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Blue Sky Bay #2
The Last Goodbye
A Small Town, Enemies-to-Lovers Standalone Romance from USA Today and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Laura Pavlov.
Briar Sinclair is enemy number one.
She came to Blue Sky Bay with a multimillion-dollar plan and one goal: to buy my restaurant.
Too bad it’s not for sale.
She’s pulled every stunt in the book to get my attention, though I refuse to engage with a woman who came here to ruin my life—no matter how relentless she is.
Unfortunately, my restaurant is the last thing standing in the way of her powerful father’s approval.
She’s determined to convince me that this is a good idea.
We can agree to disagree.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying the effort that she’s putting in.
One minute she’s arguing with me about real estate, the next she’s tripping outside my houseboat or falling asleep behind my restaurant after working herself to exhaustion.
Did I mention the fact that she’s insanely beautiful.
I should hate her for what she’s trying to do. Instead, I can’t stop noticing her pretty pink mouth or her sharp tongue.
The more we clash, the harder it becomes to remember that she’s the enemy.
Because somewhere between the arguments, late nights, and undeniable attraction—Briar Sinclair stopped feeling like the woman trying to destroy my future…and she started feeling like she belonged in it.
Briar Sinclair is enemy number one.
She came to Blue Sky Bay with a multimillion-dollar plan and one goal: to buy my restaurant.
Too bad it’s not for sale.
She’s pulled every stunt in the book to get my attention, though I refuse to engage with a woman who came here to ruin my life—no matter how relentless she is.
Unfortunately, my restaurant is the last thing standing in the way of her powerful father’s approval.
She’s determined to convince me that this is a good idea.
We can agree to disagree.
But that doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying the effort that she’s putting in.
One minute she’s arguing with me about real estate, the next she’s tripping outside my houseboat or falling asleep behind my restaurant after working herself to exhaustion.
Did I mention the fact that she’s insanely beautiful.
I should hate her for what she’s trying to do. Instead, I can’t stop noticing her pretty pink mouth or her sharp tongue.
The more we clash, the harder it becomes to remember that she’s the enemy.
Because somewhere between the arguments, late nights, and undeniable attraction—Briar Sinclair stopped feeling like the woman trying to destroy my future…and she started feeling like she belonged in it.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Laura Pavlov
91 books12k followersLaura Pavlov is a USA Today and Amazon top 10 Bestselling author. She writes sweet and sexy small town romance that will make you both laugh and cry. Laura is happily married to her college sweetheart, mom to two awesome kids who are currently adulting, one temperamental yorkie and one wild bernedoodle. She's living her own happily ever after in Las Vegas. Be sure to sign up for updates on new releases. Laura loves hearing from readers!
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Website➡️https://www.laurapavlov.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,151 reviews
October 10, 2026
If you love cozy small-town romances, hilarious banter, heartwarming found family scenes, and an addictive enemies-to-lovers dynamic, you are going to fall completely in love with The Last Goodbye! I loved Bass and Briar’s story so much.
Laura Pavlov truly shines when it comes to delivering that signature small-town charm paired with all the heart-stirring emotions and spice. The setup between Briar and Bass had me hooked immediately. New in town from NYC, Briar, the female main character, is ambitious, driven, and set on negotiating a land development deal for her father’s real estate company (on her terms). Now, if only she can get the restaurant owner to give her the time of day! Bass, the male lead, is the talented, swoon-worthy local chef determined to protect the restaurant that anchors his community. Their meet-cute is delightfully unhinged and funny. The scene where Briar literally tells his receptionist that she is the mother of his child, just to get a meeting with him, had me laughing out loud.
From that moment on, their back-and-forth dynamic kept building. Watching Briar slowly step outside her comfort zone, trading the fast-paced city life for the relaxed one of Blue Sky Bay, trying line dancing, and falling for a man who lives on an actual houseboat, was so sweet. It definitely gave the entire book that heartwarming, aww-inducing Hallmark-with-spice feeling. The culinary scenes were an absolute highlight as well. I loved all of the details, intention, and heart behind Bass's cooking, which practically jumped off the page and made every meal feel special.
Beyond the romance, the heart of this book lives in the community and found family vibes. The banter within Bass's friend group is gold, especially their hilarious text message threads. I also loved seeing Gracie and Cutler from My Forever Girl again and watching Briar connect and build a sweet, genuine friendship with Gracie.
Laura Pavlov does such an incredible job building hype and garnering curiosity for the rest of the series. Seeing the setup for Phoenix the firefighter, along with the undeniable tension brewing between Bass's sister, Jovi, and the competitive bull rider, Cannon, already has me counting down the days for the next interconnected standalones in Blue Sky Bay! I literally feel so invested in the characters and stories, and I have to know what happens next.
Beneath the playful banter, Briar’s healing journey brings so much emotional resonance. Her experiences with grief, paired with her hesitation to open her heart to love, felt real, honest, grounded, and touching. I love romance stories where the MMC just knows how to see the FMC completely, and the scenes where Bass instantly knew how to meet her where she was at, providing a safe space for her to land, made their happy ending so beautiful and rewarding.
This was such a comforting, fun, and heartwarming escape! If you are looking for an addictive small-town romance with delicious food, incredible friendships, and top-tier banter, The Last Goodbye is a must-add to your shelf. I want to plan a trip to Blue Sky Bay! I purchased my physical copy to support the author in person at an author signing at XOXO Book Boutique! All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Perfect if you love:
💙 Cozy small-town romance
🤍 Enemies-to-lovers and dislike-to-lovers banter
✨️ City girl meets small-town chef
💙 Houseboat living aesthetic
🤍 Hilarious group chats
✨️ Delicious foodie scenes
💙 Found family
🤍 Grief representation and healing
✨️ Hallmark vibes with spice
💙 Heartwarming, feel-good storytelling
Laura Pavlov truly shines when it comes to delivering that signature small-town charm paired with all the heart-stirring emotions and spice. The setup between Briar and Bass had me hooked immediately. New in town from NYC, Briar, the female main character, is ambitious, driven, and set on negotiating a land development deal for her father’s real estate company (on her terms). Now, if only she can get the restaurant owner to give her the time of day! Bass, the male lead, is the talented, swoon-worthy local chef determined to protect the restaurant that anchors his community. Their meet-cute is delightfully unhinged and funny. The scene where Briar literally tells his receptionist that she is the mother of his child, just to get a meeting with him, had me laughing out loud.
From that moment on, their back-and-forth dynamic kept building. Watching Briar slowly step outside her comfort zone, trading the fast-paced city life for the relaxed one of Blue Sky Bay, trying line dancing, and falling for a man who lives on an actual houseboat, was so sweet. It definitely gave the entire book that heartwarming, aww-inducing Hallmark-with-spice feeling. The culinary scenes were an absolute highlight as well. I loved all of the details, intention, and heart behind Bass's cooking, which practically jumped off the page and made every meal feel special.
Beyond the romance, the heart of this book lives in the community and found family vibes. The banter within Bass's friend group is gold, especially their hilarious text message threads. I also loved seeing Gracie and Cutler from My Forever Girl again and watching Briar connect and build a sweet, genuine friendship with Gracie.
Laura Pavlov does such an incredible job building hype and garnering curiosity for the rest of the series. Seeing the setup for Phoenix the firefighter, along with the undeniable tension brewing between Bass's sister, Jovi, and the competitive bull rider, Cannon, already has me counting down the days for the next interconnected standalones in Blue Sky Bay! I literally feel so invested in the characters and stories, and I have to know what happens next.
Beneath the playful banter, Briar’s healing journey brings so much emotional resonance. Her experiences with grief, paired with her hesitation to open her heart to love, felt real, honest, grounded, and touching. I love romance stories where the MMC just knows how to see the FMC completely, and the scenes where Bass instantly knew how to meet her where she was at, providing a safe space for her to land, made their happy ending so beautiful and rewarding.
This was such a comforting, fun, and heartwarming escape! If you are looking for an addictive small-town romance with delicious food, incredible friendships, and top-tier banter, The Last Goodbye is a must-add to your shelf. I want to plan a trip to Blue Sky Bay! I purchased my physical copy to support the author in person at an author signing at XOXO Book Boutique! All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Perfect if you love:
💙 Cozy small-town romance
🤍 Enemies-to-lovers and dislike-to-lovers banter
✨️ City girl meets small-town chef
💙 Houseboat living aesthetic
🤍 Hilarious group chats
✨️ Delicious foodie scenes
💙 Found family
🤍 Grief representation and healing
✨️ Hallmark vibes with spice
💙 Heartwarming, feel-good storytelling
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars
Another great small town romance from Laura Pavlov! It wasn’t quite enemies-to-lovers, but these two definitely had a rocky start.
Bass- aka Mr. McGrumpy is not happy with Briar Sinclair coming to his small town of Blue Sky Bay to get him to sell his restaurant. He gives her a hard time, but after some passes, he realizes that Briar really does care about him and his restaurant. Like others in her position, she’s not only out for the almighty dollar.
I loved Briar and Bass together. Briar’s backstory brought me to tears, and I adored how Bass always stood up for her. They were such a sweet couple, and even though Bass had a grumpy exterior, he had the biggest heart. The Last Goodbye was another fantastic read
Another great small town romance from Laura Pavlov! It wasn’t quite enemies-to-lovers, but these two definitely had a rocky start.
Bass- aka Mr. McGrumpy is not happy with Briar Sinclair coming to his small town of Blue Sky Bay to get him to sell his restaurant. He gives her a hard time, but after some passes, he realizes that Briar really does care about him and his restaurant. Like others in her position, she’s not only out for the almighty dollar.
I loved Briar and Bass together. Briar’s backstory brought me to tears, and I adored how Bass always stood up for her. They were such a sweet couple, and even though Bass had a grumpy exterior, he had the biggest heart. The Last Goodbye was another fantastic read
Audio book source: Book Funnel
Story Rating: 5 stars
Narrators: Jason Clarke & Desiree Ketchum
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 10h 1m
October 6, 2026
The Last Goodbye is a small town, hate to love, grumpy x sunshine, workplace romance where he falls first!
