If you want a funny, sweet, fast-moving novel about characters you will LOVE, I’ve got it. I just read it. And I fell in LOVE with it. It’s soooo good. It’s titled “Just for the Summer” by Abby Jimenez. It’s the perfect way to start the summer season.
It’s that breath-of-fresh-air book that you’ll keep thinking about long after it’s over. This is also a GREAT book to listen to on audio. I’m so picky about narrator voices, but the multiple narrators in this novel were so good at capturing the spirit of the book. I listened to this novel in the car, while doing laundry, loading the dishwasher, taking the dogs outside, etc. I couldn’t wait to hear these characters keep talking!
Book title: Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction / Romantic Comedy
What it’s about (without spoilers):
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?
Why we like it: The book begins with one of those “Am I the a–hole” threads from Reddit. It’s a really good one. And then a few direct messages later, we’ve got some serious chemistry between a nurse and a computer engineer living several states apart. I liked both of them SO much, especially their quick, witty conversations online and in person. There’s also an adorably ugly dog. A billboard featuring a Toilet King. And two main characters dealing with complex family situations that threaten to derail their relationship in its early stages.
I honestly can’t think of a single negative thing to say about this book. I was desperately needing a little rom-com escape, and this book totally delivered. I smiled. Laughed. Cried a little. It’s the whole package. Cue this one up to listen to on walks, by the pool, or during your commute to work. You’ll love it. And when you’re done with this one, read “Part of Your World,” “Yours Truly,” “The Happy Ever After Playlist,” “The Friend Zone,” and “Worst Wingman Ever” by this same author.
What other people say: This newly released book just hit store shelves on April 2nd of this year, and it already has more than 9,000 reviews with a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. I’m not the least bit surprised. I’ve been raving about it even before I finished reading it. If you have any connection to the state of Minnesota, you’ll love all the Minnesota references and scenery, too.
About the author: Abby Jimenez is a Food Network winner, USA Today and New York Times best-selling author, and recipient of the 2022 Minnesota Book Award for her novel Life’s Too Short. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international following. Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.
