a two-book allowance before passing a final judgment. I acknowledge that individual preferences play a crucial role in audiobook experiences, and my dissatisfaction with the narrator may not be universally shared.

In conclusion, Last Girl Breathing is a captivating tale marred by a disruptive narration that may deter some listeners. If you can overlook this flaw and appreciate the intricate small-town charm and the author's skillful character development, then I encourage you to explore the story. Court Stevens has demonstrated storytelling prowess, and I remain open to giving another of her works a chance in the hope of a more seamless and enjoyable listening experience. Click the link below, keeping in mind the potential drawbacks, and embark on this suspenseful journey if the premise intrigues you.


challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Thank you netgalley and thomas nelson for the e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

rating 2/5 stars

the story was good at first, but I couldn't get past the step-sibling relationship, which i felt a bit weird and inappropriate. Also wasn't a huge fan of the cultural references that didn't seem well-researched in my opinion. The story had potential but came off with some weird vibes.