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Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye
WILL HER FLING BECOME HIS FOREVER?
Leia Scott has sworn off love. Fresh from a messy, public divorce from her hockey player ex, the twenty-six-year-old fashion designer temporarily trades New York for London to heal and embrace her freedom. Her vow? To protect her heart, steer clear of relationships, and say yes to flings without strings. She throws herself into designing upcycled dresses and exploring London with her sister. But Leia’s carefully curated plan encounters a flirty complication with an irresistible British accent.
Wealthy, charming, and devastatingly attractive, Tarquin Balfour istired of meaningless hookups and dates that go nowhere. For years, he has played the bon viveur with reckless abandon, throwing decadent parties, sleeping with a parade of women, and diving into extreme sports around the globe. But now the young property developer wants more. He craves love and commitment, to prove his kind heart matters more than the abundance of zeroes attached to his bank balance. Struggling with undiagnosed depression, Tarquin worries he’ll never find The One…until he meets his princess, a fashion designer named Leia.
Afraid of falling in love and fearful of being alone, Leia and Tarquin enter into an entanglement that threatens to hurt them both.
From the award-winning author of UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES, comes a sexy story of love, second chances, gratitude, and finding beauty in the broken and the forgotten.
Leia Scott has sworn off love. Fresh from a messy, public divorce from her hockey player ex, the twenty-six-year-old fashion designer temporarily trades New York for London to heal and embrace her freedom. Her vow? To protect her heart, steer clear of relationships, and say yes to flings without strings. She throws herself into designing upcycled dresses and exploring London with her sister. But Leia’s carefully curated plan encounters a flirty complication with an irresistible British accent.
Wealthy, charming, and devastatingly attractive, Tarquin Balfour istired of meaningless hookups and dates that go nowhere. For years, he has played the bon viveur with reckless abandon, throwing decadent parties, sleeping with a parade of women, and diving into extreme sports around the globe. But now the young property developer wants more. He craves love and commitment, to prove his kind heart matters more than the abundance of zeroes attached to his bank balance. Struggling with undiagnosed depression, Tarquin worries he’ll never find The One…until he meets his princess, a fashion designer named Leia.
Afraid of falling in love and fearful of being alone, Leia and Tarquin enter into an entanglement that threatens to hurt them both.
From the award-winning author of UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES, comes a sexy story of love, second chances, gratitude, and finding beauty in the broken and the forgotten.
470 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2020
25 people are currently reading
2496 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Middleton
7 books495 followersAward-winning author Jacquelyn Middleton's books are "sexy and overflowing with hope" (Hypable) with "…the kind of sweet nothings hopeless romantics die for." (Kirkus Reviews) and …"identifiable and emotionally connective characters who readers can’t help but root for." (BlueInk Review).
Jacquelyn writes love stories for hopeful romantics—'hopeful' because her novels are always optimistic and she believes 'happily ever afters' are more important now than ever before. But life is messy, relationships are messy, and her books aren't afraid to go there, too. If you enjoy character and relationship-driven stories about people dealing with the triumphs and disasters we all face, Jacquelyn’s books are for you.
In 2019, she was named BEST CANADIAN AUTHOR at the RWA's Toronto Romance Writers 'Northern Hearts' Awards for UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES. She is also the author of LONDON BELONGS TO ME, LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT?, SAY HELLO, KISS GOODBYE, and the Christmas in London romance, THE CERTAINTY OF CHANCE, which earned a coveted Kirkus starred review and had Entertainment Weekly raving, naming it to their list of the best holiday romances of 2021.
An own voices author, Jacquelyn has dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression all her life, and is dedicated to depicting mental health challenges honestly, realistically, and empathetically in her novels.
Jacquelyn's books have been featured by The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Daily News, USA Today, Cosmo, Redbook, the Huffington Post, and Entertainment Weekly.
Stay in touch! Visit Jacquelyn on Instagram and share her love of books.
Sign up to her newsletter for book updates and contests, join her drama-free Facebook group Keeganites United where members take part in her popular online romance book club, get the inside scoop on early book news, and have the chance to enter exclusive contests, and follow her on Book Bub for book deals and announcements.
Jacquelyn writes love stories for hopeful romantics—'hopeful' because her novels are always optimistic and she believes 'happily ever afters' are more important now than ever before. But life is messy, relationships are messy, and her books aren't afraid to go there, too. If you enjoy character and relationship-driven stories about people dealing with the triumphs and disasters we all face, Jacquelyn’s books are for you.
In 2019, she was named BEST CANADIAN AUTHOR at the RWA's Toronto Romance Writers 'Northern Hearts' Awards for UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES. She is also the author of LONDON BELONGS TO ME, LONDON, CAN YOU WAIT?, SAY HELLO, KISS GOODBYE, and the Christmas in London romance, THE CERTAINTY OF CHANCE, which earned a coveted Kirkus starred review and had Entertainment Weekly raving, naming it to their list of the best holiday romances of 2021.
An own voices author, Jacquelyn has dealt with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression all her life, and is dedicated to depicting mental health challenges honestly, realistically, and empathetically in her novels.
Jacquelyn's books have been featured by The Hollywood Reporter, NBC News, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Daily News, USA Today, Cosmo, Redbook, the Huffington Post, and Entertainment Weekly.
Stay in touch! Visit Jacquelyn on Instagram and share her love of books.
Sign up to her newsletter for book updates and contests, join her drama-free Facebook group Keeganites United where members take part in her popular online romance book club, get the inside scoop on early book news, and have the chance to enter exclusive contests, and follow her on Book Bub for book deals and announcements.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 26, 2020
2.5 Stars
TW: Alcoholism, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Infertility, Spinal Cord Injury Resulting in Paraplegia.
I feel like I'm going to be the odd one out for this one because as much as I wanted to love this novel, there was something about it that didn't resonate with me as well as I hoped it would. I will say that this novel had amazing representation for mental health, disability, and accessibility so I hope many others like it more than I did.
I love a steamy romance but ironically, that is one of my least favourite aspects of this novel. Maybe it was the language between the characters or the way it was written but instead of being romantic or sexy, those scenes were off putting.
Additionally, as much as I love a slow burn romance, there was way too much back and forth/hot then cold between these two characters. It got to a point where it felt arguments developed from nothing.
As much as I loved the different forms of representation in this novel, the romance was kind of awkward and uncomfortable. I liked both of these characters individually but felt that they weren't a good match together.
***Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.***
TW: Alcoholism, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Infertility, Spinal Cord Injury Resulting in Paraplegia.
I feel like I'm going to be the odd one out for this one because as much as I wanted to love this novel, there was something about it that didn't resonate with me as well as I hoped it would. I will say that this novel had amazing representation for mental health, disability, and accessibility so I hope many others like it more than I did.
I love a steamy romance but ironically, that is one of my least favourite aspects of this novel. Maybe it was the language between the characters or the way it was written but instead of being romantic or sexy, those scenes were off putting.
Additionally, as much as I love a slow burn romance, there was way too much back and forth/hot then cold between these two characters. It got to a point where it felt arguments developed from nothing.
As much as I loved the different forms of representation in this novel, the romance was kind of awkward and uncomfortable. I liked both of these characters individually but felt that they weren't a good match together.
***Thank you to Grey's Promotions for sending me an e-ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.***
November 14, 2020
This was the first book I've read by Jacquelyn Middleton, but apparently it's part of an interconnected series that can all be read as standalones. When I saw the cover of this book, it seemed light and perfect for holiday reading, so I had to pick it up (even though I'm a stickler for reading things in order 😂). Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is a 3rd person dual POV contemporary romance that had insta chemistry and second chance romance set in London and a bit of New York. If you don't fall in love with the places and the people in those places after reading this book, you can come back and hound me 😜
This is Leia and Tarquin's story. Leia is a newly divorced fashion designer and is spending the holidays with her sister and father in London. It's the perfect getaway for this close knit family. Leia has to do some last minute shopping at Ikea and that's where her meet cute with Tarquin happens.
It's fast and cute and I couldn't wait for more from them. Thank goodness he gave her his business card because if they left each other before trying to find a way to connect again, I was going to throw a fit. You could feel their chemistry almost instantly and I knew I needed more.
The story begins there and I loved the character's chemistry, the awkwardness of them both and the obvious love the author has for all things English. Needless to say, these two do end up meeting up again, but remember Leia is only visiting. And since she's newly divorced, she is only looking for Mr Right Now. But Tarquin has had enough of playing the field and he is looking for Mrs Right. How will these two get on and how will this journey go??
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is a story that starts in London with some insta chemistry and laughs. I loved all the characters and their connections. I felt bad for Tarquin because I knew he was looking for one thing and Leia was looking for something else. I didn't know how Ms Middleton was going to work out this relationship between the two, especially after Leia moved back to her home in NYC. She never wanted a relationship, let alone a long distance relationship, but looking at the length of this book, something was going to give. And that's how this book becomes a second chance romance. I won't give you too much more, just know this is a journey of ups and downs. Of family and laughs. And deals with mental health issues on top of everything else. And it works!
I can tell how much love Jacquelyn Middleton has for London and NYC and connecting past characters to her story and the journey they take to finding love. I didn't feel any disconnect with Leia and Tarquin's story even being that I hadn't read any of her other books, but I definitely wanted to know some of their stories more because I really enjoyed the supporting characters. I loved the language and vocabulary she used for the London characters. It made them more authentic, even if I had to look up a couple of expressions. I enjoy that she used characters from different backgrounds and she included mental health as part of the journey of the main characters.
Overall, this story was longer than I anticipated but the details and build up were appreciated. If I could add one thing, I would want to see some of Leia's pieces since they are one of kind.
This was an entertaining love story, but not an as easy as I first thought it would be. Still enjoyed the characters and their journey to get their HEA.
"I swore I'd never risk my heart again, but sometimes it breaks its own rules...All I know for certain is...I've missed you, Tarquin. I've missed us."
This is Leia and Tarquin's story. Leia is a newly divorced fashion designer and is spending the holidays with her sister and father in London. It's the perfect getaway for this close knit family. Leia has to do some last minute shopping at Ikea and that's where her meet cute with Tarquin happens.
It's fast and cute and I couldn't wait for more from them. Thank goodness he gave her his business card because if they left each other before trying to find a way to connect again, I was going to throw a fit. You could feel their chemistry almost instantly and I knew I needed more.
The story begins there and I loved the character's chemistry, the awkwardness of them both and the obvious love the author has for all things English. Needless to say, these two do end up meeting up again, but remember Leia is only visiting. And since she's newly divorced, she is only looking for Mr Right Now. But Tarquin has had enough of playing the field and he is looking for Mrs Right. How will these two get on and how will this journey go??
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is a story that starts in London with some insta chemistry and laughs. I loved all the characters and their connections. I felt bad for Tarquin because I knew he was looking for one thing and Leia was looking for something else. I didn't know how Ms Middleton was going to work out this relationship between the two, especially after Leia moved back to her home in NYC. She never wanted a relationship, let alone a long distance relationship, but looking at the length of this book, something was going to give. And that's how this book becomes a second chance romance. I won't give you too much more, just know this is a journey of ups and downs. Of family and laughs. And deals with mental health issues on top of everything else. And it works!
I can tell how much love Jacquelyn Middleton has for London and NYC and connecting past characters to her story and the journey they take to finding love. I didn't feel any disconnect with Leia and Tarquin's story even being that I hadn't read any of her other books, but I definitely wanted to know some of their stories more because I really enjoyed the supporting characters. I loved the language and vocabulary she used for the London characters. It made them more authentic, even if I had to look up a couple of expressions. I enjoy that she used characters from different backgrounds and she included mental health as part of the journey of the main characters.
Overall, this story was longer than I anticipated but the details and build up were appreciated. If I could add one thing, I would want to see some of Leia's pieces since they are one of kind.
This was an entertaining love story, but not an as easy as I first thought it would be. Still enjoyed the characters and their journey to get their HEA.
"I swore I'd never risk my heart again, but sometimes it breaks its own rules...All I know for certain is...I've missed you, Tarquin. I've missed us."
November 1, 2020
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I always look forward to anything Jacquelyn Middleton releases! Her books are always so positive and offer an insight into the mental health of the characters — it’s so open and honest and I really do wish other authors would approach the mental health of their characters in a way that makes them as relatable as Jackie’s are!
So this book revolves around Leia, an upcycled fashion designer and Tarquin, a businessman specializing in purchasing and renovating old buildings into thriving new ones. If you’ve read Jackie’s other books, you’ll know we’ve met both of them before — Leia is an ex-hockey wife from Until The Last Star Fades and Tarquin was a fling of Alex’s/friend of Harry’s from London, Can You Wait?. In fact, if you’ve read all her books, you’ll enjoy this one purely because we get to check in with almost every character we’ve met over the course of the books in this universe!
Leia’s fresh off her divorce from her hockey husband and is looking for Mr. Right Now — she’s not in any rush to settle down. Tarquin is looking for Mrs. Right after deciding he wants what his friends have with their happy, stable relationships. These two are so unfit for each other ... that they definitely have to come together, right?! Of course they do! But the longer we get to enjoy their fling while Leia is in London visiting her sister, the more we find out that these characters really DO belong together, even if they may not see how it could possibly work.
Through this book, we watch Leia try to come to terms with the fact that, although she may not be looking for Mr. Right, he might be right under her nose. While this is happening, we watch Tarquin come to terms with his Mrs. Right not believing she’s the right one for him and him tackling his mental health head-on when he comes to a breaking point. Watching Tarquin seek help while also setting about a support system for him? That’s exactly what we need to see to help normalize the fact that not everyone is okay but it’s also okay not to be as long as you know you’re not and you take steps to get to a healthy place.
Leia also is working on her own mental health; she’s struggled after what her ex put her through and we get to watch her go from a fairly good place to a not so great one and back. I think that although this book really isn’t about the mental health, it does have a sneaky starring role in it and that’s perfect for this book; it’s a secondary story to that of Leia really.
I felt like the majority of the story was about Leia’s fashion career, and really it deserved the spotlight! She’s got a fantastic eye for design while still making sure to make her fashion sustainable. In fact, she’s doing to fashion what Tarquin is doing for his buildings.
I don’t want to spoil the events of the book for you, but I will leave you with this much — if you’re anything like me, you’re going to love the build up to the end of story ... and you will gasp OUT LOUD when you get to the epilogue. I know I did, and I can’t wait for the next book and hope to see our favorite characters in it as well as seeing what’s next up!
I also adore the way Jackie talks about the different places mentioned in the book — from London to New York to Orkney! It always makes me feel wistful for London, and now I’ve got Orkney on my list of places I should definitely get to soon! I also want to explore so much more of New York after reading about the places Leia’s been! And surprise — she also spent time in my hometown of Pittsburgh, which made me forge an even more personal connection to her character! It’s so lovely to read a book where you feel a connection to the places as well as the characters, and that’s yet another thing Jackie is great at. Another fantastic book that I could not put down once I picked it up, and you will not regret taking the time to read this one, either!
I always look forward to anything Jacquelyn Middleton releases! Her books are always so positive and offer an insight into the mental health of the characters — it’s so open and honest and I really do wish other authors would approach the mental health of their characters in a way that makes them as relatable as Jackie’s are!
So this book revolves around Leia, an upcycled fashion designer and Tarquin, a businessman specializing in purchasing and renovating old buildings into thriving new ones. If you’ve read Jackie’s other books, you’ll know we’ve met both of them before — Leia is an ex-hockey wife from Until The Last Star Fades and Tarquin was a fling of Alex’s/friend of Harry’s from London, Can You Wait?. In fact, if you’ve read all her books, you’ll enjoy this one purely because we get to check in with almost every character we’ve met over the course of the books in this universe!
Leia’s fresh off her divorce from her hockey husband and is looking for Mr. Right Now — she’s not in any rush to settle down. Tarquin is looking for Mrs. Right after deciding he wants what his friends have with their happy, stable relationships. These two are so unfit for each other ... that they definitely have to come together, right?! Of course they do! But the longer we get to enjoy their fling while Leia is in London visiting her sister, the more we find out that these characters really DO belong together, even if they may not see how it could possibly work.
Through this book, we watch Leia try to come to terms with the fact that, although she may not be looking for Mr. Right, he might be right under her nose. While this is happening, we watch Tarquin come to terms with his Mrs. Right not believing she’s the right one for him and him tackling his mental health head-on when he comes to a breaking point. Watching Tarquin seek help while also setting about a support system for him? That’s exactly what we need to see to help normalize the fact that not everyone is okay but it’s also okay not to be as long as you know you’re not and you take steps to get to a healthy place.
Leia also is working on her own mental health; she’s struggled after what her ex put her through and we get to watch her go from a fairly good place to a not so great one and back. I think that although this book really isn’t about the mental health, it does have a sneaky starring role in it and that’s perfect for this book; it’s a secondary story to that of Leia really.
I felt like the majority of the story was about Leia’s fashion career, and really it deserved the spotlight! She’s got a fantastic eye for design while still making sure to make her fashion sustainable. In fact, she’s doing to fashion what Tarquin is doing for his buildings.
I don’t want to spoil the events of the book for you, but I will leave you with this much — if you’re anything like me, you’re going to love the build up to the end of story ... and you will gasp OUT LOUD when you get to the epilogue. I know I did, and I can’t wait for the next book and hope to see our favorite characters in it as well as seeing what’s next up!
I also adore the way Jackie talks about the different places mentioned in the book — from London to New York to Orkney! It always makes me feel wistful for London, and now I’ve got Orkney on my list of places I should definitely get to soon! I also want to explore so much more of New York after reading about the places Leia’s been! And surprise — she also spent time in my hometown of Pittsburgh, which made me forge an even more personal connection to her character! It’s so lovely to read a book where you feel a connection to the places as well as the characters, and that’s yet another thing Jackie is great at. Another fantastic book that I could not put down once I picked it up, and you will not regret taking the time to read this one, either!
December 16, 2020
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is a 3rd person dual POV contemporary romance with a bit of instalove and also second chance romance. Our two main MCs had great chemistry right off the bat (after an adorable meet cute in IKEA!)
I love how Jacquelyn Middleton’s books have so much heart. Yes, its a romance but I love that included mental health as well. I always finish these books and immediately start missing everyone! I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books, but this can be read as a standalone.
I did have a hard time with Tarquin’s voice sometimes (his brain uses a lot of exclamation points) but overall I loved both our leading characters and was rooting for them! I love that so much of the story was focused on Leia’s career in fashion.
This was the perfect weekend read! Thank you to Jacquelyn for sending me a copy of the book for review.
I love how Jacquelyn Middleton’s books have so much heart. Yes, its a romance but I love that included mental health as well. I always finish these books and immediately start missing everyone! I enjoyed seeing characters from previous books, but this can be read as a standalone.
I did have a hard time with Tarquin’s voice sometimes (his brain uses a lot of exclamation points) but overall I loved both our leading characters and was rooting for them! I love that so much of the story was focused on Leia’s career in fashion.
This was the perfect weekend read! Thank you to Jacquelyn for sending me a copy of the book for review.
November 26, 2020
“Every day, you take damaged fabrics and lovingly turn them into beautiful dresses. You’d never throw away a torn piece of lace or frayed silk— so why are you doing that with your heart?”
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Jacquelyn is a true artist and has an amazing way with words. With my smidgen knowledge of creative writing from my degree, Jacquelyn nails every single thing. From her character development, to her plot development, and to her use of showing and telling. Everything that happened in this novel was like a vivid, emotional, and beautiful movie. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried because Jacquelyn was able to express such intricate and inspiring words that flows immensely from one word to the next. I wish more authors would be as poetic, outspoken, and aware when they write certain stories. It truly was a story I’ll never forget, as most of Jacquelyn’s stories are.
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I want to begin with the characters; Leia and Tarquin. I love when two characters are SO different from any other novel I have ever read. Leia was real, and was dealing with struggles that weren’t revealed until later into the story. It really is inspiring even as a fictitious novel to have characters attach so deeply to me. As for Tarquin, I fell in love with him. He was perfect, from his kind, funny, and caring persona — to the sexy lethal bedmate. He had his own struggles which I this adequately translated into how toxic masculinity is, and why every man should take some notes from Tarquin because he was so inspiring as well. These two characters have me by the soul.
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When I read Jacquelyn’s novels, one thing I always, ALWAYS, appreciate is the care she takes to include mental illnesses into her books. As someone who struggles with mental health, I find her novels so inspiring to me. They give me so much hope. Her last novel opened my eyes to a mental illness I suffer from; smiling depression. Her novels are so hopeful, romantic, and sexy all in one. I would highly recommend giving her a read because it’s always worth it❤️
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I would rate this novel 5-frilly-stars✨
Steam rating: 4.5🔥 (We definitely got more sex in this novel compared to UTLSF and I am here for these amazing sex scenes!😍)
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✨Releases TOMORROW November 26th, 2020✨
————————————————————————-
Jacquelyn is a true artist and has an amazing way with words. With my smidgen knowledge of creative writing from my degree, Jacquelyn nails every single thing. From her character development, to her plot development, and to her use of showing and telling. Everything that happened in this novel was like a vivid, emotional, and beautiful movie. I smiled, I laughed, and I cried because Jacquelyn was able to express such intricate and inspiring words that flows immensely from one word to the next. I wish more authors would be as poetic, outspoken, and aware when they write certain stories. It truly was a story I’ll never forget, as most of Jacquelyn’s stories are.
————————————————————————-
I want to begin with the characters; Leia and Tarquin. I love when two characters are SO different from any other novel I have ever read. Leia was real, and was dealing with struggles that weren’t revealed until later into the story. It really is inspiring even as a fictitious novel to have characters attach so deeply to me. As for Tarquin, I fell in love with him. He was perfect, from his kind, funny, and caring persona — to the sexy lethal bedmate. He had his own struggles which I this adequately translated into how toxic masculinity is, and why every man should take some notes from Tarquin because he was so inspiring as well. These two characters have me by the soul.
