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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Abby Jimenez knows how to write characters that feel real and relationships that build with intention.
Justin and Emma’s chemistry is instant but not rushed. Their banter is sharp, the situations are hilarious, but what surprised me most was how vulnerable this book got, family dynamics, abandonment, trauma.
Emma’s backstory, the way she’s learned to rely only on herself, how she processes loss and connection, all felt very real. And Justin’s softness? That quiet, steady presence he offers her is exactly the kind of emotional support that doesn’t try to fix, just shows up. Their chemistry is great, but the emotional intimacy is what makes this story stand out.
Emma’s backstory, the way she’s learned to rely only on herself, how she processes loss and connection, all felt very real. And Justin’s softness? That quiet, steady presence he offers her is exactly the kind of emotional support that doesn’t try to fix, just shows up. Their chemistry is great, but the emotional intimacy is what makes this story stand out.
Jimenez also handles mental health with care and nuance. There’s a genuine understanding of how past wounds shape how we love, and she writes it without making the characters feel broken or pitiful. You root for their healing as much as their romance.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I never thought I’d love this book as much as I did, but I really did. Sure, there were moments I hated and parts that made me genuinely mad, but somehow, that made the love story feel even more real. Those ups and downs gave it depth, and I felt every bit of it.
Overall, I’d rate it a solid 9/10. Some parts were definitely cheesy, but honestly, the rest was just so cute that I didn’t mind. I loved the twists and turns, the suspense, and the little moments that completely caught me off guard. It’s a fictional romance, yes, but it hurt like a true love story. That emotional pull? It’s real.
What stood out to me the most was how relatable both Justin and Emma were. I saw parts of myself in both of them. Even though I found myself frustrated with Emma honestly, I hated her the most at times (maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic oops) I still understood her. Her fears, her emotional walls... they made sense. The way it explores fear, vulnerability, and learning to let someone in and let go, it just hit home for me.
If you read this story, be ready to cry and laugh. It’s got that perfect slow-burn kind of love; the one that keeps you on your toes and gives you butterflies right along with the characters. It’s sweet, it’s raw, it’s addicting! There’s a bit of spice, but nothing over the top. Just enough to feel the chemistry, and oh boy is it strong!!
This is the kind of story for anyone who loves a romance that takes its time; full of emotional depth, flawed but relatable characters, and a slow burn that really delivers. The pacing felt just right, steadily building tension and keeping me hooked without ever dragging. And the humor? It was perfectly timed. I found myself laughing out loud in between the heavier, more heartfelt moments. A balance that made the story even more enjoyable!
Overall, I’d rate it a solid 9/10. Some parts were definitely cheesy, but honestly, the rest was just so cute that I didn’t mind. I loved the twists and turns, the suspense, and the little moments that completely caught me off guard. It’s a fictional romance, yes, but it hurt like a true love story. That emotional pull? It’s real.
What stood out to me the most was how relatable both Justin and Emma were. I saw parts of myself in both of them. Even though I found myself frustrated with Emma honestly, I hated her the most at times (maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic oops) I still understood her. Her fears, her emotional walls... they made sense. The way it explores fear, vulnerability, and learning to let someone in and let go, it just hit home for me.
If you read this story, be ready to cry and laugh. It’s got that perfect slow-burn kind of love; the one that keeps you on your toes and gives you butterflies right along with the characters. It’s sweet, it’s raw, it’s addicting! There’s a bit of spice, but nothing over the top. Just enough to feel the chemistry, and oh boy is it strong!!
This is the kind of story for anyone who loves a romance that takes its time; full of emotional depth, flawed but relatable characters, and a slow burn that really delivers. The pacing felt just right, steadily building tension and keeping me hooked without ever dragging. And the humor? It was perfectly timed. I found myself laughing out loud in between the heavier, more heartfelt moments. A balance that made the story even more enjoyable!
I *think* I’m giving this book 4.5 stars, and rounding up to 5! Reason being, I wanted a bit more out of the end. Without giving away any spoilers, I feel like the book did an incredible job of stripping away off of the characters, but we never got the full build up. We kinda just got a quick resolution, and an even quicker (yet hilarious) epilogue.
All in all, the book will be one that I hold close to my heart. The characters were well written (even the ones we love to hate) and you really went through all the emotions.
If you’re looking for a *not so light* love story with a HEA, this is for you. Mental health rep & all. If you’re looking for an extremely light, sigh at the cuteness, rom-com, don’t pick this up. You’re going to feel the feels & it’s going to make you happy, sad, frustrated, and angry before it attempts to put you back together again.
The FMC and MMC were written beautifully. Everyone AND I MEAN EVERYONE needs a Justin. Emma has her quirks, and as a 30yo woman who has gone through her fair share of mental health issues/treatments/recoveries, it’s sometimes hard to be in the head of a character going through it. She makes the right decision in the end, even if it may cost her…
All in all, the book will be one that I hold close to my heart. The characters were well written (even the ones we love to hate) and you really went through all the emotions.
If you’re looking for a *not so light* love story with a HEA, this is for you. Mental health rep & all. If you’re looking for an extremely light, sigh at the cuteness, rom-com, don’t pick this up. You’re going to feel the feels & it’s going to make you happy, sad, frustrated, and angry before it attempts to put you back together again.
The FMC and MMC were written beautifully. Everyone AND I MEAN EVERYONE needs a Justin. Emma has her quirks, and as a 30yo woman who has gone through her fair share of mental health issues/treatments/recoveries, it’s sometimes hard to be in the head of a character going through it. She makes the right decision in the end, even if it may cost her…
It's one of my favorite books I've ever read. All the feels, the writing, knowing your own toxicity and owning it. Followed by the romance.
I don't like Emma but
I want the number of her therapist
Because 6 MONTHS????!!!!!!
I want the number of her therapist
Because 6 MONTHS????!!!!!!
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes