Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Book Review
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Looking for a romantic comedy that makes you swoon and tear up? Check out Abby Jimenez’s Just for the Summer!
Abby Jimenez’s new release Just for the Summer is like diving into a love story that not only keeps you flipping those pages but also tugs at your heartstrings in the best way. It’s got that perfect blend of excitement and comfort, kind of like a warm hug on a breezy evening.
She is no stranger to penning tales of complex characters and love in its various forms. With Just for the Summer, Abby Jimenez delights us once more by maintaining the bar she’s set with her previous works.
This book, a part of the larger Part of Your World series, brings all the humor, heart, and heat the author is known for, all wrapped up in a romantic summertime love story.
I got a copy of Just for the Summer from my library app Libby and read this in a day! This is my honest opinion!
Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it’s now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They’ll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.
Emma hadn’t planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.
It’s supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma’s toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they’re suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected–including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?
Summary: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
When Justin posts a thread on Reddit telling the world about his dating curse where every woman he dates finds her soulmate after him, he receives a message from Emma who’s dealing with the same curse.
After their initial interaction sparks some chemistry, they both make a deal to date each other with the idea that they would cancel out the curse by being together. It’s such a crazy idea that it might just work!
While Emma and her best friend have a system as traveling nurses, they put Minnesota into their plans to make this “relationship” work. Booking an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka, Emma and Justin start their fling together.
Everything changes when Emma’s toxic mom shows up and Justin becomes the legal guardian to his siblings. Now there’s so much more at stake! Will this fling go beyond the summer?
My Thoughts: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
What immediately grips me with Jimenez’s writing is her ability to make characters feel like friends; you root for their happiness, flinch at their mistakes, and laugh along with their antics.
Emma is an interesting character. She avoids all relationships except for the strong one she has with her best friend and roommate, Maddy. This stems from her toxic mother and the way that she grew up.
I had a hard time connecting with Emma until about 60-70% into the book just because some of the things she said didn’t resonate well with me. However, I think Abby Jimenez did a great job representing someone who has an avoidant attachment personality.
I absolutely love Maddy. She is loyal, shoots straight, and will go to bat for Emma every single time. I loved that she played matchmaker even though what Emma says doesn’t match with what her heart is feeling.
Justin brings comedy to the book. He is funny, kind, and responsible. Though he doesn’t have a huge character arc, I like that he’s the steady to Emma’s turmoil. His siblings are so endearing and I am so glad Brad the dog is in the book!
Beyond the characters and plot, the realism in the character interactions is a breath of fresh air. The meet-cute between Emma and Justin is just a chef’s kiss. 💋🤌🏼 They meet in his DMs making sure they are who they say they are.
It’s even better knowing the little Easter eggs Abby planted throughout the book if you’ve read the previous two books of the series, Part of Your World and Yours Truly.
I rated Just for the Summer 4 out of 5 stars mainly because I had the hardest time connecting with Emma. I would say this is one of Abby Jimenez’s heavier rom-coms. Overall, the book still has her magical touch and whimsy.
Abby Jimenez really knows how to handle the tricky stuff in romance novels with a lot of grace, and that’s what makes her stand out. That’s exactly why her books, like Just for the Summer, should be at the top of your romance TBR list.
Final Thoughts: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
For lovers and book enthusiasts everywhere, Just for the Summer is a total must-read. It’s your ticket to a world where love is a beautiful mess, filled with characters you’ll either love, hate, or a bit of both.
Jimenez really shines because of her realistic writing – it’s not just her characters that pop, but how she tells their stories. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. I know each new book will be like the seasons – something familiar but always with a fresh twist.
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