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The Goodbye Ride
Olivia Murphy is a woman on a mission. The Ducati motorbike that once belonged to her brother has come up for re-sale. Liv wants to buy the precious bike, and she wants the ink dry on the paperwork before the approaching holiday weekend, when visitors with fat wallets will descend on her tourist-mecca hometown.
Only one person stands in her way.
Owen Carson likes rare and beautiful things and he has the Ducati in his sights. Then he meets Liv, and finds his heart captured by beauty of a far different kind.
How far will Liv go to make the motorbike hers, and is the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend, long enough for Owen to convince Liv he's interested in more than just a holiday fling?
Only one person stands in her way.
Owen Carson likes rare and beautiful things and he has the Ducati in his sights. Then he meets Liv, and finds his heart captured by beauty of a far different kind.
How far will Liv go to make the motorbike hers, and is the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend, long enough for Owen to convince Liv he's interested in more than just a holiday fling?
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First published May 17, 2013
24 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Lily Malone
26 books184 followersLily Malone is a journalist and freelance writer who discovered after years of writing facts for a living, writing romance was much more fun.
Lily juggles writing with the needs of a young family, and when she isn’t writing, she likes gardening, walking, wine, and walking in gardens (sometimes with wine).
She loves to hear from readers and you can visit Lily at www.lilymalone.wordpress.com; email her at lilymalone@mail.com or connect with her here on Goodreads or find and like her page on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/lily.lilymalone
Lily juggles writing with the needs of a young family, and when she isn’t writing, she likes gardening, walking, wine, and walking in gardens (sometimes with wine).
She loves to hear from readers and you can visit Lily at www.lilymalone.wordpress.com; email her at lilymalone@mail.com or connect with her here on Goodreads or find and like her page on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/lily.lilymalone
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 27, 2016
Olivia Murphy has her heart set on buying back her brother's Ducati motorbike. She has been saving up for quite some time and is looking forward to getting the bike back as it means a lot to her. Dean Lang is owner of it and is selling it as he needs the money for a holiday. Once Liv arrives at Deans house it seems she is faced with competition.
Owen Carson has returned from working in Antarctica and he to wants to buy the motorbike and is willing to pay more than Liv can afford. She tries to talk Dean around as he knows how much the bike means to her. But unfortunately Dean will sell it to the person who is willing to pay the higher price and sadly that's not Liv. So Liv leaves without her brothers bike as she can't afford to pay a higher price.
Owen is curious to know why the bike means so much to Liv. So he ends up seeing her again and asks her why the bike means so much to her. Liv tells him that the bike belonged to her brother who is no longer here as he was killed in a car accident. Before the accident their father made her brother sell the bike. Liv remembers the fun times her brother and his friend Ben use to have on the bike.
She thought if she bought the bike back that she and Ben could take a ride up to the river as their way of saying goodbye to Luke.
Owen needs a hand at his aunts vineyard doing some pruning so he and Liv agree that if Liv helps with the pruning that in return Owen will sell her the bike at the agreed price that she could afford. Over the next few days Owen and Liv will become closer to one another and begin to have feelings for each other. But there is something that Owen is hiding which he is not ready to share with Liv.
When the time comes for Owen to hand over the bike he is no where to be seen. Liv waits for him where they have arranged to meet, but he doesn't show up. So has Owen left town and taken the bike with him knowing how much the bike and the ride with Ben means to Liv?
This is a beautifully written romance which I really enjoyed. This novella is based around South Australia a place I have visited a few times so I could really connect with the story. A delightful light read which I HIGHLY recommend. Looking forward to reading more by this fabulous Aussie author.
Owen Carson has returned from working in Antarctica and he to wants to buy the motorbike and is willing to pay more than Liv can afford. She tries to talk Dean around as he knows how much the bike means to her. But unfortunately Dean will sell it to the person who is willing to pay the higher price and sadly that's not Liv. So Liv leaves without her brothers bike as she can't afford to pay a higher price.
Owen is curious to know why the bike means so much to Liv. So he ends up seeing her again and asks her why the bike means so much to her. Liv tells him that the bike belonged to her brother who is no longer here as he was killed in a car accident. Before the accident their father made her brother sell the bike. Liv remembers the fun times her brother and his friend Ben use to have on the bike.
She thought if she bought the bike back that she and Ben could take a ride up to the river as their way of saying goodbye to Luke.
Owen needs a hand at his aunts vineyard doing some pruning so he and Liv agree that if Liv helps with the pruning that in return Owen will sell her the bike at the agreed price that she could afford. Over the next few days Owen and Liv will become closer to one another and begin to have feelings for each other. But there is something that Owen is hiding which he is not ready to share with Liv.
When the time comes for Owen to hand over the bike he is no where to be seen. Liv waits for him where they have arranged to meet, but he doesn't show up. So has Owen left town and taken the bike with him knowing how much the bike and the ride with Ben means to Liv?
This is a beautifully written romance which I really enjoyed. This novella is based around South Australia a place I have visited a few times so I could really connect with the story. A delightful light read which I HIGHLY recommend. Looking forward to reading more by this fabulous Aussie author.
September 7, 2017
The Goodbye Ride is about saying goodbye and moving on after a loved one dies. Olivia Murphy saw in the local paper her brother's Bike a Ducati Pantah 650. However, when Olivia got there with the money, the bike was sold to Owen Carson. The loss of the motorcycle was devastating to Olivia Murphy. The readers of The Goodbye Ride will continue to follow Owen Carson and Olivia Murphy to see what happens to the bike.
The Goodbye Ride is a lovely sweet romance, and I enjoyed reading it. I like the way Lily Malone portrays her characters. The way Lily Malone describes her settings allows her readers to feel like they are living in Adelaide Hills. The Goodbye Ride highlights the importance of always respecting and supporting your children.
Readers of Goodbye Ride will start to think about how you treat and think about friends and family in same sex relationships. Also, readers of Goodbye Ride will learn about pruning wine grape bushes. Reading the Goodbye Ride, you will learn about vintage motorbikes and guitars.
I recommend this book.
The Goodbye Ride is a lovely sweet romance, and I enjoyed reading it. I like the way Lily Malone portrays her characters. The way Lily Malone describes her settings allows her readers to feel like they are living in Adelaide Hills. The Goodbye Ride highlights the importance of always respecting and supporting your children.
Readers of Goodbye Ride will start to think about how you treat and think about friends and family in same sex relationships. Also, readers of Goodbye Ride will learn about pruning wine grape bushes. Reading the Goodbye Ride, you will learn about vintage motorbikes and guitars.
I recommend this book.
June 5, 2013
Olivia Murphy was heading over to a house in her suburb of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, with the deposit she had saved to buy the classic Ducati motorbike which had once belonged to her brother, Luke. She was given first option on it when it went up for sale, and she was determined to have it. But as she was arriving at the house, a hot ute with an even hotter driver was also pulling up…in her haste to get there first, she fell, ending up on her backside with the contents of her handbag strewn around her, including the money in its plastic bag.
Owen Carson helped Liv to her feet, and even though his touch sent shivers through her (it was winter after all!) she shrugged him off, and headed up the path to the front door, money in hand. But when Owen was more than happy to pay the asking price, more than Liv could manage, she found herself without the papers saying she was the new owner. She was devastated, and rushed off, not wanted the two men to see her tears.
Liv’s Mum and Dad had gone away for this four day long weekend in June, and she was going to enjoy the house, empty, quiet and peaceful, without her mum’s pedantic presence and her dad’s bitterness. The past had been hard on the family, and this weekend Liv and Ben had wanted to ride their motorbikes to Mannum, for their goodbye ride to Liv’s beloved brother Luke.
With Liv’s dreams shattered, and her thoughts in turmoil over the deliciously handsome Owen, she was tentatively optimistic when he asked to see her that night. Would Liv be able to fulfil her promise to herself and go on the goodbye ride? And would Owen leave town in a matter of days?
I really enjoyed this novella by WA writer Lily Malone. The characters were warm and endearing, and I loved Liv. She had such strength of character and was determined to turn her life around; get rid of the baggage once and for all. Some of the areas mentioned; Hahndorf, Adelaide, Mannum and Mount Gambier, are all places I know, so I travelled with the characters all the way through the story. Highly recommended.
Owen Carson helped Liv to her feet, and even though his touch sent shivers through her (it was winter after all!) she shrugged him off, and headed up the path to the front door, money in hand. But when Owen was more than happy to pay the asking price, more than Liv could manage, she found herself without the papers saying she was the new owner. She was devastated, and rushed off, not wanted the two men to see her tears.
Liv’s Mum and Dad had gone away for this four day long weekend in June, and she was going to enjoy the house, empty, quiet and peaceful, without her mum’s pedantic presence and her dad’s bitterness. The past had been hard on the family, and this weekend Liv and Ben had wanted to ride their motorbikes to Mannum, for their goodbye ride to Liv’s beloved brother Luke.
With Liv’s dreams shattered, and her thoughts in turmoil over the deliciously handsome Owen, she was tentatively optimistic when he asked to see her that night. Would Liv be able to fulfil her promise to herself and go on the goodbye ride? And would Owen leave town in a matter of days?
I really enjoyed this novella by WA writer Lily Malone. The characters were warm and endearing, and I loved Liv. She had such strength of character and was determined to turn her life around; get rid of the baggage once and for all. Some of the areas mentioned; Hahndorf, Adelaide, Mannum and Mount Gambier, are all places I know, so I travelled with the characters all the way through the story. Highly recommended.
May 30, 2013
I loved this book! I would normally never start a review with that, however, that is how I feel about talented Australian writer Lily Malone's
The Goodbye Ride
.
It's a novella based in South Australia, so if this is a place you thought you would like to visit, Malone's beautiful descriptive prose, might further entice you. Not only are the environs picturesque in The Goodbye Ride, but the narrative is equally rich in passion and depth of storyline.
What it lacks in length, it makes up in intensity. Owen and Liv's story was a wonderful one to read. There were many warm and humorous moments, completely captivating my attention throughout. There was the requisite moment of tension and angst, followed by the desired HEA. After all, that is what we love about romance stories, is it not?
Grab this book if you enjoy a light, sexy and fun read, with entertaining wit and delightful visuals!
It's a novella based in South Australia, so if this is a place you thought you would like to visit, Malone's beautiful descriptive prose, might further entice you. Not only are the environs picturesque in The Goodbye Ride, but the narrative is equally rich in passion and depth of storyline.
What it lacks in length, it makes up in intensity. Owen and Liv's story was a wonderful one to read. There were many warm and humorous moments, completely captivating my attention throughout. There was the requisite moment of tension and angst, followed by the desired HEA. After all, that is what we love about romance stories, is it not?
Grab this book if you enjoy a light, sexy and fun read, with entertaining wit and delightful visuals!
May 5, 2016
3.5 stars
Olivia only wanted to buy back his brother's Ducati motorbike to say a proper goodbye to him. The day she was able to shelve enough money to get the bike, was the day she fell on Owen Carson's feet and lost the bike to him.
Astounded by Liv's carefree and wild attitude, Owen offered to sell back the bike at a lower price, if she could help him prune his Aunt's grape vines. There's something about her that mystified him, that only the cold wind of Antarctica could defrost. Shocked by the turn of events, Liv decided to take the offer and take the chance. Only for the winter. But what if something else evolved and grew, would she able to take it if he leave her after their winter tryst? For a man she knew nothing of, could Owen Carson be trusted once and for all?
This was indeed beautifully written, romantically set and boosted with funny characters. He worked in the cold Antarctica but Owen decided to go back to Adelaide Hills. His timing couldn't be more perfect for Olivia, who was on her farewell tribute to her late brother, Luke. A gay brother who died with a broken heart after his own father disowned him. This last trip with his Ducati was her only thread to their past, but it seemed like fate wasn't agreeing with her.
I cried for Luke for the unfairness and discrimination he suffered when he was alive. I cried for Olivia for her family's misery. I cried for Owen for his past, for his grandfather who died in the hands of reckless people.
But I also laughed at Liv's blithe and nonchalant attitude, for loving her brother unconditionally and for all her memories with Owen, in the rain and in the grape vine. I laughed at Owen's aunt and cousin who were something else, comical and amusing and always got the perfect timing.
This is a story of tears, love, hatred, acceptance, freedom and goodbyes. A story that features the beautiful southern side of Australia. A story that's recommended to those who have loved and lost, and were glad to have loved at all.
Olivia only wanted to buy back his brother's Ducati motorbike to say a proper goodbye to him. The day she was able to shelve enough money to get the bike, was the day she fell on Owen Carson's feet and lost the bike to him.
Astounded by Liv's carefree and wild attitude, Owen offered to sell back the bike at a lower price, if she could help him prune his Aunt's grape vines. There's something about her that mystified him, that only the cold wind of Antarctica could defrost. Shocked by the turn of events, Liv decided to take the offer and take the chance. Only for the winter. But what if something else evolved and grew, would she able to take it if he leave her after their winter tryst? For a man she knew nothing of, could Owen Carson be trusted once and for all?
This was indeed beautifully written, romantically set and boosted with funny characters. He worked in the cold Antarctica but Owen decided to go back to Adelaide Hills. His timing couldn't be more perfect for Olivia, who was on her farewell tribute to her late brother, Luke. A gay brother who died with a broken heart after his own father disowned him. This last trip with his Ducati was her only thread to their past, but it seemed like fate wasn't agreeing with her.
I cried for Luke for the unfairness and discrimination he suffered when he was alive. I cried for Olivia for her family's misery. I cried for Owen for his past, for his grandfather who died in the hands of reckless people.
But I also laughed at Liv's blithe and nonchalant attitude, for loving her brother unconditionally and for all her memories with Owen, in the rain and in the grape vine. I laughed at Owen's aunt and cousin who were something else, comical and amusing and always got the perfect timing.
This is a story of tears, love, hatred, acceptance, freedom and goodbyes. A story that features the beautiful southern side of Australia. A story that's recommended to those who have loved and lost, and were glad to have loved at all.
May 21, 2013
I was offered the chance to review The Goodbye Ride early and despite author Lily Malone's nail-biting wait for a thumbs-up, she need not have worried. I enjoyed it! Blue Eyes and I married in a vineyard, so a romance set in one of Australia's best-known wine growing regions, the lovely Barossa Valley, had immediate appeal.
Short, sweet and a little bit spicy, The Goodbye Ride is a novella that takes place over a few days. The two protagonists, Olivia and Owen, meet at the start and sparks fly. For Olivia, it's because Owen has just out-bid her on a motorbike she's been saving hard to buy - it was her late brother's and holds great sentimental value. Owen just sees a collector's bike and cashed up after a stint in Antarctica, he can afford to pay the asking price. And he sees a pretty cute chick. The conflict is introduced smoothly and believably - you get Olivia's frustration and sadness (which you realise comes from a deeper place than not getting what she wants). As it turns out, Owen's a perceptive guy, willing to give up what to him is a "toy" for someone who needs it more (how can a reader not like that?). Olivia, of course, takes a while to get this; she's suspicious of his motives.
There's a nice little pride and prejudice element in there that I liked. No, The Goodbye Ride is not trying to emulate the classic, but the typical 'girl judges boy' theme is strong. Olivia sees Owen driving a ute and judges him rather harshly - he must be the same as the other ute-driving guys who mocked her brother for being gay. Right? The pride and prejudice mostly comes from her - she's got her walls up; Owen, remorseful about an incident in his own life, seems more open. However, despite Olivia's tendency to jump to conclusions, I liked her and I understood where she was coming from. Unlike her "wipe it clean" mother and controlling father, Olivia is still able to show her emotions. Owen, well, he was a dream of a man - insightful, sensitive ... and manly (he didn't feel the cold much after being in Antarctica, so he wore rather less clothes than Olivia was comfortable with). Both of the characters were a good fit and I hoped they'd jump all the hurdles in their way and end up together. And when they did? Just the right amount of sizzle. A sign of good writing! If you can't imagine the characters together, what's the point?
Until fairly recently, I've tended not to read romance novels, but since I've set up my review site I've been re-introduced to them; when they're written well, they make a light, satisfying read, just right for balancing out some of the heavier, more thought-provoking books I often favour. The Goodbye Ride was well-written and fun; the conflicts and sexual tension resolved well in a short word count and the storyline and attraction was believable. Reading it tells me that Lily Malone has a good future in writing fiction. You can tell she's having fun when she writes, interspersing (I'm guessing) bits of herself and her life here and there, and that she's dedicated to her craft. Sometimes it's hard to put the journalist away and let creativity rule (I'm a journo, I know how squashed it gets), but I don't read Lily's work and think "journo"!
If you're looking for a short read in which the spice enhances the romantic and dramatic elements (rather than overpowers it), you won't go wrong with The Goodbye Ride.
Short, sweet and a little bit spicy, The Goodbye Ride is a novella that takes place over a few days. The two protagonists, Olivia and Owen, meet at the start and sparks fly. For Olivia, it's because Owen has just out-bid her on a motorbike she's been saving hard to buy - it was her late brother's and holds great sentimental value. Owen just sees a collector's bike and cashed up after a stint in Antarctica, he can afford to pay the asking price. And he sees a pretty cute chick. The conflict is introduced smoothly and believably - you get Olivia's frustration and sadness (which you realise comes from a deeper place than not getting what she wants). As it turns out, Owen's a perceptive guy, willing to give up what to him is a "toy" for someone who needs it more (how can a reader not like that?). Olivia, of course, takes a while to get this; she's suspicious of his motives.
There's a nice little pride and prejudice element in there that I liked. No, The Goodbye Ride is not trying to emulate the classic, but the typical 'girl judges boy' theme is strong. Olivia sees Owen driving a ute and judges him rather harshly - he must be the same as the other ute-driving guys who mocked her brother for being gay. Right? The pride and prejudice mostly comes from her - she's got her walls up; Owen, remorseful about an incident in his own life, seems more open. However, despite Olivia's tendency to jump to conclusions, I liked her and I understood where she was coming from. Unlike her "wipe it clean" mother and controlling father, Olivia is still able to show her emotions. Owen, well, he was a dream of a man - insightful, sensitive ... and manly (he didn't feel the cold much after being in Antarctica, so he wore rather less clothes than Olivia was comfortable with). Both of the characters were a good fit and I hoped they'd jump all the hurdles in their way and end up together. And when they did? Just the right amount of sizzle. A sign of good writing! If you can't imagine the characters together, what's the point?
Until fairly recently, I've tended not to read romance novels, but since I've set up my review site I've been re-introduced to them; when they're written well, they make a light, satisfying read, just right for balancing out some of the heavier, more thought-provoking books I often favour. The Goodbye Ride was well-written and fun; the conflicts and sexual tension resolved well in a short word count and the storyline and attraction was believable. Reading it tells me that Lily Malone has a good future in writing fiction. You can tell she's having fun when she writes, interspersing (I'm guessing) bits of herself and her life here and there, and that she's dedicated to her craft. Sometimes it's hard to put the journalist away and let creativity rule (I'm a journo, I know how squashed it gets), but I don't read Lily's work and think "journo"!
If you're looking for a short read in which the spice enhances the romantic and dramatic elements (rather than overpowers it), you won't go wrong with The Goodbye Ride.
June 16, 2016
It must have been fate that I picked this up to read over The Queen's Birthday long weekend because it was set over The Queen's Birthday long weekend. I enjoyed being taken back to the quaint German themed town of Handorf in the Adelaide Hills, where I went on a family holiday last year (in September - June was too cold for us).
Just like a Ducati, this romance novella went from sweet to raunchy in under three seconds. It handled the ups and downs of the Adelaide Hills perfectly, and pulled up to a perfect ending. It was a fun day trip and I look forward to going for a longer ride with Lily Malone soon. I think that's enough motorbike similes for one review.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just like a Ducati, this romance novella went from sweet to raunchy in under three seconds. It handled the ups and downs of the Adelaide Hills perfectly, and pulled up to a perfect ending. It was a fun day trip and I look forward to going for a longer ride with Lily Malone soon. I think that's enough motorbike similes for one review.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2013
A beloved motorcycle - the Ducati Pantah 650 - is the centrepiece of Lily Malone's The Goodbye Ride.
The story is set in the luscious grape-growing region of South Australia, the location of Lily's debut, His Brand of Beautiful, released earlier this year.
The story tells of young viticulturist Liv's opportunity to say one last goodbye to her brother, killed three years previously in a traffic accident (not involving the bike).
As a fitting tribute, she intends to buy back her brother's bike and go on a ride with her late brother's boyfriend.
All good, until some thong-wearing, black T-shirt sporting Neanderthal driving the hated symbol of Australian redneckery - a ute with RM Williams stickers (marque left undescibed but I'm betting it was a Holden ;-) ) - has bought the Duke right from out of Liv's nose.
But Owen is not a homophobic, good ole boy who reacts with horror when Liv explains why the bike is important to her, but rather he offers her the opportunity to purchase the bike back, as much moved by the story as he is drawn by the hidden vulnerability he sees in Liv.
Yet Owen has a past of which he's not proud of either which gives him an interesting complexity as he woos Liv.
Just like the Ducati Pantah, The Goodbye Ride is nimble and peppy and as Lily takes us for a ride through the beautiful countryside outside Adelaide, we're engaged with developing relationship between Liv and Owen.
According to Real Classic: "The Pantah had remarkably tall gearing (it wouldn't rev out in top), and not much in the way of low down power or mid-range torque. Riders needed to slip the clutch to achieve a rapid getaway, and keep revving to get the best from the engine."
In some respects The Goodbye Ride is similar.
In top gear is the romance between Liv and Owen which is where The Goodbye Ride really shows what it is capable of.
However, the low gear subplot regarding her brother's life and relationship with his parents, sounds an unnecessarily harsh exhaust note to an otherwise very finely tuned story.
Perhaps some of those themes are better explored on a longer ride of a novel instead of a quarter mile sprint of a novella.
But being partial to wine and now very partial to Lily Malone's storytelling, I'm off to grab a copy of His Brand of Beautiful to enjoy with a glass or two of Barossa's finest, know them both to be a complementary pairing, indeed.
The story is set in the luscious grape-growing region of South Australia, the location of Lily's debut, His Brand of Beautiful, released earlier this year.
The story tells of young viticulturist Liv's opportunity to say one last goodbye to her brother, killed three years previously in a traffic accident (not involving the bike).
As a fitting tribute, she intends to buy back her brother's bike and go on a ride with her late brother's boyfriend.
All good, until some thong-wearing, black T-shirt sporting Neanderthal driving the hated symbol of Australian redneckery - a ute with RM Williams stickers (marque left undescibed but I'm betting it was a Holden ;-) ) - has bought the Duke right from out of Liv's nose.
But Owen is not a homophobic, good ole boy who reacts with horror when Liv explains why the bike is important to her, but rather he offers her the opportunity to purchase the bike back, as much moved by the story as he is drawn by the hidden vulnerability he sees in Liv.
Yet Owen has a past of which he's not proud of either which gives him an interesting complexity as he woos Liv.
Just like the Ducati Pantah, The Goodbye Ride is nimble and peppy and as Lily takes us for a ride through the beautiful countryside outside Adelaide, we're engaged with developing relationship between Liv and Owen.
According to Real Classic: "The Pantah had remarkably tall gearing (it wouldn't rev out in top), and not much in the way of low down power or mid-range torque. Riders needed to slip the clutch to achieve a rapid getaway, and keep revving to get the best from the engine."
In some respects The Goodbye Ride is similar.
In top gear is the romance between Liv and Owen which is where The Goodbye Ride really shows what it is capable of.
However, the low gear subplot regarding her brother's life and relationship with his parents, sounds an unnecessarily harsh exhaust note to an otherwise very finely tuned story.
Perhaps some of those themes are better explored on a longer ride of a novel instead of a quarter mile sprint of a novella.
But being partial to wine and now very partial to Lily Malone's storytelling, I'm off to grab a copy of His Brand of Beautiful to enjoy with a glass or two of Barossa's finest, know them both to be a complementary pairing, indeed.
May 18, 2014
The Goodbye Ride is one of my favourite reads. Some novellas can leave me feeling a little short changed in relation to the depth of the characters and execution of the plot. It's harder for an author to capture the essence of a story and its characters within the word limit of a novella, but Lily Malone has nailed this well and truly.
Lily creates real people in her books, not just characters. This is my second Lily Malone book (Fairway to Heaven being my first), and I have to say that with both of them I felt as though I had spent time with old friends instead of fictional people. She is able to bring the reader right into the emotion and depth of the story. Her style is honest, authentic but without being contrived. She writes of real people in real situations, but without making it glossy or overly dramatic.
Lovable characters, beautiful location descriptions and a heart warming story that had me turning the page, The Goodbye Ride was a pleasure to read. One I will certainly return to again.
Lily creates real people in her books, not just characters. This is my second Lily Malone book (Fairway to Heaven being my first), and I have to say that with both of them I felt as though I had spent time with old friends instead of fictional people. She is able to bring the reader right into the emotion and depth of the story. Her style is honest, authentic but without being contrived. She writes of real people in real situations, but without making it glossy or overly dramatic.
Lovable characters, beautiful location descriptions and a heart warming story that had me turning the page, The Goodbye Ride was a pleasure to read. One I will certainly return to again.
January 19, 2014
The Goodbye Ride is a novella and the romance takes place over 5 days - so it's quick ... and beautiful.
Olivia has had a bad few years but has plans for the June long weekend to be the turning point towards a better future - except she was planning a small change, however life serves her up major changes, all lumped together.
