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A review by paupereads
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
inspiring
relaxing
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
ABBY's spices up this 2024's summer with an adult relationship story in stranger-lovers, meet cute, dual POV, and forced proximity tropes. Added a families complex problems and connected it with a mental health issue make Just For The Summer become complicated.
Justin got viral in Reddit because he had a good luck charm, and his exes got their true love after breaking up with him. Emma, who has the same situation, texts him. Then, a conversation leads them into a fake relationship for four weeks, one kiss, and one breakup to break the curse. And, they met each other, and realized their feeling growing up into more depper. A cliche romantic relationship that we can find anywhere.
What makes it different?
No, there's not. But, with a limited time, they're showing us what's an adult relationship meant to be. What I love is, they are communication well, realize they didn't have enough time together, and they choose to make everything clear. Even a basic question from "Tell me your day today from start to finish." can become a fun conversation to getting to know each other.
Justin got viral in Reddit because he had a good luck charm, and his exes got their true love after breaking up with him. Emma, who has the same situation, texts him. Then, a conversation leads them into a fake relationship for four weeks, one kiss, and one breakup to break the curse. And, they met each other, and realized their feeling growing up into more depper. A cliche romantic relationship that we can find anywhere.
What makes it different?
No, there's not. But, with a limited time, they're showing us what's an adult relationship meant to be. What I love is, they are communication well, realize they didn't have enough time together, and they choose to make everything clear. Even a basic question from "Tell me your day today from start to finish." can become a fun conversation to getting to know each other.
"What are you thinking?” I asked. He didn’t answer for a long moment. When he did, he did it with his eyes closed. “All I ever think about is you."
"I think something is wrong with me. Like there’s something in me, in my heart, that doesn’t work right."
"I’ve been waiting my whole life to feel like this and I thought it was a curse that nobody else ever worked out. But it wasn’t. It’s just that they weren’t you."
An issue comes from their family become a concern of their relationship, Justin has a mother who has to go to prison because of a fraud case, and he is forced to be a single parent with his three siblings, he is stuck unable to go anywhere. Meanwhile, Emma has a problematic mother. Emma's trauma made her choose not to stay in one place for too long. Amber's appearanc in Minnesota and her relationship with Emma's boss make the situation even more complicated, which ultimately makes Emma's trust even more crumbling.
Emma and Justin are not perfect humans, it all shows how they can still fall and get tired of circumstances. However, how both deal with everything is considered mature. Moreover, each of them tries to accept the difficult situation and tries to complement each other even in the context of a short relationship.
"You are the only thing in my life making me happy right now. And I’m not the least bit afraid to tell you that."
Justin is not scared to show his feelings. Even though he knows emma might not accept it, he still does that. We can't also blame Emma if she's denied. She's also love Justin, but her trust issue, a complex situation, forced her to choose other options at that time.
The dual POV helped me a lot to see two different perspectives. The things I like are both showing a development in every character.
In the chapter 40, there's a twist that leads into a conflict. And, it's also affected into their relationship. And, I also found a beautiful words;
But that’s not what real grown-up relationships are like. They’re like this. Being mature enough to know your limits, and adult enough to accept when someone tells you what they are.
Justin never forced her, and Emma never pushed herself to get hurt. Both know when to stop. They need a space to heal. Even if they want to stay, they know it won't work. In this moment, I am so touched!
I think It's a fast paced story, But I do not think the chemistry bad. The ending was good, I love it!
Adds-on;
Damn. I CAN NOT HANDLE MYSELF TO SEE JUSTIN. He's 100% effort from head to toe. SENDING A REVIEW ABOUT HIMSELF BEFORE DATING? A pre-question of dating, then feedback? Letter? Etc, HE NEEDS A HUGE APPLAUSE FROM THE CROWD. HE'S THE GENTLEMAN.
P.s: A reason I do not give a legit 5 is because Abby mentioned sb brand on the story. I checked her Instagram account, and the link for palestine is still available on her profile. I don't know the reason why she put that, and I am not sure it's make her zionist or not ( I am trying to find more information. For me, she's on gray area) But, personally, I choose not to recommend this book in public, and I will give this notes to people who want to read it.
P.s: A reason I do not give a legit 5 is because Abby mentioned sb brand on the story. I checked her Instagram account, and the link for palestine is still available on her profile. I don't know the reason why she put that, and I am not sure it's make her zionist or not ( I am trying to find more information. For me, she's on gray area) But, personally, I choose not to recommend this book in public, and I will give this notes to people who want to read it.