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Twist of Fate #3

Save the Best for Last

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Tessa Harper, makeover queen of a self-care media empire, loves a challenge. But when she’s forced to satisfy her female readership’s growing interest in sports, Tessa reluctantly seeks out Ford Maddox. The popular sportscaster, annoying friend of her bestie, and long-time sparring partner agrees to strike a deal. He’ll give Tessa his expertise if she’ll give him hers. Namely a makeover to help him get past the friendzone with the woman of his dreams.

Ford has always considered Tessa to be nothing more than a pampered elitist. But if she can turn his rough style and attitude into boyfriend material it’s worth the aggravation. The plan is working. The problem is, Ford’s also starting to see Tessa in a new light. And there’s more to the complicated woman than meets the eye.

Ford is falling hard. But is he ready to give up his ideal love to take a chance on an opinionated, independent spitfire who’s turning his life—and his heart—upside down?

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First published February 21, 2023

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About the author

Jennifer Probst

120 books10.2k followers
Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the NY Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a "romance phenom" by Kirkus Reviews. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases at www.jenniferprobst.com. Sign up of her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a free book.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,038 reviews951 followers
November 14, 2022
There is no redeeming the male character at this stage. Just no. He’s an idiot and there’s no hope for him. Incidentally I’m DNF’ing this one out of sheer annoyance. If male stupidity was a book, it would be this one.


Looking back I see I've rated the first in this series 1 star and had DNF'd it at 25%. It's definitely not the series for me despite having enjoyed many of this author's work previously.
Profile Image for MELISSA *Mel Reader*.
1,420 reviews1,497 followers
February 21, 2023
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author/Montlake)

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Tessa Harper is a glamorous, fierce, confident, independent woman in New York who knows her worth. She's a workaholic who owns and runs a successful media company with her two best friends Chiara and Malia. Quench is focused on self care for women, and Tessa's main role is director of beauty and fashion where she writes a popular column and is known as the makeover queen. Lately her job and dating life are a bit boring. She craved a challenge and some excitement. Then they mix things up at Quench when they decide to make sports a part of their regular lineup. It's the one area they haven't tackled yet, and they could use some help, so they approach well known sportscaster, Ford Maddox. Tessa shares mutual friends with Ford, but they've never gotten along. They clash at every turn, and prefer to avoid one another. Now she would have to take one for the team, and work with the annoying man.

Ford Maddox had a sports morning show where he got paid to talk about his favorite thing. Sports had been his passion since he was little, and he was lucky to get to work in the world he loved. When he's asked to help out Quench with sports, he strikes a mutually beneficial deal. He will give his expertise in everything sports if Tessa gives him a full makeover. She seems to have the magic touch, and he needs some help getting his beautiful co-worker to finally see him as more than a friend. While Tessa is transforming him into boyfriend material, things start to shift between them. He enjoys sparring with her and these unexpected feelings weren't part of his plan. Everything turns complicated when he's suddenly not sure who the woman of his dreams actually is. When he decides to fight for love which direction will his heart take him?

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Save the Best for Last by Jennifer Probst is the third book in the Twist of Fate series. It's an enemies to lovers romance about friendship and unexpected connections. It's full of fabulous banter, humor, passion, emotion, love and amazing chemistry. I've really enjoyed this series and hope we get more books! <333

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***NOW AVAILABLE***
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Profile Image for Margo.
2,110 reviews124 followers
February 23, 2023
I’m never reading anything by this author again. This book was so promising and so cute up to about 90% whereupon a trusted family member advises the h to literally pull a Meredith Grey and ask the H to pick her.

She does.

Does the author not realize that since that scene 20 years ago the term “pickme” has become synonymous with a woman who has no self-respect and who begs a man for attention, and otherwise sacrifices her own self-esteem and pride, so she can land her man, who is a nice enough, affable, bro. You can literally see him coast on his white male privilege throughout the book. The h, on the other hand, is really impressive and together and kind and wonderful and gorgeous.

This author has reinforced a lot of the same stereotypes of the experienced male, and the less experienced or virginal female, in her earlier books. However, the heroines ended up having more self-esteem and self respect at the end of her books, not less. In this case, I imagine that the heroine would look back on this and be embarrassed, when she finally realized what she settle for and what she did to get it.



This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ilaria &#x1f338;.
738 reviews43 followers
December 15, 2023
Fake dating trope is one of my favourite and I got this book for this reason.


Ford wasn't a memorable character. If you asked me anything about him, I found him a little immature and sapid,I wouldn't be able to tell you a thing. He just seemed like white noise while Tessa was just so much ithe lead in the story.

Poor chemistry and tepid banter…

I would've initially given the book 1 star, but Uncle Bart was a very interesting character through and through. Hell, despite him appearing only a few times, he made a stronger impact on me than the MMC.

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Deepankita.
59 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2022
2 stars

The beginning was rocky for me. I found the FMC a little too arrogant, nosy and snobby. And maybe being nosy came with her job of doing makeovers, but it extended to her close friends too. I didn't enjoy reading her point of view a lot.

Ford wasn't a memorable character. If you asked me anything about him, I wouldn't be able to tell you a thing. He just seemed like white noise while Tessa was just so much in the story.

Their chemistry was lacking a lot. Their banter, in no way, was enjoyable. Both of them were out for each others' throats and their was nothing lighthearted about it. The denial was so thick in the first 80% of the book that I felt as if I was drowning in it.

Another thing that I disliked about the story was the convenience of it all. The MCs just happpen to have the same experience, one after the other. The MMC used to think of Tessa as selfish and her friends just happen to drop of hints about her selflessness and kindness.

I would've initially given the book 1 star, but Uncle Bart was a very interesting character through and through. Hell, despite him appearing only a few times, he made a stronger impact on me than the MMC.

Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Reading to Escape.
1,097 reviews
November 25, 2022
**3.75 Stars**

Save the Best for Last is the third book int he Twist of Fate series and it can be read as a standalone. I have really enjoyed these main characters and their friendship which is why I have wanted to continue with this series. This book has a bit of an enemies to lovers feel to it as well as a fake dating vibe.

Tessa and Ford are around each other enough and run in the same circles as their friends are all coupled up, but they just don't get along with each other. Ford enlists Tessa's help to get the woman of his dreams but it ends up turning out much different than either could have imagined.

I liked Ford and Tessa for the most part and enjoyed watching their friendship and relationship grow and evolve. Though they didn't initially get along with each other, they did have an ease with each other and I love how they both shared things that they liked with each other, and I very much enjoyed their surprise when things turned from more of an enemies feel to a we are hot for each other. I didn't really like the makeover aspect of the story because I very much believe believe people should like and appreciate you for you, which ultimately did come through as a message in the story, but reading about Ford trying to change himself for a woman who would never appreciate him was just painful, and that Tessa actually helped people do this was just something I had difficulty relating to and connecting with.

I enjoyed the friendships between the women and the relationship they all had with Mike which has been a highlight for me throughout this series. I think the the book was well written and I generally find the author's books interesting and engaging.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jane.
1,255 reviews16 followers
December 1, 2022
The story revolves around a woman named Tessa Harper who works as a director of beauty and fashion for Quench, a multimillion-dollar empire that focuses on self-care for women. She runs the company with her three best friends.

An interesting chick-lit with lovely characters and an interesting storyline. Would recommend

Thank you to Jennifer Probst, NetGalley and Montlake for the arc of this book.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,067 reviews199 followers
February 10, 2023
SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST is the third and (final?) instalment in Jennifer Probst’s contemporary, adult TWIST OF FATE erotic, romance series focusing on three friends (Chiara, Malia, Tessa) who own Quench, an online magazine that focuses on self-care for women. This is makeover specialist Tessa Harper, and sports journalist/radio broadcaster Ford Maddox’s storyline. SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tessa and Ford) SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST follows the frenemies to lovers relationship between makeover specialist Tessa Harper, and sports journalist/radio broadcaster Ford Maddox. Tessa and Ford are co-godparents to Malia and Palmer’s daughter Veronica (SO IT GOES #2) but our couple struggle to remain civil in one another’s presence. One night together, babysitting Veronica, ends with Ford asking for Tessa’s help, and Tessa demanding a favor in return. Ford has fallen in love with a co-worker, a co-worker who sees Ford as only a friend, and with Tessa’s help, Ford is hoping to woo the woman towards a happily ever after but Ford never expected to fall for our story line heroine, a woman who may have more in common than he could have ever expected. Tessa Harper wants nothing to do with transforming Ford Maddox, but Quench is hoping to attract a new audience, and Ford may be the person for the job. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Ford and Tessa, and the fall-out when Ford’s make-over is more successful than Tessa could have imagined.

