Gavin – Last Man Standing by Kathryn Hills is a Stress Busting Book Festival pick #sweetromance #romcom #romance #mustread #giveaway
- N. N. Light
- May 9
- 5 min read
Title: Gavin – Last Man Standing
Author: Kathryn Hills
Genre: Sweet Romance / Clean & Wholesome / Later-in-Life Romance / RomCom
Book Blurb:
Sometimes making waves is the only way to chart your true course.
Gavin Hart’s intentions are noble. He’s putting all his energy and every penny he’s got into the marine science education program he devised with his grandmother, a world-renowned environmentalist from Cape Cod. Big boat, special equipment, and a crew of salty characters—everything is ready to launch. All he needs is the backing of his influential family. Turns out that’s the one thing he won’t get—unless he agrees to settle down and marry the woman of their choosing. A self-proclaimed bachelor for life, he’s never been tempted. That is until he meets Sophie.
High school science teacher Sophie Martin is only subbing in town for a few months. Yet the allure of the Cape—its nautical charm and off-season ambiance—has her wishing she could stay longer. Not to mention she’s falling for a local man with a heart of pure gold. They have a lot in common, including a passion for inspiring young minds. Too bad her days there are numbered. Plus, her boyfriend back home is hinting at a ring. Should she return to her previous life? Or is she brave enough to upend everything and take a risk on a man she barely knows?
Excerpt:
Students spilled out into the hallway, and Sophie followed, shutting off lights, and locking the door behind them.
Laura Adams—her best friend and fellow teacher—sauntered up beside her. “Fancy meeting you here, Ms. Martin,” the sassy woman teased. “Well, tell me, how was your first week teaching high school science?”
The two women walked together toward the gymnasium, dodging teenagers, flung-open locker doors, backpacks, and sporting gear.
“I was nervous at first, but now I’m much more confident. The kids are all great.”
“Hey, hey, hey, no running in the halls,” Laura bellowed at a group of boys, speeding past them, shoving one another. She glanced Sophie’s way, instantly switching gears. “Some of us are going out tonight. You should come. I’ll introduce you to some nice guys. We’re meeting at the Galley Hatch.”
At first, the invitation appealed to Sophie, yet the idea of being introduced to “nice guys” made her balk. Laura was a notorious matchmaker, and that was the last thing she needed. “I shouldn’t. I promised my aunt I’d spend time with her since I’ve been gone all week. I think she’s having a hard time adjusting to being alone all day again. She keeps talking about adopting a cat or a talking bird.”
“Oh. Bummer. Offer stands if you can get away. Text me, and I’ll save you a seat.”
They entered the gym together and lingered in the double doors.
“Impressive,” Sophie said, adding a sigh of relief when she saw her class wasn’t climbing the walls. “Nice turnout of exhibitors.”
Laura casually looked around. “You should check it out since it’s your first time. Make the rounds with your kids.”
“I think I will.” Sophie went to leave, yet she ran smack into someone rushing past them with a box.
“Whoa! So sorry,” the person was quick to say.
She stepped back, and her gaze fell upon the one person she never expected to see up close and personal. “You,” she said in disbelief.
Hunky boat guy tipped his dark-haired head. “Do I…know you?”
The smooth, masculine sound of his voice washed over her like a warm summer wave. Sophie blinked up at him, her mortified expression reflected in his mirrored sunglasses. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
“Miss… Are you okay?” A sexy little smile turned his lips.
Surprised laughter bubbled out of Laura. “Who’s this?”
The man set his box down and removed his shades.
Both women gaped.
Crystal blue eyes. Stark against his suntanned skin.
“Gavin Hart. I’m exhibiting today. Well, I’m supposed to be. As per usual, I’m late. Can either of you ladies help me find my table?”
“Sophie will,” Laura blurted out, and she gave Sophie a little shove in his direction.
Gavin’s smile widened showing bright white teeth. “Excellent. Thank you, Sophie.”
She spun and narrowed her gaze on Laura. “What about my kids?”
Laura shrugged. “They’re fine. You’re fine. This man is obviously fine.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
Universal Link - https://books2read.com/u/bx5g8d
What’s your favorite way to combat stress?
I love spending time outdoors now that the weather in New England has turned warm and sunny. I’m surrounded by woods, and with four big rescue hound dogs, they love it too! We play ball, bask in the sunshine on the deck… I’ve even taken to editing my upcoming book with them outside. They keep tabs on the squirrels and chipmunks while I work. Win/win! 😊
Why is your featured book a stress busting read?
Gavin – Last Man Standing gives readers a chance to escape to lovely Cape Cod during the final days of summer. Crowds have died down, the pace slows, yet the weather is still perfect, making this an ideal book vacation.
Take to the New England waterways with Gavin and his salty crew as they launch a program to teach school kids about local marine life. Tour the Elizabeth Islands under sail with Gavin and Sophie as they share a memorable first date there.
There’s plenty of romance, natural beauty, funny characters (including Gavin’s dog, Sky), and family/friend dynamics to relate to. As one reader put it… “I loved this later in life romance. The premise and plot were written so well that I could smell the sea water, feel the breezes coming off Cape Cod, and sense the intense connection between the two main characters.”
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs May 1 – 31, 2025
Drawing will be held on June 1, 2025.
Author Biography & Social Media Links:
About Kathryn Hills
Hauntingly romantic… Unless she’s writing sweet!
The rich history and many mysteries of New England are the perfect backdrop for many of KATHRYN’s books. Winding roads lined by old stone walls, forgotten cemeteries, grand homes with shadowy pasts...all sparks for her imagination. Whether it’s a quaint seaside town or the vibrant city of Boston, it’s easy for this “hauntingly romantic” author to envision the past mingling with the present. No surprise, some of Kathryn’s favorite stories include ghosts. Sprinkle in some magic, and you’re off on a great adventure!
When not writing, this best-selling author is reading, researching, gardening, or cooking up something special in her chaotic kitchen. She shares her colonial home in the north woods with those she loves most – her wonderful husband, daughter, and four crazy rescue dogs.
Find Kathryn Hills Online
