Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Say You'll Remember Me

Reviews tagging 'Animal cruelty'

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

34 reviews

mluksan's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad 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

5.0

Laughter. Awwwwhs. Tears. The best roller coaster of emotions I’ve ever had the privilege to ride. Abby is my favorite author and this book reminded me of why that is. I didn’t just read this book I experienced it. I felt like I was part of Samantha and Xavier’s lives. I felt emotions with them and for them. I am sad it’s over, but it’s a promise when I say I will always remember this book.

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readwithcass's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? No

5.0

I cannot begin to describe the joy that I felt when I got my hands on a copy of this book. I love Abby Jimenez’s work from her complex characters, hilarious dialogue and banter, and a-ha or ‘big reveal’ moments. I have yet to make it through one book without going on an entire rollercoaster ride of emotions from tearing up to full on sobbing as well as cackling and snorting.

I think you should read this book for several reasons, but the top 3 (I might be slightly biased in my ranking) are:

1. The portrayal of dementia and caregiving.

2. The portrayal of long distance relationships.

3. The characters!

The Characters:

Samantha: Her sense of humor had me cracking up or cackling and snorting myself. I loved her dry, quick wit. I would sell a kidney for the opportunity for nothing more than to read more of her posts and comments.

Xavier: Perfection. No notes. Ultimate book boyfriend. I don’t think he will ever be topped. I’m a sucker for eyes and men who are apparently ‘Airport Dads’. His backstory and journey was so compelling as well and I thought this was another aspect that was done so well.

*Side note: The references to ACOTAR quite litterally had be kicking my feet and giggling. I hope they have the same effect on you.

Honorable Mentions:

Xavier’s Inner Circle - I loved the glimpses of their relationships that we got to see and I loved their honesty and audacity to show how important Xavier was to them. It was clear the bond that they had with Xavier.

Grandma, Tristan, and of course, Maggie and Tina — Absolutely hilarious. I would read a whole book just based on Tristan’s past escapades.

The Portrayal of Long Distance Relationships:

I found this so interesting how well this type of love worked with the ideas presented on dementia. How longing to create memories with someone and missing someone can compare to longing for someone to remember you and the memories you’ve created. I thought the use of ‘gray’ representing longing and ‘color’ representing love and happiness throughout the text to weave together both of these aspects of the plot.

The Portrayal of Dementia and Cargiving:

When I found out that Jimenez was writing about a protagonist who was a caretaker for their mother who had dementia. I couldn’t not wait to read it. My grandfather had Alzheimer’s and I have a niche interest in books that discuss characters with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative diseases as well as the effects on their loved ones.

I had every bit of faith that Jimenez would do this with such grace, compassion, love, and kindness. She surpassed all expectations illuminating several complex and nuanced situations that sparks discussion about topics such as: the emotional, physical, and mental toll of caretaking, the impossibility of decision making when torn between a loved one’s wishes and what’s best for their well being, and how to help someone retain their dignity while suffering from a degenerative disease/illness.

I don’t think I’ve ever read such a well done portrayal of the experience of an individual whose dementia is progressing as well their families experience caring for them.

Lastly, thank you Abby for writing this story.

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justsmileandread's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced

5.0

I devoured this book so quickly. I read the whole thing in two days. I hadn’t actually read anything by Abby Jimenez until this book and boy, have I been missing out. I really appreciated how Jimenez treats the potentially triggering content with sensitivity. I also appreciated that the couple had to struggle in the grey area for a bit because life isn’t always black and white. They were torn because they both had responsibilities they needed to tend to which made their relationship extremely difficult. It was refreshing to read something that felt very realistic because love isn’t always the problem. I enjoyed every minute of it and was very happy with the ending because it was perfect for Samantha and Xavier’s lives. It’s also been a while since I read a book that almost brought me to full out tears which is such a compliment to Jimenez’s writing. I am so grateful that I got to read an early copy from NetGalley and ReadForeverPub. Thank you!!!

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laurrelise's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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allymegl's review

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Trigger warning: ANIMAL ABUSE

If I knew about that, I wouldn't have decided to pick up this book. So much trauma dumping in this book. I dont feel the chemistry between the main characters. I'm disappointed in this book. I didn't care for the love story. I think it was a cute idea, but I dont think it was the story for me.

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nmfcarney's review

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emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Abby Jimenez has written a lot of beautiful books and this one is no exception. But this one felt different somehow—beautiful in a quieter way. I’ve not felt my heart ache for two characters like it did for Samantha and Xavier in a long time. Their love and heartache felt so real, like I was right there alongside them watching them fall in love. And of course, there are also plenty of moments of humor and joy, as is the Abby way. All in all, this is a stunning book that is going to remain on my mind for quite some time. (Although I hope we aren’t leaving Minnesota for good!!)

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Forever, and Abby for an advance copy of this book!

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laudis98's review

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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? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I feel so lucky to been given an ARC of Abby Jimenez’s new book #SayYoullRememberMe. I’m at book 104 for this year and this one is one of my favorites. I will admit that I am partial to any of her books. Here is my review:

Abby Jimenez makes us fall in love with another character. Main character Xavier is introduced as a hot vet that looks like Rhysand but also volunteers at animal hospitals. She had me at hot guy that loves animals.

Samantha meets Xavier when she takes a kitten she found to be examined. They both are instantly attracted to each other but Xavier ruins that connection with delivering less than hopeful advice to Samantha. Miraculously, Samantha accepts an invitation for a date. Little did they both know it was going to give “the one” date vibes. Too bad Samantha family circumstances cut that romance short.

I love a strong female character and Samantha is just that with a “Bitch watch me” attitude. 😂 She also is vulnerable showing her softer side.

This book had me laughing out loud and feeding my heart with daydreams. I love Abby’s books because she doesn’t just offer the romance, she also offers substance of real serious issues. In this one, dementia is one of those issues. Say You’ll Remember Me truly delivers an insight on how dementia affects a family. *This book does contain elements of abuse to kids and animals along with mental illness. Please check your triggers.

Though I did enjoy this book, I found Xavier to be too soft. I felt like he worked far more than Samantha to make the relationship work. Perhaps his past trauma contributes to his people pleasing attributes but I honestly felt bad for him.

If you’re looking for a great rom-com with meat & potatoes definitely read this!

Thank you #NetGalley & #Forever for an ARC! #abbyjimenez

Be on the lookout for my year’s favorites!

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caitsbookcase's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective medium-paced

4.5

Abby Jimenez never disappoints me! I will read ANYTHING she writes at this point. As always with this author, I adored this book from start to finish. It made me feel so full of love and heartbroken at the same time. I can’t wait to get the physical copy in my hands in April so I can annotate it🤭

Samantha and Xavier were true soulmates! They were a perfectly balanced match. Immediately I was captivated by this couple and their instant connection and chemistry. I’m not always a big fan of when a couple has that instant connection but I genuinely felt so much love between them in this one so I can’t fault it.

This author always gets me towards the end of her books…I can confirm I spent the last 10% crying on and off—this story was truly beautifully written🥹

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mayawildgoose's review

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emotional funny sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

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kateywaldhart's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-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

4.75

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