Just for the Summer

Absolutely loved loved loved! I devoured this book, and although I kept trying to pace myself so it would last longer, I ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours, because I just couldn't put it down! An easy 5 star read for me and I have no doubt it'll be one of my top favorite books of 2024! I was excited about this book's release thinking that I would like it, but I was not expecting to love it as much as I did! My favorite Abby Jimenez book by far! It was absolute perfection. I mean we have a gardening loving, travel nurse as our female main character then we throw in a dash of magical realism?! Are you kidding me? If that book isn't meant for me than I don't know what is! 😂 One of my major conditions on how much I love a rom-com is how it makes me feel while reading it. If the book is giving me butterflies, heart-dropping angst, and making me kick my legs because I am so giddy, then it's 5 star perfection and this, my friends, gave me all of this and more. The characters were absolutely perfect. As I mentioned earlier, Emma was a FMC of my dreams, but then we get the MMC, Justin, who was just as perfect. From page one, I was hooked and was pleasantly surprised to see what this storyline was all about. Both characters believe their love lives to be cursed. After dating someone and breaking up with them that person always meets the love of their life right after. Discovering one another through a Reddit thread and both sharing the same dilemma, Emma and Justin decide to date for a short period of time to cancel out each other's curse. And well, we all know where this is going. 😉 Another thing I loved and what I really appreciated the author gave us is a believable third act conflict. We all know when picking up a romance, we are getting one. Unfortunately, sometimes they can really mess the flow up for me while reading, because at times they don't feel natural, or they are just plain silly like the dreaded miscommunication trope, which is guaranteed to make my eyes roll. I was so pleasantly surprised we didn't get one of those and instead got a great segue into how the book concludes. 🙌 This is a standalone novel in case anyone was wondering. Abby gives us lots of Easter eggs and it was fun to read her thought process at the end of why she included what. But luckily you don't have to read any of her previous books to enjoy this one and in my opinion, they weren't too spoiler-y. Overall, and I can't stress this enough I loved it and can't recommend it enough. I feel it would be a slam dunk winner for anyone who decides to pick it up!

SPOILERS BELOW This book had me hooked from page one. The chemistry was straight up chefs kiss and I ate it up the whole time. And can we talk about having a best friend who goes to bat for you every single time? We love to see that kind of loyalty. I loved watching the MFC grow throughout the story. Her arc felt real and honest and made the whole thing even sweeter. I’m always here for a good witty rom com and this one delivered. It was fun, it was charming, and it made me smile and laugh more than I care to admit. It didn’t quite get the full five stars from me because I’m a tough critic and there was just a little something missing that I can’t put my finger on. Also… she took a whole DNA test and we still don’t know who her dad is. Sad times. Overall though, I adored it. Light, funny, romantic, and such a good time.

Pretty sure I’m still on the verge of tears while writing this, and that’s because of how emotionally invested I was in the relationship. Jimenez is so skilled at writing these playful, chemistry-filled romances that make me smile one minute and have a churning in my gut the next. This one really put me through my paces emotionally, with these gorgeous, sunshiney moments juxtaposed with an undercurrent of heartache and pain. These two fell for each other in such an effortless way, even though that was never the plan. Our sweetheart of a hero was swooning from the start, and I LOVED how adorably smitten he was. So freaking adorable, this man. Our black cat heroine put up a good fight, but she didn’t stand a chance against him. The relationship was bright and easy, which contrasted perfectly with the chaos swirling around them both. Neither was in the right headspace to fall in love, but it found them anyways - even though the road to HEA was filled with landmines. Such a compelling and complex read, EASILY my new favorite from the author. The story follows Emma, a woman who is constantly on the move. She didn’t have the best childhood, so she prefers to take temporary jobs and travel around the country with her best friend. One day, Emma reads an AITA post and relates to the guy - every time he dates someone, the next person they meet ends up being their soulmate. The same thing seems to happen to Emma every time, so the two bond over DMs and text messages. It’s not long before Emma and Justin make a plan - they’ll go on a few dates with each other and break both of their dating curses. But once they meet face-to-face, that plan begins to crumble. Not only do they get along way better than either could’ve anticipated, but keeping things fun and easy is impossible to do when both of their messy families get involved. Soon, Justin and Emma are falling for each other in a very real way, which could cause trouble for them both. I loved the concept of two strangers who bond over DMs and messages before connecting in person, and the epistolary element was great. Justin and Emma both know they’re not in the right headspace for something real, but that’s not what they ever intended to be for each other. Their relationship developed so naturally, and it was easy to see how perfect they were for each other. I was laughing, smiling, and swooning right along with them, especially since Justin is such a fantastic man. He’s so steady and cuddly and adorable, even though he’s barely keeping his head above water. It’s definitely a case of meeting the right person at the absolute worst time, which ratchets up the tension in a major way. Emma is such a complicated character, but I loved her too. After six books, I’m never surprised when Jimenez emotionally devastates me with her twists and turns, but I was still taken aback by how much it hurt this time. It’s not a story I’ll be forgetting anytime soon, it’s both entertaining and impactful. I loved it! Audio note: The audio is fabulous, highly recommended in the format! The epistolary element at the beginning is almost duet-style, so I had my fingers crossed that it would be that way throughout (it’s not), but both narrators give excellent, emotive performances. I’m not familiar with Christine Laken, but I loved her voice and the emotion she was able to infuse into the story. There were a couple of instances where it was difficult to tell who she was voicing, but that would be my only complaint. This is the best I’ve ever heard Zachary Webber, he gives an incredibly strong performance. The runtime (11-12 hours) was just slightly more than I could get through in a single day, but I could not wait to dive back in. There’s a very minimal amount of spice, so no worries there if you plan to listen at work - just be aware that you might start crying at any time, lol. All in all, I’m very glad I was able to experience the story in that format.

One of my favorite books so perfect for the summertime such a fun read! “ Just for the Summer is a 2024 romance novel by Abby Jimenez about two people who agree to a summer fling to break a "curse" where their exes always find their soulmates after they break up. The plan goes awry when family complications arise, forcing them to navigate real feelings and a more serious relationship. The book is a contemporary romance with humorous and holiday fiction element“ perfect little romance was so much fun

Abby Jimenez has done it again with "Just for the Summer." This book exceeded my expectations, delivering a touching story that resonated deeply with me. Although the beginning started off a bit slow, I'm so glad I stuck with it because the payoff was absolutely worth it. The novel delves into the profound impact of childhood trauma on adulthood, weaving a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Emma and Justin's relationship is at the heart of the story, and their chemistry is undeniable. Their inside jokes and playful banter added a lighthearted touch that balanced the heavier themes of the book. Emma's journey is particularly compelling. Her struggle with past traumas and her path to healing are portrayed with sensitivity and realism. I appreciated how Jimenez didn't shy away from the complexities of Emma's mental health, showing her seeking help and gradually working through her issues. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and the strength it takes to confront one's past. Justin is the perfect counterpart to Emma. His patience, understanding, and unwavering support make him an incredibly endearing character. Watching their relationship evolve from a summer fling to something much deeper was a joy. Their growth as individuals and as a couple is beautifully depicted, making their story all the more satisfying. Overall, "Just for the Summer" is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel. Abby Jimenez has crafted a story that not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the long-term effects of trauma and the healing power of love. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance that goes beyond the surface and touches the heart. ---

As an avid reader with a discerning taste for well-crafted literature, I can confidently say this book is brilliant. It ticks every box and deserves a perfect score. The story follows Emma and Justin, two individuals with a peculiar "dating curse" who connect over DMs after relating to each other's romantic misfortunes. Their plan to break their curses by dating each other quickly evolves into something deeper and more complex than either anticipated. What sets this book apart is its complex, layered characters. Emma and Justin are beautifully crafted, with depth and nuance that make them feel incredibly real. The book explores how parents can unknowingly impact their children's lives, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Despite tackling heavy themes, the story is peppered with joyful moments and genuine humor. The evolution of Emma and Justin's relationship feels organic and believable, making it easy to root for them. The concept of two strangers bonding over shared misfortune before meeting in person is both unique and captivating. The author masterfully weaves together complex emotions, family drama, and personal growth. The epistolary elements add an extra layer of intimacy to the storytelling. This book is both entertaining and impactful, with twists and turns that left me emotionally invested. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time, showcasing the author's ability to create characters that feel like old friends. Also these characters live with you - or they did with me - for some time. I dont often find that kind of experience often...even if she does tend to go on sometimes, she did everything else right in character development. In short, if you're looking for a romance that offers more than just a love story - one that delves into personal growth, family dynamics, tons of humor, and the complexities of timing in relationships - this book is a must-read. It's a perfect example of how romance literature can be both deeply entertaining and profoundly moving.

This was the first book I have read by Abby Jimenez, and now I have to wonder -- why? Why didn't I hear about her sooner? Now I understand what all the hoopla is about. This was a great read -- not your ordinary rom-com by any means. Emma is a traveling nurse and Justin is a software developer. They meet online discussing the fact that each of them seems to date someone then get dumped, only to have each of their "dumpers" meet AND FALL IN LOVE WITH AND MARRY the next person they date. So E & J make a pact, and decide to be each other's "dumpers" -- reasoning that the next people they date will be "the ones" and their curse will be removed. There's a time limit -- just for the summer. Abby agrees to come to Minnesota (where Justin is located) with her best friend, Maddie, also a traveling nurse, and meets Justin. Almost immediately they click, in a sweet, uncomplicated way. Now, you're thinking you know what happens next, but you don't. Because this is where the writing magic happens. The author has created people with real-life issues that challenge the course of true love running smooth. Emma grew up with an irresponsible troubled mom, and as a result, as many struggles with her own mental health -- issues she isn't even aware of, really. Suffice to say, it's hard for her to trust anyone and it's hard for her to get close to anyone (except Maddie, whose family rescued Emma as a young foster child). Justin has issues of his own to deal with: Dad is dead, Mom is in a world of trouble, three younger siblings who need him. For some people, this book could be troublingly close to home. It's not all happy happy kiss kiss. But it is rich in character development and it's a good story. The writing is excellent! And believe me, I'm already checking out other books by Abby Jimenez!

loved their love story. the trauma, the heartbreak, choosing one another. it wrapped up so perfectly, loved it.