If you’re looking for a delightful and quirky book that is full of romance and a bit of electrifying magic, then you’re going to want to pick up One Last Stop! It’s an incredible story about a young woman with a bit of chip on her shoulder and a magical subway ride that turns her life upside down. This is a story told in newspaper clippings, moments on a subway, and call-ins to the local radio station. You’ll wander through the streets of New York with a newfound love for this city that seems to radiate something more than glittering lights and a fast-paced life. August is such an excellent protagonist, and even through some of the dark parts, there are moments of light that peek through and give readers hope. You’ll absolutely want to add this story to your TBR if you’re in the mood for an adorable summer romance.
Curious about August? She’s a 23-year-old who recently arrived in New York City. A starry eyed heroine she is not. She’s quite the cynic, and prefers her solitude. While her plans did not include working at a 24-hour pancake diner or a set of interesting roommates, they definitely didn’t include meeting a gorgeous babe on the subway. Enter Jane. She’s mysterious and charming with a flair for vintage leather and an easy smile. After saving her day on the subway, August develops a little crush. There’s just one issue: Jane doesn’t just dress in vintage because it’s trendy, she’s actually a displaced person straight from the 1970’s. August is going to have to dredge up everything she’s learned in the past if she’s going to help Jane, and it might just help her start believing in magic after all.
Let me just start by saying that a time-travelling romance that takes place on a subway was not what I was expecting when I started this book, but it was exactly what the doctor ordered. I absolutely adored August and reading this book through her perspective was hilarious, full of observations, and cynicism, but you can also tell there’s a desire for more. She’s had a bit of a hard life and as you discover more about her past, you can see how that’s distorted her view of life in the present, but it takes on a whole new meaning when she meets Jane. And speaking of Jane, I wish that some of this story had taken place a bit in her perspective, because it would be fascinating. She’s quick witted, and I loved her musical taste, and penchant for subway mischief. However, getting to see Jane the way that August sees her is quite a fulfilling read regardless.
What I was entirely fascinated by is the ongoing mystery of how Jane became trapped on the subway, and how August and Jane are connected by more than just a little bit of static electricity. Their connection, while electric, is more than just that. It begins playfully and becomes more serious and passionate as the book goes on. The way that McQuiston builds up August and Jane’s romance is so amazing! I honestly had no words as I was reading, just small gasps and squeaks as things got more serious. And boy, do they get serious. It’s almost like you’re in a dream when you’re hit with a pretty harsh reality. It’s worth picking up to see how it works out at the end, for good or bad.
I can’t imagine a better backdrop for this story than NYC. If you’ve travelled there in your life, you’ll feel transported, right down to the way the subway can smell at times. Everything feels so real, even the possibility that you could slip through time and become trapped. The story feels like it moves fast, but not before allowing the reader to take everything in. McQuiston rules at the fine details within stories, and it makes for such glorious storytelling. Every character in her story aside from August and Jane have a role to play in the story that’s vital, and I’m absolutely certain that readers will have their own favourite person aside from the leading ladies.
If you’re a foodie (breakfast specifically), there’s something for you here! I definitely felt like having a plate of pancakes from my favourite diner after finishing this book. In no way would it feel the same as it is in the story, but anything to feel like I’m part of the story. I cannot say enough about how phenomenal this story is. There’s plenty of moments to laugh, some to cry at, and plenty of swoonworthy moments too. If you haven’t thought about adding it to your reading list, it’s definitely a must.
One Last Sleep is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of June 1st 2021.
Will you be picking up One Last Sleep? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
For cynical twenty-three-year-old August, moving to New York City is supposed to prove her right: that things like magic and cinematic love stories don’t exist, and the only smart way to go through life is alone. She can’t imagine how waiting tables at a 24-hour pancake diner and moving in with too many weird roommates could possibly change that. And there’s certainly no chance of her subway commute being anything more than a daily trudge through boredom and electrical failures.
But then, there’s this gorgeous girl on the train.
Jane. Dazzling, charming, mysterious, impossible Jane. Jane with her rough edges and swoopy hair and soft smile, showing up in a leather jacket to save August’s day when she needed it most. August’s subway crush becomes the best part of her day, but pretty soon, she discovers there’s one big problem: Jane doesn’t just look like an old school punk rocker. She’s literally displaced in time from the 1970s, and August is going to have to use everything she tried to leave in her own past to help her. Maybe it’s time to start believing in some things, after all.
