THE LAST WORD
THE LAST WORD
Book #3 in the Two Hearts tween romance series
There are two things Matilda Bell can count on: her best friend, Gemma, and being top of every class. But it’s year 8, and everything has changed.
Gemma has moved away, leaving Matilda all alone at school, and Will O’Connor has moved to town. Not only does Will disrupt every lesson―Matilda’s pet hate―but he’s somehow matching her grades with zero effort.
If only Matilda could ignore him … but Will gets under her skin in a way that no-one else ever has.
When Will is forced to join the debating team, he and Matilda spend more time arguing with each other than winning debates.
With their team losses mounting up, Gemma ignoring her calls and old enemies getting up to new tricks, Matilda feels like her life is out of control.
Can Matilda find a way to work with Will so they can win as a team? Or will they end up hating each other in the process?
Book #3 in the Two Hearts series of standalone romance novels for tween readers (10+), ‘The Last Word’ captures the awkward, sweet, discombobulating, wonderful experience of first love. With debating. And chickens.
OUT NOW!
What reviewers are saying about
THE LAST WORD
‘The debating competition brings drama and intensity to the plot, reinforcing the novel’s central theme: the power of words. Inevitably,
sparks fly.
‘Offering comfort reading enriched by well-integrated contemporary issues and dilemmas, The Last Wordis ideal for readers of Nova Weetman’s junior fiction.’
‘Allison Tait writes across genres – and she is certainly Queen of Middle Grade fiction that crosses over as Young Adult fiction. …it’s tough writing Rom-Coms that are authentic and appropriate for 10-14 years old – Tait once again nails it with ‘The Last Word’.
‘Her protagonists are fresh, smart and sassy – and main players Matilda and Will are layered, funny and interesting. And debating is at the novel’s core.
‘This is another smart page turner that will be loved by upper primary and junior secondary readers. 
‘This is quality writing with quirky, well-rounded characters, a rural Australian setting and some great messages relevant to the target age group.
‘Parents and librarians, you are safe handing this book to kids who are ready for romance that is sweet, wholesome and aspirational. I would have loved this book when I was a tween … and to be honest I still adore it now…
‘I look forward to reading the rest of the [Two Hearts] series.’
‘Friendships shifting, first crushes emerging and confidence beginning to grow all sit at the heart of The Last Word by A.L. Tait.
‘This third instalment in the Two Hearts series offers a warm, engaging look at early adolescence, blending humour and emotional insight in a way that feels both reassuring and relatable for middle grade readers.
‘The Last Word … captures the awkwardness and excitement of growing up with warmth and sincerity.’
– Jess Finden, CBCA Reading Time
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