“One Last Shot” by Betty Cayouette

For the Boston.com Book Club’s June selection, we read a summer love story about second chances that is “equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring,” according to Publishing Week.

Betty Cayouette’s debut novel, One Last Shot, tells the story of Emerson and Theo, a supermodel and a photographer with a previous marriage, who are reunited during a photo shoot in the picturesque coastal villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre.

Cayouette attended our book club event on June 25th along with Andrea Irirarte Dent, owner of Molly’s Bookstore.

Read on to learn more about the book, author Betty Cayouette, our panel moderator and owner of Molly’s Bookstore, Andrea Iriarte Dent, and what critics are saying about One Last Shot.

What is “One Last Shot” around?

Emerson and Theo have been inseparable since they met as teenagers. But just when they finally confessed their feelings to each other, they were torn apart.

As supermodel Emerson approaches her 28th birthday, her cell phone rings a calendar reminder about the marriage contract she and Theo made as teenagers, and she realizes this is her chance to give their relationship another try.

She convinces her agent to book her as the face of the fashion campaign that Theo, now a photographer, is shooting. The story of their friendship and second chance at love unfolds in the pages of One Last Shot, Cayouette’s debut novel. Her writing has been praised for its layered characters, structure and plot.

“Cayouette’s ability to create multiple points of view, likable characters you root for from the first page, and satisfying plot twists make her a talent to keep an eye on,” Stephen McCauley, author of My Ex-Life, said of the book. “One Last Shot is surely just the beginning of a great career,” he added.

Who is the author Betty Cayouette?

@bettysbooklist: Pre-order my debut romance novel, One Last Shot, by Betty Cayouette wherever books are sold 💕 Pre-orders really do change the lives of debut authors and I’m so grateful for every single one! #booktok #onelastshot #friendstolovers #romancebooks ♬ Original sound – Betty Cayouette

Elizabeth (“Betty”) Cayouette is a writer, viral video content creator, and cinematographer. According to her LinkedIn profile, she graduated summa cum laude from Brandeis University.

In 2021, she was named a Brandeis BOLD 9 winner for inspiring creativity, conversation, and change in her field. She also won the 2021 Sony Alpha Female competition for her work inspiring girls to get into video production.

Three years ago, Betty created @bettysbooklist, a popular TikTok and Instagram account for book recommendations. Her TikTok account has received 5.8 million likes, and her Instagram account has over 126,000 followers. According to her LinkedIn account, the author started the viral trend of acting out the book’s plot as the main character. Cayouette currently lives in Salem.

About the local bookstore

Molly’s Bookstore, 667-669 Main St. in Melrose, is a Latina- and immigrant-owned independent bookstore that opened a year ago in March.

Owner Andrea Iriarte Dent always dreamed of owning her own bookstore and is thrilled that her store has become a focal point in the Melrose community.

“I really wanted this to be the third place people came to. We’ve only been here for a year, but it’s amazing how big a part of our community we’ve become,” she said in an interview with Boston.com.

Molly’s Bookstore, named after a beloved family dog, offers a wide selection of books for all ages. Iriarte Dent said she often has customers who come into the store looking for – and find – unique, independent voices.

“I’m really about supporting independent authors and other voices. A lot of people come to me and tell me they’ll always find a strange book,” Iriarte Dent says, laughing. “Yes, you will. I like to show something different.”

The bookstore also hosts regular events and author talks, and there is also the “Molly’s Mini’s” book club for children aged 8 to 12.

“It’s so much fun to read the books with them, then discuss them with the kids and create lifelong readers,” she said.

Iriarte Dent said that reading Cayouette’s debut novel was very entertaining and she felt a close connection to the characters.

“It’s very human, because the whole thing of ‘Oh, let’s get married at 28,’ I mean, who doesn’t do that with their friends?” she joked.

What critics say about the book

“Cayouette creates a gripping story that jumps back and forth between the protagonists’ high school years and the present day… The emotional aspects of the romance take center stage in this soulful debut novel.”

– Library Journal

“A story about estranged childhood friends who reunite in adulthood. One last shot has everything I want in a great romance novel, with heartbreak, story and plenty of chemistry on every page. It’s a tender exploration of a long lost love set in the high stakes world of the modelling industry and makes for a whirlwind journey that will have you swooning one moment and tearing up the next.”

– Bridget Morrissey, author of “A thousand miles“

“A romantic exploration of love, friendship, misunderstandings and growing up. Betty Cayouette’s writing style radiates heart, hope and a deep affection for her characters.” One last shot is a wonderful summer read and a debut not to be missed.”

– Hanna Halperin, author of “I could live here forever“

Join Betty Cayouette and Andrea Iriarte Dent for a discussion about “One Last Shot” on June 25 at 6 p.m.

Buy “One Last Shot” at: Bookshop | Molly’s Bookstore

Is loading…