Reviews with content warning for Cursing - Just for the Summer

I finished. I’m a blubbering mess. And idk how I got through life without this book.

This is why you never say never. I thought I was done with Abby, even though I gave Part of Your World 5 stars. And despite the few issues I had with this book, I couldn’t see giving this one any less than a 5, too. Because she just has a freakin’ way. And I hate to admit that, but she does. I laughed, I cried, and I loved. And I’m thankful to have read such a beautiful story. 😭💕

To elaborate on my thoughts and feelings... I did dislike the amount of cursing, and I could have done with out the bed scene - HOWEVER - this story was so well fleshed out and just unmatched on so many levels. I was able to set aside any minor qualms for that reason.

Let's talk about Justin for a minute - this man, y'all. He is so good! All the things he did for Emma (from the surveys to the unicorn floatie), the way he pursued her gently and never shied away from making his intentions for her clear. I wish I could go into more detail, but I couldn't without spoilers. Just know I absolutely gushed.

Now, let's talk about the trauma. Actually, I don't even know what to say except that this was done so well. My heart absolutely broke for Emma, especially as the story progressed and even more lies were unraveled.

The way I wish I would have filmed a full-out spoiler vlog for this... but at the same time, I'm so glad I got to experience this without distraction. I think we all know how big of a deal it is that I loved this book so much, because I'm so picky with my romances these days. I'll just say, I may be picky, but I also have a big heart. And this book had a tight hold on it!

So, even if you have doubts, just pace yourself going in. This is not a fluffy Rom Com. While it has it's sweet and funny moments, it also has really deep, meaningful, and heart-wrenching moments. But I implore you to pick it up and give it a try, because I've never quite read a story like it... and I truly hope you love it as much as I did!

I also highly recommend making sure you at least read Part of Your World prior to this one, because the CONNECTION was next level. It made my little heart whole!

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alexisgarcia's review against another edition

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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.

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amateur_bookworm's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

My summary:

Emma stumbles across a Reddit post by a guy named Justin complaining about having a curse where every girl he dates goes on to find her soulmate immediately after they break up. Emma messages Justin to commiserate because she has the exact same curse. After chatting back and forth, they come up with the foolproof plan of dating each other so that they can break up and then find their soulmates and end their respective curses. Their initial chemistry draws Emma, a traveling nurse, to lMinnesota to date Justin, a software engineer. Despite agreeing to only date for the summer and then break up, Justin and Emma may actually be each other’s soulmates but at a time in their lives where the odds are stacked against them.

My thoughts:

I have already read the book and loved it. Listening to it was just as good, if not better! I literally caught myself repeatedly grinning while listening. This is a can’t-miss read (or listen).

I love that Abby Jimenez writes romance but with substance and tough topics. This has likable, relatable characters and witty banter. I literally laughed at loud at times. But for being a fun romance, there are some seriously heavy topics in here too. It is a perfect mix of fun and sweet and serious.

I was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed both narrators immediately, as this is usually not the case for me. I think both narrators are a great fit for their characters and it makes listening enjoyable.

This is a great book as a standalone, but for maximum impact, I recommend reading at least Part of Your World and Yours Truly first. Both of those are also five star reads for me so it’s completely worth the time to read them also. And if you want the *full* experience then also read the three books of The Friend Zone series.

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juanat77's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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marinajonesreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

Of the three books in this shared world, this is my favorite. The traumas felt real, the emotions felt real and the sadness felt real. I loved the lesson that sometimes, love isn’t the only thing to consider. I also liked that really, you can read this book without the others. I love the shared universe concept.

Emma and Justin were adorable. Emma is a protagonist I can get around. So very very flawed but also very relatable. I understood where she was coming from and my heart broke for her throughout.

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