A review by whenimreading
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

Thank you to Forever, Abby Jimenez and her Facebook group for an early copy to review, out April 2nd. 

Justin has a curse, every woman he breaks up with ends up finding The One right after. Going a little viral after asking Reddit’s most famous question - AITA for naming my dog after my ex best friend? Justin is surprised to get a DM from Emma, suffering from a similar curse. They make a deal to cancel out each other’s curses - four dates, one kiss, and a break up. Just for the summer. Easy, right?

Things get a little complicated when Emma’s absentee mother shows up in Minnesota, dredging up old suppressed emotions, and Justin must take custody of his young siblings. Their time together was supposed to be short but neither of them were prepared to catch real feelings, questioning whether their curses can be truly broken. 

No spoilers because the joy and surprise of reading this book is everything, based on the synopsis- you think you know, but you have no idea!

Another signature Abby story with killer humor, real emotions, mental health struggles, friendship and a few Easter eggs tying it back to previous novels. Icing on the cake. 

I’m beginning to realize my highest ratings are based on the book’s ability to make me cry. As always, Abby packs an emotional punch, definitely keep the tissues handy!

Justin was the perfect boyfriend, a golden retriever and most thoughtful. Emma was kind, a true helper as a traveling nurse, and their banter and blooming relationship was a very very good but rocky slow burn. 

All the side characters enhanced the story. Maddy the best friend, foster sister and Emma’s rock was to die for, hilarious, had me cracking up!! Justin’s ex best friend was a hoot to boot, the dog jokes (and the other other jokes) make a full circle. Even Justin’s siblings had a wholesome place in the book. 

JK. Just for the Summer is a low key travel guide for Minnesota and I highly recommend it!

5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