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 life after divorce, who begins a romantic fling with a charming British stranger during a solo trip to the Maldives, only to later discover he’s become her new boss back in Sydney. The novel leans heavily into familiar romance tropes, including mistaken rescues, secret wealth, and workplace tension, while emphasizing emotional growth and female solidarity. Though predictable, the story is elevated by its focus on intergenerational support and Abbey’s journey toward self-assertion. It’s a light, escapist read with a heartfelt core.