Reviews with content warning for Abandonment - Just for the Summer

Reviews tagging 'Abandonment'

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

761 reviews

jaduhluhdabooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.0

Ugh. THE FRIENDSHIPS IN THIS BOOK.

I literally. Sobbed. When Brad and Benny came and sat with Justin after his mom was taken away. And just cried with him. This display of men having and feeling their emotions together healed something in me. And reminded me of the scene between Peter, Ned, & MJ in Spiderman: No Way Home when they find Peter in his place and immediately go to him after he lost May. Like. So tender. So sweet.

Also the fierce love and protection of Maddy is real and raw. I think sometimes our intimidating friends are the most beautiful and rich in love. They are fighters and while they may be tough in their register and delivery, they still stay and fight for you in the deepest ways and through the darkest of times. I loved that Emma had that…she needed it! I often feel like Maddy and I often get curbed for it. But I think everyone should have a friend who fiercely loves them as deeply as Maddy did Emma.

Also. Neil. The culmination of his story three books over actually made sense to me and made me feel empathy for him in the end. I am someone who believes in the ability of people and I stand by the belief that people can change. When they are willing and committed and intentional about it, they can. And Neil did. And I love that for him in the end.

And then Justin and Emma are just so sweet and tender and goofy and NORMAL. Like it was such a tender story. Ugh. Ok Abby. You’ve redeemed yourself for me. I’ll allow it.

Content Warnings

aileron's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

avao's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

tacoprincess's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

katmystery's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

3.75

A romance novel that stands out because it doesn't romanticize anything. This book follows two protagonists who have undergone significant trauma as they meet, suffer through more painful life events, and take on all the gory, unglamorous parts of life together. I wasn't sure about it at first, as it's pretty heavy for a rom com, but it grew on me as the characters did. If you want to read this, definitely check the triggers first.

Content Warnings

yerawizardlexi's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional informative fast-paced

Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

insarahsgoodbooks's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

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