Introduction
What happens when two broken hearts decide to trick fate by pretending to be in love? Abby Jimenez's latest rom-com, Just for the Summer, serves up laughter, tears, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. From the first page, it's clear this is no ordinary love story—it's a delightful whirlwind that explores whether we can fake it until we truly make it in love. Emma and Justin, two hopeless romantics with a history of heartbreak, decide to spend the summer together as a "no strings attached" couple in an effort to break their unlucky streak in love. Their journey is funny, profound, and ultimately heartwarming.
Abby Jimenez has become known for her emotionally rich, character-driven romances, and Just for the Summer is a testament to her ability to balance genuine humor with raw vulnerability. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good, laugh-out-loud romance that still delves deep into real emotional complexities.
Book Summary
Just for the Summer introduces readers to Emma and Justin, two strangers who are convinced they’re cursed in love. After a series of failed relationships where each of their exes immediately found their soulmates post-breakup, they connect via a Reddit thread comparing their unfortunate romantic streaks. In a twist of fate (or perhaps sheer desperation), they hatch a hilarious plan: date each other for the summer in a no-stakes arrangement to prove they’re not cursed—or maybe just to get over their bad luck.
The plan brings them to a cozy lakeside cabin in Minnesota, where the lines between "pretend" and real blur faster than they could have imagined. Emma is a cynical but endearing woman, guarded after a childhood marked by a narcissistic mother, while Justin is disarmingly self-deprecating, shaped by his past struggles of being the caretaker for his siblings. Over the summer, their witty banter slowly transforms into genuine intimacy, and they begin to question their feelings and what’s at stake if they allow themselves to truly fall.
But what makes Just for the Summer particularly compelling is how Jimenez balances the carefree joys of a summer fling with deeper, emotional undertones. This isn’t just a light-hearted rom-com—it's a moving exploration of how past trauma and vulnerability can impact our ability to love and be loved. It's the perfect blend of humor, heartache, and hope.
Author's Style and Craft
Abby Jimenez's writing style in Just for the Summer is sharp, witty, and utterly engaging. Jimenez has a remarkable ability to craft dialogue that feels natural and lively, filled with humor that makes her characters endearing and the narrative flow seamlessly. Emma and Justin's banter is full of spark, drawing readers into their world as they fall deeper into their summer romance.
The pacing of the novel is well-calibrated, moving between lighthearted romantic moments and deeper emotional revelations. Jimenez doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—Emma’s troubled relationship with her mother and Justin’s responsibilities as a guardian are explored with empathy and honesty. The balance between humor and serious themes keeps readers invested in the characters’ journeys, making it easy to laugh in one chapter and feel deeply moved in the next.
Jimenez's attention to character development is a standout element of her writing. Emma and Justin are richly developed—they have flaws, fears, and a past that continues to influence their actions. Jimenez allows them to grow individually and together throughout the book, ensuring their relationship feels authentic and earned. Her prose is vivid yet accessible, striking the perfect tone for a romantic comedy that aims to both entertain and touch the heart.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Just for the Summer touches on several universal themes—love, vulnerability, resilience, and the complex dynamics of familial relationships. One of the book's most compelling themes is the impact of past trauma on present relationships. Emma’s upbringing with a narcissistic mother has left her with wounds that make intimacy difficult. Jimenez does a fantastic job showing how Emma learns to let her guard down with Justin and confronts her fears about love.
Justin, too, grapples with past experiences that affect his ability to form connections. After his mother’s imprisonment, he took on the role of a parent for his younger siblings, which shaped his sense of responsibility and fear of getting too attached. His journey is one of balancing his instinct to protect himself and his siblings while embracing a future with someone he loves.
Another important theme is the idea of choosing joy despite life's challenges. Emma and Justin’s relationship isn’t just about falling in love; it’s about finding hope and happiness despite all the reasons they believe they shouldn’t. The story also delves into the concept of "found family"—Emma, Justin, and their friends create a supportive network that helps them navigate the ups and downs of life, reminding readers of the beauty in connections that go beyond blood ties.
Strengths
One of the biggest strengths of Just for the Summer is the emotional depth that Jimenez weaves into an otherwise breezy romantic narrative. The story is more than just a summer romance; it’s an exploration of personal growth and the struggle to open up to love. The scenes where Emma confronts her relationship with her mother are powerful, and Justin’s heartfelt moments with his siblings add layers to his character.
Jimenez is also adept at building tension—the romantic tension between Emma and Justin is palpable, and the transition from "fake" relationship to something real feels natural and compelling. The slow-burn development of their relationship is filled with just the right amount of humor, longing, and vulnerability, creating a dynamic that keeps readers hooked.
Another strength is Jimenez’s ability to blend heavy themes with humor. Despite the deep emotional issues the characters face, the book remains a rom-com at its core, full of laugh-out-loud moments and witty exchanges. This balance makes Just for the Summer a truly satisfying read—one that makes readers both laugh and reflect.
Areas for Improvement
While Just for the Summer is a fantastic read, it may not appeal to every reader. The use of humor in serious moments is a style choice that works for many, but some might find it jarring, especially when dealing with heavier topics like trauma. A bit more separation between the light and heavy moments might make the story more impactful for those who prefer a clear tonal distinction.
Additionally, the pacing in the middle section of the book could feel a bit drawn out for some readers. There are moments where the story focuses heavily on character backstory, which slightly slows down the progression of the romantic plot. Streamlining some of these parts could maintain a tighter narrative focus.
Comparative Analysis
Compared to other romantic comedies, Just for the Summer stands out for its blend of humor and emotional depth. Where books like Bride by Ali Hazelwood focus more on a charmingly fantastical premise, Jimenez stays grounded in the emotional realism of her characters. Similar to The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, the exploration of familial trauma is deeply insightful, though Jimenez pairs it with more humor and romance.
Fans of Penelope Douglas’s work, such as Five Brothers, will appreciate the way Jimenez delves into darker backstories, though her tone remains more uplifting. For those who enjoyed My Temptation by T.L. Swan (check out our review here), there’s a similar exploration of emotionally flawed characters finding love, but Jimenez’s humor gives the story a unique, refreshing edge.
Target Audience
Just for the Summer is perfect for readers who love character-driven romances with emotional depth. Fans of romantic comedies like those written by Christina Lauren or Emily Henry will be drawn to the book's humor, well-developed characters, and poignant themes. The story's blend of witty dialogue, swoon-worthy romance, and heartache makes it especially appealing to fans of slow-burn romances.
That said, due to themes of family trauma and emotional baggage, the book is best suited for adult readers who can appreciate the heavier topics alongside the humor. If you enjoy romance with a lot of heart, humor, and a touch of drama, Just for the Summer is sure to resonate with you.
Personal Impact
Reading Just for the Summer left me with a deep appreciation for Abby Jimenez's ability to tell a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and profoundly moving. Emma and Justin's journey felt authentic—their vulnerabilities, fears, and eventual triumph over their personal demons made their love story incredibly satisfying. Jimenez has a way of creating characters that stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, and this book was no exception.
Conclusion
Just for the Summer is a beautifully crafted romantic comedy that excels in blending humor with emotional depth. Abby Jimenez delivers a story that makes you laugh, swoon, and, most importantly, believe in the power of love. If you’re in need of a heartfelt escape, Emma and Justin's story is the perfect summer indulgence. Let yourself get lost in this enchanting lakeside romance—it's a journey you won't regret.
FAQ Section
Is Just for the Summer part of a series?No, Just for the Summer is a standalone novel.
What makes Just for the Summer different from other rom-coms?The book stands out for its blend of humor, emotional depth, and its exploration of family trauma alongside romantic tension.
Is the book heavy on emotional content?Yes, while it is a romantic comedy, it also deals with heavier themes like family trauma and emotional healing.
How is the chemistry between Emma and Justin?Their chemistry is electric, with well-crafted banter, heartfelt moments, and palpable romantic tension.
Is Just for the Summer appropriate for all readers?The book is best suited for adult readers due to its mature themes.
What type of romance is portrayed in the book?It’s a slow-burn romance with a "fake relationship" trope that evolves into genuine love.
Does Just for the Summer have a happy ending?Yes, the book has a satisfying happy ending that ties up the characters’ emotional arcs beautifully.
How does this book compare to Jimenez’s other works?It has the same humor and heartfelt emotion but delves deeper into personal trauma and healing.
Where can I buy Just for the Summer?You can find it on Amazon.
Would this book make a good book club read?Absolutely! The themes of family, healing, and love provide plenty of material for discussion.
Enjoying this review? If you love exploring love stories, check out That Love Podcast! We bring you original, bite-sized audio rom-coms. Discover your next favorite here:
Comments