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Drama Queen #2
You Had Me at Good-bye
Everything is on the line for aspiring editorial diva Dancy Ames when she's fired by her publisher. Could this be the time to risk it all on her writing career -- and maybe even love?
Dancy Ames has an Jack Quinn. The man who swoops in, steals her dream job at Lane Publishing, and fires her, saying she just doesn't have what it takes to be an editor. Now that she's unemployed, Dancy must find a new career. Coffee barista, English teacher, literary agent. Hmm. Maybe she'll write a novel -- a nasty invective, featuring a relentless job-stealing, coffee-drinking stalker who falls in love with a coffee barista. She's got time on her hands, so when her friends dare her to send Jack a proposal, under an assumed name, she takes them up on it. If he likes it, she'll have her ultimate revenge. But what will she do when it turns out that Jack is interested in her book -- and maybe more?
Dancy Ames has an Jack Quinn. The man who swoops in, steals her dream job at Lane Publishing, and fires her, saying she just doesn't have what it takes to be an editor. Now that she's unemployed, Dancy must find a new career. Coffee barista, English teacher, literary agent. Hmm. Maybe she'll write a novel -- a nasty invective, featuring a relentless job-stealing, coffee-drinking stalker who falls in love with a coffee barista. She's got time on her hands, so when her friends dare her to send Jack a proposal, under an assumed name, she takes them up on it. If he likes it, she'll have her ultimate revenge. But what will she do when it turns out that Jack is interested in her book -- and maybe more?
275 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2008
15 people are currently reading
365 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Bateman
60 books156 followersTracey Bateman is also published as Tracey Cross, is the Christy award-winning author of more than thirty titles and has nearly a million books in print. She lives in Missouri's Ozarks with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 15, 2009
I absolutely ADORED this book!! I fell in love with all of the characters and actually got teary-eyed at the end of the book because I was so happy for Dancy. With the constant reference back to Proverbs 3:5&6 made what I was going through while reading this book all the more easier to get through. A GREAT read! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good clean read with a fairytale ending.
February 26, 2009
Books by Bateman are perfect to read when you are sick. Light and fluffy.
November 19, 2012
I started reading this book not realizing it was #2 in the series, but nonetheless, it was a good read!
June 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this read. I definitely picked it up at the right time for me!
November 5, 2019
Love this book and the whole series! Such a fun, light read. One of my favorites!
November 16, 2008
Did you see that I gave this book five hearts? I loved it! Seriously, I didn't even know I could enjoy chick lit this much. Usually I start getting bored toward the middle or end, but this was totally different - I think I'm sold on Tracey Bateman's chick lit!
You Had Me At Goodbye is the second book in the wonderful Drama Queen series, which features three roommates and best friends, Tabby (an actress), Laini (an aspiring interior designer), and Dancy (a writer/editor). I enjoyed the first book in the series, Catch a Rising Star, which gave us a look at Tabby's life, but You Had Me At Goodbye was even better!
For Dancy Ames, sparks fly with her boss at Lane Publishing, handsome senior editor Jack Quinn. But when he causes her to be fired from her beloved job, even his adorable English accent doesn't appeal to her anymore. That's what she keeps trying to tell herself anyway. Suddenly Dancy isn't sure which direction her life should go. Should she focus on writing her book or apply for the job as senior editor (the title she really wanted) at another publishing house? Like most of us, Dancy learns about trusting God the hard way - by having everything stripped away from her.
From the very beginning, I loved Dancy Ames' personality and could relate to her desire to be stronger.
(pg 15) Why do I let people roll right over me? I can be strong when my friends are in trouble, so why can't I stick up for myself?
She needs a backbone and is the first to admit it. She's like me in that she finds herself worrying about offending other people too often (I don't think I can do that. Can I? I mean, wouldn't it be rude? And Mother would be mortified.). Despite how much it hurts her, Dancy doesn't want to offend her mother, offend Floyd, the guy her mother has pushed her to "date" since Junior High, or talk to her boss about a promotion.
The things that made me really love this book:
There are excerpts at the beginning of each chapter from the book Dancy is writing, Fifth Avenue Princess. It is so obviously based on what she wishes her life was like at times and it had me laughing out loud. In it her character's parents are angelic, selfless missionaries, she is able to firmly let her boss know he'd better give her a promotion or he'll lose her, and she has two very eligible men vying for her affections.
