Last Chance Christmas (Last Chance #5) by Hope Ramsay

Dear Reader,

I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered! 

Her name is Lark, and she's here in Last Chance, looking into her father's past-and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her . . . 

Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree-lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies-and the best gossip in town.

See you real soon, 
Ruby Rhodes

Type: Contemporary Romance, slight paranormal w/ Angels
Heat: 2 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5

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Last Chance Christmas was one of those reads that pulled me in right from the start and really surprised me... in a good way. Last Chance is a small town that's full of secrets it doesn't want to give them up without a fight which makes life for Lark, who has come into town in search of answers about her father's past, incredibly difficult. But it also brings her into the sights of local chief of police...Stone Rhodes and changes both of their lives more than they could ever imagine.

Life hasn't been easy for Stone and Lark. They're both bruised and battered and fighting painful losses. They're both lonely, hurting and in desperate need of someone to help them heal and live again.


I really liked both Lark and Stone. They're not perfect but they're people you can care about and want to root for. He's a hard man that's been worn thin by life and has never really recovered or stopped grieving the loss of his wife years earlier. He's sexy as all get out and is one of those heroes you really want to shake and love at the same time. Lark is battling her own demons. Both loneliness and trauma from her career as a photojournalist. She's sweet and caring and just a good person.

The connection and pull between them really felt real, palpable and even though not the steamiest of reads had an intensity about it that I loved. One thing that was a little different between them was Stone's lack of experience when it came to relationships and intimacies. He'd been with one woman in his life and his insecurities about that and the struggle with his attraction to Lark, for me, was very endearing. The vulnerable side to this big, gruff, strong alpha male is what had me falling for him completely.

And in a corner of her mind she knew, without question, that she had more experience in kissing than Stone Rhodes did. But somehow that didn't matter. This kiss was not about recreational sex, or passing the time, or having fun.

No, Stone Rhodes was not a guy like that. And when he decided to kiss someone, he moved in like a marine, with clear intent. His kiss was deliberate, as if he'd been thinking about it for some time.

But there was nothing deliberate about the groan that escaped him when she deepened the kiss. There was nothing planned about the way his hand pressed the back of her head, or the way her own palm found the side of his face and explored the texture of his beard.

And it wasn't surprising that, by the time they managed to pull away from one another, the inside windows of the cruiser had gone all steamy.

It was really hard to not feel for these two. You just want to see them happy and at peace and it's hard sometimes to watch them deal with everything life has thrown at them. I loved seeing how the changes in them affected others and getting to see a family heal and become whole again.

All in all, I really enjoyed Last Chance Christmas. Some parts were a bit predictable and it was a little more serious than I was expecting but the characters were grab your heart wonderful and their journey was incredibly touching. I enjoyed watching them uncover the truths about the past and the affect it had on the town in the present day. I'm so glad I spent a little time in this town getting to know Stone and Lark and I'll definitely be going back to find out about the other characters that live in Last Chance. If you enjoy pull at your heart romances with slight paranormal/spiritual elements this is one to pick up!

Have you read the Last Chance series? 

Do you like small town romances or Christmas tales? 

This one just reminded me of Stone and his struggles for some reason. 

And it's hot as hell. Not even gonna lie. That had a lot to do with it. ;)