Wow! This book reminded me of a Nicholas Sparks novel, & I mean that in the most positive way. I couldn't put it down & needed tissues many times. The ups & downs for Ella, Beckett, Colt, & Maisie are a lot but believable. Life throws many things at us sometimes & how we handle it is up to us. Ella is so strong & amazing. Bennett is sexy & strong. Colt & Maisie are adorable a strong as well. I like how the chapters start with a letter from either Ella or Chaos (Beckett) when they were writing to each other while he was deployed & how Ryan (Ella's brother) had set the whole thing up. Highly recommend this book. Just be prepared with tissues & to not get much sleep because you won't want to put it down.

What an emotional book!

I truly admire this author. Anyone whose writing can make a person feel all the things I felt while reading this book is indeed gifted.

I loved the correspondence between Chaos and Ella. It reminded me how important communication is, and how often we fail to explain how circumstances make us feel, for fear of being judged and found lacking. There was no judgement by either one of them, they just listened as the other poured out their heart and thoughts.

I don't want to tell you anything about the plot, you need to discover it for yourself. I know that is not what I usually do.... I usually tell you who this book would appeal to what you might get out of it.... but with this one it is a little different. It is a  beautiful love story, but so much more. I think women of any age would like this book. If you like a completely clean, inspirational love story you might not like the graphic sex scenes in this story.

Rarely does a book make me laugh and cry (several times) This one did that to me

Good story, has a bit of everything. Maybe a bit more deiting would have jumped it up another star. Overall a decent read.

I think there's a flaw in the rating system, as I seem to be unable to give this book a million stars. I have finally composed myself enough after crying sad and happy and all the tears through this book to write a review. "The Last Letter" is a beautiful story of love- family, parent/child, and romantic. In alternating chapters, we follow Beckett (call sign Chaos) and Ella. Ella's brother is the only relative, aside from her young twins, that she has left, and he works special ops in the military. She offers to write to one of his military brothers who wouldn't get much mail otherwise, and through that, she connects with Chaos, who she only knows by his call sign.

When the worst happens, and her brother Ryan dies, he leaves his last letter to Beckett, asking him to go to Colorado and take care of his sister and help her any way he can. Shrouded by his own guilt over Ryan's death, Beckett takes the letter very seriously and checks in to the B&B Ella runs- but is unwilling to admit to being Chaos. However, she won't have anything to do with Beckett; she is going to do everything on her own- including the difficult cancer treatments for one of her twins. As Beckett continues to be there for her and doesn't just up and leave like Ella feels most of the men in her life have, Ella begins to trust him with her children and her heart.

Told in beautiful chapters which each begin with one of the letters between Ella and Chaos, this book will absolutely pull on every single one of your heartstrings. I connected with these characters so deeply, because they feel so real. This book is full of incredible people- Ella, Chaos, their children, the hometown people... I felt like I completely entered their world. There is not one single thing I would want to be different about this story- it's beautiful, emotional, amazing, and every other positive adjective you could imagine. There are so many difficult situations in this book, and the characters handle them all so well- but in a very real way. This is one of those books that will stay with you even after you finish reading. It's a book that can change the way you look at things, and it's a book that will make you hold your loved ones closer.

You NEED this book- it can change your world, break your heart and build it anew over and over again. I recommend it to everyone. But make sure you have tissues handy.

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

The Last Letter is a deeply affecting and powerful story. I am still processing everything I am feeling and will write a full review soon.

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros is probably one of the best books I have read in a very long time. This is my first book by this author. I was throughly absorbed in the book so much so that I really couldn’t put it down. This is a wonderfully and beautifully written story which is extremely emotionally charged that now sits on my all time favorites list.

It's truly an experience - a deeply rooted, character-based story. The characters become a part of you. The book stirs up all of your emotions. It is the kind of book you think your are prepared for but you couldn’t be further from the truth. It is a beautiful heartfelt story written with great skill. The book just flows. I will not give any spoilers and I urge you to avoid all spoilers and simply read this book. It's hard to write a review for a book that you've loved without spoiling it for others. I don't think the novel’s impact will be the same if you know how the story plays out when you begin

Being a voracious reader there are many books you read that you completely forget about them. Then there are books like this one. The book that becomes an integral part deep within you. This book fills you with hope and crushes your heart all at the same time. It is completely unforgettable. Rebecca Yarros does a brilliant job of handling several difficult subjects.
Lastly, I will say that this is a beautifully, thoughtful, heartfelt read that will touch you deeply. Kudos to you Rebecca Yarros, job well done. I will be definitely looking for more of your books.

I would like to thank Rebecca Yarros, Entangled Publishing LLC and NetGalley for an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Last Letter" by Rebecca Yarros
IF you like, or love, to read a story that will run rough-shod over your emotions... then you truly must read this story. It has medical & military, love, family, trust & a whole lot more.. and you will not want to put the book down before your read one more chapter or at least one more page, again and again. Watch for this book at your favorite vendor.

Yarros did go for the kill with this book. Jesus Christ.

The Last Letter broke my heart as much as it made me fall for all the beautiful things about it. Or maybe it just broke me a little bit more than what I can really take. I realize now that my mind is still scattered and all over the place. How could it not tho, when I had to pull myself together from that unexpected sobfest that was the last 15% of the book.

The Last Letter is stunning in all of its details and elements. Yarros’ writing is phenomenal, the characters are woven in such a beautiful way, there’s no way you can guard your heart from falling in love with each and every one of them. If military romances make your heart beat harder, this one will make you feel light headed and shaken. The emotion within the pages of The Last Letter left me out of breath.

And even if the ending shattered my heart in a vicious way and I would have preferred Yarros to spare me, I couldn't love this book any less.This is definitely one of those stories I loved in despite of all the harrowing pain.

The Last Letter broke my heart and then pieced it back together, more than once. What an amazing story of what family means, true love, and putting someone else before yourself. Set mainly in Telluride, Colorado, Beckett goes to help Ella after her brother (also his best friend) dies during their Army Special Forces deployment.
I love that in Rebecca's books, I always feel like I really know the characters, rather than just reading a love story. Ella is just the type of character I love, and that I see in many of Rebecca's books - strong female getting things done and moving forward, despite the challenges life has thrown at her. Ella's parents, grandmother, and now her brother have all died. Her daughter has cancer. She doesn't want to accept help, doesn't want to admit to herself that someone needs to help her while she takes care of everything. But Beckett shows up, and she slowly realizes she can still be strong and let others in.
The only thing I wish were different were to have more epilogue from additional character's perspectives, but it's probably because I just didn't want this book to end. Reading this, I felt invested in Ella, Beckett, the kids, Solitude. I took my time and savored this.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Holy. Book. Hangover!! I am the first to admit that I absolutely love books that make me cry. I love the connection that I feel with the characters and the emotions in me that they stir up. The Last Letter totally hit the mark for me!

Beckett and Ella "met" when she began writing to him at the request of her brother, who was in the same military unit as him. A series of events brought the two together, and saw them through the gamut of highs and lows. Their connection was obvious, but it was the little girl and boy who really kept them connected.

I absolutely loved Beckett and Ella! He loved so deeply, and I loved that about him. I completely understood where Ella had doubts, and Beckett was so patient and understanding of them. But Maisie and Colt? Those two- and their connection to Beckett- stole this entire book! I loved how Beckett interacted with them, loved them beyond reason, and was their peace. He was truly the rock that Ella, Colt, and Maisie needed- and deserved.

I cried through this entire book! It has been so long since I have felt so connected to characters, cared so much about their feelings, and emotions, and outcomes. Rebecca Yarros has done a phenomenal job of developing characters that you care about, having a plot so thought out that it felt real, and tugs at your heartstrings! The Last Letter will go down, I have no doubt, as a top read of 2019. This is a book that I highly recommend!

I rarely quote from books in my reviews, but this one just grabbed me:

"Life was short. Colt taught me that.
Life was worth fighting for. Maisie tuaght me that.
Letters could change your life. Ryan taught me that.
Love- when it was right- was enough to save you. Beckett taught me that every single day. And ours was more than enough.
And so was I."

The Last Letter by author Rebecca Yarros captures the complexities of human emotions in a story full of twists and turns, which sneak up on a reader. A heartfelt unmissable read.
Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley

HJ Top Pick!

In The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros, receiving letters from his best friend’s sister, Ella, while serving overseas has been Beckett Gentry’s saving grace. She’s the one person that’s kept him grounded and shown him that he is worthy of friendship or love. So, when his best friend is killed in the line of duty and Beckett receives Ryan’s last letter that asks him to head to his hometown and look out for Ella, he does just that. However, Ella doesn’t trust easily, especially with all that’s happened in her life and she can’t afford to bring anyone into her children’s lives that may not stick around. Still, Beckett isn’t one to give up and knows he’s going to need to find a way to show her she can trust him. Yet, when Ella discovers Beckett is hiding something from her and she learns the truth of what it is, will she be able to forgive him or will they lose their shot at happy ever after?

What an absolutely compelling, emotionally-charged, fast-paced read Ms. Yarros has delivered in this book that tugged at my heart-strings all the way throughout this story with the plot twists, especially the final one that broke my heart and still makes me cry every time I think about it. The way this story started drew me into the story immediately and I loved the letters the hero and heroine traded, as Ella is the light at the end of a dark tunnel for Beckett. He’s never had anyone care about him and her letters really help. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where this story really takes off, as Ella doesn’t trust easily. Will Beckett be able to win her over? Is he really only there because of her brother’s wishes?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories; what the heroine’s daughter is going through; and what happens towards the end that left me absolutely wrecked, but shows the main characters that life is short and that they can’t let their happiness slip by just because of bad decisions. Really, there’s always a chance for things to work out for the best if they’re willing to try. Furthermore, the main characters were well-developed, strong characters and I loved their growing relationship, as the hero fights to win over the heroine.

With the heroine, she’s suffered enough losses in her life already and doesn’t need anymore. Yet, she faces quite the uphill battle throughout this story with everything that happens. Really, she’s resilient, courageous and I loved how the hero shows her that she’s more than enough and that it’s all right to lean on people. I also liked that she took a chance on the hero because she needs him just as much as he needs her since neither have had anyone stay. While the hero, it’s understandable why he feels so much over guilt over things that happened while serving his country, but I liked how Ella helps him heal. I also liked the growing bond the hero shares with the heroine’s kids. Really, it’s adorable, as adorable as the heroine’s kids who totally won my heart. For twins, they’re so completely different, but have such a special bond.

Overall, Ms Yarros has delivered one of the best stories I’ve read in 2018 where the chemistry between this couple was off the charts; the romance was tangible and full of heat and passion; and the ending broke my heart, but had me loving how tragedy can bring people together. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as it was so good to discover that something truly wonderful came out of such heartbreak. I would recommend The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros to all romance readers, especially if you enjoy the brother’s best friend trope or books by authors Devney Perry, Melanie Harlow, Jay Crownover and JL Salsbury.

Oh my goodness. This book did not take the route I thought it would and what a ride it took me on. Did I expect the usual emotions I go through during a military romance? Yes. Did I expect the twists and turns that this tale took? Absolutely not. I think this is why I loved it that much more. This book took things to another level. As per other novels by Yarros, the characters are well developed and have this chemistry that you don't find just anywhere. They all have such interesting backgrounds that, as you read on, keep building on a level that you feel with them rather than for them. The story itself just keeps you turning pages, there aren't many lulls in the book, if any. Her writing is captivating and the tumultuous emotional roller coaster this book takes you on is just insane. This is not your typical return-home-happy-ending--get your tissue box out, you'll need them! A must-read for anyone who loves a good military romance.

This book really covered all the bases. Heartbreak, romance, drama and sweetness. Ella is raising her twins with the help of friends. She discovers her sweet daughter has cancer right about the time she finds out her brother has been killed in action. This story tugged on your heartstrings so often. Colt helping his twin through her ordeal and being strong for his mom. Maisie being strong for her mom when she needed to be. This book made me cry as hard as I've ever cried but I'm glad I read it. It was written so well but it did break my heart
I got this book from Netgalley for an honest review

Beckett,

If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have.

I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.

And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.

So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.

Please don’t make her go through it alone.

Ryan

Review:

Super warning, you better have a gross of tissues handy for this one.

Sweet Mary, luckily I was able to read most of this book without anyone in the room, otherwise they would have wondered what was going on. It is a beautifully written love story, but with lots of heartache and loss. The last one really hurt, just saying. It is also a very strong book, strong characters with character, put through things to test them and make them stronger. Ella has to get an award for being able to handle everything thrown at her and still keep going and having faith that all will be well. Beckett, is an awkward mess at first and he still keeps secrets that make a mess of things, but he is the most "there" guy and loving and patient. I loved the letters between Ella and Chaos and how they are such a great basis for their relationship.

A very good book, but seriously unless you are an unfeeling ogre, you need a LOT of tissues.

5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

This book...……..(sigh)…….I read this a month ago and I still don't have the words for this. And believe me, it has stayed with me! It's a beautiful, emotional story that gutted me. My heart still hurts. I love the writing, it kept me enthralled through the whole story. I love the characters. Ella and Beckett and the twins and everyone else. My heart broke for Ella with all that she has going on. So why just 4 stars, you might ask. This would have been 5++++++++ stars for me if it hadn't been for one event that happened that I just can't get over. I really can't. And it's been a month ago that I read this. I still get all emotional over it! And that's all I'm saying! Read the book!!!

Ms. Yarros is a new-to-me author and I knew going in that this would be an emotional story.

Ella is a mother of twins who has lost both of her parents, her grandmother, and her brother is in the military in special operations. The father of her children left when she got pregnant and except for long-time employees at the family B&B, she struggles on her own. When her brother Ryan asks that she write one of the men in his unit, saying that it would help him, it begins as a way for her and Chaos (his call sign) to share parts of their lives without any expectations. Chaos can’t say much due to security concerns but they find that they look forward to each letter.

I enjoyed the dual POV and how the letters written to each other were used throughout the story in the most compelling way to share a large part of the story.

Ryan and Chaos/Beckett look forward to their leave, when Ryan plans to leave the military and Ella and her children are eagerly waiting for them. As they blurb states, Ryan asks Beckett (Chaos) to go to his sister and help if anything happens to him. Ryan and Beckett loved each other like brothers and Beckett felt the need to fulfill Ryan’s request.

I loved Beckett and it was heartbreaking knowing about his childhood without anyone to love him. The military is a good fit for him as he feels he doesn’t have to worry about someone left behind. When he finally meets Ella, he’s already in love with her from her letters but believes they can never be together. He’s there to do whatever he can to help her, no matter the cost to him. He’s sweet, kind, thoughtful, and dependable and has Havoc, his military dog who is just such a wonderful character. Unfortunately, Ella has never had a man in her life she could depend on so she believes he will leave any day.

Ella’s twins, Colt and Maisie, were just the best two children I think I’ve ever read. So close and loving, finishing each other’s sentences, they were such a joy to read about.

There is a long, heartbreaking struggle dealing with illness, insurance issues, a mother’s guilt trying to take care of both children, her work, and so much more. Beckett is there in so many ways for her and the children and I loved seeing him make a connection that he never thought he would have. It sounds like it’s all emotional and sad but there are so many sweet, funny, and loving moments throughout the story.

There was a particular event towards the end of the book that just overwhelmed me with grief and I cried till I was almost sick. I stopped reading for a while thinking that the outcome might not be what I was dreading but no such luck. I understand an author has many reasons for writing stories but I found little to agree with this choice.

This ending was bittersweet and I’m still crying as I write this. I know that it’s good when an author can make the reader feel all of the emotions but I wish this part of the story was different. There were so many other losses and struggles and I just don’t understand why so much additional heartbreak was needed. There are certain books that I re-read at times but I won’t be able to take this heartbreak again. I enjoy emotional books but I felt very little happiness at the end.

I want to thank the publisher, author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this story.

When I read the blurb of The Last Letter, I knew that it was going to be a good book. A blurb in the form of a last letter? That alone made me go “I need to read this book“. I am so glad that I did because The Last Letter exceeded what I thought about it.

I will warn everyone, you will need tissues while reading The Last Letter. I was ugly crying from the scene where Ella found out that Maisie had cancer to the end of the book. I would invest in a few boxes. You will need them.

I thought that Ella was one of the strongest people I have read in a book to date. Life kept dropping bombshells on her and she didn’t even flinch. She took no flak from people. She also had a softer side. It wasn’t showcased in the book that much but it was there. When it did peek through, I loved it.

I did get annoyed with Ella at several points in the book. Put it this way, she was stubborn and afraid to let someone get close to her. When she did let Beckett in, she did begrudgingly. I did want to smack her upside the head when Beckett had a solution for Maisie’s cancer treatments. If I was in that situation, I would have jumped all over it. I got why she acted that way. Still. I am glad that Ada and Hailey talked some sense into her.

I liked Beckett. He arrived when Ella needed him the most. He stayed through Ella freaking out on him about who he was to Ryan. He was the one who came up with the solution about Maisie’s cancer and insurance. He fell heads over heels for Ella when they were writing letters to each other. He was a nice guy. When he opened up about his past, my heart broke for him.

Like Ella, I did get annoyed with him at points in the book. Like the whole Chaos storyline. How hard would it have been to tell her that he was Chaos? I didn’t understand how that didn’t come up. Ella did point blank ask him how he knew Ryan. That was the perfect time to say “Well, I’m Chaos“. But no, it comes out later in the book. I would have been pissed at him too.

I thought the romance that Beckett and Ella had was a sweet one. Of course, it was bumpy and there was a point where I thought it was over. But it was sweet.

I thought that the storyline with Maisie and her aggressive form of cancer was very well written. The author didn’t paint a rosy picture for us. Instead, she showed the stark realities of having a child with cancer. It was a realistic and heartbreaking look into childhood cancer.

I will say that the storyline with Ella, her ex and his parents made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. How can someone be so heartless? Not once but twice.

I also liked that military dogs are featured in this book. What I liked is that the military let Beckett keep Havoc. Mainly because she only listened to him. I liked how Ella described Havoc and her adjusting to not working. She was being domesticated and learning how to act like a dog.

There was a twist at the end of the book that broke my heart. It was surprised that came out of nowhere. I am not going to give anything away but I will stay that Beckett and Havoc’s training were well used. This is a tissue warning. You will be ugly crying until the end of the book.

The epilogue at the end had me ugly crying. I loved the insight that it gave into Beckett and Ella’s life 4 years later.

This was a very emotional and heartfelt story that kinda left me broken in the end. I would definitely recommend this book because it’s so very well written and beautiful story, but not one I would read again. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Oh wow, this book was SO good. Emotional, and yet with emotional growth. Real struggles convincingly told. Just, you know, keep a box of tissues handy. Has the feel of real life.

Ryan is military through and through. His (ahem) "recruits" his sister Ella to write letters to a guy in his unit who has no family, nothing but the military Sure enough, Ella and Beckett forge a connection through the letters (and accompanying baked goods!) He learns about her fierce love for her twins Maisie and Colt. She learns about his life in foster care and lack of family, his life with his working dog (she sniffs for people and explosives, a rare combination. Getting mail adds something to their lives.

Ryan knows Ella is facing an incredible trial because one of her twins is very sick. One day Beckett is picked for a detail but because of some trauma in the days before, he opts out of this duty. Ryan takes his place. Ryan never makes it back. So, Ryan's "Last Letter" --the letter written in case of his death--is given to Beckett. In it, Ryan pleads with Beckett to go help Ryan's sister Ella and the twins back in Telluride, Colorado. There are moments of frustrating but realistic distance, which makes the good stuff feel miraculous. And oh, I loved the good stuff. I didn't just read this book, I lived through it.