“The Last Letter is a haunting, heartbreaking and ultimately inspirational love story.”–InTouch Weekly Beckett, If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have. I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride. My little sister Ella’s … army and get to Telluride.
My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.
And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.
So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.
Please don’t make her go through it alone.
Ryan
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As a reviewer, I try had to write my reviews as soon as I finish reading each book. Giving it my complete attention until the end. This time around I have had to leave it for a day or so and let my emotions subside so my thoughts can hopefully give this book the words it deserves. This was my first Rebecca Yarros book and I will most definitely be finding time to read more of her writing.
I honestly don’t think I have read a book in a long time that has brought out this many emotions while reading. I had my first cry in the first 10%, and probably cried for the entire last 15%. All that said it was a wonderful romance with such an amazing level of loyalty, healing and experiencing a different type of family.
I loved Beckett/Chaos, Elle and her beautifully smart twins Maisie & Colt. Watching this entire group grow throughout the book was something you must do for yourself. The will suck you in and you will be flipping pages and ignoring your duties/or sleep to who they fair in the end.
Looking for a soul altering read, this is the one for 2019. Don’t miss the chance. I am so glad I took the leap on a new to me author.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
When Ella asked her brother if any of his fellow soldiers needed a pen pal from home she never thought that it would amount to anything more than a friendship of sorts, one where there was a good possibility that they would never meet face to face. With caring for her twins and keeping up the demands of her resort, she has little time to explore a relationship with anyone, let alone date, so this pen pal option is perfect for many reasons. It gives her the chance to be the bright spot in a lonely soldiers dim world, and gives her the chance to carry on an adult conversation and get a break from her solitary world. It’s a blessing in disguise for both of them, but then his letters stop coming…
The Last Letter is a deeply moving tale that will seep into the recesses of your heart and soul and leave it permanently touched. There is so much to love about this story, it shines a light on the lives of our military service men and women, and gives us an honest glimpse of what they go through while on deployments. It shows us the adjustments they must make when their job is done and they have to return home to find a new normal, and all the struggles that come with it. And it also shows the enduring strength of a mothers love, and the lengths that she will go to to protect her child. This beautifully crafted story left my heart in ruins, but little by little it mended it too, and left me with a deep appreciation for our military members and their families. I have no doubt that this read is going to be a favorite of romance readers, it’s pages hold a story that is certain to give a nice tug on their heartstrings, and take them on a journey they will never forget!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from NetGalley, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Overall The Last Letter was a good read. It was emotional and I was invested into what will happen to these characters. I enjoyed seeing the progression of Beckett and Ella’s relationship. There were many layers to it and it was interesting to see how it would play out. I liked the characters of Beckett, Ella, and Ella’s two kids. I enjoyed reading the development of the relationships between everyone. This wasn’t just a sweet romance, there is a lot of heartache in it as well. My emotions bounced back between high and low throughout the story. But I was cheering for all the characters. I needed the happy to win at the end. Rebecca is a great writer and it is demonstrated greatly in the story. For the most part I liked the story. There was an instance that really bothered me and because of that it hindered my reading experience at the end and that knocked it down for it a bit. But still I did enjoy.
This book utterly and completely wrecked me in the very best possible way! It is no doubt my top read of 2019 to date and 5 measly star just aren’t enough. From the first emotionally charged page to the last it captivated my heart and soul. It is exquisitely written with characters you will not forget. The journey Ella and Beckett travel is raw, painful, while full of love, hope, and family, Every word of this beautiful story is an experience and I recommend everyone grab a copy of this book and a full box of tissues, Find a cozy spot to curl up and take in every breathtaking page. You won’t want to stop reading until the very last page.
5 Achingly Beautiful Stars!!!
I’m not even sure how I’m supposed to go on after just finishing this book. I mean, I really thought I knew what I getting into when I picked up this book. It’s that and so much more. Beckett Gentry is a man with so many demons and on a daily basis he questions they why’s and what’s of the world. But one day, without his even knowing it, and by accepting the first letter he was handed, Ella MacKenzie literally changed everything in his world.
With these letters we get such insight into Ella, Colt and Maisie’s lives, one which Becket and his MWD Havoc enter willingly and with so much love. There were moments in this book that I cried, I swooned, I laughed and I literally bawled my eyes out to the point that I couldn’t breathe.
This book is breathtakingly beautiful. The story is moving, chaotic and filled with so much love unlike any book I’ve come across in several years. It’s clear that Ms. Yarros has poured her heart and soul into a story that brings every single emotion I’m capable of feeling into play.
It’s a book that will stay with me until the end of time. It’s a book that I will tell all my friends they MUST READ and one that has forever changed my heart. If you do nothing else this week, this month or this year, READ THIS BOOK!!
#TheLastLetter #RebeccaYarros #ChaosAndHavoc #BeckettAndElla #ColtAndMaisey #TwinsThatAreEachOthersHeart #SheGaveHimGravity #MilitaryRomance #ShesHisEntireWorld #LettersBroughtThemTogether
4 stars for this Women’s Fiction novel. The Last Letter is everything you could want in women’s fiction- laughter, tears, romance and a steamy sex scene or 2. Every once in a while I need something a little lighter to break up the dark and serious books I tend to gravitate towards and this book was perfect to break things up.
Told in alternating view points between Beckett and Ella, the author does a great job of really developing the characters. We also get to see the correspondence between them when they didn’t know each other and how unfiltered they were when it was pen to paper versus face to face.
This book is very addictive and a very fast read; one I would dub as a beach read. While you will probably need a box of tissues to get through this one, it is actually a light read and it will keep you turning the pages.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for my copy of this book via NetGalley
My first book by this author and let me just say it won’t be my last. This was such an emotional read for me. Have a box of tissues handy because I definitely needed quite a few tissues. I would read through the tears that welled in my eyes, the tears that would fall down my face (there’s parts that I just kind of gave up trying to stop them), I’d also have to stop to blow my nose. So needless to say I was a hot mess reading it.
The author puts you right into the story, you’re right there feeling every motion that Ella and Beckett felt, not to mention the kids. I was emotionally involved throughout the whole book and couldn’t stop reading.
This is definitely on my list of favorites for this year.
Rebecca upped her game and pulled out all the stops on this one. She lives this life so who better to write it. Her writing and storytelling was incredible throughout the entire book. I have been a fan of hers since I picked up Full Measures.
I don’t know where to even begin to put on paper how deeply this story affected me.
Ryan Mackenzie and Beckett Gentry aka “Chaos” are on deployment together and have become best friends since they met. Ryan thinks it would be a great idea for his sister Ella to write Chaos to be his pen pal because he does not have any family. Thru these letters Chaos and Ella begin to lean on each other and become friends even though that have not met. Then the unthinkable happens and Ryan is killed and Chaos is left with Ryan’s “last letter” in which he asks him to take care of Ella and her twins Colt and Maisie because she is alone and is going to need someone because one of the kids is sick.
I adore all of the characters in this story from the Ryan, Beckett and Ella (who was the strongest heroine and the best Mom) to Colt and Maisie they were the best kids and had the cutest comebacks to the adults. We also had Ada and Larry who helped Ella run her bed and breakfast. And then there was Havoc Beckett’s dog.
I am not going to go much further then that as it is best to go in blind and enjoy this simply incredible story.
What an heartfelt story that really had me so emotional at one point I had a difficult time reading. A perfect 10 star story.
Ella is struggling to keep it together. A young single mother of twins who’s burning the candle by both ends. Beckett shows up at the right time. She needs him even if she doesn’t admit it. They need each other.
This is an amazing story. It was perfectly written to make me feel what these characters were feeling. There were times I had to stop reading because I was emotionally distraught. But at the end it all came together. There are so many things I want to say about this story. Trust me you need to read this.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
I don’t even know where to start with this review, I really don’t. I guess I will start with the fact that Ms Yarros made me cry – something that doesn’t happen very often. Now, I have the challenge of telling you why I loved a book that also ripped my heart out – more than once.
The Characters: The core unit of the story is Ella, Beckett/Chaos, Colt, and Maise and they are all wonderful. They aren’t perfect people, but the adults own their faults and work to be the team that the kids need. I found myself relating to Ella especially and could way too easily put myself in her shoes. Beckett/Chaos broke my heart and put it back together with how he interacted with Ella and both kids. Colt, Maise, and Havoc (the dog) were little scene stealers who saw through the BS and helped their family be what it could.
The story: Unique, well written, and heart wrenching. Told via letters and real time action, we get to see Ella and “Chaos” get to know each other while he is deployed with her brother. We also see her get to know Beckett as he quietly supports her through one of the hardest times a mother can go through.
The Last Letter is a story that weaves so many multiple threads together that it would be impossible to pick just one. This is a “military” book, a family story, and a romance that also deals with fear, grief, trust, and hope all under the encompassing umbrella of love in all it’s forms. An emotional roller coaster that was hard to put down, this is a book that I will be glad to have on my bookshelf.
(Reviewed for Cocktails and Books)
I am lost for words! Very occasionally, do I come across a read which simply takes my breath away; this one did much more than that. The prose in certain sentences and paragraphs was of such exquisiteness, I couldn’t have possibly moved on in the story without rereading them. This stand-alone romance is for me, women’s fiction at it very best. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful, compassionate and emotional, getting through the book without shedding tears I found impossible. My warning ladies; a man-sized hanky is a must because otherwise, you’ll find yourselves wiping your sniffles on your sleeve!
Letters from the heart are written. Whether they’re all received, read or even replied to remains to be seen. One of them will change a man’s life and here is where I stop. I want you to enjoy this book as much as I did, so I’ll try my hardest not to go into too many details. What I can say is Rebecca Yarros’ characters are stunning, ridiculously easy to connect to and if it were ever possible, I’d want them in my life. Having not had the pleasure of reading this author’s works and even though I’d read the synopsis, never did I expect Beckett Gentry and Ella MacKenzie’s journey to be so soul-searchingly crushing.
‘How much damage had been done to him through the years?’
Beckett is a man of few words. Not such a good communicator at the best of times, what I adored about him was he had no use bad language because all said and done, other words in the dictionary exist to express one’s feeling. And his efforts to do the honourable thing literally bowled me over. With a heart of gold and righteousness that goes above and beyond, he had me sitting back and thinking about how one can lose track of simple actions like thoughtfulness, making us a better person.
“I was good with confidence, but arrogance was a deal breaker. Arrogance got men killed…kids, too.”
If there were ever an award for the best mum to be had, I wouldn’t hesitate to vote for Ella. Hardworking and strong-willed, her unwavering commitment to her twins is nothing less than exceptional. Honest to the core, lies have no place in her life. Unfortunately for her, they exist and when they come to light, the consequences are devastating. Questions arise and go unanswered so why then, is Beckett there by her side through thick and thin? Why so much secretiveness, who is he and where did he come from? I got the impression that the timing was all wrong at the beginning of their story; certainly, the geographics didn’t help matters.
“You’re not a big people person, are you?
“That obvious?”
“Absolutely.”
All unravels at a steady pace, but this is not to say I was overjoyed with what was happening. In fact, I was left speechless. But not in the respect that I felt saddened by anyone’s actions because in this story there is no room for judgment. Just the whole poignant past and present sorry state of affairs none of them had bargained for.
“Sometimes I think I don’t really know you,”
“You might not know much about my past, but trust me, you know me, and that’s more important.”
Not only did I fall hard for Beckett and Ella, but my goodness me, the children. They stole the show, they squeezed my heart and Havoc! Dog lovers, you’re in for a real treat here. Given moments of sheer joy, I was fooled into believing that all was not lost when in fact, that safety net the author had shrewdly conjured up in my mind simply disappeared into thin air. Perseverance to overcome what was thrown the protagonists’ way will make even the most hardened reader bawl their eyes out. But above all, the benevolent affection, the emotion that I literally lived from the first page to the last, showed me that true love has no boundaries whatsoever.
‘But the lies were woven in with the love, and that was the killer.’
Corner-cutting delicate health issues Yarros most certainly hasn’t done. She’s told it as it is with a frankness that’s quite alarming and at times, even before turning the next page to see what was or wasn’t going to transpire only seemed to add to my anxiousness. Every imaginable blow hits intensely. She’s woven a tale I, for one, will never forget and despite the ugly cries leaving me spent, her beautifully written words were narrated with the utmost graciousness.
‘I hadn’t been lying when I said I could kiss her forever. She was a thousand different kisses in one woman, the soft and tender, the deep and passionate, the hard and desperate. I never knew who I was taking in my arms, and yet they were all Ella.’
Five stars aren’t enough! That simple. Read this book; you won’t regret it. Bravo to the author and so looking forward to reading more of her works.
“Someone once told me that swearing is a poor excuse of a crap vocabulary. It makes you look low class and uneducated. So I stopped.”
I’m a freaking wreck. I gave this five stars because it’s a phenomenal story, but please don’t read it- it will break your heart over and over. If you think you can handle that, you can’t. If you think okay, so I’ll have an ugly cry moment and it will be all better, you’re wrong. Beckett and Ella and Colt and Maisie have carved a place in my heart as if they are real people I know and love. I’m such a mess over these characters. They are so strong and so amazing and beautiful. The Last Letter will be my top read of this whole year, I’m calling it now.
So, from the synopsis, you already can tell that this book by Rebecca Yarros is one epic emotional read. Being one that does not cry or get too emotionally while reading, my blogger friends were waiting to see if I was in fact human and not a robot. I am proud to report that I am human. There was so many raw moments throughout the story and you get a massive punch that will utterly gut you. The beautiful thing about The Last Letter is you get more than just a romance story. You get a real life feel to the trials and tribulations that Elle goes through. I could not fathom the strength that Elle has. She is a warrior momma. She is a fighter. But then you have Beckett. Fulfilling the wish of his best friend, how he just wedges himself so seamlessly into Elle’s life that he lifts such a burden off of her shoulders. I absolutely adored their connection as well. It is more than physical, but also on that emotional level as well. They mend each other in so many ways.
As a whole, this is one of the most absolutely stunning books I have read in my whole life. It gives you everything and so much more. Finding love when you least expect it, the twists that get tossed at Elle, the fierce love and protectiveness that Beckett has over Elle and her twins. There is love, life, laughter, self discovery and everything wrapped up in this heartbreaking yet so full of hope and living life to the fullest! I have adored Yarros’s words for years but this book is just absolutely everything. Please pick this book up, you may hate me and love me at the same time for this one!
***5 ‘Twice the Awesome’ Stars***
Hello ugly crying (Seriously. Stupid water falling from my eyes happened. There was NO stopping them no matter how hard I tried)
Hello emotional minefield!
I’m not kidding. I can’t even call it a rollercoaster because at least with a rollercoaster you see what’s coming up, but here? Well. Some things you see and others just hit you over the head with a 2×4, put you in a daze and have you stuttering “But…but…that…” but despite the emotional turmoil I kept turning the pages because the need to know that Beckett and Ella got their HEA was strong and I wasn’t disappointed, still a little sniffly but not disappointed, when everything was said and done.
Beckett and Ella put me, and themselves, through the ringer, but even when I wanted to reach out and shake some sense into them, I still loved them. Both have had it rough and they’ve both faced huge losses, and yet they still find a way to keep moving forward with their lives. They may only be surviving instead of truly living, but they do it. Their hearts may be bruised and battered, but they are still golden. As for their journey to their HEA. It’s a rough one, but the soul deep connection is there and I loved where they found themselves in the end.
I knew going in that this one was going to be heavy, but even I didn’t expect all of that. Thankfully the sweet and funny moments balanced everything out. And as for the rest of the characters that gave this story so much heart, I really did love them all, so no favorites – just a group of well written characters that I wouldn’t mind having in my own circle.
So, if you’re looking for that book that is going to yank at those heartstrings then this one is for you! Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy cause you are going to need them.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Rebecca Yarros has single handedly ruined me for all other authors with her new release Last Letter. As a blogger it’s never good to admit that one author eclipses all those other favorites you’ve read before, however its without one ounce of doubt I can tell you that Yarros did exactly that. Not only did she eclipse the competition, she outright demolished it with Last Letter.
Set in Telluride, Colorado single mom and B&B owner, Elle creates a unique relationship with Special Ops agent, Chaos, when her brother recommends him as a pen pal. Honesty, fears, worries, and hope are all shared and love quickly grabs hold for them both. Only life, fate some would say, gets in the way.
There were so many emotional upheavals to this story. And while Yarros played like cat with a mouse on my emotions, not one moment did I want this story to stop. I kept a vigilant watch on my percentage read hoping to save every single morsel of the incredible novel Yarros had written. Yarro put every ounce of her being into this novel and it completely shows. As a mom, I can’t fathom what Elle went through. I can’t imagine by the depth of emotion that flowed through these pages that Yarros herself hasn’t been in a similar place in life. The emotions created rang too true, too heartfelt to just be a story.
Last Letter is so much more than a romance. It’s a story of love, self discovery, hope, and heartache. The characters in this novel pummeled into my heart. As a first time reader of Yarros, I was completely swept away. If this is what she is writing, then sign me up for everything.
Last Letter is one of those books that will linger in my thoughts for the coming days. Although the story is over, Yarros’ characters have yet to leave my heart. It is with absolution I can say this will be my favorite book of 2019. Nothing will eclipse the beauty of it’s message. Yarros, hands down, I’m a fan. You have me, a blogger, a reader and a mom as a true fan of your work. I can’t wait to read more.
Okay, so this is going to be a different type of review because I’m trying to process everything that I read and come to terms with all of it.
First, The Last Letter is an amazing story that is a must read.
Now, I would normally describe the story but I’m going to let the blurb speak for itself and talk about the writing.
The writing was heart wrenching and soul grabbing. The Last Letter is full of a beautiful words that will have you feeling love, anger, heartbreak, strength and grace. I am so very thankful that I was fortunate to read this beautiful story.
Reviewed by: Dana D.
What an amazing read! I was completely grabbed from the beginning. Such a beautiful story about friendship, love, strength and forgiveness. The chemistry was palpable and their connection unique and everlasting. I highly recommend this book.
My most anticipated book of 2019 it’s here. It’s everything I expected it to be and even more!
As this was my first book from Rebecca Yarros, I didn’t know her writing, the angst level, the emotional side of it all, but the blurb was my starting point. I knew I needed to read this story! Now, I will pick every book from her, because I found a new favorite author.
The Last Letter, is a very emotional story. VERY EMOTIONAL!!
Before starting reading it, I knew this would be a romance and somehow angsty, but I could never anticipate the level of heartbreaking hurt this would give me. I cried, I hurt, I felt, I swooned and I will never forget this book, making it a top 2019 read for me.
Life can be tricky. Ella found that very early in her life. This woman has been carrying heartbreak after heartbreak through her young years. Never one to give up, she’s been picking up the stones on her way and building her castle (this is a saying we have in Portugal that I think it’s perfect for Ella, the original saying is: stones on my way? I take them all, one day I’ll build a castle.).
Beckett never thought that he would know what love is, but when Ella enters in his life everything changes, forever!
This unputdownable book will touch your heart in a way you won’t expect. One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read!
Okay, so this is going to be a different type of review because I’m trying to process everything that I read and come to terms with all of it.
First, The Last Letter is an amazing story that is a must read.
Now, I would normally describe the story but I’m going to let the blurb speak for itself and talk about the writing.
The writing was heart wrenching and soul grabbing. The Last Letter is full of a beautiful words that will have you feeling love, anger, heartbreak, strength and grace. I am so very thankful that I was fortunate to read this beautiful story.
**I received a copy of The Last Letter from Entangled Amara and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros will have you in tears, laughter and your heart will be full of love and happiness for Ella, Maisie, Colt, Beckett, Ryan (who brings them all together), Havoc, Ada, Larry and Emma who Colt protects to the very end. If you read one book this year make it The Last Letter and grab your tissues because you’ll need them. Hopefully Hailey who is truly Ella’s right hand will get her story in the future.
Ella Mackenzie offers to write pen pal letters to one of the men in her brother Ryan’s platoon. She’s raising five year old twins by herself all while running a luxury year round resort in Telluride, CO. Little does she realize that she’ll bring love, laughter and the one thing that Beckett “Chaos” Gentry a family. But will the truth he withholds cause Ella to push him away when she will need him the most? Maisie has Neuroblastoma and needs a very expensive treatment that Beckett can pay for if he gives her his insurance and I love how Ms. Yarros gave Colt the ability to keep Maisie’s spirits up throughout all of her treatments but will he give her the ultimate sacrifice?
Beckett Gentry grew up in foster homes and it’s where he earned his nickname of Chaos as trouble seems to follow him. He yearned for a permanent family which he’ll find in the Army special ops with his Lab Havoc when Ryan tells him that his sister is willing to write him he’ll take awhile to finally write back. It will these letters that will give both of them the support they both need to get through the loss of Ryan and cancer treatments that Maisie will go through. He’ll also help out with Havoc with the Telluride Search and Rescue but the hardest one he’ll go to may also be the worst.
READ this book please and then re-read again because I plan too and I thank Entangled Amara and Ms. Yarros for writing a wonderful book.