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clairebartholomew549's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I bawled through this book. It might have been because I was on a plane (I read once that we're more likely to cry on planes - something about feeling detached from our normal lives and feeling kind of private and thoughtful) and because I was on the tail end of my period (lol that I treat Goodreads like my diary, oops), but every Abby book hits me hard. Abby always handles delicate subject matter with such deftness and compassion, and the way characters handle grief and dread and fear always feels grounded in reality and complicated in the way it would actually play out in life. I was initially wary of the way the characters were talking about pregnancy and addiction, but as usual Abby came through with her trademark empathy and introspection and made me feel so deeply for everyone involved. This book really got to me with its depictions of how families can always heal and figure out how to be there for each other, no matter how bad it's been for years and generations, and of how no day is guaranteed. I was obsessed with both Vanessa and Adrian and was really rooting for both of them, and the ending truly gave me chills. This was one of my favorites of Abby's for sure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, and Death of parent
marisabenn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Another one knocked outta the park by Abby Jimenez đź’•
This could have been a 5 star read, but a miscommunication trope will always be a deduction from me.
I LOVED how this wasn't necessarily insta-love. We saw two strangers become friends before lovers, and that's everything to me.
I actually learned a lot about ALS from this book. It definitely made me think about how I live each day and see the world. And I got some laughs out of it!
This could have been a 5 star read, but a miscommunication trope will always be a deduction from me.
I LOVED how this wasn't necessarily insta-love. We saw two strangers become friends before lovers, and that's everything to me.
I actually learned a lot about ALS from this book. It definitely made me think about how I live each day and see the world. And I got some laughs out of it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Mental illness, and Death of parent
catherineatspam's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use
Moderate: Alcoholism, Terminal illness, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Dementia
whoiscelena's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Honestly disappointed in this book. The first spicy scene in the book was just so cringey. Also Adrian could’ve spent more time watching Vanessa’s videos to find out about her ALS possibility. Like I thought he knew already and when he found out for real I was surprised too. He’s a dumb boy. Idk he was likable in the previous book but I didn’t like him in this. And for the book to end with her not having ALS? Like I guess happy ever after but also ??? Just annoyed with this book. The first one in the series was the best and my favorite tbh
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
edhyndman's review
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexual content
bookwitch's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
My first Abby Jimenez book.
I liked the slow burn, but got a little annoyed with the stereotypical 'miscommunication' trope that kept them apart. It would have been better if they were just trying to resist that whole time, rather than resisting because they thought to themselves that the other person "could not possibly interested." That being said, I did like the conflict for the most partand I liked that they spent a significant amount of time apart before re-kindling. It made it feel just a little bit different than your typical romance.
I liked the slow burn, but got a little annoyed with the stereotypical 'miscommunication' trope that kept them apart. It would have been better if they were just trying to resist that whole time, rather than resisting because they thought to themselves that the other person "could not possibly interested." That being said, I did like the conflict for the most part
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Chronic illness, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Minor: Death, Car accident, and Abandonment
kelly_e's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Title: Life's Too Short
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: The Friend Zone #3
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: April 6, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Witty • Tender • Wholesome
đź“– S Y N O P S I S
When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted.
But after her half sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her baby daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad". The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.
Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.
đź’ T H O U G H T S
Life's Too Short was the final book of Abby's repertoire on my TBR. The third installment in The Friend Zone companion series, I knew the major plot centered around ALS, and that there was a social media aspect as well. I knew very little more than that, which is exactly how I like to go into her books.
Another signature Abby tale with witty banter, complex characters and mental health representation. I really liked both Vanessa and Adrian, they each felt so wholesome. Getting both of their POVs allows for a more in depth look into their thoughts and actions. Their connection was believable very early on and felt genuine. Their ability to co-parent was organic and simply beautiful. Additionally, I loved getting to see Vanessa's relationship with her family and how each one dealt with the tragic losses in a different way. This really shows how grief is deeply personal.
For me, the first half was definitely stronger. The manner in which the whole medical aspect was handled didn't sit well with me. It became harder and harder to believe as the story progresses and at times felt dragged out. I understand Abby wanted to add depth, yet I think it could have easily been done in a different way and it would have worked better.
Life's Too Short was an enjoyable story with realistic and flawed characters, yet it was easily my least favourite of Abby's books (even though there were aspects I adored). Regardless, I have come to the end of Abby's backlist and will be impatiently waiting for her next release.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• modern families
• furry companions
• Abby Jimenez
⚠️ CW: mental illness, addiction, drug use, drug abuse, overdose, death, death of parent, sibling death, grief, car accident, terminal illness, chronic illness, abandonment, dementia, panic attacks/disorders, sexual content, cursing, medical content, pregnancy, hoarding, toxic relationship, infidelity
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'Life is no excuse,' she said. "You should always have an adventure lined up. Having something to look forward to is tantamount to happiness.'"
"There are people you can know for a lifetime and they never get your heart. And then there are those who are already inside it, before you ever lay eyes on them."
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: The Friend Zone #3
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: April 6, 2021
T H R E E • W O R D S
Witty • Tender • Wholesome
đź“– S Y N O P S I S
When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted.
But after her half sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her baby daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad". The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.
Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.
đź’ T H O U G H T S
Life's Too Short was the final book of Abby's repertoire on my TBR. The third installment in The Friend Zone companion series, I knew the major plot centered around ALS, and that there was a social media aspect as well. I knew very little more than that, which is exactly how I like to go into her books.
Another signature Abby tale with witty banter, complex characters and mental health representation. I really liked both Vanessa and Adrian, they each felt so wholesome. Getting both of their POVs allows for a more in depth look into their thoughts and actions. Their connection was believable very early on and felt genuine. Their ability to co-parent was organic and simply beautiful. Additionally, I loved getting to see Vanessa's relationship with her family and how each one dealt with the tragic losses in a different way. This really shows how grief is deeply personal.
For me, the first half was definitely stronger. The manner in which the whole medical aspect was handled didn't sit well with me. It became harder and harder to believe as the story progresses and at times felt dragged out. I understand Abby wanted to add depth, yet I think it could have easily been done in a different way and it would have worked better.
Life's Too Short was an enjoyable story with realistic and flawed characters, yet it was easily my least favourite of Abby's books (even though there were aspects I adored). Regardless, I have come to the end of Abby's backlist and will be impatiently waiting for her next release.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• modern families
• furry companions
• Abby Jimenez
⚠️ CW: mental illness, addiction, drug use, drug abuse, overdose, death, death of parent, sibling death, grief, car accident, terminal illness, chronic illness, abandonment, dementia, panic attacks/disorders, sexual content, cursing, medical content, pregnancy, hoarding, toxic relationship, infidelity
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"'Life is no excuse,' she said. "You should always have an adventure lined up. Having something to look forward to is tantamount to happiness.'"
"There are people you can know for a lifetime and they never get your heart. And then there are those who are already inside it, before you ever lay eyes on them."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Dementia, and Pregnancy
overdose, sibling death, hoardingjktierney's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Medical content, Grief, and Death of parent
sistatv's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Abby Jimenez writes excellent book boyfriends. Like A 1, perfect fucking book boyfriends. I loved this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Chronic illness, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, and Death of parent
libellumartinae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
I am not going to lie: I am very disappointed.
As of lately, I have been getting back into romances as they provide a cozy mean of escape, but I have noticed that oftentimes many books suggested by booktok or similar, although furnished with good concepts, in the actual writing lack much. In this case, specifically, I felt like there were so many things that made little sense (e.g.: him misunderstanding the state of her situation or her first saying that she is unsure who passed the genre and then confirming it runs through her mother). Although I appreciate what the author has tried to do on the SLA side, I felt like there were so many more themes that could be further developed and discussed, instead of being brushed to the end and magically resolved with a magical wand.
The chemistry between the two characters, to me, lacked; it felt very forced and although I know that there's certainly a level of escapism also in this, I felt like it made little sense for them to act so cozy after barely a few pages. I don't know whether, still, that's more my preference or something else. Either way if you are into a slow burn, this isn't the book for you.
Also another thing I didn't fully understand was the fact that this woman clearly doesn't have a clue how YouTube and influencers work and on the long run it just added to the ridiculousness and absence of sense all rooted around the whole situation.
A cute book, but certainly one of the worst romances that I read since getting back in the genre.
As of lately, I have been getting back into romances as they provide a cozy mean of escape, but I have noticed that oftentimes many books suggested by booktok or similar, although furnished with good concepts, in the actual writing lack much. In this case, specifically, I felt like there were so many things that made little sense (e.g.: him misunderstanding the state of her situation or her first saying that she is unsure who passed the genre and then confirming it runs through her mother). Although I appreciate what the author has tried to do on the SLA side, I felt like there were so many more themes that could be further developed and discussed, instead of being brushed to the end and magically resolved with a magical wand.
The chemistry between the two characters, to me, lacked; it felt very forced and although I know that there's certainly a level of escapism also in this, I felt like it made little sense for them to act so cozy after barely a few pages. I don't know whether, still, that's more my preference or something else. Either way if you are into a slow burn, this isn't the book for you.
Also another thing I didn't fully understand was the fact that this woman clearly doesn't have a clue how YouTube and influencers work and on the long run it just added to the ridiculousness and absence of sense all rooted around the whole situation.
A cute book, but certainly one of the worst romances that I read since getting back in the genre.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Drug use