One Last Night by Lauren Ford is such a chaotic romance story but so much fun! Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, fake-dating, etc. all in one rainy night with the oddest set of people stuck in a restaurant. A really enjoyable read. Thank you, Netgalley and Canelo, for the ARC. All opinions expressed are mine.

“Date me, Agnes Keegan. Fall in love with me. If fighting is this much fun, imagine how good it will be loving each other.” 🧡

Just finished this beautiful book.
Wow, what a warm, cozy and loving feelgood story! I loved this book from the start and oh my, the ending made me wipe away a tear. So beautiful and heartwarming. 🧡

The FMC Agnes is running her dad’s restaurant The Shark Biscuit. The restaurant is closing soon because Agnes doesn’t want to keep the business open. She’s full of guilt because the restaurant is closing. One last night and she’ll be free.

When her ex boyfriend brings his family to the restaurant, she asks chef Harrison, who she can’t stand, for help and he’s becoming her fake boyfriend. But she didn’t plan the upcoming storm that traps everyone in the restaurant.

You’ll love this book:

- enemies to lovers
- fake dating
- romcom

Anyway, buy this book when you want a beautiful and heartwarming love story! You won’t be disappointed! 🧡

-NetGalley-
Maybe spoilers!!!!

I really loved the book, I liked that troop that all develops in a chaotic night.
I loved the dynamic between the two characters, how he takes care of her all the time but she doesn't realize it until she starts connecting the dots. It was a very nice moment when Aggie realizes that she can trust Harrison because he was always there for her even if not in the "conventional" way.

My only criticism is that I would have liked Aggie to face her ex's mother sooner 😂 I swear, that lady made me angry. Her son is not a baby ma'am anymore!!!! He can make his own decisions (even if they are terrible because he is a spoiled brat).

I loved the ending and how Harrison gives Aggie the option to have a nice experience at the restaurant, although she can't change the past, she can change the future and her relationship with him and her dad.

Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Enjoyed every second of this book, I read it all in one go! Fantastic characters with an abundance of heart. A dash of chaos and a sprinkle of spice, all packed in to one last night at The Shark Biscuit.

Was delighted to have the chance of reading this story prior to its release date in January 2025, so thank you Canelo for giving me this opportunity, as before I even started to read this book, I knew I was going to love it, from looking at the title, the cover and the description of the story.

Loved the premise of the book - a good Enemies to Lovers story, and it did not disappoint. The main characters were so well written, was very swoon worthy in parts and I couldn't stay away from the story for too long as I needed to know where it would lead to next. Also enjoyed the various levels of banter between the various characters throughout. Like it that the story unfolds around Agnes having to spend one last night in the company of people she likes and in particular hates and then when unexpected events occur throughout the evening how Agnes turns to certain people and begins to see them in a different light.

This is the first book I have read by Lauren, and it was so well written and loved how all the characters interacted with each other and looked out when things started to go downhill, particularly with regards to Harrison who was so caring towards Agnes, in the way he looks out for her, even though she thinks he doesn't like her in any shape or form and this maybe the reason they constantly bicker.

❤️Enemies to Lovers
❤️Slow Burn
❤️Fake Relationship
❤️Work Colleagues
❤️Story from FMC POV
❤️Small Town
❤️Close Proximity

A good read, particularly if you are not a fan of spice, as it is fairly minimal in this story.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!

What a great book!! It had me hooked from page one! I couldn’t put this down. I finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. This was a first for me by this author but it will not be my last!!

This was actually a nice surprise. To begin with, everything happens during (like the title states) one last night and I thought it would be rushed and/or not explored in-depth enough but it worked pretty well.

At first, I was really annoyed by the MCs behavior (MMC in his mid-thirties and FMC freshly thirty) especially since they were working together. The beginning was really repetitive with their arguments going absolutely nowhere but when MMC had to start helping FMC with her ex, they came to a sort of truce that made their relationship more bearable, even pleasant with their banter.

I'm actually relieved it happened during that last night and not over the years because I'm not sure that I would have handled well their bickering the whole time to be honest. But they ended up working well together, I liked the chemistry even though it's still hard to judge a relationship on such short period of time.

I'm not familiar with meteorology, but I was really 'annoyed' at the start of the story when the MMC kept saying that a storm was coming (there was an official warning) but the FMC and her father (are they some kind of climate skeptic?) kept ignoring him saying it would be that important. In 2024, I'm pretty sure we have a better forecast accuracy. But okay, let's say we needed that for the plot. Speaking of plot, I enjoyed the 'big revelation', it was a realistic ending.

What I liked the least though, was the comedy side. It mostly came from the side characters (co-worker, special guest 1...) and I found it heavy-handed, between the nosy friends and the pushy one (Scout ?) but that's something that will always bother me in CR.

Special mention to the FMC (I guess from the dedication that she's one of those people pleasers, so I can relate), yeah, in few hours there's no room for a major character growth but loved her last words to her ex mother-in-law!

This book was so much fun, I was so engrossed as to what happens next that I devoured this in one sitting.

I cackled so many times at the banter between Aggie and Harrison, a man that she finds no problem asserting herself with, but is too busy being a people pleaser with everyone else. I loved how the storm symbolised Aggie finally fighting back with her ex and his 'mummy'. The supporting cast of characters were also delightful, especially Scout, Noah and the Whalleys.

This book was well-paced and beautifully plotted. I was just compelled to keep turning the page and felt sad when it ended. One Last Night hauled me out of my reading slump. If I had any quibble it would be the cliche reveal in the epilogue which felt like over-egging things, but thats just me.

Thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved Lauren’s first book, Liv is not a Loser, so I was super excited when I requested her latest book on Net Galley.

If life had not gotten in the way, I definitely would have devoured this in a single sitting. I loved the cast of characters trapped in a restaurant during a massive storm. Agnes and Harrison were fabulous leads and perfect for an enemies to lovers story.

I could picture The Shark Biscuit as the story unfolded, keeping me laughing, smiling and wondering would they or won’t they.

One Last Night would definitely make a fantastic movie.

Loved it and highly recommend you add this to your 2025 TBR pile.

I never usually enjoy stories that span over a short time frame because you don't get a real feel for the characters but I feel that in this case it worked perfectly. It's the last night before The Shark Biscuit closes for good and the way that the characters all make the most of the dilemmas that come their way and banter and playfulness really kept the story engaging for me.
While I would have loved to see Harrison and Agnes' dynamic over the days, months or even years that they worked together leading up until the time this book starts it isn't necessary and I feel that Lauren Ford kept the story engaging and allowed in enough of their dynamic to allow the story to unfold like it does.
I was giggling with these characters, crying with them and to some I wanted to yell at them. It was a quick and enjoyable read. There is hate to love, queer side charaters, drunkeness and plenty of banter.

Lo disfruté. Fue una lectura algo diferente, ya que, como su nombre lo indica, todos los sucesos ocurren en una sola noche.

Es la última noche en que el restaurante del padre de Agnes estará en funcionamiento. Todos los trabajadores están muy tristes, pero la única que lo ve como una liberación, una forma de quitarse las "esposas", es Agnes, aunque no puede expresarlo por miedo a herir los sentimientos de su padre.
Esa noche ocurrirán muchas cosas: aclarará malentendidos con el chef Harrison, recibirá la visita de su ex, se enfrentará a alguien, cerrará un capítulo de su vida, le dará una oportunidad al amor, dirá muchas verdades y, al final, será lo mejor que le podría haber pasado.



El único pero que le pongo es que ocurren tantas cosas entre el último capítulo y el epílogo que dan ganas de que haya un segundo libro o, al menos, una pequeña novela.




Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored this book. Agnes and Harrison were wonderfully written and I really enjoyed their last night at the restaurant.
The cast of supporting characters were brought to life in a very clever way and without spoiling the book for anyone, I could easily see this being a series as they were that strong and vivid.

I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a book quite so much, thanks for the Arc.

I DEVOURED this in two days! It was so different with it taking place all in one location. It really heightened the tension and the backdrop of the storm was perfect. Harrison and Agnes had amazing chemistry and heart! Banter! This was not your typical rom com. It had a lot of depth. The side characters were hilarious. Willy :) I’d love to revisit this world again.

This was feisty but cute (and definitely more of a rivals-to-lovers than enemies, but I'm being pedantic).
I'm usually not a fan of single event rom coms as I find the character development never quite hits the mark for me. However this was charming and I loved the side characters almost more than the mains (Noah, you've stolen my heart).
I think the chemistry between Agnes and Harrison was undeniable and yet I found myself struggling with their constant hushed conversations that felt quite repetitive. I'm also shocked that a chef could leave his line so many times during a food service (but that might just be the line cook coming out in ne).
Overall I loved the dynamics and would love to read something by Lauren Ford that was based on more than a one night event.

Book Review: One Last Night by Lauren Ford

Lauren Ford’s One Last Night is a delightful, heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romcom that brings humor, charm, and just the right touch of angst. The book centers on Agnes, the dedicated but exhausted manager of her family’s struggling restaurant, The Shark Biscuit. After years of tirelessly keeping her family’s legacy alive, Agnes is preparing for what she thinks will be her final night on the job. But with her ex showing up uninvited, and a storm trapping everyone inside, her last shift becomes far more memorable—and emotionally charged—than she ever anticipated.

The Plot: From Enemies to Fake Lovers
Agnes has been at odds with Harrison, The Shark Biscuit's talented but gruff head chef, for as long as they’ve worked together. Their banter, sharp words, and constant squabbles have defined their relationship. But with her ex unexpectedly showing up for dinner with his family, Agnes finds herself desperate and embarrassed. To salvage her dignity, she turns to Harrison, asking him to act as her boyfriend to discourage any hopes her ex might have of rekindling their relationship.

What starts as a spur-of-the-moment, fake-dating ploy quickly escalates as a fierce storm traps the guests—and staff—inside the restaurant. This twist of fate pushes Agnes and Harrison into close quarters, forcing them to reveal sides of themselves they’d kept hidden behind sarcasm and witty insults. As the hours tick by, they realize that their animosity might have been a mask for something deeper.

Characters: Depth Beneath the Wit
Ford’s characters are layered and complex, giving this romcom more emotional weight than one might expect. Agnes is a protagonist with whom many readers will resonate. She is hardworking, resilient, and has sacrificed a lot to keep her family’s restaurant afloat. Her guilt over The Shark Biscuit's impending closure is palpable, making her decision to step away bittersweet and understandable.

Harrison, too, is more than the rough exterior he presents. His gruff demeanor conceals a passion for food and a genuine concern for Agnes, although he would rather die than admit it outright. Their dynamic feels realistic and earned; the transformation from mutual disdain to reluctant allies to something deeper is beautifully paced. As they slowly unravel each other’s secrets, their chemistry builds in a natural, satisfying way.

Themes: Family, Legacy, and Self-Discovery
One Last Night is more than just a romantic comedy; it’s also a story about self-worth, family obligations, and the legacies we choose to carry. Agnes feels responsible for her family’s restaurant, but she also struggles under the weight of that responsibility. Her father’s declining health and her fear of failure add layers to her decision to step away, underscoring the difficult choices many face when family legacies and personal happiness collide. Ford does an excellent job exploring the often complex nature of family loyalty and self-sacrifice, adding depth to Agnes’s motivations.

Harrison’s journey is equally compelling. Beneath his gruff exterior, he grapples with his own insecurities and secrets, which add a poignant contrast to the character he initially presents. Ford skillfully unveils these aspects of Harrison, allowing readers to understand his motivations and vulnerabilities over time.

Romance: Chemistry and Humor
Ford’s writing shines brightest in the banter and tension between Agnes and Harrison. The enemies-to-lovers trope is popular for a reason, and Ford leverages it beautifully here, balancing humorous moments with heartfelt revelations. Their sharp exchanges are laugh-out-loud funny, while the simmering tension keeps the reader hooked.

What sets this romance apart is the authenticity in how Agnes and Harrison come to understand each other’s fears and strengths. As they peel back each other’s layers, it becomes clear that they share a rare compatibility that neither of them anticipated. The fake-dating setup is an enjoyable trope, but it’s in the quieter, more vulnerable moments during the storm that their connection truly deepens.

Setting: A Perfect Storm in a Cozy Restaurant
The setting of The Shark Biscuit is more than a backdrop; it feels like a character in its own right. Ford brings the cozy, chaotic warmth of a family-owned restaurant to life, making it easy to visualize the dishes, the ambiance, and the history embedded in its walls. The storm trapping everyone inside the restaurant is a brilliant plot device, allowing emotions to brew and tempers to simmer in the close confines of the kitchen and dining area. The storm serves as a catalyst that forces everyone, especially Agnes and Harrison, to confront their fears and desires in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise.

Secrets and Revelations
Ford expertly weaves in the tension of secrets lurking beneath the surface, adding suspense to the romance. Both Agnes and Harrison carry past experiences and unspoken truths that could disrupt their budding relationship. As these secrets unfold, they reveal vulnerabilities that make each character more relatable and endearing. The book's pacing ensures that these revelations occur naturally, keeping readers invested in how Agnes and Harrison navigate the truth about each other and, ultimately, themselves.

Final Verdict: A Romantic Comedy with Heart
One Last Night is a romantic comedy that perfectly balances humor, heart, and tension. Lauren Ford's characters are both lovable and flawed, making their journey toward each other compelling and believable. The use of familiar romcom tropes—enemies to lovers, fake dating, and forced proximity—is well-executed, but Ford brings fresh energy and genuine emotion to each of them.

This novel will especially appeal to readers who enjoy romances that blend humor with a bit of emotional weight. Fans of slow-burn romance, witty banter, and character-driven stories will find themselves thoroughly entertained. One Last Night reminds us that sometimes, the people we least expect can turn out to be exactly who we need.

Nothing like a good fake dating story and this one was fantastic! I love reading about the restaurant business. I thought Agnes and Harrison had excellent chemistry and
I loved every moment