Bass Bennett owns and runs his restaurant in town, Bennett’s on the Bay. Briar Sinclair is a real estate attorney from New York who is determined she can get him to move his restaurant so she can build a luxury resort on the land instead under her father’s business. She even decides to move to town until Bass agrees to sign the contract and sell/move. Along the way they become work partners and friends of sorts for the time being. They also decide to give into their mutual attraction for the time she’s in town, even though he’s determined to make it long term and just has to convince her.
The romance was cute but a lot of the book centers around her complicated toxic relationship with her father (she didn’t meet him until she was 20). While book 1 in this series was cute because both characters were 2nd generation, I’m still coming around to the newer characters in this small town series and we see a lot of them in this book! I do think this “starts off as hate to love, but now we gotta work together and do a friends with benefits thing” has been done often (and even by this author), so this one didn’t really stand out for me personally. An easy, quick read overall but not a favorite. The audiobook is narrated by Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum, who always do a great performance together.
Bass Bennett owns and runs his restaurant in town, Bennett’s on the Bay. Briar Sinclair is a real estate attorney from New York who is determined she can get him to move his restaurant so she can build a luxury resort on the land instead under her father’s business. She even decides to move to town until Bass agrees to sign the contract and sell/move. Along the way they become work partners and friends of sorts for the time being. They also decide to give into their mutual attraction for the time she’s in town, even though he’s determined to make it long term and just has to convince her.
The romance was cute but a lot of the book centers around her complicated toxic relationship with her father (she didn’t meet him until she was 20). While book 1 in this series was cute because both characters were 2nd generation, I’m still coming around to the newer characters in this small town series and we see a lot of them in this book! I do think this “starts off as hate to love, but now we gotta work together and do a friends with benefits thing” has been done often (and even by this author), so this one didn’t really stand out for me personally. An easy, quick read overall but not a favorite. The audiobook is narrated by Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum, who always do a great performance together.
October 13, 2026
5(♾️)🌟 | 3🌶️
A little workplace tension, a lot of banter, and one seriously swoony hero!
~~~~
Bass Bennett might be the grumpiest chef in Blue Sky Bay, but watching him fall for Briar was an absolute delight.
Their rocky start, hilarious nicknames, and constant teasing made their chemistry so much fun to watch. And Bass? The way that man showed up for Briar had me swooning. McGrumpy definitely has a soft side, and I was here for every bit of it!
Briar’s story got to me, especially seeing how much she wanted to feel loved and accepted by her family. Watching her find genuine friendships and a place where she finally belonged was so satisfying. Bass never made her feel like she had to face things alone, and their growing trust made their relationship even sweeter. Add in the ridiculously funny group chats and all the Blue Sky Bay found family goodness, and I was having the BEST time!
Laura Pavlov has such a knack for creating small towns that feel like home, and I’m getting more attached to this crew with every book. Between the laugh-out-loud banter, Bass’s protective nature, Briar’s growth, and all those swoony moments, this romance gave me everything I wanted.
I’m sooo invested in Blue Sky Bay and would happily move in if they’d let me!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Laura Pavlov and Valentine PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
A little workplace tension, a lot of banter, and one seriously swoony hero!
~~~~
Bass Bennett might be the grumpiest chef in Blue Sky Bay, but watching him fall for Briar was an absolute delight.
Their rocky start, hilarious nicknames, and constant teasing made their chemistry so much fun to watch. And Bass? The way that man showed up for Briar had me swooning. McGrumpy definitely has a soft side, and I was here for every bit of it!
Briar’s story got to me, especially seeing how much she wanted to feel loved and accepted by her family. Watching her find genuine friendships and a place where she finally belonged was so satisfying. Bass never made her feel like she had to face things alone, and their growing trust made their relationship even sweeter. Add in the ridiculously funny group chats and all the Blue Sky Bay found family goodness, and I was having the BEST time!
Laura Pavlov has such a knack for creating small towns that feel like home, and I’m getting more attached to this crew with every book. Between the laugh-out-loud banter, Bass’s protective nature, Briar’s growth, and all those swoony moments, this romance gave me everything I wanted.
I’m sooo invested in Blue Sky Bay and would happily move in if they’d let me!
~~~~
A sincere thank you to Laura Pavlov and Valentine PR for the ARC! 🥰📚
I’m so grateful for the early read. As always, all thoughts and opinions are completely my own. ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
This is book two in the Blue Sky Bay series featuring Bass Bennett and Briar Sinclair. They meet when she is on the wrong side of trying to buy him out of his restaurant. They're not exactly enemies. More like adversaries. He sees her as the representative of the bad guy company. Bass and Briar have some tense times in the beginning. I sure did love McGrumpy and Magpie! LOL
Slowly, they begin to open up to each other, and Bass sees that she is not trying to hurt his business. I really did love the communication between them. What could have been bad at the end pleasantly surprised me. I loved how Bass was there for Briar, supporting her, with her family when she needed it.
Blue Sky Bay seems like a great small town and one I'd like to visit. The found family representation in this book is wonderful. Bass has his group of close guy friends and their banter in their chat group is funny. I laughed more than once over the slang nicknames/insults used by them.
Read this if you like:
Sorta enemies to lovers
Small town
Forced proximity
Workplace romance
He falls first
Grumpy/Sunshine
I did an immersive read with the audiobook. It's narrated in duet by Desiree Ketchum and Jason Clarke. It was absolutely wonderful to listen to them both. Great voice acting!
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the advanced readers copy/advanced listeners copy. Also, thank you to the author for the #gifted physical special edition ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book two in the Blue Sky Bay series featuring Bass Bennett and Briar Sinclair. They meet when she is on the wrong side of trying to buy him out of his restaurant. They're not exactly enemies. More like adversaries. He sees her as the representative of the bad guy company. Bass and Briar have some tense times in the beginning. I sure did love McGrumpy and Magpie! LOL
Slowly, they begin to open up to each other, and Bass sees that she is not trying to hurt his business. I really did love the communication between them. What could have been bad at the end pleasantly surprised me. I loved how Bass was there for Briar, supporting her, with her family when she needed it.
Blue Sky Bay seems like a great small town and one I'd like to visit. The found family representation in this book is wonderful. Bass has his group of close guy friends and their banter in their chat group is funny. I laughed more than once over the slang nicknames/insults used by them.
Read this if you like:
Sorta enemies to lovers
Small town
Forced proximity
Workplace romance
He falls first
Grumpy/Sunshine
I did an immersive read with the audiobook. It's narrated in duet by Desiree Ketchum and Jason Clarke. It was absolutely wonderful to listen to them both. Great voice acting!
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the advanced readers copy/advanced listeners copy. Also, thank you to the author for the #gifted physical special edition ARC copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What to Expect:
Small Town
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Opposites Attract
He Falls Hard
We are back in Blue Sky Bay and it feels like returning home. Briar is in town on a mission: buy out the rest of Bass's lease so her company can move forward with the space. The problem? Bass doesn't want to move. While they originally start as enemies, the more they get to know each other the more they realize that they both want the best for the small town.
Briar is one of the most wonderful and loving FMC's from Laura. I just wanted to give her a big hug, and I was so happy that Gracie and Tatum took her under their wing. The friendship they built so quickly had my heart full and happy. Briar deserved to find a place to call her home. I also adored the way that Bass took care of her and loved her.
When events come to a head with Briar's company, I appreciated how Bass and Briar handled the issues. Their communication and the way they believed in each other was perfect. Add in the phenomenal shenanigans of the text chat and I could not get enough. Laura absolutely nails the text chains and banter of the friend group every time. I was cackling and in desperate need of all their stories so we can continue to get more text chains from them.
Thank you so much to Laura, her team and Valentine PR for the early copy of The Last Goodbye! I am so excited to head back to Blue Sky Bay soon!
Small Town
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Opposites Attract
He Falls Hard
We are back in Blue Sky Bay and it feels like returning home. Briar is in town on a mission: buy out the rest of Bass's lease so her company can move forward with the space. The problem? Bass doesn't want to move. While they originally start as enemies, the more they get to know each other the more they realize that they both want the best for the small town.
Briar is one of the most wonderful and loving FMC's from Laura. I just wanted to give her a big hug, and I was so happy that Gracie and Tatum took her under their wing. The friendship they built so quickly had my heart full and happy. Briar deserved to find a place to call her home. I also adored the way that Bass took care of her and loved her.
When events come to a head with Briar's company, I appreciated how Bass and Briar handled the issues. Their communication and the way they believed in each other was perfect. Add in the phenomenal shenanigans of the text chat and I could not get enough. Laura absolutely nails the text chains and banter of the friend group every time. I was cackling and in desperate need of all their stories so we can continue to get more text chains from them.
Thank you so much to Laura, her team and Valentine PR for the early copy of The Last Goodbye! I am so excited to head back to Blue Sky Bay soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bass and Briar were the best, they were everything to me. Best couple ever. I loved my trip to Blue Sky Bay and I didn't want to leave. The setting the characters the storyline it was everything. Those are the reason Pavlov is one of my top auto buy authors. I don't care what she writes I have to have her books. I highly recommend this book. 5 stars two times.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
September 30, 2026
Laura Pavlov’s books just always work for me. She creates small towns that feel like actual communities, filled with men, women, and kids who make me wish I could pack up and move there. Blue Sky Bay is absolutely one of those places, and The Last Goodbye gave me another reason to want an address there. It’s charming, captivating, and full of the warmth that keeps me coming back to her books.
Bass and Briar get off to a rough start, which makes sense when she arrives determined to buy the restaurant he has no intention of selling. Her need to prove herself to her father puts them firmly on opposite sides, and their attraction certainly complicates things. I loved watching that initial friction give way to something deeper as they began to see each other beyond the disagreement that brought them together.
