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challenging
emotional
funny
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
Big thank you to NetGalley and Hachette AU for the e-arc of Say You'll Remember Me. This book was a sensational read. I laughed, I cried, I could not put it down. I'll never hear "Come on Eileen" the same way again.
It features dual POV of Xavier - a mysterious, brooding vet (with a description akin to Rhysand) and Sam - a witty, bubbly social media expert., as they forge an unexpected connection and romance. The main characters romance is sweet and funny, while also being heart-aching challenging. It explores the dynamics of long distance relationships in a painstaking accurate way.
Another key component of the story is the role of both Xavier and Sam's complicated family dynamics, in particular with Sam moving back to California to undertake a larger role in caring for a family member with dementia.
Read for:
* Instalove
* Grumpy/sunshine
* Long distance relationship
* Complicated family dynamics
It features dual POV of Xavier - a mysterious, brooding vet (with a description akin to Rhysand) and Sam - a witty, bubbly social media expert., as they forge an unexpected connection and romance. The main characters romance is sweet and funny, while also being heart-aching challenging. It explores the dynamics of long distance relationships in a painstaking accurate way.
Another key component of the story is the role of both Xavier and Sam's complicated family dynamics, in particular with Sam moving back to California to undertake a larger role in caring for a family member with dementia.
Read for:
* Instalove
* Grumpy/sunshine
* Long distance relationship
* Complicated family dynamics
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Dementia, Grief
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship
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
Jimenez always mixes real world problems with her once in a lifetime romance. This time it was almost too much reality. And yet….no one does it better or with more sincerity. Just a beautiful story.Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love when the ending of a book makes you pause to really think about it and say wow. That’s what this book did. The obstacles that the two main characters faced, that while this is a romance, looks at some very serious issues. Then you also get the romance, the fun-times, the awesome dogs and cats, family, friends and even a 1966 Dodge Dart.
I’ve loved every book that Abby Jimenez has written but so much in this book hits home with me making this my favorite.
I’ve loved every book that Abby Jimenez has written but so much in this book hits home with me making this my favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dementia
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Say You’ll Remember Me is a difficult book to rate. It is being marketed as a romance book but it should be sold as women’s fiction. There’s not a lot of romance compared to the actually “family member with dementia dynamic.” Dementia + a romance story ≠ a romance book. Romance was a subplot at best, and as some other reviewers have mentioned - it’s heavy on the trauma and too light on the romance. I would’ve judged this story less harshly if I knew it was more of women’s literature than a romance, hence a 3 star rating.
If I was to rate this story…the chemistry between the characters, the humor, and the banter was all a 5/5! Really no notes, it was addictive and fun and enjoyable! Unfortunately the actual plot and the progression of the story was a total downer and gave me anxiety as I waited for the other shoe to drop. It’s fine if you want to put your characters through trauma, but as the reader, it was too much trauma. I genuinely couldn’t conceive of a way they could be together. Yes, life is messy, but is it this messy? I felt exhausted as everything that could go wrong, went wrong.
On the topic of dementia, my grandfather had it so the idea of this story was already close to home. I wish Abby had focused a little on how shitty the system is for the families who want to care for their sick family member, but how cost inhibitive that can be. She focused a lot on the problems families go through with caring for their loved ones and also how hard it is to have them not recognize you.
Pros: there were many funny moments, some good friends (except Sam basically had no friends so that kinda made her one dimensional) and there were so many ACOTAR/Rhysand references which was super fun! The writing style is Abby’s classic addictive detailing.
Cons: well, I’ve already listed a ton but honestly…a social media manager for mustard? That was a choice. There was also sooo much working against the MCs that their Happily Ever After was really unrealistic at the end.
It’s not my least favorite Abby Jimenez read, but it’s definitely down there
Fave order (I still have one of hers to read)
- Just For the Summer
- Part of Your World
- Yours Truly
- The Friend Zone
- Happily Ever After Playlist
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy! Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Terminal illness, Dementia, Grief, Abandonment
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Forever, and Abby for an advance copy of this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Dementia
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Thank you @readforeverpub for my book
Abby Jimenez has such a way with words and the moment I started reading I didn’t want this book to end. This book in my opinion is one of her heaviest works to date and had me all in my feelings. I used to work in the healthcare field and one summer I was on the dementia floor and it was so depressing.
Xavier and Samantha were everything I love as a couple. Complete opposites and they balanced each other out perfectly. Xavier is guarded and rightfully so but I love the way he didn’t run away when things became messy. I did find this book to be slightly repetitive, but it was still a great read and longtime fans of Abby will definitely enjoy this story!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Dementia
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
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Dementia, Gaslighting
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
ARC Review - Overall it was a cute story. The chemistry between the two leads was funny and easy to enjoy.
One thing I've consistently enjoyed about Abby's books is the realistic and complicated life scenarios she writes for her characters. A long distance relationship is hard. Long term family member care is hard. Determining what to do next in your life when you have desires that conflict with your financial obligations. All topics are well handled in this book!
I'll say though, there is an infidelity plotline that I think didn't add to the story at all. I kept waiting for it to be addressed or mentioned in a more meaningful way, but it wasn't. I also found myself somewhat jolted at times by some abrupt parts of the book (Samantha moving to CA instead of just "traveling", Xavier reconnecting with Hank after all those years, as examples). All that said, I'll read the final copy once it's published!
One thing I've consistently enjoyed about Abby's books is the realistic and complicated life scenarios she writes for her characters. A long distance relationship is hard. Long term family member care is hard. Determining what to do next in your life when you have desires that conflict with your financial obligations. All topics are well handled in this book!
I'll say though, there is an infidelity plotline that I think didn't add to the story at all. I kept waiting for it to be addressed or mentioned in a more meaningful way, but it wasn't. I also found myself somewhat jolted at times by some abrupt parts of the book (Samantha moving to CA instead of just "traveling", Xavier reconnecting with Hank after all those years, as examples). All that said, I'll read the final copy once it's published!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Infidelity
emotional
funny
hopeful
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:
Yes
I had to take several hours to let this book soak in before reviewing. I enjoyed it so much but I needed a bit to come down from the roller coaster of emotions to make sure my review was coherent.
This story features our main characters Samantha and Xavier. Samantha is a witty, sarcastic social media manager and Xavier is an introverted veterinarian who vastly prefers animals to people. They are so in love but their relationship is geographically challenged, with one living in Minnesota and the other in California. They try their hardest to forget each other but just can’t seem to make the memories go away. Samantha really sums it up when she says, “…there is nothing more beautiful than being a witness to someone’s life. To know them inside and out..” The characters are also faced with a lot of difficulties outside their relationship too which helps make them a stronger couple. Samantha asks Xavier if he would want to erase all his memories of her because of the hardships it brought upon them. Xavier said wouldn’t want that “Because life wouldn’t be worth living if I didn’t remember you.” They have incredible banter that had me kicking my feet and giggling several times.
As always, Abby includes some call backs to previous books in this universe and they do not disappoint, especially not Jafar. There’s definitely a few more connections to add to the ever growing Abby-verse chart.
A lot of the themes in this book are personal to me. My grandmother passed away in 2023 from complications from dementia and so Samantha’s family struggles really resonated with me. I also loved how accurate the long distance relationship was since I lived that life for several months while I was engaged because I lived in Texas and my fiance was working in Ohio. She encapsulated the feelings of distance perfectly.
I appreciate all of the time and thought Abby puts into making her stories realistic. The veterinary aspects were well researched and added to the story.
Abby Jimenez’s books always make me very emotional and this book was no different. I lost count of the amount of times I teared up and cried (and sobbed). Say You’ll Remember Me made me feel a lot of feelings. I was so in love with all of the characters that I felt their pain and joys right along with them.
I would like to thank Abby Jimenez for writing this masterpiece and I would also like the Forever Romance team for the opportunity to review this ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Dementia
Moderate: Child abuse