Owen is a hero with muscles, caveman muscles shown off by few clothes, but he's incredibly sweet. A perfect hero combination.
Lily Malone has some fantastic lines in this novella - my particular favourites were one about a penguin, another about firemen. The writing is smooth, full of the beauty of the South Australian wine growing region, a joy to read.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, where you can laugh and maybe shed a tear, then this is a great one.
Olivia has had a bad few years but has plans for the June long weekend to be the turning point towards a better future - except she was planning a small change, however life serves her up major changes, all lumped together.
Owen is a hero with muscles, caveman muscles shown off by few clothes, but he's incredibly sweet. A perfect hero combination.
Lily Malone has some fantastic lines in this novella - my particular favourites were one about a penguin, another about firemen. The writing is smooth, full of the beauty of the South Australian wine growing region, a joy to read.
If you're looking for a sweet romance, where you can laugh and maybe shed a tear, then this is a great one.
April 26, 2016
This review is based on an ARC provided by the author and /or publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
3.5
This was a very poignant contemporary romance. The author endeavored to shed light on the unfairness and disgusting behavior of the ignorant and prejudiced peoples that discriminate against those with alternative sexual preferences.
3.5
This was a very poignant contemporary romance. The author endeavored to shed light on the unfairness and disgusting behavior of the ignorant and prejudiced peoples that discriminate against those with alternative sexual preferences.
June 10, 2013
I was impressed by deeper issues dealt with in this novella while remaining light, fresh and sexy. The characters are real and believable, and totally loveable. There are sections of fantastic dialogue that flows so naturally with flecks of humour and clever banter. A great read.
April 25, 2016
Sweet too short story that, as far as its take on the stigma of being gay, could have been written five years ago.
May 28, 2013
Olivia has one goal in mind and that is buying back her brother’s beloved Ducati motorbike. Their father forced her brother to sell it years ago and now that the person who bought it wants to sell it in order to fund an overseas trip, Olivia has scraped together every cent she can muster to put in a good offer. They’re asking too much, but she’s confident she can secure the bike for the amount she has.
What she didn’t count on was some competition.
Owen Carson has recently returned from a stint working in Antarctica and he offers more than Olivia can afford for the Ducati. Despite a verbal agreement with Liv, the father of the owner sells the bike to Owen for the higher offer and Olivia can’t hide her devastation. She wants this bike back so badly – she plans to use it to go for a tribute ride to her late brother up to a place he loved, a final goodbye.
Owen is intrigued by Olivia and he makes her an offer – if she helps him prune his aunt’s vineyard, he’ll sell her the Ducati for her best offer, the one he trumped. He needs some help and after talking to Olivia, he realises that she knows what she’s doing. Olivia agrees to spend a couple of days working with Owen and in return, she gets the bike she wants back so badly. What she didn’t bank on was the rather heady attraction that she develops to Owen – which seems to be more than returned. But Owen doesn’t seem the type to stay and he also has a secret that might drive a wedge between him and Olivia.
I read and enjoyed Lily Malone’s Harlequin Escape title His Brand of Beautiful so when she contacted me to offer me a chance to read her self-published novella, I was happy to accept. The Goodbye Ride is about a sister who wants to honour her deceased brother by purchasing back his most prized possession so that she can use it in her own way to say goodbye. Her brother was killed in a car accident and since then, her family has somewhat fallen apart. Her mother cleans the house obsessively (more than obsessively) and Olivia’s dad, who was not exactly tolerant of his late son’s chosen lifestyle has asked Olivia for some help. The only link Olivia seems to have to her brother is his former lover Ben, with whom she’s going to undertake the memorial ride. Ben has his own bike but Olivia wants Luke’s bike to ride.
I really enjoyed this read from start to finish! Olivia is so desperate to get back the bike that it’s hard not to feel sympathy for her when she fails and her devastation is so obvious. She and her brother seemed very close and it’s obviously been a struggle for her without him and the changes it has brought upon her life, such as having to move back in with her parents. When she sees Owen for the first time, driving a hotted up ute, she makes a judgement based on that alone. She sees him as another country yobbo who probably just wants the Duc to roar around irresponsibly on. When Owen catches up with her after she fails to get the bike, she realises then that she may not have been right.
Owen is such a fun character – he’s recently back from Antarctica and has a habit of wandering around in a T-shirt and shorts (in the middle of winter in South Australia) which Olivia finds baffling. When he hears her story, he offers her the bike back in return for helping him which is an offer Olivia cannot refuse and the two of them work together in the vineyards for several days, chatting, sharing things about each other. Olivia overhears Owen’s cousin insulting football players on TV using a homosexual insult which offends her because it’s what her brother faced when he was alive and I liked the way in which this issue was addressed. It’s not uncommon to hear that shouted at the footy or in groups watching football when players do something clumsy or ineffectual – most people don’t even realise they’re saying it or who could possibly be around them that might be deeply offended by it. How did that sort of thing become common and why is it thought to be okay by some people? Even Owen tries to make excuses for his cousin “he doesn’t mean anything by it” – well people seldom do, given it’s screamed at people they don’t know the first thing about. But they do still do it and it is wrong. It was interesting to read about that from the point of view of someone who had a gay brother.
The romance in this is sweet and sexy at the same time. Owen is lovely and I adored the way that he listened to Olivia and made her feel good about herself. He also has a secret which he fears will make Olivia judge him or look at him differently but… (and this is the kicker) he still tells her. I’m a big fan of no secrets, even when the character thinks that what they have to say may impact upon them negatively. Owen is remorseful for his past actions and his honesty is appealing and I feel that means a lot to Olivia. I also really appreciated the character development of Olivia’s father (who only appears briefly at the end) a probably stereotypical Aussie bloke, a fire fighter who struggled with the fact that his only son was gay. He makes real steps towards the end of the book to let go of this. A lot was done with this character in a short amount of time, but it wasn’t unbelievable or cheesy. It rang very genuine – it seems that Olivia and Ben undertaking the memorial ride together had some extra benefits as well for Olivia and her family.
The Goodbye Ride definitely gave me more than I expected – it’s a cute romance with an exploration of some deeper issues underneath the surface.
What she didn’t count on was some competition.
Owen Carson has recently returned from a stint working in Antarctica and he offers more than Olivia can afford for the Ducati. Despite a verbal agreement with Liv, the father of the owner sells the bike to Owen for the higher offer and Olivia can’t hide her devastation. She wants this bike back so badly – she plans to use it to go for a tribute ride to her late brother up to a place he loved, a final goodbye.
Owen is intrigued by Olivia and he makes her an offer – if she helps him prune his aunt’s vineyard, he’ll sell her the Ducati for her best offer, the one he trumped. He needs some help and after talking to Olivia, he realises that she knows what she’s doing. Olivia agrees to spend a couple of days working with Owen and in return, she gets the bike she wants back so badly. What she didn’t bank on was the rather heady attraction that she develops to Owen – which seems to be more than returned. But Owen doesn’t seem the type to stay and he also has a secret that might drive a wedge between him and Olivia.
I read and enjoyed Lily Malone’s Harlequin Escape title His Brand of Beautiful so when she contacted me to offer me a chance to read her self-published novella, I was happy to accept. The Goodbye Ride is about a sister who wants to honour her deceased brother by purchasing back his most prized possession so that she can use it in her own way to say goodbye. Her brother was killed in a car accident and since then, her family has somewhat fallen apart. Her mother cleans the house obsessively (more than obsessively) and Olivia’s dad, who was not exactly tolerant of his late son’s chosen lifestyle has asked Olivia for some help. The only link Olivia seems to have to her brother is his former lover Ben, with whom she’s going to undertake the memorial ride. Ben has his own bike but Olivia wants Luke’s bike to ride.
I really enjoyed this read from start to finish! Olivia is so desperate to get back the bike that it’s hard not to feel sympathy for her when she fails and her devastation is so obvious. She and her brother seemed very close and it’s obviously been a struggle for her without him and the changes it has brought upon her life, such as having to move back in with her parents. When she sees Owen for the first time, driving a hotted up ute, she makes a judgement based on that alone. She sees him as another country yobbo who probably just wants the Duc to roar around irresponsibly on. When Owen catches up with her after she fails to get the bike, she realises then that she may not have been right.
Owen is such a fun character – he’s recently back from Antarctica and has a habit of wandering around in a T-shirt and shorts (in the middle of winter in South Australia) which Olivia finds baffling. When he hears her story, he offers her the bike back in return for helping him which is an offer Olivia cannot refuse and the two of them work together in the vineyards for several days, chatting, sharing things about each other. Olivia overhears Owen’s cousin insulting football players on TV using a homosexual insult which offends her because it’s what her brother faced when he was alive and I liked the way in which this issue was addressed. It’s not uncommon to hear that shouted at the footy or in groups watching football when players do something clumsy or ineffectual – most people don’t even realise they’re saying it or who could possibly be around them that might be deeply offended by it. How did that sort of thing become common and why is it thought to be okay by some people? Even Owen tries to make excuses for his cousin “he doesn’t mean anything by it” – well people seldom do, given it’s screamed at people they don’t know the first thing about. But they do still do it and it is wrong. It was interesting to read about that from the point of view of someone who had a gay brother.
The romance in this is sweet and sexy at the same time. Owen is lovely and I adored the way that he listened to Olivia and made her feel good about herself. He also has a secret which he fears will make Olivia judge him or look at him differently but… (and this is the kicker) he still tells her. I’m a big fan of no secrets, even when the character thinks that what they have to say may impact upon them negatively. Owen is remorseful for his past actions and his honesty is appealing and I feel that means a lot to Olivia. I also really appreciated the character development of Olivia’s father (who only appears briefly at the end) a probably stereotypical Aussie bloke, a fire fighter who struggled with the fact that his only son was gay. He makes real steps towards the end of the book to let go of this. A lot was done with this character in a short amount of time, but it wasn’t unbelievable or cheesy. It rang very genuine – it seems that Olivia and Ben undertaking the memorial ride together had some extra benefits as well for Olivia and her family.
The Goodbye Ride definitely gave me more than I expected – it’s a cute romance with an exploration of some deeper issues underneath the surface.
September 30, 2013
It’s the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Hahndorf, Adelaide Hills, South Australia and Olivia Murphy’s finally managed to scrape together a deposit for something close to her heart – the Duke which once belonged to her brother. Cash in hand, she makes her way to the seller’s house to exercise her first right of refusal but, as luck would have it, someone else, in the form of Owen Carson, arrives and “steals” the show (or motorbike in this case)!
First impressions of Owen abound in Liv’s mind, but after the deal is done and, sensing her disappointment, he seeks her out and makes a proposition.
What follows is a comedy of errors from mistaken first impressions – “Thongs! … didn’t Mr Muscle Car know it was June”, an embarrassing fall – “Liv heard a flap clap sound and thought for a second that some arsehole was applauding her fall”, a bit of sexy guitar playing – “she couldn’t help but imagine those skilled fingers plucking at her own body”, to an ignition of passion – “He pushed off the bench and moved close … Saliva pooled on her tongue, rich with the taste of how much she wanted him” and extreme panic when she discovers that perhaps Owen has taken what he wants with no regard to her feelings.
I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon this novella by Lily Malone, but it could have had something to do with Facebook, a bit of humorous banter between us and another fabulous author, all whilst consuming a few glasses of wine, when I came across a post on Lily’s blog seeking reviewers for her novella. Needless to say, after putting in my request that night a few months back, Ms Malone has been biting her fingernails in anticipation of my review! I’m pleased to say that she need not have feared “this woman who is going to review our books” and I do hope that her nails aren’t too badly damaged.
The Goodbye Ride provided me with some much needed escapism from the “heavy” psychological literature to which I usually subject myself and, without having read her first novel, His Brand of Beautiful released by Escape Publishing in March 2013 (and which has already landed on my burgeoning TBR shelf), I can honestly say that I have found another Aussie author who has earned a place on my bookshelf.
I can imagine how difficult it must be to write a condensed story (not unlike trying to condense a book review!), but Lily is clearly talented enough to pull it off, incorporating all the elements of a novella into her thirty-two thousand two hundred words. She has focused on one main plot and conflict leaving no loose ends, moves her scenes along at a brisk speed without detracting from maximum emotional impact and at no time did I feel that the story was rushed. The dialogue is effective and while Ms Malone has stuck to another element of novella writing by not burdening the plot with too many minor characters, the sub-characters she does introduce to advance her story have been created with the perfect amount of depth.
Olivia and Owen are very well-developed and this enabled me to connect emotionally with them as they drew me into their lives and I felt that some of the scenes just sizzled right off the page – particularly the motorbike scene which evoked in me memories of another bike scene from one of my favourite movies, Top Gun – hubba hubba!
Fast-paced, light and extremely entertaining with some very saucy romance, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this for a dreary winter’s day with a blanket tucked over your feet and a glass or two of velvety South Australian red.
First impressions of Owen abound in Liv’s mind, but after the deal is done and, sensing her disappointment, he seeks her out and makes a proposition.
What follows is a comedy of errors from mistaken first impressions – “Thongs! … didn’t Mr Muscle Car know it was June”, an embarrassing fall – “Liv heard a flap clap sound and thought for a second that some arsehole was applauding her fall”, a bit of sexy guitar playing – “she couldn’t help but imagine those skilled fingers plucking at her own body”, to an ignition of passion – “He pushed off the bench and moved close … Saliva pooled on her tongue, rich with the taste of how much she wanted him” and extreme panic when she discovers that perhaps Owen has taken what he wants with no regard to her feelings.
I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon this novella by Lily Malone, but it could have had something to do with Facebook, a bit of humorous banter between us and another fabulous author, all whilst consuming a few glasses of wine, when I came across a post on Lily’s blog seeking reviewers for her novella. Needless to say, after putting in my request that night a few months back, Ms Malone has been biting her fingernails in anticipation of my review! I’m pleased to say that she need not have feared “this woman who is going to review our books” and I do hope that her nails aren’t too badly damaged.
The Goodbye Ride provided me with some much needed escapism from the “heavy” psychological literature to which I usually subject myself and, without having read her first novel, His Brand of Beautiful released by Escape Publishing in March 2013 (and which has already landed on my burgeoning TBR shelf), I can honestly say that I have found another Aussie author who has earned a place on my bookshelf.
I can imagine how difficult it must be to write a condensed story (not unlike trying to condense a book review!), but Lily is clearly talented enough to pull it off, incorporating all the elements of a novella into her thirty-two thousand two hundred words. She has focused on one main plot and conflict leaving no loose ends, moves her scenes along at a brisk speed without detracting from maximum emotional impact and at no time did I feel that the story was rushed. The dialogue is effective and while Ms Malone has stuck to another element of novella writing by not burdening the plot with too many minor characters, the sub-characters she does introduce to advance her story have been created with the perfect amount of depth.
Olivia and Owen are very well-developed and this enabled me to connect emotionally with them as they drew me into their lives and I felt that some of the scenes just sizzled right off the page – particularly the motorbike scene which evoked in me memories of another bike scene from one of my favourite movies, Top Gun – hubba hubba!
Fast-paced, light and extremely entertaining with some very saucy romance, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this for a dreary winter’s day with a blanket tucked over your feet and a glass or two of velvety South Australian red.
May 13, 2016
The Goodbye Ride is the second of Lily Malone’s contemporary romances I’ve read, re-released this month by Escape Publishing. It’s a short story -11 shortish chapters and an epilogue - and not being a big reader of novellas I'm always keen to see how a romance story with an emotional edge is developed in this shorter form.
The Goodbye Ride tells the story of Liv Murphy, a viticulture consultant, who’s returned to her childhood home of Hahndorf in South Australia where she's going to ‘say goodbye’ to her brother Luke. Luke was killed in a road accident three years before, in part to do with circumstances surrounding his relationship with Ben, another young man in the town. Liv and Ben are planning on taking a final motorcycle ride to a local river in memory of Luke who loved that trip, with Liv to ride Luke’s beloved Ducati Pantah 650.
The first scene opens with Liv on her way to buy Luke’s bike from a local man their father sold it to in a homophobic overreaction to Luke’s sexuality and his love of riding bikes with his partner Ben. That’s when Liv and Owen cross paths.
Owen Carson is a mechanic, fresh back from Antarctica and with a heart set on buying Luke’s Ducati, and he’s got more cash to play with than Liv. Liv’s heart is broken when she’s pipped at the sale by Owen, but nice guy Owen is already formulating a plan to do the right thing and get to know Liv better.
This is a gentle story about ‘going home’ and a family’s unresolved grief over the loss of a son and brother, about guilt and blame, about self-punishment and healing. Because the emotional edge is around the healing part of Luke’s death (and not the actual death itself) it fits comfortably within a novella length story without feeling rushed or too intense.
Owen and Liv are just ordinary young people who meet unexpectedly but soon find themselves in the middle of something they sense is going to be life changing. Being a novella, the conflict is not too intense, more an unfolding of growing trust and intimacy. The tension arises because the new relationship is fragile, particularly as Liv has emotional baggage in tow, but not in a self-indulgent way. Until the end it’s a bit of a knife edge as to whether life will get in the way of this fledgling but hopeful romance. Because the two main characters are very likeable, I found myself really wanting things to work out for them.
The Goodbye Ride is a warm story for a feel-good dose of romance. I intended to read just a couple of chapters before bed but wound up finishing it by the next morning. The author’s writing style adds to the enjoyment because of its easy pacing, ‘real’ characters and the clarity of the visual imagery in each scene. A fine read.
April 19, 2016
NetGalley copy in exchange of an honest review.
Olivia Murphy is a woman on a mission: buying her late brother’s motorbike so that she and his boyfriend (or ex, since he passed away) can go a goodbye ride.
But things don’t go as planned.
Especially when she meets Owen Carson, the man who also want to buy the bike. And he has money. And he gets the bike.
But they strike a deal for her to get it back eventually: helping him for the weekend in his aunt’s vineyard.
Could that change everything?
This is romance. If you don’t like it, don’t pick up the book. But every once in a while it doesn’t hurt, right?
I like the plot, because it was quick, easy, simple and nice. Problems for the characters, but not too much, enough back story to make it last, and well done so that you find yourself curious to keep going. That’s nice, especially on a short novel/novella.
The characters are loveable. Owen is nice and awkward, Olivia is strong and independent. I especially love Ben, for reasons. (ahah)
The style was easy and flowing. I like that the reader dives right into the story. The words just flow and that’s very agreeable.
One thing I especially love (and that is sometimes lacking in romance story) was the message behind it. 1) Don’t use words that bear other meanings, just for the sake of fashion. Olivia’s late brother was gay, and she despises every person who uses hurting names (”faggot” in this case) and I think it’s an important lesson for a lot of people.
2) Just accept the sexuality of others because it’s not your own, it’s who they are and if they are happy then this should not even be a debate. Your way of living should not influence and force people to live the same way as you do. And that is the best message ever, in my opinion (not only for sexuality, for that matter)
A warning for my younger readers: there’s sex. Be careful if you’re not comfortable with it.
Olivia Murphy is a woman on a mission: buying her late brother’s motorbike so that she and his boyfriend (or ex, since he passed away) can go a goodbye ride.
But things don’t go as planned.
Especially when she meets Owen Carson, the man who also want to buy the bike. And he has money. And he gets the bike.
But they strike a deal for her to get it back eventually: helping him for the weekend in his aunt’s vineyard.
Could that change everything?
This is romance. If you don’t like it, don’t pick up the book. But every once in a while it doesn’t hurt, right?
I like the plot, because it was quick, easy, simple and nice. Problems for the characters, but not too much, enough back story to make it last, and well done so that you find yourself curious to keep going. That’s nice, especially on a short novel/novella.
The characters are loveable. Owen is nice and awkward, Olivia is strong and independent. I especially love Ben, for reasons. (ahah)
The style was easy and flowing. I like that the reader dives right into the story. The words just flow and that’s very agreeable.
One thing I especially love (and that is sometimes lacking in romance story) was the message behind it. 1) Don’t use words that bear other meanings, just for the sake of fashion. Olivia’s late brother was gay, and she despises every person who uses hurting names (”faggot” in this case) and I think it’s an important lesson for a lot of people.
2) Just accept the sexuality of others because it’s not your own, it’s who they are and if they are happy then this should not even be a debate. Your way of living should not influence and force people to live the same way as you do. And that is the best message ever, in my opinion (not only for sexuality, for that matter)
A warning for my younger readers: there’s sex. Be careful if you’re not comfortable with it.
July 24, 2016
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
When you think about it, it really is remarkable how we so often associate a person we loved with a particular object.. a car, a motorcycle or even a place. I have a beloved uncle’s 1966 Thunderbird – I will never, ever part with it and maybe one day my son will make the choice to keep or sell it – but I won’t. So, I completely “get” Liv’s determination to re-purchase her brother’s Ducati And her devastation when that chance was taken away from her.
The Goodbye Ride is full of moments that matter, laughter that comes from the heart and pain that only those who have lost so much can fully understand. Even as Liv’s dream is swept away from her another chance opens up to still fulfill her dream… and maybe even more. Owen and Liv’s chemistry was there for me from the start and never really let go. Owen, however, does have secrets that he’s not sharing with Liv and that will come back to haunt them.
With a beautiful backdrop, the scenery is almost as captivating as the story. This one wrapped itself around me in every way. A journey well worth taking.
I enjoyed this couple’s journey to their happy ever after. There are tears – happy, sad and angry tears, but there is also hope and finding that one of a kind love that will last forever. If you love Romance then I’d have no problem recommending The Goodbye Ride. You will definitely feel your way through this book because the emotions run high. I will note that this edition is a re-release since this title was originally published in May of 2013 – so check the blurb to be certain you don’t already have it on your “shelf” since the cover is different now.
*I received an e-ARC of The Goodbye Ride from the publisher, Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
When you think about it, it really is remarkable how we so often associate a person we loved with a particular object.. a car, a motorcycle or even a place. I have a beloved uncle’s 1966 Thunderbird – I will never, ever part with it and maybe one day my son will make the choice to keep or sell it – but I won’t. So, I completely “get” Liv’s determination to re-purchase her brother’s Ducati And her devastation when that chance was taken away from her.
The Goodbye Ride is full of moments that matter, laughter that comes from the heart and pain that only those who have lost so much can fully understand. Even as Liv’s dream is swept away from her another chance opens up to still fulfill her dream… and maybe even more. Owen and Liv’s chemistry was there for me from the start and never really let go. Owen, however, does have secrets that he’s not sharing with Liv and that will come back to haunt them.
With a beautiful backdrop, the scenery is almost as captivating as the story. This one wrapped itself around me in every way. A journey well worth taking.
I enjoyed this couple’s journey to their happy ever after. There are tears – happy, sad and angry tears, but there is also hope and finding that one of a kind love that will last forever. If you love Romance then I’d have no problem recommending The Goodbye Ride. You will definitely feel your way through this book because the emotions run high. I will note that this edition is a re-release since this title was originally published in May of 2013 – so check the blurb to be certain you don’t already have it on your “shelf” since the cover is different now.
*I received an e-ARC of The Goodbye Ride from the publisher, Escape Publishing – Harlequin Enterprises Australia and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
May 15, 2016
The Goodbye Ride
This is my third Lily Malone book and I can guarantee this author is hard to beat. In this book we have Olivia Murphy as the female MC. She's beautiful, sexy and very smart. Her mother is a psychological mess, with crippling obsessive compulsive disorder and it has driven the family crazy. Liv's beloved brother, Luke, had a tough life being teased, tormented and bullied relentlessly, even by his own father who was disgusted with his son for being gay. It was truly sad what he went through.
Luke's parents pretty much ruined his life trying to 'make him straight' and he was forced to meet his boyfriend on Sundays as they would ride their bikes an hour or so away from their small town where no one knew them. Luke was killed when someone ran the car he was traveling in off the road three years ago. Besides his boyfriend and sister, his Ducati was the bright spot in his life. When his dad found out that another guy had been on the back of his son's motorcycle his dad forced him to sell it because he thought it would take the gay away if a man's body wasn't pressed against Luke's back. It broke Luke's and Liv's heart to see that bike go.
She received a call from the owners of the bike that her dad had sold it to, to let her know she had first choice to buy it back. When she showed up to give him the down payment a man showed up at the same time...and what a man he was. Owen was every woman's dream, our hot male MC. Owen offered the man more than he was asking for the bike and the owner who had promised it to Liv sold it out from under her. She was devastated. But Owen could tell that it broke the woman's heart and he set out to find her.
I highly recommend this book. It was well written as all of Lily Malone's are.
This is my third Lily Malone book and I can guarantee this author is hard to beat. In this book we have Olivia Murphy as the female MC. She's beautiful, sexy and very smart. Her mother is a psychological mess, with crippling obsessive compulsive disorder and it has driven the family crazy. Liv's beloved brother, Luke, had a tough life being teased, tormented and bullied relentlessly, even by his own father who was disgusted with his son for being gay. It was truly sad what he went through.
Luke's parents pretty much ruined his life trying to 'make him straight' and he was forced to meet his boyfriend on Sundays as they would ride their bikes an hour or so away from their small town where no one knew them. Luke was killed when someone ran the car he was traveling in off the road three years ago. Besides his boyfriend and sister, his Ducati was the bright spot in his life. When his dad found out that another guy had been on the back of his son's motorcycle his dad forced him to sell it because he thought it would take the gay away if a man's body wasn't pressed against Luke's back. It broke Luke's and Liv's heart to see that bike go.
She received a call from the owners of the bike that her dad had sold it to, to let her know she had first choice to buy it back. When she showed up to give him the down payment a man showed up at the same time...and what a man he was. Owen was every woman's dream, our hot male MC. Owen offered the man more than he was asking for the bike and the owner who had promised it to Liv sold it out from under her. She was devastated. But Owen could tell that it broke the woman's heart and he set out to find her.
I highly recommend this book. It was well written as all of Lily Malone's are.
August 8, 2016
Received this book for review from netgally and the publisher in exchange for an honest review this has in now way affected my opinion
This short, sweet read takes place over a long weekend and somehow manages to deal with grief and homophobia as well as falling in love. I found it a quick, easy read and even got a little emotional towards the end.
There’s not really a lot to say about it, though. Liv is a determined woman who is still suffering from the loss of her brother three years before. She lives with her parents (for reasons which slowly become apparent), her best friend is her brother’s last boyfriend, she runs her own business (which is doing okay, if not as well as she’d hoped) and all she really wants is to buy her brother’s old bike back and go on a goodbye ride.
Then she meets Owen, who is never quite what she expects him to be. For someone who hates prejudice, Liv certainly jumps to a few swift (and unflattering) conclusions where Owen is concerned, but it was fun to see him overturn them all. He’s a nice guy with issues of his own, and he sees something in Liv worth pursuing.
It’s a quick read and fast romance, but I liked the chemistry between the two of them, even if Liv’s reaction to certain events made me want to roll my eyes. I don’t feel like I got to know any of the characters too well, skimming across their lives rather than delving in too deep, yet it suited the story perfectly. It tackles some serious issues, but in a sweet way, and it left me smiling at the end. Overall I enjoyed this one, and I’ll definitely have to check out more from this author
This short, sweet read takes place over a long weekend and somehow manages to deal with grief and homophobia as well as falling in love. I found it a quick, easy read and even got a little emotional towards the end.
There’s not really a lot to say about it, though. Liv is a determined woman who is still suffering from the loss of her brother three years before. She lives with her parents (for reasons which slowly become apparent), her best friend is her brother’s last boyfriend, she runs her own business (which is doing okay, if not as well as she’d hoped) and all she really wants is to buy her brother’s old bike back and go on a goodbye ride.
Then she meets Owen, who is never quite what she expects him to be. For someone who hates prejudice, Liv certainly jumps to a few swift (and unflattering) conclusions where Owen is concerned, but it was fun to see him overturn them all. He’s a nice guy with issues of his own, and he sees something in Liv worth pursuing.
It’s a quick read and fast romance, but I liked the chemistry between the two of them, even if Liv’s reaction to certain events made me want to roll my eyes. I don’t feel like I got to know any of the characters too well, skimming across their lives rather than delving in too deep, yet it suited the story perfectly. It tackles some serious issues, but in a sweet way, and it left me smiling at the end. Overall I enjoyed this one, and I’ll definitely have to check out more from this author
May 6, 2016
3.5 stars.
This short, sweet read takes place over a long weekend and somehow manages to deal with grief and homophobia as well as falling in love. I found it a quick, easy read and even got a little emotional towards the end.
There’s not really a lot to say about it, though. Liv is a determined woman who is still suffering from the loss of her brother three years before. She lives with her parents (for reasons which slowly become apparent), her best friend is her brother’s last boyfriend, she runs her own business (which is doing okay, if not as well as she’d hoped) and all she really wants is to buy her brother’s old bike back and go on a goodbye ride.
Then she meets Owen, who is never quite what she expects him to be. For someone who hates prejudice, Liv certainly jumps to a few swift (and unflattering) conclusions where Owen is concerned, but it was fun to see him overturn them all. He’s a nice guy with issues of his own, and he sees something in Liv worth pursuing.
It’s a quick read and fast romance, but I liked the chemistry between the two of them, even if Liv’s reaction to certain events made me want to roll my eyes. I don’t feel like I got to know any of the characters too well, skimming across their lives rather than delving in too deep, yet it suited the story perfectly. It tackles some serious issues, but in a sweet way, and it left me smiling at the end. Overall I enjoyed this one, and I’ll definitely have to check out more from this author.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
This short, sweet read takes place over a long weekend and somehow manages to deal with grief and homophobia as well as falling in love. I found it a quick, easy read and even got a little emotional towards the end.
There’s not really a lot to say about it, though. Liv is a determined woman who is still suffering from the loss of her brother three years before. She lives with her parents (for reasons which slowly become apparent), her best friend is her brother’s last boyfriend, she runs her own business (which is doing okay, if not as well as she’d hoped) and all she really wants is to buy her brother’s old bike back and go on a goodbye ride.
Then she meets Owen, who is never quite what she expects him to be. For someone who hates prejudice, Liv certainly jumps to a few swift (and unflattering) conclusions where Owen is concerned, but it was fun to see him overturn them all. He’s a nice guy with issues of his own, and he sees something in Liv worth pursuing.
It’s a quick read and fast romance, but I liked the chemistry between the two of them, even if Liv’s reaction to certain events made me want to roll my eyes. I don’t feel like I got to know any of the characters too well, skimming across their lives rather than delving in too deep, yet it suited the story perfectly. It tackles some serious issues, but in a sweet way, and it left me smiling at the end. Overall I enjoyed this one, and I’ll definitely have to check out more from this author.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 8, 2013
I loved Lily Malone's first book and gleefully grabbed her novella as soon as it was released. It's another lovely story.
Owen and Olivia meet as both set out to buy a Ducati Pantah, a collector's bike for Owen but the last link to her brother for Olivia. Guess who misses out?
Owen is attracted to Liv who sees him as just another Neanderthal male with his ute and shorts (it is winter, after all). While Owen is insensitive to the cold (a stint in Antarctica might do that to a man), he realises the bike means a great deal to Liv and offers her a chance to buy it back from him. Not only is this man smoking hot; he's thoughtful and tries to understand where she's coming from. I love how he battles to be a better man after an incident in his past, and how he worries what Liv will think when she finds out.
Lily Malone creates wonderful characters with depth and real life problems that they have to overcome on their way to their happy-ever-after. And she does it with style and sensitivity. For a novella, she creates surprising depth and I got so caught up I couldn't put this story down. And when I turned the last page, it was with regret that I'd come to the end of this particular ride. "The Goodbye Ride" is a touching farewell and a wonderful beginning.
Owen and Olivia meet as both set out to buy a Ducati Pantah, a collector's bike for Owen but the last link to her brother for Olivia. Guess who misses out?
Owen is attracted to Liv who sees him as just another Neanderthal male with his ute and shorts (it is winter, after all). While Owen is insensitive to the cold (a stint in Antarctica might do that to a man), he realises the bike means a great deal to Liv and offers her a chance to buy it back from him. Not only is this man smoking hot; he's thoughtful and tries to understand where she's coming from. I love how he battles to be a better man after an incident in his past, and how he worries what Liv will think when she finds out.
Lily Malone creates wonderful characters with depth and real life problems that they have to overcome on their way to their happy-ever-after. And she does it with style and sensitivity. For a novella, she creates surprising depth and I got so caught up I couldn't put this story down. And when I turned the last page, it was with regret that I'd come to the end of this particular ride. "The Goodbye Ride" is a touching farewell and a wonderful beginning.
June 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. As someone who has spent years in the Adelaide Hills visiting family it was always going to be a title I was going to request as soon as I read the description.
I enjoyed both characters. Each had their own problems that they brought to the story, but nothing so dramatic and tragic to be overly cliche. As sad as it was, I liked the fact that the brother's death was a road accident and not due to his sexuality (granted it was still linked as he was on the way home from Ben's, but it was not the cause of the accident).
There were a few things I found that if I didn't know what they were it may have been a little confusing. An instance of this was the Felcotronic. This isn't a common tool for most people like secateurs are, so I was a little surprised when it wasn't explained to me as a reader what it looked like, or how it worked.
I had to have a giggle at Owen cursing at the visitors to Hahndorf with their reverse parallel parking because it is exactly what it is like (granted my own reverse parallels aren't too flash either!) as well as Olivia's worry about the neighbours with the noise of the Ducati. These were simple little touches to the story but really well done.
*I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review*
I enjoyed both characters. Each had their own problems that they brought to the story, but nothing so dramatic and tragic to be overly cliche. As sad as it was, I liked the fact that the brother's death was a road accident and not due to his sexuality (granted it was still linked as he was on the way home from Ben's, but it was not the cause of the accident).
There were a few things I found that if I didn't know what they were it may have been a little confusing. An instance of this was the Felcotronic. This isn't a common tool for most people like secateurs are, so I was a little surprised when it wasn't explained to me as a reader what it looked like, or how it worked.
I had to have a giggle at Owen cursing at the visitors to Hahndorf with their reverse parallel parking because it is exactly what it is like (granted my own reverse parallels aren't too flash either!) as well as Olivia's worry about the neighbours with the noise of the Ducati. These were simple little touches to the story but really well done.
*I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review*
May 5, 2016
Olivia just wants to buy back her brothers old Ducati bike back.. Her brother passed away a few years ago and the people who bought it back then are now selling it, but what happens when Owen comes along and offers more money? Does Mr Lang follow through with his word to Liv or sell it to the highest bidder? Liv and Owen have this instant chemistry and attraction to each other that is to make a great story.
What I enjoyed most about The Goodbye Ride is watching Liv go from not trusting Owen to trusting him fully. To helping him with something he knows nothing about (pruning grape vines) in return to sell her back the bike at the cost she was to originally pay. To falling for each other, and having a great time getting to know each other. Then comes the part of was he after just a good time, or is it going to last a long time.
This story is Great, it was a short and fast read.. But very entertaining during the whole story. This story has heartache for both Liv and Owen, Liv missing her brother and Owen missing his grandfather, and not knowing how to tell Liv why he had to leave. A love story, and whether or not if Owen plans to stay put or go back. If you like stories like this, then The Goodbye Ride is a must!!
What I enjoyed most about The Goodbye Ride is watching Liv go from not trusting Owen to trusting him fully. To helping him with something he knows nothing about (pruning grape vines) in return to sell her back the bike at the cost she was to originally pay. To falling for each other, and having a great time getting to know each other. Then comes the part of was he after just a good time, or is it going to last a long time.
This story is Great, it was a short and fast read.. But very entertaining during the whole story. This story has heartache for both Liv and Owen, Liv missing her brother and Owen missing his grandfather, and not knowing how to tell Liv why he had to leave. A love story, and whether or not if Owen plans to stay put or go back. If you like stories like this, then The Goodbye Ride is a must!!
August 13, 2016
Anything by Lily Malone is a treat and 'The Goodbye Ride' isn't what I'd expected but intriguing nonetheless: a dizzying immersion in the rich, Australian environment, the careful cataloguing of emotion and inner thoughts - prioritised over a great amount of action that I've probably grown used to. The novella's premise is simple but poignantly evocative, sensitively delving into issues such as homophobia, bittersweet memories and the (in)ability to move ahead in life after a tragedy.
I don't feel as though I know very much about Olivia, Owen and Ben apart from these very short few days that Lily Malone writes about, yet I don't somehow feel cheated as I would have with other books. The light at the end of a long tunnel simply emerges by the time the last page is turned and all we're left with are pathways of possibilities - which appear to be a more fitting (and perfect) ending than a HEA.
*ARC by netgalley
(head in the clouds grateful, as always)
I don't feel as though I know very much about Olivia, Owen and Ben apart from these very short few days that Lily Malone writes about, yet I don't somehow feel cheated as I would have with other books. The light at the end of a long tunnel simply emerges by the time the last page is turned and all we're left with are pathways of possibilities - which appear to be a more fitting (and perfect) ending than a HEA.
*ARC by netgalley
(head in the clouds grateful, as always)
April 22, 2016
Firstly I must admit that I'm a sucker for anything in set in the Adelaide Hills and I could picture every scene, especially as I was reading this in autumn with all the beautiful colours around.
Olivia Murphy lost her brother three years previously in a car accident and she was on her way to buy back his beloved Ducati motorbike that their father had forced him to sell. Unfortunately she was piped at the post by Owen Carson who could afford an extra fifteen hundred dollars that she couldn't raise.
For a novella, this book fit a lot in. I felt the characters were extremely well developed and I loved the interaction between Owen and Liv from the beginning.
A great story if your looking for a quick read but with some substance, I really enjoyed it.
This isn't the first Lily Malone book I've read and it certainly won't be the last.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Olivia Murphy lost her brother three years previously in a car accident and she was on her way to buy back his beloved Ducati motorbike that their father had forced him to sell. Unfortunately she was piped at the post by Owen Carson who could afford an extra fifteen hundred dollars that she couldn't raise.
For a novella, this book fit a lot in. I felt the characters were extremely well developed and I loved the interaction between Owen and Liv from the beginning.
A great story if your looking for a quick read but with some substance, I really enjoyed it.
This isn't the first Lily Malone book I've read and it certainly won't be the last.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
June 10, 2013
This read is as Aussie at it gets. Lily Malone has a warm, funny and totally endearing voice that embraces the true spirit of Australia - bikes, utes, thongs, singlets and mateship.
Olivia is on a mission to buy back her late brother's Ducati Pantah and embark on a ride in his honour. But the Ducati is a collector's item and someone else wants it too. Meet Owen - thongs, singlet and shorts in the middle of winter, driving a monster of a ute with all the trimmings. He beats Olivia with his bid for the bike but soon realizes it means far more to her than he knows. Being, a true hot and hunky hero, he gives her a chance to buy it back.
From beginning to end, this is a lovely, heartwarming romance with a few laugh-out-loud moments. Well-developed characters, a great plot and Lily's unique, humorous voice make this a five star read you won't be able to put down.
Olivia is on a mission to buy back her late brother's Ducati Pantah and embark on a ride in his honour. But the Ducati is a collector's item and someone else wants it too. Meet Owen - thongs, singlet and shorts in the middle of winter, driving a monster of a ute with all the trimmings. He beats Olivia with his bid for the bike but soon realizes it means far more to her than he knows. Being, a true hot and hunky hero, he gives her a chance to buy it back.
From beginning to end, this is a lovely, heartwarming romance with a few laugh-out-loud moments. Well-developed characters, a great plot and Lily's unique, humorous voice make this a five star read you won't be able to put down.
May 1, 2014
A sweet little book about a woman who is trying to buy back the motorcycle that belonged to her late brother...and in the process she finds more than she bargained for! It is set in Australia, so some of the language and phrases used are a bit different from here in the US, but all in all easy to understand and universal in its appeal.
Olivia and those around her are vividly described and at times you want to despise her parents since they were so hateful to her brother (especially dad) and the people in this small town are quirky and yet very similar to most places anywhere in the world.
It gets pretty steamy when Owen and Olivia share more than their love of motorcycles...and the misunderstanding they have gets resolved very quickly.
A short little romance with mass appeal.
**** 4 **** "keeping his memory alive" stars
Olivia and those around her are vividly described and at times you want to despise her parents since they were so hateful to her brother (especially dad) and the people in this small town are quirky and yet very similar to most places anywhere in the world.
It gets pretty steamy when Owen and Olivia share more than their love of motorcycles...and the misunderstanding they have gets resolved very quickly.
A short little romance with mass appeal.
**** 4 **** "keeping his memory alive" stars
February 27, 2015
This reader got completely swept up in The Goodbye Ride by Lily Malone, and the wonderfully portrayed, comical and vibrant characters that it contained were just mesmarising. Heart wrenching, life altering moments faced by both leading characters in this poignant read, completely draws the reader in. A lot of the dialogue you could just hear the characters saying. Many laugh out loud lines.
Olivia's character was sweet and strong alongside Owen's rugged studliness, both with a heart of gold, and Ben was just flat out funny. Real, hilarious and pivotal. A story that this reader wanted not to end.
5 stars
*E-book received from the author
Olivia's character was sweet and strong alongside Owen's rugged studliness, both with a heart of gold, and Ben was just flat out funny. Real, hilarious and pivotal. A story that this reader wanted not to end.
5 stars
*E-book received from the author
May 6, 2016
I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
The Goodbye Ride, a novella by novelist Lily Malone is set in the Vineyards of Australia.
The story begins with Oliva and Owen, who meet when she tries to buy back her deceased brother's Ducati Pantah 650 motorcycle.
Even though Owen ends up buying the bike before she does, he offers her a chance to buy it off of him after hearing about the death of her brother.
From the beginning, you are drawn to the chemistry the main characters develop for each other . The Australian setting, is a plus also. There are also a lot of Australian phrases, but they are easily understood. A great plot, and a fun read.
The Goodbye Ride, a novella by novelist Lily Malone is set in the Vineyards of Australia.
The story begins with Oliva and Owen, who meet when she tries to buy back her deceased brother's Ducati Pantah 650 motorcycle.
Even though Owen ends up buying the bike before she does, he offers her a chance to buy it off of him after hearing about the death of her brother.
From the beginning, you are drawn to the chemistry the main characters develop for each other . The Australian setting, is a plus also. There are also a lot of Australian phrases, but they are easily understood. A great plot, and a fun read.
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