Brilliant. One of the best openings of a book I’ve read in a long time. Avery just endears herself to you with her quirks, her panics and her self preservation. Some real soul searching whilst life dances on around Evie and Josh and the supporting cast of friends and family.

Ugh this book was everything! As someone who struggles with anxiety I was so appreciative to have the topic handled so WELL! That was such a breath of fresh air! I absolutely loved Avery and Josh. Second chance romances are my absolute favorite and this did not disappoint

"There was something very intimate in playing music or singing in front of someone else, like you purposely let your guard down and chose to let the other person see who you truly were, your flaws and your weaknesses. Every time Josh played, and she had the privilege to listen, she saw his vulnerability shine through his every pore, and everything he wouldn't say out loud."

Avery Clark is a photographer trying to get her foot in the door and make a name for herself professionally. When Lisa, the owner of Avery's favorite boutique, is holding a photography contest, she knows that this is the opportunity she's been waiting for. All she needs to do is find a wedding to photograph to submit and she's one step closer to having her dreams thrive. The contest came at a perfect time, when Avery is needing a positive push in her life, in the midst of the the family drama. Between finding out her father was having an affair and her mother dealing with depression, the last thing she needs is Josh coming back into her life.

Josh Harding, pianist, Avery's ex-bestfriend, ex-almost-something, and biggest heartbreak is back from London after running off years ago. Josh was a part of the the best friend trio that was Avery, Brooke, and Josh but left without much notice, chasing his dream of playing piano to make his late mother proud.

With Josh back in her life, Avery can't help but wonder if wonder if she was really the only one feeling everything back when they were teenagers. Despite the ache his leaving caused, Avery let's him back in and is now photographing his sisters wedding for her photography contest.

I absolutely adored this book. I am eternally a fan of second-chance/childhood friends-to-lovers stories. Elodie Colliard delivers a beautiful romance that is filled with raw emotion and genuine human experiences and struggles. Avery experiences anxiety, panic attacks, trauma from SA, dysfunctional family stress, and insecurity and is written as such a strong heroine. Her experiences are not put in for the sake of interesting character traits, but rather as displays of what it really is to be human and struggle with mental health.

Josh and Avery reuniting forces her to confront the walls she put around her heart and whether they're worth breaking down on a chance at a love she once thought she lost. I loved seeing the glimpses of the trio's special friendship back when they were teenagers, and I wish we had a little more of that, and explore how those feelings really developed so many years past. Even without the deeper exploration of their history, these two had undeniable chemistry for each other. There were swoony longing stares, beautiful musical dedications, and UNCONDITIONAL PARTNER SUPPORT!! This was a true highlight for this book. Colliard handles the trauma that comes with SA with such grace and walks through the importance of consent between partners.

The supporting characters in this book were absolutely wonderful and felt like such essential pieces to the puzzle. Brooke, Avery's best friend was always there to support her and I hope we get to see more of her in the future because she was so easy to love in the little bits we got her. Avery's brother, Miles, was the rational and protective character that was needed in this story. He understood what Avery went through that first time and wanted nothing more than to protect her from experiencing that again. I am thrilled to read his book next, because I absolutely know he has a big heart. I would have loved to read more about what happens with Avery's relationship with her dad, and more about Josh's family dynamic.

The story is filled with so much love and pain. It is a beautiful and honest romance that any reader will enjoy if they're looking for something with strong character development, friends-to-lovers, second chance, mental health representation, strong female leads, and steamy open door scenes. Colliard put so much of her heart into this and it really shows. Readers, regardless of experiences, will find ways to connect with this story. I cannot wait for this to be out in the world for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley, Elodie Colliard, and Victory Editing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

↠ 4.25 stars

Avery Clark needs a break. Between her photography business not doing as well as she'd hoped and incessant family drama that does nothing to ease her spiking anxiety, she needs something to go her way.
And that was even before her ex-best friend, and talented pianist, Joshua Harding, ran into her during an event in Toronto, after he left her suddenly ten years ago, breaking the only promise he had swore he wouldn't.
When an opportunity to grow her business falls into her lap, Avery decides to put her doubts and resentment aside and agrees to photograph Josh's sister's upcoming wedding.
As they spend more and more time together, rediscovering each other and the people they turned into, Avery realizes that maybe, the spark she felt ten years ago wasn't just a fleeting teenage phase.
But the past is never far away, and an unknown future is terrifying. Could Avery take that leap of faith?
Book 1 it’s always been you series
Really enjoyable read totally recommend can’t wait for the next book
Thank You NetGalley and ARC Provided By Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op
I just reviewed The Last Encore by Elodie Colliard. #TheLastEncore #NetGalley

When I saw this cover by Leni Kauffman, I immediately looked up the description and added the book to my tbr. Then when I saw it on Netgalley, I was like please let me read this! Super happy to have gotten the chance to read an ARC (thanks to Netgalley and the author/Victory Editing!).

*Possible small spoilers on a few details below, but I tried to be vague about the actual storyline.

This was a solid debut, and I loved the mental health rep, as Avery, the main character, has anxiety, and her mom has depression. Her panic attacks felt so real that my heart rate went up when she did have them, and I was so glad that she has such a good support network that her best friend(s) will come to her, no questions asked. I don’t believe I have anxiety myself, but Avery’s anxiety and tendency to overanalyze things is super relatable. I know she struggled a lot at times because of it, but I thought it was a good thing in that she asked the questions she wanted the answers to the most first, which helped to establish more open communication in a way. I also love that because Avery and Josh were childhood best friends and he knew her so well, Josh understands how to help her and support her and loves all of her, including the way her brain works.

Avery’s drive and ambition in growing her business was also lovely to see. She works so hard and loves photography so much that you can’t help but root for her and want her to get to a place where she’s able to support herself well financially. Josh’s genuine interest in Avery’s work and passion for photography was the best. Him finding her in her element extra attractive? As he should. Avery’s fears of rejection and trusting people also were realistically handled, as those aren’t things that one can change overnight.

I think the thing I did want to see more of was Avery and Josh addressing his abrupt departure the first time ten years ago at a bit more length. While Josh does apologize, I felt that everyone forgave him very quickly (with the exception of Miles, Avery’s brother, because he witnessed firsthand Avery’s struggles and heartbreak following that. I loved Miles and Avery’s close sibling relationship with her brother. He’s just looking out for her, and their bickering is adorable.). It’s not that I wanted them to all hate him, but learning the bare details of the circumstances around his decision to leave did not make me warm up to him, largely because he sprang the news on his two best friends, Avery and Brooke, literally the day before he decided to leave. It’s never addressed as to why he didn’t give them more of a heads up; I thought it might’ve been because if he’d told Avery earlier he wouldn’t have gone through with it, but that’s just a random guess on my end, since Josh never explains that. That kind of withholding of information takes a bit more explanation than what we got, for me at least. I also would have loved to see more memories of Avery and Josh from the past, to see how they fell in love back then, in addition to the present timeline.

The friendship that Avery and Josh fall back into upon being reunited is really sweet, though, and it warmed my heart to see how well they knew each other ten years later. The little habits, the reading of postures and facial expressions, the familiarity with aspects of each of their families all set a solid foundation for the two of them to build on. I was happy with the resolution to the main conflict, which did give some points to Josh because of his decision as well. He had his own things to let go of, the things he clung to due to his grief over his mother. The steam and the way physical intimacy was addressed in the context of Avery’s sexual assault were also handled with care, and Josh’s understanding and sweetness were so important as part of a healthy relationship.

Ah! I am so excited to even be writing this review. Elodie is such a wonderful person, and i am blown away by the fact that this is her DEBUT. Friends, look out for her, because this was an incredible debut book.

Here’s what I loved:

- Avery was a woman on a journey to find and love herself and the ending just felt perfect for the badass woman that she had grown into.
- Josh was such a swoon worthy love interest, and a pianist! Like come on!
- there were some HARD and heavy topics covered in this book but it felt like they were handled gently and with grace and honor for the characters and what they had been through.
- a truly RIDE OR DIE best friend in Brooke. They was she showers up for and cared for Avery was unmatched, and we all need a Brooke in our lives.

If you love second chance romances, swoon worthy book boyfriends, mental health rep and fiercely strong women, this book will blow you away.

Congratulations and thank you Elodie! (And @netgalley) It was such an honor to be able to read this ARC and cheer this book on as it gets released!

💫 The Last Encore 💫
By Elodie Colliard
Pub date: Nov 1. 2022
Genre: contemporary romance

It’s the second chance romance that gets at your heartstrings, but with real life connections of grief, trauma and loss. It’s got a gentleness to the spotlight on mental health with a fire of heat 🔥 that so many contemporary readers love. Truth bomb: romance reads for me need something more.. something added of realism for them to become ones I really love. And with this debut novel, the author really steps her toes into writing with a bang.

The open door sex scenes are dealt with as a mutual voice of consent. Which is needed and done purposefully because it connects past trauma of the MC with a gentleness that is needed. It reminds me a lot of Christina Lauren’s “love and other words” MIXED with another indie author on here Kristin Mulligan “The Acts of Life”.

Couple things to highlight is that the author shares trigger warnings at the start for readers to review if needed and she explains her own connections to certain aspects of the story and why they’re there. So important to read both.

I have 0 doubt that a lot of readers will enjoy this one. Just go into it knowing there are triggers to be mindful of and pages of steamy love ❤️‍🔥 scenes.

This year has been brilliant for debut authors. Wow.

WoW! Colliard hit this one outta the park with her stunning debut!
I was captivated by the title and cute cover and I am so glad I had an opportunity to read it!

The Last Encore by Elodie Colliard is a sweet, charming, second chance romance story
Avery and Josh were such phenomenal characters. I absolutely loved everything about them.
The supporting characters and storylines were also great additions to the overall story and the pacing was perfect.
A fun, steamy, realistic read. That put a smile on my face more often than not.
The chemistry, the characters, everything about this book was great.
The writing is earnest and witty. And had me hanging onto her every word.
Colliard's smart, heartfelt and genuine writing had me connecting quickly with the characters and becoming invested in their relationship.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!
I will post my review to my blog, platforms, BookBub, B&N, Kobo and Waterstone closer to pub date.

This was a great debut novel by Elodie Colliard! I give it a solid 4/5 stars for its good writing, relatable characters, and interesting plot. I love me a second chance romance and this delivered.

Avery is a freelance photographer, trying to get her first big break. When she gets the chance to win an opportunity of a lifetime, she knows she can't refuse Josh's offer to photograph his sister's wedding. Reunited after 10 years, memories and unresolved feelings begin to surface and Avery's not sure she can handle it. As they begin to spend more and more time together, Avery knows this can only end in one of two ways. Will she let Josh in again, risking her heart and everything she's known or leave him as a thing of the past?

Do you ever read a book and know immediately that this has a piece of the author's soul in it? This was that. Avery felt very real and tangible. She deals with anxiety. Has past trauma she's still working out. She's a bit lost and scared trying to make it in her industry and dealing with her love life, but also angry with her family and the decisions that they've made. All of which are very relatable. One thing I wish we saw more of was the development of Avery and Josh's relationship. We get a few scenes from their teenage years, but that was it. We then jump right them rekindling as adults (I also wanted Josh to "grovel" a bit more here) and having this immediate attraction after 10 years.

Overall, a really solid book. I enjoyed it, the characters, the mental health rep. I look forward to book 2! Also, the cover is BEAUTIFUL. Love!!

I was so excited to read this book and even more excited when I got a ARC from Netgalley & Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed my time reading this but please read the trigger warnings for Sexual Assault. The author did a great job having a letter to the readers in the front of her book that talks about what chapter it will happen and why the author chose to write about this horrific experience.

We meet Avery who is a struggling photographer who needs to catch a break. She also struggles with anxiety and panic attacks that are de-habilitating. When an opportunity that could really put Avery on the map arrives she can’t help but say no even if that means being a photographer at her ex’s Josh sisters wedding. Josh and Avery meet up and rekindle the feelings that have never left all these years. But can Avery trust Josh not to leave again?

