I think I have a new favorite Abby Jimenez book! I totally loved Jacob; I saw so much of myself in his character. Every time we saw the story from his perspective, I felt so seen, which was so refreshing. The biggest thing I had an issue with is that he shares a name with my brother. 🥴🤣



Thank you to netgalley for this ARC!


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61918479

I say it every time, but I’m pretty sure this is my favorite book of Abby’s yet. I would say she has outdone herself but, with each new release, her stories get better and better. And that’s saying something. This was her second book that I have been lucky enough to score an ARC for through NetGalley, so thank you to Abby, NetGalley, and Forever for the opportunity to read this book early. Jacob is such a pure character and I loved experiencing his and bri’s relationship grow. As with all her books, there were tears and also plenty of laugh out loud moments. I can’t wait to see what masterpiece she produces with book 6!

Abby Jimenez is one of the only authors who is capable of making me laugh AND cry through every single one of her books. Yours Truly is no exception. It was every bit as heartwarming as it was heart wrenching. Jacob and Briana were most definitely the perfect match.

Abby writes with such authentic emotion that I can truly feel within me as I am reading. Of course, it would not be one of her books without some hard topics weaved into the good. Jacob's anxiety was definitely a focal point throughout the story and though it was sad to see him struggle, I felt so connected to him and what he was going through. I looooved him. I would die for him. I would slay anything that made his anxiety worse, just as Briana would.

Jacob and Briana's relationship was definitely a whirlwind with a whole bunch of tropes all meshed together- including the dreaded miscommunication trope. I could have done with quite less (or none!) of that, but I know it adds to the substance of the book.

I loved the mentions of Abby's former book's characters, AND the appearance of those from Part of Your World. Additionally, both Jacob and Briana's individual families made for great side characters. I wonder if we will be getting a book on any of them in the future.

I adored this book and its characters! Abby Jimenez is definitely very high up on my favorite authors list :)

Thank you to Abby, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC- can't wait to see what comes next!

For a short summary, Briana is a ER doctor and her brother is sick with Kidney Failure. She literally smacks into the new doctor (doctor death) and becomes pen pals with him and quickly they form a friendship. Something Jacob does makes him the hero in Brianna's life (in more ways than one!). Jacob has an interesting family, which is probably one of my favorite parts of the book. There is a parrot that cusses, and a grandpa that will use blackmail to get what he wants. There's always that one in the family, right?

This is probably my favorite book by Abby thus far. I feel like this book is the most relatable because I struggle with a little bit of anxiety (as does the hero of this book). It's easy to relate to a character when you've experienced the same things that they have. I've also experienced depression, and we get a glimpse of what that's like for family members in this novel. The banter between Brianna and Jacob is HILARIOUS, I laughed out loud reading this book several times. As always, I love the nods to prior characters written by Abby and that she brought Wakan into the story.

I think my only critique would be I would like the resolution to be FASTER. It feels like an eternity of OMG JUST TELL HIM/HER, and then have more of the good times/resolution at the end. I wanted to reach through the book and shake them. Although, maybe that was the intent? lol

On page 283 there is a typo it should be "he opened the door for me AND" extra space there. Why am I that person? haha.

Yours truly touches your heart and lifts your soul. Powerful and a beautiful love story written with the theme that real and lasting love shows up during the good and bad times,

“My vagina has officially been closed so long I’m afraid a Spirit Halloween is going to move in.” ~Bri, Part of Your World.

I loved Bri, Alexis’ feisty co-worker and best friend that we were introduced to in Part of Your World. I was thrilled at the opportunity to receive an ARC of her story, “Your Truly.” Abby Jimenez, you have done it again. Once I started I could NOT put this book down. Another winner from an author who tugs at my heart strings, makes me laugh, cry and puts a big smile on my face.. (When you add in lovable three legged dog named Lieutenant Dan say no more - I’m sold.)

Abby has done it again!!

I was never a romance book fan, but I had followed Abby on social media since THE Vageode saga, I finally caved and downloaded her first book, The Friend Zone. I was hooked! Everything about her books is perfection, and Yours Truly has lived up to that standard.

Abby's storytelling perfectly intertwines heavy subjects with light hearted humor and romance. There is a character in every book to relate to. Jacob's struggles with anxiety were depicted with such accuracy, it was refreshing to connect with a character on such a deep level. The side characters were *chef's kiss* I need a Jafar and Gramps in my life!

Be on the lookout for the hidden Easter eggs from the Abby-verse (her books and stories she's shared on social media). Those little tidbits literally had me laughing out loud.

If you are looking to go on one heck of a rollercoaster, including heartbreak, tears, and humor, just read this book. You won't regret it. And while your at it, you may as well purchase her first 4 books. You'll be wanting them ;)

Abby Jimenez has written pure magic! I was lucky enough to get an ARC for this book and I devoured it in two days (as a mom, this was definitely a feat!). We met Briana Ortiz in Jimenez's previous book, A Part of Your World as the FMC's BFF and it's hinted that she's going through a difficult stage in life. In Yours Truly, we confirm that she's going through a difficult divorce, her younger brother is very sick and needs an organ donation and she's also dealing with some difficulty getting a promotion. She is definitely not in the right headspace for a relationship or anything for that matter. Dr. Jacob Maddox is a new doctor at Briana's hospital and suffice it to say, they do not have a meet-cute. Despite the difficult start, Jacob makes an effort to set things right and that results in a beautiful love story where two people who have faced multiple challenges and heartbreaks somehow match perfectly.

There were so many beautiful moments in this book. The stars truly aligned for me on this one. I connected so well with both Briana & Jacob and felt this was a true representation of a modern romance (with an old school approach). The way these two characters helped each other through their difficult moments, the supporting characters were a blast (the parrot & Grandpa made me LOL) as well as the families & friends that show up for each other.

I don't think I've ever highlighted as many sections of any book...this one just spoke to my heart. Yours Truly is in my Top 3 books of all time and Abby Jimenez is a queen! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Fully captivated. Absolutely obsessed. There aren’t enough words to explain how much I loved this book from the second it hit my kindle and I couldn't put it down. This is going to make an awesome audiobook, reading it I could already hear it in my head. I cannot wait to listen to the audiobook, cannot wait to read this book over and over again. The Easter eggs were *chefs kiss* perfect.

This was my most anticipated book of 2023 and I was HONORED to get an early copy of it. I am always obsessed with Abby Jimenez' books and this one was no exception. I started reading it the second it hit my kindle, stayed up way too late the same day to finish it after work. This book was PERFECT. So funny, so heartfelt, so inspiring and also informative. I always love how much I learn from Abby's books, about all different aspects of life. She writes the best characters, and I love watching how everything intertwines. Abby is a master at her craft, and I am so glad I'm able to watch her journey as an author. I absolutely loved this book, Briana and Jacob are my newest obsession, and their love story will be living rent free in my head for a long long time.

My review pales in comparison to how wonderful this book was. Again, there are not enough words to begin to describe how superb it was. There are not enough stars in the galaxy to rate it.

Thank you so much to Abby Jimenez, NetGalley and Forever for giving me an ARC. I will forever be grateful for being able to read it so early and I cannot wait to have the paperback and audiobook. I have already preordered both!

Abby did it again! I was pulled into the world of Brianna and Jacob and couldn't stop until I finished the book. How she writes such amazing banter is beyond me. I ended this book feeling fulfilled with how the couples' life together ended up. Abby makes all of her characters so relatable that I wish they were real people.

Never in my life have I ever sprinted to snatch an ARC as fast in my entire reading life as I did with this one.

My alarm went off exactly at the same time Abby's newsletter came in, giving me a link to a "read now" copy on Netgalley... I felt (still feel) the luckiest bookworm on earth. The adrenaline rush I felt when that little icon popped up on my Kindle app with the title "Yours truly" was the better than any other feeling... seriously. But then I started reading... and I couldn't stop. I couldn't put the book down for a second as I laughed, cried, and swooned... and laughed again and swooned and swooned for hours. And when I had to put it down (because being an adult sucks), knowing the last 20% of this book was waiting for me at home was what got me through my shitty day.

I know I keep saying this, but I mean it every single time...

<i>This is Abby's funniest book.
This is Abby's most romantic book.
This is Abby's masterpiece.
This is Abby's best book yet.

Until next one? Yes, probably. But for now it is. I'm not kidding. I'm in absolute awe with this magnificent love story. A story that pulled my heartstrings and made me cry tears of joy and love. That made me crave something that we may think it only belongs to romance novels, but when you really think about it, you realize it's possible. True love. The one that shows respect and understanding, that supports and shows up for you when you most need it is possible. I'm writing this with tears in my eyes because as a person who struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and has seen herself as broken and difficult to love, this book hit home in so. many. ways. It really made me feel hopeful, it made me smile and it made me feel seen.

Let me back up a little bit and let me tell you what you can expect from this masterpiece:

- Doctor MCs.
- Interracial couple (Latina heroine, White hero)
- Fake Dating.
- Only one bed (hilarious forced proximity)
- The swooniest letter exchange.
- Anxiety representation.
- Family banter.
- Three leg-dog and a cussing parrot.
- Mutual pining like no other.
- A slow burn that will feel like warmest hug and sweetest kiss to the soul you've ever been given at the end!

I always say I can't choose a favorite couple from Abby's book, but I think Bri and Jacob are very close to steal that place. I can't even describe how many emotions I felt with them. From their most unfortunate meet-cute, the sweetest friendship they developed, to the purest love I've ever read. Their banter, their sweetest note/letter exchange they had going on, the way they became each other's safe space, the way they made sacrifices for one another simply because they wanted the other person to be happy... it was all a bundle of emotions I couldn't understand. It was so intense, so emotional. I can't evennnn!!!!

“If you're with someone who doesn't speak your language, you'll spend a lifetime having to translate your soul.”

Bri was the sweetest person ever. I loved how understanding, empathetic, gentle she was towards Jacob. Anxiety is such a tiring burden to bear and even though she didn't know how it felt, she did everything she could to lift the weight from Jacob's shoulders from the very moment she knew he was struggling. Her thoughtfulness brought tears to my eyes several times with even the smallest things she did for him, just for him to have a little peace and a safe place to be when the world became to much for him. I hated what she'd gone through and made me want to punch his ex in the face, because she was just such an amazing person. An amazing friend and she deserved all the love in the world and she deserved someone as sweet and perfect as Jacob.

"Briana is the lesson. She's the one who taught me what it really feels like to live for someone else."

Jacob is the sweetest, most selfless cinnamon roll hero I've ever read. He was perfection. The epitome of all book boyfriends. I'm so sorry for Josh (who had been my favorite hero from Abby since forever), but Jacob just took his rightful place as a King in Abby's kingdom. I cannot explain how much I love him. He was so sweet and had the biggest heart in the entire world. His love for everyone around him was so beautiful. He just wanted everyone to be happy, including his dog. Because Abby writes perfect men and perfect dogs that made the perfect pair. The perfect combination that makes my heart melt and the perfect blend of happiness for each heroine. (Jacob and Lieutenant Dan were not the exception of this basic rule in Abby Jimenez' fictional world). And I am not kidding when I say the anxiety rep was on point. I laughed, cried and cringed because I could relate to Jacob and his struggle to a T. It broke my heart to see him in his lowest but felt so redeemed and hopeful to see him at his best. He was indeed the perfect match in every sense of the word.

"Sometimes it felt like Jacob and I were to magnets being flipped over and over and pressed together. Pulling us in, pulling us out, pulling us in. Pulling me in."

I feel like I don't have enough words to say how much I loved them. Every single second of this read was filled with emotion, laughter and so much heart. I'm not lying when I say I was able to feel my heart melting inside of me with all that longing and hopefulness between them. I'm usually picky when it comes to slow burns and let me tell you, this one made me wait but it wasn't a torturous wait that felt like it was never going to end. Every moment that brought them together was a delicious, tasty and sweet cupcake of romance that I savored and enjoyed. The type of dessert that makes you break the diet and you have zero regrets afterwards because it was so tasty that you would eat it again in a heartbeat.

I also need to mention how funny the family dynamics were. Both Briana's and Jacob's family were such a delight! They were so. freaking. funny from the get go. They made me laugh out loud so many times and smiled hard with their banter, bickering and just by being so loving towards Briana and Jacob. They also had so many emotional moments that made my heart flutter with all the feelings and the hope while Briana and Jacob found their way to each other. It was seriously the perfect addition to such an amazing story.

I don't know how she did it again, but she did. I've never doubted her and never will. I don't care what the haters say, Abby is one of the pillars of this generation of Contemporary Romance writers. A giant in this genre and I feel so freaking lucky and blessed to be a witness of all the expectation and excitement she builds with each release.

Thank God and the universe for working in my favor. Thank you, Abby, Forever and Netgalley for gifting me, what was probably my best read of the year. April 11th 2023 couldn't come any sooner (not only because it's release day and I will officially have a paperback of this book, but it's also my birthday... aaahhh!)

Just finished this one and I've had a stupid grin on my face the entire time I read. It was so amazing. I loved every bit of it. Abby is definitely one of the very best authentic authors out there. The passion she puts into her writing is perfect. These characters were absolutely amazing. She didn't shy away from incredibly hard topics but she also made me laugh out loud. It's the perfect balance.

As someone who has had anxiety attacks and has lived with depression I really appreciated those aspects of this book. They were handled so well and I think they will be eye opening to people who haven't lived those experiences and will help those that have feel seen.

I also appreciated the social anxiety that was displayed in Jacob. I really felt like I saw how that affects people in a way that really was enlightening.

I adored Bri and Jacob's relationship. I loved how they got to know each other. I loved the fake dating trope. I loved the family dynamics. I loved the sexual tension. It was all just fantastic.

I can tell already this is one I will read over and over again. And will probably buy the audio too because her books are amazing on audio.

Do yourself a favor and preorder now!

Thank you @readforeverpub and #abbyjimenez for the advanced copy. This is my honest review.

After reading this book, I need about a gallon of ice cream to get me through all of the emotions. I ate this book like it was my only food on a deserted island and it left me full, but still so very hungry for more. I felt everything that Abby put these characters through. From the highest of highs and the touch of real love, to belly shaking laughter, anger hot like irons, sadness and grief, relief and just about everywhere damn near between. I didn’t just ride along with her characters on this journey, I experienced it with them and it was anxiety ridden and gut wrenching…but I loved it. Abby has a way of making you so invested in her characters journeys like they are friends of yours and you are routing for them. The characters feel like real people with real problems (Jacob and his anxiety, Benny's illness and in need of transplant, Brianna and her ex), they don't remain just characters on a page. I was on the edge of my seat for Brianna & Jacob, I found myself chanting under my breath “Just kiss already!” so many times, but the moment it finally happens was worth all the waiting. I find myself waiting for the next book to see what characters she wrties next and what rollercoaster they will take me on. The next time I decide to get creative with glitter, I'll remember Brianna Ortiz. Now if you excuse me, I think I am going to find me a ER nurse with a 3 legged dog and see what happens.
Reviewed for NetGalley #NetGalley #AbbyJimenez

Spoilers…..

I was very lucky to read this book via NetGalley prior to its release.

Once again, Abby Jimenez takes us on an emotional roller coaster and I don’t always trust her to not break my heart at least once during the journey. I don’t usually summarize a book since that’s usually included from the publisher,

I loved Bri and and Jacob’s story and how they fit together like a puzzle. Nothing and no one is perfect, but they grow to love each other “as is”.

Jacob sums it up, “We’re all a little broken, Briana. We are a mosaic. We’re made up of all those we’ve met and all the things we’ve been through. There are parts of us that are colorful and dark and jagged and beautiful. And I love every piece of you. Even the ones you wish didn’t.”

I have to also include a few more of my favorite passages below:

“I’m so sex starved and into him I’m not going to be able to say no. My legs will probably shoot straight out like one of those fainting goats the second he so much as breathes on me. This is a crisis!”

“So now I’m locked in a room with a man that I’m half in love with and extremely attracted to, who wants to have sex with me and I’m sorry, but I have about as much willpower as a piece of broccoli.”

So much heart, heartbreak and comic relief as well. You spoil us Abby!

BOOK REVIEW: YOURS TRULY by #AbbyJimenez 💊 ❤️
PUB DATE: April 2023.

Dearest Readers,

There’s only one appropriate way to write what I have to say about this book and it’s of course, in letter form. First, I want to thank @readforeverpub for the #ARC through @netgalley. I would also like to thank #abbyjimenez for writing the most perfect book I’ve read in my entire life.
You might think, “wait, she says this about every book that Abby writes.” Well friends, you are not wrong. But for #YoursTruly this statement is truer than true.

I can’t explain the wholesomeness in my heart while I was reading this and when I finished. This book is the perfect example that there are people that will hurt you but there are people that will always be harmless to you. This book is a reminder that when you love someone, you show up. That’s what love is, showing up, everyday, for the one you love. Love is understanding that we all have struggles, we all have things we need to work a little hard on, but that does not mean there’s something wrong with us, that doesn’t mean that we are not worthy.

For all the Brianas: just because someone leaves, doesn’t mean there’s someone that’s not going to stay.

Briana is perhaps my favorite heroine, with the most amazing personality. She is funny, smart, independent, reliable, selfless, caring, hardworking and deserving.

For all my Jacobs: the right one for you will get you, always. If they don’t, they’ll try and they won’t give up on you.

As someone who suffers from general anxiety disorder and has experienced her fair share of panic attacks, reading about things I’ve felt, a lot of times, in plenty of situations, so perfectly described… I don’t even know how to tell you how validated and seen it makes me feel. What a hero you are Jacob! I can’t wait for readers all over the world to fall in love with you.

I don’t want to write any spoilers because the book is not going to be out for a while. But what I can tell you, and will tell you, is that this book is everything. This book is exactly what our hearts need. This book is my favorite and I wish I could have more of Jacob and Briana.

Yours Truly,

Gaby

5⭐️

Abby Jimenez writes wonderful romances rooted in real world issues. This one deals with divorce, abandonment, kidney disease and anxiety. But it's a beautiful, uplifting story about three-dimensional people, people you actually become invested in and care about. I want to be Brianna's best friend and go to Jacob's family's parties and eat Brianna's mom's food and tease her brother with her. I want to know what's going to happen next, even after the book is over. The worst part about reading Abby's books is either finishing them and missing your new friends or realizing that it's going to be a year before you get to read a new one.

Amazing book! I love that although Bri and Jacob start out on the wrong foot, they resolve those issues fairly quickly. Their friendship is adorable, and I laughed out loud throughout the entire book.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Both characters are battling situations in their lives that makes things a bit more difficult. Jacob’s anxiety and Bri’s brother’s illness. Jacob’s brother getting married to his ex and Bri’s divorce. Seeing how they work together through these situations is so uplifting. #couplegoals

And, as always, the secondary characters in Abby Jimenez’s books are phenomenal. It’s always fun trying to figure out who the next book will be about… I have it on good authority Justin’s story is next! Eeeek! I can’t wait.

Abby Jimenez has done it once again! Yours Truly made me laugh and cry.
Brianna is dealing with her divorce and more importantly, her sick brother who desperately needs a new kidney. She is up for a promotion and in walks Jacob. He is a new doctor in the ER and also up for HER promotion. The two immediately bump heads, until he writes her a letter. The gesture completely takes her by surprise and she writes him back. The friendship grows from there. Brianna is jaded from her divorce and Jacob is crippled with anxiety. Yet, they somehow manage to fall in love.
I love that these characters are so REAL. You can easily understand how they are feeling. Some of the material is raw and so relatable.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Abby Jimenez has done it again,. She has written what could possibly be described as the perfect romantic comedy happily ever after. Bri and Jacob's love story is full of heart, intelligence, wit and just the right amount of steam. Fake relationships aren't usually my go-to romantic comedy trope but this version of it feels fresh and, more importantly to me as a reader, REAL. Everything about the relationship between the two main characters feels as though it could actually happen in real life, in the exact way it is written. There is an authenticity to the characters that can be difficult to achieve within the confines of 300ish page book but Abby strikes the right balance between action and character development time and time again in her story telling. I could not recommend this book and all of the other Friend Zone series books more if I tried.
Trigger warning: past infidelity, divorce, severe illness of a family member, descriptions of an anxiety disorder and panic attacks.
As someone who has been diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder, I found it be very refreshing not only how MMC's disorder is described as real medical diagnosis and not just something he needs to get over (complete with accurate coping mechanisms and medication), but also how the disorder doesn't just disappear through the power of love and positive thinking. Thank you for this Abby Jimenez!

Can an author really keep getting better with each book? Abby Jimenez definitely can! I love every single book Abby has released, and I really thought Part of Your World would be the pinnacle and she wouldn't be able to top it. enter Yours Truly.

I loved Briana in Part of Your World, so I was really excited when it was announced that Abby was going to write a book based on her. And I loved that Alexis and Daniel came back for this book, as well as some of the fun characters in Wakan. Briana meets Jacob when she crashes into him, breaks his phone, and Jacob falls in love at first sight. As someone with anxiety, Abby did a great job representing Jacob's anxiety and truly what it's like in some cases. Watching Jacob grow throughout the book, with his anxiety and trusting Briana, was a joy to read. Jacob edged out Daniel and Ali Hazelwood's Adam as my favorite book boyfriend.

I loved Jacob's whole family, even Amy and Jeremiah. I loved how fiercely his family protected him when the Amy and Jeremiah thing happened, and I loved seeing Jacob's selflessness to make sure his brother wasn't completely ostracized from the family. Jacob's selflessness also shined through when he decided to donate his kidney to Bri's brother.

Normally I do not enjoy books where there is major miscommunication that keeps the leads apart, but Abby did this masterfully where it didn't seem to farfetched that the communication was off. And I'm always a sucker for a happy ending! Loved every page of this book, Abby could write a non-fiction book on the mating rituals of dung beetles and she'd probably make it one of my most favorite books. She is definitely an artist of a author the way she brings in humanity, humor, and heart into her books masterfully.