What really worked for me was how they eventually let their walls down and let each other in. Once they started communicating and realizing how much they had in common, their connection became even more compelling. The chemistry was there, but watching them develop an understanding of each other was what made me so invested in their relationship.
The surrounding community and found family feeling made the whole experience even better. Pavlov has such a knack for making me care about the couple while also getting attached to everyone around them. Two books into this series, I’m completely hooked on Blue Sky Bay and already so ready for book three!
Perfect for readers who love:
* Small towns they wish they could move to
* Enemies to lovers tension
* Guarded characters learning to let each other in
* Chemistry paired with meaningful communication
* Found families and a lovable supporting cast
September 30, 2026
Thank you to Laura and Valentine PR for the eARC and gifted physical ARC!
I adored Bass and Briar!! There were a good mix of funny and heartwarming moments. Bass really tried to hate Briar but his attraction to her was so strong. I loved how he thought he knew all about her but really he had no idea what she had been through in her life. Once he got to know her, he saw what a wonderful person she was and how she was nothing like her father. I loved how Bass stuck up for her to her family. Every woman deserves a man that will do that for her. I also loved Briar’s character growth at the end. Bass and Briar really complemented each other. I cannot wait to be back in Blue Sky Bay!!
I adored Bass and Briar!! There were a good mix of funny and heartwarming moments. Bass really tried to hate Briar but his attraction to her was so strong. I loved how he thought he knew all about her but really he had no idea what she had been through in her life. Once he got to know her, he saw what a wonderful person she was and how she was nothing like her father. I loved how Bass stuck up for her to her family. Every woman deserves a man that will do that for her. I also loved Briar’s character growth at the end. Bass and Briar really complemented each other. I cannot wait to be back in Blue Sky Bay!!
September 24, 2026
Book two was such a treat! Briar and Bass had me hooked with their clashing plans and all the fun banter between them. I loved seeing their relationship shift as they started to understand what mattered to each other, and Briar’s growing connection to Blue Sky Bay gave the story so much heart. Laura Pavlov is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, and I can’t wait to read more from her.
October 14, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Laura’s writing just makes me happy. It’s doesn’t matter how many small town romances I read from her. They never cease to make me kick my feet and giggle.
Bass and Briar did just that. They were the perfect opposites attract and their enemies to lovers vibes just kept me so entertained.
I loved them. I loved that Briar turned a man who had the nickname McGrumpy into one of the fiercest, most down bad and communicative partners around.
This man made it very clear he would move heaven and earth for her.
This book was everything Laura is amazing at. Fantastic banter, a close knit friend group and a couple that just had all the chemistry.
Ans the she gave us a man who cooks, and ho shows up… and Briar deserved to have someone show up for her. The woman was pure sunshine even after heartbreaking circumstances, and I loved that she really found her home in Blue Sky Bay. This book was just a delight in every way.
✨ Small Town
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ He’s a Chef
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Found Family
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️
Laura’s writing just makes me happy. It’s doesn’t matter how many small town romances I read from her. They never cease to make me kick my feet and giggle.
Bass and Briar did just that. They were the perfect opposites attract and their enemies to lovers vibes just kept me so entertained.
I loved them. I loved that Briar turned a man who had the nickname McGrumpy into one of the fiercest, most down bad and communicative partners around.
This man made it very clear he would move heaven and earth for her.
This book was everything Laura is amazing at. Fantastic banter, a close knit friend group and a couple that just had all the chemistry.
Ans the she gave us a man who cooks, and ho shows up… and Briar deserved to have someone show up for her. The woman was pure sunshine even after heartbreaking circumstances, and I loved that she really found her home in Blue Sky Bay. This book was just a delight in every way.
✨ Small Town
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ He’s a Chef
✨ Forced Proximity
✨ Found Family
October 12, 2026
What a darn treat this book was! I was immediately hoked to this story! The banter between Briar and Bass was so darn fun! She needs him to sign the contract to relocate his restaurant and buy out his property. He wants absolutely nothing to do with her and this deal. But he wasn’t prepared for her persistence. He wants to hate her but learns there is so much more to Briar.
Not only did this book deliver the tension, and enemies to lovers vibes that we love, but also so much emotional depth! They both have trauma that they’ve experienced and watching them open up to one another was BEAUTIFUL!
I am in love with this series!
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Enemies to Lovers
Workplace Romance
Small Town
He Falls First
Found Family
Forbidden
“Briar Sinclair proving me wrong just might be my new favorite thing.”
“I’m not going away, Mr. Bennett.”
“And how long will you be gracing me with your presence?”
“Until you agree to the deal.”
Briar Sinclair was clearly a woman used to gettin her way.
“I’ll see you tomorrow. And every day after.”
I could handle a rich real este agent attorney dangling a big fat check in my face with my eyes closed. Game on, Briar Sinclair.
Not only did this book deliver the tension, and enemies to lovers vibes that we love, but also so much emotional depth! They both have trauma that they’ve experienced and watching them open up to one another was BEAUTIFUL!
I am in love with this series!
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
Enemies to Lovers
Workplace Romance
Small Town
He Falls First
Found Family
Forbidden
“Briar Sinclair proving me wrong just might be my new favorite thing.”
“I’m not going away, Mr. Bennett.”
“And how long will you be gracing me with your presence?”
“Until you agree to the deal.”
Briar Sinclair was clearly a woman used to gettin her way.
“I’ll see you tomorrow. And every day after.”
I could handle a rich real este agent attorney dangling a big fat check in my face with my eyes closed. Game on, Briar Sinclair.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adore this series! 100% recommend!
September 25, 2026
Laura Pavlov has done it again. I absolutely loved The Last Goodbye and honestly didn't want it to end. I listened to this one on audio and was hooked from start to finish.
The small-town vibes were perfection, the enemies-to-lovers tension was chef's kiss, and Bass completely stole my heart from the very beginning. McGrumpy was everything I want in a grumpy (only for her) MMC. Protective, stubborn, swoony, and impossible not to fall for.
I was cheering for Briar the entire book. Beneath her determination and ambition was someone carrying so much hurt, and I loved watching her slowly let her walls down. Her journey felt just as important as the romance, and I especially loved how she handled the situation with her dad. It was such a powerful moment and had me rooting for her even more.
The chemistry between Bass and Briar was incredible, and their banter had me smiling the whole way through.
I loved every single thing about it and already can't wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you Valentine PR for the ALC
The small-town vibes were perfection, the enemies-to-lovers tension was chef's kiss, and Bass completely stole my heart from the very beginning. McGrumpy was everything I want in a grumpy (only for her) MMC. Protective, stubborn, swoony, and impossible not to fall for.
I was cheering for Briar the entire book. Beneath her determination and ambition was someone carrying so much hurt, and I loved watching her slowly let her walls down. Her journey felt just as important as the romance, and I especially loved how she handled the situation with her dad. It was such a powerful moment and had me rooting for her even more.
The chemistry between Bass and Briar was incredible, and their banter had me smiling the whole way through.
I loved every single thing about it and already can't wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you Valentine PR for the ALC
September 23, 2026
4⭐️ | 2🌶
I enjoyed this one and being back in Blue Sky Bay. Briar is such a strong character and I love her. Her relationship with her brother was so sweet despite its complexities. Hated her dad and her stepmother but loved that Blue Sky crew welcomed her openly. Thank you to valentine pr for this arc
I enjoyed this one and being back in Blue Sky Bay. Briar is such a strong character and I love her. Her relationship with her brother was so sweet despite its complexities. Hated her dad and her stepmother but loved that Blue Sky crew welcomed her openly. Thank you to valentine pr for this arc
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Last Goodbye is Book 2 in the Blue Sky Bay series, and I loved Bass and Briar’s story so much!
What can you expect?
🏡 Small-Town Romance
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💘 He Falls First
🤝 Forced Proximity
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
💼 Workplace Romance
5 ⭐ | 2 🌶️
Laura!!! This book was amazing! Bass is the owner of Bennett’s, a restaurant in Blue Sky Bay. Briar works at her father’s company, and she’s the one trying to buy Bennett’s from Bass, but he definitely doesn’t want to sell.
The thing is, the land where the restaurant is located is leased, so in two years, Bass could lose it without getting anything in return. Briar worked so hard to find him an amazing deal, and eventually, he agreed to sell.
Since they were going to be working together, Briar would also be there to oversee the remodel and the new space for Bass’s restaurant. Of course, that meant spending more time together. At first, Bass wanted absolutely nothing to do with her, but once he took the time to get to know who she really was, he realized she was different.
The banter in this book was AMAZING! I loved them and their nicknames for each other, Magpie and McGrumpy. They were so cute! They were also much more alike than they initially thought, and I loved watching their relationship evolve.
They were perfect for each other. They both had issues trusting people, but they slowly learned to trust each other, and Briar felt safe with Bass. He’s such a protector, and he showed her time and time again that he was going to be there for her.
After their first kiss, they told themselves it was just to “scratch an itch,” but then they spent the night together, and that was supposed to be a one-time thing too. But they couldn’t stay away from each other, so Bass and Briar started dating and decided to figure things out day by day.
Bass hates everything, but he still accompanied Briar to New York for her father’s birthday so she wouldn’t have to be alone, especially because her father’s wife had made comments and treated her badly. And the way Bass stood up for her?! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 He fell for her, and she fell for him too.
And Briar did so much for Bass too. I mean, she found him that amazing deal and even helped his mom so she could be present for Yovi’s graduation. Bass didn’t have a good relationship with his mother because he was basically forced to grow up while she was absent and drinking. Then Yovi came into the picture, and Bass did everything he could to take care of her. He’s someone who takes care of the people he loves, and everything he did to make sure his sister could study and have a good life showed what an amazing brother he is.
Briar was working at her father’s company, but she was also desperately looking for his approval, which is why this project was so important to her. She wanted the family she had been missing since her mom and grandma passed away. She was basically alone until genetic testing led her to discover her brother, Danton. At least she had Danton, and I loved watching their relationship grow. I especially loved what he did at the end because it showed how much he truly cared about her.
