This mocktail-sweet romance ticks all the trope boxes

Amanda Hewitt’s debut novel, *The Last Resort*, follows Abbey, a 42-year-old woman navigating heartbreak and new romance against the backdrop of a luxurious Maldives resort. After her husband left her for another woman six months earlier, Abbey finds herself alone on what was meant to be a couple’s getaway. Her chance encounter with Nick, a handsome Englishman staying nearby, sparks a brief but intense holiday romance. However, the story takes a turn when Abbey returns to Sydney and discovers Nick, along with his brother Oliver, now owns the high-end hotel chain where she works as an executive assistant. The novel employs familiar romantic comedy tropes, including misunderstandings, unresolved grief, and the inevitable coming together of two seemingly mismatched lovers. Told through alternating perspectives, readers gain insight into Abbey’s cautious, conflict-avoidant nature and Nick’s commitment fears rooted in past losses. Abbey’s warm and genial personality, while endearing, sometimes leads her to compromise too much, a trait highlighted by her grandmother Iris, who encourages her to be more assertive in both love and career. Set against the glamour of exotic resorts and Sydney’s upscale lifestyle, the story also incorporates elements of fantasy, with Nick’s wealth enabling grand romantic gestures reminiscent of classic romance archetypes. Despite the predictability of the plot, Hewitt’s novel offers a light, enjoyable read that captures the emotional complexities of starting over later in life. The interplay between personal growth and romantic possibility makes *The Last Resort* a relatable and comforting addition to the contemporary romance genre.