I like that Tracey Bateman's style is not overly preachy - the God element was subtle and yet profound. Dancy doesn't attend church regularly and isn't sure about what she really thinks of God, of trusting Him. After a particularly trying event, she feels that God is failing her and she doesn't know that she wants to trust a God like that. She pours out her heart to Nick, the gruff but loveable owner of the coffee shop she frequents (who she has affectionately nicknamed Mr. Mafia) .
Tears flicker in my eyes. "I just really thought, after I started reading the Bible and praying, that God was going to make a difference for me."
Nick gives me a long look, long enough that I start to squirm under his scrutiny. "You got it all wrong, princess. You don't seek God to find happiness. You seek God to find Him. Whatever comes along with that is icing on the cake." (Pg 147)
I recommend this fun read to anyone who enjoys chick lit, but especially to those who think they don't. You should give You Had Me At Goodbye a chance to reform you. :-)
Next up will be That's Not Exactly Amore, the next book in the series. I can't wait to read about Laini!
You Had Me At Goodbye is the second book in the wonderful Drama Queen series, which features three roommates and best friends, Tabby (an actress), Laini (an aspiring interior designer), and Dancy (a writer/editor). I enjoyed the first book in the series, Catch a Rising Star, which gave us a look at Tabby's life, but You Had Me At Goodbye was even better!
For Dancy Ames, sparks fly with her boss at Lane Publishing, handsome senior editor Jack Quinn. But when he causes her to be fired from her beloved job, even his adorable English accent doesn't appeal to her anymore. That's what she keeps trying to tell herself anyway. Suddenly Dancy isn't sure which direction her life should go. Should she focus on writing her book or apply for the job as senior editor (the title she really wanted) at another publishing house? Like most of us, Dancy learns about trusting God the hard way - by having everything stripped away from her.
From the very beginning, I loved Dancy Ames' personality and could relate to her desire to be stronger.
(pg 15) Why do I let people roll right over me? I can be strong when my friends are in trouble, so why can't I stick up for myself?
She needs a backbone and is the first to admit it. She's like me in that she finds herself worrying about offending other people too often (I don't think I can do that. Can I? I mean, wouldn't it be rude? And Mother would be mortified.). Despite how much it hurts her, Dancy doesn't want to offend her mother, offend Floyd, the guy her mother has pushed her to "date" since Junior High, or talk to her boss about a promotion.
The things that made me really love this book:
There are excerpts at the beginning of each chapter from the book Dancy is writing, Fifth Avenue Princess. It is so obviously based on what she wishes her life was like at times and it had me laughing out loud. In it her character's parents are angelic, selfless missionaries, she is able to firmly let her boss know he'd better give her a promotion or he'll lose her, and she has two very eligible men vying for her affections.
I like that Tracey Bateman's style is not overly preachy - the God element was subtle and yet profound. Dancy doesn't attend church regularly and isn't sure about what she really thinks of God, of trusting Him. After a particularly trying event, she feels that God is failing her and she doesn't know that she wants to trust a God like that. She pours out her heart to Nick, the gruff but loveable owner of the coffee shop she frequents (who she has affectionately nicknamed Mr. Mafia) .
Tears flicker in my eyes. "I just really thought, after I started reading the Bible and praying, that God was going to make a difference for me."
Nick gives me a long look, long enough that I start to squirm under his scrutiny. "You got it all wrong, princess. You don't seek God to find happiness. You seek God to find Him. Whatever comes along with that is icing on the cake." (Pg 147)
I recommend this fun read to anyone who enjoys chick lit, but especially to those who think they don't. You should give You Had Me At Goodbye a chance to reform you. :-)
Next up will be That's Not Exactly Amore, the next book in the series. I can't wait to read about Laini!
April 19, 2016
This book. Oh, this book. I was searching for a book where the main character was in the same profession as I was. I should have looked harder.
The premise is simple (if overdone). Guy and girl meet (before the story opens, this time). Guy steals girl's promotion. Guy gets girl fired. Girl gets mad and gets even by writing a book about said guy. Guy likes book and falls in love with girl. Happily ever after.