Tessa Harper has watched from the sidelines as her friends and business partners fell in love, and Tessa wanted her own happily ever after but there were no potential love matches on the horizon, as everyone she met eventually disappeared. Ford Maddox liked his life but wanted something more. Having fallen in love with Patricia, two years before, Ford knew he needed help, opting to admit defeat when having to ask Tessa for help.

Meanwhile café owner and their former business partner Roni’s father Mike is struggling in his attempts to ask out high school teacher Emma Primm. Mike’s lack of competence is heightened when Mike suspects Emma is seeing someone else. Hoping for a love match, Tessa, Malia and Chiara set a plan into motion to help Mike with his dating conundrum.

The relationship between Ford and Tessa is a frenemies to lovers. There is no explanation as to the how or why of their tempestuous rapport but sometimes people just don’t get along. Tessa struggles with Ford’s lack of finesse and sophistication, and Ford only has eyes for a woman who may be out of his league. As Tessa works her magic with Ford, our couple find themselves pulled into the aura that is attractions and lust. The $ex scenes are intimate and energetic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and familiar. We are reintroduced to Tessa’s business partners: Malia and Palmer, Chiara and Sebastian, cafe owner Mike, and high school teacher Emma Primm, as well as Ford’s co-worker Patricia, and Tessa’s uncles Bart, Vincent and Dom.

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST is a story of family, friendships, and relationships; animosity and acceptance, attraction and love. The premise is amusing and pleasant; the characters are sassy, dynamic and animated although Tessa’s snobbish attitude was a little off-putting; the romance was seductive and sensual.

www.thereadingcafe.com
Profile Image for Ioana.
570 reviews30 followers
February 7, 2023
4.5 stars

What a story! And so hard to rate!

This is the book featuring Tessa, the last one of the Quench girls that is still single. And Ford, a friend brought in their group by her friend's husband. Right from the beginning, they tease and poke at each other, sometimes throwing pretty big insults. Things change when Ford realizes Tessa has a gift for make overs and she can help him get the girl he thinks he loves. In return, she gets his help with the new sports section & podcast of her lifestyle website.

Jennifer Probst is the queen of matchmaking books and her style and wonderful talent is present here, too. This a slow burn, things heat up quite late but the sensual tension is wonderfully written. The book flows nicely, surprising at times, it keeps you on your toes, between sport games and family and friends and, of course, their adorable puppy squad.

The thing about this book, though - it's too real. There is a lot of complexity here, and a lot of a "real factor": most of the book the hero believes he loves another woman, while the heroine finds it hard to believe her attraction to such a guy, so different from her type. So there is a lot of confusion, a lot of second guessing. Which makes this story so far from the insta love, straight to the point romance, it's so sinuous that you even start to question whether there is going to be a happy ever after.

I found both Ford and Tessa interesting and complex characters. She is super driven yet so loving towards her close people, and invested so much in her special projects of helping other and her business, enough to open her mind and let Ford drag her into the sports world. She is kind, she is insightful, a truly special character. Ford is sweet and kind, so dedicated to his passion, his job and his volunteering work. He is a bit naïve, though, a bit with his head in the clouds. And both of them, in the beginning, take the insults a little to far. This is triggering material, while they don't care much about each other's insults, they are pretty hard. This is a truly strong enemy to lovers plot, not for the faint of heart, as much as the book is very sunny.

I loved the focus on women in sports, what a beautiful idea to bring into the book, and all the times men in this book were great supporters of women. I loved when girls got together and shared their precious life milestones, such an emotional scene! And Mike and Emma - finally! Not to mention Uncle Bart and his furry friends. As with all of Jennifer Probst's book, there is so much to love here.

All in all, it's a great book, if you can get over the "realness" of it.

I received a copy of this book in order to offer my view on it.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,121 reviews26 followers
February 15, 2023
Completely mismatched!

I don't think I've ever read a romance with two people who were so obviously wrong for each other. Tessa is all high-end, well-dressed, well-organized, and rather high strung. Ford is as laid back as a lazy day at the ballpark, a frat boy in t-shirts and jeans, more than just a little scruffy around the edges. They have friends in common, and are both godparents to Chiara and Sebastian's daughter, but every one of their interactions is a battle on some level. Oh - and let's not forget, Ford is completely in love with another woman. One who has clearly friend-zoned him.

