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spaghettireads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Vomit, Mental illness, Abandonment, Sexual content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Moderate: Dementia, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Grief, and Medical content
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
like all of abby jimenez’s books, this was an enjoyable summer read with some serious life undertones. however, in this book the character’s didn’t have a ton of chemistry imo, they just felt like really good friends. but i really liked the plot and how the characters from previous books made an appearance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Cursing, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Abandonment, Addiction, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Child abuse, Medical content, Sexual content, and Gaslighting
zanazy's review
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
meelworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really liked this story. It’s an equal mix of rom-com & family drama. Most of the characters were likeable with some flaws. I like when books incorprate relationships outside of the romantic relationship.
Equal mix of realism and unlikely coincidences. There was only one part near the very end where it felt like “that wouldn’t happen.” Also prepare yourself for cameos & name drops of ALL her previous characters.
I love that the author is interested in mental health but the therapy speak is everywhere in this book. Again at the end this element gets much heavier.
Cw: if neglect or abandonment are hard for you to read there is a lot in this book with moderate description. One character has serious mental illness resulting in very impulsive behavior & harmful actions.
Equal mix of realism and unlikely coincidences. There was only one part near the very end where it felt like “that wouldn’t happen.” Also prepare yourself for cameos & name drops of ALL her previous characters.
I love that the author is interested in mental health but the therapy speak is everywhere in this book. Again at the end this element gets much heavier.
Cw: if neglect or abandonment are hard for you to read there is a lot in this book with moderate description. One character has serious mental illness resulting in very impulsive behavior & harmful actions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Mental illness, Violence, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
kelly_e'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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Title: Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.75
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
I received complimentary eARC from Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Layered • Tender • Profound
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: they'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work. Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.
It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?
💭 T H O U G H T S
After bingeing all but one of Abby's books in 2023, she's quickly become my favourite contemporary romance author, so it will come as no surprise Just for the Summer is my most anticipated romance of 2024. There is just something about Abby's writing and ability to include depth in her plots that hits all of the right spots for me, and being given the opportunity to read this story early was an absolute gift.
Abby Jimenez delivers another fantastic romance! Her signature witty banter, real and vulnerable characters, hidden Easter eggs, adorable furry companions, and emotional depth all shine. Told in dual POVs, I was swooning over Justin and instantly felt a personal connection to Emma. The idea of 'getting small' - of retreating into oneself, of not wanting to see or talk to anyone until the world feels safe again - was very relatable. Abby has managed (yet again) to take hard, real-life things and handle them with tenderness and care. Emma has every reason to be bitter and hateful, yet she chooses empathy and to see the good in people.
There are several different instances of mental health representation, each coming across as genuine. In fact, it never felt like Abby was including it just to tick a box. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of the importance of therapy, and how the healing process sometimes requires choosing the difficult option. Overall, I just thought this aspect of the book was very well done.
Beyond the romance and the main characters, I adored the idyllic, secluded cottage setting. I found myself wanting to spend my summer there with these characters. The found family trope plays
a significant part in the plot, and I am here for it. Every. Single. Time. And of course, there is the strong female friendship with Maddy. The fact Abby includes friendship soulmates is something I absolutely love, and isn't used nearly enough in literature.
While there are a few over-the-top moments that require the suspension of belief, there are so many endearing moments: the scene where Emma helps the lady with dementia; the kitten date; the ice cream and antique store date; Justin sending questionnaires and follow up interviews; Justin stepping up to care for the kids; Emma showing up for Sarah (on various occasions); and of course, their unlikely meet-cute.
Just for the Summer is a reminder that life is messy and hard, that bad things happen to good people, that there is a path to healing. Abby just has a way of delivering impactful, comforting romances that I want to read over and over again. It's still very early in the year, yet it's safe to say Just for the Summer will touch to beat as my favourite romance book of 2024. And of course, I cannot wait to see which of her characters get a HEA next, or what new characters she creates next.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Abby Jimenez devotees
• fans of the fake dating trope
• readers who want depth to their romance
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"In a world where you can choose anger or empathy, always choose empathy, Justin."
"Sometimes the best way to show love or be kind to someone is to meet them where they are."
"Trauma changes you."
"Unhealed trauma is a crack. And all the little hard things that trickle into it that would have rolled off someone else, settle. Then when life gets cold, that crack gets bigger, longer, deeper. It make new breaks. You don't know how broken she was or what she was trying to do to fill those cracks. Being broken is not an excuse for bad behavior, you still have to make good choices and do the right thing. But it can be the reason. And sometimes understanding the reason can be what helps you heal."
"Sometimes I felt like I was roaming this earth as a ghost, seeing everything and feeling nothing."
"The best kind of love doesn't happen on moonlit walks and romantic vacations. It happens in between the folds of everyday life."
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.75
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
I received complimentary eARC from Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Layered • Tender • Profound
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: they'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work. Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.
It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?
💭 T H O U G H T S
After bingeing all but one of Abby's books in 2023, she's quickly become my favourite contemporary romance author, so it will come as no surprise Just for the Summer is my most anticipated romance of 2024. There is just something about Abby's writing and ability to include depth in her plots that hits all of the right spots for me, and being given the opportunity to read this story early was an absolute gift.
Abby Jimenez delivers another fantastic romance! Her signature witty banter, real and vulnerable characters, hidden Easter eggs, adorable furry companions, and emotional depth all shine. Told in dual POVs, I was swooning over Justin and instantly felt a personal connection to Emma. The idea of 'getting small' - of retreating into oneself, of not wanting to see or talk to anyone until the world feels safe again - was very relatable. Abby has managed (yet again) to take hard, real-life things and handle them with tenderness and care. Emma has every reason to be bitter and hateful, yet she chooses empathy and to see the good in people.
There are several different instances of mental health representation, each coming across as genuine. In fact, it never felt like Abby was including it just to tick a box. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of the importance of therapy, and how the healing process sometimes requires choosing the difficult option. Overall, I just thought this aspect of the book was very well done.
Beyond the romance and the main characters, I adored the idyllic, secluded cottage setting. I found myself wanting to spend my summer there with these characters. The found family trope plays
a significant part in the plot, and I am here for it. Every. Single. Time. And of course, there is the strong female friendship with Maddy. The fact Abby includes friendship soulmates is something I absolutely love, and isn't used nearly enough in literature.
While there are a few over-the-top moments that require the suspension of belief, there are so many endearing moments: the scene where Emma helps the lady with dementia; the kitten date; the ice cream and antique store date; Justin sending questionnaires and follow up interviews; Justin stepping up to care for the kids; Emma showing up for Sarah (on various occasions); and of course, their unlikely meet-cute.
Just for the Summer is a reminder that life is messy and hard, that bad things happen to good people, that there is a path to healing. Abby just has a way of delivering impactful, comforting romances that I want to read over and over again. It's still very early in the year, yet it's safe to say Just for the Summer will touch to beat as my favourite romance book of 2024. And of course, I cannot wait to see which of her characters get a HEA next, or what new characters she creates next.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Abby Jimenez devotees
• fans of the fake dating trope
• readers who want depth to their romance
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"In a world where you can choose anger or empathy, always choose empathy, Justin."
"Sometimes the best way to show love or be kind to someone is to meet them where they are."
"Trauma changes you."
"Unhealed trauma is a crack. And all the little hard things that trickle into it that would have rolled off someone else, settle. Then when life gets cold, that crack gets bigger, longer, deeper. It make new breaks. You don't know how broken she was or what she was trying to do to fill those cracks. Being broken is not an excuse for bad behavior, you still have to make good choices and do the right thing. But it can be the reason. And sometimes understanding the reason can be what helps you heal."
"Sometimes I felt like I was roaming this earth as a ghost, seeing everything and feeling nothing."
"The best kind of love doesn't happen on moonlit walks and romantic vacations. It happens in between the folds of everyday life."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Body shaming, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Abandonment, Gaslighting, and Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent, Medical content, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Minor: Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Dementia, Cursing, Vomit, Excrement, and Sexual content
child neglect, anxiety, PTSD, depression, undiagnosed mental health aliment, drunk driving, foster care, adoption100_pages_hr's review
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Abby's latest does it again. I loved absolutely everything about this book. Her characters are so relatable and reality. She writes my favorite heroes and Justin is no exception.
I loved the family dynamics in this book. Both main characters are dealing with family challenges and they way they work through them is so woven throughout the book that I was very emotionally invested and yes I needed Kleenex.
I absolutely loved the romance in this book. The premise of the curse the back cover tells you about is a great meet cute and I loved how their relationship evolved. Justin is definitely on my 2024 book boyfriend list. No spoilers but he is wonderful.
True to Abby fashion this book has tons of Easter Eggs. I probably didn't even catch them all on my first read, but the ones I did catch were fabulous.
I could gush all day about this book but I can tell you it will be worth the wait if you didn't get an ARC. Pre-order now and it will drop on your device or doorstep April 2!
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I loved the family dynamics in this book. Both main characters are dealing with family challenges and they way they work through them is so woven throughout the book that I was very emotionally invested and yes I needed Kleenex.
I absolutely loved the romance in this book. The premise of the curse the back cover tells you about is a great meet cute and I loved how their relationship evolved. Justin is definitely on my 2024 book boyfriend list. No spoilers but he is wonderful.
True to Abby fashion this book has tons of Easter Eggs. I probably didn't even catch them all on my first read, but the ones I did catch were fabulous.
I could gush all day about this book but I can tell you it will be worth the wait if you didn't get an ARC. Pre-order now and it will drop on your device or doorstep April 2!
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Abandonment, Cursing, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Car accident, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Grief, Blood, Confinement, and Death of parent
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