What do you think?
Rate this book
Good-bye, with Love.
Have you ever wished you could have something so bad, even though you knew it was forbidden?
Jonathan Gates was just that—forbidden. He was everything I could ever want in a man: charming, a great listener, open-minded, and funny. It also didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
We'd been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I didn't want to love him. I didn't want to fall for him because...he was my best friend!
But I did, and I fell for him hard. I was in love with my best friend, and it was time he knew how I really felt.
Jonathan Gates was just that—forbidden. He was everything I could ever want in a man: charming, a great listener, open-minded, and funny. It also didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
We'd been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I didn't want to love him. I didn't want to fall for him because...he was my best friend!
But I did, and I fell for him hard. I was in love with my best friend, and it was time he knew how I really felt.
- GenresYoung Adult
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2016
About the author
Niquel
21 books381 followersNiquel is a self-diagnosed coffee addict, lover of rice and beans, and chocolate—preferably not altogether. She’s the creator of multiple stories full of love, passion, and power. She may toss in a ghost story every once in a while.
When she’s not busy taking care of her two little girls, she's writing or creating graphics. Or you can find her binge-watching TV.
Boston born and raised, she’s always been a creative soul: attending multiple colleges to develop her love of the visual arts.
You can contact her on her website www.authorniquel.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/author.niquel
When she’s not busy taking care of her two little girls, she's writing or creating graphics. Or you can find her binge-watching TV.
Boston born and raised, she’s always been a creative soul: attending multiple colleges to develop her love of the visual arts.
You can contact her on her website www.authorniquel.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/author.niquel
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 18, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"Niquel" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Good-bye, with Love.
AUTHOR: Niquel
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 15th 2016
MY RATING: 4 STARS
I wasn't expecting this to be so YA the main characters are young teens just shy of twelve years old, the story starts off in a Dear Diary format (Mickey Roses Diary: Age 12) "Something scared me earlier. As i was scratching my neck, there was this hard lump there and it hurt like heck."
After going through numerous tests at the hospital it was discovered that she has stage two non Hodgkin' Lymphoma which is a common treatable cancer, where she will undergo chemo therapy..
Chemo Sucks
The only happy spot with juggling chemo is the day Johnny the new kid in school walked into her science class.
Holy Moly! Today was one of the best days of my life! This kid came into my class. He was so dreamy. We talked a little bit and I also adopted a new nickname 'Knits". It's cheesy but I like it.
Their first shared kiss at the age of 13
Even though the characters are very young, youngest I've ever gone (yes I feel like a cougar crushing on a thirteen year old, GAH) this is just so easy to get into, I love the uniqueness of the diary entries, dual POV's which I love..
I'm liking the story line, the connection these two characters have, and all those young pre teen feels that Mickey is experiencing you get that, Johnny comes across a lot older in the book than he actually is, but I think the author nailed her character.
Most guys that age of thirteen would run for the hills with not being able to deal with their best friend having cancer, the responsibility of it all at such a young age would be overwhelming, but he takes it all in his stride, and is there more than her childhood friends are, when she needs him to lean on he's there..You can't help but feel a deep respect for thirteen year old Johnny..
We'd been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I kind of felt this was more centered towards a younger audience, as it surrounded their young teen years more than their adult years which I was hoping we'd get to see more of, and if that had've been the case this would've gotten my 5 stars, towards the end it kind of fell apart for me and felt rushed, left me wanting more, but all in all still an enjoyable read..
*Teasers used are off the authors facebook page*
"Niquel" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Good-bye, with Love.
AUTHOR: Niquel
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 15th 2016
MY RATING: 4 STARS
I wasn't expecting this to be so YA the main characters are young teens just shy of twelve years old, the story starts off in a Dear Diary format (Mickey Roses Diary: Age 12) "Something scared me earlier. As i was scratching my neck, there was this hard lump there and it hurt like heck."
After going through numerous tests at the hospital it was discovered that she has stage two non Hodgkin' Lymphoma which is a common treatable cancer, where she will undergo chemo therapy..
Chemo Sucks
The only happy spot with juggling chemo is the day Johnny the new kid in school walked into her science class.
Holy Moly! Today was one of the best days of my life! This kid came into my class. He was so dreamy. We talked a little bit and I also adopted a new nickname 'Knits". It's cheesy but I like it.
Their first shared kiss at the age of 13
Even though the characters are very young, youngest I've ever gone (yes I feel like a cougar crushing on a thirteen year old, GAH) this is just so easy to get into, I love the uniqueness of the diary entries, dual POV's which I love..
I'm liking the story line, the connection these two characters have, and all those young pre teen feels that Mickey is experiencing you get that, Johnny comes across a lot older in the book than he actually is, but I think the author nailed her character.
Most guys that age of thirteen would run for the hills with not being able to deal with their best friend having cancer, the responsibility of it all at such a young age would be overwhelming, but he takes it all in his stride, and is there more than her childhood friends are, when she needs him to lean on he's there..You can't help but feel a deep respect for thirteen year old Johnny..
We'd been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I kind of felt this was more centered towards a younger audience, as it surrounded their young teen years more than their adult years which I was hoping we'd get to see more of, and if that had've been the case this would've gotten my 5 stars, towards the end it kind of fell apart for me and felt rushed, left me wanting more, but all in all still an enjoyable read..
*Teasers used are off the authors facebook page*
February 19, 2016
****4.5 Emotional Stars****
I have to really dissect my feelings before I can pull it out of my heart and head. I'm having a problem translating my feelings to words.
I can say that I LOVED this book though!
I have to really dissect my feelings before I can pull it out of my heart and head. I'm having a problem translating my feelings to words.
I can say that I LOVED this book though!
May 31, 2018
When I read first few pages I was like "what? cancer book?" but it wasn't about cancer. It was about friends who fell in love early in their lives and had to make some hard decisions.
It didn't feel like they were in middle school when they met because they seemed really mature for their age. I felt really sad for Mikey especially, because Johnny could make better decisions.
The only problem I had was that he left her
It didn't feel like they were in middle school when they met because they seemed really mature for their age. I felt really sad for Mikey especially, because Johnny could make better decisions.
The only problem I had was that he left her
February 22, 2016
Good-bye, with Love by Niquel ~ 4 Stars
“Have you ever wished you could have something so bad, even though you knew it was forbidden?
Jonathan Gates was just that—forbidden. He was everything I could ever want in a man: charming, a great listener, open-minded, and funny. It also didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
We'd been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I didn't want to love him. I didn't want to fall for him because...he was my best friend!
But I did, and I fell for him hard. I was in love with my best friend, and it was time he knew how I really felt.”
*** I used to read a lot more YA books and this reminds me a little bit of The Fault in our Stars as this is about the struggles two young people go through together as Mickey fight the cancer battle. The two characters in this book is much younger though - early teens. I think the youngest couple I ever read. The dialogues are funny and innocent … sometimes I have to remind myself that these are just kids… So for the YA audiences the writing is spot on cute, funny, sweet and heart-felt. The chapters are shorter which I think is also geared toward YA readers.
“It’s a friendship bracelet. I’m not into beads and all that flashy stuff, but I figured I could make a green one for me and a purple one for you, to represent our friendship.”
This book is written in a dual POV alternating Mickey and Johnny. The story starts out with Mickey finding out that she has a lump which turned out to be cancer. So the battle begins for Mickey with doctors visits, and chemo, and the side effects. When Mickey returned to school, she met the new kid in Johnny and she immediately was drawn to him. She befriended Johnny and the two became instant friends.
“Your heart’s match is always with the one you least expect. Your heart knows how to lead you down the right path to love.”
I really like Johnny character. He is super sweet and caring. He stayed by Mickey’s side through all the difficult time even throwing in a surprise here and there. The things that Johnny does for Mickey is so thoughtful - melts your heart. Mickey is also sweet, strong and a good friend – or they tried to be friends ;). Unfortunately, the two went on their way after junior high and so they were separated for the last third of the book. Their story picked up again a couple years later when they met in high school. I think the last few chapters of the book there were a lot of things happened, covering several years span with new characters and several new events. Overall, this was a fast, easy read. The story is cute - young crush turns into forever lasting love. I would say the target audience is teenagers. First half of the book or so was about pre-teens 12 years old age group, then the last part has a little PG making love talk . It does have a HEA ending :)
“Have you ever wished you could have something so bad, even though you knew it was forbidden?
Jonathan Gates was just that—forbidden. He was everything I could ever want in a man: charming, a great listener, open-minded, and funny. It also didn't hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
We'd been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I didn't want to love him. I didn't want to fall for him because...he was my best friend!
But I did, and I fell for him hard. I was in love with my best friend, and it was time he knew how I really felt.”
*** I used to read a lot more YA books and this reminds me a little bit of The Fault in our Stars as this is about the struggles two young people go through together as Mickey fight the cancer battle. The two characters in this book is much younger though - early teens. I think the youngest couple I ever read. The dialogues are funny and innocent … sometimes I have to remind myself that these are just kids… So for the YA audiences the writing is spot on cute, funny, sweet and heart-felt. The chapters are shorter which I think is also geared toward YA readers.
“It’s a friendship bracelet. I’m not into beads and all that flashy stuff, but I figured I could make a green one for me and a purple one for you, to represent our friendship.”
This book is written in a dual POV alternating Mickey and Johnny. The story starts out with Mickey finding out that she has a lump which turned out to be cancer. So the battle begins for Mickey with doctors visits, and chemo, and the side effects. When Mickey returned to school, she met the new kid in Johnny and she immediately was drawn to him. She befriended Johnny and the two became instant friends.
“Your heart’s match is always with the one you least expect. Your heart knows how to lead you down the right path to love.”
I really like Johnny character. He is super sweet and caring. He stayed by Mickey’s side through all the difficult time even throwing in a surprise here and there. The things that Johnny does for Mickey is so thoughtful - melts your heart. Mickey is also sweet, strong and a good friend – or they tried to be friends ;). Unfortunately, the two went on their way after junior high and so they were separated for the last third of the book. Their story picked up again a couple years later when they met in high school. I think the last few chapters of the book there were a lot of things happened, covering several years span with new characters and several new events. Overall, this was a fast, easy read. The story is cute - young crush turns into forever lasting love. I would say the target audience is teenagers. First half of the book or so was about pre-teens 12 years old age group, then the last part has a little PG making love talk . It does have a HEA ending :)
February 1, 2016
The synop pulled me in , I enjoyed this author's other work so that was a draw AND I loved the cover. Never did I think it would be mainly about young aged kids yet I honestly didn't have an issue with it once I started reading. I have a 12 yr old , I have been 12 and so I feel I can still relate to that age in a sense. Once I started reading I was taken by surprise with Mickey's issue. i wasn't sure if I could read on being that I have a 12 yr old daughter. BUT I powered through because I loved her parents , her diary entries and I knew that I would love the childhood crush aspect as they got older. Not to mention that her issue ended in a positive way despite giving us a bit of heartbreak and sadness.
Johnny and Mickey quickly become best friends when he transfers to her middle school. they are 8th graders , Mickey 12 and Johnny just turning 13. We get both POV's and also Mickey's diary pages. Their friendship is simple and easy at first but quickly becomes more yet neither will act on it. They share a few firsts and then sadly on the verge of High School Johnny has a family crisis that pulls him out of state and away for the summer. Not only that but they both got accepted to different high schools. Distance isn't easy when you are young. The attention spans when it comes to friends is almost non existent and life does go on. Johnny and Mickey may not have the greatest communication skills throughout their story but again they are just kids and keeping that in mind made it easier to let it go LOL. I hated the distance and the time away but I also enjoyed watching them both grow up and always come back to one another. Most of the story takes place during Middle/High school but we do get into adulthood and find an HEA for Johnny and Mickey !!
