Book Review - Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Title: Just for the Summer (Part of Your World # 3)
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary
Published: 2024
 
Description: Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the  second they break up. When a woman slides into his DM’s with the same problem, they come up with a plan: they’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their live. It’s a bonkers idea… and it might just work.
 
Emma hadn’t planned that het next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass yp, especially when they get to rent and adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.
 
It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected – including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?
 
Review: “Just for the Summer” is the third and final book in the “Part of Your World” trilogy. You can easily read these three books separate from each other, because they all follow different people. But characters from previous books appear in this as well. And it probably makes a bigger impact when you have read the others first.
 
Here we follow Justin, who suffers from a curse, where every girl he dates ends up with the love of her life after she breaks up with him. He comes in contact with Emma, who happens to suffer from the same problem. And they think of the perfect plan: date each other, break up and then find the one. But life has other plans.
 
“Just for the Summer” is a funny, emotional and heartwarming contemporary romance. It has layered characters. What I’ve loved most about Abby Jimenez’s book is that it’s not just a cheesy romance. It deals with realistic characters and has some emotional layers as well. This books deals with themes such as mental health, trauma and parental issues.
 
For both “Part of Your World” and “Yours Truly” I felt a strong connection with the characters. Although I did like Justin and Emma and they had good character development, I never connected with them on the same level as I did with Daniel and Alexis or with Jacob and Brianna.
 
I praise Jimenez for also showing the less glamorous sides of life. Dealing with mental health issues such as anxiety and trauma. For Emma, the relationship with her mother, has always been a struggle. And Jimenez manages to portray this in a very realistic way. It’s heartbreaking.
 
I feel like I wanted more time with the characters at the end, the ending felt a bit rushed. It left me wanting more. This could be a good thing, but in this case it wasn’t.
 
I really liked “Just for the Summer”, but it never lived up to the other two books in this series.
 
Rating: 3,5/ 5

Book Review - Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Title: Yours Truly (Part of Your World # 2)
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary
Published: 2023
 
Description: Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to fins a kidney donor, and the promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor. But when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game… by sending Briana a letter.
 
And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet”, and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable – a kidney for her brother – she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy ne doctor… especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse.
 
Review: I say it every time I start a romance: I’m not much of a contemporary romance reader. But last year, after reading “Part of Your World”, I believed that author Abby Jimenez might be my kind of romance author. But was it just that one book? “Yours Truly” is the second book in this series, following different characters. And Jimenez did it again, she made me swoon.
 
Briana is the character we’re following in this, and we had already met her in “Part of Your World”. Her divorce is about to be finalized and her brother’s health is not improving, since he needs a kidney donor. Bri doesn’t really see an upside. Especially when the promotion she thought she was getting after her friend Alexis left, might not even be hers anymore. The new Doctor, Jacob Maddox, is also in the running. And Bri already hates him. But when Jacob writes her a letter, she thinks she might have been wrong about him.
 
My problem with most romcoms is that I always dislike one of the people that we’re following. I loved both characters in “Part of You World” and the same goes for “Yours Truly”. Both characters are very relatable and are dealing with struggles. Bri has trust issues, since her marriage of ten years ended because her husband Nick cheated on her with a friend. And because of her father who left his family. Jacob is an introvert and suffers from anxiety, which makes it very hard for him to be in social situation. I could especially relate to Jacob, I felt like I was reading about myself. I understood his feelings so well. And I love these two characters together.
 
“Yours Truly” made me laugh, Brianna is such a funny character. And it’s heartwarming, Jacob really stole my heart. When I read “Part of Your World” I said you should never settle for less than someone like Daniel, but the same goes for Jacob. For now, I don’t know which of the two is my favorite, but I do know that both books are favorites in general.
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Top 10: Favorite Books of 2024

My goal for 2024 was to read 65 books, I managed to read 86 books. Of those books, 52 were physical, 34 were audio books. My most read genre was thriller and I read most books by Janice Hallett and Peter Swanson. Of all the books, my average rating was 3,6 which is pretty good. I’ve read some really good book this year, I had 16 five star books. Of those 16, there was one reread. I will not add any rereads to my top 10. Here is my top 10 favorite books, that I read in 2024.

10. Any Man by Amber Tamblyn
In “Any Man”, a female rapist is at work. She’s hunting men like prey. The book focuses on male victims, instead of women, and it will impact each reader differently. It’s very thought-provoking and extremely difficult to read because of the heavy subject matter. It’s brutal, poetic and raw. A book that I will most likely never forget, it really got under my skin. READ MY FULL REVIEWHERE
 

9. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
A romance in my top 10? Who is she? We meet Alexis, a successful doctor carrying on a legacy from a long line of talented doctors. She meets small-town carpenter Daniel when her car breaks down and eventually ends up at his house, spending the night together. He is ten years younger and their lives couldn’t be more different. But they can’t deny the chemistry that they have between them. It does not sound like anything new in the rom-com universe. But Jimenez somehow made it so heartfelt. "Part of Your World” deals with light themes, but also manages to touch upon some heavier themes like abuse. It’s interwoven in the story and never gets too heavy, but it was beautifully done.This book was everything and I really do want to read all of Abby Jimenez’ books now. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

8. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
Simone St. James has become a favorite author of mine since last year and with “The Sun Down Motel” she yet ends up on my end of the year’s favorites list. It follows two timelines, set in a small town called Fall, set in the state of New York. A town where it seems time stood still. The young Carly Kirk travels to this town, trying to figure out the truth about her aunt Viv Delaney, who went missing in 1982, while working the night shift at the Sun Down Motel. When Carly manages to get that same job at the now rundown motel, she soon figures out something is not right in this place. It has a spooky, eerie atmosphere, you know something’s up and it’s genuinely creepy at times. Both female characters are compelling and complex women, interesting to you about. And the story is well-crafted and has some masterful plotting, even though they aren’t many shocking twist or reveals. This was a book I just couldn’t put down. I want to read everything the Simone St. James has ever written. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

7. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett
Like Simone St. James, Janice Hallett has become a favorite of mine. She is a modern-day Agatha Christie, where she tells her mysteries through mixed media. In “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels” there is a safe that has research material of true crime events. You have to read the documents and make a decision: destroy them or deliver them to the police. The documents are about the Alperton Angels, a well-known cult that made a teenage girl believe her baby was the anti-Christ. Almost twenty years after the fact, crime author Amanda Bailey wants to write a book about the Angels. Because the Alperton baby has turned eighteen, they can finally be interviewed. If Amanda can find her. She believes she could have the scoop of the year if she manages to track down the baby. But her rival Oliver Menzies is just as smart and also after the story. The story and mystery are so well-crafted. Hallett’s writing is so clever. And I loved the ending, even though it gives you a bitter after taste. This is her best novel yet. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

6. Pines by Blake Crouch
I saw the TV-series that was based on this book, when it was just released. That’s been a while, but I never read the book. It’s the first book in a three-part series. Secret service agent Ethan Burke arrives in Wayward Pines, Idaho, with one clear mission: to search and find two federal agents that were sent here month ago and went missing. But Ethan gets into an accident and ends up in the hospital. When he wakes up, his ID and cell phone are missing. He quickly realizes that something is very wrong in Wayward Pines. While investigating, Ethan gets more questions than answers. I absolutely loved “Pines” and I will most definitely continue this series and want to read more by Blake Crouch. A goal of mine in 2025. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

5. It by Stephen King
Well, this was a chunker. I read this book in January and it took me forever. But I’m so glad I read it. And of all the Stephen King books I have already read over the years, so far, this is my favorite. Seven teenagers, living in Derry, Maine, all face their biggest fears and it still haunts them as adults, when all but one has left Derry. When, after 27 years, that thing they feared the most is back, they all return to Derry to face it once again. The story is disturbing and scary, but a very necessary read for Stephen King fans. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

4. Foe by Iain Reid
Have you ever read a book, where not a lot happens, but somehow it captivates you? “Foe” is that kind of book. And you better read this going in blind. In “Foe” the married couple Junior and Hen live a quiet life on a farm. They live far away from the city. Junior works at the factory and likes things as they are. Even though they have no friends and almost every day is pretty much the same. Hen, on the other hand, feels a bit trapped and the everyday rut. When one day a man named Terrance tells them they have been placed in a lottery in which people can be chosen to participate in a special space mission. From that day forward, Junior and hen’s peaceful life is taking a turn. The book has a great twist, that had my jaw dropping to the floor. The ending is open, sort of. Or at least open for interpretation. The story isn’t very eventful, but I just wanted to keep reading. It was such an intriguing book, loved every minute of it. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

3. Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
We meet three women, that grew up in a foster home together. Now all grown up, they learn of a body being found under the home they lived in for years, Wild Meadows. The story is being told through alternating timelines, twenty five years apart. And we follow the story from different perspectives as well. This really works for this story. We get to know the girls and meet them again as damaged, traumatized women. The story is compelling and so are the characters. The book has some really strong reveals and twists, but just when you think the story is about to wrap up, Sally Hepworth gives us one final twist. And I loved it! I really can’t fault this book, it’s such a good story. I had read from Hepworth before, and I found that book to be just okay. But this book really blew my mind. It’s definitely a new favorite for me. And now I do want to read more of Hepworth’s books. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A feminist in the 1960s? There were plenty of them. But none like Elizabeth Zott. This feminist debut novel by Bonnie Garmus paints a stunning portrait of a woman in the male-dominated world of science and chemistry. “Lessons in Chemistry” is a novel that gives you an insight into the life of a woman in the 1950s/ 1960s. It beautifully highlights the hardship women have to endure when they want something different from what society dictates. It grabbed me from the start, Elizabeth Zott is an inspiring character and I loved every minute of this book. “Lessons in Chemistry” is definitely a new all-time favorite. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE
 

1. We Spread by Iain Reid

I already couldn’t fault Iain Reid’s “Foe”, which I believe to be a masterful piece of literature. I kept reading that “We Spread” was his best book or at least it was the favorite of Reid’s book for many readers. And I now know why. What an amazing book! Penny lives alone after her long-term partner has passed. She is content with her life as is, but after a fall she is being placed in a care facility her partner had arranged for, right before his passing. Soon after settling in, Penny starts to lose her grip on time and reality.Iain Reid keeps ups guessing until the end. I could not put this book down. I loved everything about this and, like “Foe”, I can’t fault this book. It’s perfection. I have new author I can add to my favorites list. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE

 

Honoroable mentions:
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
The Last Devil to Die by Rochard Osman
I Don’t Need Therapy by Toni Lodge
Heartstopper Volume. 2 by Alice Oseman
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
The Lies You Told by Harriet Tyce

Book Review - Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Title: Part of Your World (Part of Your World # 1)
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance/ Contemporary
Published: 2022
 
Description: After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come – the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.
 
While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of worl renowed surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.
 
Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?
 
Review: The praise that Abby Jimenez got for “Part of Your World” got me curious enough to check it out. I’m not a contemporary romance reader and was weirdly skeptical about it. But I was so surprised with how much I ended up loving this book. So much, that I really want to read more of her books.
 
I seriously can’t think of anything I didn’t like about “Part of Your World”. We meet Alexis, a successful doctor carrying on a legacy from a long line of talented doctors. She meets small-town carpenter Daniel when her car breaks down and eventually ends up at his house, spending the night together. He is ten years younger and their lives couldn’t be more different. But they can’t deny the chemistry that they have between them. It does not sound like anything new in the rom-com universe. But Jimenez somehow made it so heartfelt.
 
Most characters in contemporary romance stories are a bit superficial. I liked both Alexis and Daniel from the start and they have depth. Alexis has been dealing with a lot of pressure in her life. As coming from a family of successful doctors, who expect a lot from her, she feels constant pressure and a fear of failing. Her brother, who was actually the golden child of the family, has turned his back on the legacy by marrying the woman he loves. But a woman their parents, especially the father, does not approve of. Now all eyes are on Alexis. Her breaking up with long-time boyfriend Neil, doesn’t make it any better. Neil, who is also a successful doctor, is very loved by her parents. They still keep meeting up with him. Even though he cheated on Alexis and he was mentally abusive to her.
 
A man like Daniel is perfect. He lives in a small town, is a hardworking man, always thinking about others, putting himself second at all times. Daniel is kind, handsome and handy. But Alexis could not bring Daniel into her world, because he wouldn’t fit in. Not with her life as a doctor in a big city, but also with her family. Who would disapprove of him instantly, because he doesn’t come from money and hasn’t, in their eyes, accomplished anything noteworthy.
 
Even with Alexis and Daniel being so different, there is something in both characters that you can relate to. You can understand both. You get Daniel, for wanting to give up everything to be with her even though the little town of Wakan is where he belongs. And Alexis, who really thrives when she is with Daniel, but she is also scared of disappointing her parents. Especially since her brother did the same and her parents turned their back on him.
 
“Part of Your World” deals with light themes, but also manages to touch upon some heavier themes like abuse. It’s interwoven in the story and never gets too heavy, but it was beautifully done. This book made me laugh out loud, but also made me cry a couple of times. I’m a happy single, but I know I will never settle for anyone less than a man like Daniel. Thank you Abby Jimenez, for making me love this book so much as a non-romance reader.  
 
Rating: 5/ 5