Member Reviews

I listened to this audiobook because I really enjoyed McQuiston's first book, Red, White, and Royal Blue. A sophomore book title is often a challenge for authors after their first big hit. I thought this story would appeal the most to queer teens and twenty-somethings who might fantasize about their first move to a big city like New York. The time-travel element was unexpected. It was enjoyable to listen to but as someone who doesn't love fantasy and is older, I would most recommend this to younger readers and fans of queer fantasy.

Was this review helpful?

E-ARC graciously provided through NetGalley!

Wow. This book was capital-a Amazing. (I don't love audiobooks but I made it work)
I fell in LOVE with every character that graced these pages, even August, who I wasn't sure I would like. Her romance with Jane is about as crazy as it gets, you'll never find another couple like them! Maybe I want to be Wes and Myla's best friend and marry Niko... I'll never tell.

"Time-travelling lesbians" is what everyone says when they want to describe this book. It's a LITTLE misleading. One, August is bisexual, as she tells a random, very annoyed man on the subway. Two, only one of them does time-travelling of a sort. It's not like, folding-the-fabric-of-reality time-travelling. No "Dr. Who" shit here.

This book was so much more than a romance though. It was a million storylines falling into place. This book was romance, mystery, a dash of sci-fi, found family and gay people in Brooklyn all wrapped up into one incredible book.

The narration on this book was incredible, I actually really liked it. The voice was calming but not boring, and I felt like the narrator's voice fit the story REALLY well!

I am already desperate to hear more about Casey McQuiston's book no. 3!!!

Was this review helpful?

A super cute romcom with a great f/f relationship, amazing found family full of incredible queer characters, and a fun sci-fi twist that kept me interested and reading. The plot twists were a little predicable, but nobody came her to have their mind blown by surprises.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to read this book, I loved Casey McQuiston's debut novel of Red, White, and Royal Blue, and I could not wait to read this book too! Sadly, this book left me confused and less than excited to continue to listen to it. The characters seemed disjointed and left me confused. I was very saddened by the fact that it seemed that August lost herself while she was on the quest to help her newfound friend who was lost on the train. There were points when I laughed because the comments of the roommates were very funny, I just felt lost and wanting more.

Was this review helpful?

One Last Stop - Casey McQuiston

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Red, White & Royal Blue was one of my favorite books last year. So, when I saw that McQuiston was releasing a book this year I couldn’t wait - and was beyond excited when I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio ARC. Unfortunately, the book really fell flat for me and I just didn’t love it. Before I get into my review, I want to say that this wasn’t a bad book by any stretch of the imagination. I KNOW that it will absolutely be a 5 star read for many of you, so if you have it on your TBR, don’t hesitate to give it a shot. I’ll share with you the reasons that it just wasn’t a winner for me, but first, let’s talk about why you might love it.

You will love this book if…
📚…you are looking for a GREAT read for Pride! This book provided a meaningful perspective on queer history in the US, and the challenges that our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters have faced in the past and are still currently facing today in the fight for equality. It celebrates queer stories and love, and pays homage to those whose who weren’t able to love as freely as some are today.
📚…you love reading about friends who are more like families. The diverse representation of the characters added so much to the book, between their backstories, challenges, and the roles they played in the final resolution of the story line. The found family aspect is so crucial to the development of the plot and for the main character, August.
📚…you love New York. McQuiston has done an amazing job of capturing the essence of the city - it almost comes to life as a character. McQuiston’s description of New York and it’s denizens does not fall short!

Unfortunately, the book just fell short for me. I went into this blind and was expecting a plot line on par with RW&RB. I simply wasn’t expecting the paranormal aspects of the story, and some of the elements of the story that I really enjoyed got lost in the time travel elements and explanations. I also felt like the story dragged at points. Finally, I just didn’t feel super invested in August as a main character. I actually really loved Jane’s character, and would have loved to read more about August’s friend Myla!

Was this review helpful?

Okay, don't attack me, but I didn't really love this one.

I'm an RWRB fan, so I was excited about Casey McQuiston's new book. I absolutely fell in love with the characters, but I really couldn't get into the plot. The sci-fi element seemed out of place in such a contemporary story. Everyone just accepted it? Listen, my friends would've gotten me professional help if I claimed to fall in love with a girl from the 70s stuck on the subway. They definitely wouldn't support me investigating her life or encourage the relationship. BECAUSE THAT'S CRAZY. I just really could not get over it.

I kept reading because I enjoyed the characters, especially the side characters. To be honest, I didn't really care for August and Jane, mostly because the whole thing was so weird. But Wes! Isaiah! Niko and Myla! An incredible cast of characters that made the story worthwhile.

Was this review helpful?

First off, the narration for this audio was excellent. Fit the main character and listens well on norma (1x) speed (It's a huge pet peeve of mine when readers read very slowly at "normal" speed). Casey McQuiston follows up Red, White and Royal Blue with a wonderfully queer-studded sophmore novel. Very positive portrayals of many queer lifestyles and with the time traveling narrative allows the reader to see the difference from a mostly accepting present and a more threatening past and celebrates those who came before. But, overall, I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I did R,W & RB. In part because the introverted and prickly August was not as enjoyable as a main character, and partly because the narrative with it's timey-wimey issues didn't really flow quite as seamlessly.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for my copy of One Last Stop in exchange for an honest review.

The narration by Natalie Naudus was enjoyable. I liked her tone for the characters andI was easily able to bump the speed up to 2x. I have listened to other books that she has narrated, and this probably wasn't my favorite, but I think that is influenced by the fact that I did not like the content that much.

I was really excited for this one, mostly becuase I adored Red, White, and Royal Blue by McQuiston when i read it last year. Time travel romances are usually not my thing, but I was hoping that since I loved the author's previous work, this one would be different. Unfortunately it didn't help. I did find all the characters to be quirky and likeable enough. But I found the pacing to be too slow and the story felt like it was repetitive and not moving forward. I tried to put it down and pick it back up a few times, but gave up less than half way through. I think I have learned that any kind of time travel romace just isn't for me. I have seen so many friends rave and about this book, so I think I am truly in the minority here. I will not be sharing my review any where else besides NetGalley,

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED RW&RB, @casey.mcquiston ‘s debut novel. When I heard she had a second novel coming out, I was beyond excited. If Addie La Rue and Written in the Stars blended together to make a baby book…This is it! But it is also a true original. Fantasy and paranormal are not my typical genres, so believe me, I was a skeptic. McQuiston did not disappoint! While I still love RW&RB more, I was all in for this subway ride.

It was magical. It was steamy. Wooo!

August just cannot resist a mystery. Her obsession went into full gear when she first met Jane Su. Jane was from another era. She didn’t quite fit in but seems to be exactly where she was supposed to be at the same time. August is determined to figure Jane out and she just may get some answers to an old family mystery.

I received an ALC of the audiobook. The narrator is fantastic! Her demonstration of emotion was well done.

Thank you to @netgalley @stmartinpress and the author for a gifted copy in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?

How can one pass up reading one of the most buzzy of buzz bookstagram books when the opportunity arises? I know I couldn’t...but maybe I should have?

Okay, okay, let’s start with the good! I loved the premise of this LGBTQ+ story, I am a sucker for anything to do with time jumps and paranormal uncoverings.

I thought the standout part of this book was actually the evolution of August as she finds an apartment full of friends (who I believe deserve the credit for making this book more enjoyable).

Lastly, I really enjoyed that this was a multi-layered mystery filled with diverse characters that just made the whole book feel colorful and bright (yet somehow transparent and flat).

Now, I’ll reveal the gore and rip the bandaid off on the rest… this book was just unbelievably long and mostly filled with unimportant meanderings.

I truly felt like it was long just for the sake of being long. Most of what was uncovered could have been easily told with half of the amount of pages.

Overall, although I enjoyed the ideas and many of the details, as a whole I just did not enjoy the book. Granted, I am not much for romance, but usually I find other parts to love like the characters, storyline, humor, or mystery...but this time it just didn’t happen.

Nonetheless, I have a feeling this one will be loved by many and I am excited for the romance lovers out there to take in this one for themselves.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for a review. I enjoyed so many things about this book. August's roommates are fantastic and the representation in this book is phenomenal! I like all the confusing feelings that August is going through in this book. As someone who has really struggled emotionally with my sexuality, I really appreciated that part of this story. The cast of characters are all so loving and accepting of each other. I wish I had that kind of support system when it comes to that side of myself that I feel like I have to hide away. Now onto the elephant int the room.......when I started this book I had NO idea that there was time travel involved! So I can fully appreciate a mystery that needs to be solved and that story line was very interesting.....but to me it felt like two complete different books jammed into one. The narrator for the audio was delightful and with the different inflections and accents really made this book jump to life! I give this one a 4 out of 5 and would still recommend to anyone who is looking for a book with good Alphabet Mafia representation.

