Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

Shanon O'Connell has barely recovered from a heartbreaking relationship; now she must watch one of her closest friends and fellow group member, Linda, painfully lose her battle with cancer and exit their group, which they affectionately call 'the tribe.' Trying to put on a brave face in their group, which has been together for over three decades, they gather at one of Linda's favorite venues to honor her life and memory, reminiscing about what was and what could have been. The last thing Shanon expects is that this gathering might be the catalyst for her to find one last chance at love with fellow tribe member Elizabeth Matthews. Only time will tell if they can overcome the emotional and physical barriers between them in Kathleen Brehony's The Third Act.

Kathleen Brehony's urban romance explores love in the twilight years. The character development reveals each tribe member's background while highlighting this web of friends and how their unique connections strengthen the group. The moments when Shanon reminisces about her relationship with Linda, contrasting it with the circumstances that led to her meeting Elizabeth, perfectly illustrate this. The dialogue is casual and filled with lighthearted, mildly comedic episodes, such as the Jell-O Cool Whip incident, which coincide with slower moments in the story. These stylishly crafted scenes lighten the tone as readers enjoy the antics of these senior citizens. The narrative shifts between Shanon's and Elizabeth's perspectives, helping readers better understand key aspects of the plot, like the intriguing connection between mediums and matters of the heart. Brehony's narrative style reminds readers that The Third Act is primarily a romance, featuring sexual encounters that leave little to the imagination. Brehony weaves drama, romance, and humor into a contemporary setting that many readers will find relatable, creating a unique novel.