Rachel Bradford is finally living her dream as the star of her own interior design show. But ratings are slipping, and if she wants to save the show, she has to set an episode in the hometown she fled. Worst of all, she’s going to have to work with the cocky bad boy who humiliated her. Single dad, Beckett Colburn plans to turn an old fire station into a neighborhood bar. He’s blindsided when he … blindsided when he discovers his family made a deal to turn his dream into a reality TV project. He’d rather run into a burning building than work with his childhood nemesis–on camera.
But it’s not easy with a TV crew in town stirring up trouble, spreading rumors, creating buzz. Not to mention the inconvenient sudden attraction that sparks every time Rachel and Beckett fight.
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‘The Goodbye Guy‘ is the third title in ‘The Men of Lakeside‘ series, and although I had not read the earlier books before this one I wasn’t the least bit lost in the series. Anything that I needed to know was either in the dialogue or the narrative so I didn’t feel as if I was missing any pieces of the overall story. I will go back and pick up the earlier ones, so that’s some indication of how much I enjoyed this world.
I think that most of us can agree that today we are not the same person we were back in high school, well, maybe 95% of us – there are those that never outgrew that awful hair or clothes style, just sayin’. Yet when you leave town and don’t look back for a decade it’s hard to leave those high school years or the experiences there in the rearview mirror. That’s sort of what both Rachel and Beckett are facing. Both were horrid to each other in high school, each remembers that very clearly – and both went away, had an adult life elsewhere, and then came home to right now. So this couple, who are in or near their late 30s, early 40s, certainly should be acting a bit more grown-up over unexpected dents in their plans. Yeah, no, not gonna happen here.
Beckett has returned home with his ten-year-old daughter, is living his dream of converting the old firehouse into a casual bar right up until he discovers that unknown to him his family has “helped” him by making the firehouse renovation an episode of a Home Renovation TV program – with his high school enemy as the hostess. Rachel left town to follow the career she loves, not the one her family wanted for her. Yet, ratings for her program are down and the producers have decided to return her to a much-hated hometown – and an old high-school enemy she never wanted to see again.
While I enjoyed ‘The Goodbye Guy‘ there were moments when Beckett and Rachel were acting like their younger selves in attitude and maturity a bit longer than I was comfortable with. That’s my opinion, yours might be quite different but it put an edge to this story for me that I never really lost. There is definitely a history between this couple, and it shows. When they began working on moving past that was when this story took off, again for me. I liked the couple they became today with the past firmly behind them, and parental units dealt with after all this time. I think these two have a chance at that happy ending. If you love a true enemy to lover kind of romance then you’d enjoy Rachel and Beckett in ‘The Goodbye Guy‘.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Entangled Publishing via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
This story was so much fun! I absolutely loved Rachel and Beckett and truly enjoyed this enemy to lovers small town romance. The story line was fun, the characters were fabulous and the chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts.
Once I started reading I had a hard time putting this book down because I had to know how things were going to work out. A must read book for sure!
by Alisa
The Goodbye Guy was a very entertaining read that has Rachel and Beckett getting a second chance when Rachel is forced back to her hometown by her bosses. The book is very well written with well developed characters and a nice easy pace. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Oh my goodness I absolutely LOVED this book. Rachel and Beckett have a bit of a history, going back to when they were in school. These characters are a bit older and I was hooked from the start. They’ve been through things in their lives and this chance to get to know each other again is fun and steamy. This is my first read by this author and I will definitely be digging in to others.
Terrific seasoned romance that’s both sweet & sexy, with great family dynamics.
The Goodbye Guy is the third book in Natasha Moore’s The Men of Lakeside series. They are all standalone titles and can definitely read as such. I haven’t read any other books in this series and never felt like I was lost or didn’t quite follow a part of the storyline.
I think Natasha Moore is a new-to-me author but without going through the last 4 years of reviews, I can’t be 100% sure. I love reading new-to-me authors so sometimes I lose track. Regardless, I will definitely be reading more from her from now on!
