Just for the Summer
Ratings222
Average rating4.4
5 ⭐️
I can't tell you how much I loved this.
I wasn't expecting this when I started this book, but it was really, really beautiful. It touches on subjects that I deeply care about and wraps up really nicely.
I can't find words..
4.5!!! the way she writes about trauma.... wooof. right in the feels. only reason it's not 5 stars is because the word “beamed” was in here 134 times
I did not read the others in this series, but this was engaging and real as a stand-alone novel, mostly because the character's internal dialogue was richly described.
4.5⭐️
God dammit Abby why tf you gotta put such a cute cover on such an EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER of a book!!!
I don't think this book was intended to be so heart wrenching but it really ripped out my heart and served it on a platter. 10/10 no notes
so freaking good. i love the connections back to the previous books. this was just such a sweet heartwarming love story and i can't wait to read more Abby Jimenez books
This was so cute!!
Not to discount the trauma that both of the main characters went through – that is an important part of the story.
I absolutely loved the dual narrators in the audio version. They both did such a good job bringing Emma and Justin to life.
I loved the Minnesota connection, too.
10/10 experience listening to the audiobook. Loved the separate narrators for Justin and Emma's respective POVs. I loved when the narrator for Justin would do the voices for Emma and Maddie, he added so much personality to the characters lol. Fun read that set the expectations high for a man that truly lives “if he wanted to, he would”. Great portrayal of relationship trauma and neglect, and the lasting effects. Also, despite being book 3 in the series, I haven't read the previous 2 books and was able to love the characters and story without issue.
There were parts of this I really loved. His date surveys were fantastic. And they did handle the trauma in a healthy way, but it was heavier than her previous books and the happy ending seemed both semi-rushed and tenuous.
I thought this was just going to be a fun romcom but wow, it got unexpectedly deep. I really appreciated the unflinching look at mental illness and how that impacts the people around you.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I ended up enjoying this book!! The beginning of the love story seemed so idyllic and conflict-free that I had a hard time believing it (and I still think Justin is a little too perfect), but the way the second half of the book plays out is so well and thoughtfully done that it more than made it up for me! I really appreciated the growth of both main characters, and in hindsight it was actually kind of refreshing how this book's pacing broke the usual formula.
Hypothetically you can read this as a standalone, but you would be missing out on all the context that really puts this book at five stars for me.
This is the best book in the series, and that's saying a lot because I really liked the first two. Justin and Emma have chemistry that pops off the page, cute banter, and charming personalities. It was satisfying to watch Justin break down Emma's trust issues and to watch her come to terms with her deeper feelings.
The external forces get a little heavy. The family issues on both sides get equal page time with the romcom parts, but I found it interesting. I think it's written with nuance and feel realistic for the situations. Both main characters have their own trauma to deal with (at various levels) and it bleeds into everything, but the overall feeling is always one of love and understanding. The plot is dynamic and at no point was I bored. It's funny, it's heartfelt, it's a gut punch sometimes, but the characters stay likeable.
VAGUE SPOILERS BELOW
I absolutely loved how interconnected this book was to the first two. My jaw literally dropped at a few reveals. Epilogues are hit or miss for me but this one was truly satisfying. Happy endings for everyone.I can't speak for the mental health representation but it seems real to me. Sometimes it was hard to watch Emma interact with her mother the way she did, in the same way I imagine it would be hard to watch your friend make decisions you know will hurt them.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a romcom with depth, but I really think you need to read the first two.
Loved Justin so much! He was a perfect love interest. I loved his story and reading about his siblings. I liked the setting of this one and the different dates Justin and Emma go on, and even the time spent together just shows a different type of love. The book even refers to everyday love; small things instead of cheesy romantic over-the-top scenarios, which I really appreciated. While it can be read as a stand alone, I really loved seeing Easter eggs of previous books in the series. Some connections really took me by surprise and I'm thankful I could understand their significance. My only negative is some scenes were too drawn out.
Oh to have the love of Justin! I absolutely love this story. It was refreshing seeing a love story represented like real people with real family issues. Great representation of mental health! Love this author 💖
Okay, I am going to try to write this without totally comparing it to the first two books in this series because it is it's own work and that wouldn't be fair. Soooo... Just for the Summer was a great story, with emphasis on mental health, difficult parent relationships, and trauma and how those things affect our relationships. As expected, Justin fits the Abby Jimenez Cinnamon Roll male main character requirement (thank goodness). Emma was a little more of a difficult character for me, but that was the intention. I am learning that women who self-sabotage is not something I enjoy reading. I know, I know.. she is traumatized... it is still hard to read for me. The book was kind of slow, and the banter between Emma and Justin was really the only comic relief. I read a review that said this book reads more like an Emily Henry novel, and I agree. Justin definitely brought the romance, but this book was definitely more women's fiction than the other two in this series vs. romance. The plot fell a little flat, no major twists that you didn't see coming.
Now to the comparing - because I have to. I am not sure how folks love this more than Yours Truly and Part of Your World. Both of those books completely wrecked me, I didn't want them to end, I laughed, I cried, I felt every emotion, I felt severe attachment to the characters to the point where I actually cried when Jacob and Briana had one scene in this book LOL. On the flipside, I was ready for Just for the Summer to end, to be honest. I wasn't wrecked. It felt too dragged out, just like the two Emily Henry books I read and did not love. So if you LOVE Emily Henry, you'll love this book.
I would recommend anyone new to Abby Jiminez read something else first. I appreciated this because I love her and I love all of the other characters from the other books being intertwined, but I really was hoping for a little bit more drama. Also, the reference to being “small” was way overused.
Gosh, I really wanted this to be more positive but here we are. Can't win ‘em all.
Still 4 stars because Abby is an amazing writer, and just because the style and pace of this book were different, it wasn't necessarily BAD, it just wasn't my favorite of hers.
so good!!! i really like the story and the funny tease with the Toilet King guy, definitely
“Just for the Summer” intricately weaves a captivating summer romance amidst laughter and witty banter. It fearlessly tackles complex themes such as depression, mental health struggles, abusive upbringings, and the profound impact of death. Despite the weighty subject matter, the film maintains a delicate balance, never veering into melodrama. The characters' depth and vulnerability add layers of authenticity, making their journey both relatable and poignant. Overall, a compelling blend of heart, humor, and honesty, making it a must-read for those craving a summer romance with substance.
I highly anticipated this release because I absolutely love Part of Your World and Yours Truly. While I did enjoy this third book in the companion series, I am slightly disappointed by it. It is hard for me to pinpoint exactly what I do not love about it. All I can say it it just feels like “too much.”
Let me explain. In this story, Emma and Justin are two individuals in their late twenties who have a “curse” which leads the people they break up with to find love with the next person they date. Emma and Justin come together and decide to date each other with the intent of breaking up and then moving on to find their true loves. This is a fun premise, but from the beginning it is clear to me why Emma's relationships never last. The idea of a curse makes it seem like they are blameless in these failed relationships, but that is not the case with Emma. Also, both Emma and Justin have major difficulties in their lives involving their mothers. Emma has trauma from foster care and a toxic mother, and Justin has to raise his siblings for a few years while his mother is in jail. Through the course of their romance, they also experience other unexpected roadblocks and major life-altering revelations. As I said before, it's all a bit much for me.
So why then do I rate this with 4 stars? Well, there are also a lot of good things about this book despite the aspects that frustrate me. Justin is a lovable character who any woman would want to date. He is considerate and supportive. Emma's best friend is loyal and supportive as well. The cameos of characters from the previous books are fun and exciting. There is also a great deal of humor in the story. The pace is perfect, the setting is picturesque, and the themes developed are important. The author makes some very salient points about response to trauma. There is much to love about the book.
In the end, I settled on the 4 stars rating because I would say this book is a good romance that explores some important topics well. I just don't love all aspects of the book. I am still a fan of Abby Jimenez and will continue to read and recommend her books.
- Brad the dog
- Good luck charm
- Toxic parent (hers)
- Online Meet Cute
- Found Family
- Summer Romance
- Dating Pact
- Mental Health/ Past Trauma
- Minnesota
- Traveling Nurse
- Baby Raccoons