While I found <i>Life's Too Short</i> highly readable in a frothy kind of way, and I zipped right along with it without ever feeling bored, I also had the odd feeling of not at all being the target audience for it. For instance, my sister is a meme fiend and finds Instagram inspirational quotes truly uplifting, whereas I pretty much find them eye-rolling and cavity inducing. <i>Life's Too Short</i> is a giant meme-fest, chock full of truisms and maxims about "living one's best life"! The heroine, Vanessaa, firmly believes she is either dying of a dreadful disease or likely to die within a year of a dreadful disease because family members have succumbed to ALS before their 30th birthday, and so she fills her life with feel-good sayings to carry her through her potential final year of life with as much adventure and joy as possible. There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, but I still ended up feeling like the Grinch while reading this; in short, I found the abundance of positivity here just downright mawkish. To compound my grinchiness, the hero, Adrian, a workaholic control freak attorney, is saved by Vanessa's joie de vivre and is able to become a new man, one who stops and smells the roses, dances in the rain, etc., and even worse, is Stunned by the brilliance of Vanessa's outlook on life. I'm screaming in my head, "Dude, sign up for Instagram or Facebook, or even visit Hallmark, and you too can become besieged with trite gifs and quotes to give you all the banal positivity you can take." A short list of positive insights Vanessa gifted to Adrian:

(1) "life's too short to hate people";
(2) "life is about balance";
(3) "don't dwell on the worst possible outcomes in life";
(4) "live your best life";
(5) "always have something to look forward to";
(6) "take pleasure in the small things in life."

The basic plot of the story is simple. Adrian befriends Vanessa late one night when he is kept awake by a screaming baby in her apartment. Unbeknownst to him at the time, Vanessa isn't a single mom but instead recently took in her drug addict sister's newborn baby and is trying her very best to take care of it under duress. Adrian is a bit of a baby whisperer for unknown reasons and is able to settle the baby right down, and after this one encounter, Vanessa wants to seek him out for friendship. Both are in less than desirable places in their life to get involved romantically, but they are nonetheless drawn to each other and very open to a friendship. My first qualm that things were heading south for me though is in the unlikely closeness they develop immediately. Their simpatico comes dangerously close to instant love, a trope I tend to dislike. I didn't like instant friendship much better here, with the emphasis most definitely on the "instant" aspect. Their actual friendship itself had some endearing moments, but the transition from stranger to friend is missing for me.

But bigger problems quickly emerged for me. The entire story is derailed by Vanessa's obsession with dying, her predilection for finding pithy inspiration everywhere as a coping mechanism, and an incredible number of Issues aside from Vanessa dying, including, a short list that cannot possibly be addressed in one single novel:

ALS;
Drug Addiction;
Hoarding and OCD:
Child Abandonment;
Panic Attacks;
Grief Therapy;
Disability Rights.

I will add too (just because it irked me) that after the baby helped create the initial meeting between Vanessa and Adrian, she was a prop and nothing more. She was often there in the background but completely silent and agreeable. She might as well have been a piece of furniture. While the book suggested early on that it was a story about a woman suddenly submerged into the world of single motherhood and the kind, good-looking neighbor who helps her out, the baby virtually vanishes from the story. The resolution of the ALS plot seemed pretty obvious to me, and yes, pretty superficial.

This is my first Jimenez book and likely my last since I, alas, don't find the writing appealing enough to pursue again.

Vanessa lives each day on her own terms, one day at a time with living every day to the fullest. She has a travel YouTube channel with millions of followers. Then Vanessa finds herself suddenly with custody of her half sisters baby girl. One night Adrian shows up because he can’t sleep from all the crying coming from next door, so he goes to help. The instantly click and become fast friends. They both need to face their deepest fears.
I love these books. The stories always draw me in and I can’t put them down. The author does an amazing job of crafting her stories. I loved how the characters from the past books pop up. It still gives you a brief connection to the last books. I also loved both the characters, how they interacted with each other and the ending was fantastic. I also appreciate when a book makes me stop to think/examine my thoughts and feelings about life and this book did just that. If you loved the other books order this one.

I was hooked from the opening words of this book. Abby Jimenez has a knack for writing books that deal with heavy, hard, sometimes depressing topics while infusing plenty of humor and levity. This book was heartwarming, sad, funny, heart wrenching, tear inducing, and hilarious all at the same time.

I can not recommend this book or this author enough!

This is my second The Friend Zone book, I read The Happily Ever After Playlist in December. Jimenez writes adorable, sassy romances that also include heavy topics like chronic, incurable illness. In “The Friend Zone,” she discussed infertility and in “The Happily Ever After Playlist,” grief. In “Life’s Too Short,” the main character has a 50 percent chance of ALS, her sister struggles with addiction, her dad is a hoarder, and her love interest has anxiety and panic disorder. While this may seem like a lot — it felt very realistic as to what life is like — messy.

Jimenez’s sense of humor and honesty lends to creating engaging, realistic characters and plotlines. I could relate to Adrian’s anxiety and need for control. I envied Vanessa’s zest for life and determination, her unwillingness to compromise her values and morals. And, I thought the meet cute was one of the best I’ve read.

Oh man, this was such a good book! I didn't think it would top my favorite romance novel of last year, Happy Ever After Playlist BUT IT DID. It cut deep, it showed emotion, it had amazing character development, Adrian is book boyfriend GOALS, and the this was probably my favorite couple out of the three in Jimenez's repertoire. I really enjoyed that this wasn't your typical love story, that there was progression, there was raw emotion and struggle that the characters showed to make their relationship work, it took me on a rollercoaster and I loved it.

It’s important that you know I have a new book boyfriend. So, I knew I loved Adrian in The Happy Ever After Playlist, but I love him even more now after reading Life’s Too Short. Abby Jimenez became one of my favorite authors last year when I read the first two books and this new release definitely lived up to my expectations. She’s the Queen of banter, giving her readers all the feels, and writing about sensitive topics with such care. Vanessa & Adrian currently top my list of fave couples. If you haven’t, please pick up this series. Start with The Friend Zone and don’t look back.

Abby Jimenez is now my favorite romance author. This book is in my top 5 favorite contemporary romances along with her other book, The Happy Ever After Playlist. I have started re-recommending that book to everyone in anticipation of this one's release. This book tore me apart and also made me laugh and feel joy. I loved the characters and Harry Puppins. I can't wait for more Abby Jimeniz books. In the meantime, I am enjoying following her on social media where she is very active and hilarious.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever for a copy of Life's Too Short in exchange for my honest review.

Last year with the start of the pandemic my reading went a little crazy. Like many others, my brain didn't know what it could handle. I tried reading books in my "normal" genres but I just couldn't read. Then I picked up The Happy Ever After Playlist and bam I was back into reading. It started the reignition of my love affair with romance novels and I'm so grateful for that.

Abby Jimenez is back with Life's Too Short, which is set in the same universe as her previous novels The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist. I do think it's nice to go into this novel with little information so I'm going to keep it short. Life's Too Short is a friends-to-lovers romance with two neighbors who didn't know about each other, at least on his end, until Vanessa's niece woke up Adrian early one morning. It is set right before and during the holidays in case you need to save something for a little bit of holiday cheer than your typical holiday novel.

I loved the chemistry between the two characters. You could sense the friendship that was developing between the two of them. There were less steamy scenes between Adrian and Vanessa, compared to her previous novels, but it doesn't diminish the love between the two characters. If you miss traveling, who doesn't, you'll live through stories Vanessa shares as she is a travel blogger who also raises awareness for ALS during her travels. The character of Vanessa is based on real-life activist and YouTuber Claire Wineland, who sadly passed away due to cystic fibrosis in 2018.

I use to live in Minnesota and Nebraska so I loved seeing their settings in this novel. It made me reminisce about travels in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and many other places. There is just something about seeing characters from Minnesota and a setting there that makes my heart a little fuller.

My only complaint about the novel is there are a few issues dealing with addiction and mental illness mentioned with Vanessa's family that I wish were explored more. It almost felt like they were just put into the novel to be there but I wanted more.

Overall Life's Too Short is an enjoyable novel and like her previous novel, The Happy Ever After Playlist, each chapter has something unique to add with their titles.

This author has a way of coming at a story. Thought this one has a sad undertone to it, I found parts of it hopeful, and couldn't help but fall in love with Vanessa and Adrian, as they navigate this adventure together.
Though book 1 wasn't for me, this series has come together in a way that is truly amazing.
Please try this author if you haven't.

I've loved every book Abby Jimenez has written. This one is no exception. She is a master at combining tragedy, comedy and romance in one book.
Vanessa is a Youtuber who is genetically predisposed to ALS. She refuses to wallow in self-pity and lives life to it's fullest all while refusing to undergo tests and medical procedures since she is sure it won't give her any more time in this world. She is also supporting her dad, sister & brother while taking care of her niece, Grace.
Adrian (who is Josh's cousin from Friend Zone and went on a date with Sloan in Happy Ever After Playlist) is a lawyer who is a workaholic. He lives for his work until Grace wakes him at 4:00 AM and he heads next door to see if he can help. Against the odds they fall in love but are they prepared for the chance that Vanessa may not live out the year?
I love how the author manages to bring awareness to ALS, anxiety, addiction and mental illness in such a empathetic manner while still retaining the humor and romance in the book. I will continue to add her to my must-read author list and look forward to her next book.

This is truly the best romantic comedy that I've read in years. I love all of her books, but this one is my favorite so far. Many themes in this book are heavier than expected when you pick up a romantic comedy, including addiction, grief, adoption, sibling relationships, fear and anxiety, and living with a fatal disease. The romance is sweet and the writing is very well done. I couldn't stop reading it. I loved every minute.

ALS is a terrible disease and I can’t imagine living with the possibility that you might get it. Vanessa has so much on her shoulders with the looming threat of a disease, her sister’s drug addiction, taking care of her infant niece and dealing with her dad’s hoarding. She is determined to live her life to the fullest but she also expends a lot of energy taking care of and worrying about others. She is an easy character to like and root for.

The friendship and romance with Adrian is enjoyable but I found it hard to believe that he didn’t find out the seriousness of her health situation when it was so readily available.

Overall I would say that I really liked this book, maybe even more than The Happy Ever After Playlist.

I have become a fan of Abby Jimenez after reading The Friend Zone and Happily Ever After Playlist. So I was super excited to read Life's Too Short, especially since it followed the story of Adrian Copeland, who briefly dated Sloane! I fell in love with him right away, and this book did not disappoint! Life's Too Short, touches on some very heavy topics, including ALS, drug addiction, grief, and childhood abandonment. But somehow Abby covers these topics with a light hand. I was completely engrossed in this book and fell in love with Adrian and Vanessa's love story. Right from their crying baby meet-cute! I particularly loved how flawed and real these characters were. Now I will just be here waiting for book 4 from Abby!

I love reading Abby Jimenez! She always takes us on an amazing journey and this book is no different.
I couldn't stop reading it!
Vanessa embraces life and challenges herself everyday. In fact, I want to be more like her!
In contrast, Adrian hides from life behind a pile of high-stress work.
Can two people so opposite in lifestyle fall in love and make it t a HEA?
I had my doubts but the author wouldn't settle for anything but LOVE.
I can't wait for more by Abby Jimenez!!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book by the author and I loved it. Adrian and Vanessa were amazing together, loved their banter and how they were so different. It was a little sad but nothing too extreme which I was thankful for.

I’m a bit conflicted with how it all wrapped up. While I’m glad it was a happy ending, it felt a little too neat for me. But overall I really enjoyed it and will definitely be adding this author to my favorites

Okay, what did I do to Abby Jimenez to make her destroy me in each of her books? As with The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist, Life’s Too Short was an emotional rollercoaster kind of like, you know, real life. At this point, Jimenez is an auto-read author for me and she really delivered once again.

Vanessa is a YouTube star—her travel vlogs and family history of battling ALS have made her famous. However, she has to put down roots to care for her baby niece and ends up living next door to Adrian Copeland—yes, THAT Copeland.

Although we only briefly spend time with the protagonists of the first two Friend Zone books, the heart that Jimenez imbued those books with is clearly present here. Vanessa and Adrian certainly don’t have an easy road, but it was lovely to see them meet each other halfway in terms of how they view and live life. Vanessa is a live each day to the fullest person and Adrian is, uh, not. He’s a workaholic and ever the pragmatist until he meets Vanessa. They really opened each other up to other ways of thinking and being. They also go from friends to lovers in a very charming way—we get a lot of does (s)he like me that way or is just me??

Another perfect contemporary romance from Abby Jimenez. I loved every page of this book. As with her previous two books I laughed and cried and did not want the story to wrap up. I cannot wait for what is next from this author. Thank you for early access to this title.

4 ⭐️ for Life’s Too Short

Pages: 384 pages
Genre: romance
Pace: fast
Pub Date: April 6, 2021

Themes: coping with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), mental illness, addiction, caring for a newborn, forgiving family, living life to the fullest

My thoughts: as you can see from the themes, this book is pretty heavy. It was much more serious than Jimenez’s other two books, and even started on a more serious note, with the couple meeting because of a crying infant in the middle of the night. That said, Jimenez did still incorporate her trademark lightheartedness and there were some hilarious scenes sprinkled in. I loved the dual perspective that alternated from leading lady to leading man, and the romantic buildup was delicious, as always. Because this book was more serious, I do wish some of the details had been more realistic (e.g., why did the leading man have to have a six pack? He was working until midnight every day and co-parenting an infant)! I also got a little tied down in how unrealistic the legal industry was portrayed. BUT, that didn’t stop me from ugly crying my eyes out at the end (I’m serious guys, be prepared for the dam to break while reading this one). I’d say, overall, if you liked Jimenez’s other books, you’ll enjoy this one too. Just be prepared for the more serious tone!

Who should read: fans of Me Before You, In Five Years, the Friend Zone, Happy Ever After Playlist

I’ve been so excited for @authorabbyjimenez new book since I read the Friend Zone on my mini honeymoon in October! She’s also become one of my favorite tiktok accounts to follow. I even preordered a signed copy so that I could get my name in the acknowledgements (photos of that when it arrives)! To say I’m a big fan is an understatement.

I absolutely loved Life’s Too Short, just as expected. This romcom is very quirky and fun and it definitely always make you laugh out loud. Abby always includes a bigger message and the theme of this one that Vanessa, our leading lady, has a high chance of getting ALS due to her family history and so she has decided to live each day like it’s some of her last. This includes hitting on her hot neighbor, Adrian and traveling the world with her huge youtube following.

I just loved how real both of these main characters were, so genuine to themselves, and weren’t afraid to show their flaws. I loved how well everyone treated her father’s mental illness and her sister’s drug issues. Harry Puppins was a great addition to this crew of characters. I laughed many times during this book and that’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from this series.

We're now three for three! Abby Jimenez writes the kind of romance I love and she's given me three books I've absolutely adored. Though I'm not sure she'll ever be able to top 'The Friend Zone' for me, I still loved this one a lot!

If Vanessa had a motto, it would be to live life to the fullest. Take the trip. Go for the experience. She's spent years being a travel blogger/youtuber doing just that. Living each day to the fullest and experiencing new things. Now, she's back in her home state and traveling has halted. Her half-sister has an addiction problem and just left her newborn daughter (Vanessa's niece) with her and took off. It's hard to travel or do much of anything with an infant so she's home for the time being.

Adrian Copeland is an attorney and Vanessa's next door neighbor. He works too much and doesn't spend his days living life to the fullest... he spends them in his office. When Adrian meets Vanessa and becomes friends with her, his life changes.

Adrian realizes there are things much more important than his job. And though Vanessa is just his friend, sparks start to fly. He can't imagine a day without Vanessa or her niece. They become a found family of sorts. The found family troupe is one I adore, but I also loved the complex stories of Adian and Vanessa's real families.

I loved both of the main characters in this story so much. Vanessa was incredible and inspiring and Adrian was so easy to fall for. There were times towards the end I wanted to yell at him, but I could sympathize what he was going through and the shock of it all. The very end left the biggest smile on my face. Vanessa and Adrian's story was so wonderful.

Abby Jimenez has this way of writing that completely draws you in. This is an unputdownable story that will make you laugh, make you cry, make you swoon, and keep a huge smile on your face. I love books that make me look inside and think of my life and of course books that make me feel. This had the feels in spades, but also was lighthearted at the same time. A great balance. This was another stellar romance from Jimenez and I highly recommend checking it out!