Abby Jimenez Archives - What's Better Than Books?

03
Apr
2024

#BookReview Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez @HBGCanada @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForever2024 #AbbyJimenez #JustForTheSummer #HBGCanada

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

Title: Just for the Summer

Author: Abby Jimenez

Published by: Forever on Apr. 2, 2024

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 432

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: HBG Canada

Book Rating: 10/10

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?

Review:

Enchanting, heartwarming, and brilliantly crafted!

Just for the Summer is a tender, witty, romantic tale that takes you into the lives of Emma and Justin, two twenty-somethings who, after connecting through a funny Reddit post, agree to temporarily date in order to try and break the curse they both seem to be living under.

The prose is well-turned and fluid. The characters are sweet, flawed, genuine, and lovable. And the story is an exceptionally absorbing tale about life, love, healing, forgiveness, hope, self-reflection, familial drama, weighty issues, friendship, courage, taking chances, happiness, and new beginnings.

For the past few years Abby Jimenez’s books have been some of my all-time favourites, and even though I didn’t think it was possible to love another one of her books more than the ones I’ve already read, she proved me wrong. Just for the Summer is an unbelievable story that captured my heart from the very first page, and not only did I devour it, I absolutely loved it!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network champion, motivational speaker, and contemporary romance novelist living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to open multiple locations in two states, won numerous Food Network competitions and amassed an international cult following. Abby has since turned her talents to penning novels. She loves a good book, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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11
Apr
2023

#BookReview Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez @HBGCanada @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForever2023 #AbbyJimenez #YoursTrulyBook #HBGCanada

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

Title: Yours Truly

Author: Abby Jimenez

Published by: Forever on Apr. 11, 2023

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 416

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: HBG Canada

Book Rating: 10/10

A novel of terrible first impressions, hilarious second chances, and the joy in finding your perfect match.

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter.

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse.

Review:

Charming, passionate, and absorbing!

Yours Truly is an uplifting, enchanting tale that takes you into the life of the hardworking, supportive Dr. Briana Ortiz who, after dealing with the stress of a divorce and the ongoing worry for her brother who is desperately in need of a kidney to survive, finds a little relief and lightness in her daily routine by exchanging letters with the unlikeliest of pen pals, the one man, Dr. Jacob Maddox who not only drives her crazy but may actually be the enemy in line to steal the promotion she’s been looking forward to for a very long time.

The writing is heartfelt and engaging. The characters are layered, supportive, and generous. And the plot is a touching tale of family, friendship, self-discovery, happiness, taking chances, growth, healing, tender moments, light drama, selflessness, romance, and new beginnings.

Overall, Yours Truly is another amusing, heart-wrenching, brilliant tale by Jimenez that had everything I look for in a contemporary romance novel and more. I loved the characters, I loved the storyline, and I loved the happy-ever-after ending. It is, without a doubt, one of my favourite reads of the year and should definitely be at the top of everyone’s must-read list for 2023.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to HBG Canada & Forever for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network champion, motivational speaker, and contemporary romance novelist living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to open multiple locations in two states, won numerous Food Network competitions and amassed an international cult following. Abby has since turned her talents to penning novels. She loves a good book, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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19
Apr
2022

#BookReview Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2022 #PartofYourWorldBook #AbbyJimenez #TheFriendZoneSeries

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

Title: Part of Your World

Author: Abby Jimenez

Series: The Friend Zone #4

Published by: Forever on Apr. 19, 2022

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 400

Format: ARC, Paperback

Source: Forever

Book Rating: 10/10

The New York Times bestselling author of Life’s Too Short delivers a refreshingly modern fairy tale perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry.

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

Review:

Quaint, alluring, and undeniably affecting!

Part of Your World is a sweet, intimate, evocative tale that takes you into the life of ER doctor Alexis Montgomery as she struggles to juggle a successful career, a toxic ex, weighty familial expectations, and a budding attraction to a man almost ten years her junior who seems to be slowly stealing her heart piece by piece.

The writing is heartwarming and tender. The characterization is spot on with a wonderful cast of characters that are multilayered, quirky, amusing, and endearing. And the plot unwinds and unravels effortlessly into a beguiling tale bursting with heart, hope, healing, and heat.

Part of Your World is, ultimately, a story about life, love, expectations, trust, forgiveness, family, friendship, community, relationship dynamics, and discovering one’s true self. It is an addictive, moving, exceptionally romantic novel by Jimenez that is hands down one of my favourite reads of the year and is, without a doubt, another brilliant novel by an author I can never get enough of.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network champion, motivational speaker, and contemporary romance novelist living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to open multiple locations in two states, won numerous Food Network competitions and amassed an international cult following. Abby has since turned her talents to penning novels. She loves a good book, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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05
Apr
2021

#BookReview Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez @AuthorAbbyJim @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #ReadForeverPub #ReadForever2021 #LifesTooShort #AbbyJimenez #TheFriendZoneSeries

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

Title: Life's Too Short

Author: Abby Jimenez

Series: The Friend Zone #3

Published by: Forever on Apr. 6, 2021

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Forever

Book Rating: 10/10

A brilliant and touching romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist.

Vanessa lives life on her own terms — one day at a time, every day to its fullest. She isn’t willing to waste a moment or miss out on an experience when she has no idea whether she shares the same fatal genetic condition as her mother. Besides, she has way too much to do, traveling the globe and showing her millions of YouTube followers the joy in seizing every moment.

But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, she is housebound, on mommy duty for the foreseeable future, and feeling totally out of her element.

The last person she expects to show up offering help is the unbelievably hot lawyer who lives next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. But as they get closer, Vanessa realizes that her carefree ways and his need for a structured plan could never be compatible for the long term. Then again, she should know better than anyone that life’s too short to fear taking the biggest risk of all. . .

Review:

Heartwarming, swoon-worthy, and sassy!

Life’s Too Short is an absorbing, heart-tugging tale that takes you into the life of the successful, lifestyle vlogger, Vanessa Price as she juggles her deteriorating health, the full-time care of her sister’s newborn infant, and the sexy, workaholic lawyer who lives next door who’s always willing to lend a hand.

The writing is passionate and heartfelt. The characters are resolute, independent, and troubled. And the plot is a delightfully enchanting mix of family, friendship, tension, attraction, self-discovery, mental illness, substance abuse, special moments, happiness, taking chances, and facing one’s own mortality.

For the past two years, the two previous books in this series have topped my must-read, favourites list, and even though I didn’t think it was possible to love an Abby Jimenez’s book more than I already did, she proved me wrong. Life’s Too Short made my heart smile, shatter, and then put it all back together again in 384 pages and not only did I absolutely adore it, but it might just be, dare I say it, the best one yet!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network champion, motivational speaker, and contemporary romance novelist living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to open multiple locations in two states, won numerous Food Network competitions and amassed an international cult following. Abby has since turned her talents to penning novels. She loves a good book, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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14
Apr
2020

#BookReview The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez @AuthorAbbyJim @HBGCanada @readforeverpub @grandcentralpub #ReadForever #Forever20 #AbbyJimenez

categories: 10/10, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Noteworthy Book Releases

Title: The Happy Ever After Playlist

Author: Abby Jimenez

Published by: Forever on Apr. 14, 2020

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 400

Format: Paperback

Source: HBG Canada

Book Rating: 10/10

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone comes an adorable and fresh romantic comedy about one trouble-making dog who brings together two perfect strangers.

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can’t seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a “take me home” look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker’s owner reaches out. He’s a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan’s not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can’t deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There’s no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

Review:

Adorable, funny, and heartfelt!

The Happy Ever After Playlist is an amusing, heartwarming tale that takes us into the life of the vulnerable, grief-stricken Sloan Monroe as she struggles to move on from the heartwrenching loss of her fiance, endeavours to babysit a stray dog with a mind of his own, and navigates the ups and downs of falling in love with a rock star.

The prose is effortless and polished. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are quirky, fun-loving, wary, and supportive. And the plot is an irresistible blend of humour, heart, hope, tender moments, family, friendship, tension, attraction, chemistry, self-discovery, happiness, taking chances, and the healing power of pets.

Overall, The Happy Ever After Playlist is pure magic. Jimenez’s debut, The Friend Zone was one of my favourite releases last year, and I am delighted to now add The Happy Ever After Playlist to the top of my must-read recommendations for 2020!

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to HBG Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is a Food Network champion, motivational speaker, and contemporary romance novelist living in Minnesota. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to open multiple locations in two states, won numerous Food Network competitions and amassed an international cult following. Abby has since turned her talents to penning novels. She loves a good book, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.

Photograph courtesy of Author's Goodreads Page.

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