A review by kates_books
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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

5.0

Amazing romcom. Takes on the fake dating trope in such a fresh way and also in a way that goes deep. There were so many small moments that I loved and the love story was so tender. A great representation not only in terms of race, but also mental health, second-chance romance, and when you add the full cast of characters, also sexuality, race, health issues, family and more. Also!!! THE MINNESOTA REFERENCES! I love! 

Ok more things I loved with some spoilers:
  • The part about being “teleported” …. When someone you trust and love carries you to bed after you fall asleep not in bed. And to see it from Jacobs point of view and not understanding Brianna’s sleepy comment about it made me scream! So sweet. 
  • I didn’t *love* when it felt like the miscommunication trope was going to be so much of the plot but it *did* add the necessary tension for them to be real with each other and actually fall in love
  • Also … the pregnancy. I almost stopped reading. I hate pregnancies in romcoms. But I liked that this one talked about fear and it provided representation for people that have miscarried. 
  • The one bed trope was done so well! It kind of felt like the author was making fun of herself by mentioning it as a romcom trope in an earlier scene, but when it actually happened the simplicity and small moments of love made it feel so much more real and tender
  • Such a great cast of characters that were so fully formed and funny!
  • Loved that one of the biggest aspects of Brianna’s personality / story is being a caring big sister. 
  • Had a moment of fear that Benny wasn’t going to survive but I’m so glad he ended up thriving! 
  • The story opens with her being stuck and feeling like her life has fallen apart. And even once she falls in love and Jacob is in love with her, she still feels broken and still has a lot of trauma to address. I think this was so important. It was so relatable. I love that even with the happily ever after in reach she wasn’t feeling it. Her happiness had to come from herself too. But also the line from Jacob about us being “mosaics full of broken pieces” but all of that is what makes us who we are and who we are is beautiful and worthy of love. 
  • One more shoutout for all the Minnesota references. I LOLed when the mentioned living in Edina and Minnetonka hahaha  BUT the timeline didn’t always make sense because there was a pool party near the start but the wedding was in July and a “few months away” … it would be too cold for a pool party if it wasn’t June-august lol. 

Ok review over. Loved and will read more from this author!
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