A review by rainbowofcrazy
Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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

Am I biased because this book starts off with a Reddit post and I love me a good Reddit post? Probably. But it was a delightful, hilarious start, and set up the fun vibes of the entire book.

I loved this book. It embraces its silliness with a “curse” and fricking runs with it. I loved the romance and I loved how layered the characters were. I loved Emma and her very complicated relationship with her mother. I loved Justin, and his family, and his ugly ass dog. I loved the terrible decision to rent a house on an island. I loved their friends! I loved Maddy and how everyone constantly made me laugh and want to cry and gave me all the feels. All the feels.

I felt like the trauma worked a lot better here than it did in Yours Truly. We have communication! And understanding! And honesty! Lovely resolutions! My heart swelled with joy.

My only real nitpick: If this is supposed to be a dual narration.. why did the narrators voice their own text messages? Why make the effort to have them voice their own text messages and not when they’re talking?? I was so confused by this! We were so close to what could have been an awesome duet narration.. so close!!! I cry.

..Still a 5 star book for me!