NICUnurse’s Rating: The Goodbye Guy follows the story of Rachel and Beckett. Hardcore enemies in high school, they both left their small town of Lakeside not long after high school graduation. Beckett returned and stayed to raise his daughter. Rachel vowed she’d NEVER go back. (Ah…never say never, Rachel!) She manages to stay away, making a big name for herself with her TV show. But with falling ratings, the network isn’t giving her a choice. Sparks still fly between these two as their chemistry heats up. But can this be more than a fling between the sexy single dad and the big-time TV star?
If you’re looking for a quick, fun, and entertaining beach read, The Goodbye Guy certainly fits the bill. There’s some angst, lots of chemistry between the H & H, and a great second-chance type of romance. While it might not have been super intense, and I was able to walk away to adult or to sleep, it was the perfect pace and story to lose myself in for an hour or so each time I had some time to read.
I give The Goodbye Guy by Natasha Moore 4 out of 5 stars!
Natasha Moore gives us the third installment in The Men of Lakeside.
It’s a great addition to this series.
The chemistry between Rachel and BEckett is fun to read.
***I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.***
This was a fast, funny and cute story. I really liked both MC’s especially when they started to discover that they’ve changed a lot since high school. I’ll be honest and say there were a few times when I was rolling my eyes with the way Rachel treated Beckett but once they got to know each other “again” it was smooth sailing till the end.
Over all it was a good read and I’ll be sure to pick up this author again in the future.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Natasha Moore’s The Goodbye Guy is a sweet, entertaining romance with fairly low stakes. It does get bogged down in some places by the heroine’s frustrating outlook on what “having it all” means, but overall, it’s a quick and enjoyable read.
Interior Designer Rachel Bradford made one promise to herself when she left her hometown: that she’d never, under any circumstances, return. But as her home improvement show’s rating’s tank, her only option is to return to the small village where she grew up to help the man who ran her out of town in the first place. Beckett Colburn has big plans to renovate the town’s old fire station into a neighborhood bar. The last thing he needs is to work with his former nemesis. But, when his family goes behind his back and makes a deal with Rachel’s show, he doesn’t have a choice but to play nice.
I thought the premise of the book was fun, and think that Rachel and Beckett’s chemistry translates nicely to the page. There could have been more character development and a little more insight into why Rachel feels the way she feels about having a work/life balance, but if you’re looking for a light and breezy read, you’ll find this novel fits the bill just fine.
An ARC was generously provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This was a short but fun childhood nemesis to lovers’ book. It had a unique storyline and charming characters. I loved the concept of a TV designer returning home as a celebrity and realizing that she wanted a different future than she thought. Rachel Bradford swore she would never return to Lakeside, her hometown after graduating high school. She felt like if she returned she would be a failure, but she must go back when her dream job of being an interior designer is at risk. Her show ratings are slipping and to have her contract renewed, she must work with the man who had humiliated her in high school. Beckett Colburn had worked hard to earn his parents trust again and is furious when they decide to turn his dream of a bar over to a reality show, especially when he learns who will be doing the designing. He didn’t want Rachel anywhere near his bar and he certainly didn’t want to have cameras following him around all the time. Can they overcome their childhood feud and work together?
A romance involving a reality show and single dad sounds right up my alley and I was excited to dive in. Add in the friction between Rachel and Beckett and the story sounds even better. Unfortunately it didn’t grab my attention the way I had hoped. The premise is great but the chemistry between these two felt forced and I didn’t get the spark as I had hoped as you went deeper into the story. There is a lot of potential in this story and I encourage others to give it a chance as it could be just what they are looking for.
This is the 3rd book in this fascinating series and is Rachel and Beckett’s story. Rachel left her hometown 20-years ago in pursuit of her dream career, and she is now the host of her own interior design show, but the rating have plummeted, so her producer suggest going back home to do a local show. Beckett is a single dad whose dream it is to turn an old fire station into a pub, however he is not happy that his family have signed up for the show which his nemesis hosts, and Rachel is just as unhappy due to him being the boy that bullied her at school. This is a well written tale which is written on dual POV’s and is an entertaining and all-consuming 2nd chance love story. I look forward to reading more form this author whose work I recommend for all readers.
