New Adult Romance isn’t something that I read a lot, but I was drawn to this one. It sounded like it could be cute, funny and emotional, and it was. I really enjoyed this book, and I couldn’t stop listening to it. I laughed, I cried, and I generally had a good time. I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did, but I highly recommend it.
This book follows Lizzie Brandt, a former high school valedictorian who is now doing badly in college and has been sleeping with the wrong kinds of guys. After her parents die, she’s left as her younger brother’s guardian, and she needs to try and sort her life out. The only person who can help her is her Byzantine History TA, Connor Lawson. Not only is he a good tutor, but he helps her out in a lot of other ways. Soon, they both figure out that they’ve developed feelings for each other which could make things even more complicated.
So, obviously, this book does have some problematic elements. Though they are both adults, Connor is still in a position of power over Lizzie. But that is something that is covered in the book. They both know the relationship is questionable, and that does lead to drama, but it doesn’t feel like a bad relationship. Connor isn’t taking advantage of Lizzie, and though he can be a dick, so can she be. All of these elements do lead to problems for them, but it does have a happy ending.
I did enjoy the friendships too. You don’t see much of Lizzie’s friendships with Cait or Frankie, but they did seem good for each other. I’m actually excited to read the other two books in this series which does follow each of them. I also loved Doug, who was a frat bro who popped up a few times. Was he doing what he did to impress a girl? Yeah. But he was still a pretty decent guy, and I hope he pops up in the other books too.
Family is obviously another important point. Lizzie has to take charge of her younger brothers, who are 7 and 13. They’ve all lost their parents, and because of that, they’re struggling. They all love each other, they all tease each other and there are some adorable scenes. But grief obviously features prominently. This book made me cry a few times when it comes to these siblings. They’re all grieving in their own ways, but the 7-year-old’s pain was the worst. I feel like the grief was dealt with well, but not having gone through it myself, I can’t be certain. But it did feel realistic, and it was some great writing.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you both laugh and cry, this one will be for you. It’s been out in e-books since 2014, but the audiobook is only just coming out. It’s well narrated and is super easy to listen to. I’ll definitely be continuing this series in audio as I feel like it’s the best way to enjoy it.
4/5 Stars
Title: Last Will and Testament
Author: Dahlia Adler
Genre: Romance
Age Range: New Adult
Publisher: Orange Sky Audio
Release Date: 8/2/22
BUY LINKS
Lace and Dagger Books 