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My Goodbye Girl
When Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont, not only is she attracted to him, she's intrigued by how different their lives are. He's a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She's a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries.
“A beautiful story of a woman's quest to open her heart and let love in. It made me want to travel and fall in love all over again.” ~Willow Aster, USA Today Bestselling Author
Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.
Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.
To move forward, she must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.
“A beautiful story of a woman's quest to open her heart and let love in. It made me want to travel and fall in love all over again.” ~Willow Aster, USA Today Bestselling Author
296 pages, Paperback
First published June 6, 2023
8 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Anna Gomez
4 books155 followersAnna Gomez also publishes under Christine Brae
As Christine Brae, Anna Gomez has published five award-winning books, The Light in the Wound series, In This Life, The Year I Left and Eight Goodbyes.
Under her real name, Anna is working on a number of projects. My Goodbye Girl releases in June 2023.
Anna is also the co-author of the From Kona with Love Series (Moments Like This, Where the Sun Rises) with Kristoffer Polaha.
As Christine Brae, Anna Gomez has published five award-winning books, The Light in the Wound series, In This Life, The Year I Left and Eight Goodbyes.
Under her real name, Anna is working on a number of projects. My Goodbye Girl releases in June 2023.
Anna is also the co-author of the From Kona with Love Series (Moments Like This, Where the Sun Rises) with Kristoffer Polaha.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 12, 2023
2.5★s
My Goodbye Girl by award-winning Philippines-born author, Anna Gomez is a book in the From Kona With Love series. Chicago writer Tessa Talman and British R&D scientist Simon Fremont first encounter each other on a plane to New York. Tessa is on a book-signing tour for her debut novel; Simon is speaking at a conference. In a bold (for him) move, he drops his card in her bag. Turns out that, besides both their events being at the same hotel, they have nothing at all in common except attraction.
Attraction only takes them so far, though. Simon likes to live a predictable existence, and wants to know when he can see Tessa again; Tessa might be attracted to this uber nerd who loved chemistry and physics, but she enjoys the freedom of casual hook-ups and has no intention of settling down. She tells him “I delve into feelings and emotions, while you live among the tangible and tactical”
Simon has many goals to accomplish, but he can’t get Tessa, always noncommittal, sometimes self-absorbed, beautiful, enticing, smart, free-spirited, out of his head. A novice at social media, he gets online just so he’ll know where he can meet up with her again.
Quirkiness in characters doesn’t guarantee they will appeal to all readers, and these two are not easy to connect with. The main protagonists keep huge secrets from those with whom they profess to be in love, and the support characters are much more endearing than these two.
The narrative switches between Tessa and Simon but is a little choppy, disjointed, rather slow and a bit repetitive: Tess is on promo tour somewhere Simon turns up, they argue, have make-up sex, rinse and repeat; until a dark turn at the two-thirds mark, after which the melodrama takes over and any patience the reader might have had is lost. May appeal to some…
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Rosewind Books.
My Goodbye Girl by award-winning Philippines-born author, Anna Gomez is a book in the From Kona With Love series. Chicago writer Tessa Talman and British R&D scientist Simon Fremont first encounter each other on a plane to New York. Tessa is on a book-signing tour for her debut novel; Simon is speaking at a conference. In a bold (for him) move, he drops his card in her bag. Turns out that, besides both their events being at the same hotel, they have nothing at all in common except attraction.
Attraction only takes them so far, though. Simon likes to live a predictable existence, and wants to know when he can see Tessa again; Tessa might be attracted to this uber nerd who loved chemistry and physics, but she enjoys the freedom of casual hook-ups and has no intention of settling down. She tells him “I delve into feelings and emotions, while you live among the tangible and tactical”
Simon has many goals to accomplish, but he can’t get Tessa, always noncommittal, sometimes self-absorbed, beautiful, enticing, smart, free-spirited, out of his head. A novice at social media, he gets online just so he’ll know where he can meet up with her again.
Quirkiness in characters doesn’t guarantee they will appeal to all readers, and these two are not easy to connect with. The main protagonists keep huge secrets from those with whom they profess to be in love, and the support characters are much more endearing than these two.
The narrative switches between Tessa and Simon but is a little choppy, disjointed, rather slow and a bit repetitive: Tess is on promo tour somewhere Simon turns up, they argue, have make-up sex, rinse and repeat; until a dark turn at the two-thirds mark, after which the melodrama takes over and any patience the reader might have had is lost. May appeal to some…
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Rosewind Books.
June 6, 2023
This was such a good read but heartbreaking. I couldn't put it down but it had me in tears.
May 18, 2023
THE GOOD:
A sweet tale that will leave you smiling.
Our leading male, Simon, truly seems like a great guy.
It's super fun to follow Tess and Simon around as they travel the world, meeting up at each new locale - Vegas, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Greece, the Philippines, Paris, and more.
THE BAD:
A bit heavier on the "romance" side (read: sex scenes") than I would normally read. That said, however, they weren't overly graphic, just not the strictly "fade to black" I prefer.
The main obstacle thrown our characters' path is very sudden and out-of-the blue. It seems rather wedged in.
Or leading lady Tessa's personality does not seem as well-developed as Simon's, which is a bummer - I would have liked to "know" her better.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, a happy-ending story that is well worth a day at the beach to read it under a shady umbrella.
A sweet tale that will leave you smiling.
Our leading male, Simon, truly seems like a great guy.
It's super fun to follow Tess and Simon around as they travel the world, meeting up at each new locale - Vegas, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Greece, the Philippines, Paris, and more.
THE BAD:
A bit heavier on the "romance" side (read: sex scenes") than I would normally read. That said, however, they weren't overly graphic, just not the strictly "fade to black" I prefer.
The main obstacle thrown our characters' path is very sudden and out-of-the blue. It seems rather wedged in.
Or leading lady Tessa's personality does not seem as well-developed as Simon's, which is a bummer - I would have liked to "know" her better.
CONCLUSION:
Overall, a happy-ending story that is well worth a day at the beach to read it under a shady umbrella.
April 29, 2023
This is a captivating, fascinating story of two very opposite people that captured not only my attention from the very beginning, but also my heart.
Tessa is on her way to La Guardia from Boston and finds her seat, 7C, a window seat. She stands up on the aisle seat so she can place her bag in the overhead compartment. The handsome man who has the aisle seat comes along and mentions that she is standing on his seat. This is where the story begins.
Simon, a scientist, very detailed, organized and a man who plans his next step, is in the aisle seat. Tessa, a best seller author lives moment by moment, seated by the window. They never speak a word to each other during the flight. Tessa begins to write a few notes on her boarding pass about the hot guy in the aisle seat. She is in town for a book signing and a few functions with fans. When the plane lands, he gets her bag down and hands it to her, but not before slipping his business card inside.
The adventures of Simon and Tessa goes on for several years, meeting at various places around the world. She encourages him to do things he would never consider doing, like jumping from a cliff into the water below. She finds herself a bit more organized, by picking up after herself. After each trip they say good-bye until the next time. Simon calls her his “Goodbye Girl.”
Tessa’s only family is her older brother, Jacob, since their parents died unexpectedly in an accident years earlier. After a tragic accident in Paris while Simon, Tessa, Jacob and his fiancé, Riley are there, life takes on in a different directions for both Simon and Tessa. There are long-held secrets that have not been revealed, and different twists to this intriguing story that had me turning the pages right to the end. Days later, I am still thinking of this remarkable story of Tessa and Simon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Tessa is on her way to La Guardia from Boston and finds her seat, 7C, a window seat. She stands up on the aisle seat so she can place her bag in the overhead compartment. The handsome man who has the aisle seat comes along and mentions that she is standing on his seat. This is where the story begins.
Simon, a scientist, very detailed, organized and a man who plans his next step, is in the aisle seat. Tessa, a best seller author lives moment by moment, seated by the window. They never speak a word to each other during the flight. Tessa begins to write a few notes on her boarding pass about the hot guy in the aisle seat. She is in town for a book signing and a few functions with fans. When the plane lands, he gets her bag down and hands it to her, but not before slipping his business card inside.
The adventures of Simon and Tessa goes on for several years, meeting at various places around the world. She encourages him to do things he would never consider doing, like jumping from a cliff into the water below. She finds herself a bit more organized, by picking up after herself. After each trip they say good-bye until the next time. Simon calls her his “Goodbye Girl.”
Tessa’s only family is her older brother, Jacob, since their parents died unexpectedly in an accident years earlier. After a tragic accident in Paris while Simon, Tessa, Jacob and his fiancé, Riley are there, life takes on in a different directions for both Simon and Tessa. There are long-held secrets that have not been revealed, and different twists to this intriguing story that had me turning the pages right to the end. Days later, I am still thinking of this remarkable story of Tessa and Simon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2023
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez is a touching multicultural love story about a chance meeting that is predestined for Simon and Tessa. Anna Gomez has a wonderful way of bringing the two main character's story full circle and left me wanting the story not to end. Simon and Tessa have very different philosophies about life which creates tension between them. One is very practical and loves to make plans, while the other is more of a fly by the seat of your pants kinda person. This creates tension in their relationship. Both characters have their own set of challenges and issues that they must work through. The question is can Tessa and Simon move past these problems so they can be together? They are both very different people but as the old saying goes, "Opposites attract." This is an accurate description of Simon and Tessa. Each is holding on to secrets from their past that they must deal with. But will they be successful?
I highly recommend that you read My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez. even if romance is not your usual read. Anna describes the places that the two main characters travel so exquisitely that I felt like I was there in these exotic locations. It is a must-read romance novel!
I highly recommend that you read My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez. even if romance is not your usual read. Anna describes the places that the two main characters travel so exquisitely that I felt like I was there in these exotic locations. It is a must-read romance novel!
June 5, 2023
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired and on bookstagram.
Previously published as Eight Goodbyes by Christine Brae, My Goodbye Girl is an edited, upgraded version under Anna Gomez. I have previously read the novel and found this second, updated readthrough just as enjoyable.
They say opposites attract and with My Goodbye Girl's Tessa and Simon that is definitely the case. He's a smart, sensitive scientist and businessman, while she's best described as having her heads in the clouds. One is logical, the other is emotional. As an author, Tessa is afforded the ability to travel the world, giving in to the words in her head whenever she wants and keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been through a life of loss though, one that makes her unsure of permanence and plans. Simon is persistent in winning her over and as they meet up in various locations all over the world she begins to find comfort in the consistency. They say goodbye each time, there's no promise of the future, no plan, until one day finally Tessa gives in and offers Simon everything. Life though, like love, is unpredictable..
You spend so much of the novel hoping the goodbyes end, that Tessa will open up, hoping the pair would find a way to be together and yet still be their individual selves. I liked both main characters, connecting with Simon's clean way and formula style thinking and envying Tessa's ability to hop around the world embracing every new experience. We only get glimpses of their time together, often a glimpse of a sensual evening or touristy exploring, and we remain relatively unaware of what goes on when they are apart. We see Tessa with her walls built back up each time they meet, unable to shake the loss from her life. Simon continues to embrace his feelings, working Tessa's walls down and learning to embrace her adventurous side. He keeps secrets from her though and I struggled with how much he asked of her while still not giving all of himself. Finally, we see them embrace this unknown, this love, only to watch it shatter.
Their love faces an unimaginable trial, Gomez deals with the topic delicately, skimming the actual events, leaving us with the character's emotions and the aftermath. I found it really interesting how the timeline of the book skipped ahead after the event, revealing that the characters are still reeling from the event though their lives have moved forward. I appreciated how Gomez worked through the emotions with the characters, showing each having done something different. It was unpredictable and there were certainly some twists that I loved and some I hated, much like how I feel about real life sometimes. It's difficult, the struggles they continue to face are hard, but it is realistic. Gomez takes you on a journey of loss, love, and rediscovery.
My Goodbye Girl is about embracing all that life has to offer, the beautiful and the painful. Gomez has a writing style that leaves you in the character's heads quite often and while it isn't for everyone I think it worked well for this type of story. I loved the various settings and the character growth Tessa and Simon go through as they discover what love is together.
ARC provided.
Previously published as Eight Goodbyes by Christine Brae, My Goodbye Girl is an edited, upgraded version under Anna Gomez. I have previously read the novel and found this second, updated readthrough just as enjoyable.
They say opposites attract and with My Goodbye Girl's Tessa and Simon that is definitely the case. He's a smart, sensitive scientist and businessman, while she's best described as having her heads in the clouds. One is logical, the other is emotional. As an author, Tessa is afforded the ability to travel the world, giving in to the words in her head whenever she wants and keeping everyone at arm's length. She's been through a life of loss though, one that makes her unsure of permanence and plans. Simon is persistent in winning her over and as they meet up in various locations all over the world she begins to find comfort in the consistency. They say goodbye each time, there's no promise of the future, no plan, until one day finally Tessa gives in and offers Simon everything. Life though, like love, is unpredictable..
You spend so much of the novel hoping the goodbyes end, that Tessa will open up, hoping the pair would find a way to be together and yet still be their individual selves. I liked both main characters, connecting with Simon's clean way and formula style thinking and envying Tessa's ability to hop around the world embracing every new experience. We only get glimpses of their time together, often a glimpse of a sensual evening or touristy exploring, and we remain relatively unaware of what goes on when they are apart. We see Tessa with her walls built back up each time they meet, unable to shake the loss from her life. Simon continues to embrace his feelings, working Tessa's walls down and learning to embrace her adventurous side. He keeps secrets from her though and I struggled with how much he asked of her while still not giving all of himself. Finally, we see them embrace this unknown, this love, only to watch it shatter.
Their love faces an unimaginable trial, Gomez deals with the topic delicately, skimming the actual events, leaving us with the character's emotions and the aftermath. I found it really interesting how the timeline of the book skipped ahead after the event, revealing that the characters are still reeling from the event though their lives have moved forward. I appreciated how Gomez worked through the emotions with the characters, showing each having done something different. It was unpredictable and there were certainly some twists that I loved and some I hated, much like how I feel about real life sometimes. It's difficult, the struggles they continue to face are hard, but it is realistic. Gomez takes you on a journey of loss, love, and rediscovery.
My Goodbye Girl is about embracing all that life has to offer, the beautiful and the painful. Gomez has a writing style that leaves you in the character's heads quite often and while it isn't for everyone I think it worked well for this type of story. I loved the various settings and the character growth Tessa and Simon go through as they discover what love is together.
ARC provided.
May 13, 2023
I received a free copy of, My Goodbye Girl, by Anna Gomez, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Tessa and Simon are travelers who meet in an airplane and then meet up from time to time. I could not get into this book or connect with Tessa. I did not care for the ending either.
April 20, 2023
2.25/5 stars! The premise of the book sounded great. However, the payoff wasn't there for me. I found Tessa to be shallow and 2-dimensional so I was rooting for Simon to break up with her for the majority of the tale. Not being able to connect with one of the two main characters, made it impossible for me to enjoy the story. But I'm hopeful other readers may enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 4, 2023
“You’re my heaven. This. This is heaven.”
The story centers around Tessa and Simon. She is a revered bestselling author and he is a renowned nano physicist. They both meet on their way to New York in their airplane. From there on out, we get to see at a first glance the making of their love story. From their first chance encounter at their airplane, to meet ups in New York, Vegas, Hong Kong, etc we get to experience their love affair come to life.
Anna does a fantastic job with this story and engages the reader to go on this journey with both main characters. The characters are what makes this story so likeable. I loved Simon and Tessa together. Tessa never expected to fall in love but Simon knew how to ingrain himself in her life at the precise right time. She is a somewhat party girl and he is a loner. Theirs is undeniable chemistry. But can this actually work for them in the long run?
I really enjoyed the story, but found myself at times skipping through the sentences. They were very redundant at times but still kept me reading throughout. I was very delighted with the storyline.
The story centers around Tessa and Simon. She is a revered bestselling author and he is a renowned nano physicist. They both meet on their way to New York in their airplane. From there on out, we get to see at a first glance the making of their love story. From their first chance encounter at their airplane, to meet ups in New York, Vegas, Hong Kong, etc we get to experience their love affair come to life.
Anna does a fantastic job with this story and engages the reader to go on this journey with both main characters. The characters are what makes this story so likeable. I loved Simon and Tessa together. Tessa never expected to fall in love but Simon knew how to ingrain himself in her life at the precise right time. She is a somewhat party girl and he is a loner. Theirs is undeniable chemistry. But can this actually work for them in the long run?
I really enjoyed the story, but found myself at times skipping through the sentences. They were very redundant at times but still kept me reading throughout. I was very delighted with the storyline.
February 14, 2024
When Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont, not only is she attracted to him, she's intrigued by how different their lives are. He's a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded. She's a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they meet in places around the world, while continuing to live in different countries.
Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.
Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.
To move forward, she must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.
Loved it
Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.
Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways she never imagined.
To move forward, she must let go of the past and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.
Loved it
November 10, 2023
My Goodbye Girl
Anna Gomez
2023
5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher Rosewind Books / Vesuvian Books for my copy of My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez. I have not received any rewards or compensation for this review and therefore all views and opinions are of my own, the reviewer.
In summary: Love at first sight romance.
This is my first Anna Gomez book, and I have to say I actually enjoyed it.
Against the backdrop of travelling around the world and love at first sight, I loved how the main characters met and their story pushed forward. It never felt forced, the relationship grew organically. The characters were well developed, I felt invested in those characters and there was a good payoff at the end for their happily ever after. The writing was easy to read, no complexities that detracted from the story lines.
I never felt bored reading the story and it flowed very well. The romance was believable, and was able to visualise the story as it unfolded.
Anna Gomez
2023
5 Stars
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher Rosewind Books / Vesuvian Books for my copy of My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez. I have not received any rewards or compensation for this review and therefore all views and opinions are of my own, the reviewer.
In summary: Love at first sight romance.
This is my first Anna Gomez book, and I have to say I actually enjoyed it.
Against the backdrop of travelling around the world and love at first sight, I loved how the main characters met and their story pushed forward. It never felt forced, the relationship grew organically. The characters were well developed, I felt invested in those characters and there was a good payoff at the end for their happily ever after. The writing was easy to read, no complexities that detracted from the story lines.
I never felt bored reading the story and it flowed very well. The romance was believable, and was able to visualise the story as it unfolded.
June 3, 2023
One Truth. I LOVED this book.
It broke my heart - but even that didn’t take away from my love of this book!
I previously read the From Kona with Love series - which Anna Gomez co-authored with Kristoffer Polaha - so when I heard she had a new book coming out that she wrote solo - I was sold! I didn’t even need to know the synopsis, I was in because I loved her writing! And this book did not disappoint.
I loved globe hopping with Tessa and Simon. I loved that they were practically polar opposites and yet - as they say - opposites attract! But don’t think that this book is just fun and games. There’s love, loss, friendship, and the true meaning of family - and it is wrought with emotion.
Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for an emotional read!
It broke my heart - but even that didn’t take away from my love of this book!
I previously read the From Kona with Love series - which Anna Gomez co-authored with Kristoffer Polaha - so when I heard she had a new book coming out that she wrote solo - I was sold! I didn’t even need to know the synopsis, I was in because I loved her writing! And this book did not disappoint.
I loved globe hopping with Tessa and Simon. I loved that they were practically polar opposites and yet - as they say - opposites attract! But don’t think that this book is just fun and games. There’s love, loss, friendship, and the true meaning of family - and it is wrought with emotion.
Highly recommend this one if you’re looking for an emotional read!
June 4, 2023
*big breath* OK.
Our heroine is a famous author. Our hero is a brilliant scientist. They meet on a flight, then run into each other a few more times before starting a ... "relationship" might not be the best word. It's more like they frequently meet up in various cities for a hookup. Tessa is especially reluctant to make an actual commitment, but she eventually comes around and just as they are closing in on their HEA... Wham!! A big event happens that changes everything. And that's where a book that was already a bit of a struggle for me became completely unbelievable.
From the beginning I found the two main characters to be rather thinly written, and we were halfway through the book before there was *any* story outside of the hookups. The big life-changing event was *so* out of the blue that it feels incongruent. And after *that*, things became downright unbelievable. As in... You just have to ignore everything you know about human nature to accept the remaining plot points.