That summary, brief as it is, actually sounds more appealing than the real thing. Although still snugly in the realm of trite, overdone rom-coms and chick-lit, there's at least the hope for some feisty love-hate action going on as the guy and girl duke it out over their issues.
That's not what happens. This story plods along like some badly written fanfiction. The put-upon heroine, though incessantly whiny, manages to not be at fault for anything. The male lead is transparently in love with the heroine from the get-go, but she's blind enough (and overreacts by storming away from him EVERY SINGLE TIME she assumes something unfavorable about his behavior) that she doesn't notice. Turns out, male lead was blameless, too. He fired her to protect her (or something ridiculous like that. TBH, I started skimming through with my eyes glazed over). The fact that two characters who never do anything wrong manage to disagree so much reeks of the purest, most ridiculous melodrama. Since they're both right to begin with, neither of them learns anything. There's absolutely zero growth (aside from a superficial attempt to make the heroine more "independent" at the end of the novel, an attempt that is only recognizable by the fact that she says something along the lines of, "Now that I'm my own woman, I don't have to do blah blah blah").
The male lead, who is supposedly British, was clearly written by someone who has never met a British man and watched far too many British romantic comedies. He says "darling" a lot. *eye roll*
To top off the offenses this book committed, it's about an editor at a book publishing company. She's supposed to be a brilliant editor. In a vaguely interesting attempt, Bateman includes excerpts from Dancy's "book" at the beginning of most chapters. This could have been a really fun narrative device. Except. Dancy's book is the most shoddily written load of tripe I've ever seen. This is saying something, considering it's a book within a book that is also badly written. It's TERRIBLE. And would never have been published by any self-respecting publishing firm. And yet, all any character can do is rave about Dancy's writing ability, and her publishing friends (including the male lead) are salivating for the manuscript.
This was written for a Christian audience (since the imprint it's published under is labeled "FaithWords"), but even that has little to offer. A religious awakening for Dancy comes across as tacked on and superficial, and doesn't really transform her into a better person.
I suppose I should have expected no better from a series labeled "Drama Queens" (I have no intention of even touching the other two books in the series).
The premise is simple (if overdone). Guy and girl meet (before the story opens, this time). Guy steals girl's promotion. Guy gets girl fired. Girl gets mad and gets even by writing a book about said guy. Guy likes book and falls in love with girl. Happily ever after.
That summary, brief as it is, actually sounds more appealing than the real thing. Although still snugly in the realm of trite, overdone rom-coms and chick-lit, there's at least the hope for some feisty love-hate action going on as the guy and girl duke it out over their issues.
That's not what happens. This story plods along like some badly written fanfiction. The put-upon heroine, though incessantly whiny, manages to not be at fault for anything. The male lead is transparently in love with the heroine from the get-go, but she's blind enough (and overreacts by storming away from him EVERY SINGLE TIME she assumes something unfavorable about his behavior) that she doesn't notice. Turns out, male lead was blameless, too. He fired her to protect her (or something ridiculous like that. TBH, I started skimming through with my eyes glazed over). The fact that two characters who never do anything wrong manage to disagree so much reeks of the purest, most ridiculous melodrama. Since they're both right to begin with, neither of them learns anything. There's absolutely zero growth (aside from a superficial attempt to make the heroine more "independent" at the end of the novel, an attempt that is only recognizable by the fact that she says something along the lines of, "Now that I'm my own woman, I don't have to do blah blah blah").
The male lead, who is supposedly British, was clearly written by someone who has never met a British man and watched far too many British romantic comedies. He says "darling" a lot. *eye roll*
To top off the offenses this book committed, it's about an editor at a book publishing company. She's supposed to be a brilliant editor. In a vaguely interesting attempt, Bateman includes excerpts from Dancy's "book" at the beginning of most chapters. This could have been a really fun narrative device. Except. Dancy's book is the most shoddily written load of tripe I've ever seen. This is saying something, considering it's a book within a book that is also badly written. It's TERRIBLE. And would never have been published by any self-respecting publishing firm. And yet, all any character can do is rave about Dancy's writing ability, and her publishing friends (including the male lead) are salivating for the manuscript.
This was written for a Christian audience (since the imprint it's published under is labeled "FaithWords"), but even that has little to offer. A religious awakening for Dancy comes across as tacked on and superficial, and doesn't really transform her into a better person.
I suppose I should have expected no better from a series labeled "Drama Queens" (I have no intention of even touching the other two books in the series).
April 11, 2010
Dancy Ames is a spoiled little New York rich girl with her future all laid out bright and shiny before her. She has good friends and a job she loves, which provides a nice little salary in addition to her wealthy Daddy’s credit card, which she uses to purchase all the little “necessities” not covered by her salary. And just to brighten the picture, there’s a coveted promotion on the horizon.
But then handsome Brit Jack Quinn takes a job at Lane Publishing, and Dancy’s plans take a swift nosedive. In no time at all, she finds herself jobless and in need of a new career.
After the initial devastation, she decides the time might be right to finish that novel she’s been kinda sorta working on for…well, forever. But Jack seems to have found a way into even the world inside her head, annoying hunk that he is! And it doesn’t help that unwelcome little surprises keep cropping up here and there and everywhere to add to the general confusion.
With her life clearly on the downslide, Dancy really has no choice but to turn to God for solutions. Can He…will He work things out for a Fifth Avenue princess?
You Had Me at Good-bye is a fun storyline, and an interesting peek into a world where money is no object, and anything over a size two is plus-size. Tracey Bateman has a style all her own, and a unique ability to make readers laugh out loud. At the same time, she paints a heart-warming picture of spiritual growth, emotional development and love in the making.
Don’t miss this delightful romance!
But then handsome Brit Jack Quinn takes a job at Lane Publishing, and Dancy’s plans take a swift nosedive. In no time at all, she finds herself jobless and in need of a new career.
After the initial devastation, she decides the time might be right to finish that novel she’s been kinda sorta working on for…well, forever. But Jack seems to have found a way into even the world inside her head, annoying hunk that he is! And it doesn’t help that unwelcome little surprises keep cropping up here and there and everywhere to add to the general confusion.
With her life clearly on the downslide, Dancy really has no choice but to turn to God for solutions. Can He…will He work things out for a Fifth Avenue princess?
You Had Me at Good-bye is a fun storyline, and an interesting peek into a world where money is no object, and anything over a size two is plus-size. Tracey Bateman has a style all her own, and a unique ability to make readers laugh out loud. At the same time, she paints a heart-warming picture of spiritual growth, emotional development and love in the making.
Don’t miss this delightful romance!
July 10, 2008
This is the first book I read by Tracey Bateman and after reading it, I want to find her other books.
This is a trilogy and this particular book is the 2nd one. It is about 3 friends, Tabby (a soap actress), Dancy (a book editor) and Laini (a former accountant and interior designer wannabe). This book focuses on Dancy.
Dancy is an editor for a NY company, is the daughter of rich parents (that own a $14 million condo) and has a brother Kale that is a doctor. Many changes happen to Dancy including losing her job and finding out she has a 16 year old half brother. she finishes a book she was writing since she was fired and has plenty of time, finds her relationship with God and finds love as well.
The book was really good, I couldn't put it down and was reading it at work (since I have an office and no one sees me!). The only thing that bugged me was Laini....she has a passion for cooking but isn't pursuing it. All through the book I'm screaming inside at her! Of course I didn't realize this is a trilogy and that the last book is about her so maybe she'll change her focus in that book.
This is a trilogy and this particular book is the 2nd one. It is about 3 friends, Tabby (a soap actress), Dancy (a book editor) and Laini (a former accountant and interior designer wannabe). This book focuses on Dancy.
Dancy is an editor for a NY company, is the daughter of rich parents (that own a $14 million condo) and has a brother Kale that is a doctor. Many changes happen to Dancy including losing her job and finding out she has a 16 year old half brother. she finishes a book she was writing since she was fired and has plenty of time, finds her relationship with God and finds love as well.
The book was really good, I couldn't put it down and was reading it at work (since I have an office and no one sees me!). The only thing that bugged me was Laini....she has a passion for cooking but isn't pursuing it. All through the book I'm screaming inside at her! Of course I didn't realize this is a trilogy and that the last book is about her so maybe she'll change her focus in that book.
April 20, 2008
Dancy has grown up as a Fifth Avenue princess in NYC. Her father is a surgeon, her mother is a socialite extraordinaire and her big brother is making a name for himself as a doctor too. Dancy loves designer clothes and her job at a publishing house.
But things aren't as perfect as they might seem on the surface. Dancy's parents (who have been split for AGES) are getting back together and she isn't sure it's a good idea.PLUS they are giving the childhood home Dancy has always loved to her brother and his fiance as a wedding gift. She has a crush on her boss. Her mother is super critical of her. Dancy just found out she has a 16 year old half brother AND she just lost her job. What can a girl do, but volunteer her time at a coffee shop and start reading the Bible? And who would have imagined the great things that come of it?
I loved this book! It was a quick read with likeable characters and inspirational without being preachy. I read it in two sittings and hated to see it end!
But things aren't as perfect as they might seem on the surface. Dancy's parents (who have been split for AGES) are getting back together and she isn't sure it's a good idea.PLUS they are giving the childhood home Dancy has always loved to her brother and his fiance as a wedding gift. She has a crush on her boss. Her mother is super critical of her. Dancy just found out she has a 16 year old half brother AND she just lost her job. What can a girl do, but volunteer her time at a coffee shop and start reading the Bible? And who would have imagined the great things that come of it?
I loved this book! It was a quick read with likeable characters and inspirational without being preachy. I read it in two sittings and hated to see it end!
December 27, 2010
Summary: Dancy Ames loves books. She is an editor for a publishing company is even working on her own novel. When Jack Quinn, her brother's best friend, sweeps in and takes her job, Dancy is at a loss for what exactly to do next. Should she work on her book, keep working for free at the little coffee shop, or just mooch off of her rich parents who are reuniting? Add a long lost half brother and a brother who is getting her dream condo, and Dancy's life is pretty much in turmoil. Will she surrender to the plans God has for her or keep fighting for what she thinks she wants?
My thoughts: I enjoyed this book. I love stories about people who fall in love with someone they've known all their lives. In addition to the love story, the storyline of Dancy's relationship with Nick, who fills the role of father since Dancy's dad is self-absorbed, is a strong one. Brandon, Dancy's long lost brother, is a nice supporting character.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
My thoughts: I enjoyed this book. I love stories about people who fall in love with someone they've known all their lives. In addition to the love story, the storyline of Dancy's relationship with Nick, who fills the role of father since Dancy's dad is self-absorbed, is a strong one. Brandon, Dancy's long lost brother, is a nice supporting character.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
February 10, 2013
I found it very quick to read. I read in two days, actually two afternoons. The story was fast paced, it had quirky humor, the characters were likable and I absolutely loved the dialogue. It was a fun read! And going back to the genre, Christian Fiction, it didn't overpower the storyline, it did have the occasional dialogue or passage, but I found that it added to the story.
I really enjoyed Dancy's need to be involved in her half-brother's life, and her utter disappointment in her parents behavior. Talk about strange families, wow. I found that Dancy's writing took a backseat in the storyline, but it was her relationship with her friends and brother that warmed my heart. I loved Dancy's banter with Nick, it was hilarious. I found Dancy's awkwardness with Jack believable and her growing feelings for him very touching. And let's face it, who wouldn't want a yummy looking man with a British accent?
I really enjoyed Dancy's need to be involved in her half-brother's life, and her utter disappointment in her parents behavior. Talk about strange families, wow. I found that Dancy's writing took a backseat in the storyline, but it was her relationship with her friends and brother that warmed my heart. I loved Dancy's banter with Nick, it was hilarious. I found Dancy's awkwardness with Jack believable and her growing feelings for him very touching. And let's face it, who wouldn't want a yummy looking man with a British accent?
August 29, 2008
This contemporary novel set in New York City was a very enjoyable, easy read. Dancy Ames is a "spoiled, rich girl" from Manhatten, but not all is golden in Dancy's life. Her over bearing mother and cheating father have decided to reconcile after a fifteen year separation. Dancy is forced to go on vacation from her job as a editor for a month, and her boss just happens to be her brother's best friend and makes her heart rate increase every time he's near.
I liked how Dancy came into her own, and learned to "trust in the Lord".
I liked how Dancy came into her own, and learned to "trust in the Lord".
May 30, 2012
You Had Me at Goodbye had a really cool message that if you trust in God he'll always show you the way. Even when it feels like things are falling through, they really aren't. Those things just weren't meant to be, but by trusting in God you will find what's meant to be. I could really relate to this story and I guess that's why I loved it so much. It was religious, but not overly preachy religious. The religion was kind of hidden in, like how it is in another one of my favorite books, The Penny.
February 16, 2014
Bateman is one of the best at her genre. While I can quickly get tired of reading about twenty-something girls looking for love, You Had Me at Good-bye kept me turning pages. Bateman’s humor is right on the money and she adds twists worthy of the best mystery writer. Her fresh plot avoids clichés and I laughed out loud numerous times, garnering glares from my husband who was watching TV. Even if you aren’t a regular chick lit reader, you’ve got to read You Had Me at Good-bye.
July 29, 2016
Dancy Ames loves to edit books but brother's childhood friend Jack Quinn fires her over a steak dinner. Good friends Tabby and Laini. Dancy helps out at a café when she has time. She ends up editing freelance with Jack Quinn over her favorite author, and finds out that Jack is the author. Stupid part: perfect cousin Sheri hits on Jack, but isn't actually interested in him. The romance didn't really build up.
June 18, 2008
Was a light read that Jason picked out based on the front cover for me. It was alright but had a lot of religious kinda talk in it which made sense when I checked the back of the book later...writen by a really christian lady...website for faithbooks.com, etc. Not my kinda thing, but it was okay...very predictable storyline.
June 13, 2012
Really liked all three books in the Drama Queen Series. The style of writing each main character's inner thoughts were full of humor. The story lines were simple and fun light entertainment...perfect for summer reading any girl can relate to. Loved how close the three roomies were even as one by one they finally got their guy: Tabby & David, Dancy & Jack, Lainie & Nick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2016
This book was wonderful!!!!I loved it. It covered pretty much everything, I laughed, cried, yelled at the book(I'm not too proud to admit it), and gave a very happy sigh at the end. Oh my goodness, there is a HUGE surprise, so no peaking ahead in this one. Very, very good ending. Will recommend this to everyone!
April 28, 2011
Cute chick flick. After reading all three, I still can't decide out of the 3 room mates who's story I enjoyed the most. All three girls had similar problems, and you get to watch them grow even more in the next persons story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2013
I finished reading this book this morning and this afternoon I am still thinking about it. A sign of a good book in my opinon. A cute christian book, with romance and a cute british guy, what more could you ask for. A great book for a quick read or even a book to read at the beach.
March 17, 2014
This is a refreshingly clean book. There is no sex, no sleeping around, not even bad language. I didn't realized the author was a Christian author when I picked it up. She does add some bits in about the bible which (because I am also Christian) I appreciated. I found it a refreshing easy read.
April 17, 2014
A good light hearted story about a girl who is trying to figure out what to do with her career. Along the way she has to deal with parents who have odd expectations, a new teen brother and romance in an unexpected place.
June 9, 2015
I could not put this book down! I was so hooked! Edge of my seat entertaining. So great, I would recommend this book to anyone, but with how hooked I was I'd suggest reading during the day. I was silly and started reading it before bed and didn't finish until four in the morning :D
October 18, 2015
Good book. The attraction happen a little to quickly for me I understand they knew each other since her brother was a freshmen in college and she was only 16 but I expected the attraction to happen slowly not so of sudden.
August 3, 2016
This book was so funny! I loved all the surprises that made my jaw drop! I love this book so much and highly recommend it to anyone who's wanting to read something excited and amusing at the same time.
Want to read
July 5, 2008Drama Queens series / book two
December 5, 2008
This one is a good, fun, lighthearted romance. I enjoyed it all. Can't wait until the Library gets #3.
November 1, 2008
Maybe it's 2.5 stars. I think young girls would like a book about living and working in New York City and finding true love.
May 30, 2009
Light summer reading - breezy book that's better for your brain than watching tv but obviously nothing that will change your life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews