One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette

Oh, how I love this book! It’s not getting a lot of attention in the book world, yet it has stuck with me and I’ve thought about it a lot over the last year since I read it. I love Italy and I love friends to lovers. A marriage pact trope pushed it right over the top for me, and I enjoyed it so much. I’m a very character-driven reader. I have to connect with the main characters in order to love a story, so I will admit that the idea of having a famous, successful supermodel and an up-and-coming photographer as the main characters had me a little worried. They both ended up being so sweet and down-to-earth. Nothing like the models we meet in The Devil Wears Prada. lol. Emerson’s and Theo’s rekindling was so heartwarming and special, all set against the stunning backdrop of Cinque Terre. I felt like I was right there with them, enjoying the sun and the beautiful scenery.

Emerson and Theo were joined at the hip as teenagers, spending their childhoods swimming and eating lots of donuts together. They get torn apart, as is always the case, and spend years dealing with the fallout of some major miscommunication (I hate the miscommunication trope, but it worked for me here). They lived their lives separately, her as a supermodel and him as a photographer. When Emerson’s calendar notification goes off, reminding her of her marriage pact with Theo, she realizes how unhappy in love she’s been. So she strong-arms her agent into booking her a modeling job where Theo is working. Their reunion is icy cold at best, and then they start to warm up and fall into their old friendship. The feelings they had for each other all those years ago are still alive and kicking, and I loved watching them figure out how to be around each other as adults.

Theo made this book for me. He is everything. As soon as his calendar notification goes off, he is flooded with feelings of his time with Emerson and it made me so sad for him. He’s so sweet and caring and understanding and has carried his love for her for ten years. And he’s also so insecure and self-conscious, which made me want to hung him very tightly. He would do anything for Emerson. I kind of hated Emerson in the beginning because how could she just leave a guy like Theo without a second glance? I know as teens we’re at the mercy of life and are not always in control of where we go, but she didn’t even say goodbye to him. But I grew to really love her, just as Theo grew to be able to trust her again. There’s so much angst and mutual pining and the burn is soooooo slooooow, which was surprising considering their history. But I gobbled it up. I loved the push and pull, will they or won’t they, WHEN WILL THEY. I couldn’t stop reading. Their romance is so swoony and perfect, even though the road is bumpy and winding sometimes. This is a true movie romance. Oh my gosh, someone needs to make. movie out of this. It would be amazing, especially in Italy!

Audio notes: Loved it. I’ve struggled with Brittany Presley in the past, but she did a great job with this one. This was my first time listening to Sean Patrick Hopkins, and his voice was perfect for Theo. Both narrators read with emotion, which made me feel for the characters so much more deeply than if I had read it on my own.

All in all, you need to read this. It’s a tender, sweet, beautiful romance set in my favorite country in the entire world. I can’t wait to see what Betty Cayouette writes next!

The Second Chance trope is really hit and miss for me. I went into this book with relatively low expectations. It sounded cute, but I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. And I truly did. I absolutely ADORED this book. It was the perfect storm of emotions, and I loved every single second of it. Told in dual timelines, this book is bound to capture the hearts of romance readers.

Emerson and Theo teenage lives revolved around each other. Theo, with a talent for photography, helps Emerson jump start her modeling career that eventually launches her to international stardom. A combination of events leads to a divide between them, but the heart never forgets. Having made a pact when they were teens, Emerson decides to try one last shot (see what the author did there) of reconnecting with Theo and repairing their relationship. Can time heal old wounds?

Emerson and Theo both had depth and were so easy to connect with and want to root for. Add in a romantic Italian setting and years of longing, and you have the recipe for the perfect swoon-worthy romance.

It's a travesty this book isn't rated higher. But I'll just love it enough for everyone. LOL. I am seriously looking forward to Cayouette's next book, Tell Me How You Really Feel.

The lost in translation trope isn’t my favorite idea, so I was left a bit frustrated at times. I had a hard time getting into this book, but loved the setting.

Just can't get into this one right now unfortunately. I may try again at a later time.

Book received for review.

Thank you for letting me read this! I loved the ideas that made up the plot of this story, but overall I feel that it was missing an important part of the book. There was so much that I was still wanting from this book that I didn't get.

4.5 stars

I read this last year, and even though some of the details have faded, I still remember how much I loved it. I’m always a sucker for a good second chance romance, and this one delivered in all the best ways.

First of all, the settings in this book? Stunning. Betty Cayouette transported me to the most beautiful places, and I loved how the different locations reflected the emotional journey of the characters. There was something so cinematic about it, like I was right there with them, feeling every bittersweet moment.

