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A review by clairemct
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
This is my favorite romance novel out of all the many romance and romantasy novels I’ve read, and it’s one of my favorite novels in general.
It’s really rare to see a MC in a romance novel who has anxiety, especially a MMC. I’m an introvert and live with social anxiety that manifests very similarly to Jacob’s. I hate crowded places, most social gatherings, and meeting new people. I wish I had someone in my life like Briana who grounded me and made these situations easier to handle.
I thought the way Briana and Jacob’s relationship developed very naturally. Having them communicate through letters and other forms of writing was super cute. It reminded me of Dash & Lily—the Netflix show, not the book—in the best possible way. What I loved most about Briana and Jacob as a couple is they have a deep emotional connection, not merely insta-lust where they want to screw each other’s brains out. They truly bring out the best in each other.
I also thought the descriptions of Benny’s chronic illness felt realistic, especially when showing how it affects his physical and mental health. Briana’s, too, as she becomes his primary caregiver for a good chunk of the novel. I don’t have an autoimmune disease or renal failure, but I do have cerebral palsy. It’s quite rare to see chronic illness and disability depicted well in television, film, or literature, and I was pleasantly surprised that Benny and Jacob’s character arcs were treated with so much nuance and care.
The only aspect that prevents this from being a 6⭐️ or ∞⭐️ read for me is the overuse of the miscommunication trope. The first instance was understandable, the second was dragged out a bit too long, and the third made me angry initially. We barely got to see B&J together as a bonafide couple before something else drags them apart. Yes, I know trauma manifests in strange ways, but I still wish Briana had talked it out with Jacob instead of running away. The ending made up for it, though.
It’s really rare to see a MC in a romance novel who has anxiety, especially a MMC. I’m an introvert and live with social anxiety that manifests very similarly to Jacob’s. I hate crowded places, most social gatherings, and meeting new people. I wish I had someone in my life like Briana who grounded me and made these situations easier to handle.
I thought the way Briana and Jacob’s relationship developed very naturally. Having them communicate through letters and other forms of writing was super cute. It reminded me of Dash & Lily—the Netflix show, not the book—in the best possible way. What I loved most about Briana and Jacob as a couple is they have a deep emotional connection, not merely insta-lust where they want to screw each other’s brains out. They truly bring out the best in each other.
I also thought the descriptions of Benny’s chronic illness felt realistic, especially when showing how it affects his physical and mental health. Briana’s, too, as she becomes his primary caregiver for a good chunk of the novel. I don’t have an autoimmune disease or renal failure, but I do have cerebral palsy. It’s quite rare to see chronic illness and disability depicted well in television, film, or literature, and I was pleasantly surprised that Benny and Jacob’s character arcs were treated with so much nuance and care.
The only aspect that prevents this from being a 6⭐️ or ∞⭐️ read for me is the overuse of the miscommunication trope. The first instance was understandable, the second was dragged out a bit too long, and the third made me angry initially. We barely got to see B&J together as a bonafide couple before something else drags them apart. Yes, I know trauma manifests in strange ways, but I still wish Briana had talked it out with Jacob instead of running away. The ending made up for it, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Miscarriage, Pregnancy
Minor: Vomit