I also LOVE the guys and their text chats! I laughed so much, especially because of Cannon!! That man is hilarious! I loved watching Bass and Briar find each other and seeing Briar finally find what she had been missing all along: a family.
The girls, Gracie and Tatum, accepted her right away, and Briar felt so comfortable with them. She loved being around them, and I loved how that made her start rethinking what she wanted her future to look like.
I also loved how Bass was completely all in and always there when she needed him. And Briar’s mom? BADASS. 👏🏻 I loved seeing Briar finally step up for herself at the end. She didn’t need her father’s approval anymore because she knew her mother would be proud of her. And she also realized she had Bass and all these amazing friends by her side, so she wasn’t alone anymore.
This book was amazing, and I loved so much about it! It was also so fun reading Laura’s first chef MMC, and Bass was such a great one.
And now I’m SO ready for Book 3!!! I mean… THAT SNEAK PEEK!!! I cannot wait!
Thanks to Valentine PR and Laura and her team for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
What can you expect?
🏡 Small-Town Romance
⚔️ Enemies to Lovers
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💘 He Falls First
🤝 Forced Proximity
👨👩👧👦 Found Family
💼 Workplace Romance
5 ⭐ | 2 🌶️
Laura!!! This book was amazing! Bass is the owner of Bennett’s, a restaurant in Blue Sky Bay. Briar works at her father’s company, and she’s the one trying to buy Bennett’s from Bass, but he definitely doesn’t want to sell.
The thing is, the land where the restaurant is located is leased, so in two years, Bass could lose it without getting anything in return. Briar worked so hard to find him an amazing deal, and eventually, he agreed to sell.
Since they were going to be working together, Briar would also be there to oversee the remodel and the new space for Bass’s restaurant. Of course, that meant spending more time together. At first, Bass wanted absolutely nothing to do with her, but once he took the time to get to know who she really was, he realized she was different.
The banter in this book was AMAZING! I loved them and their nicknames for each other, Magpie and McGrumpy. They were so cute! They were also much more alike than they initially thought, and I loved watching their relationship evolve.
They were perfect for each other. They both had issues trusting people, but they slowly learned to trust each other, and Briar felt safe with Bass. He’s such a protector, and he showed her time and time again that he was going to be there for her.
After their first kiss, they told themselves it was just to “scratch an itch,” but then they spent the night together, and that was supposed to be a one-time thing too. But they couldn’t stay away from each other, so Bass and Briar started dating and decided to figure things out day by day.
Bass hates everything, but he still accompanied Briar to New York for her father’s birthday so she wouldn’t have to be alone, especially because her father’s wife had made comments and treated her badly. And the way Bass stood up for her?! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 He fell for her, and she fell for him too.
And Briar did so much for Bass too. I mean, she found him that amazing deal and even helped his mom so she could be present for Yovi’s graduation. Bass didn’t have a good relationship with his mother because he was basically forced to grow up while she was absent and drinking. Then Yovi came into the picture, and Bass did everything he could to take care of her. He’s someone who takes care of the people he loves, and everything he did to make sure his sister could study and have a good life showed what an amazing brother he is.
Briar was working at her father’s company, but she was also desperately looking for his approval, which is why this project was so important to her. She wanted the family she had been missing since her mom and grandma passed away. She was basically alone until genetic testing led her to discover her brother, Danton. At least she had Danton, and I loved watching their relationship grow. I especially loved what he did at the end because it showed how much he truly cared about her.
I also LOVE the guys and their text chats! I laughed so much, especially because of Cannon!! That man is hilarious! I loved watching Bass and Briar find each other and seeing Briar finally find what she had been missing all along: a family.
The girls, Gracie and Tatum, accepted her right away, and Briar felt so comfortable with them. She loved being around them, and I loved how that made her start rethinking what she wanted her future to look like.
I also loved how Bass was completely all in and always there when she needed him. And Briar’s mom? BADASS. 👏🏻 I loved seeing Briar finally step up for herself at the end. She didn’t need her father’s approval anymore because she knew her mother would be proud of her. And she also realized she had Bass and all these amazing friends by her side, so she wasn’t alone anymore.
This book was amazing, and I loved so much about it! It was also so fun reading Laura’s first chef MMC, and Bass was such a great one.
And now I’m SO ready for Book 3!!! I mean… THAT SNEAK PEEK!!! I cannot wait!
Thanks to Valentine PR and Laura and her team for the advance copy. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
This is such a beautiful read! A small-town, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance that is fun, flirty and full of chemistry, with a sexy, heart-clenching romance. I loved this book.
Bass is a chef who owns his own successful restaurant in Blue Sky Bay, and Briar is a New York businesswoman who has come to town to buy it from him. Her father’s company wants to build a hotel on the land where the restaurant sits, and if she closes the deal, she will make partner and earn her father’s approval. Bass thinks she’s ruthless and heartless, Briar actually has Bass’ best interests at heart, and it’s a great set-up for their story.
When Briar finds a solution to both of their problems, they agree to work together, and Bass sees a whole new side to his nemesis. They begin to spend time together, and actually get to know each other as friends, and their attraction becomes undeniable.
Bass and Briar are fantastic characters, and this is such a fun romance. I loved the spark between them, and their chemistry just sizzles. They tease, flirt and laugh together, they’re open with each other, and I loved watching them fall so unexpectedly.
What starts as a short-term fling while Briar is in town soon turns into something so much more, and every moment of it is so freaking good. From banter that had me laughing out loud to passionately steamy encounters, sweet and tender moments, and having each other’s backs, all of it builds the most gorgeous relationship, and as they face some significant challenges and big decisions in order to get their HEA, I loved these two together so much.
Bass’ group of friends are a big part of the story, and I love these boys! They’re a close-knit group, their text conversations are hilarious, and I’m so excited to continue on with the series.
This is such a sweet read, exactly what Laura Pavlov does best, and I really enjoyed this one.
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
This is such a beautiful read! A small-town, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance that is fun, flirty and full of chemistry, with a sexy, heart-clenching romance. I loved this book.
Bass is a chef who owns his own successful restaurant in Blue Sky Bay, and Briar is a New York businesswoman who has come to town to buy it from him. Her father’s company wants to build a hotel on the land where the restaurant sits, and if she closes the deal, she will make partner and earn her father’s approval. Bass thinks she’s ruthless and heartless, Briar actually has Bass’ best interests at heart, and it’s a great set-up for their story.
When Briar finds a solution to both of their problems, they agree to work together, and Bass sees a whole new side to his nemesis. They begin to spend time together, and actually get to know each other as friends, and their attraction becomes undeniable.
I adjusted the napkin on my lap and closed my eyes for a few seconds, hoping I could send a signal for the big guy to take a chill pill.
“I think someone needs to tell your boner that it’s inappropriate to show up to a ‘friends only’ dinner.”
…
His eyes moved down, blatantly. Making me attempt to hide the way they perused my face, my neck… topping at my… breasts.
And then a wicked grin spread across his handsome face. “Looks like the big guy isn’t the only one to crash the party, Magpie. It appears the twins are out for the evening as well.”
Bass and Briar are fantastic characters, and this is such a fun romance. I loved the spark between them, and their chemistry just sizzles. They tease, flirt and laugh together, they’re open with each other, and I loved watching them fall so unexpectedly.
“There’s a connection. I feel it, and I know you feel it, too. And friend-zoning you is not an option, Briar. And that’s the truth. So, if you need to friend-zone me, I’ll be over here trying to convince you otherwise.”
What starts as a short-term fling while Briar is in town soon turns into something so much more, and every moment of it is so freaking good. From banter that had me laughing out loud to passionately steamy encounters, sweet and tender moments, and having each other’s backs, all of it builds the most gorgeous relationship, and as they face some significant challenges and big decisions in order to get their HEA, I loved these two together so much.
Bass’ group of friends are a big part of the story, and I love these boys! They’re a close-knit group, their text conversations are hilarious, and I’m so excited to continue on with the series.
This is such a sweet read, exactly what Laura Pavlov does best, and I really enjoyed this one.
4.5 stars.
An Advanced Reader Copy was generously provided by the author for an honest review.
October 11, 2026
🔥❤️🔥 ENEMIES TO LOVERS, BANTER & ALL THE CHEMISTRY! ❤️🔥🔥
Okay, I am HERE for this kind of romance! Give me a stubborn restaurant owner, a determined woman with a multimillion-dollar plan, and two people who can’t seem to stay away from each other! 😍
Briar Sinclair and her restaurant-owning enemy had me hooked with their constant clashes, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and all those moments when fighting turns into something a whole lot more interesting!
I loved watching the tension build between these two. What starts as a battle over a restaurant slowly turns into something neither of them expected. The sparks, the arguments, the unexpected moments, and the growing attraction made this such a fun romance to experience!
And the AUDIO! 🎧🔥 Jason Clarke and Desireé Ketchum were such a fantastic pairing! Their performances brought these characters to life, capturing the personalities, emotions, playful banter, and chemistry that made this story so entertaining. They pulled me right into Briar and her leading man’s world, and I loved experiencing their story through their voices!
If you love enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance, stubborn characters, witty banter, and plenty of undeniable chemistry, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
Because sometimes your biggest enemy might just turn out to be your favorite person. ❤️🔥📚🎧
Okay, I am HERE for this kind of romance! Give me a stubborn restaurant owner, a determined woman with a multimillion-dollar plan, and two people who can’t seem to stay away from each other! 😍
Briar Sinclair and her restaurant-owning enemy had me hooked with their constant clashes, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and all those moments when fighting turns into something a whole lot more interesting!
I loved watching the tension build between these two. What starts as a battle over a restaurant slowly turns into something neither of them expected. The sparks, the arguments, the unexpected moments, and the growing attraction made this such a fun romance to experience!
And the AUDIO! 🎧🔥 Jason Clarke and Desireé Ketchum were such a fantastic pairing! Their performances brought these characters to life, capturing the personalities, emotions, playful banter, and chemistry that made this story so entertaining. They pulled me right into Briar and her leading man’s world, and I loved experiencing their story through their voices!
If you love enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance, stubborn characters, witty banter, and plenty of undeniable chemistry, this one deserves a spot on your TBR!
Because sometimes your biggest enemy might just turn out to be your favorite person. ❤️🔥📚🎧
October 12, 2026
✨Book Review - THE LAST GOODBYE by Laura Pavlov
Blue Sky Bay #2
🎉Happy publication month to this GEM!
😾 A grumpy MMC
☀️ A sunshine FMC
🏡 Small town charm
💖 Characters who would go out of their way for one another
💯 YUP…I AM HERE FOR IT!
✨Briar and Bass completely won me over! Their backstories added so much depth to their characters, shaping the people they became and making their connection even more meaningful. But what really got me was the way these two showed up for each other. The loyalty, the strength, the willingness to step up when it mattered most… WOW. They earned my full respect! 🥹❤️
🎧 The narrators, Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum were fantastic! The pacing, expression, and tone pulled me right into this story, and Jason Clarke absolutely nailed Bass. His performance was a perfect fit for this character.
✨The Last Goodbye is my first book by Laura Pavlov and I DO NOT know what took me so long to experience this author. I completely understand why my fellow readers and Bookstagram friends love her books. This story was fantastic!
📚 If you enjoy romance novels, grumpy vs. sunshine, characters with a strong ethical moral compass and loyal characters, this one is for you. This book has an average Goodreads rating of 4.50 from 2,428 ratings. From these ratings, I don’t think my heart was the only one Briar and Bass captured. I am definitely going back to read book 1 and can’t wait for book 3 to come out in January. Laura Pavlov, I am your newest fan! 🫶🏻
🤗 A huge thank you to @valentine_pr_ and @laurapavlovauthor for this opportunity to experience Briar and Bass’ story.
QOTD: What are your favorite tropes?
Blue Sky Bay #2
🎉Happy publication month to this GEM!
😾 A grumpy MMC
☀️ A sunshine FMC
🏡 Small town charm
💖 Characters who would go out of their way for one another
💯 YUP…I AM HERE FOR IT!
✨Briar and Bass completely won me over! Their backstories added so much depth to their characters, shaping the people they became and making their connection even more meaningful. But what really got me was the way these two showed up for each other. The loyalty, the strength, the willingness to step up when it mattered most… WOW. They earned my full respect! 🥹❤️
🎧 The narrators, Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum were fantastic! The pacing, expression, and tone pulled me right into this story, and Jason Clarke absolutely nailed Bass. His performance was a perfect fit for this character.
✨The Last Goodbye is my first book by Laura Pavlov and I DO NOT know what took me so long to experience this author. I completely understand why my fellow readers and Bookstagram friends love her books. This story was fantastic!
📚 If you enjoy romance novels, grumpy vs. sunshine, characters with a strong ethical moral compass and loyal characters, this one is for you. This book has an average Goodreads rating of 4.50 from 2,428 ratings. From these ratings, I don’t think my heart was the only one Briar and Bass captured. I am definitely going back to read book 1 and can’t wait for book 3 to come out in January. Laura Pavlov, I am your newest fan! 🫶🏻
🤗 A huge thank you to @valentine_pr_ and @laurapavlovauthor for this opportunity to experience Briar and Bass’ story.
QOTD: What are your favorite tropes?
October 25, 2026
FINALLY, an MMC in a romance book that isn’t a fck boy! Very much appreciated 👌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am such a huge fan of this series and all these characters! Bass & Briar will make your whole heart happy with how they are together. They go from enemies in a workplace setting to lovers with the same goal. Loved them! The found family vibes in this group are fabulous as well!
Narrators Desiree Ketchum & Jason Clarke made for a fantastic audio. Definitely one to listen to!
Narrators Desiree Ketchum & Jason Clarke made for a fantastic audio. Definitely one to listen to!
October 3, 2026
I’m so happy to be back Blue Sky Bay! Briar and Bass had me giggling with their banter and their chemistry was perfection!
Briar is in town to persuade Bass to sell his restaurant but Bass isn’t interested at all. Briar isn’t one to give up easy and makes Bass an offer he can’t refuse. As the two are working together, they have an undeniable chemistry that neither one can avoid. They strike up a friends with benefits situation while Briar is in town, however, things get serious fast and they don’t want their time together to end.
Laura just knows how to write the perfect small town romances! She is amazing at setting up these towns with swoony MMCs, strong FMCs, and also the best side characters. The group chats between all the boys had me laughing so hard. I ate this one right up! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Blue Sky Bay!
Thank you Laura and Valentine PR for the arc!
Releasing 10/6!
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨enemies to lovers
✨he falls first
✨close proximity
✨workplace romance
Briar is in town to persuade Bass to sell his restaurant but Bass isn’t interested at all. Briar isn’t one to give up easy and makes Bass an offer he can’t refuse. As the two are working together, they have an undeniable chemistry that neither one can avoid. They strike up a friends with benefits situation while Briar is in town, however, things get serious fast and they don’t want their time together to end.
Laura just knows how to write the perfect small town romances! She is amazing at setting up these towns with swoony MMCs, strong FMCs, and also the best side characters. The group chats between all the boys had me laughing so hard. I ate this one right up! I can’t wait to see what’s next for Blue Sky Bay!
Thank you Laura and Valentine PR for the arc!
Releasing 10/6!
✨grumpy x sunshine
✨enemies to lovers
✨he falls first
✨close proximity
✨workplace romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh Laura, my how your stories heal something in my heart. I have read every single one of her books, and somehow every time I step back into one of her small towns, it feels like coming home. Blue Sky Bay was effortlessly charming and so authentically heartfelt. A feel good, warm, and sweet romance that delivers all the heart, heat, and humor we love about Laura. Bass and Briar were everything. The banter. The chemistry. The found family. The group chat chaos. I ate this book UP. Bass knew he had some large shoes to fill with BEEFCAKE leading the series with book one, and he SO steps up to the challenge.
Bass Bennett and Briar Sinclair do NOT get off to a good start. Briar arrives in Blue Sky Bay with a job to do: convince Bass to give up the lease on his restaurant so her father's development company can move forward with its plans. Bass has approximately ZERO interest in cooperating, and immediately decides she is the enemy. And Briar is determined AF. She's not backing down. She's undetered and ambitious, desperately trying to prove herself, so walking away isn't exactly an option. Basically, we have two stubborn people standing on opposite sides of a deal, neither willing to back down, but once they start interacting, there is this ridiculous pull between them that neither one wants to acknowledge. HELLO, CHEMISTRY.
I loved the progression of their relationship. It starts with friction and frustration, but the more time they spend together, the more those assumptions start to crumble. Bass slowly realizes Briar isn't the heartless corporate villain he imagined, and Briar gets to see the man underneath all that grump. The man who has built his life around taking care of the people he loves. Who has built something incredible that is part of him. The man who sacrificed so much for his sister. The man who may hate pretty much everything but somehow cannot stop showing up for Briar.
McGrumpy and Magpie. Their banter was SO GOOD. These two could needle each other for days, and watching that antagonism turn into flirting, friendship, attraction, and eventually something much deeper was not only hilarious but such deft accumulation of romantic tension. But it was the softer parts that got me the most. Their quiet moments as they get to know each other. Bass falling for Briar wasn't some sudden switch. You could feel him gradually letting her past the walls he had built around himself, and once he was IN, he was ALL IN. And Bass as a protector? Yeah. I was done for. He has so much responsibility wrapped around his heart, especially when it comes to his sister, and that side of him tells you everything about who he is. He doesn't always know how to say what he feels, but he knows how to SHOW UP. For his friends. For his family. And eventually, completely and unwaveringly, for Briar. Watching this grumpy chef go from “get this woman away from me” to absolutely gone over her was DELICIOUS.
And Briar, I adored her. Laura gives her so much nuance and authenticity. She's probably one of my favorite heroines by her ever. She's capable and determined and fiercely independent, but underneath all of that is a woman who has spent so much of her life chasing approval and trying to earn a place in a family that never quite made her feel like she belonged. Her journey ended up being just as important to me as the romance, and I loved that. She's got so much grit and strength but also a bleeding heart and vulnerability, and that juxtaposition made her such a complex character to unpack, and hella easy to fall for. (just ask Bass lol). I loved her journey so much. Watching her discover what she actually wanted, stop measuring herself by someone else's expectations, and finally realize she had people who genuinely chose her was fantastic. her whole dynamic with her father was also really interesting and unexpected.
I especially loved the way Blue Sky Bay's found family wrapped around Briar. Such a lovely contrast to her own family. Gracie and Tatum taking her in, the friendships that formed so naturally, the crew becoming part of her life, and Bass quietly making sure she never had to face everything alone. Briar came to town trying to secure a future she thought she needed, and somewhere along the way she found something she didn't even realize she was missing. A HOME.
Laura also knows exactly how to make a supporting cast feel like a true part of the plot evolution rather than background decoration or random sprinkles. This is what it looks like to have an ensemble truly catalyze a story. But it's also loads of fun. The guys' group chat had me CACKLING. The random insults, ridiculous nicknames, absolute chaos... I need these men to have their own series solely so I can keep getting those text threads.
And I just LOVE Blue Sky Bay. Every new Laura small town steals my heart. She just KNOWS how to write a community you want to visit. And Blue Sky Bay is just so charming. It has that cozy, messy, everyone-knows-everyone energy that makes me want to pack a suitcase and move there immediately. In addition to the town antics, there is also a little family drama, some angst, and a few twists that kept things moving, but at the heart of everything is Bass and Briar learning how to trust each other. I really appreciated the communication between them, especially when things got complicated. Their relationship doesn't rely on endless misunderstandings to create drama. They actually TALK, they listen, and they learn how to stand beside each other. The romantic progression here truly felt so natural.
