Book Review - The Last Word by Katy Birchall

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Title: The Last Word

Author: Katy Birchall

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 25th May 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

A new laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Katy Birchall, author of The Secret Bridesmaid and The Wedding Season

Harper Jenkins has a way with words. As Celebrity Editor at a glossy magazine, she knows exactly how to get tight-lipped Hollywood stars talking, landing her exclusive stories and a great reputation.

There's only one person who leaves her speechless - her arrogant colleague Ryan, who has been hired as the new Features Editor. Harper remembers Ryan from a decade ago, when they both interned together. Back then she had believed he was someone she could trust - but he betrayed her completely and they've never spoken since.

Thrown together again in a busy newsroom, Harper and Ryan clash on everything - he can't bear how chaotic and messy she is while she declares him uptight and infuriating. But as the tension between them builds, who will get to have the last word?

Light hearted and funny, I absolutely adored the banter between Harper and Ryan, and each of theirs's determination to have the last word in just about every situation. 

They are fiercely competitive, and as you learn more about their hidden, shared history, I could understand why Harper seemed to really dislike Ryan at times. 

Add in the fact that Harper's family and boss all don't take her seriously as the talented celebrity editor and journalist that she is, and you have one rather feisty main character who I greatly admired. 

Such an incredibly enjoyable story to read, I love anything set within the world of magazines, and celebrity, and Harper is a journalist with a special skill set and scruples! She's not a seedy tabloid hack, but rather cares about who she is interviewing and puts them at such ease,  to the extent they really trust her. 

I loved reading about the various celebrities she was interviewing,  as well as all of the dynamics with people in her life.  She's fabulous. 

Katy Birchall is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, I have thoroughly enjoyed every book of hers so far, and this was another firm favourite. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.