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Goodbye, Hello
Kelly’s world collapsed when her father died. They had been very close and now she’s lost. How is she supposed to rebuild her relationship with her mother without someone to facilitate their conversation? But her grief takes a back seat when the unexpected happens the day of her father’s funeral.
When Teresa got the assignment to write up the obituary for Mr. Matheson, it brought back so many memories of when she had dated his daughter Kelly in high school. They had ended awkwardly, and, ready to apologize for how she had acted back then, she goes to the funeral to see her again.
The spark is still there, but Kelly and Teresa aren’t convinced their reconnection will lead to a forever romance. With so much time apart, all the ways they’ve changed since high school, and the challenges of a long-distance relationship, their second chance at love may end just as disastrously as the first
When Teresa got the assignment to write up the obituary for Mr. Matheson, it brought back so many memories of when she had dated his daughter Kelly in high school. They had ended awkwardly, and, ready to apologize for how she had acted back then, she goes to the funeral to see her again.
The spark is still there, but Kelly and Teresa aren’t convinced their reconnection will lead to a forever romance. With so much time apart, all the ways they’ve changed since high school, and the challenges of a long-distance relationship, their second chance at love may end just as disastrously as the first
- GenresLGBT
264 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2025
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12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 20, 2025
It's my first book with a trans woman, and the premise of getting back with her ex, who broke up with her (him at the time) because she was gay, was so promising. Promising of some kind of second chance, discovering each other again, and promising of learning what it is like to transition for a trans woman. O'Malley did bring up the hardships of transitioning. I was expecting some talk about intimacy with a trans woman, probably because I am a bit ignorant and had genuine questions, but I did not find it. The book didn't work for me for several reasons: First, 27 % for the second MC to appear is way too long, then there was too much internal musing; it was very often repetitive, like the fact that Kelly is thinking about going back to the army and wants to be at the top of her class to become a nurse practitioner. Then, the development of the relationship between Kelly and Teresa felt mechanical and almost robotic. I didn't feel any chemistry, between the characters and I didn't feel with the characters, because there was just no descriptions of how they feel. There was so much potential with the second-chance trope, with them getting to know each other again, given the huge change of Kelly being a woman, but there was no real development. They just picked up where they left off, assuming seven years is a detail as long as Kelly is a woman and it solves everything. I was wishing for Kelly to still hold some grudge, after someone she was planning to marry left her, and for Teresa to learn to know Kelly as a woman. The timing felt wrong and weird; like them having a date on the funeral day. They had barely reconnected for five minutes that Teresa was already thinking of getting back together. There were also several times when the author contradicted herself, like saying one minute that Kelly hadn't thought of Teresa for seven years, then saying she missed her the last few years. For them to reconnect so quickly, feelings must have been dormant, in my opinion, like they hadn't gotten over each other. In the end, the characters lacked depth and were hard to like. Once they got together, they were on a loop with discussions about long distance and Kelly going back into the army. The last point that was so frustrating was that I suffered through repetitive talks and thoughts about going back to the army and the future, without getting answers to my questions. I thought I would DNF several times. An epilogue would have been necessary. The premise was good, but the execution didn't work at all for me.
May 9, 2025
Well, I didn't think I would finish reading the book. I really had my problems with it. The start was very rocky, but it didn't get much better over time either. Just the fact that it took 24% of 264 pages for the main characters Kelly and Teresa to meet. This caused so much time to pass that was lacking for the relationship to develop. Kelly and Teresa had no chemistry, no spark. It felt much more like a chance meeting of two ex friends who decided to give it another go after two afternoons together. There was no building tension or attraction. The plot faltered in many places, as the content of conversations in particular was repeated over and over again. A real pity as the story had potential, but it just wasn't thought through to the end and the writing took some getting used to. I really rarely write this, but I can't recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC via NetGalley.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC via NetGalley.
July 17, 2025
Hope Filled Second Chance Trans Romance
Kelly is close to her father but his death has meant returning home and rebuilding a relationship with her mother. At her father’s funeral, Kelly is reunited with Teresa, who she used to date in High School and the connection they had still seems to be there. Spending time together again rekindles their feelings but is it love that can last?
I loved the simplicity of this story and yet at the same time it had complications surrounding Kelly’s family and their reactions and relationships since she transitioned. I was nervous for Kelly, especially with her having lost what she thought was her own ally in her Dad. Her mother really surprised me, and the way she treated Kelly meant I had hope for them rebuilding their relationship from the start. Kelly’s siblings bought a little drama to begin with, but once Teresa made an appearance nothing was stopping Kelly from owning who she was and trying to find the happiness she deserved.
Teresa was hesitant, not really knowing much about what happened with Kelly’s dad despite writing the obituary. She was a great listener though and gave Kelly the time she needed to adjust to them being back in one another’s lives. They worked through the awkwardness of the past, really showing just how much they had both grown, and had a lovely connection I just hoped could be rebuilt into something beautiful as well. It was great to have a slower paced story where there were lots of opportunities to get to know both Kelly and Teresa more intimately through their conversations.
A really beautiful second chance romance, filled with hopeful moments, and happiness, despite the sad passing of Kelly’s dad. It really explored emotion and pursuing being your true self in a sweet and wonderful way.
Kelly is close to her father but his death has meant returning home and rebuilding a relationship with her mother. At her father’s funeral, Kelly is reunited with Teresa, who she used to date in High School and the connection they had still seems to be there. Spending time together again rekindles their feelings but is it love that can last?
I loved the simplicity of this story and yet at the same time it had complications surrounding Kelly’s family and their reactions and relationships since she transitioned. I was nervous for Kelly, especially with her having lost what she thought was her own ally in her Dad. Her mother really surprised me, and the way she treated Kelly meant I had hope for them rebuilding their relationship from the start. Kelly’s siblings bought a little drama to begin with, but once Teresa made an appearance nothing was stopping Kelly from owning who she was and trying to find the happiness she deserved.
Teresa was hesitant, not really knowing much about what happened with Kelly’s dad despite writing the obituary. She was a great listener though and gave Kelly the time she needed to adjust to them being back in one another’s lives. They worked through the awkwardness of the past, really showing just how much they had both grown, and had a lovely connection I just hoped could be rebuilt into something beautiful as well. It was great to have a slower paced story where there were lots of opportunities to get to know both Kelly and Teresa more intimately through their conversations.
A really beautiful second chance romance, filled with hopeful moments, and happiness, despite the sad passing of Kelly’s dad. It really explored emotion and pursuing being your true self in a sweet and wonderful way.
December 15, 2025
2 Stars
The pace was slow due to trivial anecdotes inserted in the story that honestly could have been edited out because it didn’t add much to the story. The synopsis failed to point out that the main character was trans female. And on the note, there was nothing mentioned on the MC’s physical or medical side of transitioning. It was like a dark shadow just looming in the background because the focus was on the grief of losing her father, trying to reconnect with family, which is fair. It could have given the story an added layer, is all. And last, the ex girlfriend who’s supposedly the love interest. There was but a whisper of connection or spark between the characters (imo) and the fact that she has to cover the obituary for the local paper? That really confused me. How is it a stranger’s job to write about the deceased? It just rings untrue.
Overall, I think it needs more editing.
The pace was slow due to trivial anecdotes inserted in the story that honestly could have been edited out because it didn’t add much to the story. The synopsis failed to point out that the main character was trans female. And on the note, there was nothing mentioned on the MC’s physical or medical side of transitioning. It was like a dark shadow just looming in the background because the focus was on the grief of losing her father, trying to reconnect with family, which is fair. It could have given the story an added layer, is all. And last, the ex girlfriend who’s supposedly the love interest. There was but a whisper of connection or spark between the characters (imo) and the fact that she has to cover the obituary for the local paper? That really confused me. How is it a stranger’s job to write about the deceased? It just rings untrue.
Overall, I think it needs more editing.
May 15, 2025
I didn't realise from the blurb that one main was trans. This gave an interesting perspective to the second chance. Since this is an own voice novel, it added an authenticity to the story. However, for me the writing could have been a bit tighter….. Less words to say more…….(I know I’m one to talk usually, but not in this review!)
May 4, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
kelly and teresa had been school girls partners but at one point teresa had finished with kelly and had not really told them why... kelly went off to join the army and though teresa felt bad she also thought she had been the one to put kelly on that road
so at kelly dad funeral teresa went to tell kelly she was sorry for any hurt... so you can imagine the shock that teresa had when she finally saw kelly
kelly for the most part was happy to see teresa after all their relationship was something they had often thought about and acknowledged that teresa had done the right thing by ending it between them...
but now kelly was training to be a nurst and teresa was starting to get established in her field of journalism ....so could a long distance relationship work between them....
its not a bad storyline i really kept reading to see how kelly and teresa sorted out their lives ... the beginning of the book was very much and i did skip paragraphs just to get into the storyline quicker
kelly and teresa had been school girls partners but at one point teresa had finished with kelly and had not really told them why... kelly went off to join the army and though teresa felt bad she also thought she had been the one to put kelly on that road
so at kelly dad funeral teresa went to tell kelly she was sorry for any hurt... so you can imagine the shock that teresa had when she finally saw kelly
kelly for the most part was happy to see teresa after all their relationship was something they had often thought about and acknowledged that teresa had done the right thing by ending it between them...
but now kelly was training to be a nurst and teresa was starting to get established in her field of journalism ....so could a long distance relationship work between them....
its not a bad storyline i really kept reading to see how kelly and teresa sorted out their lives ... the beginning of the book was very much and i did skip paragraphs just to get into the storyline quicker
November 1, 2025
(rounded up from 1.5)
This was exhausting. It was written in a stream-of-consciousness style that reminds me of trying to hit a daily word count limit for NaNoWriMo, except that when I did this, my intention was to later go and edit the text within an inch of its life to preserve only the interesting and relevant dialogue and ideas instead of every single thought that wanders across a person's mind.
Reading this was really hard for me. If my review were written in the style of this book, it would look like this: I read a few sentences and wondered why the author did not edit any of it. Perhaps an editor was hard to find on short notice, or they thought the prose was adequately edited in this iteration. I looked at the three cans of Pepsi sitting on my desk. I moved my hand to touch one of the cans to caress the lip of the empty can, almost causing it to tip. I looked up at the clock on the wall that I had purchased on a trip with my father before he passed away. He liked the look of it because it was clearly visible from far away. I missed the time when I could speak to him when I had a rant about someone not editing a book. He always had something to say on the topic. I would always enjoy my conversations with him because of his views. I will always miss him.
God, that was exhausting even to try and write.
This book's blurb does it a disservice, I think, because it doesn't mention that the main character, Kelly, is a trans woman. Much of the msuing in the book is about the challenges she faces as a trans woman with a family who doesn't quite accept her transition or respect her identity, her grief over her father who has recently died, and reconnecting in the most exhaustingly overdiscussed romance I have ever read (I was ASTONISHED when after 70% of the book they mention that the two have been dating long distance for TWO WEEKS!). Exhausting.
I would, unfortunately, not recommend this book. I hope there is a future version with a really savage editor who will reduce this book's length down to half or less than half of the current pages.
This was exhausting. It was written in a stream-of-consciousness style that reminds me of trying to hit a daily word count limit for NaNoWriMo, except that when I did this, my intention was to later go and edit the text within an inch of its life to preserve only the interesting and relevant dialogue and ideas instead of every single thought that wanders across a person's mind.
Reading this was really hard for me. If my review were written in the style of this book, it would look like this: I read a few sentences and wondered why the author did not edit any of it. Perhaps an editor was hard to find on short notice, or they thought the prose was adequately edited in this iteration. I looked at the three cans of Pepsi sitting on my desk. I moved my hand to touch one of the cans to caress the lip of the empty can, almost causing it to tip. I looked up at the clock on the wall that I had purchased on a trip with my father before he passed away. He liked the look of it because it was clearly visible from far away. I missed the time when I could speak to him when I had a rant about someone not editing a book. He always had something to say on the topic. I would always enjoy my conversations with him because of his views. I will always miss him.
God, that was exhausting even to try and write.
This book's blurb does it a disservice, I think, because it doesn't mention that the main character, Kelly, is a trans woman. Much of the msuing in the book is about the challenges she faces as a trans woman with a family who doesn't quite accept her transition or respect her identity, her grief over her father who has recently died, and reconnecting in the most exhaustingly overdiscussed romance I have ever read (I was ASTONISHED when after 70% of the book they mention that the two have been dating long distance for TWO WEEKS!). Exhausting.
I would, unfortunately, not recommend this book. I hope there is a future version with a really savage editor who will reduce this book's length down to half or less than half of the current pages.
May 27, 2025
This is my second novel this week with a trans MC. I wanted to like this more but honestly I had issues with the plot and writing. Kelly is at nursing school when she gets the word her father has passed away. Wanting to support her mother, she travels the two hours home for the funeral. At the services she runs into Teresa who was her high school girlfriend before she transitioned. Kelly actually broke things off between the pair as she knew she was more interested in dating women.
I thought it odd that Kelly was going to propose to Teresa but they hadn’t discussed his plan for joining the military right after high school. Teresa thought joining was a result of the breakup. And all this was only seven years ago. I had to laugh a little at the contrivance of Teresa being at the funeral to cover it and write an obituary for the newspaper she works for. For at least thirty years my city's newspaper’s obituaries, cost by the word and are written and paid for by the family, unless you are a public figure. I actually double checked to see if the story was set in an earlier time period. It is not. It is realistic to me that they would want to catch up with one another.
There was time to hike and get meals together but more words were spent on what was being ordered instead of building a relationship. It was like the story was fine with, we liked each other in high school and now we both like women. I was also disappointed to not get more details on the physical side of transitioning, are they on medications, how it impacts intimacy etc. The emotional side is covered somewhat by how Kelly has had to deal with her family’s reaction. I thought there was a missed opportunity to make better connections with both siblings after the passing of their dad. And lastly so much time was spent on can they make long distance work and what his future career path would be and then it was left very open ended. I like my romances tied up more than that. An epilogue or something down the road may have helped me believe these two were compatible for the long haul. When I get nit picky like this I know the book didn’t work well for me. But it may work better for others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
I thought it odd that Kelly was going to propose to Teresa but they hadn’t discussed his plan for joining the military right after high school. Teresa thought joining was a result of the breakup. And all this was only seven years ago. I had to laugh a little at the contrivance of Teresa being at the funeral to cover it and write an obituary for the newspaper she works for. For at least thirty years my city's newspaper’s obituaries, cost by the word and are written and paid for by the family, unless you are a public figure. I actually double checked to see if the story was set in an earlier time period. It is not. It is realistic to me that they would want to catch up with one another.
There was time to hike and get meals together but more words were spent on what was being ordered instead of building a relationship. It was like the story was fine with, we liked each other in high school and now we both like women. I was also disappointed to not get more details on the physical side of transitioning, are they on medications, how it impacts intimacy etc. The emotional side is covered somewhat by how Kelly has had to deal with her family’s reaction. I thought there was a missed opportunity to make better connections with both siblings after the passing of their dad. And lastly so much time was spent on can they make long distance work and what his future career path would be and then it was left very open ended. I like my romances tied up more than that. An epilogue or something down the road may have helped me believe these two were compatible for the long haul. When I get nit picky like this I know the book didn’t work well for me. But it may work better for others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
May 6, 2025
Kelly, a nursing student in college, travels home from school to attend her father's funeral. She's fearful of her family's reaction to her as a trans woman, given past issues with her mother, brother and sister. But her mother seems to be coming around. At the funeral, Kelly sees her ex-girlfriend, Teresa, who she dated in high school before her transition. Teresa has come out as a lesbian. The book is focused on Kelly's relationship with her mother, Kelly grieving the loss of her father, and a possible relationship with Teresa.
It's strange that the blurb for this book doesn't mention the fact that Kelly is trans since that's an important aspect of the book. Overall, I wish this had been a better book. The writing is subpar and I just can't understand how these issues weren't addressed by the editor.
It was difficult to get through the book. The author repeated herself consistently. The dialogue was bland and there was so much more I wanted to understand about Kelly and her transition. Also, Teresa had no issues with Kelly being trans. I don't mean that Teresa should have been transphobic, but she asked very little, especially about Kelly's physical transition. The book seemed not all that realistic and the two MCs lacked chemistry.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via NetGalley.
It's strange that the blurb for this book doesn't mention the fact that Kelly is trans since that's an important aspect of the book. Overall, I wish this had been a better book. The writing is subpar and I just can't understand how these issues weren't addressed by the editor.
It was difficult to get through the book. The author repeated herself consistently. The dialogue was bland and there was so much more I wanted to understand about Kelly and her transition. Also, Teresa had no issues with Kelly being trans. I don't mean that Teresa should have been transphobic, but she asked very little, especially about Kelly's physical transition. The book seemed not all that realistic and the two MCs lacked chemistry.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via NetGalley.
May 10, 2025
Heather K. O’Malley’s Goodbye, Hello is a tender, emotionally resonant second-chance romance that thoughtfully explores the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ couples—both in love and in life. With heartfelt prose and fully realized characters, O’Malley delivers a story that is as healing as it is hopeful.
At its core, this novel is about reconnection—two people trying to find their way back to one another while navigating the emotional complexities shaped not just by their shared past, but by societal pressures and identity-based struggles that many couples never have to face. O’Malley handles these themes with grace, honesty, and deep empathy, creating a narrative that feels authentic and powerfully relatable.
The emotional depth is beautifully balanced by a sense of quiet optimism. Readers will find moments of recognition, vulnerability, and ultimately, healing—making this story not just a romance, but a reflection on growth, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to love again.
Goodbye, Hello is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for another chance—especially those who’ve had to fight harder for love simply because of who they are.
At its core, this novel is about reconnection—two people trying to find their way back to one another while navigating the emotional complexities shaped not just by their shared past, but by societal pressures and identity-based struggles that many couples never have to face. O’Malley handles these themes with grace, honesty, and deep empathy, creating a narrative that feels authentic and powerfully relatable.
The emotional depth is beautifully balanced by a sense of quiet optimism. Readers will find moments of recognition, vulnerability, and ultimately, healing—making this story not just a romance, but a reflection on growth, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to love again.
Goodbye, Hello is a beautifully written, deeply moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for another chance—especially those who’ve had to fight harder for love simply because of who they are.
April 23, 2025
The book started really promising with Kelly coming home for her father’s funeral. She talks with her mom and this is the first time she is told that come home as herself after her transition. Her relationship with her mom and siblings strained but at the same time better than ever in their shared sorrow. At the funeral Kelly comes across her old high school girlfriend Teresa that broke up with her since she realized that she was into women not men, Kelly being the only man she has ever been with. Now Kelly is a woman, so Teresa starts to look at her differently and Kelly has never really lost her feelings.
Until here all is the book good and enjoyable to read then I have some issues with Kelly’s and Teresa’s relationship. They start talking about potential issues in the future with a long-distance relationship even before then even have kissed again or for sure not fallen in love again.
Overall the book gets way to detailed and wordy. I rate it high though since it is one of the first books I have read that really normalize a trans woman and her relationship with a woman, it is not a big deal at all.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
Until here all is the book good and enjoyable to read then I have some issues with Kelly’s and Teresa’s relationship. They start talking about potential issues in the future with a long-distance relationship even before then even have kissed again or for sure not fallen in love again.
Overall the book gets way to detailed and wordy. I rate it high though since it is one of the first books I have read that really normalize a trans woman and her relationship with a woman, it is not a big deal at all.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
May 1, 2025
The plot is what attracted me to the story because I love second-chance romance, and with a very interesting MC as a trans woman even more so.
It started off very promisingly, but unfortunately it lost some of the intensity pretty quickly.
The development of things is both slow and relatively fast for Kelly and Teresa at the same time.
I'm not sure which aspect irritated me while reading. Also, many moments were just a bit too much of everyday life and it didn't really contribute to the story.
At least in my opinion.
That's why some things were too much and others not enough.
Like the physical reconnection between the two. It was a good pace and quite quick, but not enough was written about it. It just happened.
Anyway, it was still a sweet story and the topic of Kelly's transition has an importance that I really liked.
That was the real topic of this story: how the world deals with it and how Kelly herself really went through with it and can finally be herself.
This aspect is very well written and convincing.
A certain normality about that was incorporated that I haven't read before with a MC. I really liked that.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and, of course, the author for the ARC.
It started off very promisingly, but unfortunately it lost some of the intensity pretty quickly.
The development of things is both slow and relatively fast for Kelly and Teresa at the same time.
I'm not sure which aspect irritated me while reading. Also, many moments were just a bit too much of everyday life and it didn't really contribute to the story.
At least in my opinion.
That's why some things were too much and others not enough.
Like the physical reconnection between the two. It was a good pace and quite quick, but not enough was written about it. It just happened.
Anyway, it was still a sweet story and the topic of Kelly's transition has an importance that I really liked.
That was the real topic of this story: how the world deals with it and how Kelly herself really went through with it and can finally be herself.
This aspect is very well written and convincing.
A certain normality about that was incorporated that I haven't read before with a MC. I really liked that.
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and, of course, the author for the ARC.
July 12, 2025
I tried avoiding making this a DNF book but at the 65% mark I just could not finish. I just didn't feel anything for the two MC's and didn't care how the book ended.
The first 25% is solely a lot of thoughts and introspection of Kelly. I get that she is going through a hard time with losing her dad and having a tough relationship with her family due to her transitioning, but the same thoughts and scenes seemed to repeat themselves.
Same thing later when Kelly and Teresa do finally interact. The rekindling of their friendship/relationship takes all but five seconds but then they go on and on about the what ifs and the future and the army and it just felt like a big business transaction where you discuss all the factors. It lacked feeling for me and spontaneity.
I am sure there is an audience for this book but for me it lacked in the pacing and the depth of the characters and overall story just wasn't enough to keep me hooked.
An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
The first 25% is solely a lot of thoughts and introspection of Kelly. I get that she is going through a hard time with losing her dad and having a tough relationship with her family due to her transitioning, but the same thoughts and scenes seemed to repeat themselves.
Same thing later when Kelly and Teresa do finally interact. The rekindling of their friendship/relationship takes all but five seconds but then they go on and on about the what ifs and the future and the army and it just felt like a big business transaction where you discuss all the factors. It lacked feeling for me and spontaneity.
I am sure there is an audience for this book but for me it lacked in the pacing and the depth of the characters and overall story just wasn't enough to keep me hooked.
An ARC was given to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.
May 13, 2025
The powers that be tell me if I read a book I should at the very least try. I’m sure for some this would probably be the best book they’d read in a long time, at least I hope so. I know writing a book isn’t easy, I admire those that can do what I can’t. The problem with this book is something I personally can’t stand so I just skim to see if there are any words I haven’t seen yet. I’m talking about the back story, every story needs one but when the whole book has nothing but repeating the same lines as before. I really shouldn’t say the whole book, I made it to chapter eight. Not my cup of tea.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
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