Avery Clark's life is a whirlwind. Her photography business is floundering, her family is a mess, and now Joshua Harding, her ex-best friend and almost something more, has unexpectedly returned after a decade. Despite her lingering anger, Avery agrees to photograph his sister’s wedding to advance her career. As they spend more time together, old feelings resurface, but the past and an uncertain future make Avery wary of rekindling their relationship.

This book has one of my favourite tropes: childhood friends-to-lovers, brimming with slow-burn romance and heartfelt moments. I think the author tackled very hard topics so respectfully and I loved the mental health representation. The spice was spicing, Josh has a MOUTH on him. Shee!

Tropes and themes I loved:
- Childhood friends to lovers
- Mental health themes
- Longing and Angst
- Cinnamon roll
- Slow burn romance
- Complex family issues
- Forced proximity
- Strong friendship bonds
- Cozy Canadian autumn setting

This Toronto vibe made me want to travel. It was absolutely breathtakingly written.
Loved the premise, I found the characters okay, execution is where this book fell flat for me, but for a debut I think it's so well done.

The Last Encore by Elodie Colliard is a strong romantic debut. The characters were very relatable and well written. I'm excited to see where they series leads!

The book earns a solid four stars from me for its engaging characters, skillful pacing, and emotional depth. While the plot may have been somewhat predictable at times, the storytelling prowess make this a book worth experiencing.

This had so many lovely parts to it, but it fell flat along the way. I appreciated the way mental health discussions were handled, and the slow-burn romance between Avery and Josh was super cute, but some of the romantic moments were cliche, and the dialogue at times felt very young. I don't really know how to explain it. There are lots of open door sex scenes which were nice and spicy, and I did like how the characters had obvious chemistry and supported one another.

A solid 3-stars. I would definitely read more by this author.

I just finished 'The Last Encore' by Elodie Colliard, and wow, what a journey it's been!

First, let's talk about the characters. They're so vivid and lifelike that you feel like you've known them for ages. Colliard does a fantastic job of fleshing them out and giving them depth, making it easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs.

Now, onto the plot. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, weaving together mystery, romance, and drama elements to keep you guessing until the end. There were moments when I was on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what would happen next.

And speaking of romance, get ready for some severe sparks to fly! The chemistry between the main characters is off the charts, making their love story all the more captivating.

But what stood out to me was the setting. Colliard paints a vivid picture of these characters' worlds, from Paris's bustling streets to Provence's serene countryside. It's like taking a mini-vacation with each turn of the page.

Now, fair warning: this book isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Some darker moments pack an emotional punch, but they only make the triumphs all the more satisfying.

Overall, 'The Last Encore' is a gripping, heartfelt read that'll stay with you long after you've turned the final page. So grab a cozy blanket, pour yourself a glass of wine, and prepare to be swept away by this unforgettable tale!

I’m not sure how I feel about this one still. I liked it while I was reading it but I found it very forgettable. I did really like the characters and the story line.

Wow this was so cute and I loved the characters and the setting. I cant believe this is a debut book and author. This read really well and was very entertaining.

The Last Encore is a childhood friends / second chance romance book. It deals with some heavy topics such as mental health issues and sexual assault but is overwhelming a book about love and trusting yourself. The anxiety our main character describes and the family dynamics just felt so real. It is a bit of a slow burn but when the spice hits, it hits. A solid romance book that felt real and a debut! Looking forward to reading the next! 4⭐️

Nothing that I haven’t read before and not something that I will remember much of in the future. I needed more backstory and felt it was a bit too slow paced for my liking.

Very deep and endearing romance, a little bit different from the ones I’m used to read. I would recommend it to everyone who loves a good love story.

Elodie Colliard's "The Last Encore" is a beautifully composed symphony of love, friendship, and the power of second chances. With the intriguing question, "What if love is the key?" as its guiding theme, this novel takes readers on a journey through the complexities of rekindling a long-lost connection and finding the courage to trust once more.

Avery Clark, the central character of the story, is a relatable and endearing soul caught in the whirlwind of life's uncertainties. Her photography business isn't flourishing as she had envisioned, and her family drama only adds to her growing anxiety. However, the universe has a way of working in mysterious ways, and a chance encounter with her ex-best friend, the talented pianist Joshua Harding, changes the course of her life forever.

The narrative unfolds as Avery agrees to photograph Josh's sister's upcoming wedding, despite the lingering bitterness from a past that is yet to be reconciled. As they spend more time together, a subtle but undeniable spark rekindles between them. Their journey of rediscovering each other and the people they've become is a poignant reminder that some connections are timeless.

Colliard's writing is like a love song, evoking the nostalgia, longing, and aches that time and distance have created between these two childhood best friends. The slow-burn romance between Avery and Joshua is a testament to the enduring power of love and the depths of emotion it can evoke.

Canada, with its picturesque vibes, plays a significant role in the backdrop of the story, adding a charming layer to the narrative. The novel not only explores themes of love but also delves into friendships, woman empowerment, identity, loss, and the pivotal journey of learning to trust oneself.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Last Encore" is its celebration of woman empowerment, with Avery's character demonstrating strength and resilience. As she navigates the complexities of her past and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, readers are bound to resonate with her triumphs and tribulations.

Elodie Colliard's storytelling is heartfelt, and her words flow like a gentle melody, enveloping readers in a warm embrace of emotion and hope. The novel is a testament to the transformative power of love and the potential for new beginnings, even after years of silence.

In conclusion, "The Last Encore" is a heartwarming and steamy slow-burn romance that beautifully captures the essence of rekindled love and the courage it takes to take a leap of faith. With its richly developed characters and poignant storytelling, Elodie Colliard's novel is a testament to the timeless nature of love and the enduring bonds of friendship. It's a story that lingers in your heart long after the last page is turned, a true testament to the magic of love and second chances.

I really enjoyed this one. The writing was good, there was a little too much spice for my personal taste but it was fine. The last bit was disappointing that they didn’t just talk it out but that they broke up instead but again that’s just a personal plot that I don’t like. I liked the characters and would’ve enjoyed more of their backstory from when they were friends as teens. Great first novel.

I started this one a long time ago and really hated the writing. I had plans to come back to it and try again, but I really doubt that will happen at this point. I love the cover and if I come upon it on my kindle one day in the future maybe I will read it one day. But, for now, I am going to DNF it.

The cover is gorgeous, but this one was just not for me.

My review is coming in a bit late, mostly because i tried several times until i finally was able to finish the book. I had some trouble getting into the story and never really connected with the characters. Their romance seemed rushed, because they picked up where they left of 10 years ago, but we never really got their backstory or see them fall in love in the first place. That led to me not really „feeling“ what they felt and I wasn’t invested in their story. Also, I kind of felt like there was nothing special or surprising in the story, it felt like something i‘d read 100 times before. Which can be comforting to some but to me it just felt a little uninspired. That said, it’s definitely not a bad book, it‘s just nothing that necessarily peaked/kept my interest. However I see potential for future stories and might pick up another book by that author.

Thank you Netgalley and Victoria Editing netgalley co-op for providing this e-arc. In return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. This review will be posted to my Goodreads and Storygraph accounts!

Ten years. Avery and Josh have not seen each other for a very long time. Even though, they used to be best friends back in times, now, they are like a strangers, cause they both changed a lot. Now, having a chance to meet again, to catch up a little bit and find what exactly happend in the past, started a new connection, kind of bond between them two. And the spark they have back then, does not disapperad and they both feel it in the air...

It was nice. It was a love story that is not just black and white. It is million shades of grey that makes it more reliable, more human. I like the way they develop not only their relations, but also how they develop their careers, wants more for life and dont want to stop and wait for the opportunities.

Anyway, it was a piece of story when you can find yourself in. I appreciate that this much more than just a flat romance, it has a value in this pages and it was so good time I have spend with it.

This book just was not my favorite. I just could not get into it. I wanted to like it after I saw the gorgeous cover, but I wasn't sold!

Avery and Josh are childhood best friends until Josh moves away and Avery is left with a broken heart. Years later, Josh is back and Avery has to decide if she can forgive him.

Listen, I love a childhood friends to second chance romance trope. There were some very cute moments that I did really enjoy. But overall I felt it was a little lack luster and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. I thought the book was sweet and a fun read but not life changing.

This was such an incredible book! I was hooked from the start—really enjoyed the storytelling, I couldn’t put it down and can’t recommend it enough!

This is the kind of romance that I think a lot of people look for; sweet, endearing, tender, and filled with a lot of beautiful, in depth moments.

I loved this book!! The setting, the characters, the plot. Everything about it was great, Elodie did an incredible job and I can't wait for her next book!