As it happens, she needs his sports expertise to help launch a new venture for Quench, and he decides he needs her makeover expertise to make him more appealing to the woman he wants. What ensues is a cleverly written dance of unexpected - and most assuredly unwelcome - attraction for them both, as well as a few surprises. Who knew Tessa would take to sports so quickly? Who knew there was a handsome hunk hiding under all that scruff? Who knew that their pointed barbs were really just foreplay?

As three-book series go, this one is nicely concluded with Ford and Tessa's spark-and-snark-filled romance. Better than the second book, almost as good as the first, it's a can't miss read for anyone who's become familiar with our Quench trio and the men in their lives. We not only get a delightful HEA for Ford and Tessa, but the author also gifts us with a solid HEA for a secondary couple whose romance has been slowly percolating throughout the entire series.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone who loves contemporary romances. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,556 reviews113 followers
February 19, 2023
***ARC Provided by the Publisher***

3.5 Stars

I can't lie, I really wasn't sure how this one was going to go and work out, but i had faith.

Tessa and Ford don't like one another. At all. But she needs him for help with a new direction with her business and he needs her to help him get the woman he loves.

The problem? As they quickly find out, and try to ignore, Tessa is the woman Ford loves.

This book is about getting what you want and realizing it's not what you want. It's about changing who you are and realizing the things you thought were perfect ate the things that felt safe and didn't challenge you. And it's about taking the risk when you realize all of this.

I loved them together. I loved watching them figure out what was right in front of them...and obvious to everyone else. And I loved watching them find their happiness together.

I did want they're to be a little less with the other woman as I started to feel a little sorry for her, but not in a way that was distracting and it was written in such a way that the main characters weren't lost in the side story.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,411 reviews36 followers
February 21, 2023
While I wasn't in love with the story, I didn't hate it either. Tessa works as a director of beauty and fashion for Quench. It's a multi-million dollar empire, and it focuses on self care for women. Tessa works on makeovers, and now she is helping Ford with a makeover on everything, just so he can get the girl he's been wanting for like 2 years now. Tessa even "fake" dates him to make him more desirable, so to speak. However, they both end up realizing that maybe they could make this work for them. It's a slow burn, and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. I was a little bored and not overly invested. I usually love books by Jennifer propest, but this one just didn't do it for me
Profile Image for Jane.
1,255 reviews16 followers
December 1, 2022
The story revolves around a woman named Tessa Harper who works as a director of beauty and fashion for Quench, a multimillion-dollar empire that focuses on self-care for women. She runs the company with her three best friends.

An interesting chick-lit with lovely characters and an interesting storyline. Would recommend

Thank you to Jennifer Probst, NetGalley and Montlake for the arc of this book.
Profile Image for Alex Glenn.
288 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2023
I liked this more than I thought I would! I might go back and check out the first two books in the series since their stories sounded interesting. A solid 4 star read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to rate and review an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Katie.
927 reviews6 followers
October 3, 2023
I didn't like the plot line of changing who you are to get someone to notice you. I also am a huge sports fan, so reading about a woman who initially knew nothing about sports hurt me a little inside. I did like that Tessa was a strong female character.
Profile Image for Div Rathi.
116 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2022
Starting of the book was fine...kind of love the story built up initially...female lead is kind of strong and nonsense character but male lead is childish and not at all likable, it was poorly written character.
Book could have done something different in building up the whole story...unfortunately this was not for me...
DNF@30%
Profile Image for BriAnne.
48 reviews7 followers
May 3, 2023
okay so I wanted to take a few days to process this book before writing my review because I'm not that great at writing reviews

I love the idea of this book. Enemies, to friends, to lovers. That's probably my favorite trope I love when things take time and they don't just jump right in. The side stories in this book were also so stinking cute. I want an entire book on Mike and Emma as well as Tessa's uncle.

Now, this won't be a long review. Overall I wish the happy endining in this was them not being together. Tessa deserved SO much better and she really threw her entire self away at the end for a guy named FORD?
Tessa told Ford from the start exactly how this would play out and no matter how you look at it he STILL chose Tessa second. She was not the first choice and it makes me really sad that for how set in her ways she was she really fell for a man who "loved" someone from a distance for two years while refusing to listen to anything you say.