Was this review helpful?

Very fun and easy listen. The narrator did an excellent job and I was happily pleased with McQuiston's sophomore novel.

Was this review helpful?

I really liked One Last Stop. What a fantastic release for pride month!
The cast of characters is queer, diverse and most of all loveable. Overall the characters are what will stick with me the longest.
As for the story itself... it was kind of all over the place. The timeline was non-linear, as was, oddly enough the pace of the narration. It felt like it would be a quick, light read, but somehow it took me a disproportionately long time to finish. There just wasn't anything that hooked me into the story, so I felt no need to pick it up once I put it down. I don't know that I enjoyed the quirky sci-fi meets magical realism wrapped in a spicy romance type of story line much on its own, and if I hadn't loved the characters as much as I did, I might not have finished the book. This however, sounds more negative than it needs to be... So I'll say it again, I like this book a lot! I would revisit any one of these characters again in a heart beat! The author really did a phenomenal job breathing life and vibrancy into her cast of character, even the ones on the fringe of the story.

Was this review helpful?

*Disclaimer: I received an audio ARC of this book from NetGalley and MacMillan audio. This does not in anyway affect my opinion of this book.*

Description: A magical, sexy, bighearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.

I really enjoyed Casey McQuiston’s writing style and how much story she’s able to fit into 417 pages. It was definitely a fast paced and easy read that I think most people would enjoy. That being said I did feel that the romance part of the book was rushed and not as developed as I usually like, but it was still enjoyable. I definitely enjoyed August’s character more than Jane’s. In my opinion she was just more relatable and I could see myself in her. I just wanted her to have her happy ending because she really deserved it.

There is a magical aspect to this story; that part I didn’t really like. For me it didn’t feel developed properly and the logistics as to “the magic” didn’t really make sense, but of course it’s magical realism so it doesn’t have to make logical sense. I really wish there had been a better explanation as to how Jane ended up in this time loop, because the explanation felt lacking for me. More sci-fi than realistic. I did think it was an interesting idea, just needed that little extra step to drive it home for me.

I did however love all the side characters and their personalities, they really shined! I was very pleased with all the representation in this book of all the LGBTQ+ spectrum. I hurt for some of the character’s stories and was very happy for those that were able to find their happiness and their “found families” despite all the horrible experiences they had. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout reading this book, and that’s why even though there were minor issues I didn’t like, overall it was very enjoyable. That is why I really think most people would enjoy this story, especially if you’re a fan of romcom movies/stories, like quirky characters, and sapphic stories. Would definitely recommend it!

TW: biphobia, homophobia, alcoholism, death, and drugs

Was this review helpful?

Read this if book you’re looking for a feel good story about understanding yourself and learning to believe in love.
I absolutely adored this book and all the characters, especially August and Jane! Not to mention it has my favorite trope; found family! The romance between August and Jane was so sweet and I really loved the progression of their relationship. On top of an amazing wlw romance the plot was so unique and entertaining, with the time travel/ supernatural aspects.There were some great plot twists and that kept me guessing. The Narration for One Last Stop was incredible and really kept me engaged. Would highly recommend this Audiobook!

Was this review helpful?

Casey McQuiston’s newest release affirms their innate ability to produce stories that will tug at your heartstrings, while delivering a dose of history mixed with hope.

One Last Stop brings 23-year-old August onto the Q-train at a low point in her existence. She’s stuck working at a local pancake house, avoiding her mother, and adjusting to her new roommates. And then she meets Jane, a beautifully alluring woman who August can’t get out of her mind, or dreams. And Jane seems to be on the Q every time August gets on. Coincidence? What is Jane’s story? And why do the details seem strange?

This engaging story takes the reader on a memory trip through the realities of the gay liberation movement of the 70s, the AIDS epidemic of the 80s, and the turmoil and discrimination of ensuing years. These characters are lovable, flawed, and entirely supportive of each other. The sci-fi/fantasy elements of the story were very well done, and I could believe in the possibilities. And the sense of hope engendered by this found-family left me feeling buoyed and light. This story will add some sunshine to your heart, and a little steam to your day. The narration by Natalie Naudus is spot-on, bringing out the subtle details of each character in an engaging and meaningful way.

Thank you to NetGalley and McMillan Audio for the advance audio version in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I had high hopes for this one, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. It's a unique premise and held my attention but overall I couldn't fully buy into it. There are a lot of different threads that come together and at times it felt like too many. I would have enjoyed it more if it'd been a little simpler.

The story took too long to get going. It wasn't until 20% in that we find out August's crush from the subway is more than she appears. From there I enjoyed the chemistry between the two women, there are some very steamy semi-public scenes, which were great. I also loved how meeting Jane brought meaning to August's life in New York City and connected her to her new roommates.

Overall this is a story about found family, which always resonate with me. It's also a wonderful exploration of different expressions of sexuality and gender. The characters are diverse and complex, even the minor ones. It was fun to get to know them all and watch their personal growth.

I recommend this one for readers of romance, particularly LGBTQ+ stories, and magical realism. There's even a few dashes of historical fiction in there.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely ADORED this book. Yes, the sapphic romance was wonderful, but also the characters! They're all so well-rounded and interesting and exactly the sort of people you meet and live with in college. It reminded me of my college days. I wasn't in New York, but it was all so, so familiar. I love them all and I didn't want the story to end. I didn't think Casey McQuiston could top their previous book but I think I might even love this one more.

It was so unapologetically queer, and seeing Jane react to the differences in 1977 New York and 2020 New York in how queer people could be and were reacted to - it was beautiful and heartbreaking.

I loved the mystery of Jane and her past and how all of it tied into August's past. Just. So well-crafted.

I had the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of the audiobook and it was so well done. The narrator's voice was perfect for the story, and she brought so much emotion to the characters and just brought it to life. I wanted to live inside the audiobook. Each character's voice and accent were also distinct and felt real and believable which increased my enjoyment of the audiobook.

If you, like me, enjoy the found family trope then I highly recommend this book.

*Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press for providing an e-arc and audio arc for review.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars. Effervescently chaotic, a beautiful, intersectional romp through a young woman’s first love, complicated by a time travel storyline. This is for nerdy people who love fully realized characters, fun and quipped dialogue, and the biggest, realest love you can find. I adored August and Jane’s romance, the found family of August’s roommates, and the love letter that this book was to Brooklyn and the MTA. One Last Stop is only very loosely based on Kate and Leopold, in my opinion, and I would probably categorize it as fluffy magical realism. I loved how the mystery of Jane and her circumstances (she is literally stuck in time) dovetailed and created a foil for the very unpacking of Jane and August as characters. It was just such a clever mechanism for a gorgeous, lush romance, and I really fell into it.

At times, OLS felt highly cinematic to me. There were a lot of moments when I genuinely could see scenes in my head as a movie, and I think it would lend itself to an adaptation so effortlessly. One of the things that Casey does so well is party scenes, somehow perfectly conveying the euphoria of iconic moments in a character’s life with the realization of that moment, and balancing the sheer number of people on the page to boot. It’s definitely a gift, and it’s one that really made the found family so real to me. I seriously wish these people were my friends.

I should mention that I read this book on audio for the most part, and I thought the narrator did a really good job distinguishing all the voices in the novel. I especially liked how she pulled off all the party scenes, because again, there are a lot of voices who show up. She also did a really fantastic job with the love scenes, which are very sexy and very hard to do on audio without feeling like you're intruding into someone's private moment.

Did I love One Last Stop as much as Red White and Royal Blue? Probably not, but it did not disappoint. In fact, I think with One Last Stop, Casey McQuiston has cemented themselves as an LGBTQIA romance writer with a very relatable, quirky vibe that feels fresh every time. This is a writer who is always going to knock you out with her concept, and then reel you in with her characters. I’m so here for it.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to the publisher for providing an early copy of the audiobook for One Last Stop in exchange for an honest review.

Hehehehehe I am a happy happy gay. I'm not a super huge RWaRB fan (before you crucify me, it's good, I liked it, I just wasn't as absolutely starstruck by it as most other people I know) but I loved this so much! It's cheesy and adorable and occasionally very, very heartfelt. I ended up listening to this after its publication date because I'm an awful audiobook listener and spent a month getting through the book I listened to before this but I listened to this entire thing yesterday because I got so hooked so fast.

I don't really want to talk about the plot because I fully thought this was a standard contemporary going in which I feel like made it way more impactful to find out what was going on alongside the protagonist but read it! Now!

Was this review helpful?