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When I picked up Just for the Summer, I already knew what I was getting into—at least on the surface. This is the third book in the Part of Your World series, and I’ve read the others. I’ve yet to read an Abby Jimenez book I didn’t like, so my expectations were steady rather than sky-high: a solid romance, strong characters, and emotional depth woven into an accessible story.
What I expected was a cute, slightly quirky summer romance built around the central premise. What I actually got was a story that felt quieter, deeper, and more emotionally layered than the setup suggests.
What I Expected vs. What I Actually Got
The premise is undeniably charming: two people who seem cursed in love—every relationship they leave turns into a marriage for the other person, while they themselves remain stuck—decide to date each other and “cancel out” the curse. On paper, it sounds light and maybe even a little gimmicky.
While the book absolutely delivers on that initial hook, it doesn’t stay there. The romance is only part of what’s going on. As the story unfolds, it becomes much more about family dynamics, long-standing emotional baggage, and the way friendships and found family can complicate (and support) romantic relationships.
That balance surprised me in a good way. The story never felt shallow, even when the setup could have gone in that direction.
How It Felt to Read
This was a book I found myself genuinely settling into. The pacing felt steady rather than rushed, and emotionally it builds in a way that feels earned. I wasn’t racing through it just to get to plot twists or big reveals—I was invested in the characters and the choices they were making.
Some moments hit as very relatable, especially around complicated family relationships and the ways those dynamics quietly shape how people show up in romantic relationships. I found myself “buying” the relationship between the main characters—not because it was dramatic or flashy, but because it felt grounded and believable.
It’s not a nonstop emotional rollercoaster, but it isn’t shallow either. It lives in that middle space Abby Jimenez tends to do well: warm, thoughtful, and emotionally aware.
Series Context & Character Crossovers
Although Just for the Summer can absolutely be read on its own, I was glad I had read the earlier books in the series. There are crossover appearances and references that made the story feel richer and more connected. Nothing felt confusing if you’re new to the series, but if you’ve already spent time with these characters, there’s an added layer of enjoyment.
Because of that, the book felt less like a standalone romance and more like returning to a familiar world.
Who This Book Is For (and Who It Isn’t)
This book is a good fit if you:
- Enjoy romance that includes meaningful family and friendship dynamics
- Like character-driven stories that feel emotionally grounded
- Have read (or plan to read) the other books in the series
- Appreciate a romance that builds steadily rather than relying on constant drama
It might not be for you if you:
- Want a purely light, low-depth rom-com
- Prefer fast-paced plots with high external conflict
- Aren’t interested in family-focused emotional themes
Final Thoughts
Just for the Summer didn’t surprise me by being wildly different from what Abby Jimenez usually writes—but it did remind me why her books consistently work for me. The premise pulls you in, but the emotional depth is what keeps you reading.
If you’ve enjoyed the rest of the Part of Your World series, this is a satisfying continuation. And if you’re new to her work, it still stands well on its own—just know that you might end up wanting to read the earlier books (and possibly The Situationship next).
It’s not a book I’d describe as life-changing, but it’s one I genuinely enjoyed spending time with—and that, for me, is exactly what a good romance should do.
