Review by Lorelei
Apr 15, 2024Ugh. I bet that’s not what you expected to see on this review, is it? Ugh. Because it is UNFAIR when someone has THIS MUCH TALENT. Abby Jimenez is a disgustingly, gloriously, amazingly talented writer.
First, the premise/meet-cute is unique. Justin and Emma both seem to have the same curse. Any time they date someone, they break up and the very next person their ex meets turns out to be The One. So, these two decide – why not date each other? Then they’ll break up and both finally get their happily ever after!
Second, the characters have real depth and aren’t just caricatures. We get to meet a cast of supporting characters that flesh out their lives outside of one another. Each has some serious baggage – Emma has a super toxic mother and Justin is about to become guardian to three younger siblings. And these circumstances are given real weight and make us care deeply about them.
Third – realistic emotions and reactions. Emma had a rough childhood thanks to her mother, and it resulted in definite emotional baggage and PTSD. This isn’t glossed over like “and then she fell in love and was fixed!” Oh no, this is a real thing that affects her relationships and is written and handled seriously. One flaw we see in a lot of romances is someone acting out of character; they’re built up one way, but then make decisions totally out of left field, because it’s what the story needs, even if it doesn’t match the person the author has written. That is not something you need to worry about in Jimenez’s books! Everyone is true to their nature, and I find every decision believable.
Fourth – The dialogue. This is where Jimenez’s real talent bursts forth. It is fun. It will absolutely make you laugh out loud. It sounds like things real people would do and say, except much wittier. The things they do, the way the characters relate to one another, the quips, their reactions. Everything is realistic, but just that teeeeny touch better than reality. (The pre-date and exit surveys. Oh. My. God.)
If you like romance but haven’t read any of her books yet (are you living under a rock or something?!) then you should check this out. Fans of Emily Henry will feel right at home with this book as well!
Ugh. I bet that’s not what you expected to see on this review, is it? Ugh. Because it is UNFAIR when someone has THIS MUCH TALENT. Abby Jimenez is a disgustingly, gloriously, amazingly talented writer.
First, the premise/meet-cute is unique. Justin and Emma both seem to have the same curse. Any time they date someone, they break up and the very next person their ex meets turns out to be The One. So, these two decide – why not date each other? Then they’ll break up and both finally get their happily ever after!
Second, the characters have real depth and aren’t just caricatures. We get to meet a cast of supporting characters that flesh out their lives outside of one another. Each has some serious baggage – Emma has a super toxic mother and Justin is about to become guardian to three younger siblings. And these circumstances are given real weight and make us care deeply about them.
Third – realistic emotions and reactions. Emma had a rough childhood thanks to her mother, and it resulted in definite emotional baggage and PTSD. This isn’t glossed over like “and then she fell in love and was fixed!” Oh no, this is a real thing that affects her relationships and is written and handled seriously. One flaw we see in a lot of romances is someone acting out of character; they’re built up one way, but then make decisions totally out of left field, because it’s what the story needs, even if it doesn’t match the person the author has written. That is not something you need to worry about in Jimenez’s books! Everyone is true to their nature, and I find every decision believable.
Fourth – The dialogue. This is where Jimenez’s real talent bursts forth. It is fun. It will absolutely make you laugh out loud. It sounds like things real people would do and say, except much wittier. The things they do, the way the characters relate to one another, the quips, their reactions. Everything is realistic, but just that teeeeny touch better than reality. (The pre-date and exit surveys. Oh. My. God.)
If you like romance but haven’t read any of her books yet (are you living under a rock or something?!) then you should check this out. Fans of Emily Henry will feel right at home with this book as well!
