A review by siijayreads
Final Offer by Lauren Asher

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. 
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