Johnny and Mickey quickly become best friends when he transfers to her middle school. they are 8th graders , Mickey 12 and Johnny just turning 13. We get both POV's and also Mickey's diary pages. Their friendship is simple and easy at first but quickly becomes more yet neither will act on it. They share a few firsts and then sadly on the verge of High School Johnny has a family crisis that pulls him out of state and away for the summer. Not only that but they both got accepted to different high schools. Distance isn't easy when you are young. The attention spans when it comes to friends is almost non existent and life does go on. Johnny and Mickey may not have the greatest communication skills throughout their story but again they are just kids and keeping that in mind made it easier to let it go LOL. I hated the distance and the time away but I also enjoyed watching them both grow up and always come back to one another. Most of the story takes place during Middle/High school but we do get into adulthood and find an HEA for Johnny and Mickey !!
January 15, 2016
This was a cute story about Johnny and Mickey who meet as twelve year olds. Mickey is going through a tough time and Johnny is drawn to her and sticks by her, until circumstances intervene. There is a lot of push-pull in their relationship from the beginning, and hearts get broken.
The majority of the story occurs while the characters are twelve to fourteen years old. Their interactions are very sweet and innocent. The story doesn’t develop into a more mature read until the last third of the book.
When things change as the characters get a little older, the story moves from a sweet middle-school story to a more mature YA in the last thirty percent. The story ends happily. I would recommend this for a younger reader, but it isn’t suitable for readers under 18 due to the sexual situations.
The majority of the story occurs while the characters are twelve to fourteen years old. Their interactions are very sweet and innocent. The story doesn’t develop into a more mature read until the last third of the book.
When things change as the characters get a little older, the story moves from a sweet middle-school story to a more mature YA in the last thirty percent. The story ends happily. I would recommend this for a younger reader, but it isn’t suitable for readers under 18 due to the sexual situations.
January 14, 2016
Title: Goodbye, with Love
Author: Niquel
Genre:Contemporary Romance, Young Adult
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Rating: ★★★★
Review
Every once in a while a book comes along and delivers something that you’re not quite expecting when you first pick it up. Goodbye, with Love is one of those books for me. Which is kind of awesome considering this is the first time I've had the pleasure of reading anything by this author.
What took me by surprise at first was the way the story started. Told at first through diary entries of main character Mickey as at a very young age she’s diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and begins chemotherapy in order to treat it was definitely something I didn’t expect when I started.
I was also surprised with just how young the characters were. I went into this figuring it would be young adult, but other than the occasional book that I read over from my younger days, this is definitely the youngest I’ve read lately. The majority of this tale being told from the age of 12/13.
Once I was swept up into the relationship that begins with Mickey and Johnny, I was taken in by the level of maturity Johnny seemed to display. I can safely say being the mom of boys and coming into contact with a lot of their friends, there aren’t many boys at that age that would be as supportive as Johnny was. Care as much as he did. I came away with not only a great deal of love for that character but also respect. So kudos to the author for that.
This story was equal parts adorable, sweet and sad, but definitely one that I’m glad I took the chance on. Making me feel more than I thought I would as it all unfolded and even a time or two bringing a tear to my eye.
The only thing keeping this from being a full 5* was the way it ended. With the amount of time that was spent on them when they were young, how their friendship came about and blossomed and then as it became something more, I guess I was expecting just a little bit more in terms of the way it all wrapped up. It did seem to be a little rushed. But this wasn’t enough to take away from the overall feel of the story too much for me.
I’m a sucker for friends to lovers’ romances and even more so of the ones that don’t exactly come easy, so this one, it was right up my alley. If you enjoy those types like me, I think you’ll enjoy this. If you’re a fan of romance in general, whether young adult or otherwise, I think you’ll get something out of this if you give it the chance.
My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read this before release.
January 23, 2016
Normally I'm not into reading books mostly based in high school. Let's be honest, I'm way over the age to enjoy young kids falling in love. This one however got my attention from the blurb. When I started this book, I didn't know what to think but I was pleasantly surprised with how everything turned out.
Michelle or Mickey as her friends called her met Johnny at a very trying time in life. Johnny became the lifeline she needed to fight this awful disease.. He stood by her side and comforted her when she needed it. He became her best friend until right before high school. Johnny had family issues come up and it separated them. It nearly destroyed Mickey but she fought through it. Once high school started, Mickey was determined to get back her first love, softball and rocked it. Johnny on the other hand, developed the gym and found a passion in that. Both tried to move on but couldn't ignore the ache in their hearts for each other. As time went by, their love never died but things always kept getting in the way. Finally fate steps and they are together. This book turned out to be the exactly right book I needed to read. It wasn't heavy with sex like most books I read and I so needed that right now. I highly enjoyed this book and the sweetness it bought with it.
Michelle or Mickey as her friends called her met Johnny at a very trying time in life. Johnny became the lifeline she needed to fight this awful disease.. He stood by her side and comforted her when she needed it. He became her best friend until right before high school. Johnny had family issues come up and it separated them. It nearly destroyed Mickey but she fought through it. Once high school started, Mickey was determined to get back her first love, softball and rocked it. Johnny on the other hand, developed the gym and found a passion in that. Both tried to move on but couldn't ignore the ache in their hearts for each other. As time went by, their love never died but things always kept getting in the way. Finally fate steps and they are together. This book turned out to be the exactly right book I needed to read. It wasn't heavy with sex like most books I read and I so needed that right now. I highly enjoyed this book and the sweetness it bought with it.
January 28, 2016
Good-bye, with Love is a very sweetly emotional story. Mickey finds out that she has cancer, and her life changes drastically. It's a tough road, but when new comer Johnny moves in, and goes to her school, things start to look up. They quickly become very close, becoming best friends, and he helps her through this huge bump in the road. As feelings grow, he leaves and it breaks her heart. By the time he comes back, she really doesn't want too much to do with him. Will they admit that they are truly soul mates before it's too late?
