by Tara Conklin
The Last Romantics felt like a substantial novel, following the Skinner siblings across decades as they navigate family bonds, grief, love, mistakes, and plenty of unexpected turns. What I appreciated most was how fully realized the characters became over the course of the story; by the end, their choices made sense even when I didn't always agree with them. Conklin captures the emotional reality of family life particularly well, showing how old wounds, loyalties, resentments, and affections can shape people long after the moments that created them. The story unfolds in messy, sometimes unpredictable ways, which made it feel more authentic than tidy. I found it to be a solid family saga with enough depth, emotional realism, and character development to make the journey worthwhile.