Too Good at Goodbyes, an all new standalone from RC Boldt takes us inside the life of Simone King, the “Ice Princess of Pop” and her new bodyguard, Kane Windham, who may be the only person to have the power to melt the ice around her heart.First Top 40 hit at age seventeen? My first tabloid breakup scandal quickly followed. Earned my first Grammy? Discovered Mommy Dearest was embezzling my money.
Earned my first Grammy? Discovered Mommy Dearest was embezzling my money.
Landed a leading role in a movie? My fiancé called off our engagement the next day.
I might have a multi-million-dollar recording contract, a sold-out world tour, and more money in the bank than I ever imagined, but every time I hit a milestone in my career, my personal life suffers.
Then in steps my new bodyguard, rugged and with a past I connect with. The closer we get, the more powerful my feelings grow, complicating our professional relationship.
I thought Kane would be different. I hoped he’d be the one man to stand by my side, undaunted by the fame and attention that trails me.
The press calls me the “Ice Princess of Pop” because of my unyielding façade throughout heartbreak and betrayal. Perhaps it’s time to show them the real me.
With every syllable, I pour out my emotions and allow them to puddle, forming lyrics from my soul’s breath. And with each word, my broken heart cries out for Kane, begging him to help me break this pattern.
To help me stop being so damn good at goodbyes.more
This book is EXACTLY what I needed! A rockstar romance with a southern ex-military Hero! YES PLEASE!!! Not only is he hottt but also a gentleman. Simone King was an absolutely amazing character to read! From her ability to hold her head high no matter what was thrown her way but also to continue being herself through it all. Her words for the world and her dedication to causes made her such a special heroine to read!
Even though the H and the h were so amazing, I’ll say my favorite character had to be Matthias, Simone’s best friend!
The way he took care of her and fought for her; but also his humor. If Boldt writes a book for Matty….I’ll be there with bells on!!!
I didn’t want to read this book because it would check all the boxes of what I love to read! Nope…I wanted it simply because RC Boldt won my heart the day I finished Choose Me! I knew from that moment that I’d always look at every single book she put out.
The woman DID NOT LET ME DOWN either!!!! I went into this book with expectations, which she fulfilled and exceeded!
You know you’ve got a good book in your hands when you get chills while reading it. The good kind of chills!
I’ve been a fan of RC Boldt’s work since I won a copy of Out of Love. Kind of nice the couple from that book, Foster and Noelle, makes an appearance in this book. You see, Kane, at least initially, works with/for Foster.
But Kane is asked to fill in as head security for Simone temporarily. There is an instant attraction, but neither act on it right away. It’s a great, sexy romance which Ms. Boldt is fantastic at.
Both have been previously hurt by past relationships, so neither wants to “lay it all out there”. But it was fun watching thing change between the two.
One of my favorite characters was Simone’s best friend, Matthias Tobin. That man has no filter when it comes to his bestie, he always had me laughing when he showed up. I really hope Matty gets a book of his own.
I was soooo excited to get Kane’s story! The chemistry between him and Simone is immediate and intense. I love a great bodyguard read, and this one is probably one of my faves! They both come so far, overcoming demons of their past, and it was fantastic seeing them heal together. And catching up with my favorite Fernandina Beach crew was just the icing on the cake! A great must read I would highly recommend!!
4.5 AMAZING ROCKSTAR and the BODYGUARD romance. Guy’s I LOVE this author on how she gives these amazing tough men get all sexy romantic when they find their love. Kane and Simone give you a tug and pull; they give you the toughness of being in the spotlight constantly and fighting for love.
See more of my review ~ click ~ here https://youtu.be/oAQMjpD34Fg
Adult, Contemporary Romance
First Person, dual-POV
This is a standalone book with HEA.
“I’m reminded of something all too easily forgotten. That there are others who can relate to lyrics written from my soul’s breath.
