Love love love this fake dating turned real dating trope from Jimenez! Two ER docs who are very different and with their own traumas come together in this delightful story filled with a cast of zany side characters and charm. I would read more about this family all day!

I haven't met an Abby Jimenez book that I didn't love. Yours Truly has amazing anxiety representation and a sweet slow-burn, fake-dating relationship where the main characters support each other and overcome the baggage their exes left them with. As always, Jimenez writes about serious issues and relationships while still including plenty of dialogue and personality to make you laugh!

"Yours Truly" is a lovely, emotional, slow burn. Briana and Jacob are easy to root for, relatable, and the build to their romance is swoon worthy. This book had great potential to devolve into an irksome, soapy, will-they-won't-they dynamic, but Abby Jimenez managed to find the sweet spot with this story.

Characters are dynamic, story memorable, and "Yours Truly" ticks all the boxes:
Funny ✅️
Dynamic ✅️
Lovely, enchanting slow burn ✅️
Heartbreaking ✅️
Feel good ✅️

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC; opinion is my own..

Alright, it’s official. Abby Jimenez must have some kind of romance-writer magic in her. There’s no other way to explain how she manages to write this kind of perfection time and again. I’m completely in awe–for the fifth time, mind you. Every single one of her books is filled to the brim with a level of heartfelt substance that you just won’t find anywhere else. Unsurprisingly, Yours Truly completely blew me away.

Let’s start with the fact that the book opens with a note from the author that includes content warnings and directs readers to her book’s webpage where you can learn more. This is huge for me as a sensitive reader. I felt like I was going into the story with my eyes wide open, prepared for the topics covered, rather than blindsided by something that may have negatively affected me. Each and every challenging element was handled with a kind of delicacy and grace that put me at ease.

Abby has never shied away from difficult material. She dives head-first into the stickiest parts of relationships, the grittiest mental health struggles, the struggles faced by those with chronic or terminal illnesses, and so much more. Each time I read one of her novels, I feel like I learn something new about myself and my personal battles–or I learn about matters that others around me have faced. It gives me a fresh perspective and I’m so thankful for that.

Yours Truly was no different. ER doctor Brianna (Bri) Ortiz is about to have her divorce finalized after learning her husband cheated on her with a friend for several years. She’s also trying to take care of her younger brother, Benny, who desperately needs a kidney transplant and can’t find a donor match no matter what they try. She’s fed up with men and life and wants to throw herself into a higher position at the hospital she’s worked at for years. Then along comes Dr. Jacob Maddox, a new doctor who manages to get on her bad side more times than he should in the first few days on the job. When he writes her a letter (an actual paper and pen letter) to apologize and explain how his social anxiety really gets in the way, things begin to shift.

The story goes quickly from heavy frustration to fake dating to lust to… a heck of a lot of confusion. I don’t mean the story itself is confusing, so much as the characters are confused. The internal monologues begin to drive them both a bit mad. It’s intense and emotional and so, so well written. I can honestly say that it made me tear up on more than one occasion. I had trouble putting the book down because I was desperate to know what would happen next. It surprised me with how unpredictable it was at times. Normally, I feel like I know how a romance novel is going to play out, but Yours Truly was a fresh take.

In the acknowledgments, Abby credits the help of so many healthcare professionals who helped her navigate both the physical and mental aspects of the book. You can really tell how much their insight benefitted the story because it was almost painfully relatable at times. I’m really thankful that she also had sensitivity readers. These seemingly small things make for a winning novel.

There’s not a doubt in my mind that this will be a book I read time and again. It was an immediate favorite–you can tell by how often I was highlighting my eARC! This is definitely a book you’ll want to pick up right away. It’s going to blow you away.

[Content Warnings: (major) Injury/injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Infidelity, and Sexual content, (moderate) Medical content, Cursing, Vomit, and Miscarriage | Author’s content warnings: Chronic kidney disease, divorced main character whose ex husband cheated, depression, clinical anxiety, and mention of pregnancy loss and suicide.]

