Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Hello friends! I just finished the audiobook of As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett, thanks to NetGalley for the early listen, and this book was the perfect end-of-summer treat. It’s one part romance, one part emotional homecoming, all wrapped up in the sun-soaked charm of the Florida resort town of Rock Island. If you love your beach reads with real heart, some healing, and a dose of nostalgia, this is one you’ll want to add to your September reading list.

This story centers on Samantha, a real estate developer living in New York with more reason than most to keep her old Florida hometown in the rear view mirror. When her boss tells her a long-awaited promotion is on the line if she covers a project on Rock Island, Sam reluctantly packs her bags and heads back to face everything she left behind: her alcoholic mother, painful memories of a traumatic accident, and the loss of her father. Kristina Wollett doesn’t shy away from exploring the ways our past sticks to us, and I really felt for Sam as she navigated those emotional landmines.

Anyway- Back in Rock Island, we meet Austin, the local ferry captain with his own bundle of baggage and responsibilities. He’s the kind of small-town guy you want steering your boat. He is steady, generous, and a little guarded. While the book’s early chapters hint at “grumpy,” I didn’t find Austin truly fits the label. Sure, he’s a little reserved, and life hasn’t played fair, but behind that exterior, he’s just a genuinely good guy trying his best for the people around him. He also happens to be the older brother of Sam’s ex-best friend and, cue the first funny moment, is literally there to catch Sam when she stumbles onto his ferry in heels and with all her city-girl luggage.

Watching Sam navigate her old haunts while also dodging her mother, reconnecting with lost friends, and untangling her feelings for Austin had both funny moments and some that were not-so-surprisingly deep. The setting genuinely reminded me of our own islands here in Massachusetts, with ferries, lighthouses, cozy cottages, and those local businesses that make Rock Island a place that feels like home. There’s a bittersweet quality to the story as Sam faces the ghosts of her past and asks herself where she truly belongs: the hustle of New York, or the home she left behind in Rock Island.

A few minor things kept this from being a full five-star read for me. Sam’s best friend forgives her disappearing act a little too quickly in my opinion, and what is sold as Austin’s “grumpy” persona never quite comes through; he’s much more reserved than rude, and I think that’s understandable considering the circumstances. That said, I found Austin lovable regardless, and their chemistry felt real. The heavier moments are balanced with genuine laughs and sweet banter, making this an excellent pick for readers (or listeners) who want a little more substance with their romance.

For those who need it, some of the trigger warnings include death of a family member, alcoholism, and off-page injury to a main character. The narration is excellent, giving each side character and setting a true sense of place. Whether you pick up the paperback, digital copy, or the audiobook, As a Last Resort is an easy recommendation for anyone looking to hold onto that beachy feeling as we head into September.

Grab it from your local bookseller on September 2nd, 2025, and let me know what you think. Until next time, happy reading!