And the AUDIO IS FANTASTIC. Desireé Ketchum and Jason Clarke narrate in duet style, and they were SO good as Briar and Bass. Their performances brought so much personality to these characters, especially the banter and emotional shifts between them. The chemistry came through beautifully, and the duet format made the back-and-forth banter between Bass and Briar SOO good. Laura's audios are some of my favs, but this one is elite. Jason just SLAYS in the nuances of Bass- the grumpy edge but also the heart. And I've always felt Desireé has some of the best emotional range, and here she just sparkles.
The Last Goodbye is exactly the kind of Laura Pavlov romance that reminds me why I keep coming back to her books. A small town that feels like home. A man with some baggage who falls HARD. A heroine who finally finds the people and place where she belongs. The most beautiful found family. Hilarious friends. Great banter. EPIC chemistry. And a romance that grows authentically and tenderly.
And after THAT sneak peek for what's coming next?! I'M READY. Laura, BRAVO. Now please give me book three immediately. 😂
What to expect:
💕 Small Town
💕 Enemies-to-Lovers
💕 Chef x Real Estate Developer
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
💕 Workplace Romance
💕 Opposites Attract
💕 He Falls First / Falls Hard
💕 Forced Proximity
💕 Found Family
💕 Girl Gang
💕Band of Brothers
💕 Hilarious Group Chats
💕 Emotional Healing
💕 Complicated Family Dynamics
💕Duet Narration
Bass Bennett and Briar Sinclair do NOT get off to a good start. Briar arrives in Blue Sky Bay with a job to do: convince Bass to give up the lease on his restaurant so her father's development company can move forward with its plans. Bass has approximately ZERO interest in cooperating, and immediately decides she is the enemy. And Briar is determined AF. She's not backing down. She's undetered and ambitious, desperately trying to prove herself, so walking away isn't exactly an option. Basically, we have two stubborn people standing on opposite sides of a deal, neither willing to back down, but once they start interacting, there is this ridiculous pull between them that neither one wants to acknowledge. HELLO, CHEMISTRY.
I loved the progression of their relationship. It starts with friction and frustration, but the more time they spend together, the more those assumptions start to crumble. Bass slowly realizes Briar isn't the heartless corporate villain he imagined, and Briar gets to see the man underneath all that grump. The man who has built his life around taking care of the people he loves. Who has built something incredible that is part of him. The man who sacrificed so much for his sister. The man who may hate pretty much everything but somehow cannot stop showing up for Briar.
McGrumpy and Magpie. Their banter was SO GOOD. These two could needle each other for days, and watching that antagonism turn into flirting, friendship, attraction, and eventually something much deeper was not only hilarious but such deft accumulation of romantic tension. But it was the softer parts that got me the most. Their quiet moments as they get to know each other. Bass falling for Briar wasn't some sudden switch. You could feel him gradually letting her past the walls he had built around himself, and once he was IN, he was ALL IN. And Bass as a protector? Yeah. I was done for. He has so much responsibility wrapped around his heart, especially when it comes to his sister, and that side of him tells you everything about who he is. He doesn't always know how to say what he feels, but he knows how to SHOW UP. For his friends. For his family. And eventually, completely and unwaveringly, for Briar. Watching this grumpy chef go from “get this woman away from me” to absolutely gone over her was DELICIOUS.
And Briar, I adored her. Laura gives her so much nuance and authenticity. She's probably one of my favorite heroines by her ever. She's capable and determined and fiercely independent, but underneath all of that is a woman who has spent so much of her life chasing approval and trying to earn a place in a family that never quite made her feel like she belonged. Her journey ended up being just as important to me as the romance, and I loved that. She's got so much grit and strength but also a bleeding heart and vulnerability, and that juxtaposition made her such a complex character to unpack, and hella easy to fall for. (just ask Bass lol). I loved her journey so much. Watching her discover what she actually wanted, stop measuring herself by someone else's expectations, and finally realize she had people who genuinely chose her was fantastic. her whole dynamic with her father was also really interesting and unexpected.
I especially loved the way Blue Sky Bay's found family wrapped around Briar. Such a lovely contrast to her own family. Gracie and Tatum taking her in, the friendships that formed so naturally, the crew becoming part of her life, and Bass quietly making sure she never had to face everything alone. Briar came to town trying to secure a future she thought she needed, and somewhere along the way she found something she didn't even realize she was missing. A HOME.
Laura also knows exactly how to make a supporting cast feel like a true part of the plot evolution rather than background decoration or random sprinkles. This is what it looks like to have an ensemble truly catalyze a story. But it's also loads of fun. The guys' group chat had me CACKLING. The random insults, ridiculous nicknames, absolute chaos... I need these men to have their own series solely so I can keep getting those text threads.
And I just LOVE Blue Sky Bay. Every new Laura small town steals my heart. She just KNOWS how to write a community you want to visit. And Blue Sky Bay is just so charming. It has that cozy, messy, everyone-knows-everyone energy that makes me want to pack a suitcase and move there immediately. In addition to the town antics, there is also a little family drama, some angst, and a few twists that kept things moving, but at the heart of everything is Bass and Briar learning how to trust each other. I really appreciated the communication between them, especially when things got complicated. Their relationship doesn't rely on endless misunderstandings to create drama. They actually TALK, they listen, and they learn how to stand beside each other. The romantic progression here truly felt so natural.
And the AUDIO IS FANTASTIC. Desireé Ketchum and Jason Clarke narrate in duet style, and they were SO good as Briar and Bass. Their performances brought so much personality to these characters, especially the banter and emotional shifts between them. The chemistry came through beautifully, and the duet format made the back-and-forth banter between Bass and Briar SOO good. Laura's audios are some of my favs, but this one is elite. Jason just SLAYS in the nuances of Bass- the grumpy edge but also the heart. And I've always felt Desireé has some of the best emotional range, and here she just sparkles.
The Last Goodbye is exactly the kind of Laura Pavlov romance that reminds me why I keep coming back to her books. A small town that feels like home. A man with some baggage who falls HARD. A heroine who finally finds the people and place where she belongs. The most beautiful found family. Hilarious friends. Great banter. EPIC chemistry. And a romance that grows authentically and tenderly.
And after THAT sneak peek for what's coming next?! I'M READY. Laura, BRAVO. Now please give me book three immediately. 😂
What to expect:
💕 Small Town
💕 Enemies-to-Lovers
💕 Chef x Real Estate Developer
💕 Grumpy x Sunshine
💕 Workplace Romance
💕 Opposites Attract
💕 He Falls First / Falls Hard
💕 Forced Proximity
💕 Found Family
💕 Girl Gang
💕Band of Brothers
💕 Hilarious Group Chats
💕 Emotional Healing
💕 Complicated Family Dynamics
💕Duet Narration
October 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 STARS
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING — Major spoilers ahead!
The Last Goodbye was such a FUN read!
I had a smile on my face for pretty much the entire book, and honestly, sometimes that's exactly what I need from a romance.
Because Bass and Briar's chemistry JUMPED off the pages.
And I mean that literally. That grilled-cheese scene in the restaurant where she punched him? 😂
THE BANTER. THE TENSION. THE CHEMISTRY.
That entire scene was hilarious, but it was also HOT. These two had that effortless spark where you could tell they were attracted to each other even while they were busy convincing themselves they couldn't stand one another.
They felt like one of those couples who were simply written to be together. They fit. They made sense. They felt meant for each other in a way that was incredibly easy to believe while reading.
And I have to say, I was really happy that Laura Pavlov finally seemed to be moving away from repackaging some of her older tropes.
But did she move very far?
Not exactly. 😂
Because tell me if this sounds familiar:
Big-city woman moves to a small town for a project → falls in love with the local man → quits her high-paying career → decides to stay in the small town with him.
Does that sound like a Hallmark movie to anyone else?
Because it kind of felt like one.
I enjoyed it, so I'm not complaining that the trope didn't work. But it definitely felt familiar, especially because the whole “we live in two different cities and somehow have to figure out how to make this relationship work” situation has been a recurring Laura Pavlov staple.
At least Briar and Bass did something I appreciated: they actually gave dating a chance.
There was no friends-with-benefits nonsense. No “we're going to sleep together but definitely don't want a relationship” arrangement that somehow lasts 80% of the book.
Instead, they basically decided:
“We're going to date until we inevitably start hating each other.”
Because apparently both of their dating histories had been such spectacular disasters that they genuinely believed spending enough time together would eventually make them sick of each other.
WHAT A ROMANTIC FOUNDATION. 😂
Of course, everyone with functioning eyesight could see where this was going.
Because why else would Briar sleep with Bass once and then immediately decide she couldn't do it again because she was worried about getting attached to him?
Girl. The attachment has already begun.
It was ridiculous, but also genuinely funny, and I liked that their relationship had this slightly unusual twist rather than following the standard friends-to-lovers or enemies-to-lovers formula.
Briar did annoy me initially, though.
When she first tried to convince Bass to take her deal, she was so focused on getting what she wanted that she wasn't really trying to understand his perspective. And I kept thinking, Girl, this isn't a business problem to him. This is his livelihood.
But I very quickly came around to her side once Bass explained the situation to her.
Because Briar didn't just say she would help him.
She actually did.
She got him an incredible opportunity, and once she made a promise, she followed through. She didn't back away when things got complicated, and I really appreciated that about her.
But honestly, none of this would matter if Bass weren't Bass.
THIS MAN.
Bass was everything I wanted Cutler to be.
The previous book was such a disappointment for me because Cutler had been my favorite second gen character, and I desperately wanted more from him.
Then along comes Bass and basically says:
“Allow me to show you what the actual gold standard looks like.”
HE WAS EVERYTHING.
Sweet. Loving. Caring. Supportive.
He took incredible care of his sister. He took care of Briar. He showed up for her. He stood up for her when her parents were being awful. He trusted her when everything started falling apart.
And when Briar's first instinct was to run away?
HE DIDN'T LET HER.
Not in a controlling way, but in a “I know you, I know what you're doing, and I'm not letting you run away from us because you're scared” way.
That was exactly the kind of hero I wanted for her.
So yes, the plot had some familiar Hallmark-movie DNA, and yes, Laura Pavlov apparently still can't resist making her couples figure out how to bridge two different cities.
But the execution was fun, the relationship was genuinely enjoyable to watch, and Bass?
Bass has officially set the bar.
Overall, this was just a really fun, feel-good romance that left me smiling when I finished it.
And after the disappointment of the previous book, I will happily take that win. ❤️
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING — Major spoilers ahead!
The Last Goodbye was such a FUN read!
I had a smile on my face for pretty much the entire book, and honestly, sometimes that's exactly what I need from a romance.
Because Bass and Briar's chemistry JUMPED off the pages.
And I mean that literally. That grilled-cheese scene in the restaurant where she punched him? 😂
THE BANTER. THE TENSION. THE CHEMISTRY.
That entire scene was hilarious, but it was also HOT. These two had that effortless spark where you could tell they were attracted to each other even while they were busy convincing themselves they couldn't stand one another.
They felt like one of those couples who were simply written to be together. They fit. They made sense. They felt meant for each other in a way that was incredibly easy to believe while reading.
And I have to say, I was really happy that Laura Pavlov finally seemed to be moving away from repackaging some of her older tropes.
But did she move very far?
Not exactly. 😂
Because tell me if this sounds familiar:
Big-city woman moves to a small town for a project → falls in love with the local man → quits her high-paying career → decides to stay in the small town with him.
Does that sound like a Hallmark movie to anyone else?
Because it kind of felt like one.
I enjoyed it, so I'm not complaining that the trope didn't work. But it definitely felt familiar, especially because the whole “we live in two different cities and somehow have to figure out how to make this relationship work” situation has been a recurring Laura Pavlov staple.
At least Briar and Bass did something I appreciated: they actually gave dating a chance.
There was no friends-with-benefits nonsense. No “we're going to sleep together but definitely don't want a relationship” arrangement that somehow lasts 80% of the book.
Instead, they basically decided:
“We're going to date until we inevitably start hating each other.”
Because apparently both of their dating histories had been such spectacular disasters that they genuinely believed spending enough time together would eventually make them sick of each other.
WHAT A ROMANTIC FOUNDATION. 😂
Of course, everyone with functioning eyesight could see where this was going.
Because why else would Briar sleep with Bass once and then immediately decide she couldn't do it again because she was worried about getting attached to him?
Girl. The attachment has already begun.
It was ridiculous, but also genuinely funny, and I liked that their relationship had this slightly unusual twist rather than following the standard friends-to-lovers or enemies-to-lovers formula.
Briar did annoy me initially, though.
When she first tried to convince Bass to take her deal, she was so focused on getting what she wanted that she wasn't really trying to understand his perspective. And I kept thinking, Girl, this isn't a business problem to him. This is his livelihood.
But I very quickly came around to her side once Bass explained the situation to her.
Because Briar didn't just say she would help him.
She actually did.
She got him an incredible opportunity, and once she made a promise, she followed through. She didn't back away when things got complicated, and I really appreciated that about her.
But honestly, none of this would matter if Bass weren't Bass.
THIS MAN.
Bass was everything I wanted Cutler to be.
The previous book was such a disappointment for me because Cutler had been my favorite second gen character, and I desperately wanted more from him.
Then along comes Bass and basically says:
“Allow me to show you what the actual gold standard looks like.”
HE WAS EVERYTHING.
Sweet. Loving. Caring. Supportive.
He took incredible care of his sister. He took care of Briar. He showed up for her. He stood up for her when her parents were being awful. He trusted her when everything started falling apart.
And when Briar's first instinct was to run away?
HE DIDN'T LET HER.
Not in a controlling way, but in a “I know you, I know what you're doing, and I'm not letting you run away from us because you're scared” way.
That was exactly the kind of hero I wanted for her.
So yes, the plot had some familiar Hallmark-movie DNA, and yes, Laura Pavlov apparently still can't resist making her couples figure out how to bridge two different cities.
But the execution was fun, the relationship was genuinely enjoyable to watch, and Bass?
Bass has officially set the bar.
Overall, this was just a really fun, feel-good romance that left me smiling when I finished it.
And after the disappointment of the previous book, I will happily take that win. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I can't believe this is my first book by Laura Pavlov... I'll definitely be reading more. I loved her writing style. It flows so well, and didn't feel clunky. It was also funny, but serious when it needed to be!
There is nothing like a small town romance to completely suck you in, and this book nailed that close knit vibe in the best way. I loved how everyone is constantly up in each other’s business. It instantly makes the story feel cozy, and hilariously real. Maybe because I'm naturally nosey, but I love characters that are constantly checking in on each other. That kind of community plays so well into the found family trope as well. Watching Briar navigate that space and gradually build her own friendships was easily one of the highlights for me.
Briar herself is such a strong willed, admirable main character, and it’s impossible not to root for her. Her backstory with her father felt deeply personal, making her growth feel incredibly relatable rather than just dramatic for the sake of it. And the dynamic she gets to build with her brother completely stole my heart. You don't see much of it, and I do wish there was more of that on page, but with their brief dialogue, I could tell that their relationship was so genuine, despite their upbringing.
And of course, we have to talk about the romance! Grumpy x sunshine will get me every.single.time. Briar and Bass (AKA McGrumpy himself) had me swooning. They definitely started off a little chaotic and wild, but watching their dynamic slowly morph into something so beautiful and selfless was such a satisfying burn.
On top of the top tier emotional connection, the smut was SMUTTY. What makes spicy scenes so good, for me, is the slow burn relationship building up to it, and that's exactly when Laura Pavlov did so well. Briar and McGrumpy are truly perfection together.
The only thing... and I do mean ONLY thing, I hated about this book was the nickname Bass gives Briar...
"Magpie"... Hello??
Ew.
The audio... Amazing. The story was already amazing, but add Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum into the mix... Perfection. They're two of my favorite narrators, and one of the reasons I picked up the audiobook. They narrate in duet SO WELL together.
Thank you ValentinePR for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
There is nothing like a small town romance to completely suck you in, and this book nailed that close knit vibe in the best way. I loved how everyone is constantly up in each other’s business. It instantly makes the story feel cozy, and hilariously real. Maybe because I'm naturally nosey, but I love characters that are constantly checking in on each other. That kind of community plays so well into the found family trope as well. Watching Briar navigate that space and gradually build her own friendships was easily one of the highlights for me.
Briar herself is such a strong willed, admirable main character, and it’s impossible not to root for her. Her backstory with her father felt deeply personal, making her growth feel incredibly relatable rather than just dramatic for the sake of it. And the dynamic she gets to build with her brother completely stole my heart. You don't see much of it, and I do wish there was more of that on page, but with their brief dialogue, I could tell that their relationship was so genuine, despite their upbringing.
And of course, we have to talk about the romance! Grumpy x sunshine will get me every.single.time. Briar and Bass (AKA McGrumpy himself) had me swooning. They definitely started off a little chaotic and wild, but watching their dynamic slowly morph into something so beautiful and selfless was such a satisfying burn.
On top of the top tier emotional connection, the smut was SMUTTY. What makes spicy scenes so good, for me, is the slow burn relationship building up to it, and that's exactly when Laura Pavlov did so well. Briar and McGrumpy are truly perfection together.
The only thing... and I do mean ONLY thing, I hated about this book was the nickname Bass gives Briar...
"Magpie"... Hello??
Ew.
The audio... Amazing. The story was already amazing, but add Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum into the mix... Perfection. They're two of my favorite narrators, and one of the reasons I picked up the audiobook. They narrate in duet SO WELL together.
Thank you ValentinePR for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
October 10, 2026
✨ALC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review✨
The Last Goodbye is the 2nd book in the Blue Sky Bay series and I was ready to get back into this sweet small town. Bass is a restaurant owner and chef that has no time for a life outside of his job. Unfortunately, his restaurant is in trouble because the land it’s on is owned by a company that wants it for a new development plan in the works. He is dead set on not leaving the property until his contract is up, but a beautiful blonde pain in his butt is determined to change his mind 😂 Briar works for her father’s company and this new development project is all her idea. She wants to do everything she can to protect the integrity of this small town but also bring in new life and tourism, if only she can get grumpy restaurant owner Bass to agree to sell. When she finally gets a way for Bass to listen to her plan and then eventually sweeten the deal to help relocate his restaurant to a new location, the two of them realize they have common goals and some feelings developing between them ❤️
Bass was a stubborn guy and was completely stuck in his ways at first, but Briar was a determined woman and quickly got under his skin. They both had their family issues and past trauma that helped their bond grow, and they discovered that they were both missing and longing for a true connection that they eventually found in each other ❤️ When they finally were honest with themselves and their feelings, they were so sweet together! I love how small towns will welcome these newcomers in and accept them as their own, and how the outsiders will make friendships they needed in their lives as well! And of course this story was full of that trope which makes your heart feel so full 🥰
The audiobook was duet narrated by Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum, and both brought life and emotions to their characters. This was a sweet small town romance with just enough drama to keep the story interesting, and I totally recommend a listen to this and the other book in this series ❤️
The Last Goodbye is the 2nd book in the Blue Sky Bay series and I was ready to get back into this sweet small town. Bass is a restaurant owner and chef that has no time for a life outside of his job. Unfortunately, his restaurant is in trouble because the land it’s on is owned by a company that wants it for a new development plan in the works. He is dead set on not leaving the property until his contract is up, but a beautiful blonde pain in his butt is determined to change his mind 😂 Briar works for her father’s company and this new development project is all her idea. She wants to do everything she can to protect the integrity of this small town but also bring in new life and tourism, if only she can get grumpy restaurant owner Bass to agree to sell. When she finally gets a way for Bass to listen to her plan and then eventually sweeten the deal to help relocate his restaurant to a new location, the two of them realize they have common goals and some feelings developing between them ❤️
Bass was a stubborn guy and was completely stuck in his ways at first, but Briar was a determined woman and quickly got under his skin. They both had their family issues and past trauma that helped their bond grow, and they discovered that they were both missing and longing for a true connection that they eventually found in each other ❤️ When they finally were honest with themselves and their feelings, they were so sweet together! I love how small towns will welcome these newcomers in and accept them as their own, and how the outsiders will make friendships they needed in their lives as well! And of course this story was full of that trope which makes your heart feel so full 🥰
The audiobook was duet narrated by Jason Clarke and Desiree Ketchum, and both brought life and emotions to their characters. This was a sweet small town romance with just enough drama to keep the story interesting, and I totally recommend a listen to this and the other book in this series ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Audiobook 🎧
I always have the best time reading Laura Pavlov. These small towns feel like home and these characters feel like family. I love them.
Bass is a chef and owner of his restaurant in Blue Sky Bay. He is content and happy exactly where he is. Briar is the new girl in town who is on a mission. The mission is to buy out Bass’ lease so her company can move on with the space and build a new hotel. Although they get off on the wrong foot, the more time they spend together, they realise their first impressions were wrong and they just want what is best for the small town.
The tension and chemistry between Bass and Briar made it impossible to put down. The banter from chapter one was on point. And it just kept on coming. There were many moments I was giggling to myself. From the back and forth between Briar and Bass to the group texts with the boys.
There was so much more to Briar than Bass first thought. I enjoyed her allowing him to see the real her. My heart felt for her and even after everything she had been through, she was determined and strong. I was clapping for her at the end when she stood up for herself and what she believed was right. Go girl.
Bass, the grumpy chef, was something else. Watching him let down those walls for Briar was everything. He had his own demons he was fighting with - and he deserved his happy ending.
I didn’t want this book to end, but the found family aspect and the other boys in this series makes me so excited for what comes next. Laura Pavlov always smashes it with her books. All the stars.
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden
- Small Town
- Forbidden Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- Opposites Attract
I always have the best time reading Laura Pavlov. These small towns feel like home and these characters feel like family. I love them.
Bass is a chef and owner of his restaurant in Blue Sky Bay. He is content and happy exactly where he is. Briar is the new girl in town who is on a mission. The mission is to buy out Bass’ lease so her company can move on with the space and build a new hotel. Although they get off on the wrong foot, the more time they spend together, they realise their first impressions were wrong and they just want what is best for the small town.
The tension and chemistry between Bass and Briar made it impossible to put down. The banter from chapter one was on point. And it just kept on coming. There were many moments I was giggling to myself. From the back and forth between Briar and Bass to the group texts with the boys.
There was so much more to Briar than Bass first thought. I enjoyed her allowing him to see the real her. My heart felt for her and even after everything she had been through, she was determined and strong. I was clapping for her at the end when she stood up for herself and what she believed was right. Go girl.
Bass, the grumpy chef, was something else. Watching him let down those walls for Briar was everything. He had his own demons he was fighting with - and he deserved his happy ending.
I didn’t want this book to end, but the found family aspect and the other boys in this series makes me so excited for what comes next. Laura Pavlov always smashes it with her books. All the stars.
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden
- Small Town
- Forbidden Romance
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
- Opposites Attract
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that is about to be released on October 6th called, The Last Goodbye. This is about Briar, and she came to Blue Sky Bay with one goal: to buy Bass Bennett's restaurant. Her father's company already owns all the surrounding area, he just needs this last property so he can build a hotel. So Briar offers Bass a deal and she needs this deal to go through so she can make partner and finally have her father's approval. But Bass refuses to sell. Briar is determined but Bass is stubborn, and as these two argue trying to get what they want, sparks fly between them. They're supposed to hate each other but the arguments, the determination, and the time spent together has these two enemies falling for each other before they even realize it's happening.
This is book 2 in the Blue Sky Bay series and this has been one of my most anticipated releases, I've been SO excited for this book! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy/sunshine are my favorite tropes. Then add in that the MMC is a chef and you might as well stick a fork in me because I'm done! That's the perfect combination for me! 🫠😍 I couldn't get enough of the banter and tension between Bass and Briar, it was *chef's kiss*! I also really loved the character growth for both of them, as well as how they helped and supported each other throughout the story, it was so beautifully written. I love this series so much, I will be counting down the days till book 3 when I can be back in Blue Sky Bay again! 💙📚
Thank you to Laura Pavlov, ValentinePR, and Entangled Publishing for this ARC of The Last Goodbye, in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the Blue Sky Bay series and this has been one of my most anticipated releases, I've been SO excited for this book! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy/sunshine are my favorite tropes. Then add in that the MMC is a chef and you might as well stick a fork in me because I'm done! That's the perfect combination for me! 🫠😍 I couldn't get enough of the banter and tension between Bass and Briar, it was *chef's kiss*! I also really loved the character growth for both of them, as well as how they helped and supported each other throughout the story, it was so beautifully written. I love this series so much, I will be counting down the days till book 3 when I can be back in Blue Sky Bay again! 💙📚
Thank you to Laura Pavlov, ValentinePR, and Entangled Publishing for this ARC of The Last Goodbye, in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2026
"Date Me Until You Hate Me"
The animosity rolls off Bass Bennett in waves. I need a good enemies-to-lovers, and I get that with him and Briar Sinclair. 💗
Their nicknames for each other are hilarious: he's McGrumpy, she's Magpie. Even better than that is how they first meet. She's devious, I'll give her that, but it has me in stitches.
"I never met a rule I didn't enjoy breaking."
-- Bass Bennett
Not only are they fantastic, but as Laura seems to master in every book of hers that I've read, the MCs are elevated by their found family and the insane and witty banter. I burst out laughing several times.
Taking it one more level is the adorable four-year-old Clover and an appearance or two by Cutler and Gracie's dog, Meatball. I love every scene they steal, wedding fever, and all. Hehehe....
I listened to the audio book. I love the narration. The narrators, Desiree Ketchum and Jason Clarke, are an absolute delight in duet! 🎧💜🎧
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x
H & h = mid- to late 20s
TROPES & TRIGGERS:
🎙 Duet narration 🩷
🏨 Investment realtor x restaurant owner
👧 Adorable four-year-old
🏡 Small town romance
🩵 Found family
💋 Enemies-to-lovers
💬 Dirty talk
🔥 Open-door steamy scenes 🌶
🕐 First person, dual POV
October 13, 2026
5⭐️
There’s just something about a good small-town romance that makes you want to settle in and get attached to the characters, and The Last Goodbye gave me plenty of reasons to do just that. ❤️
Briar Sinclair was such a joy to read! I loved how put together and stoic she seemed on the outside, while her inner monologue was basically a running commentary of her quest for acceptance and just how affected she was by Bass. 😂 The contrast made her so funny, but there was also something heartbreaking about how much she wanted to be loved and accepted by the people who should have given her that unconditionally.
Which brings me to Bass, because this grumpy, stoic man being such a softie for Briar was EVERYTHING. 🥹 From the moment Briar showed up in town, he had his work cut out for him trying to keep his distance and stick to his grumpy, unbothered ways. Watching him develop feelings for her against his will while she got under his skin was such a delight. And the more he fell for her, the more satisfying it was to see just how fiercely he stood up for her. When he defended her in front of Tabitha, the absolute epitome of an evil stepmother, I loved that he refused to let her be treated like she was anything less than she deserved. Her father honestly wasn't much better, and the letters from Briar's mom to her biological dad broke my heart while also being incredibly vindicating. Briar deserved so much more, and seeing Bass recognize that and stand in her corner made me love him even more.
I also loved Denton and the way he stood up for Briar rather than blindly siding with his family out of obligation. Their relationship was such a meaningful part of the story, alongside the found family Briar discovers in Blue Sky Bay. After spending so much of her life trying to earn acceptance, she finally had people who made her feel like she belonged. Watching her find that kind of love and support was just as heartwarming as watching her fall for Bass. ❤️
And speaking of the people in Blue Sky Bay... 👀 I'm getting *vibes* from Jovi and Cannon, and if I'm right, I CANNOT WAIT. Knowing that at some point Bass is going to spontaneously combust over his little sister and unserious playboy best friend has me so excited for the rest of this series. 😂
There’s just something about a good small-town romance that makes you want to settle in and get attached to the characters, and The Last Goodbye gave me plenty of reasons to do just that. ❤️
Briar Sinclair was such a joy to read! I loved how put together and stoic she seemed on the outside, while her inner monologue was basically a running commentary of her quest for acceptance and just how affected she was by Bass. 😂 The contrast made her so funny, but there was also something heartbreaking about how much she wanted to be loved and accepted by the people who should have given her that unconditionally.
Which brings me to Bass, because this grumpy, stoic man being such a softie for Briar was EVERYTHING. 🥹 From the moment Briar showed up in town, he had his work cut out for him trying to keep his distance and stick to his grumpy, unbothered ways. Watching him develop feelings for her against his will while she got under his skin was such a delight. And the more he fell for her, the more satisfying it was to see just how fiercely he stood up for her. When he defended her in front of Tabitha, the absolute epitome of an evil stepmother, I loved that he refused to let her be treated like she was anything less than she deserved. Her father honestly wasn't much better, and the letters from Briar's mom to her biological dad broke my heart while also being incredibly vindicating. Briar deserved so much more, and seeing Bass recognize that and stand in her corner made me love him even more.
I also loved Denton and the way he stood up for Briar rather than blindly siding with his family out of obligation. Their relationship was such a meaningful part of the story, alongside the found family Briar discovers in Blue Sky Bay. After spending so much of her life trying to earn acceptance, she finally had people who made her feel like she belonged. Watching her find that kind of love and support was just as heartwarming as watching her fall for Bass. ❤️
And speaking of the people in Blue Sky Bay... 👀 I'm getting *vibes* from Jovi and Cannon, and if I'm right, I CANNOT WAIT. Knowing that at some point Bass is going to spontaneously combust over his little sister and unserious playboy best friend has me so excited for the rest of this series. 😂
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