Because in heartache, we’re never truly alone.”
by Simone
WHAT HAS REALLY WORKED FOR ME
Cover: art 4.5/5, title 5/5, color-font 5/5, buy 5/5 I’m obsessed with book covers. I love to find snippets of the stories within the art. This is a great cover and we can see it was made for this book. The couple looks a lot like how Simone and Kane are described on the book. I love the background of lights like of a stage and the little music notes as adding surrounding the title. The font and colors were also used well. I would buy this book by its cover without needing to read the blurb!!!
Freshness: 4.5/5 The author was very smart here. She was able to write a contemporary romance of a singer and be different than all of the other books out there. The way Ms. Boldt wrote the book with text messages and magazines news in between chapters gave a unique feel to the story. As fresh as ice cream in a summer day!!!
Plot: believable 5/5, conflict 3.5/5, dialogue 4/5, ending 5/5, enjoyment 3.5/5, opening 3/5, pace 3.5/5, setting 5/5, subplots 3/5, twists 3/5 Very slow opening for an amazing ending. Believable plot, with good dialogues and great setting . Slow paced with not many twists and subplots. The idea of the conflict was good, but I’m unsure about how it was explored. Ok level of enjoyment!
Romance: believable 5/5, chemistry 5/5, description 5/5, development 4/5, steam 4/5 This is a good love story. The couple’s chemistry was undeniable and the smut was really hot. I think their relationship grew accordingly from work related, to secret fling, to show their friends until it was open to the world. Passionate love!!!
Writing Style: 3.5/5 I’ve read several books from Ms. Boldt and I’ve loved them all. This was my least favorite, and that is ok. The author wrote complex characters, a plot that felt fresh and a great romance with hot smut. Good writing!!!
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
Addictiveness: 3.5/5 This wasn’t an easy read for me. I didn’t like the pace. It took a while for me to get into the story. From 40% on it became much better and I’ve truly enjoyed the last 20% of the book. As addictive as grilled cheese!!!
Character: hero 3.5/5, heroine 3.5/5, secondary characters 4/5, growth 4/5, real 5/5 Complex characters that were a bit too convoluted and it was difficult to connect with.
Kane was an ok hero. I don’t really know what made it so hard for me to connect with him. The reality was that he wasn’t the most interesting male of the book, I can think of a few secondary characters that I liked better than him. Kane was brokenhearted from a relationship that was hard to understand. I never really understood his feelings toward both women. He seemed all in, but then he wasn’t it.
Simone had everything to be a wonderful character. The author really was spot on the loneliness and difficulties that a huge star goes through with the press all over them. But the fact that her story was too similar to Taylor Swift gave me pause. Even a major fact of the book was almost exactly like a Taylor Swift’s major press/career moment. I still don’t know how I really feel about all the Taylor Swift similarities. I really respect Taylor and really liked Simone, I just don’t know what to think of them being so alike.
You know, the secondary characters were my favorites. I’ve loved Kane’s friends and I was completely in love with Matthias. I also liked Jed and David.
Villains.. antagonists… that is not real villain or antagonist in this story, I guess Simone’s insecurities was the biggest antagonist and Kane’s uncertainties the real villain of the book.
The characters were hard to love, connect and understand!!!
MY THOUGHTS
I have read several books from the author and I’ve loved them all. This was the first one that I have ended really uncertain about it.
I really enjoyed the last 30% of the story, but problem lies in the first 70%.
27/35 STARS – 3.5 STARS (between 24.5 stars and 27.5 stars)
I also don’t know what to think about who was suppose to be my favorite character, Simone, have a trajectory that felt too similar with Taylor Swift.
Addictiveness: 3.5 Character: 3 Cover: 4.5 Freshness: 4.5 Plot: 3.5 Romance: 4.5 Writing Style: 3.5
Action 1/5 Angst 3/5 Darkness 0/5 Humor 3/5 Romance 5/5 Suspense/Mystery 0/5
Would I recommend? I don’t know, the fact that I don’t like it doesn’t mean that others won’t like. I guess for those that enjoy pop singer contemporary romance.
Would I re-read this book/series? No.
Would I read more from the author? Yes, I really like the author and one book that I didn’t enjoy that much doesn’t mean anything.
You MAY read this because you follow the author; you SHOULD read this because you like singer’s romance; you MUST read this because it has good smut!!!