I have never read anything by this author, so this is a new series for me. I don’t know what I missed but the others where brought up in this book. I can honestly say I was not really a huge fan of this book it just wasn’t for me. I found the book completely predictable not a whole lot of what’s going to happen next. I like Holly she was a spit fire and did add a whole other element to the story, she was one of my favorite characters in the book. I also liked Davis he seem to be one of the few in the story that had his head on his shoulders and was a good friend to Beckett. I did not like Beckett I found him for a 40 year old very immature and whiny, I guess for me I felt like if you have a child at some point you should have grown up. Rachel was ok she too seem to have problems with her past but she didn’t come off as immature. Overall I really wasn’t a fan of this book. There is adult language and content may not be suitable for all. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”
Natasha Moore is a new author to me and after reading The Goodbye Guy I’m left wondering why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now because I loved everything about this book, it certainly ticked all my boxes and I’m sure it will tick all romance lovers boxes.
Rachel Bradford and Beckett Colburn have a history and it’s one neither want to repeat but when Rachel is forced by her producer to go back to her hometown to film a make or break episode of her reality show she is left with no choice but to put in a brave face for the man who will be her co star.
Beckett has made some mistakes in his life and humiliating Rachel was one of them but the one thing in his life he will never regret his his adorable daughter Holly who is the biggest fan of Rachel Bradford so he swallows his pride and jumps in feet first.
Small towns hold lots of memories some good some bad but it’s now time for Beckett to apologise for something he did 20 years ago and that’s going to be hard to do when the girl is holding a grudge. Families from different sides of the track also add to the drama of this entertaining read, the chemistry is sizzling, the banter witty and Holly has some classic one liners only a ten year old could deliver so all that’s left for me to say is please one click this fun, entertaining gem of a read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
This was a very enjoyable story. There were no dramatic plot twist or suspense here just some good everyday drama that everyday people would normally go through. It was very pleasant. The story seemed more natural like I was reading about friends.
Rachel escaped Lakeview after high school and now has her own reality TV show Rachel’s Touch. She renovates residential places but yearns for bigger projects like commercial. Her producer comes up with the idea to renovate a project in her hometown. It is a bar; a commercial area that can expand on her talent. She doesn’t want to go back as she may run into Beckett. The boy that tormented her in high school. The place she hasn’t been to in over 20 years. Then the bombshell, the show is in decline and may be cancelled. Then she learns the bar that she will be renovating belongs to her nemesis, Beckett Colburn! She is now dreading the project. We get to know Beck(ett) Colburn and Rachel Bradford with their history in high school antics. The rich girl and the junkman’s son.
Beck is a single father to almost double digit Holly. Holly is a precious young girl that loves watching Rachel’s show. Holly’s mother died during childbirth and she forms an immediate attachment to her hero. Beck is worried about his heart and also Holly’s heart as his know Rachel won’t stay in Lakeside. She will leave after the filming of the renovation.
Reading about these two characters and the turmoil that they go through was enchanting. I couldn’t wait to see how the author would bring them together. I loved the dual POV format that the book was written in. Getting that glimpse of their thoughts helped me to understand them so much better. These two really seemed more human than characters. The scenes flowed so well that it was like watching a movie or a home improvement reality show.
This is a sexy read so I can only recommend this to someone over the age of 18. While this is the third of the series, It can be read as a stand alone.
Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Goodbye Guy by Natasha Moore for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.
The Goodbye Guy is a lovely story with great characters that will capture your heart, and a unique plot. It’s a second chance romance, one of my favorite troupes. I quickly became enmeshed in the story and remained so until the ending. Natasha’s writing flows well and kept me engaged with no sagging middle!
Rachel Bradford’s character is fairly uncomplicated, and I became vested in her character from the very beginning. When she was in high school, her peers influence her decisions, putting her in an embarrassing situation that caused her to lash out at our hero. When they meet again when she comes to her hometown, there’s a bit of enemies to lovers, but fortunately, Ms. Moore doesn’t take it too far, so it didn’t sour the story for me. While she has baggage, she’s willing to look for changes in the hero which shows the maturity she should have after so long.