————————————————————————-
When I read Jacquelyn’s novels, one thing I always, ALWAYS, appreciate is the care she takes to include mental illnesses into her books. As someone who struggles with mental health, I find her novels so inspiring to me. They give me so much hope. Her last novel opened my eyes to a mental illness I suffer from; smiling depression. Her novels are so hopeful, romantic, and sexy all in one. I would highly recommend giving her a read because it’s always worth it❤️
————————————————————————-
I would rate this novel 5-frilly-stars✨
Steam rating: 4.5🔥 (We definitely got more sex in this novel compared to UTLSF and I am here for these amazing sex scenes!😍)
————————————————————————-
✨Releases TOMORROW November 26th, 2020✨
November 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
SO cute! Loved the settings!
First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? And when I read the book description I was immediately drawn in. Although I read and loved the author's earlier books in this series, this story is a complete standalone and can be read on its own.
Leia is a young fashion designer visiting family in London after a devastating breakup. At the top of her list is just to have some fun and Tarquin Balfour seems to fit the bill perfectly. After a "meet cute", the two of them share some steamy time together and Leia is ready to go back to New York. What terrible timing! Tarquin actually is interested in much more than just a one-night stand with Leia.
One of the things I really liked about this book were the wonderful and glamorous settings.It was fun to read about London, New York and Soctland. I also really appreciated the author normalizing the discussion of mental health and the way in which sex was presented in a healthy, positive way.
Overall this book is a fun, sexy, second-chance romance, with more than a little steam. The characters were all very well developed. Both Leia and Tarquin have interesting, thoughtful careers that really added something extra to this story. I also loved Leia's gratitude journal! If you are looking for a modern, fast-paced romance with exciting settings, then you will surely love this book!
(Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.)
SO cute! Loved the settings!
First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? And when I read the book description I was immediately drawn in. Although I read and loved the author's earlier books in this series, this story is a complete standalone and can be read on its own.
Leia is a young fashion designer visiting family in London after a devastating breakup. At the top of her list is just to have some fun and Tarquin Balfour seems to fit the bill perfectly. After a "meet cute", the two of them share some steamy time together and Leia is ready to go back to New York. What terrible timing! Tarquin actually is interested in much more than just a one-night stand with Leia.
One of the things I really liked about this book were the wonderful and glamorous settings.It was fun to read about London, New York and Soctland. I also really appreciated the author normalizing the discussion of mental health and the way in which sex was presented in a healthy, positive way.
Overall this book is a fun, sexy, second-chance romance, with more than a little steam. The characters were all very well developed. Both Leia and Tarquin have interesting, thoughtful careers that really added something extra to this story. I also loved Leia's gratitude journal! If you are looking for a modern, fast-paced romance with exciting settings, then you will surely love this book!
(Thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.)
November 27, 2020
I love Jacquelyn Middleton and her books. She always took me on an incredible journey with each book she wrote. I was pretty lucky to come across London, Can You Wait?, her second book, on Netgalley, and I had no clue who Jacquelyn Middleton was, but the synopsis and book cover were calling so I requested it and the rest is history. Now I cannot wait to get my hands on her new books :) Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is standalone; however, all of her books are interconnected with each other. So if you are curious about some of the characters in this book, I recommend you to check her previous books London Belongs to Me, London, Can You Wait? and Until the Last Star Fades.
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is Leia Scott and Tarquin Balfour’s story. Leia is a newly divorced and talented upcycled fashion designer. To get away from New York and her ex-husband, she decides to visit her sister, who lives in London, for the holiday season. Thanks to the events that lead to her divorce, Leia is struggling with depression so a change in the scenery is really helpful for her. During her last-minute holiday shopping at Ikea, her cute meet with Tarquin happens. Tarquin is a successful businessman who purchases historical buildings and renovates them into something people love to spend time in. So in some ways what they do is similar. Buying something abandoned and turn it into something many people want to own. Tarquin comes from old money and one of the richest families in the UK. Till recently he was playing the field but with everyone around him finding their other halves, he decides it is time to settle down and have a relationship. Ohh before I forgot, he is a die-hard Star Wars fan so when his meet-cute with Leia happens, it looks like fate :) Unfortunately, Leia is not looking for a new relationship. Even though a hot, charming, flirty British guy is hitting on her, the only thing she can offer is right now and nothing else. So only thing that remains from the Ikea meet-cute moment for Leia is a business card and promise of an introduction to a designer friend of Tarquin's and for Tarquin to hope for a phone call. Thank god for the business card and Leia’s sister, their meet-cute story starts. I am not going to get really into what happens next since it would be more fun for you to read about it. What I can say is loved both Leia and Tarquin. Their struggles and fight with mental health issues were close to home so I could relate and connect with them. I loved how they took actions to do better, be better. Also, I want to thank Jacquelyn for taking me on an amazing London, New York, and Orkney tour. I realized how much I missed London and it felt good to go down memory lane. Scotland was on my bucket list of places I want to visit but after this book, it is on top :)
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is an inspiring, emotional, and sweet story that will take you on a scenic tour to London, New York, and Orkney. I cannot wait to read Jacquelyn Middleton’s next book. I am really curious who will be the hero and heroine of the next book. Did we already met them on the previous books or will they be brand new additions? If you ask me, I would love to get Tarquin’s brother Nick’s story.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is Leia Scott and Tarquin Balfour’s story. Leia is a newly divorced and talented upcycled fashion designer. To get away from New York and her ex-husband, she decides to visit her sister, who lives in London, for the holiday season. Thanks to the events that lead to her divorce, Leia is struggling with depression so a change in the scenery is really helpful for her. During her last-minute holiday shopping at Ikea, her cute meet with Tarquin happens. Tarquin is a successful businessman who purchases historical buildings and renovates them into something people love to spend time in. So in some ways what they do is similar. Buying something abandoned and turn it into something many people want to own. Tarquin comes from old money and one of the richest families in the UK. Till recently he was playing the field but with everyone around him finding their other halves, he decides it is time to settle down and have a relationship. Ohh before I forgot, he is a die-hard Star Wars fan so when his meet-cute with Leia happens, it looks like fate :) Unfortunately, Leia is not looking for a new relationship. Even though a hot, charming, flirty British guy is hitting on her, the only thing she can offer is right now and nothing else. So only thing that remains from the Ikea meet-cute moment for Leia is a business card and promise of an introduction to a designer friend of Tarquin's and for Tarquin to hope for a phone call. Thank god for the business card and Leia’s sister, their meet-cute story starts. I am not going to get really into what happens next since it would be more fun for you to read about it. What I can say is loved both Leia and Tarquin. Their struggles and fight with mental health issues were close to home so I could relate and connect with them. I loved how they took actions to do better, be better. Also, I want to thank Jacquelyn for taking me on an amazing London, New York, and Orkney tour. I realized how much I missed London and it felt good to go down memory lane. Scotland was on my bucket list of places I want to visit but after this book, it is on top :)
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is an inspiring, emotional, and sweet story that will take you on a scenic tour to London, New York, and Orkney. I cannot wait to read Jacquelyn Middleton’s next book. I am really curious who will be the hero and heroine of the next book. Did we already met them on the previous books or will they be brand new additions? If you ask me, I would love to get Tarquin’s brother Nick’s story.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Yes
Would I read future books by this author: Yes
e-ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
Amazon / Apple Books / Nook / Kobo
Leia's not so fond of the fact that she was named after THAT Leia. Yeah, she's not much of a Star Wars fan. The gorgeous, talkative guy she meets at Ikea is, though, and he is instantly taken with the beautiful woman named after a character in one of his favorite movies. Leia's heart's not so open to him, to men, to love, to relationships, though, so anything in that realm that Tarquin's thinking just is not in the cards. Perhaps indulging in their attraction might be though. A fling, then onto their separate ways just might be what Leia's in the mood for. She'll just have to make sure she and Tarquin don't form any emotional ties...
OK, onto the good things, the things I liked in this story: Tarquin - he's an absolute sweetheart with the patience of a saint. The weight and respect given to mental and emotional issues that both characters have. Some of the secondary characters are interesting and likable. What I didn't like - the pace and the length. It dragged quite a bit for my tastes throughout most, especially in the middle. And it's much too long, I felt like a good deal of it could have been pared down to make the story tighter and more readable. So I like some things about the story, some things not so much - 3 stars is fair.
ARC via Grey's Promotions for an honest review.
Review / Release Blitz: Live Through Books Blog.
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October 31, 2020
Thoughts to come!
November 17, 2020
I love all of Jacquelyn Middleton's books and this one was no exception to that rule. Jacquelyn always includes characters that deal with anxiety and/or depression and y'all it is so refreshing dealing with characters I can relate to.
If you've read Until the Last Star Fades you've already met our leading lady in this book, Leia. If you've read London Can You Wait? you've already met our main man, Tarquin. You don't have to read the previous books to know what is going on but let me just say I loved seeing all my babies again. The gang is all back in this book and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Tarquin and Leia have a meet cute at an IKEA on New Year's Eve when the power is out and they are stuck with each other. Leia is coming off a pretty public divorce and is visiting her sister for winter break. She doesn't want to have a relationship with strings so her and Tarquin have fling and she heads back to New York. She thinks their fling is over but is it really?
Tarquin was one of my favorite parts of London Can You Wait so let me just say I NEEDED him to get a happily ever after. He is a nerdy treasure and deserves all the love.
If you are looking for a fun, steamy escape with everything currently going on in our world, pick this beautiful book up. Jacquelyn makes you feel like you really are in London and New York and it felt so good to be "traveling" again. ;)
I received this book as a present from the amazing Jacquelyn Middleton in exchange for an honest review. This book releases on November 26th 2020. <3
If you've read Until the Last Star Fades you've already met our leading lady in this book, Leia. If you've read London Can You Wait? you've already met our main man, Tarquin. You don't have to read the previous books to know what is going on but let me just say I loved seeing all my babies again. The gang is all back in this book and I couldn't be more thrilled.
Tarquin and Leia have a meet cute at an IKEA on New Year's Eve when the power is out and they are stuck with each other. Leia is coming off a pretty public divorce and is visiting her sister for winter break. She doesn't want to have a relationship with strings so her and Tarquin have fling and she heads back to New York. She thinks their fling is over but is it really?
Tarquin was one of my favorite parts of London Can You Wait so let me just say I NEEDED him to get a happily ever after. He is a nerdy treasure and deserves all the love.
If you are looking for a fun, steamy escape with everything currently going on in our world, pick this beautiful book up. Jacquelyn makes you feel like you really are in London and New York and it felt so good to be "traveling" again. ;)
I received this book as a present from the amazing Jacquelyn Middleton in exchange for an honest review. This book releases on November 26th 2020. <3
January 21, 2021
*not complete!
Today is #TarquinThursday ! If you enjoy romances, London, or fashion designers, this is probably the book for you! This book is a stand-alone second chance romance, but there are characters from Middleton’s previous books that do make an appearance in this one. Additionally, Tarquin, the male love interest, is a side character from _________. I’ve never been to London and now I absolutely want to visit after the author describing it so well in this book and her previous ones! You travel from London to New York in this book and it’s so enjoyable! While her books are great romances that I can’t get enough of, they do deal with depression and mental health.
📚
Jacquelyn was so kind to send me a SIGNED copy of this book around the time it released. However, it was around that time that I had read several romances and was getting burned out; it seemed like so many romances just sounded the same. For example, when I thought I’d love The Roommate when so many others have!
Today is #TarquinThursday ! If you enjoy romances, London, or fashion designers, this is probably the book for you! This book is a stand-alone second chance romance, but there are characters from Middleton’s previous books that do make an appearance in this one. Additionally, Tarquin, the male love interest, is a side character from _________. I’ve never been to London and now I absolutely want to visit after the author describing it so well in this book and her previous ones! You travel from London to New York in this book and it’s so enjoyable! While her books are great romances that I can’t get enough of, they do deal with depression and mental health.
📚
Jacquelyn was so kind to send me a SIGNED copy of this book around the time it released. However, it was around that time that I had read several romances and was getting burned out; it seemed like so many romances just sounded the same. For example, when I thought I’d love The Roommate when so many others have!
November 6, 2020
I was gifted an ARC copy of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
How can you not fall in love with Leia and Tarquin when their meet-cute is in Ikea during the holiday rush and most importantly, how can they not fall in love with each other?
Leia Scott is a struggling fashion designer working on moving her career forward and leaving behind the pain from her divorce. Tarquin Balfour is charming, considerate and handsome with a cute nerdy side, and he is out to find his forever. You know right off the bat you are in for a ride with them since he is desperate to keep Leia in his life because he feels she is the one for him, while Leia continually struggles to accept her feelings for him are worth the risk.
There are quite a few twists and turns before they find their happy ending, but they will all be worth it in the end.
Jacquelyn Middleton is a new author to me, and I quite enjoyed her ability to build a great story with beautiful surroundings as this book has you going from London to New York to Scotland and back. If you are in need of a good book to cozy up with on a beautiful Fall evening, choose this one!
How can you not fall in love with Leia and Tarquin when their meet-cute is in Ikea during the holiday rush and most importantly, how can they not fall in love with each other?
Leia Scott is a struggling fashion designer working on moving her career forward and leaving behind the pain from her divorce. Tarquin Balfour is charming, considerate and handsome with a cute nerdy side, and he is out to find his forever. You know right off the bat you are in for a ride with them since he is desperate to keep Leia in his life because he feels she is the one for him, while Leia continually struggles to accept her feelings for him are worth the risk.
There are quite a few twists and turns before they find their happy ending, but they will all be worth it in the end.
Jacquelyn Middleton is a new author to me, and I quite enjoyed her ability to build a great story with beautiful surroundings as this book has you going from London to New York to Scotland and back. If you are in need of a good book to cozy up with on a beautiful Fall evening, choose this one!
November 7, 2020
Thanks to Grey's Promotions for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars!
Things that I appreciated a lot:
- the meet-cute
- Tarquin basically stole the whole show by being the kindest and most supportive man on Earth throughout the book
- positive talk on mental health
- accepting each other in spite of each other's past
- the fashion aspect of Leia's career and how she upcycles fabric to make new clothes
- how sex-positive the book was
- the ending
Things that were just okay:
- too many side characters
- miscommunication between the protagonists
- Leia being unreasonable sometimes
Overall I enjoyed the book and I would definitely recommend this author as a go-to for the romance genre. I've read all her previous books and I must say this was steamier than her other works and it was entertaining to read.
Favorite quote:
"I can't guarantee sunny days or pizza with grapes, but I can promise you this: I'll never hurt you."
Rating: 3.5/5 stars!
Things that I appreciated a lot:
- the meet-cute
- Tarquin basically stole the whole show by being the kindest and most supportive man on Earth throughout the book
- positive talk on mental health
- accepting each other in spite of each other's past
- the fashion aspect of Leia's career and how she upcycles fabric to make new clothes
- how sex-positive the book was
- the ending
Things that were just okay:
- too many side characters
- miscommunication between the protagonists
- Leia being unreasonable sometimes
Overall I enjoyed the book and I would definitely recommend this author as a go-to for the romance genre. I've read all her previous books and I must say this was steamier than her other works and it was entertaining to read.
Favorite quote:
"I can't guarantee sunny days or pizza with grapes, but I can promise you this: I'll never hurt you."
November 26, 2020
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Leia Scott is a young divorcee working for the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC) as a collections management assistant, who is spending her holiday vacation in London with family in the story. She is a talented designer and hopes to one day run an upcycling design label of her own.
Tarquin Balfour comes from a family of different backgrounds - from showbusiness to sporting goods chain. He decided to forge success on his own with his unique take on land and property acquisition and development. He finds dying properties and gives them a "face-lift" to another purpose or bring back its former glory. Tarquin would rather reinvent an old space than demolish it to put up a popular food chain. He is also a doting uncle to Ava, whom he spoils, which is how he got to meet Leia at a shopping expedition for Ava.
I have been excited since I got the book. Many happy things were going on from the lovely cover book, the location (London!!), and the interesting characters. The best part, though, is the British slang provided. It's as if I was in the UK!
The "happy parts" will surely make readers swoon! It is all about meeting each other, and everything was charming, cute, and blissful. They looked like teenagers trying to enjoy themselves as they have a great time!
When Leia and Tarquin hung out more, they eased into each other's lives well - a perfect fit! They have so many things in common - the love of preservation, the empathy and understanding of each other's backgrounds, and the steamy chemistry top it all. Still, due to geographical issues, they decided to keep things casual to keep things simple. Leia's career and life in New York were calling her while Tarquin has his work cut-out in London - how would they be able to work out in the end? Is that the end of their story?
I enjoyed the complexity of Leia's and Tarquin's stories. There were multiple layers as Leia and Tarquin have their "issues" to sort out before they can truly work out. Things are not what they seem - there were many secrets held by Leira and Tarquin from the rest of the world. The story's timeline came in days, weeks, and months, making Leia and Tarquin's personal growth as relatable as they realize the consequences of their decisions.
On learning Leia's backstory, I empathize with her past. After a disastrous marriage, she wanted nothing to do with relationships or connections, except for her family and work. Leia became a realist and a relationship-cynic. Her ex-husband blind-sighted so severely that the only solace she after was to dive into her side-business and her job. To think, Leia gave her husband so many chances but he "fumbled" traumatized her grandiosely.
It was sad to see that even with the amount of work (good demand for her work), and a few dates out, she is still "hollow" as she still pinned for the type of relationship she had with Tarquin. What's worst is that she started comparing every guy she went out with Tarquin, which seemed unfair since she was the one who put-up "the rules" in the first place.
The self-realization that Leia and Tarquin are "meant-to-be" did not come at the same time for each other. Leia was the stubborn one. A comment of Leia's sister, Sarah, brought to mind how wrong Leia's perspective is - wherein after all the fame and fortune, who do you come home to share the success of one's career. The intimacy and respect shared by someone who loves you as an equal is the ultimate love. This conversation they shared at no less Fortnum & Mason clinched it for me.
After that, I was totally on Team Tarquin. It did not matter how he acted in the past. He took the risk for Leia and was ready for what she would dish out to him. Too bad it did not work out as planned. Leia was too proud to show her vulnerability, thus fought back, which shattering her in the end.
Tarquin has his self-worth issues that I believe he had to resolve before he expects to find his HEA. He has to learn how to "weed out" the negativity surrounding his head, mostly due to his crazy family background and the pressures instilled in him at a young age. He became braver after talking to Leia and wanting to be a better person for himself and later for her.
The book dives into mental health as both characters have their "off-moments." Each one has their coping mechanism, but some worked out better versus the other. I appreciate the author's discussion on this topic, and it is essential to breaking the stigma of this disease. It plagues so many people, and yet no one talks about it. If left undiagnosed or ignored, this condition causes a lot of harm to the patient and their loved ones. During client-patient sessions, the discussion and perspectives shared were uplifting for anything who may or may not go through an episode.
**The author provided resources on anxiety and depression, which is a huge plus. These organizations help spread evidence-based information and educate others on the disease and what options are available.
Everything in the book took a turn that gutted me! I was left speechless and quickly read through those parts. Thankful that the author made it clean and swift. If only both characters were truthful with each other from the start, it would not have been too much. There were so many missed opportunities, unanswered emails, unmade calls. It might have softened the blow since Tarquin and Leia suffered for their decisions. The story comes full-circle at the end that makes everything a lot more meaningful as both characters reflect on their maturity and relationship.
In summary, I cannot praise Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye enough! The book is all about adorable chance meetings, new adventures, second chances, repurposed buildings and fashion, and true love that endures! The imagery and descriptions are fantastic, and the places are unique for the characters. Who could say "no" to lovely London and British slang!
The happy moments brought an incredible high of love while gut-wrenching, frustrating outbursts/confessions shattered my heart. The author makes no apologies in this but instead unconsciously pieces my heart back together and places me into a better place! The emotional rollercoasters of emotions, expectations, and the "Power of Suppose" kept my interest piqued until the very end.
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Leia Scott is a young divorcee working for the Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC) as a collections management assistant, who is spending her holiday vacation in London with family in the story. She is a talented designer and hopes to one day run an upcycling design label of her own.
Tarquin Balfour comes from a family of different backgrounds - from showbusiness to sporting goods chain. He decided to forge success on his own with his unique take on land and property acquisition and development. He finds dying properties and gives them a "face-lift" to another purpose or bring back its former glory. Tarquin would rather reinvent an old space than demolish it to put up a popular food chain. He is also a doting uncle to Ava, whom he spoils, which is how he got to meet Leia at a shopping expedition for Ava.
I have been excited since I got the book. Many happy things were going on from the lovely cover book, the location (London!!), and the interesting characters. The best part, though, is the British slang provided. It's as if I was in the UK!
The "happy parts" will surely make readers swoon! It is all about meeting each other, and everything was charming, cute, and blissful. They looked like teenagers trying to enjoy themselves as they have a great time!
When Leia and Tarquin hung out more, they eased into each other's lives well - a perfect fit! They have so many things in common - the love of preservation, the empathy and understanding of each other's backgrounds, and the steamy chemistry top it all. Still, due to geographical issues, they decided to keep things casual to keep things simple. Leia's career and life in New York were calling her while Tarquin has his work cut-out in London - how would they be able to work out in the end? Is that the end of their story?
I enjoyed the complexity of Leia's and Tarquin's stories. There were multiple layers as Leia and Tarquin have their "issues" to sort out before they can truly work out. Things are not what they seem - there were many secrets held by Leira and Tarquin from the rest of the world. The story's timeline came in days, weeks, and months, making Leia and Tarquin's personal growth as relatable as they realize the consequences of their decisions.
On learning Leia's backstory, I empathize with her past. After a disastrous marriage, she wanted nothing to do with relationships or connections, except for her family and work. Leia became a realist and a relationship-cynic. Her ex-husband blind-sighted so severely that the only solace she after was to dive into her side-business and her job. To think, Leia gave her husband so many chances but he "fumbled" traumatized her grandiosely.
It was sad to see that even with the amount of work (good demand for her work), and a few dates out, she is still "hollow" as she still pinned for the type of relationship she had with Tarquin. What's worst is that she started comparing every guy she went out with Tarquin, which seemed unfair since she was the one who put-up "the rules" in the first place.
The self-realization that Leia and Tarquin are "meant-to-be" did not come at the same time for each other. Leia was the stubborn one. A comment of Leia's sister, Sarah, brought to mind how wrong Leia's perspective is - wherein after all the fame and fortune, who do you come home to share the success of one's career. The intimacy and respect shared by someone who loves you as an equal is the ultimate love. This conversation they shared at no less Fortnum & Mason clinched it for me.
After that, I was totally on Team Tarquin. It did not matter how he acted in the past. He took the risk for Leia and was ready for what she would dish out to him. Too bad it did not work out as planned. Leia was too proud to show her vulnerability, thus fought back, which shattering her in the end.
Tarquin has his self-worth issues that I believe he had to resolve before he expects to find his HEA. He has to learn how to "weed out" the negativity surrounding his head, mostly due to his crazy family background and the pressures instilled in him at a young age. He became braver after talking to Leia and wanting to be a better person for himself and later for her.
The book dives into mental health as both characters have their "off-moments." Each one has their coping mechanism, but some worked out better versus the other. I appreciate the author's discussion on this topic, and it is essential to breaking the stigma of this disease. It plagues so many people, and yet no one talks about it. If left undiagnosed or ignored, this condition causes a lot of harm to the patient and their loved ones. During client-patient sessions, the discussion and perspectives shared were uplifting for anything who may or may not go through an episode.
**The author provided resources on anxiety and depression, which is a huge plus. These organizations help spread evidence-based information and educate others on the disease and what options are available.
Everything in the book took a turn that gutted me! I was left speechless and quickly read through those parts. Thankful that the author made it clean and swift. If only both characters were truthful with each other from the start, it would not have been too much. There were so many missed opportunities, unanswered emails, unmade calls. It might have softened the blow since Tarquin and Leia suffered for their decisions. The story comes full-circle at the end that makes everything a lot more meaningful as both characters reflect on their maturity and relationship.
In summary, I cannot praise Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye enough! The book is all about adorable chance meetings, new adventures, second chances, repurposed buildings and fashion, and true love that endures! The imagery and descriptions are fantastic, and the places are unique for the characters. Who could say "no" to lovely London and British slang!
The happy moments brought an incredible high of love while gut-wrenching, frustrating outbursts/confessions shattered my heart. The author makes no apologies in this but instead unconsciously pieces my heart back together and places me into a better place! The emotional rollercoasters of emotions, expectations, and the "Power of Suppose" kept my interest piqued until the very end.
October 24, 2023
Having met Tarquin in London, Can You Wait? I was eager to read a story from his POV. Turns out he’s even more of a darling than I had already thought. He’s such a sweetheart.
Just like with Middleton’s previous books, go in knowing these books deal with fairly heavy subject matter at times. They’re emotional and very moving. The author knows how to handle these topics with care.
As a constantly snackish Canadian, I can’t put into words how much I appreciated the numerous mentions of our nation’s glorious junk food.
If you’re a fan of Middleton’s previous novels, you’ll get a kick out of the cameos.
Just like with Middleton’s previous books, go in knowing these books deal with fairly heavy subject matter at times. They’re emotional and very moving. The author knows how to handle these topics with care.
As a constantly snackish Canadian, I can’t put into words how much I appreciated the numerous mentions of our nation’s glorious junk food.
If you’re a fan of Middleton’s previous novels, you’ll get a kick out of the cameos.
November 26, 2020
Thanks to Grey's Promotions for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review
I can't believe I finished Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye by Jacquelyn Middleton. I loved it so so much (5/5🌟) and I'm already missing the characters A LOT! I need more! I'm already thinking about a possible reread in the future 😍 This book has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2020, so imagine my cry of joy when I got approved for an eARC!!😭 Jacquelyn Middleton has become my auto-buy author; she knows how to write a great romance with relatable and lovable characters, stories that make you feel seen and understood. You can read each of her books as standalones, but characters from previous books show up, or are mentioned, which always makes me happy to see/hear from beloved characters again. If you love a good, swoonworthy romance, you should definitely give her books a try, I highly recommend them all.💙
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is a heartwarming own-voices romance with great mental health rep (i.e. anxiety, depression). It tells the story of Leia Scott (Until the Last Star Fades) and Tarquin Balfour (London, Can You Wait?), and it all starts with a meet cute at IKEA on New Year's Eve after a blackout 😍💕 They are both instantly attracted to each other and share a love for restoring old and broken things nobody seems to want anymore: Leia is a fashion designer focusing on upcycling dresses, old fabrics and creating new, unique and sustainable clothes. Tarquin is a property developer who saves old buildings from demolition and gives them a new purpose by also saving what made them special in the first place ✨
I already loved Tarquin in LCYW and was excited to read about him again, and get to know him, and Leia, better in this book. Leia has just gone through a messy divorce and isn't looking for love anymore, only flings without strings. She's a strong, independent and sex-positive woman and I loved her a lot! Tarquin is craving love and commitment, looking for The One and hoping to have found her in Leia. He's a great man: friendly, attentive, supportive, respectful,... and of course, that British accent!!😍👌🏻
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much!!💕 I fell in love with the characters, visited London, New York and the Orkney Islands, but also suffered with Leia and Tarquin. I also loved the great mental health rep as usual, which made me feel seen and represented in a book. For next year, I'm thinking about starting my own gratitude journal, just like Leia, to help me focus on the good things that happen instead of just seeing the "bad" things. Topics like ableism, accessibility, toxic masculinity and mental health stigma are being adressed. This book is also steamier than the other books: it was very well written and I love how respectful and attentive both characters were.💙
I'm already excited to see what stories Jacquelyn Middleton will write next and what characters and places we'll get to meet/see. I'll also be counting the days until I'm going to reread this wonderful book again because LOVE!😍
Anne
"Every day, you take damaged fabrics and lovingly turn them into beautiful dresses. You'd never throw away a torn piece of lace or frayed silk - so why are you doing that with your heart?"
I can't believe I finished Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye by Jacquelyn Middleton. I loved it so so much (5/5🌟) and I'm already missing the characters A LOT! I need more! I'm already thinking about a possible reread in the future 😍 This book has been one of my most anticipated releases of 2020, so imagine my cry of joy when I got approved for an eARC!!😭 Jacquelyn Middleton has become my auto-buy author; she knows how to write a great romance with relatable and lovable characters, stories that make you feel seen and understood. You can read each of her books as standalones, but characters from previous books show up, or are mentioned, which always makes me happy to see/hear from beloved characters again. If you love a good, swoonworthy romance, you should definitely give her books a try, I highly recommend them all.💙
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is a heartwarming own-voices romance with great mental health rep (i.e. anxiety, depression). It tells the story of Leia Scott (Until the Last Star Fades) and Tarquin Balfour (London, Can You Wait?), and it all starts with a meet cute at IKEA on New Year's Eve after a blackout 😍💕 They are both instantly attracted to each other and share a love for restoring old and broken things nobody seems to want anymore: Leia is a fashion designer focusing on upcycling dresses, old fabrics and creating new, unique and sustainable clothes. Tarquin is a property developer who saves old buildings from demolition and gives them a new purpose by also saving what made them special in the first place ✨
I already loved Tarquin in LCYW and was excited to read about him again, and get to know him, and Leia, better in this book. Leia has just gone through a messy divorce and isn't looking for love anymore, only flings without strings. She's a strong, independent and sex-positive woman and I loved her a lot! Tarquin is craving love and commitment, looking for The One and hoping to have found her in Leia. He's a great man: friendly, attentive, supportive, respectful,... and of course, that British accent!!😍👌🏻
Overall, I enjoyed this book so much!!💕 I fell in love with the characters, visited London, New York and the Orkney Islands, but also suffered with Leia and Tarquin. I also loved the great mental health rep as usual, which made me feel seen and represented in a book. For next year, I'm thinking about starting my own gratitude journal, just like Leia, to help me focus on the good things that happen instead of just seeing the "bad" things. Topics like ableism, accessibility, toxic masculinity and mental health stigma are being adressed. This book is also steamier than the other books: it was very well written and I love how respectful and attentive both characters were.💙
I'm already excited to see what stories Jacquelyn Middleton will write next and what characters and places we'll get to meet/see. I'll also be counting the days until I'm going to reread this wonderful book again because LOVE!😍
Anne
November 28, 2020
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, Jacquelyn Middleton
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General fiction (adult), romance
This is one of a series of connected books, each are stand alone romances, but feature characters from earlier reads.
I really enjoyed this story, what I love is that like my favourite of these reads, London, Can You Wait? the part where the romance falls apart last ages, really wrings every bit of drama out, when you know both are so in love but circumstances and personal fears keep them apart. Its a good section of the book, chapters long rather than the too often two or three pages, and that works for me. I adore drama, love to wallow in the sad bits, really feel the emotions.
Of course as well as a cracking, drama filled story this covers so many other things. The waste in society, where we throw away so much. Leia uses old and unwanted fabrics to create her one off and small run creations, Tarquin restores and updates old buildings to give them new life. I love that, I'm very much a fan of reusing and updating, I hate that we have become a disposable society, when parts of the world would love to have what we discard without a second thought.
Then there's Leia's sister, in a wheelchair. Being someone in a wheelchair myself I loved her drive for more accessibility, for us to be seen, for our views to be recognised as valid. 25 years on from the Disability Discrimination Act and sometimes I feel so little progress has been made. There are still brand new businesses where access is limited or non existent, still transport that we can't use, still homes and holiday places that claim to be disabled friendly but aren't. Still folk who feel that being in a wheelchair seems to affect our brains, that we cant have opinions worth considering. Then depression and the stigma that surrounds it, is included in the story. That was well handled here, and sadly so very true. And there's Saz', Leia's sister, issues with clothing, with nerve pain that were so very real, I've had those problems, and of course before becoming disabled I never gave a thought to it.
Having all those things in the story would make you think its a grim read, that its very negative, but its not, its full of vibrancy, positivity, uplifting and fun. Somehow Jacquelyn has taken these serious issues and woven them carefully into the story, making the reader think, but without bringing the feel of the read down, keeping the humour and fun to the forefront.
What most amazed me about the story was how I felt about Tarquin. From earlier books he appeared a very shallow, couldn't care less type of guy, just out for sex and fun, ignoring any real feelings. I didn't really like him. Then with Alex in the last book I got a glimpse of how he might be, and here learning so much more about him I just fell in love with him. I was so cross with Leia, so angry, and yet I understood her reactions, her reasons. I was rooting for them to be together, but of course if she had given in earlier I wouldn't have got that lovely, long drawn out, sad drama section.
At the end of the book the notes are full of really interesting bits of research and anecdotes that went in to the creation of this book. They are well worth reading.
And Jacquelyn, I fully understand grieving for a pet, for most of us they are family and the grief we feel when they are gone, especially when we expected many more years, affects us and how we deal with life.
Stars: Five. A fabulous read, great characters, it's of fun, filled with drama, with emotion and of course what made it great for me, with real life, real people like me.
ARC supplied by publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: General fiction (adult), romance
This is one of a series of connected books, each are stand alone romances, but feature characters from earlier reads.
I really enjoyed this story, what I love is that like my favourite of these reads, London, Can You Wait? the part where the romance falls apart last ages, really wrings every bit of drama out, when you know both are so in love but circumstances and personal fears keep them apart. Its a good section of the book, chapters long rather than the too often two or three pages, and that works for me. I adore drama, love to wallow in the sad bits, really feel the emotions.
Of course as well as a cracking, drama filled story this covers so many other things. The waste in society, where we throw away so much. Leia uses old and unwanted fabrics to create her one off and small run creations, Tarquin restores and updates old buildings to give them new life. I love that, I'm very much a fan of reusing and updating, I hate that we have become a disposable society, when parts of the world would love to have what we discard without a second thought.
Then there's Leia's sister, in a wheelchair. Being someone in a wheelchair myself I loved her drive for more accessibility, for us to be seen, for our views to be recognised as valid. 25 years on from the Disability Discrimination Act and sometimes I feel so little progress has been made. There are still brand new businesses where access is limited or non existent, still transport that we can't use, still homes and holiday places that claim to be disabled friendly but aren't. Still folk who feel that being in a wheelchair seems to affect our brains, that we cant have opinions worth considering. Then depression and the stigma that surrounds it, is included in the story. That was well handled here, and sadly so very true. And there's Saz', Leia's sister, issues with clothing, with nerve pain that were so very real, I've had those problems, and of course before becoming disabled I never gave a thought to it.
Having all those things in the story would make you think its a grim read, that its very negative, but its not, its full of vibrancy, positivity, uplifting and fun. Somehow Jacquelyn has taken these serious issues and woven them carefully into the story, making the reader think, but without bringing the feel of the read down, keeping the humour and fun to the forefront.
What most amazed me about the story was how I felt about Tarquin. From earlier books he appeared a very shallow, couldn't care less type of guy, just out for sex and fun, ignoring any real feelings. I didn't really like him. Then with Alex in the last book I got a glimpse of how he might be, and here learning so much more about him I just fell in love with him. I was so cross with Leia, so angry, and yet I understood her reactions, her reasons. I was rooting for them to be together, but of course if she had given in earlier I wouldn't have got that lovely, long drawn out, sad drama section.
At the end of the book the notes are full of really interesting bits of research and anecdotes that went in to the creation of this book. They are well worth reading.
And Jacquelyn, I fully understand grieving for a pet, for most of us they are family and the grief we feel when they are gone, especially when we expected many more years, affects us and how we deal with life.
Stars: Five. A fabulous read, great characters, it's of fun, filled with drama, with emotion and of course what made it great for me, with real life, real people like me.
ARC supplied by publishers
November 19, 2020
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye by Jacquelyn Middleton (Kirkwall Press, 2020)
A Romance of Second Chances
She resurrects old textiles; he rescues old buildings. Like the materials central to their respective careers, Leia Scott and Tarquin Balfour can sometimes look and feel a little worse-for-wear. But maybe they’ll save each other and rebuild something totally unexpected?
In her fourth novel Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, a stand-alone story still set in the same “world” as her previous three books, award-winning author Jacquelyn Middleton reenters the realm of travel, romance, heartbreak, and creativity central to all her work. It’s a steamier book than her previous novels, but like its predecessors, Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye does not steer away from physical, mental, and emotional challenges of life and love. Showcasing the reality of mental health and serious traumas with empathy and realism is essential to Middleton and her work. And so is the lighter side of life: pop cultural references (Star Wars, Outlander, Poldark, etc.) punctuate the pages of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, adding levity and light.
Readers of Middleton’s earlier works will remember recently-divorced Leia and gadabout Tarquin, rejoicing that we find here a significantly more fleshed-out and human side to these once-peripheral figures. Other characters from previous works also punctuate the novel, offering fans the perfect kind of warm familiarity that eases us deeply into the story as if we’re not just watching old friends but, more vitally, visiting with them.
Although I’m not the biggest reader of the romance genre, compared to other genres; and while the sexier side of this novel (it gets very steamy and sex-positive from male and female perspectives), what always attracts me to Jacquelyn Middleton’s books is that there’s always substance behind the bodies. There are feelings, inner-monologues, questions, and even embarrassing moments that normalize imperfection. What is more, I also enjoy the creative side of both of the main characters. Leia and Tarquin are saviors of others and other things, whether recycling fabrics or restoring buildings and giving them a new life. They are far from perfect but well-suited in that they often make mistakes while trying to escape their painful pasts and previous decisions. But this novel is all about second chances and resurrecting one’s self despite trauma, tragedy, and tribulation. Middleton also takes the time to address abuse, affairs, mental health, and physical disabilities. She cares about familial relationships, heritage, and friendships. Her female figures are career-driven; her male figures are not always stereotypical men without vulnerability or shallowness. Here, in Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, Leia initially wants a no-strings relationship while Tarquin, tired of his footloose ways, is ready to build upon a foundation in his own life—not just in the buildings he loves. Above all, Middleton remains sensitive to the delicate threads of human experience (on two sides of an ocean) that creates the tapestry of human experience. This reminds us there may be more strength, and beauty, in the knots of the weave than the perfectly smooth threads we’ve come to expect there.
All in all, Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, a novel for hopeful romantics, is a sexier, steamier, and perhaps even more-complete addition to Middleton’s body of work. Particularly during a time of uncertainty and quarantining, and when we’re all ready to say farewell to 2020, readers desire pure escapism. Wanderlust has never been more real. Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is the easiest way to travel—to London, New York City, and the Orkney Islands. All immersive books are the best passport, and Middleton’s latest, like her previous trio, is no different.
A Romance of Second Chances
She resurrects old textiles; he rescues old buildings. Like the materials central to their respective careers, Leia Scott and Tarquin Balfour can sometimes look and feel a little worse-for-wear. But maybe they’ll save each other and rebuild something totally unexpected?
In her fourth novel Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, a stand-alone story still set in the same “world” as her previous three books, award-winning author Jacquelyn Middleton reenters the realm of travel, romance, heartbreak, and creativity central to all her work. It’s a steamier book than her previous novels, but like its predecessors, Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye does not steer away from physical, mental, and emotional challenges of life and love. Showcasing the reality of mental health and serious traumas with empathy and realism is essential to Middleton and her work. And so is the lighter side of life: pop cultural references (Star Wars, Outlander, Poldark, etc.) punctuate the pages of Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, adding levity and light.
Readers of Middleton’s earlier works will remember recently-divorced Leia and gadabout Tarquin, rejoicing that we find here a significantly more fleshed-out and human side to these once-peripheral figures. Other characters from previous works also punctuate the novel, offering fans the perfect kind of warm familiarity that eases us deeply into the story as if we’re not just watching old friends but, more vitally, visiting with them.
Although I’m not the biggest reader of the romance genre, compared to other genres; and while the sexier side of this novel (it gets very steamy and sex-positive from male and female perspectives), what always attracts me to Jacquelyn Middleton’s books is that there’s always substance behind the bodies. There are feelings, inner-monologues, questions, and even embarrassing moments that normalize imperfection. What is more, I also enjoy the creative side of both of the main characters. Leia and Tarquin are saviors of others and other things, whether recycling fabrics or restoring buildings and giving them a new life. They are far from perfect but well-suited in that they often make mistakes while trying to escape their painful pasts and previous decisions. But this novel is all about second chances and resurrecting one’s self despite trauma, tragedy, and tribulation. Middleton also takes the time to address abuse, affairs, mental health, and physical disabilities. She cares about familial relationships, heritage, and friendships. Her female figures are career-driven; her male figures are not always stereotypical men without vulnerability or shallowness. Here, in Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, Leia initially wants a no-strings relationship while Tarquin, tired of his footloose ways, is ready to build upon a foundation in his own life—not just in the buildings he loves. Above all, Middleton remains sensitive to the delicate threads of human experience (on two sides of an ocean) that creates the tapestry of human experience. This reminds us there may be more strength, and beauty, in the knots of the weave than the perfectly smooth threads we’ve come to expect there.
All in all, Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, a novel for hopeful romantics, is a sexier, steamier, and perhaps even more-complete addition to Middleton’s body of work. Particularly during a time of uncertainty and quarantining, and when we’re all ready to say farewell to 2020, readers desire pure escapism. Wanderlust has never been more real. Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is the easiest way to travel—to London, New York City, and the Orkney Islands. All immersive books are the best passport, and Middleton’s latest, like her previous trio, is no different.
November 10, 2020
WOW! Jacquelyn Middleton knocked it out of the park with this novel. I couldn’t put this one down, from the very first chapter to the last I just wanted to know more about Leia and Tarquin. So I read Until the Last Star Fades about an month ago, I enjoyed it but it a slow burn and I was hoping for a faster burn. Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye delivered, this novel is a sizzling romance with the sexual chemistry jumping off the pages and the plot was palpable and fast paced. This had everything that I was looking for in a romance novel, I hope that Jacquelyn writes a sequel cause I want more Leia and Tarquin. Thank you Jacquelyn for writing an amazing romance novel that has hot romance, damaged egos, believing in true love and the most perfect man (I’m fully in love with Tarquin). Jacquelyn does an amazing job at developing beautiful complex characters are putting them in the same social circles, so this novel had many of her other characters in this novel. It was really wonderful to see that she builds about the world and really takes the time to pour her heart and soul into her writing.
“WILL HER FLING BECOME HIS FOREVER?
Leia Scott has sworn off love. Fresh from a messy, public divorce from her hockey player ex, the twenty-six-year-old fashion designer temporarily trades New York for London to heal and embrace her freedom. Her vow? To protect her heart, steer clear of relationships, and say yes to flings without strings. She throws herself into designing upcycled dresses and exploring London with her sister. But Leia’s carefully curated plan encounters a flirty complication with an irresistible British accent.
Wealthy, charming, and devastatingly attractive, Tarquin Balfour is tired of meaningless hookups and dates that go nowhere. For years, he has played the bon viveur with reckless abandon, throwing decadent parties, sleeping with a parade of women, and diving into extreme sports around the globe. But now the young property developer wants more. He craves love and commitment, to prove his kind heart matters more than the abundance of zeroes attached to his bank balance. Struggling with undiagnosed depression, Tarquin worries he’ll never find The One…until he meets his princess, a fashion designer named Leia.
Afraid of falling in love and fearful of being alone, Leia and Tarquin enter into an entanglement that threatens to hurt them both.
From the award-winning author of UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES, comes a sexy story of love, second chances, gratitude, and finding beauty in the broken and the forgotten.” - Author’s synonyms from Goodreads
I loved this novel so much, I simply can’t say that enough. It was excellently written, the plot is fast and witty, the character develop is complex and smooth, and the chemistry between the Leia and Tarquin was the backbone of this novel and every minute of it was AMAZING. I loved this novel so much thank you Jacquelyn for writing this novel it was one of the best romance novels that I have ever read. I know that it takes a lot of guts to write your story, and then to publish it on your own so you can have more control over your story and it 100% worked in your favour, this novel is a masterpiece. Congrats Jacquelyn you have out done yourself on this beautiful novel. I look forward to the other novels that you will be writing in the future.
This novel also had me missing London, England so much! I visited for the first time last September and I fall in love so hard that this novel was able to transport me back there. It was a lovely adventure and the scenery in this novel is breath-taking.
This novel was a solid shining 5 stars
This novel would make a wonderful Christmas gift to anyone that loves romance novels, I know that I will be gifting this novel to loved ones for Christmas this year.
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is out on November 25th 2020 check your local bookstore to pick up your copy.
“WILL HER FLING BECOME HIS FOREVER?
Leia Scott has sworn off love. Fresh from a messy, public divorce from her hockey player ex, the twenty-six-year-old fashion designer temporarily trades New York for London to heal and embrace her freedom. Her vow? To protect her heart, steer clear of relationships, and say yes to flings without strings. She throws herself into designing upcycled dresses and exploring London with her sister. But Leia’s carefully curated plan encounters a flirty complication with an irresistible British accent.
Wealthy, charming, and devastatingly attractive, Tarquin Balfour is tired of meaningless hookups and dates that go nowhere. For years, he has played the bon viveur with reckless abandon, throwing decadent parties, sleeping with a parade of women, and diving into extreme sports around the globe. But now the young property developer wants more. He craves love and commitment, to prove his kind heart matters more than the abundance of zeroes attached to his bank balance. Struggling with undiagnosed depression, Tarquin worries he’ll never find The One…until he meets his princess, a fashion designer named Leia.
Afraid of falling in love and fearful of being alone, Leia and Tarquin enter into an entanglement that threatens to hurt them both.
From the award-winning author of UNTIL THE LAST STAR FADES, comes a sexy story of love, second chances, gratitude, and finding beauty in the broken and the forgotten.” - Author’s synonyms from Goodreads
I loved this novel so much, I simply can’t say that enough. It was excellently written, the plot is fast and witty, the character develop is complex and smooth, and the chemistry between the Leia and Tarquin was the backbone of this novel and every minute of it was AMAZING. I loved this novel so much thank you Jacquelyn for writing this novel it was one of the best romance novels that I have ever read. I know that it takes a lot of guts to write your story, and then to publish it on your own so you can have more control over your story and it 100% worked in your favour, this novel is a masterpiece. Congrats Jacquelyn you have out done yourself on this beautiful novel. I look forward to the other novels that you will be writing in the future.
This novel also had me missing London, England so much! I visited for the first time last September and I fall in love so hard that this novel was able to transport me back there. It was a lovely adventure and the scenery in this novel is breath-taking.
This novel was a solid shining 5 stars
This novel would make a wonderful Christmas gift to anyone that loves romance novels, I know that I will be gifting this novel to loved ones for Christmas this year.
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye is out on November 25th 2020 check your local bookstore to pick up your copy.
November 26, 2020
When I first saw the cover of ‘Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye’ I was immediately fascinated and I wanted to read where this book was all about. I mean.. Have you seen that cover? Gorgeous right?! And after reading the book description I knew this was a book I wanted to read.
In ‘Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye’ we meet Leia Scott, a twenty six year old fashion designer from New York. Leia is temporarily visiting London to be with her sister, and to escape the ex who cheated on her. Now the only thing Leia wants is to spend time with her family, make some fun new designs and have a nice fling with a handsome British guy. Tarquin Balfour sounds perfect for that. But what Leia doesn’t know is that Tarquin wants much more than just a fling.
‘Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye’ was a fun read with a great setting. I loved spending time in London with these characters. If I didn’t miss London already, I would have started missing it after reading this book. Getting to know these characters was also fun. I enjoyed getting to know Leia and Tarquin and they had some nice chemistry.
What I didn’t like as much was that I found the first half of the book moving very slow. The conversations between the characters where very long and detailed. Which isn’t all that bad, but at times I just wished things would have gone a little faster. I lost interest at times.
What I did love about this read was how part of it was about mental health problems. It’s rare I read a book where there is talk about mental health. I definitely think that was a nice little extra of this read.
Overall, a fun read but it could have moved a lot faster if you ask me.
In ‘Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye’ we meet Leia Scott, a twenty six year old fashion designer from New York. Leia is temporarily visiting London to be with her sister, and to escape the ex who cheated on her. Now the only thing Leia wants is to spend time with her family, make some fun new designs and have a nice fling with a handsome British guy. Tarquin Balfour sounds perfect for that. But what Leia doesn’t know is that Tarquin wants much more than just a fling.
‘Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye’ was a fun read with a great setting. I loved spending time in London with these characters. If I didn’t miss London already, I would have started missing it after reading this book. Getting to know these characters was also fun. I enjoyed getting to know Leia and Tarquin and they had some nice chemistry.
What I didn’t like as much was that I found the first half of the book moving very slow. The conversations between the characters where very long and detailed. Which isn’t all that bad, but at times I just wished things would have gone a little faster. I lost interest at times.
What I did love about this read was how part of it was about mental health problems. It’s rare I read a book where there is talk about mental health. I definitely think that was a nice little extra of this read.
Overall, a fun read but it could have moved a lot faster if you ask me.
November 28, 2020
I was super excited to win a copy of this new book as I am a fan of Jacquelyn Middleton. Not only is she a great author, she's a wonderful person.
There were many things I loved about this book:
- where the h grew up is pretty much around the area I grew up (so awesome to read that in a book)
- ALL the Canadian things - Ketchup chips, Hickory Sticks, Mr. Big, Coffee Crisp, Rockets....I got cravings throughout!
- ALL the London things - it's a dream of mine to visit there so reading about all of the spots they visited or walked or well...just everything London.
- the Orkneys? I really want to visit there too. I always have my phone handy to Google images and oh my! It looks incredibly beautiful there.
- ALL things New York City - I was there for 8 hours and I cannot wait to go back.
- true & honest discussions throughout the story about depression & anxiety.
- the stigma about men getting help for their depression and that it should not be an issue.
- the scenes with the therapist - opens up what it may be like to talk to one.
- relationships - the non-romantic ones are important in one's life - friends and family, friends that are family.
- open discussion about sex, contraception, consent, periods etc.
- that the H was the one all for a relationship and wanting to settle down (not often the case in many romance novels)
There were so many more things I loved but I don't want to give some things away.
So why am I only giving this 4.5 stars instead of 5? I am not one for a character going back & forth, the 'Yes!' then 'No!'. That's me though and I know many readers who love that.
This can be read as a stand alone but you will meet characters from her previous books as they all take place in the same universe.
There were many things I loved about this book:
- where the h grew up is pretty much around the area I grew up (so awesome to read that in a book)
- ALL the Canadian things - Ketchup chips, Hickory Sticks, Mr. Big, Coffee Crisp, Rockets....I got cravings throughout!
- ALL the London things - it's a dream of mine to visit there so reading about all of the spots they visited or walked or well...just everything London.
- the Orkneys? I really want to visit there too. I always have my phone handy to Google images and oh my! It looks incredibly beautiful there.
- ALL things New York City - I was there for 8 hours and I cannot wait to go back.
- true & honest discussions throughout the story about depression & anxiety.
- the stigma about men getting help for their depression and that it should not be an issue.
- the scenes with the therapist - opens up what it may be like to talk to one.
- relationships - the non-romantic ones are important in one's life - friends and family, friends that are family.
- open discussion about sex, contraception, consent, periods etc.
- that the H was the one all for a relationship and wanting to settle down (not often the case in many romance novels)
There were so many more things I loved but I don't want to give some things away.
So why am I only giving this 4.5 stars instead of 5? I am not one for a character going back & forth, the 'Yes!' then 'No!'. That's me though and I know many readers who love that.
This can be read as a stand alone but you will meet characters from her previous books as they all take place in the same universe.
November 26, 2020
Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye was an enjoyable fling-t0-forever romance. Leia is just visiting London when she meets Tarquin at Ikea and they form an instant connection. The chemistry between them sizzles, but she isn't planning on staying in England and, recently divorced, isn't looking for a relationship. Meanwhile, he's pretty much decided that she is the one.
When Leia eventually returns to NYC, she and Tarquin do the long-distance relationship. There are a lot of ups and downs as they attempt to figure things out. She's just looking for a Mr. Right Now, but Tarquin is sure she's his Mrs. Right. As time goes on, Leia discovers that Mr. Right Now might be the guy for her after all. There's also a nicely developed subplot with Tarquin's mental health and Leia's own depression and mental health issues, which I thought was handled delicately.
Jacquelyn Middleton is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I enjoyed the story and thought that Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye was well written, but parts of the story dragged for me. I also thought that there were a lot of secondary characters. This book is part of a series, and is an interconnected story. There were some parts where past books were referenced and I would have liked to have had more background. For fans of Jacqueline Middleton, I'm sure it's great since there are lots of cameos from other characters, but I felt a little lost in some places.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
When Leia eventually returns to NYC, she and Tarquin do the long-distance relationship. There are a lot of ups and downs as they attempt to figure things out. She's just looking for a Mr. Right Now, but Tarquin is sure she's his Mrs. Right. As time goes on, Leia discovers that Mr. Right Now might be the guy for her after all. There's also a nicely developed subplot with Tarquin's mental health and Leia's own depression and mental health issues, which I thought was handled delicately.
Jacquelyn Middleton is a new-to-me author, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I enjoyed the story and thought that Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye was well written, but parts of the story dragged for me. I also thought that there were a lot of secondary characters. This book is part of a series, and is an interconnected story. There were some parts where past books were referenced and I would have liked to have had more background. For fans of Jacqueline Middleton, I'm sure it's great since there are lots of cameos from other characters, but I felt a little lost in some places.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
December 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book by Jacquelyn Middleton! This is a book in the interconnected series she has written but can be read as a standalone book.
In Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, we meet Leia, a woman who has just been through a terrible and public divorce, who decides to visit London to visit her sister. Leia is a fashion designer who uses old clothes to make great new outfits. Leia is starting to come out of her dark hole of depression, and stigma caused by her divorce and is at an Ikea one night when she meets Tarquin!
Tarquin is the bachelor who has had his share of women, but is tired of one night stands and wants something more. He is a great guy, and loves his friends but not one of them realize the depression he has suffered with for years. Tarquin meets Leia, and it is funny because his favorite thing is Star Wars anything, and he meets Leia. They have a long conversation. They see each other again and they agree to a no strings attached affair, but feelings develop between them they never expected!
This book deals with love, romance, angst, and second chances. It also brings back characters from previous books and it is nice to see what happens.
The question is can Tarquin and Leia stand a chance when they are so guarded about their situations? You will have to read it to find out,
I gave this book 5 stars! I have read these books from the beginning which is the best way to read them!
London Belongs to Me
London Can you Wait
Until the Last Star Fades
Mental health is an important issue, and it is wonderful this author uses her platform to spread the word!
In Say Hello, Kiss Goodbye, we meet Leia, a woman who has just been through a terrible and public divorce, who decides to visit London to visit her sister. Leia is a fashion designer who uses old clothes to make great new outfits. Leia is starting to come out of her dark hole of depression, and stigma caused by her divorce and is at an Ikea one night when she meets Tarquin!
Tarquin is the bachelor who has had his share of women, but is tired of one night stands and wants something more. He is a great guy, and loves his friends but not one of them realize the depression he has suffered with for years. Tarquin meets Leia, and it is funny because his favorite thing is Star Wars anything, and he meets Leia. They have a long conversation. They see each other again and they agree to a no strings attached affair, but feelings develop between them they never expected!
This book deals with love, romance, angst, and second chances. It also brings back characters from previous books and it is nice to see what happens.
The question is can Tarquin and Leia stand a chance when they are so guarded about their situations? You will have to read it to find out,
I gave this book 5 stars! I have read these books from the beginning which is the best way to read them!
London Belongs to Me
London Can you Wait
Until the Last Star Fades
Mental health is an important issue, and it is wonderful this author uses her platform to spread the word!
December 7, 2020
3.5 Stars rounded up!
CW: Car accident involving paralyzation, depression, anxiety and other mental health discussions
I have read every book by Jacquelyn Middleton and I love how she incorporates mental health into her characters and normalizes so much of it. yes, these characters have anxiety or depression or deal with one thing or another, but they're still so capable of finding love and they get their HEA.
I love the characters in this book and Tarquin is the sweetest cinnamon roll of a love interest.
While this book wasn't my favorite of Jacquelyn's books, it was still a lot of fun to read. Her characters are so realistic and the conversations that the characters have feel like real characters and don't feel forced at all.
I feel like the book was a little too long and there were some scenes that seemed repetitive. There were also a lot of side characters and cameos from previous books. While I enjoyed it as someone who has read all of her books and it was nice to see the kids from other books, if I was someone who was reading this as an introduction to Jacquelyn's books, it might have been a little overwhelming.
I definitely recommend this book as it is a great for mental health and disability representation while still being a romance at it's core.
CW: Car accident involving paralyzation, depression, anxiety and other mental health discussions
I have read every book by Jacquelyn Middleton and I love how she incorporates mental health into her characters and normalizes so much of it. yes, these characters have anxiety or depression or deal with one thing or another, but they're still so capable of finding love and they get their HEA.
I love the characters in this book and Tarquin is the sweetest cinnamon roll of a love interest.
While this book wasn't my favorite of Jacquelyn's books, it was still a lot of fun to read. Her characters are so realistic and the conversations that the characters have feel like real characters and don't feel forced at all.
I feel like the book was a little too long and there were some scenes that seemed repetitive. There were also a lot of side characters and cameos from previous books. While I enjoyed it as someone who has read all of her books and it was nice to see the kids from other books, if I was someone who was reading this as an introduction to Jacquelyn's books, it might have been a little overwhelming.
I definitely recommend this book as it is a great for mental health and disability representation while still being a romance at it's core.
December 14, 2020
A very fun read - sweet and funny, with poignant moments and some good mental health representation without really getting too heavy. A fun romance novel through and through, really, but with much more real characters than you sometimes get. At times I wanted to shake a character or two - but that made them more believable, since I often want to shake real people. ;)
I started to find it a bit saccharine towards the end - but my personal tendency is to get bored with a love story once the couple have officially coupled up, so this is very much my own bias. I'm not here for the happy ever after, I'm here for the struggle!
While certainly a stand alone novel, I do think if I had read the author's previous works (all stand alones but set in the same world) I'd have caught on to who was who with a bit more ease. There is one character that in the end I completely forgot where she came from and how she fit.... but again, personal failing - memory of a gnat, and shit with names. But if some of the characters were already known to me, might have been more room in my brain for the new ones.
Anyhow, fun escapism - what I'm always looking for when I pick up a romance novel :)
I started to find it a bit saccharine towards the end - but my personal tendency is to get bored with a love story once the couple have officially coupled up, so this is very much my own bias. I'm not here for the happy ever after, I'm here for the struggle!
While certainly a stand alone novel, I do think if I had read the author's previous works (all stand alones but set in the same world) I'd have caught on to who was who with a bit more ease. There is one character that in the end I completely forgot where she came from and how she fit.... but again, personal failing - memory of a gnat, and shit with names. But if some of the characters were already known to me, might have been more room in my brain for the new ones.
Anyhow, fun escapism - what I'm always looking for when I pick up a romance novel :)
November 22, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and it's an enjoyable contemporary romance with a sex positive fashion designer heroine who has a fling with a building developer while visiting her sister in London. Leia (yes, she's named after THAT Leia, to her chagrin as she's not a Star Wars fan) is newly divorced and not interested in a relationship but the man she meets, Tarquin (who IS a Star Wars Fan) is ready for commitment. This sets them off down an interesting path that will eventually lead to their HEA but not without a lot of bumps in the road first.
Tarquin's mental health is a plot point in the book that is handled with honesty and realism. My favourite parts of the book involve Leia's fashion design career and how that evolves - I found that really interesting and informative. The setting of London (and a bit of New York) is well described. One thing that stuck out to me though was the author's use of italicized text to denote what the characters are thinking (and it's a lot). I've never seen that done before - not sure that I'm a fan. The book is quite lengthy (clocking in at just under 400 pages) which while giving lots of time for the characters to grow and learn about each other, did make it drag in some places for me. All in all it's a sweet and sexy contemporary romance.
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
Tarquin's mental health is a plot point in the book that is handled with honesty and realism. My favourite parts of the book involve Leia's fashion design career and how that evolves - I found that really interesting and informative. The setting of London (and a bit of New York) is well described. One thing that stuck out to me though was the author's use of italicized text to denote what the characters are thinking (and it's a lot). I've never seen that done before - not sure that I'm a fan. The book is quite lengthy (clocking in at just under 400 pages) which while giving lots of time for the characters to grow and learn about each other, did make it drag in some places for me. All in all it's a sweet and sexy contemporary romance.
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
November 25, 2020
This book not only was a great story about second chance contemporary romance, but a deep dive into living, learning, and loving who you are, especially those who live with mental health issues. Both main characters have this distinct realness to them, that as a reader completely connects you to their struggles. This book felt longer than many of the other books I typically read, but I really think it was because I slowed down to read and reread passages to really absorb it.
'"Yeah." She tilted her head back, owning it. "What can I say... I see beauty in the broken and forgotten."'
Written by an own voices author, this book came across as authentic and best of all, hopeful. This book gave me the best kind of wanderlust to visit London. The author's attention to details is spectacular in all aspects of this book. I completely adored the side characters, and the fabulous descriptions of Leia's clothing designs.
'"You'll always have worries, fears - that's part of being human, no getting around it - but we need to distinguish between what's rational and healthy and what's irrational."'
'"Yeah." She tilted her head back, owning it. "What can I say... I see beauty in the broken and forgotten."'
Written by an own voices author, this book came across as authentic and best of all, hopeful. This book gave me the best kind of wanderlust to visit London. The author's attention to details is spectacular in all aspects of this book. I completely adored the side characters, and the fabulous descriptions of Leia's clothing designs.
'"You'll always have worries, fears - that's part of being human, no getting around it - but we need to distinguish between what's rational and healthy and what's irrational."'
March 7, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars.
This was such a cute romance about a Canadian designer and a British developer.
I really found myself rooting for Tarquin. He sounded so swoon worthy. He wanted a relationship so much and tried everything he could to convince Leia he was the one for her. I loved how he didn’t give up.
Leia was a great, strong female lead. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t going to compromise especially with what happened during her first marriage.
I really enjoyed how much these two characters grew throughout the book.
Their story takes place over a year. They didn’t just fall right into a relationship. They both had issues they had to deal with. I loved how the author represented different types of issues such as marital, self worth, and mental issues such as depression. She handled it in such a sensitive way. I thought it was great how Jacquelyn Middleton handled everything. It was so nicely done.
I will definitely be reading more from her. :)
This was such a cute romance about a Canadian designer and a British developer.
I really found myself rooting for Tarquin. He sounded so swoon worthy. He wanted a relationship so much and tried everything he could to convince Leia he was the one for her. I loved how he didn’t give up.
Leia was a great, strong female lead. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t going to compromise especially with what happened during her first marriage.
I really enjoyed how much these two characters grew throughout the book.
Their story takes place over a year. They didn’t just fall right into a relationship. They both had issues they had to deal with. I loved how the author represented different types of issues such as marital, self worth, and mental issues such as depression. She handled it in such a sensitive way. I thought it was great how Jacquelyn Middleton handled everything. It was so nicely done.
I will definitely be reading more from her. :)
December 2, 2020
I usually don't read in third person, but this cover and the blurb drew me in right away, and even though I loved the range of all the mental and physical disabilities these diverse characters had, I just could not get invested in the actual romance. The pacing was way too slow for me, and Leia's indecisiveness really aggravated me. The hot and cold act she gave Tarquin made me not connect with her at all, especially with how sweet and just *good* he was. He also had an infinite amount of patience when it came to her, and that made me love him even more, but I just wish he would have found someone that truly appreciated all he had to offer.
Overall this was a decent book, but with it being so slow and the fact that I didn't like Leia's character at all made it really hard for me to get through.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Overall this was a decent book, but with it being so slow and the fact that I didn't like Leia's character at all made it really hard for me to get through.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
November 25, 2020
This is my first book by Jacquelyn Middleton, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was unaware that this was part of an interconnected series. I am going to go back and add the rest to my TBR pile, but it's more because of my OCD and not needed for this story. She did such a great job with character development with this story that even the side characters are interesting and making me want to know more.
This is a story of Tarquin and Leia, and to say that it's a journey would not do it justice. These two have the best "meet-cute" I mean IKEA on NYE? The way their story unfolds is just beautiful, it's not an easy road, and not a quick story, this one has some girth to it and you are going to want to set time aside to really enjoy not only the characters but the settings which quite honestly are characters themselves.
I really loved my time I spent with these two and their friends and families.. I am sure you will as well, do not miss out on this one!
This is a story of Tarquin and Leia, and to say that it's a journey would not do it justice. These two have the best "meet-cute" I mean IKEA on NYE? The way their story unfolds is just beautiful, it's not an easy road, and not a quick story, this one has some girth to it and you are going to want to set time aside to really enjoy not only the characters but the settings which quite honestly are characters themselves.
I really loved my time I spent with these two and their friends and families.. I am sure you will as well, do not miss out on this one!
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