Title: Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
POV: Dual POV (Male and Female Leads)
Stars: 4.5
Tropes: Single guardian (MMC), Summer fling, RomCom, Insta-love, Meet cute
Release Date: April 2, 2024
Synopsis (No Spoilers):
The third book in the “Part of Your World” series follows Justin and Emma, two people with an oddly similar problem: everyone they date ends up finding their soulmate immediately after they break up. After connecting through a quirky conversation on Reddit about their shared dilemma, they strike a deal—date each other, break up, and hopefully cancel out their so-called curses.
It’s supposed to be a lighthearted summer fling, but as their feelings grow and real-life challenges arise, they’re forced to confront their pasts, their fears, and the possibility that fate might actually have something bigger in store for them.
Full Review:
Overall Thoughts
This book is undeniably sweet and engaging. From the very first page, Abby Jimenez has a way of making you fall in love with her characters. They feel real—flawed, relatable, and full of life. While the story begins with a cute and playful tone (Justin and Emma’s meet-cute on Reddit is adorable!), it quickly transitions into something much heavier. The deeper themes, like Emma’s strained relationship with her mom and Justin’s sudden responsibility for his younger siblings, make this more than just a summer romance.
Abby Jimenez has shared some fascinating insights about her storytelling and the inspiration behind Just for the Summer in her audio interview on Audible. It’s a great way to hear directly from the author about how she crafts her heartfelt stories and balances humor with emotional depth.
What I appreciated most was how the book balanced lighthearted moments with emotional depth. It’s not just about the romance—it’s about real-life challenges and how those struggles shape relationships. However, the background stories sometimes felt like they took the spotlight, which made the book feel a little long in places.
“Sometimes I feel like the seasons could come and go and come and go, a hundred years could pass, a thousand, the ground could collapse under us, this house could crumble and go back to the earth, and we would still be standing here frozen in time, because every second I’m with you is eternal. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
Character Development
Justin
Justin is the epitome of a "golden retriever" guy—kind, dependable, and full of warmth. Despite his upbeat nature, he’s not living the life he envisioned. Taking care of his siblings after a family crisis has left him feeling stuck and wondering what could’ve been. What stands out about Justin is his incredible communication skills. He’s open, honest, and unafraid to share his feelings, which is such a refreshing dynamic in romance.
Emma
Emma, on the other hand, is guarded and carries significant emotional baggage from her past. Her complicated relationship with her toxic mother impacts her ability to trust and let people in. Watching her grow throughout the book—opening up to Justin, facing her trauma, and taking steps toward healing—was incredibly satisfying. While she was harder to connect with initially, her growth by the end made her journey so rewarding. For readers interested in exploring characters with complex familial relationships, Psychology Today’s article on the impact of childhood trauma provides an insightful read.
Together, Justin and Emma support each other through their personal challenges, and their relationship feels genuine because of it. The way they navigate their struggles while showing up for each other is one of the book’s biggest strengths.
Writing Style and Pacing
Abby Jimenez’s writing is as delightful as ever. Her ability to blend humor and heartbreak makes this book both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, and the pacing of the story allows you to immerse yourself fully in Justin and Emma’s world.
That said, the book occasionally felt a bit long, primarily due to the heavy focus on the characters’ background stories. While these elements added depth, they sometimes overshadowed the romance, making the narrative feel slightly drawn out. A tighter edit could have improved the flow without losing the emotional impact.
“The best kind of love doesn’t happen on moonlit walks and romantic vacations. It happens in between the folds of everyday life. It’s not grand gestures that show how you feel, it’s all the little secret things you do to make her life better that you never tell her about.”
Don’t judge the book by its cover
The cover of Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez is vibrant and playful, with bright colors, a happy couple, and an adorable dog that scream rom-com vibes. The sunset over the water adds a dreamy, carefree summer feel, perfectly setting the stage for a light romance—or so it seems.
If you’re looking for more summer romances to add to your TBR, check out Sara Carrolli's summer romance book recommendations. It’s packed with fun and heartfelt picks you won’t want to miss!
We’ve discussed the impact of covers in detail in our post on how Colleen Hoover’s covers reflect her characters and stories. Like those covers, this one captures the surface charm of Emma and Justin’s relationship, it doesn’t hint at the emotional depth of the story. You might expect a breezy summer fling, but the book dives into much heavier, more meaningful topics. That contrast between the lighthearted cover and the complex story makes it even more special. It’s inviting and fun, yet the story inside offers so much more than meets the eye.
Final thoughts:
I 100% recommend Just for the Summer, it’s such a rewarding read, and while it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I’d suggest reading the other books in the Part of Your World series first, see my review of the other books here. Characters from the earlier books make appearances here, and it will be easier to understand some background story. Plus, the other books are just as fantastic—they’re worth the read!
Have you read Just for the Summer or any of the other books in the series? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let’s chat about it.
If you’re into book aesthetics, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for a closer look at the visual vibes of Just for the Summer and more of your favorite reads. You won’t want to miss it!
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