Beckett Colburn is a great hero. He’s the “bad boy gone good” guy. He’s made the changes in his life, and while he still feels that his family sees him as he used to be, he’s determined to prove to them he’s changed. He loves his daughter fiercely and will do anything to protect her. His character appealed to me since I’m married to my own “bad boy gone good!”
The romance between Rachel and Beck is a rocky road at first since they both hurt the other in high school, but they are mature enough to accept they were young and establish a solid working relationship. This is a clean romance, so Ms. Moore bases their love story on the emotional connection that grows between them with a sprinkling of the physical attraction.
If you enjoy a romance with engaging characters, including an adorable little girl, and a plot different from the norm in this sub-genre, then you will love The Goodbye Guy as much as I did. This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. Moore, but it will not be the last. Happy reading!
Hot and heavy. Both Beckett and Rachel are at a crossroads in their lives. After two decades of not seeing each other they are now being forced to work together. The characters are wonderful especially Beckett’s daughter who is a delightful energizer bunny. The author keeps the story flowing with witty repartee between Beckett and a Rachel as they face the push and pull of desire. Even though the characters are older they show a vivacity that makes the story a delightful gem.
4 Star review of The Goodbye Guy by Natasha Moore
Natasha Moore is a new author to me and I have no idea why I have not come across her books before. This was an enjoyable read that had me invested from the first to the last chapter. I have been gravitating to single parent and small town stories more and more in the last twelve months and The Goodbye Guy ticked quite a few boxes for me.
This is Rachel Bradford and Beckett Colburn’s story, they have history and not in a good way. When Rachel returns to her home town to film for her interior design show she is not happy to learn that her co star will be the man who once humiliated her.
I liked the complications that arose between Rachel and Beckett as they filmed. The sparks flew and the chemistry between them crackled . The more time they spend with each other, the more they realize that they are not the same people they once were.
I enjoyed Ms. Moore’s style of writing, I found this book to be well written, sweet and romantic. I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley.
This novel reads a bit like a Hallmark Movie, so if they are not our style this may not be for you.
Rachel left her small town with a single-minded determination never to return after her nemesis ruined her one moment of freedom by observing her calamitous accident and telling EVERYONE about it.
But her once successful show is now dropping ratings and her bosses have decided a hometown remodel is just what is needed! It may give Rachel a new avenue of creativity as she is getting fed up doing the same kinds of makeover.
Beckett is now a single dad to the cutest little girl. She is a big fan of Rachel and is over the moon when she is told that Rachel is doing the remodel of her dad’s new bar. But Beckett is also dealing with a major dose of the guilt. He knows he went too far when he was a teenager and totally wrecked Rachels reputation. But just how d you apologise for something you did 20 years ago?
Small towns generally mean big problems as everyone is all up in your business and nothing is secret for long. Beckett and Rachel do feel the attraction between them and give in to it, knowing that Rachel has no intention of staying.
I get why Rachel was mad at Beckett but can’t really get the animosity she shows to the town in general. It seems to be blown out of proportion a bit in her head. She is really set in her ways and I thought there may have to be dynamite used to get her to divert her goals. Holly is a little ray of sunshine and totally has her dad just where she wants him! She is not above using her cuteness to get what she wants.
Fun read, engaging characters and well-paced.
A wonderful small-town romance!
I would give it 4 ½ stars if I could!
Rachel Bradford promised herself that she would never return to her hometown of Lakeside but the powers for her interior design show that be decided that she would design an old fire station being turned into a bar owned Beckett Colburn.
Single dad Beckett Colburn was blindsided when his family arranged with the show for Rachel to design the bar since they weren’t friends after clashing in high school.
The Goodbye Guy and the rest of The Men of Lakeside series are wonderful small-town romances where everybody does know your name but thankfully the small town that I grew up in doesn’t have a Facebook group. Plus, it has the enemies to lover’s trope for the win!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.