A review by insarahsgoodbooks
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

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.
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