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doahdancer's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
Fantastic representation of neglect and avoidant attachment. Definitely review the TWs closely because this gets into the thick of it. This is a fiction book in romance book clothing, but I honestly loved it and will definitely read more of Jimenez's work.
Some readers have said they wanted the book to end with the couple not together because that would be more realistic. They say Emma was too unhealthy to ever be in a relationship or Justin would have moved on by time she came back because it would have taken years and not six months to work through her trauma.
Can confirm on 2-3 years being more realistic.
But I absolutely adore that a romance book with an HEA exists for Emma's character so that readers going through CPTSD and adult attachment disorders can experience a beautiful ending to a very painful process. Those readers deserve relatable escapism too. And I think it's pretty toxic to say it absolutely couldn't have been worked on if she was in a relationship with him. It depends and is very individual. The kids definitely change things, but therapy doesn't have to be done in a vacuum absent of connections. If she hadn't had family to go to and rebuild missed connections with, she would have probably needed Justin's support to get through EMDR.
We don't have to be perfect first to deserve love and happiness, but we do have to never give up on striving toward personal growth. Emma did the work so I'm very pleased to see her get the happy ending all adult survivors of childhood neglect deserve.
Can confirm on 2-3 years being more realistic.
But I absolutely adore that a romance book with an HEA exists for Emma's character so that readers going through CPTSD and adult attachment disorders can experience a beautiful ending to a very painful process. Those readers deserve relatable escapism too. And I think it's pretty toxic to say it absolutely couldn't have been worked on if she was in a relationship with him. It depends and is very individual. The kids definitely change things, but therapy doesn't have to be done in a vacuum absent of connections. If she hadn't had family to go to and rebuild missed connections with, she would have probably needed Justin's support to get through EMDR.
We don't have to be perfect first to deserve love and happiness, but we do have to never give up on striving toward personal growth. Emma did the work so I'm very pleased to see her get the happy ending all adult survivors of childhood neglect deserve.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
stephybooks_007's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
aileron's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Vomit, and Abandonment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Dementia, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
tacoprincess's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-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
5.0
I don't really care for romance books but I LOVED this book. It felt real and not corny cliche. Very hopeful and loving.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Abandonment
insarahsgoodbooks's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
🚨 spoiler alert!
I picked up the book after seeing a lot of buzz about it and while it does offer a lighthearted romance, it didn’t fully click with me. I struggled to connect with the relationship between the main characters, Emma and Justin.
I picked up the book after seeing a lot of buzz about it and while it does offer a lighthearted romance, it didn’t fully click with me. I struggled to connect with the relationship between the main characters, Emma and Justin.
Emma’s constant self-sabotage left me feeling frustrated and Justin seemed almost too perfect — his unwavering devotion felt a bit unrealistic. If you enjoy characters who are head-over-heels in love from the start, this might be for you, but I found the romance a bit too idealized and predictable.
I did appreciate that Emma took steps to address her issues and there was a twist that added some depth to the story. I also enjoyed the character of Emma’s best friend, who was much more level-headed and provided a nice grounding presence. Her loyalty was genuinely commendable.
The pacing was decent, making it a quick read if you’re into romance and I liked getting both main characters’ perspectives. Abby Jimenez’s writing style is easy to follow, which makes for a comfortable reading experience.
Even with my mixed feelings, I’m still curious about her other books. As someone who’s new to the genre, I’m still figuring out what kind of romance suits me best. I’d say don’t dismiss this book until you’ve given it a try.
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
pgmoon's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.25
This book was recommended by some BookTokers I follow, and even though I’m not usually a huge fan of romance, I decided to give it a shot. I really like Emily Henry and gave Beach Read 4 stars, so when I saw a testimonial from Henry on this book, I figured it was worth checking out.
I listened to the audiobook, and it was so much fun! The two narrators really brought the main characters to life. The book is a great blend of funny and heartwarming moments, with some real character growth, diving into how our past trauma can shape who we are now.
The main couple has a ton of chemistry, and I loved their moments together. The side characters were full of personality too—Maddie is definitely my favorite character, hands down. Emma’s struggle with her relationship with her mom was beautifully done; I found myself getting angry on her behalf . And when Emma found out about her family, it broke my heart—I definitely teared up.
I also loved that the happy ending didn’t come easy . Emma getting the help she needed was so real and wonderful to see, and the epilogue was super sweet.
The book maybe ran a little long in the middle, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Abby Jimenez. If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, I’d recommend giving this one a try.
I listened to the audiobook, and it was so much fun! The two narrators really brought the main characters to life. The book is a great blend of funny and heartwarming moments, with some real character growth, diving into how our past trauma can shape who we are now.
The main couple has a ton of chemistry, and I loved their moments together. The side characters were full of personality too—Maddie is definitely my favorite character, hands down. Emma’s
I also loved that
The book maybe ran a little long in the middle, but overall, I really enjoyed it. I’ll definitely be checking out more from Abby Jimenez. If you’re a fan of Emily Henry, I’d recommend giving this one a try.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent
rachela_7's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
tishag's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
I loved this book...the characters, the setting, the relationships, the focus on mental health. I also loved that it wasn't a light & fluffy romance. The author proved that romance and hard/heavy topics can co-exist well!
Justin is one of the best MMCs I've read...so supportive and caring to everyone around him, incredibly patient with Emma and so in love with her, willing to do or drop anything to help her, willing to put his own life on the back burner to take guarandship of his siblings. I mean, what a great guy!
Emma is one of the more complex FMCs I've read. Kind, easy going, seemingly serene and confident, yet has many layers due to the neglect she suffered as a child. Her journey to becoming mentally healthier was interesting to watch unfold.
The complexity of all the characters (not just Emma) and their lives was intriguing to me because the factors involved weren't superficial, like simple bad communication. PTSD, childhood abandonment, criminal conviction, mental health...all life altering situations that effect not only the character, but those around them. I enjoyed seeing how they struggled and dealt with those issues in a realistic way.
I liked that friendship was such a strong theme throughout the book. Emma and Maddy were the perfect pair and their loyalty to each other was special. Justin's mother and her best friend were a riot. Drunk Christine & Drunk Leigh were hilarious in the car ride scene! Even Justin's best friends stepped up in multiple ways to help him, his siblings, and Emma.
This was a book where you don't just root for the couple, you root for everyone and you hope every single person has a happily ever after...even Emma's messed up mom.
So many things I loved about this books. Highly recommend if you love romance books with a good solid plot. Don't recommend if any of the topics mentioned above are triggers for you, although they are written about with knowledge, with the author working with medical and mental health professionals to make sure she wrote about characters in a realistic way.
One of my favorite reads of the year...5 stars!
Justin is one of the best MMCs I've read...so supportive and caring to everyone around him, incredibly patient with Emma and so in love with her, willing to do or drop anything to help her, willing to put his own life on the back burner to take guarandship of his siblings. I mean, what a great guy!
Emma is one of the more complex FMCs I've read. Kind, easy going, seemingly serene and confident, yet has many layers due to the neglect she suffered as a child. Her journey to becoming mentally healthier was interesting to watch unfold.
The complexity of all the characters (not just Emma) and their lives was intriguing to me because the factors involved weren't superficial, like simple bad communication. PTSD, childhood abandonment, criminal conviction, mental health...all life altering situations that effect not only the character, but those around them. I enjoyed seeing how they struggled and dealt with those issues in a realistic way.
I liked that friendship was such a strong theme throughout the book. Emma and Maddy were the perfect pair and their loyalty to each other was special. Justin's mother and her best friend were a riot. Drunk Christine & Drunk Leigh were hilarious in the car ride scene! Even Justin's best friends stepped up in multiple ways to help him, his siblings, and Emma.
This was a book where you don't just root for the couple, you root for everyone and you hope every single person has a happily ever after...even Emma's messed up mom.
So many things I loved about this books. Highly recommend if you love romance books with a good solid plot. Don't recommend if any of the topics mentioned above are triggers for you, although they are written about with knowledge, with the author working with medical and mental health professionals to make sure she wrote about characters in a realistic way.
One of my favorite reads of the year...5 stars!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Mental illness
somebodys_fool's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Alcohol
annamay1021's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Vomit, Medical content, and Abandonment