Three stars for the side stories and I really did love Tessa I just wish she had stayed true to herself
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nextbookaroundthecorner.
1,018 reviews14 followers
April 16, 2023
Well, the title says it all actually: Jennifer did save the best for last! After Chiara (Meant To Be) and Malia (So It Goes) found their happily ever after, Tessa is a bit envious. of course, she will deny that she wants a man of her own. But deep down, she feels she is missing something in her life. Her make-overs, part of the Quench emporium, don’t give her the satisfaction that they used to. Basically: Tessa is having an early midlife crisis.

When Chiara, Malia and Tessa decide to include sports into Quench, both Chiara and Malia push Tessa to take this on. Since Tessa knows nothing of sports, Chiara offers to ask Ryder’s friend Ford Maddox. Ford is a renowned sports broadcas­ter and a bit of a geek. Having met him at some social events at Chiara’s, something rubs Tessa the wrong way. So, grudingly she accepts Ford’s help.

Ford promised his friend that he would help out Quench. He didn’t realize he would be working with Tessa though.Tessa is a bit high maintenance in his opinion. A career driven elite woman, who doesn’t understand the emotions behind Sports. While working together, he learns that Tessa is great at make-overs.. So maybe she can help him with a make-over to get his colleague, Patricia, to finally notice him. Little does he know that Tessa’s make-overs don’t only mean a haircut and a new outfit.

During the transformation process, there is a wonderful slow burn romance budding. Jennifer does an outstanding job of showing how their first instant hate slowly morfs into something new. A wonderful story! Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Nogalley for providing the arc.
981 reviews17 followers
March 7, 2023
I love the “Twist of Fate'' series by Jennifer Probst and she definitely saved the best couple for last. I love Ford and Tessa with their witty banter, scathing glances and the simmering chemistry that neither of them would admit to. Tessa is the queen of makeovers but working with Ford was above her pay grade. He was a sloppy dresser and acted like an overgrown fraternity brother who lived and breathed sports. Why in the world did she promise to turn him into the perfect man so he could have the woman of his dreams? Tessa had no choice, because she desperately needed his expertise with her new sports podcast.

Who knew that spending time together would be the beginning of a fun and educational friendship? Ford turned Tessa into a sports fan and got to know the woman behind the fancy clothes and snippy attitude. Tessa even introduced Ford to her favorite uncle who spends his retirement rescuing and caring for dogs in need. It was only a matter of time until Ford saw Tessa in a new light which just added to his confusion. He thought he knew who he wanted, but what if he was wrong? Should Ford follow his original plan or let his heart lead him to a happily ever after? The road to love is never easy and as Yogi Berra always said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.”
3,090 reviews
June 13, 2023
Tessa is one of the owners of Quench and the make over queen. She loves her job but after her last makeover, she’s feeling a little unfulfilled. The girls decide to add some sports podcasts to their forum and make her in charge of getting it started. Ford is a sportscaster and a co godparent to Tessa’s best friends little girl. They dislike each other but Tessa asks for his help with the sports podcast. He will if she will help make him over to get the girl he has been in love with for years. Tessa agrees but the more time they spend together, the more they find out about each other. Will Ford choose the girl he has obsessed over or the fiery woman he has come to know?

OMG! I don’t know what to say. Enemies to friends. Tessa is a strong, independent woman. Ford doesn’t realize he is fine the way he was. He was like a puppy wanting attention from his master, who just kept him away. At first I didn’t think it was going to keep me interested but I could not put it down. I believe this is my favorite one of this series.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *
783 reviews26 followers
November 14, 2022
Save the Best for Last is an absolutely delightful enemies to lovers story. Tessa and Ford have a long history of dislike, but circumstances in Tessa’s work at Quench and Ford’s obsession with his co-worker, Patricia, artfully conspire to bring them together. This book is filled with new experiences and ultimately understanding for both as they try to help each other achieve set goals. Tessa’s Uncle Dom and and his friends are priceless. Series readers also will be happy with the updates on previously featured characters. This book should not be missed. It’s funny, sexy and insightful. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
217 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2022
Save the Best for Last is the third book in the Twist of Fate series and follows the story of sworn enemies Tessa and Ford, both of whom we've met in the previous two books.

I found this book to be the best of the series. The barbs and banter, the chemistry and connection, all of it made this a great read. The sexual tension was palpable between these two and I found their connection perfect. Another thing I really liked about this book was how wonderful and rounded the characters were as individuals, with their strengths and flaws laid bare. I found Ford so sweet as a lead - the perfect cinnamon roll hero and complementing Tessa's firebrand personality beautifully.
713 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2022
The third book in this series does not disappoint! I loved the characters, Tessa and Ford, and how they went from arguing about everything to opening themselves up to new experiences. When Ford asks Tessa to help him get the woman he thinks he loves, she does it reluctantly because she thinks they aren’t a good fit, but he is so determined. I loved revisiting the other characters from previous books in the series, but you can read this one as a standalone.
Profile Image for Jaime Reynolds.
1,926 reviews23 followers
November 21, 2022
A terrific story I didn’t want to put down. From page one I was hooked on the storyline and fell in love with these characters. You have the laughable moments, those that make you want to scream, and of course the heat. The chemistry is explosive and makes it even better. This author really knows how to suck you in and love every minute of what your reading. Click this one and be prepared to fall in love.
Profile Image for Torie Peters.
87 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2023



Save The Best For Last is book three in the Twist of Fate series, written by Jennifer Probst. Told in dual POV, this book can be read as a standalone. This was my first book by this author & I enjoyed her ability to write great character tension and an engaging slow burn.

The series focuses on a group of 3 friends who own an online women’s self-care magazine. The two leads run in the same circle but are anything but friends. The FMC is makeover specialist Tessa Harper, and the MMC, Ford Maddox, is a sports radio journalist/broadcaster. Tessa & Ford couldn’t be more opposite and definitely give off the perfect enemy to lovers, opposite attract scenario. They can sling a hard insult at one another, and their dislike is to the extreme. The two share a mutual relationship as godparents to Malia & Palmer’s little girl, Veronica (book #2).

Jennifer wrote forced Proximity at its finest when the two are together babysitting Veronica. Ford asks Tessa for help as he needs a makeover of sorts. Ford needs help moving past the friend-zone with a co-workerr. Tessa wants nothing to do with the arrangement, however she might have something to gain in return. Her magazine is looking to attract a broader audience and venture into the sports world with a new sports podcast. Tessa being the determined entrepreneur she is, sees the opportunity and puts in the work.


Along the way, Ford discovers that he and Tessa may have more in common than he thought, and Tessa starts to question how well her makeover abilities truly are. Tessa’s love for sports grows and Ford realizes there’s much more to Tessa than what he originally thought. But could she fall for a man so far from her type? Is Ford willing to change the course to find his happily ever after? The evolution of their relationship was exciting to read, and I enjoyed to two slowly realizing how much tension and lust existed between them. I thought the intimate scenes were beautifully written and were a change of pace from what I normally read by being more sensual and intimate.

I loved all the characters in Jennifer’s book and thought they were so unique and all brought something to the story. Tessa is so talented and ambitious, which is what leads her to finding herself in the situation she’s in, working with Ford in the sports world. Ford is so passionate about his work and volunteering, though a little naïve. The women’s friendship was special and has me excited to read the first two books in the series. I enjoyed my first Jennifer Probst novel and look forward to reading more.

Read if you like:
- frenemies to lovers
-opposites attract
-slow burn
-sports romance
-unexpected twists
-enemy to lovers
-women empowerment in sports
-cinnamon roll MMC
-strong & independent FMC
Profile Image for Jenn .
723 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2022
Save the Best for Last is the third book in the Twist of Fate series by Jennifer Probst. This book can be enjoyed as a complete stand alone- I think that Jennifer does a good job of adding in the pertinent details/catch up from the previous 2 books- but personally I think that Tessa and Ford's book hits better when read in order.

3.5 ⭐

Save the Best for Last is a nice long slow burn between Tessa and Ford- and these two have had this coming for a while. The story is a kind of enemies to lovers- but since these two have mutual friends and all they don't necessarily hate each other but more like annoyances when forced together. Ford is this kind of awkward but sweet guy, he is successful in his sports centered career but is looking for his HEA and is convinced that his co-worker Patricia is the one. Tessa is an incredibly successful woman with a hard exterior but a sweet and kind heart that she doesn't let show often. When her women centered business decides to add a sports centered segment- Ford is there to help but only if Tessa will work her makeover magic on him so that he can finally find his way out of the friend zone with Patricia... and as they say people make plans but fate laughs.

This was my first series that I've read from Jennifer. I binge read the first two books before starting this one and I've loved the slow build up of tensions and hostilities between Tessa and Ford- so I could see the direction these two were heading. The book is written in a third person POV that does alternate between Tessa and Ford- so it is an adjustment if you are used to the first person POV that a lot of romances are written in.

I had fun reading this book. From first glance these two are total opposites- they already bicker and don't make sense- but as the story progresses and they actually get to know each other they are much more similar and compatible than they would have originally thought. Their banter made me laugh and the tensions that built were perfect. Even with the whole makeover storyline, I liked that there was that underlying message that you shouldn't have to change everything to make another person like you or be happy.

I wish that there would have been a little bit more of Ford's time with the youth center that he and Ryder volunteered at and maybe a little more Tessa's background and how she ended up so guarded. There are moments that hint that there was vulnerability and maybe weakened confidence but I didn't feel like the whole story was there.

Overall, nice addition to the series- I love the continuing saga of Emma and Mike intertwined with Tessa and Ford and the HEA for all the boss ladies at Quench!
Profile Image for Maryger Chacon.
704 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2023
Save the Best for Last by Jennifer Probst, is the third book in the Twist of Fate series and is a story that was hilarious for me. Tessa Harper owns, together with her best friends, what we would call a media empire, she is in charge of a column that helps the chosen reader with a change of image and direction, but she is at a point in her life wanting more. Ford Maddox, works in the radio and is a well-known sports commentator, his best friends are the couples of Tessa's best friends and they have never gotten along very well. But when Tessa, looking for a new direction in her career, is presented with the opportunity of a sports section, she sees the need to look for Ford to help her, and that is where they reach an agreement, he will help her as long as she does. Help him with a change of image and direction so he can conquer a co-worker who he swears is the love of his life. From here this story is full of crazy moments, tender moments and a few tangles.
This story was wonderful and it left me smiling, I highly recommend it.
*Thanks to Jennifer Probst and Valentine PR & Literary Management for my ARC. I voluntarily leave my honest review*

Save the Best for Last de Jennifer Probst, es el tercer libro de la serie Twist of Fate y es una historia que para mi fue divertidisima. Tessa Harper posee junto a sus mejores amigas lo que llamaríamos un imperio mediático, ella esta encargada de una columna que ayuda a la lectora escogida con un cambio de imagen y dirección, pero se encuentra en un punto de su vida deseando mas. Ford Maddox, trabaja en la radio y es un reconocido comentarista deportivo, sus mejores amigos son las parejas de las mejores amigas de Tessa y ellos nunca se han llevado muy bien. Pero cuando Tessa buscando un nueva dirección en su carrera se le presenta la oportunidad de una sección deportiva se ve en la necesidad de buscar a Ford para que la ayude, y es ahí donde llegan a aun acuerdo, el la ayudara siempre y cuando ella lo ayude a el con un cambio de imagen y dirección para el poder conquistar a un compañera de trabajo de la que jura es el amor de su vida. A partir de aquí esta historia esta llena de momentos disparatados, momentos tiernos y unos cuantos enredos.
Fue una maravilla esta historia y me dejo sonriendo, se las súper recomiendo.
*Gracias a Jennifer Probst y a Valentine PR & Literary Management por mi ARC. Dejo voluntariamente mi reseña honesta*
Profile Image for Theresa Natole.
1,193 reviews21 followers
February 17, 2023
What an incredible read. Jennifer Probst’s books are filled with love, compassion and so much more. Three friends who are more like sisters. A “father” to all of them, Mike. And the introduction to Uncle Bart and his friends. These characters made this story one you could not put down. Every page kept you glued to every word until the final word.
Tessa is helping Ford win Patricia’s heart. To Ford, Patricia is the one. It has been two years and he is finally ready to make her his. With Tessa’s help of course. Tessa and Ford aren’t exactly fond of each other. His impression of her is that she is a designer wearing snob. But the more time he spends with her he finds that he could not have been more wrong. She is so different than the women he usually is attracted to. He realizes that she is a woman who makes things fun, will go out of her way for anyone who needs help, and she is unpredictable. He is so focused on Patricia that he is ignoring what he is starting to feel for Tessa. Tessa, too, is starting to feel things for Ford she never expected. She is so different with him. She shows him a side of herself few if anyone ever sees. She still loves her designer clothes but now she will occasionally be caught wearing a Mets t-shirt, ball cap and other sports team wear she never thought she would ever wear. Spending time with Ford watching baseball, yelling at the television screen when their team wins and especially when they lose. She pays attention to everything he is trying to teach her about sports. Something she never had any desire to learn about.
Sometimes in life we don’t see what is right in front of us. Ford was so focused on Patricia and a love for her he thought he felt, and refused to see the actual real love he developed for Tessa. Tessa accepted him for the man he is he never had to pretend to be someone else. For Patricia he was changing because that is what he thought she would like about him, but in truth it wasn’t the real him.
But will he settle for a love he thinks he has for Patricia or finally admit to a real love for Tessa and realize she, Tessa is the woman for him. Sometimes we have to open our eyes to what is right in front of us.
518 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2022
I loved this book but was also somewhat disappointed with it. Gah, how to explain? As a frenemies-to-lovers novel, it's perfect. Tessa and Ford start off with misconceptions about each other, but as they work together on a project, they realize that there's so much more to the other. Their road to discovery is masterfully told, neither rushed nor unbelievable. Bit by bit, they learn each other until they find themselves happier together then apart.

But Patricia.

Ford has been "in love" with his coworker Patricia for a couple of years even though she quite clearly friend-zoned him. He just knows she's perfect for him and gets Tessa to give him the makeover he thinks he needs to win her. Tessa knows a makeover will work in that Patricia will be blown away by Ford's transformation, but she also knows it can't possibly last. She shares her concerns with Ford, but she's equally supportive of his goal when he reiterates that Patricia is the one for him.

It's not a bad plot, and I'm glad Tessa makes a point to let Ford know that he's enough even without a makeover. That said, as ashamed as I am to admit it, watching Ford's slow transformation from sloppy boy to edgy man is rather hot. But outward appearance aside, Ford can't seem to get past his inner geek in his insistent pursuit of Patricia. Even after he and Tessa share a kiss and, later, intimacies, he can't quite grow the eff up and let go of his childish and--frankly--embarrassing infatuation. The author makes a valiant effort in showing that the stupidity is not Ford's alone but is shared by Tessa, but I just didn't buy it. I don't want to say too much more at risk of spoiling the story, but I just feel so disappointed in Ford. He doesn't deserve Tessa even though they're perfect together. In short, he's an idiot.

And he also still owes her a favor.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
Profile Image for Meredith.
664 reviews15 followers
February 22, 2023
It's been a while since I read a Jennifer Probst book and I'm sorry that I haven't read her books in a minute. I honestly forgot how much I enjoyed her books. They have such vivid characters that draw you in and make you root for the couples, I couldn't put Save the Best For Last down I was so into it. When I started the book right off the bat I got vibes of the classic 2010 rom com featuring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel, Life as We Know It, two godparents who DO NOT get along are forced to raise their godchild together her being uptight and him laid back. Luckily Tessa and Ford did not have to raise their cute goddaughter together and Chiara and Ryder survived the book, as I hadn't read books one and two of this series I didn't realize they were a previous couple and therefore by romance novel laws cannot die.
The start of Tessa and Ford's relationship begins as many rom com romances, a makeover. But what I liked about Tessa's makeovers through out the book, including Fords' is that she never is just superficial. Yes she gives them a haircut, tips on makeup, renovation of their home and clothes but she also makes them realize that they shouldn't be getting this makeover for anyone other than themselves. She also wants them to realize that they need confidence in themselves. So for Ford he says he wants this makeover so he can finally get out the friends zone of the love of his life, Patricia, but Tessa sees right through it. She knows that Patricia is never going to really love Ford for who he is but whoever he portrays himself to be through the makeover.
What I loved most about this book is how Tessa and Ford slowly fell in love with one another despite all their bickering and fighting all the while trying to get him a date with another woman. I loved that Tessa was a strong female lead that didn't want to compromise one what she wants from a life partner. But through out the book Tessa starts to see that maybe she wants something different from her life partner...
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