Holy macaroni, did I adore this book.

Two doctors that start out on the wrong foot, and freshly out of failed relationships, come together in this delightful second chance romance that highlights the life changing difference of organ donation.

Jimenez is funny. A quality hard to find, I am here to tell you that she'll make you snort. The story offered a full range of emotion. Equal parts serious and fun, it had me laughing and crying. It was such a treat for my Sunday reading. My only disappointment was that it did not go on - I want to experience it again.

As an anxious soul, I wanted to take myself into Jacob's plant room and write all day. His experience with anxiety could have been a journal of my life. Right down to the intimate details of working a high-pressure job (barrister and solicitor, at your service) while simultaneously having anxiety. I am happiest when lost in my focus. When my mental energy has a purpose and I can disappear into a task. It's when I am not busy, that I need to get creative (hello - writing). From medication to a tendency to avoid group anything, I needed a character like Jacob.

Bri and Jacob's connection / love story felt like a blanket for the soul, and corny as it may be, I am still so grateful that I found mine. That person that gives you a sense of calm that you struggle to generate on your own. It's a true gift and Jimenez's ability to translate that feeling onto paper was superb. All the stars for this special rom-com.

So, do you all remember how Daniel from Part of Your world became everyone’s favorite book boyfriend? Well, ladies, get ready to meet Dr. Jacob.
Abby Jimenez sure knows how to write a good man!
I am not exaggerating when I say this but Dr. Jacob may be the sweetest, kindest, most perfect man to ever exist on a book page. He is also very easy on the eye and has a three-legged rescue dog named… are you ready for this?… Lieutenant Dan. (“But you ain’t got no legs, Lieutenant Dan.”)
Daniel, Alexis, and even our pig named Kevin Bacon make cameo appearances, and all of them together on one page is a recipe for a good mood.
This book is a delicate mixture of heartbreak (trigger warnings include: anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and others) and easy lightheartedness. And the author weaves them together expertly and sensitively to bring us an epitome of kindness and goodness and thoughtfulness and selflessness and love. Highly, highly recommend.

It has become tradition to wrap up my reading year with an Abby Jimenez new release and the problem with that is that the books don’t get added to either this year or next year’s best of lists! And I love her books so much. This one is about Briana, who expects the worst and is afraid to trust men, and Jacob, who deals with anxiety. This is a fake dating story, which I love, but it also relied on a miscommunication trope, which I don’t love. A subplot of the book is Briana’s brother’s kidney disease and the fact that Jacob is his perfect match. This was based on Abby’s own kidney issues, which is revealed in the author’s note. Even though I don’t love miscommunication, this book made me both laugh and cry and was the perfect way to end a year of reading.

Abby Jimenez's books have become a one-click for me. I love that she can have me in hysterics one minute and hysterically crying in the next and this book was no exception.

Prepare yourselves for a slooooow burn. They're into each other, but both think there are reasons the other isn't into them for more than friendship (lots of miscommunication), so it takes a while for them to come to their senses.

I loved the epistolary element in the book. As someone who deals with mild anxiety, sometimes it's easier to get my feelings out on paper better than in person and I could empathize with Jacob and appreciated the care taken with his character.

As always, it's fun to meet up with past characters and see Nadia Cakes references.

Overall, I loved this book. The only thing keeping me from rating it 5 stars is my personal feelings on a couple of things, one that is triggering to me, near the end of the book, but I still enjoyed the book immensely.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars

Five glowing stars to this heartfelt, devastating, perfect romance book. I die for Jacob and Briana. It doesn't hurt that it has my favorite trope (fake relationship turns real).

I feel like every time Abby comes out with a new book, it becomes my favorite from her. This one was no different! I honestly loved it so much!

This book centers around Bri and Jacob, who are ER doctors. Bri was a side character in Part of Your World. I loved her that book and love her even more now.

I absolutely love Jacob! I one thousand percent agree with Bri that he needs to be protected at all costs. He was the best combination of sweet and adorably awkward. I related to his anxieties some what, and it just made me love him more.

I loved the friendship that they found and how they were great their relationship was even when they were just fake dating. Bri was so sweet with how she would do things just to make Jacob feel comfortable.

I feel like the book dealt with social anxiety in a real, relatable way. Overall, I loved it, and it's definitely going to be a top read for me this year!

Initial reaction: This book is everything!!! I laughed, I cried! Abby's personal story at the end sent me over the edge. So amazing!!

Piling on: While I took my time reading this (believe me I wanted to inhale it), I found myself waking up thinking about the story and the characters. I truly missed them even as I purposely prolong the reading experience. I had to give myself breaks when my emotions were high (which was often), and cherish the happy times. I felt connected to both Brianna and Jacob for various personality traits and empathized with them. But top of mind is how Abby showed their vulnerabilities with grace and, at times, humor.

I am telling all my friends and family that this is a #mustread, that Abby is a #mustread author, and that this is definitely in my top ten all-time favorite books. This is the second book by Abby that I've read (Part of Your World hit me just like YT - heart palpitations, tears, and giddiness) and I'm now listening to The Friend Zone series.

This is a rare #5+++Star read for me.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Wowow, there's nothing like a stunningly heartfelt book that makes you silently weep on a Sunday morning! I've read all of Jimenez's books so far, and I have to say this was one of my favourites by far! It was just so heartfelt and I really, truly believed in the characters and their respective journeys. I think one of Jimenez's strengths is in her character writing/development, I fell in love with both Bri, Jacob, and heir families. 'Yours Truly," follows Bri (a side character from her previous book 'Part of Your World,') who is recovering from a nasty divorce and helping her brother in his battle against a chronic illness, and Jacob, a new ER doctor at her hospital, who deals with crippling social anxiety and a recent breakup. Its the perfect friends-fake dating-lovers book for your cozy Sunday morning.
As my coworker Cassidy said about the previous novel, this is something we all love and need more of, #smutwithsubstance.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Abby Jimenez, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Have you ever read a book that just touches your soul? abby jimenez writes some of my favorite romances and this one has stolen the spot as my favorite. Reading Jacob & Bri’s story was so special aka grab this book when it’s out. Here are just some of the reasons I loved this story:

•fake dating, AMAZING characters, anxiety rep, handwritten letters, pets!!!

Now onto my my love for the characters:

The anxiety representation in this book touched my soul on a deep and personal level. I loved that we see this in Jacobs story. He is sweet, vulnerable, compassionate, and anxious. His inner dialogue was incredible: you really see the daily struggles of anxiety. Jacob is the definition of a caring man. His letters touched my heart and he has a dog that he loves so much

Bri, after meeting her in part of your world I was thrilled we were getting her story! She is funny, strong, selfless, and emotional. (Older sister/younger brother was so fun to read about)

Jacob and Bri deserve the world. It’s been a few days and I have yet to stop thinking about this story. This won’t be the last time I rave about this book.

Thank you to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for the advanced copy

If it's weird to want to live in a book world filled with amazing characters, I don't want to be normal. Abby Jimenez has hit it out of the park with yet another fabulous five-star read.

In the aftermath of her messy divorce, ER doctor Brianna Ortiz has little time for herself, much less dating. Between long hours at the hospital and caring for her ailing brother, who desperately needs a new kidney, Bri is the epitome of a stressed-out mess. When a new doctor arrives on the scene, the pair strike up a charming and unlikely correspondence—through handwritten letters. It turns out he’s a match for the kidney…and he just happens to need a date for his brother’s wedding. Unlike most “fake dating” tropes, this one has depth, emotion, and plenty of heartwarming moments that will give you alllll the feels. Try Jimenez’s other books in the series, The Friend Zone, The Happy Ever After Playlist, Life’s Too Short, and Part of Your World, before this one hits the shelves in April.

Briana’s divorce is days from being finalized. Her brother’s kidneys are failing and he anxiously awaits a donor match. Her promotion to be lead ER doctor at the hospital she has dedicated herself to for the last decade has been postponed. Anything else? Oh, right, Briana is living in the crumbling home she grew up in with ugly shag carpet and childhood posters staring her down. In walks Dr. Jacob Maddox. He just transferred from Memorial West, is ridiculously handsome and out for HER promotion. One mishap after another has Briana and her staff keeping as far away as possible from Dr. Death aka the new guy. Until one day Jacob writes Briana a letter. In pen! On Paper! Jacob has been misunderstood. His severe panic attacks keep him at arms length, prevent him from the typical social interactions one might expect. He is smart and warm and kind to the patients and in no way wants Briana’s job, although he is beginning to enjoy her attention. Jacob has recently suffered his own horrible uncoupling. He now needs a pretend girlfriend for an upcoming wedding to get his meddlesome family off his back. They begin a shockingly easy friendship. Briana calms him, understands him. Jacob makes her feel safe. While neither could have imagined a new relationship so soon after heartbreak they may be the solution to both their problems. Wonderful romcom filled with adorable characters and an abundance of life lessons. This follow up to Part of Your World is a spring must read.

As always, awesome book that I finished in 1 day! You really feel like you are a part of the story and friends with the characters the way Abby writes her books!

Abby Jimenez DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!!

Yours truly starts off with Briana, a newly divorcee and ER nurse. In comes Jacob and they did not meet on the best foot. Then Jacob writes a letter to Briana to best explain what happened and this begins our story.

This book was more than a romance. It deals with anxiety, divorce, illness and a whole lot more. The story was so good and impactful! I highly suggest reading the authors note at the end, I fill out sobbed!

Fantastic book! 10/10 would recommend!

rating: 4.5/5 ~~~~~

Wow. I truly did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did but I absolutely loved it! Abby Jimenez's writing is what I would describe as wholesome, mature, romantic, flirty, and just altogether like a warm hug. The characters in this book were so special to me, and Jacob especially was a refreshing male mc to read about. As an anxious girly myself, being in Jacob's POV felt so comforting and understanding, and I found myself relating to him in more ways than one. Bri as our female mc is strong and caring and I love how headstrong she is when she cares about something/someone. Dual POV in romance books is starting to turn into an absolute necessity for me. I think in this book specifically if we didn't have Jacob's POV, I would not have enjoyed it as much because Jacob's personality is on the introverted side so reading from his perspective really helped.

Quick little synopsis: Our characters Briana and Jacob first meet when Jacob transfers into the same ER as Bri. Bri's divorce is just about finalized and her little brother is suffering from kidney problems when she runs head into Jacob, who is dealing with his ex-girlfriend and young brother's recent engagement. Although their first meeting is a little rocky the two soon start to form a friendship through letters and texts.

Overall: I think if you're a fan of dual POV, friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, and forced proximity this is the book for you! This is also a companion novel to Part of Your World as our mc in this book is best friends with Alexis. I really enjoyed the pace of the book, the characters, and the overall vibe. I think the only thing keeping me from giving it a 5 is my personal feelings on fake-dating and Bri's stubbornness but I still really loved this book.

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for letting me review this arc!

This is my favorite of all the books Abby Jimenez has written. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. Excellent depiction of anxiety.

I will absolutely be bringing this title to my store when it releases, we will feature in our May window for summer reading!

This was not-too-steamy romance held my interest...for the most part. I'll ready any/all stories with a fake dating plot point but I start to get impatient when a miscommunication is thrown into the mix. The sad and serious moments were balanced out with a few laugh-out-loud scenes, but in the end there wasn't enough substance for me.