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…

What a nice read! I cannot recommend this beautiful, sweet tale of soulmates. Simon and Tessa are such fleshed-out, strong characters. I love the descriptions, the adorable swoon-worthy romance, the stunning poetic prose, and touching relationships.

Romance novels are usually a guilty pleasure because they are predictable and include a ‘happily ever after’ plot. The two main characters in this story are so different from each other and meet at predetermined sites around that world that it is impossible to picture them having a serious future together. Tessa is a free spirited author who enjoys traveling around the world while Simon is a serious scientist who is ready to settle down. The first part is just about them meeting in different places and then hurriedly saying goodbye. Because there is little development or depth to these characters, they are not relatable, so it is hard to be concerned about what happens to them. The real action does not take place until the end of the first part, in Chapter 35, and by then, it feels rushed. Regardless, it is an easy read and since it is heavily dialogue driven, with descriptive language and short chapters, the story flows through the pages. Tessa and Simon’s story takes place through the years as they experience the harsh reality of life – no spoilers! Far from original, “My Goodbye Girl” is still an easy and enjoyable read about two people who are polar opposites yet are involved in a whirlwind romance that takes them around the world. It is recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and multicultural romances and appreciate emotional plot twists.

This was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. The characters and plot kept me interested. I would read another book by this author.

A captivating and well paced romance that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the pain of saying farewell.
Many thanks to Meryl Moss Media Group and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tessa Talman and Simon Fremont meet on a plane and are attracted, but never get a chance to connect. There's something so irresistible about her that Simon just can't forget. He's a scientist, committed to success by the time he's thirty, pragmatic, serious, and always has a plan. But he goes out on a limb to pursue her and they stay in contact through social media, meeting up in different cities every few weeks. Tessa is an impulsive head in the clouds romantic with a bestselling book to prove it and on a whirlwind book tour. She's never been interested in taking a relationship past the third date, and is perfectly happy with their meet-ups the way they are. But soon it starts getting harder to say goodbye and she's ready to finally settle down... until an unthinkable tragedy happens to separate them.
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions. I enjoyed all the different locations and memories they made along the way and how perfect they were together even being such different personalities. Simon worked so hard for those three little words and I was so happy for them in Paris and then so heartbroken just a few pages later!! It was a long road to their eventual HEA but so worth the read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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

Sadly for me the ‘love at first sight’ trope is not one I gel well with and I felt like I didn’t connect with Tessa as much as Simon which is interesting to me as it would normally be the other way around for the FMC. An okay book wouldn’t reach for again

My Goodbye Girl is not just another romance novel. Anna Gomez is a consummate romance writer.

With My Goodbye Girl, Anna brings us an original romance. This is the story of two professionals who travel non-stop. Yet, somehow they manage to fall in love and make time to be together as much as possible.

This story is both passionate and profound.

Well, this story felt like a modern themed love story where people don’t usually trust in getting relationship and miss the right kind of people because of trust issues. I loved the guy being calm and patient, couldn’t find such a person now though (it’s just my opinion). Loved the independent hardworking women not depending on anyone. It’s a beautifully researched modern love story involving the concept of explaining trust issues and finding love.

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.

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.

First of all I want to say thank you to Netgalley and the publishers as I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

What a heartbreaking page turner that had me in tears.

Following the lives of Tessa and Simon, who meet unexpectedly on a plane from La Guardia to Boston when they are seated next to each other, which then spans years of adventures until a life changing event shifts the narrative.

I felt really captivated by this story and look forward to reading more books by this author.

My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez is a touching multicultural love story that captured my attention from the very beginning. If you’re looking for a read that also captures your heart, this is the one you’ve been looking for.

Meet Tessa. She’s a best selling author who lives moment to moment. Meet Simon. He’s a scientist who plans every step he takes. They sit next to one another on a flight yet never speak a word to one another. Their adventures continue and the pair meet at various places around the world, saying goodbye until the next time they meet. A tragic accident in Paris sets their paths in different directions, secrets are revealed, and twists are abound in this intriguing story. Will they be able to move past everything and finally be together?

Days later, I was still thinking of this incredible story between Tessa and Simon. As someone in a multicultural relationship, I’m a fan of these stories. As a reader, I was a fan of how Gomez was able to craft characters that were impossible to leave behind. Even if you usually don’t read romance, I highly recommend this book. A must-read romance novel, folks!

Very superficial, I wanted more. The characters had a lot of possibility but they felt "ehhh". I thought the title was very creative. I liked that Tessa was a writer and we got to watch her journey as a "famous" author.

"My Goodbye Girl" by Anna Gomez delves into the complex dynamics of a cross-cultural relationship between two individuals with vastly different priorities. Tessa Talman, a romance author, and Simon Fremont, a dedicated scientist, are drawn together despite their divergent life philosophies, creating a narrative that promises to be both captivating and thought-provoking.

Gomez's storytelling appears to revolve around the universal themes of love, ambition, and personal growth. As Tessa and Simon navigate their relationship across borders and busy lives, readers are likely to be drawn into their emotional journey. The tension between Simon's practicality and Tessa's desire for freedom and success promises to create a compelling conflict at the heart of the story.

The novel's exploration of the impact of fame on one's pursuit of happiness adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. Tessa's internal struggle between her newfound success and her connection with Simon provides ample material for character development and emotional depth.

The global backdrop of the story, with its various international settings, promises to enhance the sense of adventure and provide a visually rich experience for readers. From the description, it's evident that the novel will traverse different cultures, adding depth to the characters' experiences and challenges.

The unexpected separation mentioned in the description introduces an element of suspense and heartache that is likely to keep readers engaged, eager to discover how Tessa and Simon will navigate this unforeseen obstacle.

In "My Goodbye Girl," Anna Gomez appears to offer readers a tale of love, ambition, and self-discovery. With its cross-cultural romance and themes of sacrifice and personal growth, this book seems poised to be a poignant and emotionally resonant read for those who enjoy character-driven love stories with a touch of global adventure.

Simone is a scientist who just by chance meets Tessa who is an author but he is taken by her, not just by her looks but by her personality and her spirit, there is something about her that he wants to be around. So then he meets her in Vegas after her booking signing but it does not go as planned she is scared and acts like she does not see him. The next day when he decides to leave she finds him and they talk, but really this is the most of the book She runs from him even though he goes to her wherever she is at int he world he goes to be with her, yet she won’t commit. He has a health issue that he tells her about but it is really not until you get close to the end of the book that she has to make a decision about them. I liked the story overall though at the beginning she was running scared. A good story.

What a sweet and charming read.

Author Tessa's star is on the rise. She has written a best-selling novel and is on the road promoting it. On the plane to a publicity event, she runs into Simon - handsome, nerdy, and shy. But now is not the time to fall in love - but she is drawn to him. Meanwhile, Simon is not a ladies' man - he has no intention of connecting with Tessa. But when he runs into her a second time, he tries to talk with her - and succeeds.

However, they are each standing at a cross roads - Tessa's career is on the way up and Simon is stalling. As they become closer, neither is sure what the future holds. And then, Tessa's world implodes.

Three years later, out of the blue, Simon calls. Tessa has never been able to get him out of her head - but first, she must get past the memories, hurt, and anger .

This book is a beautiful rollercoaster and you are never sure of how it will turn out - a wonderful read.

A beautiful star-crossed lovers, opposites attract type love story sure to tug at your heartstrings! This was my first book by Anna Gomez and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

This story was emotional and fantastic for me. I loved the multiple settings throughout the book and the angst that transcended much of the story. I found myself rooting for the characters to sort things out and then having my heartbroken repeatedly, in such a good way! I recommend this read for sure!