Too Good At Goodbyes, an emotional and beautifully written love story, features two main characters that are brought together due to unexpected circumstances. When Simone, a pop star on tour, needs someone to cover for her trusted personal head of security, Kane is brought on board. Both are carrying scars from previous relationships that have left them wary, and guarding their hearts from further hurt, and we get front row seats as their relationship slowly develops into an unexpected love story. This Standalone is told in dual POV,with added tidbits by way of “press releases” and headlines from the media, and the epilogue had me shedding tears of happiness.
“I had to learn to stop expecting greatness from people who were only willing to offer mediocrity.”
Simone King has been nicknamed The Ice Princess of Pop for a reason. After a few failed relationships that not only broke her heart but betrayed her trust, by revealing intimate details to the media, she’s been misjudged as an uncaring and cold person. Her way of getting over the pain is to tell her truth through songs, because everyone can relate to a broken heart. Only Simone’s very small inner circle of close and trusted friends knows what a caring and generous person she really is, something she makes sure no one else gets to see, the real Simone.
“I’m reminded of something all too easily forgotten. That there are others who can relate to lyrics written from my soul’s breath. Because in heartache, we’re never truly alone.”
Kane Windham, ex Green Beret, has been nursing a broken heart and is told by his boss, and close friend, to take some time off work. It’s the last thing he needs, free time to wallow in the pain caused by his deceitful ex-girlfriend. When Kane’s offered the opportunity of working a temporary job for a few months he jumps at the chance, despite his preconceived notions of the popstar he’s been hired to protect. Kane soon realizes how wrong he was to judge Simone, nothing could be further from the truth, she’s nothing like the public persona the media portrays.
“I won’t lie and say I’m not glad you got so good at goodbyes with the others. Because it led you to me.”
As they spend more time together, growing closer and trusting each other, they both know they need to come to a decision about their relationship when the tour ends. Unfortunately, before they can come to an understanding, someone comes into the picture and causes mayhem.
“You’re my North Star, Simone King. Without you, everythin’s darker and harder to navigate. I’m lost without you.”
I’m a sucker for a good Rockstar romance, and this one came with a twist that I so very much loved!
The author did a fantastic job of depicting Simone as a human being. Not just her image, but the actual person behind the pop princess. Kane is her match in every way, even if they don’t know it yet. The tension between them is fierce, and it’s a hot level of anticipation to see them break it! Plus Mattias. Oh my. Everyone needs that BFF!
This story was in turns exciting and heartbreaking to follow, steaming hot and just all around good fun. Recommend!
What a book!! I love books that when I start reading I can’t stop until I’m finished. Too Good at Goodbyes is definitely one of those books. The story is about Simone and Kane. They are thrust together because of necessity. Both of them hurt by others in the past become friends. The chemistry between Simone and Kane is unmistakable.
Read the book to find out what happens!! You will not be disappointed!!
You know that phrase…life isn’t fair!?! Of course you do. Well, Breaker is proof that sometimes the road to Heaven has more potholes than road. Bumpy does begin to describe Sutton’s road to happiness. Being in love with your brother’s best friend is hard especially when he acts like you aren’t worth the time of day.
This unrequited crush is crushing her. Her heart, hope, and happiness. Until a spark of hope turns into a blazing fire…As you know that blazing wildfires are dangerous and unpredictable, Breaker shows just how true and false that can be. Contradicting and yet true!
Their love is the stuff everyone wishes for.
I ADORED this book! I’ve loved Kane in other books so I was excited to get his story. Simone was perceived one way in the tabloids so when Kane is asked to temporarily step in as her security, he’s not looking forward to it. I enjoyed the way RC shows Kane (and the reader) who Simone really is. She’s a sweetheart and Kane can’t help but start to feel again. They’ve both lost and had their hearts broken. I liked the slow burn between them and the FEELS this book had! I was completely captured by them and didn’t want to leave their world. I can’t recommend this book enough!
I love a good rocker romance, and this one comes with a bit of a twist – our heroine it’s the rock star!
I fell in love with Kane, our hero of the story, from the very beginning. He may seem like an unlikable guy – he’s not very personable, stays to himself most of the time, and rarely ever smiles. He holds a lot of hurt that he feels he can’t break free of, but as the story goes on, that rough exterior begins to break down and you see the amazing man he is underneath all that anger. He’s sweet, thoughtful, and unbelievably sexy (not that there was ever any doubt about that). He’s going to make you soon.
Simone is one tough woman. She has to be unless she wants everyone stepping all over her. But underneath all her bravado is a woman who’s been dealt blow after blow, both personally and professionally. Just like Kane, there’s more to her than meets the eye. She’s sweet and insanely generous, nothing like the stuck-up superstar the media makes her out to be. And for as guarded as she is, it’s hard for her to resist the draw of her new, temporary head of security. He brings out a side of her she thought she lost.
I love these two together. They’re a perfect compliment to each other, but also have enough conflict between them to keep things interesting. They’re passionate and intense, playful and fun. And be prepared to ride a roller coaster of emotions with them. They’re going to give you ALL the feels. This is a definite must-read if you love this author like I do.
When Simone’s new replacement bodyguard steps into the room, she’s riveted. By his eyes. By his ripped body. By him. But though he may be a sweet, charming Southern gentleman, she knows better than to get involved with a man who’s carrying around the same kind of pain she is. The heart (and the body) want what they want, though, and after awhile they can’t help themselves. Will Kane be the one who sticks? The one who actually stands by Simone?
Oh boy but I was not expecting this one! It’s heartbreaking in parts, but thoroughly entertaining, and Kane and Simone are absolute fire together. I love their witty snark, their explosive chemistry, and I definitely love that epilogue. Oh, and the way Kane convinced her to give him a second chance? That’s swoony af right there. I LOVE Too Good at Goodbyes and can only hope RC plans on writing more about the world she created in it.
This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last.
Simone has it all, she’s as famous as they come. The Ice Princess of Pop she is known for. All the music she writes always makes the top hits. She has more money than she can spend and lives the perfect life as a pop star, but is it really that perfect? What everyone else sees her life as is not exactly what it is. Being this famous comes criticism. It is always good and bad and she certainly gets as much of the bad as she does the good. She has to deal with the paparazzi that are constantly following her around, people constantly making remarks about her, using names and all that nasty crap. This leaves her not able to trust all too well and it makes her feel isolated and trapped in a sense. It’s not a way to live… When she hires Kane to be her bodyguard while she was is goes on tour, she never expected the man she got. Kane hasn’t at the best past when it comes to relationship, much like Simone hasn’t either… But the moment these two were in each other’s life… It was obvious that there was something between the two of them. So naturally they come together and a relationship forms, but of course, is it ever that plain and simple? Nope. The relationship falls apart and it is yet another thing that can be put on display for everyone to see. Will this be something that will knock her on jer ass and put a strain on her career? Or do the lyrics she sings, that come from her heart pull these two back together again? Will they get their second chance?
I loved this. Simone was an amazing heroine. Strong, so strong… The girl put up with more than she should just for doing something she loves, and in my opinion, is giving the word. She lives with her whole life spread for everyone to see, and I for one could not deal with that. She handles it with grace. She was fun, kind, and loving. She was perfect.
Kane? Alpha… Bodyguard. need I say more? But seriously… He was just as perfect and especially for her. I thought they were meant to be from the moment they laid eyes on each other. He hadn’t had a good run and was trying to get his life in check after losing the love of his life after she left him broken-hearted. He’d heard things about this Ice Princess Of Pop, but the more time he spent with her, the more he realizes she wasn’t what they were painting her as and he finds himself falling for this girl. But can he keep herself? But as you’d expect, she has people that don’t have her best interest at heart and Kane is trying to shield her from that… Is he able to though?
These two were a match made in heaven. I loved them together and I loved them apart. The chemistry was thick, and the way they bounced off one another, yet balance each other out. I love reading that in a love story. But will these two get a happily ever after? One they most certainly both deserve.
LOVED IT.
