My Just for the Summer Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez follows Emma and Justin, two people convinced that they are cursed. Every time they date someone, that person finds their soulmate as soon as the relationship ends. When Justin posts about his problem online, Emma reaches out—she’s experienced the same pattern. Together, they devise a plan: date and then break up, hoping to cancel out each other's bad luck and finally find real love in the future. Emma, a traveling nurse, heads to Minnesota with her best friend to meet Justin. She rents a cottage on a lake, believing she’ll only be around for a few weeks. But as their playful scheme turns into something deeper, real life crashes in. Justin has to step up as guardian to his siblings when his mother heads to prison, and Emma’s estranged, toxic mother reappears in her life. Both must figure out what they want—just for the summer, or something that lasts.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book mixes emotional depth with sharp humor. I felt every moment of tension, longing, and hope between Emma and Justin. The chemistry between them is real—the banter, the awkward moments, and the care they show for one another all hit me hard. I found myself grinning at their playful chats and rooting for them when things got messy. The way they start from internet strangers and grow into something so much more felt honest, even when it got complicated.
I appreciate the way the story handles serious topics like childhood trauma, dysfunctional families, and what it means to be there for the people you love. It doesn't shy away from showing how much work goes into healing and how hard it is to open up when you've been hurt. Emma’s habit of shutting herself off felt relatable to me. I also admired Justin—he’s thoughtful, he’s present, and he doesn’t let fear drive him away.
Some moments made me laugh out loud, especially the “curse-breaking” rules and the online matchmaking chaos. Other parts had me reaching for tissues as Emma and Justin work through panic, pain, and the weight of responsibility. Even with all the heaviness, there’s hope and sweetness in the way they build a family from the chaos around them. The Minnesota setting and little details—like paddle boating to an island or Justin’s funny questionnaires—made everything feel real and memorable. I honestly didn’t want their story to end.
Who Will Like This Book
If you like contemporary romance with a slow burn and plenty of heart, you’ll connect with this novel. It’s great for anyone who appreciates witty dialogue, complicated families, and stories set in small towns. There’s a strong found-family element, deep character growth, and a surprisingly hopeful mood even when things get heavy. If you want a romance with humor but also real-world emotional challenges, this book is for you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: This story includes anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, child neglect, parental abandonment, and dysfunctional family relationships. The topics are handled with care and sensitivity, but I think it’s important to be aware before reading.
Tagged As
contemporary romance, slow burn, small town, found family, forced proximity, online dating, healing, romantic comedy, emotional romance, dual pov, trauma recovery, cinnamon roll hero, protective hero, strong heroine, quirky family, sibling caretaking, HEA, standalone, kindle unlimited, indie romance, grumpy/sunshine, mental health, friends to lovers, fake relationship, open-door romance
Steam Level
There’s strong chemistry and steamy moments, but nothing overly graphic. The focus is on the build-up, emotional connection, and intimacy, with just enough spice to make things interesting.
