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