It was fun, yet deep, steamy, easy to read and written brilliantly. The Characters were written perfectly and all in all, this was an amazing read and will be one I will revisit in the future and has me wanting to read the rest of her books. This is standalone but is part of other stories. So I am intrigued!
5 Stars!
R.C Boldt is fast climbing the list of authors who are must reads for me. I went into Too Good at Goodbyes unsure about where the book was going to go and Ms Boldt blew me away with Simone’s story.
Simone, the female lead in Too Good at Goodbyes, is an incredibly strong character. I loved the multiple layers to her persona and the way some of her more vulnerable moments were revealed as the story went along.
Kane (whose friends will be familiar to loyal Boldt readers) is a good fit as a potential romantic connection for Simone. He comes in as temporary security with a bit of his own baggage.
I enjoyed seeing the developing friendship to romance between Simone and Kane. Not only was it a sweet and sexy journey, but the two of them seemed to bring out an emotional element in each other that wasn’t there before.
As much as I enjoyed the romantic story, I also appreciated the focus on Simone and the trials and tribulations of someone in her position. There are pieces of Simone that reminded me of a current popular singer and issues faced that come straight from the headlines. The excellent story telling makes it feel like Simone (and Kane) were our friends and we wanted them to find happiness. Add in a fantastic secondary cast and Too Good at Goodbyes is a definite winner of a read.
I love a good rock star romance, but this story had a refreshing take on that, with the female lead being the rock star. I loved that, I wish more authors wrote like that. This was my second book by Ms. Boldt and just like my first read of hers I was hit with ALL the feels. I loved the way Ms. Boldt captures you from the beginning and just yanks at those heart strings. This is absolutely a must read!!!
What a cute, sweet, epic book. This was so not what I expected, this book was about second chances, about not believing everything people say, and about trusting each other. I loved how we got to know the characters, they didn’t rush in getting to know them or having the hero and heroine fall in love.
Kane was amazing, coming out of a relationship the last thing he expects is to fall for the girl who is sen as something she isn’t When he decides to take a security job, the last thing he expects is to fall for the girl who’s life isn’t simple. Simone is everything, she is judged for no reason what so ever, she also has the biggest heart in the world. These two were amazing, I was rooting for them from the starts. I love how Kane starts seeing Simone for who she really is.
This is a must read, Kane and Simone will have you swooning like crazy.
RC Boldt – unbelievable, angsty, and emotional read that will make you swoon and fall in love. I am not a huge fan of rock star romances, but this one completely changed my mind. She definitely has pure talent when it comes to all aspects of writing. She’s created a masterpiece!!
Simone and Kane meet under stressful situations. Their story is not easy, has lots of twists and turns, and moments of laughing out loud and crying your eyes out. The text messages, nicknames, silly songs, and overall theme of this story sucked me in, and never let me go!! Amazing read for 2019!!!
4.5 Stars
This was one heck of a book. I could hardly put it down especially when I realized Kane was the hero in this book. I know Kane very well. I may have squealed a little because we get to catch a bit with his coworkers. That made my day. This book is packed full of feels and emotion. The heartache and pain rolls off both Simone and Kane. Trust me you will be rooting for those two. Simone’s best friend is a riot. He had me laughing quite often. I loved, loved the epilogue. When I finished this one my heart was happy and I was left with a smile on my face
My heart went out to Simone. She’s been given more heartbreak than any one person should deserve in one life, and she’s determined not to show her pain, but also go to great lengths for her fans. It’s so easy to relate to her wanting to find love with the one person who not only has her back, but is also her champion. Her heart is so good, but she’s also determined not to let the public see much of it, because her good deeds are specifically for those she bestows them on. The initial meeting between she and Kane was maybe too professional, too cold, but they slowly started to get under each other’s skin. Taking a slow ride into breaking down each other’s walls, and showing each other their true selves and coming to trust another.
I LOVED Simone and Kane’s story! Two of the most unlikely people to find love together…swoon!! I loved the drama, angst, and simply everything about this book! The Ice Princess of Pop and the bodyguard…both had bad breakups in their pasts, and I truly didn’t know if they would be able to heal enough to give love another try. I won’t say more about the book but I will simply say this is a must read!