I see ARCs as little book babies, and I try to hold them gently, but I just struggled with this one, *especially* the last 33%. A different reader's mileage may vary, and I hope it does! My thanks, as always, to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
#MyGoodbyeGirl
Our heroine is a famous author. Our hero is a brilliant scientist. They meet on a flight, then run into each other a few more times before starting a ... "relationship" might not be the best word. It's more like they frequently meet up in various cities for a hookup. Tessa is especially reluctant to make an actual commitment, but she eventually comes around and just as they are closing in on their HEA... Wham!! A big event happens that changes everything. And that's where a book that was already a bit of a struggle for me became completely unbelievable.
From the beginning I found the two main characters to be rather thinly written, and we were halfway through the book before there was *any* story outside of the hookups. The big life-changing event was *so* out of the blue that it feels incongruent. And after *that*, things became downright unbelievable. As in... You just have to ignore everything you know about human nature to accept the remaining plot points.
I see ARCs as little book babies, and I try to hold them gently, but I just struggled with this one, *especially* the last 33%. A different reader's mileage may vary, and I hope it does! My thanks, as always, to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
#MyGoodbyeGirl
Read
July 19, 2023Is love more powerful than the pain of goodbye? MY GOODBYE GIRL by Anna Gomez follows star-crossed lovers across the globe as they open themselves up to the possibility of a happy ending.
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
Read the full review on BookTrib.com
July 24, 2023
This was quite angsty and packed an emotional punch. Our heroine spends her entire life just trying to avoid planning next steps, while our hero wants nothing more than an orderly life, knowing what to expect. From the moment they first meet, they have a connection and fight their emotional baggage the entire way, always in the never right time, never right place battle. Then, when everything looks like it finally is going to align for them, tragedy strikes. If you are a fan of the emotional, hard-won romance, you will surely enjoy this one.
March 7, 2024
Make space for love
A beautiful love story of giving love a chance, giving time to love, forgive, heal and search and pursue for the person you know is your true love.
A beautiful love story of giving love a chance, giving time to love, forgive, heal and search and pursue for the person you know is your true love.
June 7, 2023
One of the things that Anna Gomez does well is writing in a way that just transports your right to wherever the characters are. Compelling and captivating, you will take this journey with Tessa and Simon as if you were right beside them. Nothing beats an emotional read where you. An feel all the feels. This book does that!! A perfect read for the summer.
December 15, 2024
Anna Gomez's My Goodbye Girl starts with an unexpected meeting between Tessa Talman, a free-spirited romance author, and Simon Fremont, a pragmatic scientist, on a plane. Their love story unfolds across the globe, with each reunion shaped by their differing priorities. While Simon craves stability, Tessa is dedicated to her independence and career success. As unforeseen events push them to face their pasts, they are forced to reassess their priorities. Ultimately, the story takes a surprising and intricate turn.
I may provide spoilers, so please be careful!
While love is the dominant theme, the way it’s handled gives us a deeper sense of the personal conflicts inside each character. There are recurring elements of leaving the past behind, confronting traumas, and personal growth, but these often feel more like barriers to love and connection. If you don’t struggle with the idea of being alone, you might not understand why someone would give up their career and established life for someone they hardly know.
Writing the love story of two such opposing characters is a challenge. Sure, character development can make their relationship believable, but in the end, I think it remains a toxic one. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of the woman and the man, which is a great way to show what they love about each other. Despite Tessa being a relatable character, I can’t see much attractive about her aside from her elusiveness. She hasn’t resolved her own issues, and to cope with them, she’s adopted a specific lifestyle. It’s easy to empathize with someone in that situation, but expecting a happy ending in a love story like this isn’t simple.
Spoiler alert: We learned that Simon had health problems before Tessa did, which highlights how little effort she put into understanding him. It wasn’t hard to predict that Tessa’s fast-paced lifestyle, with all her travel, would eventually hurt Simon. Spoiler ends
I don’t think we see much character development from Tessa because, in the end, what she does isn’t a sacrifice or an acceptance, nor is it a moment of waking up to her own traumas and starting to see others. By the time she makes her decision, she has nothing left to lose, so it seems like a selfish choice.
Spoiler starts: Her desire to be with Simon’s family is obviously a positive aspect, but she cannot possibly handle the care of a sick, stubborn, risk-taking man and a small child alone. She needs the support of the family. Spoiler ends
On the other hand, I wouldn’t say Simon undergoes much character growth either. Though it seems like he’s progressing when he turns his back on the unhealthy relationship, he still has a lot of ups and downs. In the end, he’s the one who returns. Meanwhile, Tessa quickly returned to her old habits.
Spoiler starts: Even though she didn’t tell him she was pregnant, she adapted easily, even though she knew it was unfair to him. Spoiler ends
The attachment issues of someone who unexpectedly loses their loved ones was the most relatable and compelling part of this book for me. Seeing Tessa struggling with her own trauma while confronting it and learning how it shaped her was very realistic. Tessa’s lack of consideration for how her actions might trigger Riley’s past trauma, ignoring Simon would also be traumatic because of the Paris incident, and treating it as her personal issue all reflect Tessa’s automatic selfishness. It’s not bad intent; it’s a defense mechanism operating before the decision-making process.
Spoiler starts: Memory loss is certainly consistent with this theme. Spoiler ends
In that regard, I think the character is well-crafted.
After Simon learns the hidden truth, his ability to forgive easily seemed like a return to old mistakes, self-reliance, and weakness. However, Spoiler starts: unlike Tessa, he’s in an atmosphere where his life is threatened, and he doesn’t have the luxury of procrastination. He wants to live as much as possible and gain as much as he can before his time runs out. Spoiler ends
I feel like I read the relationship between the fear of losing and the fear of winning. In the end, we see that both of their fears are exaggerated and that one cannot heal without the other, which gives the story a meaningful foundation. Also, when the narrative voice and perspective shifted to Simon’s perspective in Tessa’s chapter and vice versa, it was a refreshing touch. If it was intentional, I see it as a delicious element that definitely enhances the value of the book.
Of course, the author’s choices in pacing have a reason, but when I look at my own life, I realize I’d prefer Tessa and Simon to accept that their relationship wasn’t healthy and focus on their individual lives. However, that might not be seen as realistic because not everyone can make healthy decisions in their own life—sometimes they get stuck in their wrong choices. If we were to look five years into Tessa and Simon’s lives, we’d definitely see how much Tessa had sacrificed because of this decision and how she’d feel trapped, like in a prison. Even though she seems to have faced her traumas, it feels like she’s suppressing her old grief with a new fear of losing. She’s adopted a new trauma, which she’s chosen as her reason for existence—this isn’t healthy at all.
Spoiler starts: For example, I love Gilmore Girls because I can relate to how Rory, a young woman with high expectations and a seemingly bright future, struggles when she leaves her small world and can’t meet those expectations. When she fights to cope with this, makes wrong decisions, and finally delivers the news of her pregnancy to her mother—creating a circular effect that takes her mother back to the beginning (she couldn’t prevent her daughter ends up like her)—I see it as a raw and real moment. I would’ve loved to see this kind of development for Tessa when she finally faced her traumas and could talk about them. Rory represents progress in life, but I’d like to see more characters that highlight what we should be.
The meeting between the child and the father was important, and I’m glad it happened. I also thought the way the child character was introduced and subtly integrated into the story was done very well. Spoiler ends
I found the different ways Riley and Tessa deal with the same traumatic event and their grieving processes very realistic. I think that’s very important. The character creation was so rich that I wish the author had spent the same amount of care on other characters like Simon, Jacob, and Riley. However, the chosen narrative style doesn’t allow for that, and I understand why. I’m referring to when the perspective shifts suddenly from one person to an omniscient or third-person narrator after the characters decided to be together. These changes in narrative voice bring a dynamic energy to the story, and I wouldn’t want to lose that. Separate chapters for Riley and Jacob would’ve felt out of place.
We’ve discussed the story’s strong points, but of course, I think there are areas that could be improved. The writing is undeniably smooth, and I can’t dispute the beauty of the author’s style. But there are places in the story that need more attention. I’m a fan of time jumps when done well, and I believe they can be incredibly effective, but in this case, after a buildup, I felt there could have been more preparation before moving into a calmer atmosphere. Think of it like transitioning from an intense scene in Paris to a quieter one—it could be effective, but as a reader, I felt there should’ve been a slower transition. The information about Will and Liam (It kind of sounds like William when written this way. I wonder if it has any meaning 😊) felt a bit much when Tessa’s last three years were suddenly revealed all at once. I would’ve preferred to see these details unfold gradually, even if it meant extending the book. The depictions of scenes, action, and emotions were well-done, but after the Paris scene, there’s a noticeable shift. If the pacing had slowed down and we were gradually introduced to where the characters were three years later, the calm would’ve felt more impactful.
Overall, I’m happy to have encountered such a skilled writer. Despite some gaps in the pacing, I can consider these as minor flaws. Even without clear character development, we encounter many people in real life who continue to make the same decisions. Therefore, we can’t say it’s unrealistic. The smooth flow of the writing, along with the vivid descriptions, action scenes, and emotional portrayals, made this an enjoyable read. There were definitely moments when I couldn’t hold back tears. I found myself saying, Spoiler starts: “You kept him from experiencing two years of his child’s life, woman!” Spoiler ends—a feeling only possible when you’ve truly immersed yourself in the story. The acknowledgment of the details in the acknowledgments helped clarify why the Paris scene was important. I’ll definitely read more of the author’s books. If I ever have the chance to meet her, I’d love to talk about this book in person. Who knows, maybe one day…
I may provide spoilers, so please be careful!
While love is the dominant theme, the way it’s handled gives us a deeper sense of the personal conflicts inside each character. There are recurring elements of leaving the past behind, confronting traumas, and personal growth, but these often feel more like barriers to love and connection. If you don’t struggle with the idea of being alone, you might not understand why someone would give up their career and established life for someone they hardly know.
Writing the love story of two such opposing characters is a challenge. Sure, character development can make their relationship believable, but in the end, I think it remains a toxic one. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of the woman and the man, which is a great way to show what they love about each other. Despite Tessa being a relatable character, I can’t see much attractive about her aside from her elusiveness. She hasn’t resolved her own issues, and to cope with them, she’s adopted a specific lifestyle. It’s easy to empathize with someone in that situation, but expecting a happy ending in a love story like this isn’t simple.