This story was gut wrenching, and emotionally charged. The character development is good, with secondaries that are awesome. A well written story line flows smoothly. Niquel does a great job writing angst that had me physically and emotionally exhausted by the end. She shows the struggles that teenagers go through realistically. I just wish that there was more with them being young adults in the story, and that the ending was rushed a bit. I will absolutely be reading more of this author, and I happily recommend.
This story was gut wrenching, and emotionally charged. The character development is good, with secondaries that are awesome. A well written story line flows smoothly. Niquel does a great job writing angst that had me physically and emotionally exhausted by the end. She shows the struggles that teenagers go through realistically. I just wish that there was more with them being young adults in the story, and that the ending was rushed a bit. I will absolutely be reading more of this author, and I happily recommend.
February 13, 2016
Good-bye, with Love is an emotionally charged contemporary coming of age story. A crossover from YA to New Adult, the book grows with the characters and as their love goes through a spiral of drama and ups and downs, thoughts of first love and the one that got away overwhelm.
READ THIS BOOK IF:
You’re looking for a complicated friends to lovers story
Love that blossoms from middle school to college
You adore alternating POVs and diary entries
https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...
READ THIS BOOK IF:
You’re looking for a complicated friends to lovers story
Love that blossoms from middle school to college
You adore alternating POVs and diary entries
https://youngadultbookmadness.wordpre...
January 10, 2016
3.5 stars, full review to come when book is released.
January 28, 2016
The synopsis of this book is what drew me in. I love a good friends to lovers story! But I feel that this book fell a little short for me. This book had so much potential. But I just could not feel the writing style of this book.
The recapping of each chapter from the main characters was getting to me. It's like rereading the same thing over again. Even thought it's from different POV's.... It's the same thing. It always feels like a filler to me. To make the story longer.
I felt too that the author stayed too long on Mickey being 12. But then we go into age thirteen. All the day to day stuff that was going on... I felt could have been shorter.
It almost felt like detail overload.
I kept waiting for when Mickey & Johnny would get older. Having the story progress.
It did. But... That didn't happen until the 88% mark! That's way to long for me. There was so much time jumping.
It went like this... We read Mickey being 12 to 14 then it jumped to her being 16 then bam four years later she's twenty.
I just wasn't feeling it.
I felt like the synopsis should have disclosed. This book is a teen/YA book
(but... After finishing this book I totally think this is a teen book! Not a young adult book).
To kind of put me in the mind frame for it. Because I went in thinking this book was going to be about teenagers(older) to young twenty somethings.
Ok... So as for the story itself. I really don't get why Johnny stopped talking to Mickey. Or why they were acting like it was the end of the world when he had to take off for the summer to help out his grandfather.
They lived 15 minutes from each other! He would walk to her house all the time! And it was less time if his mom drove him!
It's not like he had to walk over the mountains and through the snow to get to her.
Yes... They are 13. And little things seem big at that age.
But... In this day in age. And with all kinds of technology around. I really didn't see the big deal.
Or why he wouldn't reach out to her. It all felt like undue drama.
And... I hated how they both lost their virginity!
And another thing that struck me kind of weird was how after every treatment Mickey would go through. How fast she was jumping around after. Sometimes literally right after a treatment. Or the very next day. I found that very hard to believe. I know she was young and all.
But... I would believe that more if she waited a few days to do all that.
I'm sorry... But I tried with this book. But it just wasn't for me. All the years apart and all the other people.
Nope... Just couldn't get into it.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
The recapping of each chapter from the main characters was getting to me. It's like rereading the same thing over again. Even thought it's from different POV's.... It's the same thing. It always feels like a filler to me. To make the story longer.
I felt too that the author stayed too long on Mickey being 12. But then we go into age thirteen. All the day to day stuff that was going on... I felt could have been shorter.
It almost felt like detail overload.
I kept waiting for when Mickey & Johnny would get older. Having the story progress.
It did. But... That didn't happen until the 88% mark! That's way to long for me. There was so much time jumping.
It went like this... We read Mickey being 12 to 14 then it jumped to her being 16 then bam four years later she's twenty.
I just wasn't feeling it.
I felt like the synopsis should have disclosed. This book is a teen/YA book
(but... After finishing this book I totally think this is a teen book! Not a young adult book).
To kind of put me in the mind frame for it. Because I went in thinking this book was going to be about teenagers(older) to young twenty somethings.
Ok... So as for the story itself. I really don't get why Johnny stopped talking to Mickey. Or why they were acting like it was the end of the world when he had to take off for the summer to help out his grandfather.
They lived 15 minutes from each other! He would walk to her house all the time! And it was less time if his mom drove him!
It's not like he had to walk over the mountains and through the snow to get to her.
Yes... They are 13. And little things seem big at that age.
But... In this day in age. And with all kinds of technology around. I really didn't see the big deal.
Or why he wouldn't reach out to her. It all felt like undue drama.
And... I hated how they both lost their virginity!
And another thing that struck me kind of weird was how after every treatment Mickey would go through. How fast she was jumping around after. Sometimes literally right after a treatment. Or the very next day. I found that very hard to believe. I know she was young and all.
But... I would believe that more if she waited a few days to do all that.
I'm sorry... But I tried with this book. But it just wasn't for me. All the years apart and all the other people.
Nope... Just couldn't get into it.
*ARC provided for an honest review*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2016
Good-bye, with Love by Niquel ~ 4 Stars
“Have you ever wished you could have something so bad, even though you knew it was forbidden?
Jonathan Gates was just that—forbidden. He was everything I could ever want in a man: charming, a great listener, open-minded, and funny. It also didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
We’d been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I didn’t want to love him. I didn’t want to fall for him because…he was my best friend!
But I did, and I fell for him hard. I was in love with my best friend, and it was time he knew how I really felt.”
*** I used to read a lot more YA books and this reminds me a little bit of The Fault in our Stars as this is about the struggles two young people go through together as Mickey fight the cancer battle. The two characters in this book is much younger though – early teens. I think the youngest couple I ever read. The dialogues are funny and innocent … sometimes I have to remind myself that these are just kids… So for the YA audiences the writing is spot on cute, funny, sweet and heart-felt. The chapters are shorter which I think is also geared toward YA readers.
“It’s a friendship bracelet. I’m not into beads and all that flashy stuff, but I figured I could make a green one for me and a purple one for you, to represent our friendship.”
This book is written in a dual POV alternating Mickey and Johnny. The story starts out with Mickey finding out that she has a lump which turned out to be cancer. So the battle begins for Mickey with doctors visits, and chemo, and the side effects. When Mickey returned to school, she met the new kid in Johnny and she immediately was drawn to him. She befriended Johnny and the two became instant friends.
“Your heart’s match is always with the one you least expect. Your heart knows how to lead you down the right path to love.”
I really like Johnny character. He is super sweet and caring. He stayed by Mickey’s side through all the difficult time even throwing in a surprise here and there. The things that Johnny does for Mickey is so thoughtful – melts your heart. Mickey is also sweet, strong and a good friend – or they tried to be friends
“Have you ever wished you could have something so bad, even though you knew it was forbidden?
Jonathan Gates was just that—forbidden. He was everything I could ever want in a man: charming, a great listener, open-minded, and funny. It also didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes.
We’d been through a lot together: breakups, makeups, firsts, lasts, and anything else you can imagine. I was once told he was my soul mate, but I refused to believe that.
I didn’t want to love him. I didn’t want to fall for him because…he was my best friend!
But I did, and I fell for him hard. I was in love with my best friend, and it was time he knew how I really felt.”
*** I used to read a lot more YA books and this reminds me a little bit of The Fault in our Stars as this is about the struggles two young people go through together as Mickey fight the cancer battle. The two characters in this book is much younger though – early teens. I think the youngest couple I ever read. The dialogues are funny and innocent … sometimes I have to remind myself that these are just kids… So for the YA audiences the writing is spot on cute, funny, sweet and heart-felt. The chapters are shorter which I think is also geared toward YA readers.
“It’s a friendship bracelet. I’m not into beads and all that flashy stuff, but I figured I could make a green one for me and a purple one for you, to represent our friendship.”
This book is written in a dual POV alternating Mickey and Johnny. The story starts out with Mickey finding out that she has a lump which turned out to be cancer. So the battle begins for Mickey with doctors visits, and chemo, and the side effects. When Mickey returned to school, she met the new kid in Johnny and she immediately was drawn to him. She befriended Johnny and the two became instant friends.
“Your heart’s match is always with the one you least expect. Your heart knows how to lead you down the right path to love.”
I really like Johnny character. He is super sweet and caring. He stayed by Mickey’s side through all the difficult time even throwing in a surprise here and there. The things that Johnny does for Mickey is so thoughtful – melts your heart. Mickey is also sweet, strong and a good friend – or they tried to be friends
February 8, 2016
Good-bye, with Love by Niquel starts out with the main characters at the young, innocent age of twelve. Michelle Dawson has been through some hard times. Even though she’s had her parents support, she feels alone sometimes. The things she has gone through is a lot for a twelve-year-old to handle. Jonathan “Johnny” Gates moved with his mother to Massachusetts from North Carolina. Johnny has had trouble and hard times in his past too, and finally is ready to start over. He meets Michelle in science class on his first day at a new school, and thinks she is absolutely beautiful. The two form a close friendship, being together through thick and thin, spending almost all their free time together for months. They both have a feeling they might be experiencing their first loves. Johnny recognized it when “She kept tucking her short hair behind her ear and staring at the flames in front of us. At that moment I knew I was in love with her.” The two don’t want to risk their friendship over something they both know probably wouldn’t last. The rest of the story follows these two over the next ten years, describing all of their ups and downs in life. Coming back together, falling apart, and wondering how each other is all the time. Will Johnny and Michelle be able to find each other and finally admit their love for one another after all this time? Was that love they felt in middle school turning out to be something real? Could it be forever? Find out in Good-bye, with Love!
I would give this story four stars. Niquel did an amazing job writing the story, with diary entries from Michelle so the readers can truly feel her emotions. Every detail and every thought the characters have mean something in the grand scheme of things, and once you get to the end you’ll be amazed at how everything comes together. The progression over the course of ten years is absolutely phenomenal. I would highly recommend this book to everyone! This story is one filled with love, heartbreak, and emotions that will leave you crying, laughing, and believing in love again.
I would give this story four stars. Niquel did an amazing job writing the story, with diary entries from Michelle so the readers can truly feel her emotions. Every detail and every thought the characters have mean something in the grand scheme of things, and once you get to the end you’ll be amazed at how everything comes together. The progression over the course of ten years is absolutely phenomenal. I would highly recommend this book to everyone! This story is one filled with love, heartbreak, and emotions that will leave you crying, laughing, and believing in love again.
January 14, 2016
3.5 Stars!
I feel that Niquel did a great job with the storyline in, Good-bye,with Love. I can never get enough stories about best friends falling in love. I really liked Johnny's character. He was truly one of the best friends anyone can ask for. The way he was there for Michelle when they were young was really sweet. I really liked the friendship they formed with each other. They really formed a strong bond together that most people may not find throughout their entire life. With that being said, I do have to say that I did have a hard time with some of the things that went on in the story. One, was with how young they were and where they were in their lives. I think that being 12 is kind of young to be left to do what you want and thinking about kissing. I guess I'm just not used to relationships being that strong at such a young age. But, that is just my opinion. I also had a hard time with the fact that Michelle held things against Johnny that he could not help.Things that came up and caused issues with their relationship were things out of his control. And yet, she held it against him? I also felt that when it came to the point in their relationship to move on, past the friend zone, it kind of dragged on for me. Every time something could have happened, something always got between them. I felt it start to drag on just a little with that happening more than once. In the end, I did like it. It was nice to be able to see them grow from kids to adults. I enjoyed this story and it's well deserved HEA!
~Juls
January 14, 2016
Title:Good-buy, With Love
Author: Niquel
Publisher: SELF-PUBLISHED
Release Date: DATE
Genre(s): YA
Page Count: 336
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I absolutely loved this book. Good-bye, With Love is an exceptional read. It made me cry a little too. It captured feelings and dynamics of a teenage life so beautifully. I loved the plot, characters and the way it is written. This story follows two tweens as they grow-up together. Michelle (Mickey) has to face cancer at a young age. But she is never alone. Jonathan is a true friend right from the start. He is the new kid in school, and Mickey befriends him from the start. Together they face all the important lessons we grow-up to face.
But what happens when friendship turns to much more? Do you let it go, or tell them. This is what Mickey has to decide.
It was a very touching story. I have to say it's been a while since I read something this heartfelt. I recommend it to everyone and hope that you enjoy it just as much as I did.
Find this book on Goodreads
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
Author: Niquel
Publisher: SELF-PUBLISHED
Release Date: DATE
Genre(s): YA
Page Count: 336
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I absolutely loved this book. Good-bye, With Love is an exceptional read. It made me cry a little too. It captured feelings and dynamics of a teenage life so beautifully. I loved the plot, characters and the way it is written. This story follows two tweens as they grow-up together. Michelle (Mickey) has to face cancer at a young age. But she is never alone. Jonathan is a true friend right from the start. He is the new kid in school, and Mickey befriends him from the start. Together they face all the important lessons we grow-up to face.
But what happens when friendship turns to much more? Do you let it go, or tell them. This is what Mickey has to decide.
It was a very touching story. I have to say it's been a while since I read something this heartfelt. I recommend it to everyone and hope that you enjoy it just as much as I did.
Find this book on Goodreads
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Heather from Alpha Book Club
January 27, 2016
Goodbye With Love was one of the few novels I have had a hard time actually getting into this year. The story line started out slow; the main characters - Mickey Dawson, and Johnny Gates - are twelve years old, and have the world at their feet. When Mickey is diagnosed with cancer at a young age, the reader can easily begin making conclusions that will essentially punch you in the gut come the ending. I stuck through with this novel due to the fact that it did pick-up, and the story line really started to take off. The characters were well developed for the story, and didn't really falter from the original idea of who they were.
I'm not sure where to go with my review because I feel if I put the story line, and touch on the basis of this story that I could give it all away. It certainly didn't end the way I expected it to, and for that it saved a lot of tears. BUT, there are parts of this novel that will have the reader crying, laughing, being mad at Mickey and Johnny, and in complete bliss at the ending. I love the cover for this novel as well; it's simple, but is still enough to draw a reader in.
The only thing that I docked this novel for was honestly the length that it took to get to the main point of the story. I felt that the beginning really drug on, and that it was more focused on their teens, than it was their adult years - which I wish there would have been more of. I will recommend this book due to it's story line - I thought it was unique, and a well told story with a happy ending.
I'm not sure where to go with my review because I feel if I put the story line, and touch on the basis of this story that I could give it all away. It certainly didn't end the way I expected it to, and for that it saved a lot of tears. BUT, there are parts of this novel that will have the reader crying, laughing, being mad at Mickey and Johnny, and in complete bliss at the ending. I love the cover for this novel as well; it's simple, but is still enough to draw a reader in.
The only thing that I docked this novel for was honestly the length that it took to get to the main point of the story. I felt that the beginning really drug on, and that it was more focused on their teens, than it was their adult years - which I wish there would have been more of. I will recommend this book due to it's story line - I thought it was unique, and a well told story with a happy ending.
March 12, 2016
I was given an ARC by Author Groupies in exchange for an honest review.
Johnny and Michelle (Mickey) share something special . When Johnny is the new kid in school it was Mickey that took him under her wing and a special friendship was started from day 1.
Mickey was fighting cancer when they first met and Johnny was fighting his own demons. He and his mum were in the run from his abusive father and they were trying to make a fresh start.
The way Johnny encourages and supports Mickey through the chemo and afterwards has me reaching for the Kleenex , he is but a child and his maturity ,kindness,compassion and empathy is astounding and will leave many adults hanging their heads in shame .
As is with the circle of life Johnny and Mickey have to grow up and life doesn't always unfold as we want it to. Now I understand her frustration and disappointment but i can't help but feel a little annoyed with her attitude , Johnny is trying the best he can and still being a kid himself there's only so much he can do . Tragedy strikes and we see their paths seperate for a while but as it is with soulmates they will find their way to each other again.
I liked this bittersweet tale but I would say it's more for the younger generation ( fair warning about the sex scenes) . The ending felt a little rushed but neither of the last 2 comments will take away the beauty and innocence of the relationship between Johnny and Mickey.
An enjoyable four star read .
Johnny and Michelle (Mickey) share something special . When Johnny is the new kid in school it was Mickey that took him under her wing and a special friendship was started from day 1.
Mickey was fighting cancer when they first met and Johnny was fighting his own demons. He and his mum were in the run from his abusive father and they were trying to make a fresh start.
The way Johnny encourages and supports Mickey through the chemo and afterwards has me reaching for the Kleenex , he is but a child and his maturity ,kindness,compassion and empathy is astounding and will leave many adults hanging their heads in shame .
As is with the circle of life Johnny and Mickey have to grow up and life doesn't always unfold as we want it to. Now I understand her frustration and disappointment but i can't help but feel a little annoyed with her attitude , Johnny is trying the best he can and still being a kid himself there's only so much he can do . Tragedy strikes and we see their paths seperate for a while but as it is with soulmates they will find their way to each other again.
I liked this bittersweet tale but I would say it's more for the younger generation ( fair warning about the sex scenes) . The ending felt a little rushed but neither of the last 2 comments will take away the beauty and innocence of the relationship between Johnny and Mickey.
An enjoyable four star read .
January 23, 2016
Normally I'm not into reading books mostly based in high school. Let's be honest, I'm way over the age to enjoy young kids falling in love. This one however got my attention from the blurb. When I started this book, I didn't know what to think but I was pleasantly surprised with how everything turned out.
Michelle or Mickey as her friends called her met Johnny at a very trying time in life. Johnny became the lifeline she needed to fight this awful disease.. He stood by her side and comforted her when she needed it. He became her best friend until right before high school. Johnny had family issues come up and it separated them. It nearly destroyed Mickey but she fought through it. Once high school started, Mickey was determined to get back her first love, softball and rocked it. Johnny on the other hand, developed the gym and found a passion in that. Both tried to move on but couldn't ignore the ache in their hearts for each other. As time went by, their love never died but things always kept getting in the way. Finally fate steps and they are together. This book turned out to be the exactly right book I needed to read. It wasn't heavy with sex like most books I read and I so needed that right now. I highly enjoyed this book and the sweetness it bought with it.
Review by Amy
Michelle or Mickey as her friends called her met Johnny at a very trying time in life. Johnny became the lifeline she needed to fight this awful disease.. He stood by her side and comforted her when she needed it. He became her best friend until right before high school. Johnny had family issues come up and it separated them. It nearly destroyed Mickey but she fought through it. Once high school started, Mickey was determined to get back her first love, softball and rocked it. Johnny on the other hand, developed the gym and found a passion in that. Both tried to move on but couldn't ignore the ache in their hearts for each other. As time went by, their love never died but things always kept getting in the way. Finally fate steps and they are together. This book turned out to be the exactly right book I needed to read. It wasn't heavy with sex like most books I read and I so needed that right now. I highly enjoyed this book and the sweetness it bought with it.
Review by Amy
January 25, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Niquel, and it surely won't be the last! Going into this, I thought the book would be entirely new adult, but I came to find that the majority of it was young adult. Luckily, I love YA so this was right up my alley. It is the perfect example of the struggles teenagers go through, both in life and in relationships. Johnny is so sweet and caring, exactly what Mickey needed at the most pivotal point in her young life, but just when you think life is perfect, they are torn apart by circumstances against their control. As they move on and grow older, they are thrown back into each other's lives, but have they changed so much that there's no hope for reconciliation?
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fast-paced and hit on all of my emotions (which is impressive for an author to do). I only wish that Mickey's illness had been addressed later in the story as well. There's no mention of her having any checkups or further testing to make sure it hadn't returned, and since it was such an important part of her young life, I was surprised the author hadn't touched on it again. Other than that, I loved it! This was a book that I think both NA and YA readers alike would really enjoy.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fast-paced and hit on all of my emotions (which is impressive for an author to do). I only wish that Mickey's illness had been addressed later in the story as well. There's no mention of her having any checkups or further testing to make sure it hadn't returned, and since it was such an important part of her young life, I was surprised the author hadn't touched on it again. Other than that, I loved it! This was a book that I think both NA and YA readers alike would really enjoy.
January 15, 2016
When I started reading “Good-bye, with Love”, I was surprised the main characters were so young, not even teenagers. Because of the blurb and the cover, I was expecting older characters. The book starts with Mickey’s diary entry and she is only 12 years old. Later on, it is written from dual POV’s – Mickey’s and Johnny’s.
There were a few times I considered not finishing “Good-bye, with Love”. Although I loved the story, I felt the writing let it down. As I mentioned, a lot of the book is written from dual POV’s. That normally doesn’t worry me. In fact, I love it, but when the same events are re-told from different POV’s, it slows down the story and becomes boring. I also thought that the author used too much description. I didn’t need to read a detailed description of what people were wearing or what a place looked like. This was another thing that slowed down the story.
Because of these things, I felt the story was slow and then when it got towards the end, I thought the events that led to the conclusion were rushed. That’s where I would have preferred more detail.
I gave Good-bye, with Love 3 stars and I think I was being generous.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
There were a few times I considered not finishing “Good-bye, with Love”. Although I loved the story, I felt the writing let it down. As I mentioned, a lot of the book is written from dual POV’s. That normally doesn’t worry me. In fact, I love it, but when the same events are re-told from different POV’s, it slows down the story and becomes boring. I also thought that the author used too much description. I didn’t need to read a detailed description of what people were wearing or what a place looked like. This was another thing that slowed down the story.
Because of these things, I felt the story was slow and then when it got towards the end, I thought the events that led to the conclusion were rushed. That’s where I would have preferred more detail.
I gave Good-bye, with Love 3 stars and I think I was being generous.
Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
January 22, 2016
Wow, Good-bye With Love is a great read. Niquel is one of my one click authors. Good-bye With Love is very different from the other book she has written. This one is mild to compared to her other books. It's classified as a mature YA and I think it fits perfectly in the class. After reading it, I did buy a copy for my seventeen year old daughter (I think she'll love it as much as I did).
We meet Michelle (Mickey) and Jonathan (Johnny) when they are twelve. We get both their POVs and we get to read Mickey's journal too. I really like the journal parts. When Mickey meets Johnny she is going through some tough things. Johnny is there for her when she needs him. They form this amazing friendship. As they get older things start to change with them. They go through ups and downs with their relationship. There were parts where they were apart. I so wanted them to be together. The first time they were apart, I was really upset and wanted to stop reading. I was routing for them to be together.
I loved that we get to see Johnny grow into John and Mickey grow into Michelle. It's a great sweet emotional read.
A copy was received for a review.
