Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by 369pages
One Last Try by Jemma Croft
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
4.75⭐️
Jemma Croft does it again! This book was absolutely charming from start to finish. Croft manages to make a low-stakes plot incredibly engaging! With a dramatic premise, cozy setting, and a diverse cast of characters that truly make you feel like you’re living in this small town, you will be captivated by this story!
Owen is an ex rugby player, who now owns a pub that serves as the community hot-spot and safe space for the town. In order to raise money for a much-needed roof replacement, he decides to rent out his home. To his surprise, none other than Mathias Jones, rugby player extraordinaire, is the one moving in. For Mathias, the home seemed to be like the perfect place for him to stay. That is until he realizes that his landlord is Owen Bosley, the man whose career he ended in Mathias’ very first professional game!
Mathias is relatable while still being incredibly sexy. Further, I thought the author did a great job of portraying an autistic character without making every single thing about his diagnosis. Great representation there. Owen is such a selfless person, yet indeed still has his own flaws. They both feel like genuinely good people. I also loved that you could just tell from reading each of their POVs that they found the other so attractive and wonderful. Though they’re very different, they were definitely compatible.
The thing I probably loved most (other than the tooth-rottingly sweet romance) was the ambiance! The side characters really felt like townies with real character. I found myself really remembering them, and the sense of community was so warm. I especially liked Rodger, the “village c*nt,” and Lando, Owen’s daughter’s messy best friend. 🤣
Jemma Croft knows exactly how to develop a plot with an engaging premise that hooks you, then dives deeper with excellent pacing. The balance between development, romance, and other events is perfect. This book will be a great choice if you want something low-stakes and sweet, but still really well written.
Do not miss this one!
Jemma Croft does it again! This book was absolutely charming from start to finish. Croft manages to make a low-stakes plot incredibly engaging! With a dramatic premise, cozy setting, and a diverse cast of characters that truly make you feel like you’re living in this small town, you will be captivated by this story!
Owen is an ex rugby player, who now owns a pub that serves as the community hot-spot and safe space for the town. In order to raise money for a much-needed roof replacement, he decides to rent out his home. To his surprise, none other than Mathias Jones, rugby player extraordinaire, is the one moving in. For Mathias, the home seemed to be like the perfect place for him to stay. That is until he realizes that his landlord is Owen Bosley, the man whose career he ended in Mathias’ very first professional game!
Mathias is relatable while still being incredibly sexy. Further, I thought the author did a great job of portraying an autistic character without making every single thing about his diagnosis. Great representation there. Owen is such a selfless person, yet indeed still has his own flaws. They both feel like genuinely good people. I also loved that you could just tell from reading each of their POVs that they found the other so attractive and wonderful. Though they’re very different, they were definitely compatible.
The thing I probably loved most (other than the tooth-rottingly sweet romance) was the ambiance! The side characters really felt like townies with real character. I found myself really remembering them, and the sense of community was so warm. I especially liked Rodger, the “village c*nt,” and Lando, Owen’s daughter’s messy best friend. 🤣
Jemma Croft knows exactly how to develop a plot with an engaging premise that hooks you, then dives deeper with excellent pacing. The balance between development, romance, and other events is perfect. This book will be a great choice if you want something low-stakes and sweet, but still really well written.
Do not miss this one!