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REVIEW: The Last Word by Katy Birchall



Genre: Romance | Romantic Comedy | Humour

Release Date: Expected 25th May 2023

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Harper Jenkins loves her friends, her career as a celebrity journalist, her busy city life - but she doesn't have time for hopeless romance. She's learned it's not worth the risk, the distraction. 

Besides, she's busy enough - especially with the comeback of a major star to cover. But then, Ryan turns up in the office. Ryan, who she was an intern with over a decade ago before he stabbed her in the back and is probably ready to do it again if he gets the chance. But Harper isn't about to let this go - she'll have the last word in their rivalry.

But the more that life keeps pushing them together, Harper can't deny it's getting harder and harder to keep fighting with him, to keep hating him especially when he isn't even fighting back anymore. 

"You light up every room you walk into. You somehow turn everything that's grey and orderly into a colourful, giant jumble. You're like this … chaotic shiny star."

If you go and grab a dictionary and look up 'romcom', you'll find a picture of this book. It's cosy, full of your favourite familiar tropes, hopelessly chaotic and a lot of fun. Some books try to make waves, try to always be doing something new - and some books just want to bring you something tried-and-true that you're going to love.

From the moment we meet Harper, we see underneath that icy exterior to a heart that loves to love but has been burned too many times. She dates, she appreciates a bit of romance but that's where it ends. And despite her professionalism and success, she's a total hot mess who I absolutely adored. She was a wonderful narrator as she guides us through life and reminisces about the past; she's funny, full of charm and sass but so very sweet. All of her friendships were a joy to read - I loved their playful banter but the clear care and connection between them.

And of course - there's Ryan. The tension between them is clear before we even know about their complicated history, from the moment they lock eyes again. We barely see him for quite a while, but as we slowly see more of him, it's clear there's something else under that charming smile and beautiful blue eyes. 

Enemies-to-lovers is always a (not-so) guilty pleasure of mine, especially when it becomes a bit playful and silly along the way, and their playful competitiveness was absolutely charming and added to their dynamic. You know what's going to happen when you pick a book like this up - but the fun part is figuring out what on earth is going to happen along the way.

Harpers career was a focal point of this story - And there's clearly an important message about the responsibility that the media has when it comes to what and how they tell a story. I loved watching Harper work, how she truly cared about what she was reporting, how she saw the person behind the lens and wouldn't dream of saying something to hurt someone just because she could which is so common in a chronically online society. Watching her escapades was so much fun, full of really beautiful moments between the glitz, glamour and terrible bosses.

Riotously fun, sickly sweet and full of heart - this is the perfect book for a cosy reading session perfect for fans of The Hating Game or Love at First Fight.


⭐⭐⭐⭐


I was gifted an advanced reviewers copy of this title in return for an honest review.

cw: childbirth, labour, sex, mentions of loss and family troubles.





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