The Last Best Story

A witty, fresh romantic comedy, set on one fateful prom night, about two high-schools seniors who can’t quite admit they are in love. Think E. Lockhart meets Katie Cotugno.

It’s the end of senior year, and Rose Regnero is over it.

She’s over chasing stories for a school newspaper no one reads. Over missing out on “normal” high school life. And most of all, over Grant Leitch: editor-in-chief, former close friend, never-quite-boyfriend. Now all she wants is a typical prom, complete with handsome date, fancy corsage, and dancing to cheesy pop songs.

It’s the end of senior year, and Grant Leitch is in denial.

He’s in denial about handing over the reins of the paper to an unworthy underclassman. In denial that Rose suddenly, inexplicably quit the paper and now won’t talk to him. But mostly he’s in denial that she is at prom with another guy, and it’s no one’s fault but his own. Grant’s only hope of luring Rose back to him (and the paper) is a juicy story she won’t be able to resist.

In the end it takes a toga-wearing prom crasher, an emergency lockdown, a secret stalker, and a wild after-party to bring Grant and Rose together for one last story...and one final chance to admit that they’re made for each other.

Praise for The Cost of All Things: “An engrossing, emotionally resonant spin on the old adage: Be careful what you wish for.” - Kirkus Reviews

“The most creepily awesome cautionary tale ever. Magic—or hekame—does exist, and wishes can be granted...but always at a cost. Brilliant, provocative, and absolutely spellbinding.” - Lauren Myracle, New York Times bestselling author of The Infinite Moment of Us

“Maggie Lehrman nimbly reveals secrets wrapped around our most basic need. The Cost of All Things is a walk of the soul.” - Rita Williams-Garcia, Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner

“Lehrman’s prose pulses with dark emotion…and the steady desperation of her characters is both disturbing and compelling.” - Publishers Weekly

“A memorable debut, one that reminds readers to be careful what they wish for, because, yes, they may just get it.” - Booklist

“With a captivating premise, elegant writing, and memorable characters, The Cost of All Things is a powerful examination of the interconnectedness of the human experience.” - Franny Billingsley, author of the National Book Award Finalist Chime

“In The Cost of All Things, Maggie Lehrman spins a gorgeous and intricate web of secrets, love, loss, and redemption. This is a deeply moving and insightful novel from an incredible new voice.” - Coe Booth, acclaimed author of Tyrell

“Honest, messy, and infinitely charming. This is my favorite kind of love story.” - Becky Albertalli, award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

“The Last Best Story is the first best high school newspaper screwball romantic comedy. Rosie and Grant are funny and warm and too brilliant for their own good, and I would spend another 1000 pages hanging out with them if I could.” - Jesse Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl

“Smart and bighearted and deliriously fun. The Last Best Story crackles.” - Katie Cotugno, New York Times bestselling author of 99 Days

“Readers [are] likely to find enjoyment from the spirited characters and entertaining story line.” - ALA Booklist

“Lehrman has long moments of brilliance and is a writer to watch.” - School Library Journal