We meet Michelle (Mickey) and Jonathan (Johnny) when they are twelve. We get both their POVs and we get to read Mickey's journal too. I really like the journal parts. When Mickey meets Johnny she is going through some tough things. Johnny is there for her when she needs him. They form this amazing friendship. As they get older things start to change with them. They go through ups and downs with their relationship. There were parts where they were apart. I so wanted them to be together. The first time they were apart, I was really upset and wanted to stop reading. I was routing for them to be together.
I loved that we get to see Johnny grow into John and Mickey grow into Michelle. It's a great sweet emotional read.
A copy was received for a review.
January 10, 2016
The ARC of Good-Bye, with Love by Niquel was provided in exchange for an honest and spoiler free review. This is my 4 star review.
This journey started when Mickey and Johnny were still both young. Mickey was going through so thought times when she was 12 years old and Johnny was there to help her through it. Johnny being the new kid, took to Mickey and they became inseparably best friends. Life got in the way with circumstances behind their control so they were separated for quite a number of years on and off. Then as young adults with choices of their own they will reunite. Will they get to finally have their happily ever after?
It's a sad but yet sweet story. It's about young love that will never die. Soul mates to be exact. This is not only a love story, but also about friendship and friends supporting each other through difficult times.
The only reason I can't make it a 5 star is because a lot of time was spent in their younger days and I felt the end was rushed. But overall it's nicely written with great characters.
It's a standalone written in dual POV and with an HEA. I would recommend this book.
January 15, 2016
This is different from what the author's written before and she did a great job telling Mickey and Johnny's story. Mickey and Johnny met when she was 12 and going through some hard stuff and he was the new kid at school. From that moment they're inseparable until events out of their control end up separating them Nothing is ever easy and their journey through life until they meet again has it's ups and downs but through it all you see how much they mean to each other.
This is told from different POV and that doesn't always work but I felt for this story it did. With all that happens if was nice to read how they both felt about the events. The author did a great job telling the story in such a way you can't help but feel what they're going through. The story had me laughing and at times crying but I totally enjoyed it. I totally recommend this! I received this in exchange for a honest review.
This is told from different POV and that doesn't always work but I felt for this story it did. With all that happens if was nice to read how they both felt about the events. The author did a great job telling the story in such a way you can't help but feel what they're going through. The story had me laughing and at times crying but I totally enjoyed it. I totally recommend this! I received this in exchange for a honest review.
January 23, 2016
ARC Kindle Copy for Review
They met when they were twelve and became best friends along the way. He was the new kid in town who was running with him mon from an abusive father and she was about to start chemo for cancer. They were always there for each other in good and bad times.
Along the way, they managed to fall for each other but when they finally admit their feelings something comes along the way to tear them apart as he finds somehow to leave her due to his family. When he does return, he tries to be just friend but they are drawn back together and as soon as they attempt to be together he disappears once again.
Will the third time be the charm or are they destined to be apart? Even first loves are full of heartache and the path is never easy but when you are meant to be it will happen.
They met when they were twelve and became best friends along the way. He was the new kid in town who was running with him mon from an abusive father and she was about to start chemo for cancer. They were always there for each other in good and bad times.
Along the way, they managed to fall for each other but when they finally admit their feelings something comes along the way to tear them apart as he finds somehow to leave her due to his family. When he does return, he tries to be just friend but they are drawn back together and as soon as they attempt to be together he disappears once again.
Will the third time be the charm or are they destined to be apart? Even first loves are full of heartache and the path is never easy but when you are meant to be it will happen.
January 7, 2016
Michelle, Mickey as her friends called her, was just thirteen when she met Jonathan Gates. She thought all her friends were weird because all the girls were starting to like guys but not her. Then Johnny walked into her science class. She couldn't take her eyes off him and her heart beat really fast and she wasn't sure why. This story covers their young lives as they grow into an adults. The story was good but I thought it should have been written more for young adults, except it has sex scenes in it. The story was good but it centers more on them both as young teens and not adults. It was a good story of how life entered in and kept them apart even though they were soul mates.
January 30, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are my own. I found it very easy to relate to the main character Mickey and the male lead character Johnathan Gates. I found myself feeling and imagining what Mickey might feel in the situations she experiences in the book. This book was very realistic at times and deals with some medical illness. It also was very sweet and romantic in many places, I felt like it was a well written and well mixed story. It has been awhile since I have read a book like this and I found it to be refreshing. Niquel is certainly an interesting voice. I would recommend this book to other readers.
January 13, 2016
Mickey is a strong girl, but then again you never know how strong you are until something bad happens. At the age of 12 Mickey's life is changed forever. Johnny is new to school and pairs himself up with Mickey to share her science book.Through the years they stick together and fight for each other through thick and thin. This book has a lot of twists and turns and rips your heart out at times. This will give you all the feels. The end had me saying thank god they got through all that and could still be friends. This is a MUST READ!!!!
January 16, 2016
3.5 Stars
This book takes you on a journey of first love, first heartbreak and forever love. This book does start on a somber note, but the bright spot is the friendship between Johnny and Mickey. They have a young love, but as many know life likes to throw wrenches. These two lose their way from each other, but fate always finds away to bring them back. But will one time be too many? I really enjoyed watching these two start as teenagers then journey through life's tough path, but the love they never lose is such a beautiful thing.
This book takes you on a journey of first love, first heartbreak and forever love. This book does start on a somber note, but the bright spot is the friendship between Johnny and Mickey. They have a young love, but as many know life likes to throw wrenches. These two lose their way from each other, but fate always finds away to bring them back. But will one time be too many? I really enjoyed watching these two start as teenagers then journey through life's tough path, but the love they never lose is such a beautiful thing.
January 15, 2016
Your next great read is here!! This book captured me heart and soul, I could not put it down nor did I want to. Amazingly well written story that brings out several emotions within. I was laughing and crying and did not want this book to end. I was truly not expecting this when I read it only because this a different genre for this author and she smashed it!! I'm still dreaming about Mickey and Johnny, sigh. Great job Niquel!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews