With a stunning cover like this…… it’s bound to be an epic story!
And One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette was beyond incredible.
She did a fabulous job with debut romance.
Betty Cayouette’s character development just shines in the book. I was quickly drawn to Emerson and Theo, rooting for them individually throughout the book and, eventually, as a couple. Their distinct personalities made it easy for me to imagine them as my friends.
Grabbed me from the first chapters, the main characters were so fantastic to follow.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

One Last Shot is everything I love in an epic love story: yearning, angst, second-chance romance (my favorite trope), breathtaking locale (Italy), and, most importantly, a swoon-worthy love interest. Once I started reading the book, I was engrossed and didn't want to put it down. If I had to change one thing about the story, it would be easing off on the lack of communication between Emerson and Theo. Otherwise, the romance is pretty perfect! I cannot wait to read more books from Betty Cayouette. I hope she has more love stories up her sleeve.

"One Last Shot" by Betty Cayouette is a captivating debut romance that takes readers on a journey of rekindled love and second chances against the picturesque backdrop of Cinque Terre, Italy.

Emerson and Theo's teenage romance was cut short just when they confessed their feelings for each other. Now, nearly a decade later, Emerson, a supermodel, is determined to fulfill the marriage pact she made with Theo. When fate brings them together on a photoshoot in Cinque Terre, the sparks fly once again, but old wounds and misunderstandings threaten to keep them apart.

Cayouette crafts a heartfelt story filled with emotion, humor, and undeniable chemistry between the characters. Emerson's determination to win back Theo's heart is both endearing and relatable, while Theo's gruff exterior hides a depth of emotion that adds layers to their dynamic.

The stunning Italian setting adds an extra layer of romance and charm to the narrative, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding love story. As Emerson and Theo navigate their complicated feelings and the obstacles in their path, readers will find themselves rooting for their happily ever after.

While some aspects of the plot may feel familiar, Cayouette infuses the story with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged until the very end. "One Last Shot" is a delightful read that will leave you swooning and believing in the power of second chances.

This is a pretty great read for a debut. I believe this author will only improve with experience. I felt for Emerson but Theo was definitely my favorite. There are a lot of emotions in this story. Even when I was so frustrated with the characters I couldn't put it down. I definitely would read this author again.

I love Betty’s tik toks and was thrilled to read her debut novel. I am always a fan of celebrity romances. Parts of the story felt a little clunky but overall I enjoyed much more than I didn’t. Excited to see what she comes out with next!

3.5 stars

Emerson and Theo were teenage sweethearts, but then disaster struck and their bond was severed. Before they split, however, they made a pact. If they weren't married by their 28th birthdays, they'd get married. Fast forward ten years, and their alerts go off on their phones. It's time. But they've not had any contact. Are there still feelings there? Have they thought of one another since? And when the epic misunderstanding that destroyed them is brought to light, can they overcome the obstacles and become the couple they were always destined to be?

I enjoyed this second chance romance. Theo is a fabulous cinnamon roll hero, which is my JAM. I also really loved seeing the world of fashion and modeling through the eyes of a supermodel and photographer. The fact that we're treated to two timelines, both in their days as teenagers, and in the present, when they're reconnecting as 28 year-olds, set an effective narrative. Also, I love the dual POVs!

I was hoping to travel to Italy via this story, and it didn't quite deliver on the Italian vibes I was hoping for. It wasn't ever promised in the summary, however, but I was hoping, based on the cover, that I would hear Italian music in the background, haha! The miscommunication, especially during present day, felt a bit superficial to me, and left me a bit frustrated while reading at times. I just wanted to say, "TALK TO EACH OTHER!" But overall the characters and story were enjoyable.

Trigger warnings: sexual assault (off page), bullying, hoarding, death of a parent

I'd like to thank St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Before she was Emerson (no last name needed) the supermodel, she was Emerson Grey, awkward teenager from a dysfunctional home who had trouble making friends. She meets Theo Carson, popular, athletic, and total eye candy, at high school freshman orientation. They connect in a way neither have with anyone else. Their relationship is torn apart at age 18 when Emerson feels trapped into making a sudden and desperate choice. When the opportunity to end her decade-long estrangement from Theo presents itself, Emerson finally takes the leap of faith to shoot her one last shot for true love.

The fact that I love this book despite my frustration with the one conflict (miscommunication) is a testament to how much I loved this author’s writing style and the insane chemistry she created between the protagonists. The angst was so palpable and so delicious on the page I couldn’t read fast enough to finally, finally see these two lovelorn idiots just kiss already!

This one is all about Theo for me. I died a thousand little deaths as I read the story of the sweet, gentle boy who has grown into a humble, tender man. His devotion and his goodness to Emerson since he was 14, even during the decade they were apart, absolutely made this love story come alive and sing. Some of my very favorite parts of the book were the flashbacks to Theo in high school and his thoughtful caring of Emerson since the day they met.

One of the aspects of the story that I thought was the most powerful was how Emerson’s trauma didn’t just change her, but irrevocably altered Theo’s life as well. I loved when Theo’s brother Owen helped Theo to understand that both he and Emerson have the capacity to heal, and the depth of love it will take to create true happiness together.

The donuts? The ring? The epilogue? I cried. The ending was swoony perfection.

Tropes: slow burn, friends to lovers, second chance

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review this novel. All opinions are my own.

This Emily Henry-esq novel is a freakin fantastic time. 

From the beginning, I was rooting for them both these fools in love. The book was funny, witty, and a little angsty as I watched them pass like boats at night. 

At times I wanted to lock them in a room and make them talk and when it all boils over there is something cathartic about the release of tension. 

The snippets of their past together were like an aloe on the slow burn of their story. 

The cast of characters, the picturesque landscape, and the mutual pining are all anyone can ask for.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy!!

If you love childhood friends to lovers to strangers back to lovers with the second chance element - this is the book for you!

I love all those tropes so I was excited from the beginning. We follow Emerson and Theo, who made a pact when they were 18 that they would marry each other if they were both single at 28. They lose touch/break up and haven’t spoken in years. However, when they reminder for their pact happens, they find their way back to each other. Emerson, an A-list fashion model gets a photoshoot where Theo is the photographer. Bringing both characters to Italy and back together, to figure out what happened and if they truly belong together.
I loved the past and present timeline and getting to see their friendship/relationship in high school and watch them grow up together. The dual POV was also a great addition because we got to see how they both were feeling during these times.
I always love a celebrity romance and those aspects were done really well.
There’s something truly special about childhood friends/lovers and second chance. The history those characters share is so special. Being a kid with someone then going your separate ways to come back together as adults with more life experience but knowing this is your person. Such an emotional and incredible trope.
I really enjoyed this book. From the setting, to the characters, to the dialogue.
Highly recommend this one!!

Thanks again to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy!

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Very sweet second chance friends to lovers romance. I enjoy a dual timeline story, so I loved the flashbacks mixed in with the present day timeline. I also love a dual POV and enjoyed the story from both characters perspectives. I felt the writing could have been better and that the plot sometimes felt leaned too much into the miscommunication trope without an appropriate barrier or good reason. Overall I felt it was engaging and enjoyable and read it very quickly.

Absolutely loved this book! The friends to lovers second chance story line is my all time favorite. The setting was wonderful and the characters were so relatable. I loved picking this book up every time and looked forward to reading it throughout the day. This book definitely did not feel like a debut novel and was so bingeable!!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this copy of "One Last Shot."

In this debut novel, we meet supermodel Emerson and her first love and best friend photographer Theo.

They haven't seen each other in 10 years (I won't tell you why but it was an emotional part of the story), even though they made a marriage pact when they were 16 that if they were single at 28, they'd marry each other.

So the "one last shot" is their "shot" at finally admitting their feelings while on a photoshoot.

It was a very clever, emotional, sweet story. I especially enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at modeling and photographers.

ONE LAST SHOT -- Betty Cayouette
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250291103
May 7, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Cinque Terre, Italy – Present Day

Emerson and Theo met on the first day of high school and hit it off as friends. They supported each other throughout their teenage years. Meanwhile, Emerson started modeling and her career took off. When they were eighteen, they made a pact. They will marry each other if they are not married in ten years. He declares his love, but shortly afterward, Emerson cuts all ties with Theo by telling him that she does not love him.

Fast forward ten years and the date of their pact is nearly here. Emerson is a world-famous model and Theo is an up-and-coming photographer. Through some finagling, she gets a fashion shoot job in Italy—where Theo is the photographer. She needs to know if their pact is going to be kept. It turns out Emerson lied when she told Theo that she wasn’t in love with him. Now she needs to get close enough to him to see if he is still in love with her. It isn’t going to be easy because there are forces working against them.

Emerson wants to give it ONE LAST SHOT with the only man she has ever loved. Why did she tell Theo ten years ago that she didn’t love him? I won’t go into the details but suffice to say, the reason is an emotional reaction to what happened to her while on a modeling gig. Theo tries to keep his feelings about her underneath the surface, but he can’t help watching—and wanting—her. Everyone on the shoot is wondering why a supermodel would want to do a fashion shoot for a company that is considered low on the totem pole. Well, Emerson wants Theo. But she isn’t about to come up to him and declare her love. She has too much pride for that.

ONE LAST SHOT alternates between Emerson and Theo’s points of view and from the present day to their high school years. We see them meet and go with them through their high school friendship…and beyond. Both have moved on, but is there a chance they can find love again? It will not be easy for them to be alone while on the shoot because not only are they busy but there are a lot of people milling around. However, they do manage to slip away a couple of times and rediscover the magic of their long-ago friendship. Now Emerson just has to take the plunge and ask Theo if he still loves her. Readers will soon be rooting for them to find their way to a happily ever after.

An emotional tale about a reunited couple and their pact to marry ten years ago. Will they honor the pact, or go their separate ways? Find out by picking up a copy of the intriguing and touching ONE LAST SHOT.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Theo and Emerson have loved each other since freshman year of high school. But after something traumatic happened the summer after senior year, Emerson left Theo a note and fled for LA. They haven’t spoken since.
10 years later, their phones vibrate with a reminder of the pact they made when they were younger: if they are still single at 28, they will marry each other.

Emerson chased her dreams and is now a famous supermodel, while Theo followed his and became a photographer. When an opportunity arises for them to work together, they rekindle their friendship like no time has passed and old feelings never died.

There’s something about that first love that will always hold a special place in your heart, and for Theo and Emerson, no one could ever compare!

This story is written in dual POV, fluctuating between past and present times, and reading about the beginning of their love story was truly a gem.
@ashsgoodreads said you will make the 🥹 face while reading, and I definitely did that many times!

Tropes: friends to lovers, second chance romance
TW: sexual assault

Donuts were a huge significance for Theo and Emerson’s relationship, so naturally I had to get their favorite flavors, maple and glazed.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this early release!

Maybe it’s the rainy day I read this on, but wow was it fun to escape to Cinque Terre for a while! I can get a little frustrated with books where I just want to yell at the main characters, “COMMUNICATE!” But I ended up really falling for Emerson and Theo. Even though it was a friends-to-lovers/fated story, they both had lives outside of each other which made it feel more real. A very sweet romance!

3.75/5 stars

Emerson, a supermodel at 28, is ready to find the real thing in the romance department after yet another breakup with the wrong guy. She thought she had that once, as a teenager with Theo, her best friend in high school and now a successful commercial photographer. However, a shocking and terrible event sent her fleeing their relationship with no explanation at all to Theo.

When she hears about a photo shoot that Theo is doing in Italy and mindful of a pact they made ten years before, Emerson finagles her way into the shoot to see if their relationship is still salvageable. As she and Theo slowly work through their past, Emerson begins to open up about why she left with no explanation. As they grow closer, they face new challenges around Emerson’s celebrity status and Theo’s insecurity about all that it entails.

There is a trigger warning here, dealt with off the page, and I was intrigued and impressed by how the author approached Emerson’s character because of it. This is not a “recovery from a horrific event” book. Emerson is a strong and confident woman and has dealt with her trauma on her own terms…it does not define or control her life.

I enjoyed the book, though at times I became a little frustrated with Emerson as she’s very single-minded about winning Theo back. Theo was actually my favorite character with his pining heart and steadfast loyalty.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin for providing the free early arc of One Last Shot for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

One Last Shot is a celeb/second chance/friends to lovers romance that hits a lot of familiar beats, but does it pretty well. From BookTok/Bookstagram star and debut author Betty Cayouette, it’s no surprise that this book seems to know exactly which trope-y buttons it wants to push. Besides the above, we have:
* A gorgeous Italian Riviera setting
* Childhood/first love-that-got-away
* A nefarious agent/manager who knows what’s “best” (and what’s best is not the OTP)
* Fake dating the gay (or in this case bi) bestie/fellow celeb for career advancement
* Donuts. A LOT of donuts. And ice cream. And In-n-Out. (Thankfully, but perhaps surprisingly this book about a fashion supermodel avoids most mentions of disordered eating)
* Fame/success/economic disparity
* A barely-there third act breakup (really not even that, just “space”)

Cayouette has made her name knowing what makes romance readers tick, and her debut book shows she’s learned those lessons well. One Last Shot is breezy, emotional, sun-soaked and sexy. Really can’t complain.

CW: Sexual assault (off page), abusive/manipulative authority figure, mentally ill parent

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good friends to lovers/second chance romance but definitely a bit cheesy. The writing was just ok but the second chance part made it worth it. I didn't know anything re: BookTok or that this author/book was viral? The premise was good but I found myself skimming toward the end because the HEA was so drawn out. You may have better luck!

One Last Shot comes out next week on May 7, 2024 and you can purchase HERE.

". . . I want someone who believes in me, like the couple in Legally Blonde. Who's my best friend, like they are in When Harry Met Sally. Who would give me the raft in Titanic, except I wouldn't let them. We'd both find a way to fit on that tiny door, because they totally could have. I want my heart to race when I see their message, like in You've Got Mail. Basically Em, all your movies ruined me. Because now I need the spark."

I wish I could give half stars because this book is really a 3.5. There are aspects of it I really loved. The way it handles mental health and sexual assault is really good and well done. I also really enjoyed the two characters and their relationship. I also love books about famous people (the view was exhausting is a fave). But this book failed on that front. None of the celebrity stuff made any sense. I know way too much about pop culture so it all stuck out (she’s a supermodel but her career will tank if she does a collab with what sounds like target? Even tho who hasn’t done a collab with a lower priced retailer. He’s a photographer who could have been major but exclusively works catalogue? But I’d know for their campaigns?? Her ex is basically Harry styles and they were in a PR relationship but then it became real then PR again? Also this woman’s fame seemed Giselle level which…ok!)

A good read but I just had too many questions but someone who’s less online would probably not worry about that.

One Last Shot by Betty Cayouette is a perfect summer romance story. It's easygoing, but at the same time, it has a deep layer. Expected Publication is May 7th, 2024.

Emerson and Theo met as teenagers and were inseparable. Emerson at 28 is a supermodel, and Theo is a photographer, but they are not together anymore. Emerson wants to change that and decides to rekindle their relationship.

The story of One Last Shot is straightforward, but what sets it apart are its characters. The author has done an amazing job of portraying realistic characters, especially Theo. For readers who like second chance romance, friends turned lovers, this one is perfect.

Thank you, St. Martin's Press @stmartinspress , for this book.

CW: Panic/anxiety attacks, mention of SA