Even though I don’t remember every little detail, what does stick with me is how this book made me feel. The longing, the heartache, the push and pull of two people finding their way back to each other—it all hit so perfectly. If you love second chance romances with gorgeous backdrops and all the emotional depth that comes with rediscovering lost love, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for a gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

This sounded like such a cute second chance romance, but ultimately let me down after a serious miscommunication trope that dragged the story on for me. Miscommunication is not my favorite trope, and in this one especially, I felt like we have had a much shorter story if our characters just actually talked to one another.

Not only that, we’re given a note from the author at the beginning of the book that I felt spoiled Emerson’s reason for leaving Theo all those years ago. Knowing that this big reveal is supposed to happen, I kept waiting for it to come out. But Emerson avoids any possibility of explaining until the book is almost over. Based on the author’s note, I figured it would come out much sooner so the two could move past it. By the time it does come out, everything afterwards just seems so rushed and then the book is over.

I have no problem with the author wanting to write this note regarding the topic. But I do wish it was placed at the end of the book instead. Plus what the author said in the note, as a reader, I felt it was actually counterintuitive, especially being at the beginning of the book, because it was all I could think about as I made my way through the book.

Besides Emerson’s reason for leaving Theo. I also had a hard time connecting with either of our MCs, as we bounce not only between both of their perspectives but also between the past, back when they were in high school, and the present, where Emerson gets her agent to book her into a shoot she knows Theo will be a photographer for.

However, as I said earlier, this story seemed to be just unnecessarily long, filled with so much unneeded fluff. From the start, it’s obvious both MCs still love the other, especially as we get to see both of their perspectives. They literally just need to talk to each other about what happened all those years ago.

There’s also this hint towards some drama with Theo’s ex/new best friend that never really goes anywhere that I honestly really really wish did. It probably would have made this a more enjoyable read. But again, just unnecessary fluff.

This was unfortunately just not the book for me.

If you enjoy friends to lovers, second chance romance with a STRONG miscommunication trope, you might enjoy this one.

Loved this one so much. We always wonder about the one that got away and what would happen if we did have one last shot with them.

One Last Shot is a sweet summer romance about Emerson, a supermodel, and Theo, a fashion photographer, who try to rekindle their romance after a decade of silence. At 28, both are still single, so Emerson uses her status to book Theo for a photoshoot in Italy, hoping to revive their past connection. The story alternates between their high school years and their present-day reunion, giving readers insight into their evolving relationship.

The narrative’s alternating timelines deepen the characters’ backstory, though the pacing slows in the middle. The book explores themes of second chances, miscommunication, and self-discovery, with the miscommunication trope driving much of the tension, though it’s handled well. The story also addresses heavier topics like SA, though not in detail, which plays a significant role.

Character development is strong, with Emerson’s growth from carefree to guarded and Theo’s lingering insecurities. The dual POVs highlight their individual struggles, making their second chance feel earned.

Final Thoughts: One Last Shot is an endearing second-chance romance with great character development and a satisfying conclusion. Though the middle section could be tighter and the Italian setting explored more, its heartfelt message about love, friendship, and communication makes it a rewarding read for fans of the second-chance and friends-to-lovers tropes.

Disclaimer: This review is based on an ARC received from NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin.

This was a debut novel and the story that Betty wrote was amazing. The marriage pact was made 10 years prior and these two paths cross ironically 10 years after the pact was made. While Emerson is excited to see Theo, Theo is not as happy to see her, even when it is in Italy at a beautiful photoshoot both are working on.

I enjoyed this story and the relationship these two build is one of rekindled friendship, and the relationship they rebuild is so sweet and they truly are meant to be together.

Book Review: ONE LAST SHOT by Betty Cayouette
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance fans, clear your TBRs because Betty Cayouette's debut ONE LAST SHOT is a whirlwind of tropes—and somehow, it all works! From celebrity romance and small-town charm to fake dating and second chances, this book feels like a greatest-hits album for romance readers. Throw in alternating POVs, timelines, and settings (Salem, L.A., and Cinque Terre, Italy), and you've got a recipe for a page-turner.

I’ll admit it—at first, I didn't want to like supermodel Emerson. She's gorgeous and successful and fabulously wealthy (aka impossible to relate to). But Cayouette cracks her open, revealing vulnerabilities that make you root for her. And Theo? A down-to-earth photographer and Emerson's almost-high-school-sweetheart? You’ll root for him by chapter 2.

Now, here’s the twisty kicker (and what makes this book memorable): Cayouette sensitively dives into a major trauma that shapes everything—though you don't fully understand its impact until the big reveal near the end. It's heartfelt and it’s handled beautifully.

There were a few missteps for me. The one spicy scene felt jarringly out of place. It was a good scene; it just felt like it was in the wrong book. And while this was an ARC (thanks, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin!) with all the usual typos and grammar hiccups, this one had more than expected. Even a few minor plot holes. I assume the final published book smoothed those edges. Fingers crossed!

Overall, ONE LAST SHOT is a fun, trope-packed romance that somehow sticks the landing despite doing ALL the tricks. By the end, I couldn’t stop smiling. If you’re a sucker for classic romance tropes with a twist, add this one to your shelf—it's worth the shot. 📚❤️

#Romance

One Last Shot is a sweet friends to lovers story that follows Theo and Emerson through the years. In present day, Emerson is a world-famous model and Theo is a photographer, and in the past they were best friends who were secretly in love with one another. When Emerson's phone reminds her of the marriage pact they made when they were teens and after not talking in a decade, Emerson has her agent book her on one of his upcoming shoots in Italy.

The plot of this book is good, albeit predictable, but it's a feel good story. It does tackle some tougher subjects like sexual assault, which the author addresses at the very beginning of the book.

Also, as a resident of the North Shore of MA I loved having the characters be from the same area.

Overall, a lovely story with a happy ending.
Thank you St. Martins Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Betty Cayouette's One Last Shot offers a poignant and compelling exploration of second chances, the complexities of family dynamics, and the enduring power of love. This isn't your typical romance; it's a story grounded in real-life struggles and the messy, beautiful reality of human relationships.

Thank you so much for the book! This was different from a lot of books I’ve read, but I really enjoyed it! More in depth review to come.

If it is a second chance romance, I must have flashbacks of their initial relationship and this one delivered. I loved that it was a celebrity romance and set in Europe. Great concept and execution!

From BookToker to romance novelist, Betty Cayouette (aka Betty’s Book List) weaves together an amazing second-chance romance set in Italy in her debut novel One Last Shot (which comes out on May 7th).

This debut book has to be one of the best friends to lovers romances I’ve ever read!

I absolutely adored Emerson and Theo! This book had such a great storyline and I was desperate for these former childhood friends to finally realize that they still loved one another just as much as they did in high school. The pacing of the novel was perfect and the flashback in between each chapter really rounded out the novel by showing how Emerson and Theo’s friendship and love grew from their teen years.

This book will have you itching to go on vacation and experience a whirlwind romance! Having a bulk of the plot take place in Italy over the course of a week was so enchanting and I was very intrigued by the setting of the photo shoot to reconnect these two lovers.

I appreciated the author’s note in the beginning about the main character being a victim of sexual assault and how that plot line wasn’t a main focus in the story, but still contributed to the story as a whole. I felt that the topic was handled with grace and showed how a moment from your past can be a part of you, without entirely defining you.

You can bet that I will be the first in line to get Cayouette’s next book (whenever it comes out) and I will be recommending this book to everyone I know all summer long!

*I received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was such a cute and fun read. I really enjoyed the setting in Italy. I am a sucker for a dual timeline story that includes flashbacks to childhood. It really helps you have a good understanding of the characters and make them more relatable.

Theo and Emerson were so fun together. Even though they had some pretty big miscommunications it was great to follow along on their journey to overcome the obstacles.

I am a sucker for second chance romance that also ties in childhood friends and this was done beautifully!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Today is Theo's 28th birthday and an alert goes off on Theo and Emerson's phones - one week until their wedding." Wait, what? They have not spoken to each other in ten years and they both have forgotten this pact they made. If they were not married by the time they are 28 (because that is sooo old), then they will marry each other.

So the story begins, a winding, love story, back and forth in time, explaining how they got to this point. It is a beautifully written, messy love story, because life is messy. Can they come back together and is the love they felt at 18, but afraid of, still there?

This novel is Cayouette's debut, I cannot wait to read what she does next!

One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette is a heartwarming and delightful romance that effortlessly blends second-chance love with a dash of glamour and stunning Italian scenery. The novel follows Emerson, a successful supermodel, and Theo, a fashion photographer, who reunite ten years after making a marriage pact as teenagers. As Emerson approaches her twenty-eighth birthday, she decides to take matters into her own hands and uses the opportunity of a photoshoot in Cinque Terre, Italy, to reignite the romance she’s never quite forgotten.

Cayouette’s storytelling is charming, with a perfect mix of emotional depth and playful banter between the main characters. Emerson and Theo’s chemistry is palpable, and their unresolved past creates an intriguing tension that builds throughout the book. The picturesque setting of Cinque Terre adds an extra layer of magic to their reunion, and the four-day campaign provides the perfect backdrop for both characters to confront their feelings and rediscover what they had lost.

This debut novel is an enjoyable read for fans of second-chance romances with relatable characters and a dash of nostalgia. One Last Shot will appeal to readers who love a good love story, especially when it involves rekindling old flames and taking a leap of faith in love. The book also benefits from the author’s background in the book world, thanks to her viral TikTok account, Betty's Book List, which has cultivated a loyal following of romance fans eager for her debut novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review. This book was good! Started out slow and took forever to finally understand the major reason Emerson went away, but it was super cute and I enjoyed the story.