One Last Stop is an incredibly heartwarming read, filled with a swoon-worthy romance, found-family, and pancakes. It details the life of 23 year old August, who is struggling to find her life's purpose after transferring to many colleges over many different cities. She's lived her entire life alone, and hopes that moving to cold NYC will be the perfect fit for her. However, she quickly finds friends in her quirky roommates, finds a waiting job at a lively pancake diner, and discovers the future love-of-her-life, Jane, as she's riding the train. The only problem is that Jane is displaced in time from the 1970s and has been bound to it for decades, with seemingly no way of leaving.

The characters were probably my favorite part of the whole book. I enjoyed all of the dimensions, and even the side characters were thoughtfully written. We have our (sometimes) cynical, anxious MC August, who's determined to find her own way in life, while helping the people around her. She bonds quickly with her roommates, Myla, Niko, and Wes. I really liked the diversity in the whole cast, with Myla being queer and black, Niko being trans and latino, and Wes being queer and Jewish. They also had a lot more depth in them compared to more typical side characters, and you really got to learn a lot about them. You get to see Niko making the most scarily-accurate psychic predictions, Myla pulling everyone towards her with her bubbly personality, and Wes's bumbling self as he struggles to commit to a relationship over the fear that he's not worth it (along with his West Elm secret modern bedroom that not even his roommates have ever seen). They were just so likeable, and might honestly be better than the actual MCs.

We also *of course* have our love interest, Jane, who is a Chinese lesbian who has such a fun punk-rocker vibe. She's cool, collected, and makes a difference in everyone's lives she enters. There are a lot of chapters that actually start off with news pages and social media posts that discuss people's mentions of Jane throughout time, which I really enjoyed. For example, we get an instance where she gives a boy a pride pin after he's been bullied and so many other times where she's helped people, and it's interesting to see the impact she's had on so many lives. Despite being different, there are so many similarities between her and August, such as their love for music, that make their relationship really work.

I thought that this was a cute romance, and it was a good read overall. I think that it's great that we've been getting more popular LGBTQ+ reads recently, and I'm very glad I read this one.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review!

Okay. So.

We all know I think Casey can do no wrong, and this book just further proved that to me. I loved every minute of it.

One Last Stop follows super senior August as she moves to New York to keep continuing her education. She meets and moves in with literally the coolest group of people you will ever meet in an apartment building above a Popeye's Chicken in Brooklyn. On the train, August meets Jane- a mysterious, and frankly far too attractive for a fictional character has any right to be, vintage-looking punk that always seems to be around. Sparks fly (heh) and as they get to know each other, August notices things about Jane that are a little... odd. Can August help solve this mystery without falling in love?

Spoiler alert: no, she can't. Who wouldn't love Jane?

Honestly, though, this book is a delight. I admittedly know nothing about sci-fi or time travel, and I am fairly good at suspending disbelief, so the whole stuck-in-time thing (while not really plausible) I easily accepted because 1. It was cool, and 2. I am completely obsessed with Jane and want several more books detailing her interesting ass life before she got on that train, please.

As I have come to expect from a Casey novel, all the supporting characters were wonderful and full and real and feel like people I want to be friends with immediately. Also in this book, everyone in August's circle was LGBTQIA+ and I am here. for. it. Every character feels like someone I could know and I think that's just an amazing thing to do as an author and I'll never get tired of reading Casey's books because of it.

This book made me want to pack up my bags and move my ass to Brooklyn, immediately. Preferably into a building with a Popeye's Chicken attached.

5/5 Stars

** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**

Casey McQuiston has given us another amazing book. There is just something about the way she writes and her characters that draw me in. I adored this book so much. I read it in pretty much one sitting. The romance gave me all of the feels. I also loved the fact that there was a "magical" element of sorts and the part that it played. Everything was realistic and relatable. I don't have anything bad to say about this book, that's how much I loved it! I highly recommend picking up this book.

This book was truly nothing like what I expected it to be. In the best ways.

It's sexy. It's funny and charming. It's queer. It's found family. It's a love letter to New York City. In many ways, that's all you need to know in order to fall in love with it. One Last Stop is truly like nothing you'll ever read, and you'll be better from reading it. I loved the cast of characters most of all. They all were well-developed, strong, and representative of many different types of queer love. It explores different races, cultures, religions, upbringings, and outlooks on life, also touching on themes of resilience and intersectionality. I really loved the juxtaposition of the 1970s queer community with the present-day queer community and the ways their experiences were universal in many ways but also different. The writing is fresh, engaging, and just so so good.

My minor hang-ups were I didn't always love August as a main character. Somethings also seemed to be pretty convenient for her, especially surrounding school (like I was constantly asking how she ever got homework done lol). And at times the plot was somewhat confusing to me, but this is probably because I don't read much sci-fi. I also wish we would have had a bit more at the end!

That being said, this is a book I think should be on everyone's TBR, for the amazing and loving characters alone.

This was such an amazing and fun read. The way Casey McQuiston writes romance is so fun and real. The diversity amongst the characters was really good and they all helped to elevate the story. I think Casey McQuiston's strength as an author is her ability to bring hilarious moments and match it well heartfelt scenes that leaves you putting the book down for a moment to recollect yourself. I loved this!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Casey McQuiston.

This book was everything I wanted and everything I didn't know I needed.

One Last Stop follows August, a cynical retired child detective. Her whole life it has just been her and her mom against the world trying to investigate August's missing uncle. Now trying to find her own way she moves to New York City a place that she views as just as cynical and hard as her. Instead she brought into a world of vibrancy as she makes friends, gets a job and begins to trust in others. Enter Jane. Jane is sexy, strong, and has a wicked smile that makes August melt. But there is one thing about Jane that might be a problem. She is literally displaced in time.

Apparently when I read the synopsis of this book I missed the fact it says "She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s" so when that's revealed I swore I almost fell over. It went from a cute contemporary romance to having a little bit of paranormal spice and I kind of fell in love.

August is one of those main characters you can't help but not love. There is something just so lovable about someone who presents to the world so much cynicism and grit but is really just someone who wants love so badly. And Jane... I love Jane. I fell in love with her along side August. Outwardly she is all punk rock and insanely flirty but she's also so loyal and loving with a wicked sense of humour.

The setting is gorgeous. From the wonderful diverse cast of characters that are very much apart of every aspect of the story as the main character to the way the author describes NYC its beautiful. The world felt so rich with colours and textures. Some of my favourite moments were the detail that went into the descriptions of the diner. That and the food... I desperately need to make the Su Special.

I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy because this is going to be a major reread.

This book pleasantly surprised me. I didn’t go in with the biggest expectations because I’m not a huge fan of the author’s previous book. But, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I loved the found family theme and the main character exploring what it means to be bisexual for her. I adore Jane. The comparisons of what it means to be LGBTQ+ in the current era versus the 70s were fascinating. And, the plot managed to keep me guessing on how it was going to end. It didn’t feel predictable but still left me satisfied. Plus, all the secondary characters warrant the time and attention spent on them.
I think the only reason why it is not a five-star read for me is because of a few word choices/comparisons that made me cringe a little. But, I forgave them for the overall story.

Casey McQuiston's previous book, Red, White & Royal Blue is one of my all-time favorite reads (and re reads). RWRB feels like one of those magic books where quite literally everything works, a book I find myself returning to, especially during 2020, because it is wonderful and beautiful and gives me hope for a better future for the world. Just thinking about Alex and Henry makes me smile.

So I was crossing all my fingers and toes that One Last Stop would also be full of McQuiston's magic, and it absolutely was.

Our main character, August, has learned to keep herself closed off, and she thought moving to New York City would solidfy that. Instead, she's immediately adopted into her roommates' found family, and meets Jane on the subway. As she becomes closer and closer to Jane, August discovers that Jane is actually from the 1970s, somehow stuck in time and stuck in the train.

McQuiston makes this premise work so well. As a reader, I completely bought into it from the first page, no questions, no hesitations. There is a reason behind Jane's predictment, but I didn't need to know it to lose myself completely in the world McQuiston created. New York comes alive through the most vivid prose, almost its own character, and Jane makes the New York of the past come alive as well.

Every character in this book is fantastic, from August's group of roommates to the drag queen accountant down to the hall to her coworkers at the diner. I cared so deeply about every single one of them and their relationships and their lives. I was so invested in every single bit of this book, and McQuiston's incredible writing made me feel like I was right there with them, in a dirty subway car, at an epic drag show, in a booth at the diner.

This is absolutely a favorite read of the year, and I cannot recommend this book enough. I can't wait to read McQuiston's next magical story.

Coming off of RWRB, Casey McQuiston had a lot to live up to, and One Last Stop delivers. In true fashion, August is joined by a whole cast of characters that are unique and wonderful, including the love interest, Jane.

Unlike McQuiston's previous book, this book has a strong fantastical thread that runs through it. It added a layer to the romance that I appreciated, giving it an other-worldly feeling that gave it drama so that the relationship itself could breathe a little without constantly being pulled apart.

My only mild complaint is that it was a little long. There were some moments toward the end of the first half that felt a little repetitive, and probably could have been cut or shortened without sacrificing anything in the book. But it was a small thing in a book filled with a million things that brought me joy.

August has just moved to New York to start fresh and finish college. She moves in with several quirky roommates and gets a job at a 24 hour pancake diner. On the first day of her commute she meets a beautiful stranger. And then she sees her again...and again...and eventually she realizes that no matter when she gets on the train there she is...there's Jane. What unfolds is part mystery, part sci-fi adventure, but mostly love story.

SPOLIERS AHEAD!

I liked this book a lot. The story was like nothing I've ever read before. As I went through the book page by page I couldn't help but try to form my own theories about why Jane was stuck on the Q train. Was most of this totally unrealistic? Yes...so as long as you go into this book with suspended disbelief you won't be disappointed. Another thing I liked about this book was all the fun characters. I would 1000% read spinoffs about August's roommates. It was cool the way August's mother's story and Jane's story connected and I was left hopeful at the end that Jane would be able to reunite with her family. My only gripe (and it's very tiny) is that the chapters were TOO long. I like short chapters...they make me feel accomplished. lol But yes...Casey McQuiston does it again!

PS- This book was nothing like Red, White, and Royal Blue :P

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

Finally a book that depicts Queer BIPOC! I thought the story was just about August, but all of the characters introduced into the story. August’s life had be consumed by the past, but her roommates support and unconditionally love who she is today. It was freeing to see August become who she’s always been. Loved this book so much and cannot wait for others to read it and feel seen in (any) of the characters.

This was a cute book but my brain power couldn't hold onto the way I wanted it to. It was really slow going for me personally but the characters were so relatable that I pushed through. I'd def recommend it to people and hopefully can enjoy it more another day.

For starters let me just say that this book was Absolutely Incredible. I listened to it on the train home from New York City and it was such perfect timing. I feel like there isn't enough WLW representation in literature let alone enough Bisexual representation! August was such a wonderful character and I loved how she used the skills from her past to help Jane figure out her story.

Part time travel mystery/part romance novel One Last Stop truly has it all. I am a huge lover of Red, White, and Royal Blue so I was so excited for OLS to come out and it did not disappoint in the slightest. Everyone has heard the legend of the NYC subway system - a liminal space, not the cleanest, and your new best friend is a rat. OLS took that and ran with it, because who hasn't fallen a little bit in love on public transit? (That's like the best part duh).

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun romance set in New York - ESPECIALLY if you love a bit of mystery as well. Oh. And pancakes.

Casey McQuiston has yet to disappoint, her writing style is beautiful and the way she tells stories is just incredible.

One Last Stop is truly the epitome of the found family trope. It features this trope in literally every possible way— from friendships, relationships, past lives and finding new people that fit who you’re becoming— it truly has it all and does it in a heartwarming yet also heartbreaking way all at once.

I listened to the audiobook version of this as I kindly received the audio arc via Netgalley, and the narrator did a fabulous job. They really made sure to emote and sound different with every character so it was really easy to follow the story and everyone’s plot lines! Definitely recommend this as the way to read it!

As for the actual story, I loved the found family aspects but the rest of it was kind of a letdown. It wasn’t a bad book! Just not my particular favourite. It featured a few tropes that I don’t tend to enjoy and the relationship wasn’t as passionate and full of chemistry as I would have liked. I liked August and June together but I just didn’t feel quite as much of a spark as I wanted to feel.

This is still a super solid read with tons of important and beautiful messages about self-growth, about being queer now and how it was to be queer years and years ago— it’s full of 1970s references and lingo mixed in with modern notes. It has mystery elements and a fantastical twist! So if any of this sounds interesting to you, pick this one up. It might be the gem you were searching for!

3/5 ⭐️

[CW: prejudice and violence against queer people, death, homophobia, anti-Asian hate crimes]

How do you romance someone on your subway commute? Especially when, she is lost in time and trapped on a train? And especially, especially when you want to help her return to her time in the 1970s?

"One Last Stop" is said to be a new adult, queer, magical realism spin on Kate & Leopold. This is a whimsical story that allows you to imagine the train as a world unto itself. You descend down under the surface and rise up to the surface on the train while sitting for a period of time with a bunch of strangers, most unrecognizable. But during that time, all your senses are trained on the people around you — who you imagine them to be, what you presume their facial expressions reveal about their lives, their personalities. Once you leave the train, you cannot envision these people outside that milieu.

I loved McQuiston’s "Red, White & Royal Blue," so I had been anticipating "One Last Stop." It has been a heartwarming and thoroughly entertaining read. I can’t wait to see what she will do next.

Full Review: https://frolic.media/book-of-the-week-one-last-stop-by-casey-mcquiston/

This book was much too slowly paced. The first half of the book saw almost nothing happen. I received a gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

In all fairness, I went into this book blind. I prefer it that way, but in this case I probably would've skipped it had I read the description first. I saw an add on Facebook that I swear mentioned that Oprah loved this book so I had to read it.

This is touted as a must read for summer and I just don't get it. However, I think this will live up to the hype for many people.

What I Liked:
August - likeable enough even though I did feel sorry for her too.
Roommates & Neighbors - I loved them!
Co-workers - I liked how they became an integral part of the story.
The understanding that we all get lost at times in our life and how we find our way.
Jane

What I Didn't Like:
While I liked Jane's character the whole premise of Jane was too unrealistic. I love a good dystopian or fantasy book, but this book isn't that so it just felt out of place.

✨ The Title/Cover Draw:
This was one of my anticipated reads for 2021. While “Red, White, and Royal Blue” wasn’t a total fav of mine, I wanted to give it another shot. Thank you to @netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy.
💜 What I liked:
The community of people in the book is supportive and connected, which is one of my favorite things in books. There is also a mystery aspect which kept me reading along.
😱 What I didn’t like:
This was a slow read for me. As much as I loved the characters, I almost DNF’d this book. But halfway through it started to pick up speed and I was so glad I ended up finishing it.
💁‍♀️ The Characters:
August meets Jane on the subway not long after she moves to New York. But Jane seems to exist ONLY in the subway. August’s roommates Myla, Niko, and Wes help to discover who Jane really is.
🚦 My face at the end: 😹😻

💭 5 Reasons to Read:
Characters that are diverse and quirky
Mysterious plot points
LGBTQ+ representation
Feel good motivations
Get some tissue handy

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Received from Netgalley.

August and Jane are a sweet pair that make for a heartwarming story about finding yourself wherever you find yourself. A satisfying read with a satisfying ending.

Casey McQuiston releases her second novel with One Last Stop. This book has a different feel from her previous work and focuses on August’s life. August is new to NY and, at first, she doesn’t think the people that she meets will become friends, much less her family, but that is what happens. The secondary cast here offers great support to August and are as important to her story as Jane is.

The plot of this story has to be taken with a credible amount of suspension of disbelief. It really didn’t give off magical vibes to me or specific paranormal vibes and Jane’s situation is one you have to be willing to go along with and maybe not fully understand it by the end.

The story has a depth to it as we understand where August came from and what she’s trying to distance herself from. Jane doesn’t remember much about her life at first, but August is the catalyst to everything that comes next for Jane. When August realizes that Jane can’t leave the train, her reaction seemed sort of subdued to be confronted with that situation and everyone else goes along with it as well. The book is current with August’s roommates, but it didn’t all hit the marks for me and the story gave me a vibe of moving where it thought it was supposed to go to fit in. I found myself waiting to be entertained more than I was. The side characters were interesting and sometimes I thought their stories were more interesting than August’s.

The book is long and while there was the mystery to find out Jane’s story, it wasn’t a book that I was racing through to finish. I knew at some point it would all come out, but I wasn’t as invested as I wanted to be to see the how and why of Jane’s story come together. And, due to the nature of Jane’s story, there were things left unexplained along with a few plot holes to deal with and I didn’t find the magic I was promised.

One Last Stop is certainly a different story to what’s currently out there and may be worth a look for some mystery, music, found family, and two girls stepping out of time.