*This is a book review of Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.
“‘In a world where you can choose anger or empathy, always choose empathy, Justin.'”
– Emma
Quick Facts
Author: Abby Jimenez
Release Date: April 2, 2024
Genre: Contemporary romance
Main Characters: Emma & Justin
Number of Pages: 405
Rating: 3.75/5
The Synopsis
Emma and Justin share the same curse: every person they date finds their true love after they break up. To break the curse, Emma and Justin date each other. Little did they know they are each other’s true loves… if only Emma could stay.
The Good
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book, and we’re diving deep into mental health.
Justin’s pre-date questionnaire, date invitation, and exit interview were so cute. That alone would’ve made me fall in love.
Justin getting rid of Emma’s carrot from her Bloody Mary because it’s part of her traumatic childhood was so perfect; it had my heart singing.
My heart SCREAMED when my sweet baby Jacob Maddox made an appearance and made a Taco Bell joke, referencing his story Yours Truly. Then my mind started putting puzzle pieces together. The Benny that is Justin’s friend is Briana’s brother, meaning there’s been a heavy and obvious Yours Truly connection the entire time. Then I made the connection that Landlord Neil is the same abusive Neil from Part of Your World. You could see the smoke coming from my brain with all the thoughts and realizations happening. Considering how recently I read Part of Your World, I cannot believe my mind did not register that Daniel’s Amber is also Emma’s Amber.
Random but Maddy’s level of snooping is something I hope to achieve one day.
The Bad
Something about the pacing was a little off for me.
Everyone saying Emma was aloof and her not really thinking about it or realizing it had my eyes rolled all the way to the back of my head.
The Overall
The ease of which Emma talks about her child neglect is me when I talk about any of my childhood trauma or crazy experiences. It shocks people how casual I am about it, and I think it’s because you just get used to it after a while.
Abby Jimenez is the queen of writing men. This book is full of “If he wanted to, he would” energy.
Honestly, I don’t have much to say about this book. It was an easy summer read and an adorable relationship, but it’s not super memorable for me.
Next book to be read and reviewed: Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
“‘Sometimes the best way to show love or be kind to someone is to meet them where they are.'”
– Emma
