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gemmajones's review against another edition
emotional
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
“Four dates. One kiss. And a breakup.”
This book was a masterpiece. I am officially a huge fan of Abby Jimenez.
Where do I start? So much more than a simple summer romance. Jimenez tackles really complex themes extraordinarily well and I’m sure her writing resonates with many of us.
There is so much depth to this story, so much symbolism, it is really clever. I adore Maddy’s character, she is such a good friend and shows she cares by being so protective.
The mention of all the Easter eggs in this story means I HAVE to read the other books now.
Will have you sobbing in the best way possible. The book is very meaningful. Emma & Justin’s character developments were impeccable. They are tested as a couple with two separate attachment styles and two different backgrounds, both with challenges in their present life. Justin is so warm, and Emma so strong. I sympathized with both of them and felt so connected to all characters, I had so many emotions toward all of them - including anger (if ykyk).
The ending also wrapped me in a hug of self love, very healing for the inner child.
Couldn’t put it down!
This book was a masterpiece. I am officially a huge fan of Abby Jimenez.
Where do I start? So much more than a simple summer romance. Jimenez tackles really complex themes extraordinarily well and I’m sure her writing resonates with many of us.
There is so much depth to this story, so much symbolism, it is really clever. I adore Maddy’s character, she is such a good friend and shows she cares by being so protective.
The mention of all the Easter eggs in this story means I HAVE to read the other books now.
Will have you sobbing in the best way possible. The book is very meaningful. Emma & Justin’s character developments were impeccable. They are tested as a couple with two separate attachment styles and two different backgrounds, both with challenges in their present life. Justin is so warm, and Emma so strong. I sympathized with both of them and felt so connected to all characters, I had so many emotions toward all of them - including anger (if ykyk).
The ending also wrapped me in a hug of self love, very healing for the inner child.
Couldn’t put it down!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, and Abandonment
Minor: Vomit
ashley_reya's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
4.25
This story felt really real. Justin and Emma have a lot going on in their lives, but the paths that bring them back together and the friends that care for them so deeply really set this world into motion. I found myself going “Aww cute” at so many points in this story. The Reddit meet-cute, the pre & post date surveys, and bringing her lunch RIGHT AFTER her “mother” didn’t (!).
This was my first book by Abby Jimenez and what a cute and surprisingly emotional experience. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work.
This was my first book by Abby Jimenez and what a cute and surprisingly emotional experience. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Abandonment
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders
historyoftape's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book gave me hope for the Romcom genere as a whole. I liked how it truly did not take itself too seriously (banned from Uber for drunk racoon saving?? The toilet king?) and still managed to vividly portray two people with very different lives and circumstances falling for each other & trying to navigate that. Sure there were parts that were super cheesy but I could forgive them because the rest was so immersive and entertaining. I did not want to like this book as much as I did and originally read it for the
Norovirus plotpoint that my friends and I had a couple of animated discussions about. But I might pick up some other Abby Jimenez books after this :)
Norovirus plotpoint that my friends and I had a couple of animated discussions about. But I might pick up some other Abby Jimenez books after this :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Alcoholism and Vomit
Minor: Confinement, Medical content, and Death of parent
oceanwriter's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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 almost didn’t pick up this book because typically I can take or leave romcoms. Just for the Summer was nominated for The Global Book Nook’s group read at the beginning of the summer and I only picked it up in the last day or two of that month because I was waiting for a library hold to come through. Three or four chapters in, I ditched the library book and purchased my own copy because there was no way I wasn’t going to pour my emotions into the pages.
What begins as a comical ploy to break a ‘curse’ when their internet presence and sorry dating records align, Emma and Justin agree to date for a little while, check some boxes, and then break up so they can move on to meet their soul mates. It seems foolproof, at least in the beginning. If nothing else, a bit of fun and a story to laugh about later. What they didn’t anticipate were genuine feelings. This wouldn’t be as much of a problem if not for Justin’s life being uprooted by a family emergency. Emma, too, finds herself dealing with family drama as well.
Even a couple of months later as I’m finally writing my review, I still cannot believe how much I fell in love with this book. I only wish I had picked up one of Abby Jimenez’s books sooner! I felt so connected to both Emma and Justin despite not sharing the same life circumstances as them. Before even finishing the book, I shared it with one of my best friends because I knew she would love it as well (and she did).
I’m so looking forward to backtracking in the series and (hopefully) reliving these emotions all over again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
jenniferbowman's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
Lemme tell you about this book.
I listened to the first 90-ish pages on audiobook, then actually DNFed because the fluff factor was real. I had no interest in reading an entire “insta love” book where everyone seemed just within reach of their happily ever afters. Maybe it was the narrators, but the banter made me roll my eyes more than once.
HOWEVER. Weeks (maybe a month?) later, I actually ended up with a physical copy of this story in a “blind date with a book.” Welp, I guess I HAD to finish the story now. I just really wanted to figure out why so many people loved it.
I’m so glad I did. Around the page mark where I picked this back up, the story seemed to gain substance quickly. The fluffy romance took a back seat to fleshed out characters with real lives outside of their dating schemes, and what originally seemed like “just another rom com” took me by surprise—this was actually a riveting story about complicated family dynamics. I fell in love with the characters and their dedication to getting to know one another. I stayed up late two nights in a row on Labor Day weekend to finish this book because I couldn’t put it down.
Five stars, had a great time, and am now buying all other Abby Jimenez books I can get my hands on.
I listened to the first 90-ish pages on audiobook, then actually DNFed because the fluff factor was real. I had no interest in reading an entire “insta love” book where everyone seemed just within reach of their happily ever afters. Maybe it was the narrators, but the banter made me roll my eyes more than once.
HOWEVER. Weeks (maybe a month?) later, I actually ended up with a physical copy of this story in a “blind date with a book.” Welp, I guess I HAD to finish the story now. I just really wanted to figure out why so many people loved it.
I’m so glad I did. Around the page mark where I picked this back up, the story seemed to gain substance quickly. The fluffy romance took a back seat to fleshed out characters with real lives outside of their dating schemes, and what originally seemed like “just another rom com” took me by surprise—this was actually a riveting story about complicated family dynamics. I fell in love with the characters and their dedication to getting to know one another. I stayed up late two nights in a row on Labor Day weekend to finish this book because I couldn’t put it down.
Five stars, had a great time, and am now buying all other Abby Jimenez books I can get my hands on.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content, Excrement, Medical content, Dementia, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
kataleen1989's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Vomit
chloebear21'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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Vomit, and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent
roorooreads's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
Abby Jimenez can do no wrong. How can you simultaneously write a book that makes me squeal with giddiness but also digs a wrench into my hearts and twists all the feels and emotions out? Idk but she did
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Vomit and Death of parent
kaitidid'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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abandonment
Moderate: Medical content, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Toxic relationship, Excrement, Vomit, Dementia, and Fire/Fire injury
tguccione's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, and Death of parent