This was a great second chance romance. I really liked Avery and Josh. I think Elodie the author handled the sexual assault that Avery experienced many years ago extremely well. I also think the anxiety rep was done really well and with tender care. The only thing I would change is it has just a bit too much spice for me but that’s readers preference and in no way takes away from the story.

I hope everyone will give The Last Encore a chance on Nov 1,22.

You will be able to see my review on my Bookstagram @Rebar351

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was light, it was an easy read, and of course it was super sweet and just what I needed!

4 stars

This is a very beautiful and heartfelt book.

This book reminds me so much of Love & Other Words by Christina Lauren, with second chances and best friends that had life get in the way that learn to heal together from the difficult parts of life. Elodie really created something beautiful, and you can tell that she put her heart and soul into this book🤍🤍

I also adore that cover! Perfect representation of Josh and Avery😍

I also love how the book is set in Toronto!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the earc in return for an honest review

LIKES:
📝 witty, relatable, bingeable writing!
📑 + flashback segments!
🇨🇦 set in Toronto, Canada
👩🏻 Avery is creative, strong & determined
📷 photography vibes
🧔🏻Josh is PERFECT - sweet with ZERO ick!
🎶 music vibes
🏆 features a photography competition
💍 + a wedding & all the pre-marriage activities!
💕 second chance romance (steam level 4/5)
🧵 no strings attached
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 explores family dynamics
👭 + female friendship
🚺 + the female experience
🧠 + mental health
🌱 + personal growth
🥹 will give you ALL the warm & fuzzies!
•
DISCLAIMERS:
⚠️ DM me for TW & review the authors note before reading!
•
VERDICT: a warm & fuzzy second chance romance that brings the steam & depth by exploring family dynamics, mental health, & personal growth + all the photography & music vibes! ZERO ick for such a sweet romance!

Second chance friends to lovers is my FAVORITE romance trope and debut Canadian indie author, Elodie Colliard does it sooo well with The last encore!

What I loved about this book:

-The strong female main character
-Wonderful sibling/friend relationships
-The mental health rep (Avery has anxiety, her mother has a history of depression and Josh has a hard time dealing with grief over the death of his mother)
-The Canadian setting!!! We need more Canadian love stories like this one!!
-The way the author tackles heavier topics with sensitivity and grace (sexual assault (rape) and toxic parental relationships)
-The steamy, open door scenes that talk openly about consent and mutual pleasure (particularly important after experiencing sexual trauma)

This was one of my most anticipated fall reads and it did NOT disappoint!! I'm so grateful to have been able to read an early digital copy thanks to NetGalley and the author! Officially releasing on KU and paperback November 1st, you don't want to miss this debut that will make you feel all the feels AND has an absolutely STUNNING cover!!!

TW (from the author): "sexual assault (rape), depression, anxiety, loss of a loved one"

Avery is a photographer who wants to grow her business. She agrees to photograph the wedding of her former best friend Joshua's sister. They reconnect and heal together. Love that it takes place in Canada and all the cultural reference. Both Avery and Joshua are terrific characters. Really like how they are so sweet together.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

💭 ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
This book is officially one of my favourite romances of all times. It’s deep, it’s witty, it’s light, it’s cute and it’s steamy 🥵. I adored both Avery and Josh and loved the side characters. This is what a romance story needs. Imperfect people making this an incredibly realistic story. Loved the mental health aspect throughout. I devoured it. It’s such a quick read and the writing style is incredible. I couldn’t get enough.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🤓 ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Strong female lead
Refound love
Witty writing style
Deep topics (mental health/sexual assault)
Charming side characters
Short chapters & quick reads
Steam 🥵

ꜱʏɴᴏᴘꜱɪꜱ:
𝘈𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬. 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘹𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘺, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘺.

𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘦𝘹-𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘰𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘰, 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘰, 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵.

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘱, 𝘈𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘩 𝘑𝘰𝘴𝘩’𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘶𝘱𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨.