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_bookstamandy_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
mugsandmanuscripts's review against another edition
emotional
funny
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I liked this one so much that I've had a hard time sitting down to review it because I just don't know if I can do it justice.
It's hard to find a romance that isn't just fluff, has good character development, a mostly believable storyline, and is, well, enjoyable. This one hits all those markers. Both Justin (MMC) and Emma (FMC) are well-developed and likable characters with more going on than meets the eye. Both are complex characters, and I loved them.
Emma struggles with attachment and "feeling small" after a traumatic childhood with a very unstable mother and years in foster care. I think "feeling small" is how she and her best friend Maddie (who is AMAZING) describe what look to be PTSD episodes. She has to confront her mother (who appears to have undiagnosed borderline personality disorder or possibly bipolar or maybe both) and her understanding of her throughout the novel. Obviously this is a very difficult topic, and Jimenez manages to portray it with surprising sensitivity.
Justin is struggling with complicated grief as he navigates not only his father's death several years ago but also his mother's upcoming several-year jail sentence, which forces him to move back home to become the guardian of his three siblings (from pre-school-aged to teen) to care for while she's gone. He understandably struggles with resentment even as he loves and cares for his siblings. A lot of his story could have been trivialized, but wasn't. Again, well done.
Also, of course—shout out to Maddie, the best friend Emma could ever ask for, and also to Justin's sometimes annoying friends (and his mom's BFF) for supporting the MCs in meaningful ways. This book is a testament to how it takes a village to help people heal from their trauma—and also how those who are hurting really need to accept the help they are offered.
This one was really good. I'm picky about my romances, and this one absolutely deserves all 5 stars. This is one I'd recommend not just to romance readers but also to readers of heavier lit who just want something lighter (but not fluffy) to read.
It's hard to find a romance that isn't just fluff, has good character development, a mostly believable storyline, and is, well, enjoyable. This one hits all those markers. Both Justin (MMC) and Emma (FMC) are well-developed and likable characters with more going on than meets the eye. Both are complex characters, and I loved them.
Emma struggles with attachment and "feeling small" after a traumatic childhood with a very unstable mother and years in foster care. I think "feeling small" is how she and her best friend Maddie (who is AMAZING) describe what look to be PTSD episodes. She has to confront her mother (who appears to have undiagnosed borderline personality disorder or possibly bipolar or maybe both) and her understanding of her throughout the novel. Obviously this is a very difficult topic, and Jimenez manages to portray it with surprising sensitivity.
Justin is struggling with complicated grief as he navigates not only his father's death several years ago but also his mother's upcoming several-year jail sentence, which forces him to move back home to become the guardian of his three siblings (from pre-school-aged to teen) to care for while she's gone. He understandably struggles with resentment even as he loves and cares for his siblings. A lot of his story could have been trivialized, but wasn't. Again, well done.
Also, of course—shout out to Maddie, the best friend Emma could ever ask for, and also to Justin's sometimes annoying friends (and his mom's BFF) for supporting the MCs in meaningful ways. This book is a testament to how it takes a village to help people heal from their trauma—and also how those who are hurting really need to accept the help they are offered.
This one was really good. I'm picky about my romances, and this one absolutely deserves all 5 stars. This is one I'd recommend not just to romance readers but also to readers of heavier lit who just want something lighter (but not fluffy) to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Vomit and Alcoholism
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
zanazy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Just For the Summer is a romance story that layers in an aspect of past childhood trauma and real-life problems that make it more than a beach read and a cute story. I found the story pace to be fast, in terms of the romance aspects, but the underlying, individual storylines that both the female and male characters go through moved slower, in a more realistic way. I'll go into more detail on the story and characters next, with small spoilers ahead.
The main relationship between Emma, a traveling nurse, and Justin, a software engineer is sparked by a DM sent by Emma after an AITA post that Justin makes. In his post, Justin explains his dating curse, similar to the movie Good Luck Chuck, where every girl he dates, goes on to find their soulmate after they break up. Coincidentally, Emma DMs him because she has the same curse. After a few flirty DMs and mentions of a funny, plumbing billboard, Emma makes an out-of-character decision to change her next traveling assignment from Hawaii to Minnesota so she and Justin can "date" and break each other's curse by canceling them out. You obviously know where this will end, so romantically, there were no big surprises.
Aside from the relationship between Emma and Justin, the best friend/sister relationship between Emma and Maddie is a large driver of several key events and character developments for Emma. Emma is Maddie's foster sister and Maddie has seen Emma at her worst, more often than she should have. Most of the worst times usually involve Emma's biological mother - Amber. Emma has major unresolved childhood trauma from frequent abandonment by her mother that has never had a chance to heal. However, Emma is good and she chooses to see the best in her mom. This eventually ends poorly when Emma discovers her mother lied to her and kept her from having a chance to be happy with her family, including a brother and grandparents.
Justin has issues of his own. Shortly before meeting Emma, his mother is sentenced to jail, leaving Justin to take care of his younger siblings and become their guardian. He goes through a lot in this story and the character development he undergoes is almost as big as what Emma goes through.
Because of their underlying issues, Justin and Emma's story is relatable. It can get difficult to read at times as there are several moments where their mental health is not in a good spot, especially Emma's, but it's part of who they are, and I enjoyed the insight into the minds of their characters.
This is the first book by Abby that I have read, and I enjoyed it. When I finished the story, I learned that two supporting characters and one character who makes a brief appearance in this book were first mentioned in Part of Your World, so I intend to read that book too, but as of writing this, I don't think it took anything away from my experience.
The main relationship between Emma, a traveling nurse, and Justin, a software engineer is sparked by a DM sent by Emma after an AITA post that Justin makes. In his post, Justin explains his dating curse, similar to the movie Good Luck Chuck, where every girl he dates, goes on to find their soulmate after they break up. Coincidentally, Emma DMs him because she has the same curse. After a few flirty DMs and mentions of a funny, plumbing billboard, Emma makes an out-of-character decision to change her next traveling assignment from Hawaii to Minnesota so she and Justin can "date" and break each other's curse by canceling them out.
Aside from the relationship between Emma and Justin, the best friend/sister relationship between Emma and Maddie is a large driver of several key events and character developments for Emma. Emma is Maddie's foster sister and Maddie has seen Emma at her worst, more often than she should have. Most of the worst times usually involve Emma's biological mother - Amber. Emma has major unresolved childhood trauma from frequent abandonment by her mother that has never had a chance to heal. However, Emma is good and she chooses to see the best in her mom. This eventually
Justin has issues of his own. Shortly before meeting Emma, his mother is sentenced to jail, leaving Justin to take care of his younger siblings and become their guardian. He goes through a lot in this story and the character development he undergoes is almost as big as what Emma goes through.
Because of their underlying issues, Justin and Emma's story is relatable. It can get difficult to read at times as there are several moments where their mental health is not in a good spot, especially Emma's, but it's part of who they are, and I enjoyed the insight into the minds of their characters.
This is the first book by Abby that I have read, and I enjoyed it. When I finished the story, I learned that two supporting characters and one character who makes a brief appearance in this book were first mentioned in Part of Your World, so I intend to read that book too, but as of writing this, I don't think it took anything away from my experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Vomit, Addiction, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Medical content
author2223's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Child abuse
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Panic attacks/disorders, and Vomit
readyforit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5⭐️2💧0.5🌶️(mention of sex throughout but it’s a slow burn to get there and the scene is nearly fade to black, very nondescript)
Apparently I did myself a disservice by reading this book before Abby Jimenez’s others! There are overlapping characters and Easter eggs throughout that I didn’t get. If that means I’ll have to reread it after the rest of her books I can’t complain! This is the first book I’ve borrowed from my library that I actually want to purchase and reread!! I loved the audiobook narrators but just a warning: they trick you in the beginning with duet narration (the best for 2 person pov), but only with text messages. The rest of the chapters are read by the respective narrators in a dual narration. The only way the book could’ve been better is if the entire thing were done in duet narration.
Abby Jimenez will make you laugh and fall in love with her characters before stabbing you in the heart with their trauma. If you thought this was a light and fluffy beach read think again! You’ll be crying if you have mommy issues😅
Justin is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. He’s so funny, proactive, caring, and a good listener. In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman🫶 It’s nice to finally see a man say “I’ll take care of it” and mean it. Btw if you need someone to picture while reading, look up Daniel ricciardo👀 It’s lovely to see FMC with real jobs and a relationship that reflects how long Emma and Maddie have been in each other’s lives. At first I thought Maddie was harsh at times but you really need that friend that can be honest with you when you’re making a mistake. Without Maddie, I don’t think Emma would’ve ever let herself truly fall for Justin, orfind the rest of her family.
I never thought I’d say this but this book actually did thethird-act breakup well. It was necessary for the plot and character development and didn’t last too long for the reader (in the timeline of the book it lasted about 6 months).
I loved this book and can’t wait to read her others!
Apparently I did myself a disservice by reading this book before Abby Jimenez’s others! There are overlapping characters and Easter eggs throughout that I didn’t get. If that means I’ll have to reread it after the rest of her books I can’t complain! This is the first book I’ve borrowed from my library that I actually want to purchase and reread!! I loved the audiobook narrators but just a warning: they trick you in the beginning with duet narration (the best for 2 person pov), but only with text messages. The rest of the chapters are read by the respective narrators in a dual narration. The only way the book could’ve been better is if the entire thing were done in duet narration.
Abby Jimenez will make you laugh and fall in love with her characters before stabbing you in the heart with their trauma. If you thought this was a light and fluffy beach read think again! You’ll be crying if you have mommy issues😅
Justin is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. He’s so funny, proactive, caring, and a good listener. In a world of boys, he’s a gentleman🫶 It’s nice to finally see a man say “I’ll take care of it” and mean it. Btw if you need someone to picture while reading, look up Daniel ricciardo👀 It’s lovely to see FMC with real jobs and a relationship that reflects how long Emma and Maddie have been in each other’s lives. At first I thought Maddie was harsh at times but you really need that friend that can be honest with you when you’re making a mistake. Without Maddie, I don’t think Emma would’ve ever let herself truly fall for Justin, or
I never thought I’d say this but this book actually did the
I loved this book and can’t wait to read her others!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Excrement, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
There’s a chapter where Emma gets norovirus and if you have emetophobia I would skip it and look up a summary.palindromephd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So so sad, definitely check trigger warnings because though it is a romance novel, the main characters go through a lot on their way to love. I really enjoyed it though, still in love with Jimenez's writing and that small town Minnesota setting. The way the characters weave together is so fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Mental illness
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
drraytay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Grief, Child abuse, Medical content, Mental illness, and Fire/Fire injury
laheath's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was more than I expected! I've enjoyed all the books I've read by this author, but this one had way more depth. The 2 main characters are facing so many obstacles but develop a sweet, genuine connection. I appreciated the supportive and understanding best friend, as well as the growth of the main characters, despite their backstories. Although this is #3 in the author's Part of Your World series, I only recognized a few Easter eggs from the first 2 books because I've read so many other books since then. They were fun to spot though, and the interview with the author reveals even more. The narration in this audiobook was fantastic!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Mental illness
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Sexual content
kayceero's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love Abby Jimenez’s writing but the depth in this story really blew me away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Medical content
sdupont's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book starts off light and fun with great banter before diving into the deep end of emotions. You will definitely feel an ache while reading because of your heart breaking for the characters. But don’t get me wrong I really did enjoy this book! I felt that while challenging to read it was well written. I loved Justin he is just so sweet charismatic and supportive. This man just shows up! My heart went out to Emma, she was such a fragile soul. My only issue with the book was the rushed resolution after the 3rd act conflict. I didn’t love the conflict but it suited Emma’s character and was certainly realistic. I felt that the resolution (even with the time jump) was rushed and needed to be more fleshed out. It was very I forgive you the end. A book that dove into emotions and traumas deserved a stronger finish. Honorable mention to Maddy, should we all be so lucky to have a friend like her! I recommend this book for fans of Emily Henry.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death of parent and Child abuse
Minor: Vomit and Fire/Fire injury