Spoiler alert: We learned that Simon had health problems before Tessa did, which highlights how little effort she put into understanding him. It wasn’t hard to predict that Tessa’s fast-paced lifestyle, with all her travel, would eventually hurt Simon. Spoiler ends
I don’t think we see much character development from Tessa because, in the end, what she does isn’t a sacrifice or an acceptance, nor is it a moment of waking up to her own traumas and starting to see others. By the time she makes her decision, she has nothing left to lose, so it seems like a selfish choice.
Spoiler starts: Her desire to be with Simon’s family is obviously a positive aspect, but she cannot possibly handle the care of a sick, stubborn, risk-taking man and a small child alone. She needs the support of the family. Spoiler ends
On the other hand, I wouldn’t say Simon undergoes much character growth either. Though it seems like he’s progressing when he turns his back on the unhealthy relationship, he still has a lot of ups and downs. In the end, he’s the one who returns. Meanwhile, Tessa quickly returned to her old habits.
Spoiler starts: Even though she didn’t tell him she was pregnant, she adapted easily, even though she knew it was unfair to him. Spoiler ends
The attachment issues of someone who unexpectedly loses their loved ones was the most relatable and compelling part of this book for me. Seeing Tessa struggling with her own trauma while confronting it and learning how it shaped her was very realistic. Tessa’s lack of consideration for how her actions might trigger Riley’s past trauma, ignoring Simon would also be traumatic because of the Paris incident, and treating it as her personal issue all reflect Tessa’s automatic selfishness. It’s not bad intent; it’s a defense mechanism operating before the decision-making process.
Spoiler starts: Memory loss is certainly consistent with this theme. Spoiler ends
In that regard, I think the character is well-crafted.
After Simon learns the hidden truth, his ability to forgive easily seemed like a return to old mistakes, self-reliance, and weakness. However, Spoiler starts: unlike Tessa, he’s in an atmosphere where his life is threatened, and he doesn’t have the luxury of procrastination. He wants to live as much as possible and gain as much as he can before his time runs out. Spoiler ends
I feel like I read the relationship between the fear of losing and the fear of winning. In the end, we see that both of their fears are exaggerated and that one cannot heal without the other, which gives the story a meaningful foundation. Also, when the narrative voice and perspective shifted to Simon’s perspective in Tessa’s chapter and vice versa, it was a refreshing touch. If it was intentional, I see it as a delicious element that definitely enhances the value of the book.
Of course, the author’s choices in pacing have a reason, but when I look at my own life, I realize I’d prefer Tessa and Simon to accept that their relationship wasn’t healthy and focus on their individual lives. However, that might not be seen as realistic because not everyone can make healthy decisions in their own life—sometimes they get stuck in their wrong choices. If we were to look five years into Tessa and Simon’s lives, we’d definitely see how much Tessa had sacrificed because of this decision and how she’d feel trapped, like in a prison. Even though she seems to have faced her traumas, it feels like she’s suppressing her old grief with a new fear of losing. She’s adopted a new trauma, which she’s chosen as her reason for existence—this isn’t healthy at all.
Spoiler starts: For example, I love Gilmore Girls because I can relate to how Rory, a young woman with high expectations and a seemingly bright future, struggles when she leaves her small world and can’t meet those expectations. When she fights to cope with this, makes wrong decisions, and finally delivers the news of her pregnancy to her mother—creating a circular effect that takes her mother back to the beginning (she couldn’t prevent her daughter ends up like her)—I see it as a raw and real moment. I would’ve loved to see this kind of development for Tessa when she finally faced her traumas and could talk about them. Rory represents progress in life, but I’d like to see more characters that highlight what we should be.
The meeting between the child and the father was important, and I’m glad it happened. I also thought the way the child character was introduced and subtly integrated into the story was done very well. Spoiler ends
I found the different ways Riley and Tessa deal with the same traumatic event and their grieving processes very realistic. I think that’s very important. The character creation was so rich that I wish the author had spent the same amount of care on other characters like Simon, Jacob, and Riley. However, the chosen narrative style doesn’t allow for that, and I understand why. I’m referring to when the perspective shifts suddenly from one person to an omniscient or third-person narrator after the characters decided to be together. These changes in narrative voice bring a dynamic energy to the story, and I wouldn’t want to lose that. Separate chapters for Riley and Jacob would’ve felt out of place.
We’ve discussed the story’s strong points, but of course, I think there are areas that could be improved. The writing is undeniably smooth, and I can’t dispute the beauty of the author’s style. But there are places in the story that need more attention. I’m a fan of time jumps when done well, and I believe they can be incredibly effective, but in this case, after a buildup, I felt there could have been more preparation before moving into a calmer atmosphere. Think of it like transitioning from an intense scene in Paris to a quieter one—it could be effective, but as a reader, I felt there should’ve been a slower transition. The information about Will and Liam (It kind of sounds like William when written this way. I wonder if it has any meaning 😊) felt a bit much when Tessa’s last three years were suddenly revealed all at once. I would’ve preferred to see these details unfold gradually, even if it meant extending the book. The depictions of scenes, action, and emotions were well-done, but after the Paris scene, there’s a noticeable shift. If the pacing had slowed down and we were gradually introduced to where the characters were three years later, the calm would’ve felt more impactful.
Overall, I’m happy to have encountered such a skilled writer. Despite some gaps in the pacing, I can consider these as minor flaws. Even without clear character development, we encounter many people in real life who continue to make the same decisions. Therefore, we can’t say it’s unrealistic. The smooth flow of the writing, along with the vivid descriptions, action scenes, and emotional portrayals, made this an enjoyable read. There were definitely moments when I couldn’t hold back tears. I found myself saying, Spoiler starts: “You kept him from experiencing two years of his child’s life, woman!” Spoiler ends—a feeling only possible when you’ve truly immersed yourself in the story. The acknowledgment of the details in the acknowledgments helped clarify why the Paris scene was important. I’ll definitely read more of the author’s books. If I ever have the chance to meet her, I’d love to talk about this book in person. Who knows, maybe one day…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2023
This book sucked me in right from the start. I love stories that start from unique circumstances. They are always fun to read and this one was no different.
Tessa & Simon were definitely opposites and maybe that's what truly brought them together. And maybe it's also what ultimately drove them apart.
I loved the people in Tessa's life. She has one of the best support systems I think I've ever read about in a fiction book. They had her back and knew when to push her and when to hold back.
Simon's family wasn't as prominent in this story but their love for him was still so evident. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to get there.
You could argue this story isn't a HEA but because of the circumstances maybe we can call it a HFN (happy for now) because we know how ultimately it'll end.
I would recommend this book.
Tessa & Simon were definitely opposites and maybe that's what truly brought them together. And maybe it's also what ultimately drove them apart.
I loved the people in Tessa's life. She has one of the best support systems I think I've ever read about in a fiction book. They had her back and knew when to push her and when to hold back.
Simon's family wasn't as prominent in this story but their love for him was still so evident. He knew what he wanted and he knew how to get there.
You could argue this story isn't a HEA but because of the circumstances maybe we can call it a HFN (happy for now) because we know how ultimately it'll end.
I would recommend this book.
June 20, 2023
"He wasn't in her world, just passing through it"
A new to me author and, if I am totally honest, not a genre of book I would generally pick up off the shelf and buy for myself. However, aware of just how well the lovely people at Meryl Moss Media know me by now, when the review opportunity was offered, it was definitely worth a punt, which turned into a very enjoyable leap of four star faith!
...
Tessa Talman is an American writer, with her debut romance novel having taken the world by storm. She has a vivid imagination which can turn even the most innocent of words into unscrupulous suggestions in an instant. When, on embarking on yet another leg of a trip as part of a lengthy promotional tour for her book, she finds herself one place ahead of the man of her dreams in a priority flight queue at Boston airport, then discovers that they are seated in the same row aboard the flight, ideas for another storyline instantly begin to take shape in her mind. Her travelling companion, British academic and R&D researcher, Simon Fremont, doesn't however, appear to share this instant attraction, or at least that's how it appears to Tessa, until she later discovers that he has managed to slip a business card into her carry-on case during the flight.
Thus begins one of the strangest, long distance love affairs, I have read about.
Tessa's new world, where image is everything, revolves around her social media accounts, involving copious amounts of online interaction and constant influence with her growing fanbase, which consumes her almost every waking hour. Simon on the other hand, has no interest in opening up either his professional or private life for public scrutiny and comment. Although out of necessity, that is all about to change if he wants to pursue any kind of relationship with Tessa. The two only communicate by Instagram or WhatsApp, with Tessa's messages more demand or ultimatum, rather than romantic request, detailing where Simon can next travel to meet her, should he so wish. Because of the emotional baggage and insecurities he guesses Tessa comes with, Simon always ends up by pandering to her every whim, although their liaisons tend to be rushed affairs, which are purely sexually physical, with Tessa never willing to open up to him about her past which has and still continues, to shape her thoughts and concerns about embarking on a deeper, more meaningful relationship, or settled life with anyone, even though deep down she knows that Simon would support and encourage her career independence without question. But is that enough for her?
That the two have strong feelings for one another, there is no doubt, so it is perhaps unsurprising that almost against all the odds, their relationship does eventually set itself on an altogether firmer foothold, although Tessa's forced confession about her commitment issues almost tears them apart permanently before that happens. Simon remains very loyal to her and more than willing to prove to her protective older brother Jacob and best friend Riley, that he only wants to be able to love and comfort the person they all care so much about. However, Simon's honesty to his own family regarding his feelings towards Tessa, has been more than a little lacking, given how much he knows they worry about him, so whilst he has demanded that Tessa open up her heart to him completely, it transpires that he has failed to confess his own deepest secret, which may have drastic, if not fatal, consequences for any future life they might embark on together.
The impending wedding between Jacob and Riley, finally looks set to ignite the spark between Tessa and Simon, until the hand of fate once again steps in and rips the heart and soul out of an entire community, with our four protagonists well and truly caught in the crossfire. It takes what seems like another lifetime before there is a possibility for healing and reconciliation and by now Tessa's life has changed irrevocably. That Simon is once again willing to step up for the woman he loves doesn't go unnoticed by her this time, so that now the only thing which can separate these long-term, star-crossed lovers, is that final parting itself!
...
After much deliberation, I finally settled on four stars for this modern, contemporary romance, which I have to admit, isn't one of my usual reading genres. I liked the short, well-signposted chapters and the free-flowing style of writing, which kept the multi-layered storyline moving along at a good pace. The author also wasn't afraid to showcase some of the social and societal mores of our times, nor to give more than a passing nod to actual devastating events, which have happened in our recent past and which shocked and impacted not only a nation, but also the wider world, without in any way trivialising those events.
The pressures which fandom exerts on an individual in the spotlight and the constant need to be visible, interacting and influencing on social media, is a relatively recent phenomenon which authors are now beginning to feature and discuss in their books. The recognition that PTSD is not exclusively related to combat trauma and military personnel, but can be experienced by any one of us following an instance of extreme stress or distress. The long-term affects of being orphaned at a young age and how important the bond between siblings can then become. Knowing that you are living on borrowed time and the strain that can impose on an entire family structure.
Jacob and Tessa had spent much of their childhood being 'shared around' the houses of various relatives and friends, and that Tessa in particular was still suffering from the trauma and aftermath of those experiences decades later, was clear to see. Add to that, events of the present day, detailed in the storyline, which directly affected her ability to function for sometime after their occurrence, and the case for an episode of full-blown PTSD and the fear of putting her trust in, making a commitment to anyone, or opening up her heart to let love in, was obvious. For Simon, the fears which were ever present in his life, had a slightly different, yet equally damaging effect on his mental well-being and views about the future. That he also chose not to confide in Tessa until it was almost too late for their relationship to be saved, certainly didn't help either of their states of mind.
Jacob, Riley and Simon's brother Adrian, all had equally important roles to play in this story of love and sacrifice and their parts were both well defined and fleshed out. Between them, all the characters were given free reign and a strong voice with which to tell their own version of events and the sincerity in the poignant and evocative dialogue and narrative was both touching, perceptive and powerful. That having been said, I can't say that I fully related to, or connected with, either Tessa or Simon, for much of the time and there were many occasions when I could have cheerfully strangled this pair of star-crossed lovers. Yes, I appreciate they both had personal issues they were busy trying to conceal from one another and deal with alone, however, their behaviour was often vacuous, with Tessa in particular being quite promiscuous and rather shallow. She is able to write thousands of words about love, yet can't articulate her own feelings for fear of opening up too much. Whilst a methodical, process driven Simon, definitely has a 'do as I say, not as I do' attitude, when it comes to telling the truth about his feelings, or confessing the secrets he is harbouring.
The action moves swiftly around several countries and continents, so whilst there is no single centre of focus, the armchair traveller inside of me, was more than satisfied with my whistle stop tour. The lovely images some very descriptive words afforded me and the feelings they evoked, also helped to make this a romance with a little more substance than many I have read and offered a joyous few hours of much needed escapism from everyday life.
A new to me author and, if I am totally honest, not a genre of book I would generally pick up off the shelf and buy for myself. However, aware of just how well the lovely people at Meryl Moss Media know me by now, when the review opportunity was offered, it was definitely worth a punt, which turned into a very enjoyable leap of four star faith!
...
Tessa Talman is an American writer, with her debut romance novel having taken the world by storm. She has a vivid imagination which can turn even the most innocent of words into unscrupulous suggestions in an instant. When, on embarking on yet another leg of a trip as part of a lengthy promotional tour for her book, she finds herself one place ahead of the man of her dreams in a priority flight queue at Boston airport, then discovers that they are seated in the same row aboard the flight, ideas for another storyline instantly begin to take shape in her mind. Her travelling companion, British academic and R&D researcher, Simon Fremont, doesn't however, appear to share this instant attraction, or at least that's how it appears to Tessa, until she later discovers that he has managed to slip a business card into her carry-on case during the flight.
Thus begins one of the strangest, long distance love affairs, I have read about.
Tessa's new world, where image is everything, revolves around her social media accounts, involving copious amounts of online interaction and constant influence with her growing fanbase, which consumes her almost every waking hour. Simon on the other hand, has no interest in opening up either his professional or private life for public scrutiny and comment. Although out of necessity, that is all about to change if he wants to pursue any kind of relationship with Tessa. The two only communicate by Instagram or WhatsApp, with Tessa's messages more demand or ultimatum, rather than romantic request, detailing where Simon can next travel to meet her, should he so wish. Because of the emotional baggage and insecurities he guesses Tessa comes with, Simon always ends up by pandering to her every whim, although their liaisons tend to be rushed affairs, which are purely sexually physical, with Tessa never willing to open up to him about her past which has and still continues, to shape her thoughts and concerns about embarking on a deeper, more meaningful relationship, or settled life with anyone, even though deep down she knows that Simon would support and encourage her career independence without question. But is that enough for her?
That the two have strong feelings for one another, there is no doubt, so it is perhaps unsurprising that almost against all the odds, their relationship does eventually set itself on an altogether firmer foothold, although Tessa's forced confession about her commitment issues almost tears them apart permanently before that happens. Simon remains very loyal to her and more than willing to prove to her protective older brother Jacob and best friend Riley, that he only wants to be able to love and comfort the person they all care so much about. However, Simon's honesty to his own family regarding his feelings towards Tessa, has been more than a little lacking, given how much he knows they worry about him, so whilst he has demanded that Tessa open up her heart to him completely, it transpires that he has failed to confess his own deepest secret, which may have drastic, if not fatal, consequences for any future life they might embark on together.
The impending wedding between Jacob and Riley, finally looks set to ignite the spark between Tessa and Simon, until the hand of fate once again steps in and rips the heart and soul out of an entire community, with our four protagonists well and truly caught in the crossfire. It takes what seems like another lifetime before there is a possibility for healing and reconciliation and by now Tessa's life has changed irrevocably. That Simon is once again willing to step up for the woman he loves doesn't go unnoticed by her this time, so that now the only thing which can separate these long-term, star-crossed lovers, is that final parting itself!
...
After much deliberation, I finally settled on four stars for this modern, contemporary romance, which I have to admit, isn't one of my usual reading genres. I liked the short, well-signposted chapters and the free-flowing style of writing, which kept the multi-layered storyline moving along at a good pace. The author also wasn't afraid to showcase some of the social and societal mores of our times, nor to give more than a passing nod to actual devastating events, which have happened in our recent past and which shocked and impacted not only a nation, but also the wider world, without in any way trivialising those events.
The pressures which fandom exerts on an individual in the spotlight and the constant need to be visible, interacting and influencing on social media, is a relatively recent phenomenon which authors are now beginning to feature and discuss in their books. The recognition that PTSD is not exclusively related to combat trauma and military personnel, but can be experienced by any one of us following an instance of extreme stress or distress. The long-term affects of being orphaned at a young age and how important the bond between siblings can then become. Knowing that you are living on borrowed time and the strain that can impose on an entire family structure.
Jacob and Tessa had spent much of their childhood being 'shared around' the houses of various relatives and friends, and that Tessa in particular was still suffering from the trauma and aftermath of those experiences decades later, was clear to see. Add to that, events of the present day, detailed in the storyline, which directly affected her ability to function for sometime after their occurrence, and the case for an episode of full-blown PTSD and the fear of putting her trust in, making a commitment to anyone, or opening up her heart to let love in, was obvious. For Simon, the fears which were ever present in his life, had a slightly different, yet equally damaging effect on his mental well-being and views about the future. That he also chose not to confide in Tessa until it was almost too late for their relationship to be saved, certainly didn't help either of their states of mind.
Jacob, Riley and Simon's brother Adrian, all had equally important roles to play in this story of love and sacrifice and their parts were both well defined and fleshed out. Between them, all the characters were given free reign and a strong voice with which to tell their own version of events and the sincerity in the poignant and evocative dialogue and narrative was both touching, perceptive and powerful. That having been said, I can't say that I fully related to, or connected with, either Tessa or Simon, for much of the time and there were many occasions when I could have cheerfully strangled this pair of star-crossed lovers. Yes, I appreciate they both had personal issues they were busy trying to conceal from one another and deal with alone, however, their behaviour was often vacuous, with Tessa in particular being quite promiscuous and rather shallow. She is able to write thousands of words about love, yet can't articulate her own feelings for fear of opening up too much. Whilst a methodical, process driven Simon, definitely has a 'do as I say, not as I do' attitude, when it comes to telling the truth about his feelings, or confessing the secrets he is harbouring.
The action moves swiftly around several countries and continents, so whilst there is no single centre of focus, the armchair traveller inside of me, was more than satisfied with my whistle stop tour. The lovely images some very descriptive words afforded me and the feelings they evoked, also helped to make this a romance with a little more substance than many I have read and offered a joyous few hours of much needed escapism from everyday life.
May 5, 2023
I was asked to review “Goodbye Girl” by Anna Gomez and was happy to do so.
Tessa, a NY writer, is on the same flight as Simon, a London scientist. They don’t talk but that moment leaves to further chance encounters. Their connection grows but they have separate lives and goals that might not lead to a romantic relationship. Yet, a tragedy forces them to change their priorities, which could ultimately lead to a happy every after.
I thought this was a sweet story. It was slow-building but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I also felt like the writer did a good job in developing the characters and not following into predictability.
I am new to Anna Gomez’s writing but am have happy to have found a new author to enjoy.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley and publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tessa, a NY writer, is on the same flight as Simon, a London scientist. They don’t talk but that moment leaves to further chance encounters. Their connection grows but they have separate lives and goals that might not lead to a romantic relationship. Yet, a tragedy forces them to change their priorities, which could ultimately lead to a happy every after.
I thought this was a sweet story. It was slow-building but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. I also felt like the writer did a good job in developing the characters and not following into predictability.
I am new to Anna Gomez’s writing but am have happy to have found a new author to enjoy.
Many thanks to the author, NetGalley and publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2023
My Goodbye Girl, Anna Gomez, author
If truth be told, this novel is not my usual genre, as it falls into the category of what I used to refer to as chick lit. It is a romance novel that I thought might be better suited to young adults and not a general audience. However, what started out, as what I thought would be a frivolous “trip down the light fantastic”, became a wonderful “affair to remember”.
This book will actually stay with me for a long time, and so will some of the character’s love stories. Could this novel live in the real world? Yes, it could! The authenticity of the human emotions, the pain and suffering, the joy and ecstasy illustrated, as the many different challenges of life that humans are heir to were featured, made it a real keeper.
The main characters endeared themselves to me and will to all readers, I expect. Tessa, at first, seemed a bit selfish and flighty, with no real concerns for anyone, or much of anything, except for what was happening to her, in the moment. She, in her early twenties, living a life full and rich with the excitement of success and a bright future, as an up-and-coming romance author, only wanted to live in the present. She did not want to make any lasting attachments. When the readers learn why, as they witness the trauma in her past that made her want to live haphazardly, and not get too attached to anything on a permanent basis, they begin to understand her more. They witness her alter the trajectory of her life, as life happens to her, and she is forced to begin to rethink her path forward. The opinion of Tessa will fluctuate and change as she does.
Tessa’s best friend Riley was a happy-go-lucky soul, a bit more grounded, and in a more serious relationship with Tessa’s older brother, Jacob. She wanted to be more structured and disciplined. Tessa and Jacob were very close siblings because circumstances had forced them to be on their own. They only had each other. Their parents had died unexpectedly and very prematurely. Jake was the be-all and end-all in Tessa’s life. She did not desire anything more out of life as a constant, than her brother Jake and her friend Riley. So, Tessa seemed really happy with how she had designed her life. She had been in her teens when her parents died, and after therapy, she had created her own flamboyant approach to her future. Everything seemed to be working out perfectly for Tessa until the day she sat in seat 7C on a plane flight, and she very casually met the handsome man sitting in seat 7D.
Simon Fremont was a brilliant and very grounded scientist who organized his life completely, the opposite of Tessa’s approach. He was sitting in seat 7D. Unlike Tessa in almost every way, he was nevertheless, struck by her beauty. If Tessa was changing her clothes, her discarded clothes would be on the floor where she was changing, Simon’s clothes, on the other hand, would be in a folded and neat pile on a chair. He would have his schedule organized to the point of having every “I” dotted and every “t” crossed. There would be no loose ends. Tessa would have no dotted “i’s” in her life. She preferred to wing it.
Success had come to Simon, too, very early like with Tessa, but there was a horse fly in his ointment. He had very real health problems that kept him on his toes and wary of certain behavior. He, like Tessa, was close to his brother, his twin brother, but the pattern and path of his organized life would change when he sat in seat 7D. Just as Tessa was suddenly smitten with feelings, she didn’t know she could have, Simon was smitten with Tessa, with her quick wit and clever conversation. He had never met such a cavalier, bon vivant, and it didn’t hurt that she was beautiful.
So, the reader will watch a seeming flibbertigibbet, kind of wild, never having two feet firmly planted on the ground kind of young woman, just starting out on a successful life, develop into another kind of woman altogether. Will this twenty-something become thoughtful and caring and want a balanced and settled life, or will she still want to bounce around aimlessly? Her metamorphosis will not come easy to her, but she will either face and conquer her demons, in spite of the most tragic of circumstances that befall her, or she will not find total happiness and fulfillment. She might believe she is able to handle anything life can dish out, and never look back in anger, but after sitting in seat 7C, next to the handsome stranger in seat 7D, her entire approach to life and people may be disrupted.
The days and months following that plane flight are fraught with challenges and difficult decisions. Will Tessa be up to the task as she fights with her emotions and her past so she can grow into a more complete and fully aware person? Her desire to be completely independent and not tied down competes with her desire to see this man again, and again, and again. Flying in the face of her three-date rule, so she never becomes overly attached to anyone, she keeps making arrangements to rendezvous with Simon in the different parts of the world that her tour is taking her. How will Simon deal with this lack of structure and definite plans? Will he be up to it, or will he give up on her?
Although she had believed that her life was full with her success as an author, with her brother Jacob and his girlfriend who was her best friend, Riley, Tessa suddenly feels an utter, magnetic attraction to the stranger on the plane, and the earth beneath her feet begins to move by itself! Her first novel had been such a complete success that she had an agent and an intense tour schedule to contend with, but when Simon entered her life, she wanted to throw caution to the wind and see him whenever she could, without worrying about her schedule or her agent. Although she tried to remain aloof, it seems that Simon and Tessa may simply be destined to be together. At first it was, very simply, Kismet; but then again, maybe it was not. The roller coaster of emotions will slam into the reader too, just as it does into Tessa and Simon. Readers may find their eyes are wet without warning, and they may find themselves fearful and hopeful, in equal measure.
The characters have depth, and the themes have far more meaning than I expected. Devotion and loyalty were front and center as each character grappled with what life presented to them. I found myself thinking about the many trials life presents that real people have to deal with, trials we neither choose or can reject. The same is true for the characters in this book. They have no choice but to deal with the cards life gives them. How do they do?
If truth be told, this novel is not my usual genre, as it falls into the category of what I used to refer to as chick lit. It is a romance novel that I thought might be better suited to young adults and not a general audience. However, what started out, as what I thought would be a frivolous “trip down the light fantastic”, became a wonderful “affair to remember”.
This book will actually stay with me for a long time, and so will some of the character’s love stories. Could this novel live in the real world? Yes, it could! The authenticity of the human emotions, the pain and suffering, the joy and ecstasy illustrated, as the many different challenges of life that humans are heir to were featured, made it a real keeper.
The main characters endeared themselves to me and will to all readers, I expect. Tessa, at first, seemed a bit selfish and flighty, with no real concerns for anyone, or much of anything, except for what was happening to her, in the moment. She, in her early twenties, living a life full and rich with the excitement of success and a bright future, as an up-and-coming romance author, only wanted to live in the present. She did not want to make any lasting attachments. When the readers learn why, as they witness the trauma in her past that made her want to live haphazardly, and not get too attached to anything on a permanent basis, they begin to understand her more. They witness her alter the trajectory of her life, as life happens to her, and she is forced to begin to rethink her path forward. The opinion of Tessa will fluctuate and change as she does.
Tessa’s best friend Riley was a happy-go-lucky soul, a bit more grounded, and in a more serious relationship with Tessa’s older brother, Jacob. She wanted to be more structured and disciplined. Tessa and Jacob were very close siblings because circumstances had forced them to be on their own. They only had each other. Their parents had died unexpectedly and very prematurely. Jake was the be-all and end-all in Tessa’s life. She did not desire anything more out of life as a constant, than her brother Jake and her friend Riley. So, Tessa seemed really happy with how she had designed her life. She had been in her teens when her parents died, and after therapy, she had created her own flamboyant approach to her future. Everything seemed to be working out perfectly for Tessa until the day she sat in seat 7C on a plane flight, and she very casually met the handsome man sitting in seat 7D.
Simon Fremont was a brilliant and very grounded scientist who organized his life completely, the opposite of Tessa’s approach. He was sitting in seat 7D. Unlike Tessa in almost every way, he was nevertheless, struck by her beauty. If Tessa was changing her clothes, her discarded clothes would be on the floor where she was changing, Simon’s clothes, on the other hand, would be in a folded and neat pile on a chair. He would have his schedule organized to the point of having every “I” dotted and every “t” crossed. There would be no loose ends. Tessa would have no dotted “i’s” in her life. She preferred to wing it.
Success had come to Simon, too, very early like with Tessa, but there was a horse fly in his ointment. He had very real health problems that kept him on his toes and wary of certain behavior. He, like Tessa, was close to his brother, his twin brother, but the pattern and path of his organized life would change when he sat in seat 7D. Just as Tessa was suddenly smitten with feelings, she didn’t know she could have, Simon was smitten with Tessa, with her quick wit and clever conversation. He had never met such a cavalier, bon vivant, and it didn’t hurt that she was beautiful.
So, the reader will watch a seeming flibbertigibbet, kind of wild, never having two feet firmly planted on the ground kind of young woman, just starting out on a successful life, develop into another kind of woman altogether. Will this twenty-something become thoughtful and caring and want a balanced and settled life, or will she still want to bounce around aimlessly? Her metamorphosis will not come easy to her, but she will either face and conquer her demons, in spite of the most tragic of circumstances that befall her, or she will not find total happiness and fulfillment. She might believe she is able to handle anything life can dish out, and never look back in anger, but after sitting in seat 7C, next to the handsome stranger in seat 7D, her entire approach to life and people may be disrupted.
The days and months following that plane flight are fraught with challenges and difficult decisions. Will Tessa be up to the task as she fights with her emotions and her past so she can grow into a more complete and fully aware person? Her desire to be completely independent and not tied down competes with her desire to see this man again, and again, and again. Flying in the face of her three-date rule, so she never becomes overly attached to anyone, she keeps making arrangements to rendezvous with Simon in the different parts of the world that her tour is taking her. How will Simon deal with this lack of structure and definite plans? Will he be up to it, or will he give up on her?
Although she had believed that her life was full with her success as an author, with her brother Jacob and his girlfriend who was her best friend, Riley, Tessa suddenly feels an utter, magnetic attraction to the stranger on the plane, and the earth beneath her feet begins to move by itself! Her first novel had been such a complete success that she had an agent and an intense tour schedule to contend with, but when Simon entered her life, she wanted to throw caution to the wind and see him whenever she could, without worrying about her schedule or her agent. Although she tried to remain aloof, it seems that Simon and Tessa may simply be destined to be together. At first it was, very simply, Kismet; but then again, maybe it was not. The roller coaster of emotions will slam into the reader too, just as it does into Tessa and Simon. Readers may find their eyes are wet without warning, and they may find themselves fearful and hopeful, in equal measure.
The characters have depth, and the themes have far more meaning than I expected. Devotion and loyalty were front and center as each character grappled with what life presented to them. I found myself thinking about the many trials life presents that real people have to deal with, trials we neither choose or can reject. The same is true for the characters in this book. They have no choice but to deal with the cards life gives them. How do they do?
June 8, 2023
I'm really sorry, I know a lot of work and heaetbreaking personal experience was put into this book, but sadly it didn't work for me. :(
I couldn't connect to Tessa or the writing. It felt disjointed, like I was reading the cliffnotes of another story. It didn't flow naturally, I kept having this sense that it was missing pieces. The dialogue was cringe, the insta-love and main characters connection weren't believable and the ending was heartbreaking... It did make sense for the story and it send a great message, I can totally get that, but I was hoping for more for these characters after all they've been through in Part 2 of the book. More happily ever after times, you know?
The only things I did enjoy were Simon's POV- he is such a great guy wearing his heart on his sleeve (even though he came off as too desperate sometimes), the travels and the connections with the friends and family. They were such a breath of fresh air and everyone should have people like them in their lives!
But Tessa was too two dimensional, her character needed more development so it could be believable that she went from shallow "no plans girl" to "I love you are my home".
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc
I couldn't connect to Tessa or the writing. It felt disjointed, like I was reading the cliffnotes of another story. It didn't flow naturally, I kept having this sense that it was missing pieces. The dialogue was cringe, the insta-love and main characters connection weren't believable and the ending was heartbreaking... It did make sense for the story and it send a great message, I can totally get that, but I was hoping for more for these characters after all they've been through in Part 2 of the book. More happily ever after times, you know?
The only things I did enjoy were Simon's POV- he is such a great guy wearing his heart on his sleeve (even though he came off as too desperate sometimes), the travels and the connections with the friends and family. They were such a breath of fresh air and everyone should have people like them in their lives!
But Tessa was too two dimensional, her character needed more development so it could be believable that she went from shallow "no plans girl" to "I love you are my home".
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc
December 11, 2023
Thank you Meryl Moss Media Group and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This was my first time reading this author and even though the premise of the story seemed like something I would enjoy, I didn‘t have a great time reading. Here‘s what bothered me: love at first sight trope (in my humble opinion it‘s almost never believable), I didn‘t feel any connections between characters, they were annoying and were having more sex than proper communication. What I loved: beautiful friendships and supporting families, tribute to real-life event, not overly sweet ending.
April 6, 2024
It is an amazing story of two people who found each other in the most unconventional way, developed a relationship and then had a heap of things to fight through to keep it.
The twists and turns in the second half of the book shocked me but I was so happy with the ending. I truly hope Tessa's dream comes true - IYKYK.
While the first half was a slow burn, the spice kept me going forward and the sad turn half way had me hooked.
Thank you Brey Book reviews for an ARC for my honest review.
The twists and turns in the second half of the book shocked me but I was so happy with the ending. I truly hope Tessa's dream comes true - IYKYK.
While the first half was a slow burn, the spice kept me going forward and the sad turn half way had me hooked.
Thank you Brey Book reviews for an ARC for my honest review.
July 12, 2023
Tessa and Simon meet while waiting for a flight to New York City. Tessa, an acclaimed author, is heading there for a book convention, while Simon, a scientist, is heading there to speak at a scientific convention. This meeting, as unconventional as it is, leads to a romance that grows with each stop they make around the country and the world. As their feelings grow and deepen, Tessa must come to terms with her issues regarding commitment. And Simon has a secret that he needs to tell Tessa. But, as Tessa gathers the courage to believe in her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, and Tessa is forced to abandon her dreams of a life with Simon. But, two years after, Tessa comes to terms with the past and her feelings for Simon. But is it too late for that? Had Tessa missed her chance? Will she have her happily ever after?
When I read the blurb for My Goodbye Girl, the blurb immediately captured me. I am a sucker for friends to lovers and second-chance romances. So, I decided to read this book. I am glad that I did. This book was a great romance. But be warned; you will need Kleenex while reading this book. Some scenes made my heart hurt.
My Goodbye Girl is a medium-paced book. The pacing of this book was a good fit for the storyline. I wasn’t expecting that because of all the travel involved and how fast Simon and Tessa’s romance progressed. But, as I said, it was a good fit for the book. The pacing allowed me to take in each location and enjoy the nuances of Tessa and Simon’s romance.
My Goodbye Girl is set in various cities/states in the United States and several countries worldwide. I was a little meh about the United States locations because I have read about these cities (Chicago, San Fransisco, New York City, Las Vegas) in other books. But the other countries, I loved. Simon and Tessa traveled to England, Greece, the Philippines, China, and France.
The main storyline of My Goodbye Girl is centered around Tessa, Simon, and their relationship. It was a well-written storyline, and it kept my attention.
While I liked Tessa, I thought she was immature during the book’s first half. She did things that constantly made me shake my head. Example: She left Simon high and dry in Las Vegas. He waited for her, but she never showed, and then Simon saw her with the cover model of her book, and they were all frisky. She also didn’t care or didn’t pay attention when Simon explained his medical condition to her. But, thankfully, she did grow out of the immaturity. The end of the book more than compensates for her lack of caring (for lack of a better word) about Simon in the beginning. I am not a massive fan of explosive secrets, either.
I liked Simon a lot, but there were points in the book where I wanted to shake him and say, “She’s just not that interested, man.”But he was like a dog with a bone, and he wouldn’t let up. I don’t think he had any right to be mad about Las Vegas (Tessa and he were not dating at the time). I also got strong stalker vibes from him when he just showed up in Greece and crashed her brother’s engagement party. Who does that? But, I felt that his medical condition fueled his single-minded pursuit of Tessa. I also believe it was what caused him to get in contact with Tessa 2 years after Paris.
The romance angle was well-written. I liked seeing Tessa and Simon falling in love. Instead of doing an Instalove type of romance, Tessa and Simon were friends first. The same thing also happened before they had sex. They had built up a friendship. I loved seeing a romance portrayed that way. It is more real life to me than the usual “I’ve known him/her for four days, and I am head over heels for him/her.” I also wasn’t a massive fan of the mutual cheating. I know it happens, but still, I’m not too fond of it.
I wasn’t too sure what to think about the ending. I liked that Tessa was able to come to terms with her trauma and that she was able to reconnect with Simon. But the secret that she kept from Simon overshadowed everything, as did the secret that Simon somewhat kept from Tessa. Other than that, I loved how it ended and hoped that Tessa’s vision came true!!
I would recommend My Goodbye Girl to anyone over 21. There is violence, language, and sexual situations.
Many thanks to Meryl Moss Media Group, Rosewind Books, NetGalley, and Anna Gomez for allowing me to read and review My Goodbye Girl. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
When I read the blurb for My Goodbye Girl, the blurb immediately captured me. I am a sucker for friends to lovers and second-chance romances. So, I decided to read this book. I am glad that I did. This book was a great romance. But be warned; you will need Kleenex while reading this book. Some scenes made my heart hurt.
My Goodbye Girl is a medium-paced book. The pacing of this book was a good fit for the storyline. I wasn’t expecting that because of all the travel involved and how fast Simon and Tessa’s romance progressed. But, as I said, it was a good fit for the book. The pacing allowed me to take in each location and enjoy the nuances of Tessa and Simon’s romance.
My Goodbye Girl is set in various cities/states in the United States and several countries worldwide. I was a little meh about the United States locations because I have read about these cities (Chicago, San Fransisco, New York City, Las Vegas) in other books. But the other countries, I loved. Simon and Tessa traveled to England, Greece, the Philippines, China, and France.
The main storyline of My Goodbye Girl is centered around Tessa, Simon, and their relationship. It was a well-written storyline, and it kept my attention.
While I liked Tessa, I thought she was immature during the book’s first half. She did things that constantly made me shake my head. Example: She left Simon high and dry in Las Vegas. He waited for her, but she never showed, and then Simon saw her with the cover model of her book, and they were all frisky. She also didn’t care or didn’t pay attention when Simon explained his medical condition to her. But, thankfully, she did grow out of the immaturity. The end of the book more than compensates for her lack of caring (for lack of a better word) about Simon in the beginning. I am not a massive fan of explosive secrets, either.
I liked Simon a lot, but there were points in the book where I wanted to shake him and say, “She’s just not that interested, man.”But he was like a dog with a bone, and he wouldn’t let up. I don’t think he had any right to be mad about Las Vegas (Tessa and he were not dating at the time). I also got strong stalker vibes from him when he just showed up in Greece and crashed her brother’s engagement party. Who does that? But, I felt that his medical condition fueled his single-minded pursuit of Tessa. I also believe it was what caused him to get in contact with Tessa 2 years after Paris.
The romance angle was well-written. I liked seeing Tessa and Simon falling in love. Instead of doing an Instalove type of romance, Tessa and Simon were friends first. The same thing also happened before they had sex. They had built up a friendship. I loved seeing a romance portrayed that way. It is more real life to me than the usual “I’ve known him/her for four days, and I am head over heels for him/her.” I also wasn’t a massive fan of the mutual cheating. I know it happens, but still, I’m not too fond of it.
I wasn’t too sure what to think about the ending. I liked that Tessa was able to come to terms with her trauma and that she was able to reconnect with Simon. But the secret that she kept from Simon overshadowed everything, as did the secret that Simon somewhat kept from Tessa. Other than that, I loved how it ended and hoped that Tessa’s vision came true!!
I would recommend My Goodbye Girl to anyone over 21. There is violence, language, and sexual situations.
Many thanks to Meryl Moss Media Group, Rosewind Books, NetGalley, and Anna Gomez for allowing me to read and review My Goodbye Girl. All opinions stated in this review are mine.
May 23, 2023
Buttoned-up scientist Simon Fremont has a plan for his life, thank you very much! That is, until romance writer and lonely heart Tessa Talman steps into his life. Literally - she stands on his seat in an airplane to adjust her bag in the overhead compartment. Tessa and Simon notice each other, sparks fly, and of course an elderly gentleman sits directly in between them.
These two headstrong hotties have a globe-trotting romance, trying to enjoy each other's company without getting caught up in the 'what ifs' of it all. Tessa's at a critical moment in her career, meaning she has to take advantage. Tessa is traveling around the world to do reader meetups and author signings with Simon meeting up for their dalliances. As each departure gets more difficult and their authentic feelings for each other emerge, can these two figure out a way to get the HEA that Tessa writes for each of her characters?
Overall, this story was fun and zippy, and the 3rd act twist was a doozy. This is a little more than your average beach read, since it has the fun romance part, and then the more intense plot lines as well. Tessa is impossible not to root for - - shopping to fill her empty heart, trying to be vulnerable and let Simon in, and finding what she wants out of life.
What I liked:
- Simon's family
- Simon's insistence that Tessa grow up and deal with her emotions, as scary as it may be.
- seeing 'behind the scenes' of an author making it big and what it requires of them personally
- Tessa's friends and family
What I didn't:
- Tessa's tragic backstory and how many personal challenges she faces throughout the book. Our girl doesn't deserve such a tough situation!
- The subplot with Andrew seemed unnecessary when the main thing keeping them apart was all internal to them. Adding this just seemed to muddy the waters further.
- There were a few moments that were too sloppy to jive with the characters. IE: after being apart for nearly 3 years, they're back together in one conversation? Simon takes Andrew seriously? (To me, Simon would clock him for nothing more than a pretty boy, immediately, and be able to ignore him). Simon doesn't use social media but can travel internationally on the drop of a hat? Simon climbing 10 flights of stairs when he's just gotten out of the hospital. Will sticking around with Tessa even though she's obviously only halfway in.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
These two headstrong hotties have a globe-trotting romance, trying to enjoy each other's company without getting caught up in the 'what ifs' of it all. Tessa's at a critical moment in her career, meaning she has to take advantage. Tessa is traveling around the world to do reader meetups and author signings with Simon meeting up for their dalliances. As each departure gets more difficult and their authentic feelings for each other emerge, can these two figure out a way to get the HEA that Tessa writes for each of her characters?
Overall, this story was fun and zippy, and the 3rd act twist was a doozy. This is a little more than your average beach read, since it has the fun romance part, and then the more intense plot lines as well. Tessa is impossible not to root for - - shopping to fill her empty heart, trying to be vulnerable and let Simon in, and finding what she wants out of life.
What I liked:
- Simon's family
- Simon's insistence that Tessa grow up and deal with her emotions, as scary as it may be.
- seeing 'behind the scenes' of an author making it big and what it requires of them personally
- Tessa's friends and family
What I didn't:
- Tessa's tragic backstory and how many personal challenges she faces throughout the book. Our girl doesn't deserve such a tough situation!
- The subplot with Andrew seemed unnecessary when the main thing keeping them apart was all internal to them. Adding this just seemed to muddy the waters further.
- There were a few moments that were too sloppy to jive with the characters. IE: after being apart for nearly 3 years, they're back together in one conversation? Simon takes Andrew seriously? (To me, Simon would clock him for nothing more than a pretty boy, immediately, and be able to ignore him). Simon doesn't use social media but can travel internationally on the drop of a hat? Simon climbing 10 flights of stairs when he's just gotten out of the hospital. Will sticking around with Tessa even though she's obviously only halfway in.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Tessa has a lot going on right now. She just wrote a best selling novel that is still working its way up the charts. She is constantly on the road running from one book signing to the next press appearance to the next conference to whatever her agent has booked her for now. On the plane to one such event, she spies him. He is everything. Tall, beautiful, a little bit nerdy, a lot shy. Now is not the time for falling in love. She is not even sure she believes in love except the kind that fills the pages of the romance novel she wrote.
Simon only attended the conference because he had to. When he sees her on the plane, he stumbles. Simon has never been good at talking to the ladies, that has not changed. When he finds her again at the hotel, just at a different conference, he tries to talk to her. He knows when he asks her to meet him that she won’t but he goes there anyway on the off chance that she actually shows up. When she shows up not to meet him but randomly, he takes the opportunity to get to know her.
They each stand at a crossroads in their careers. Tessa’s star is only rising so she will be busy with all the events. Simon is transferring home to England and will be there permanently. As they find ways to meet up at her events, they become closer. When he finally confesses his feelings, she agrees to give it a go, his way. Then tragedy strikes. Her world implodes.
Three years later, out of the blue, Simon calls. Tessa can’t get him or his voice out of her mind. In order to find him and give them a hopeful second chance, Tessa must work through all the memories she has been pushing down since her world stopped. Can they get past the hurt, the anger, the pain to find their way back to each other?
A rollercoaster of emotions. First you are caught up in the excitement of Tessa and Simon’s globetrotting love story. Then it crashes down around them. Stay strapped in for picking up the pieces. There is beauty in their love story. Well worth the read.
Simon only attended the conference because he had to. When he sees her on the plane, he stumbles. Simon has never been good at talking to the ladies, that has not changed. When he finds her again at the hotel, just at a different conference, he tries to talk to her. He knows when he asks her to meet him that she won’t but he goes there anyway on the off chance that she actually shows up. When she shows up not to meet him but randomly, he takes the opportunity to get to know her.
They each stand at a crossroads in their careers. Tessa’s star is only rising so she will be busy with all the events. Simon is transferring home to England and will be there permanently. As they find ways to meet up at her events, they become closer. When he finally confesses his feelings, she agrees to give it a go, his way. Then tragedy strikes. Her world implodes.
Three years later, out of the blue, Simon calls. Tessa can’t get him or his voice out of her mind. In order to find him and give them a hopeful second chance, Tessa must work through all the memories she has been pushing down since her world stopped. Can they get past the hurt, the anger, the pain to find their way back to each other?
A rollercoaster of emotions. First you are caught up in the excitement of Tessa and Simon’s globetrotting love story. Then it crashes down around them. Stay strapped in for picking up the pieces. There is beauty in their love story. Well worth the read.
June 10, 2023
***I received an ebook copy from the author at no cost***
This was the perfect read for me after embarking on months of psychological thrillers. There's some angst in here but there's also romance and fluff and laughter and feel good things. I found it to be a fun read.
Simon and Tessa have their quasi meet cute on a flight to NYC. There's an instant attraction on both sides but neither realizes that the other is interested and they're both in a hurry to get to their respective destinations. These two are opposites in many ways: she's a popular author and he's a nano physicist, she's an extrovert and he's a bit more introverted. That doesn't stop them from embarking on a romantic journey.
I loved the characters in this book. There was clear progression for each one as the story moved along. Tessa is relatable and funny. Simon is Simon and it was impossible to not adore him. There were challenges to overcome and some not-so-wonderful situations for each one. But these things were handled with grace and in ways that felt real and true to each character. The secondary characters also played important roles in the story and I enjoyed them just as much as the two main ones.
I enjoyed the travel aspect of the book as well. I have my own case of wanderlust so it was fun to see these two getting together and enjoying one another's company in cities across the globe. I felt like I was on a little trip with these two as they snuck off together in various cities.
There's a bit of a plot twist in this one that I wasn't expecting. Between my love for the characters, the vivid writing, and the plot progression, I was hooked the entire time. I didn't want to put the book down.
This is the first book of Gomez's that I've read and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Grab this one if you're looking for a good book to kick off your summer reading.
Four stars for this novel!
This was the perfect read for me after embarking on months of psychological thrillers. There's some angst in here but there's also romance and fluff and laughter and feel good things. I found it to be a fun read.
Simon and Tessa have their quasi meet cute on a flight to NYC. There's an instant attraction on both sides but neither realizes that the other is interested and they're both in a hurry to get to their respective destinations. These two are opposites in many ways: she's a popular author and he's a nano physicist, she's an extrovert and he's a bit more introverted. That doesn't stop them from embarking on a romantic journey.
I loved the characters in this book. There was clear progression for each one as the story moved along. Tessa is relatable and funny. Simon is Simon and it was impossible to not adore him. There were challenges to overcome and some not-so-wonderful situations for each one. But these things were handled with grace and in ways that felt real and true to each character. The secondary characters also played important roles in the story and I enjoyed them just as much as the two main ones.
I enjoyed the travel aspect of the book as well. I have my own case of wanderlust so it was fun to see these two getting together and enjoying one another's company in cities across the globe. I felt like I was on a little trip with these two as they snuck off together in various cities.
There's a bit of a plot twist in this one that I wasn't expecting. Between my love for the characters, the vivid writing, and the plot progression, I was hooked the entire time. I didn't want to put the book down.
This is the first book of Gomez's that I've read and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Grab this one if you're looking for a good book to kick off your summer reading.
Four stars for this novel!
August 21, 2023
When Tessa Talman first meets Simon Fremont, not only is she attracted to him, she is intrigued by how different his life is from hers. He's a dedicated scientist, practical and grounded. She's a “live-in-the-moment” romance author. Simon is in a hurry to settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and her success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez is a cute romance with an “opposites attract” couple in the creative Tessa and the analytical Simon. They encounter bumps along the way during their long-distance romance, among them different lifestyles and backgrounds. For the most part, the book is well-written and engaging. I will admit that I raced through the middle chapters to find out what happened next.
I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, I found Tessa a slightly unlikeable character. I wanted to root for her, but I found it maddening how many obstacles to happiness she created for herself. Her refusal to commit to Simon over and over became repetitive to me. I understand that there was trauma in her background that made Tessa rather flighty, but she just came across as shallow as a character. In addition, after Tessa and Simon experience a tragedy that could drive them apart, I felt that the book kind of rushed through those events. Once again, we don’t get to experience Tessa as a full character and her story comes across as a bit thin, and not fully flushed out.
I still found the book enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone that loves to read romance novels. Thanks to Anna Gomez and Rosewind Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez is a cute romance with an “opposites attract” couple in the creative Tessa and the analytical Simon. They encounter bumps along the way during their long-distance romance, among them different lifestyles and backgrounds. For the most part, the book is well-written and engaging. I will admit that I raced through the middle chapters to find out what happened next.
I wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, I found Tessa a slightly unlikeable character. I wanted to root for her, but I found it maddening how many obstacles to happiness she created for herself. Her refusal to commit to Simon over and over became repetitive to me. I understand that there was trauma in her background that made Tessa rather flighty, but she just came across as shallow as a character. In addition, after Tessa and Simon experience a tragedy that could drive them apart, I felt that the book kind of rushed through those events. Once again, we don’t get to experience Tessa as a full character and her story comes across as a bit thin, and not fully flushed out.
I still found the book enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone that loves to read romance novels. Thanks to Anna Gomez and Rosewind Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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