Magical. This book is very different from Casey McQuiston's debut Red White and Royal Blue, but somehow also very much like it in how it manages to capture the exhilarating and terrifying experience of falling in love. I am so excited to read whatever McQuiston brings to life next.

I read this book for a book club coming up and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Negalley. As a reader of mostly mysteries and thrillers, this one was a different read for me. As a Rom/Com I was interested but found myself not picking up on it as much as my favorite genre. It took awhile for me to realize the real basis of this story - about moving to NY (loved where it was because I grew up in that timeline and lived either in or near the areas written about) and becoming your own person.

When August gets on a subway line (the Q) and finds Jane...there becomes a whole story about the two of them - caring and loving each other - while finding out that Jane isnt really from the current timeline but through a freak accident has been transported from the 70s.

We then find ourselves trying to save the girl that is lost in time. It was a nice read and I am sure I will have lots to talk about at the book club. If this is something you are into, please note that this book will be released June 1, 2021 and put it on your TBR. #threestars #netgalley

Lacks the magic and compulsive readability of Red White & Royal Blue – the pacing is slow, the characters far less compelling, and the plot somehow less interesting and lower-stakes despite involving actual magic. I would also say you need to love New York City to love this book, and as someone who very much does not, it lacked a huge part of the appeal for me.

My first book by Casey McQuiston, but it will certainly not be my last!

I had no idea what to expect when I first heard about this book but I knew it was an F/F adult romance that took place in NYC and honestly, that's all I needed to know that I needed this book <i>desperately</i>. I've never read a book that had a time-slip quite like this and I think that the author did such a great job keeping me guessing and engaged as to what would happen to the very end. There were legit moments where I really didn't know how or if they'd be able to get their happy ending and I was *nervous*.

In this book we follow a young woman named August who is kind of mysterious and has just moved to New York. She doesn't know what she she wants to do when she graduates college, and she doesn't have much figured out but she hopes that New York can help her figure it out. One of the best things about this book was the found family that August obtains throughout the book. The cast was sooo diverse and I loved every single one of the characters and how they all loved each other even though they were all so very different.

I also really enjoyed Jane's character, our love interest. She's this huge flirt and was at first glance you think you have her all figured out. But the truth is, Jane doesn't even have herself figured out so as you keep reading you get to learn about her along with the other characters. I did find myself a little irritated by a few things concerning Jane and her romance with August, but to avoid spoilers I won't go into details. As I kept reading I was able to overcome these small things but it's probably part of the reason I can't give this five stars.

Also a times this book did drag a little bit. I can't say why exactly but there were just times where it felt like the book was boggled down by too many words, too many characters and I would find myself wanting to skim to get back to August and Jane. There's never a dull moment but there were times where it just felt like too much was happening on the page and I just needed the story to recenter itself to what I was really there for: August and Jane being cute and in love.

Overall this was a really great read and I can't wait to read more from this author!

I just—
I hope this makes sense.

You know how in epic fantasy movies, there’s a scene where the camera pans out over impossible, beautiful scenery and the music swells and so does your heart? Somehow Casey does this to my brain, but with words. Just, words about romance.

This book was poetry. It was the taste of late-night radio and cheesy 90s romance movies and glitter; the smell of gritty public transportation and 2 am pancakes and falling in love; everything familiar and everything new. It was beautifully impossible, and it was epic.

And my heart swelled.

I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this book and the bit of science fiction mixed in with the romance and happily ever after storyline. I also liked the main characters, the snippets of LGBTQIA history, and the humor and fun sprinkled throughout. The only drawback for me was that it took a very long time for things to come together and there were some secondary storylines and characters that detracted rather than added to the storyline. But this is one to pick up if, like me, the scene of a cranked up Run DMC song inspiring an impromptu subway train dance party makes you smile.

Along with many other readers, I fell absolutely in love with Casey McQuiston’s debut novel Red, White and Royal Blue, which came out a few years ago. When I first heard about One Last Stop, I was insanely excited. I also had very high expectations, and it certainly did not disappoint.

One Last Stop is a sapphic rom-com that follows our main character, 23-year-old August, as she moves to New York City all by herself. One day while travelling on the subway, she meets a gorgeous girl named Jane. From there, August gets involved in a mystery of sorts surrounding Jane’s life. This story was full of well-rounded and developed characters, entertaining pop culture references, funny banter, and a lovely F/F romance.

One thing that I love about Casey McQuiston’s stories is how lovable and complex every single character is. August was a super relatable and likable protagonist who had a strong voice to lead the book. She embodied the nervousness and excitement of being involved in your first relationship major relationship. Her personality complemented that of her love interests, Jane. Jane was a bright and energetic character, who was liked by everyone around her. Basically, every Sapphics dream. She might be my favourite character in the story, but it’s so hard to choose because I loved everyone so much. When August first goes to New York she moves into an apartment with three other people around her age. The first being, Myla a queer and black engineer, Niko, Myla’s boyfriend who is a Latino, Trans psychic, and Wes who is a Jewish queer tattoo artist. These three were one of the most fun groups of people I’ve got to read about in a contemporary novel. The cast of characters was so diverse and refreshing to read about.

While this book was fun and entertaining it also focused a lot on queer history which I found super interesting. Jane, who is a Lesbian from the 70s, talks to August a lot about her experiences as a Chinese and Queer person during that time. I learned about many different events in Queer history that I’d never heard about before, including an arson attack on a Gay bar called the Upstage Lounge in New Orleans. Queer history is subject that isn’t talked about all that often so it was great to see a book that discussed it. It showed the beauty and strength of the Queer community.

Overall, I loved literally everything about this book, and it just felt like a big warm hug. I really believe Casey McQuiston can do no wrong. I cannot wait until June so that I can talk about this with everybody around me.

Review will be posted on Blog (allinwitha.com) and Instagram (allinwitha) on Tuesday, April 6th 2021.

Rating: 3/5
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction, LGBTQ and Science Fiction
Warnings: Discussion of grief of loved one, anxiety, homophobia and racism

Review: August is as cynical as can be and moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: love doesn't exist and she is destined to be alone. But could all of that change with some unique roommates, a job at a 24-hour pancake house and her subway commute? Enter in Jane, a charming and quite mysterious girl on the Q train. Jane with her rough edges and leather jacket saves August's day when she needs it most. Soon, August's subway crush becomes the best part of her day…then she discovers that Jane displaced in time from the 1970s. Of course, August has to figure out why and how...it might just connect back to her own childhood.

First off, I actually screamed when I got this ARC...Red, White and Royal Blue is one of my favorite fiction books. I was READY for Casey McQuiston's next book but also slightly worried I would not love it as much...and I was right. This was cute and unique story, I loved the time travel add-in. But I was a little disappointed that I didn't love it and I kept thinking it would get better. What I loved about RWARB was the banter and the clear connection between the main characters. This was missing for me for me in Jane and August. I got lost in a lot of context information, not enough plot and then bam we are at the end...cool, which the end by the way was great! It was a solid "okay" book for me. If you are going into this expecting RWARB, this is vastly different book and that's okay! I probably would have had a better appreciation if I weren’t going in thinking about that.

Things I loved: The side characters were gold, queer representation and the New York setting. It was not your typical rom-com book and those are my favorite!

Things I didn't care for: The lack of connection between the characters and overall execution of the plot...it really dragged on and it took me a week to finish it.

One Last Stop is released on June 1st. Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC for my honest opinion.

One Last Stop is a wonderful follow-up to Red, White, and Royal Blue. The romance between August and Jane is just as supportive, sparky, and heart-warming, and I rooted from them from the first page to the last. One of the most meaningful parts of the story, to me, though, was the exploration of queerness past and present. The juxtaposition of Jane's experience with August's, and their common discovery of community and found family, made me cry more than once. I can't wait to re-read this one.

I love this author and I was so excited when I received this book! It didn't disappoint. I loved this one even more than the others previous work! It was unputdownable

I admit I did not look very closely at this title when requesting, as this is not a genre I typically read. I would recommend this book if you enjoy this genre.

August keeps to herself, and that’s just how she likes it, thank you very much. But when she moves into a small Flatbush apartment with an artist, a psychic and a recovering trust fund kid, her rocky exterior starts to crack. And when she spills coffee on herself in the subway on the way to her first day of class and is saved by a drop-dead gorgeous grunge lesbian dreamboat, it crumbles completely. There’s just one problem: Subway Girl isn’t from New York - at least, not New York in 2020 - and August must do everything she can to learn about Subway Girl’s past so she can be part of her future.

Casey McQuiston has perfected their recipe for creating compelling characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Where Red, White, and Royal Blue is full of characters with roles and titles we plebes merely dream of, One Last Stop is full of people ... REAL people who could be my neighbor or coworker or friend. Both are exceptional in their own way, and it’s all thanks to McQuiston’s incredible talent.

That being said, I had a hard time getting into this book at first; the main plot of the story isn’t introduced until nearly a quarter of the way through. But I could almost overlook that, as McQuiston proves time and time again that they really understand us “new adults,” with our struggles and hopes and fears. They weave it into the relationships between characters so masterfully, especially in the relationships that span across time and space. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and I gave it 4/5 stars.

I freaking loved this book. I always get a little scared with an author's second works, especially if I really liked their first book/album/whathaveyou. This book took those fears away and ripped them into tiny shreds. I loved Red, White & Royal Blue but I freaking adored One Last Stop. Casey McQuiston is an amazing writer, who creates equally amazing characters.

You know when you read a book with romance and that's all you ever really care about. You may even get a little annoyed when some sort of plot tries to develop or the two love interests aren't in the same room. This book doesn't do that. The side characters are beautifully developed and sweet and loving and amazing and I just wanted to wrap them all up in a hug.

The love story is beautiful and the spicy scenes are hot. It's a contemporary rom-dram-com with a splash of sci-fi. It made me cry and laugh, but it just totally warmed my heart. Seriously pick this book up and thank me later.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eARC of "One Last Stop"!

I wanted to read this purely based on my love of Casey's first book, "Red, White and Royal Blue". I knew that it was about 2 girls finding love on the subway but hadn't read anything else so was shocked and delighted when the 'displaced in time' element came into play. There were mysteries to solve, found families to love, and some very steamy sex scenes. I laughed, I cried, I wished that I could go to one of the drag queen parties. Can't recommend it enough!

This was one of my most anticipated 2021 releases and I'm sad to say I had to add this to the DNF list at 25%. I found the book very slow and I was not getting into the storyline. I will still give any book Casey McQuiston writes a chance though!

~One Last Stop Review~
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5/5
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I might have done a happy dance when i saw i got approved for this on netgalley! This is definitely one of my most anticipated books of the year and I’m so excited to dive in!! I’ve heard nothing but great things so far
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Pros:
+I love books set in new york. It’s where I want to end up one day and I think it’s a city filled with so many stories just waiting to be told
+I absolutely love character driven stories and this is shaping up to be a book filled with a very interesting cast of characters
+August is very relatable and I love how she’s a mini detective with existential dread
+We love a chubby bi main character and multiple diverse and queer side characters. It’s so refreshing and natural and like how every book should be
+I stand by the fact that 2021 is the year for sapphic stories. So many good ones and this one might be at the top of the ones I’ve read so far
+FOUND FAMILY IS MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE TROPE EVER ILL CRY (yes that is why I reread aftg every three months sue me)
+The concept of a girl stuck on the subway is golden I love it
+As if Annie Depressant and Sara Tonin are not my new favorite drag names
+Once again the voice and humor of the characters are top tier
+STEAM LEVELS OMG
+Definitely made me cry which hurts my feelings but in a good way
+I love the mystery/true crime/mission impossible aspect of this
+Everything about the ending was perfect it wraps everything up but leaves so much possibility for the future and my imagination loves it
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Cons:
-Literally nothing.
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Overall I had such a great time with this book. I was a little nervous it wouldn’t live up to my love for Red White and Royal Blue but it definitely did. Casey McQuiston knows how to tell a good story and I can’t wait for more people to read this one. I know I’m going to buy myself a physical copy of this book and make all of my friends read it!

This took me a while to finish. I can’t figure out what drew me to the end, maybe hope for a good ending is what kept me going, and that was exactly it. The ending didn’t disappoint. Although the story wrapped up nicely, I still felt happiness and warmth for the future August and Jane will have together. I would recommend giving it a try and hold out to the end.

I have to give Casey McQuiston credit - it couldn't have been easy writing a follow up to her debut smash bestseller, Red, White & Royal Blue. In fact, I was a little reluctant to read One Last Stop for fear of disappointment. But McQuiston has avoided the sophomore slump and produced a unique, sparkling love story.

Other than MCs kept apart by significant external factors, the two books are very different, which I also admire (it would have been easier to write "RWRB, The Sequel", or a spinoff featuring a secondary character). August is a smart, prickly, mistrustful bisexual loner whose life starts to improve when she moves into a Brooklyn apartment with a handful of oddball characters who become the family she never knew she wanted. Her new co-workers at a local landmark pancake house also become important to her. But most of all there's Subway Girl, aka Jane, who gives August a scarf to cover up her coffee stain the first time they meet. August is smitten, despite her cold, dead, heart, until subsequent meetings reveal the bizarre truth that Jane is stuck on the subway's Q line and has been since 1977.

There's a lot going on here - Jane doesn't remember anything about her past at first, and even when she does, the two women (and August's faithful new BFFs) have to figure out the how and why of Jane's peculiar time travel situation. August's unusual upbringing makes her the best possible candidate to piece together Jane's history (not to mention the perils of being queer in the 1970s), while her roommates just happen to have talents of their own that provide valuable assistance. I can't say I truly understood the theory, but I didn't think about it too hard because I was too busy enjoying the love story.

I much prefer M/M over F/F queer romance (it's personal taste, let's not judge), but August and Jane were completely swoon-worthy. They're both tough chicks on the outside and complete marshmallows on the inside. Jane has a rich sexual history while August has basically none, but she learns quickly what she likes (and even takes notes about it in a delightful nerdy way). The book answers the question "how much sex can you have on a subway train?" (It turns out to be quite a lot; Risky Business, eat your heart out). The angst factor is pretty high - if they figure out how to get Jane "unstuck" in time, she will probably go back to her previous life 50 years ago, so how can they let themselves fall in love? Fortunately there is a deliriously happy ending but it is hard-earned, and there are several goodbye scenes that will tear your heart out.

McQuiston writes with humor, passion and energy. Everything feels urgent, which feels appropriate for a 20-something woman living in New York City. I know a lot of people don't like present tense writing, but it works because August is all about the moment. The secondary characters, most of whom are also queer, are quirky and supportive (I would love a novel about apartment mate Wes, the glum disinherited Jewish tattoo artist and the object of his affection whom he doesn't think he deserves). There may be a few too many subplots crowded into the story; I didn't feel that August's relationship with her mother got the full attention it needed, but they all play a role in getting August and Jane to their HEA.

I'm in awe of McQuiston's creativity and talent. Even if One Last Stop doesn't make as many bestseller/best of the year lists as its predecessor, it's still a damn fine romance and proves that the author is here to stay. Can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve.

ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.

Casey McQuiston has a way of telling a story that takes you everywhere the story goes. While this wasn’t a 5-star read for me it was still a good story.
August has just moved to New York to finish a degree that she isn’t even certain about. One January morning she gets on the Q to head to school and meets Jane and instantly there’s a spark.
Jane is always there. Always happy. Always in the same outfit.
August and Jane will take readers on journey no one ever saw coming!
Add in the secondary characters and it’s the best blended family adventure!

Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this quirky cast of misfits who come together as friends turned family. Taking place in modern day New York City, there are elements of fantasy mixed in with this LGBTQ romance. I loved this every bit as much as Red, White and Royal Blue by the same author!