This was my first Abby Jiminez book, and now I'm about to dig through all of my packed books so I can find my others by her. This book was so sweet and gentle and also completely ripped my heart out. The things poor Sam went through in such a short amount of time...heartbreaking. Xavier was... everything. He is literally the perfect man. He's what every tired woman wants. Safety, dependability, and caring. 'Give up everything for you' kind of love. Thank you SO MUCH @netgalley for this eARC, I'm so thankful for netgalley!

I’ll start by saying I am a fan of this author’s other work and have rated all her other books above 4⭐️.

I typically find her books to have in-depth characters, well-researched & meaningful inclusion of emotional & physical traumas, great banter, and wonderful nonromantic relationships.

This lacked so many of the aspects I’ve come to love and enjoy in the author’s other work and overall was a huge letdown.

This book is for fans of insta-love, those who don’t mind an excessive amount of pop culture references and cheesy humor, and who like their happily ever afters to be grand gesture + unbelievable luck created perfection.

What I did enjoy…
● There are a handful of funny moments and while I’m not in love with the excessive dad jokes I did giggle some.
● Grandma - she is the best character imo
● The viral video and specifically the families reaction to it.
● Family dynamics and representation of early onset dementia although I will say I think the family was super irresponsible caring for the mother at the beginning of the book
● I think the book’s prose improved vastly in the last 30%


Things I did not enjoy
● Insta-love to the max
While I think it is possible for strong feelings to develop quickly in the way they did in this book, we don’t actually see much of the two MCs together or their feelings or relationship developing. It makes it very difficult to relate to or understand the relationship.
● This book is severely lacking in tension/angst/chemistry between the two characters
Aside from being told how they feel about each other we are not SHOWN any of these feelings.
● On that subject there was an exorbitant amount of TELLING and a dismal amount of SHOWING.
I knew how the MCs felt bc the author told us its how they felt, not because she showed us these feelings
● The prose in this book is the author’s choppiest yet
Look, the author isn’t know for their eloquent and lyrical writing and that is OK, I like simple basic writing most of the time. But this book? it was choppy. so choppy. the choppiest. Sentences felt stunted. the sheer number of periods. it was outrageous. too much. I couldn’t handle it.
● The two POVs were nearly indistinguishable.
I can’t count the number of times I had to double check which POV I was currently in so that I could understand who was feeling what.
the only difference between the two POVs was the name at the beginning of the chapter and the change from he/she said
● These MCs felt flat
see above, it was hard to distinguish between the two voices and that is largely because these characters had nothing but their physical appearance and past/current trauma to tell them apart.
● Personally, I found the FMC insufferable
She was rude to her family, especially her brother. Rude to the MC - excuse me but I think going on a date with someone when (view spoiler)
● Speaking of the MC’s - I found it hard to believe they were in their late 20s and acting this way
also both of them desperately needed to be in therapy and I am so surprise that they weren’t…
● Least favorite abby book boyfriend to date
● I am ALL for trauma in my books, I joke that I prefer my romances with a side of trauma - I think (usually) it adds emotional depth and complexity to the characters, it makes them feel real and relatable. BUT….
I did not think the onslaught at the end was needed, nor do I think it added to the overall story
● Maybe its just me but that ending was just ridiculous
I like a cheesy perfect happy ending as much as the next person but this required a strong dose of delulu to believe.
(view spoiler)

Now what I call “how to alienate a group of readers while doing a really poor job at describing the physical appearance of your MMC 101”
AKA the use of ACOTAR references to describe the physical appearance of the MC
● first, I dislike very specific pop culture references within books to begin with. I think it dates a book, and also it assumes that the reader understands them. As someone that does not keep up with trends, celebrities, or pop culture this alienates me as a reader and forces me out of the story.
● secondly, even if you do not agree that SJM and ACOTAR are problematic there is a whole massive group of people that do. By including references like this in a book you are essentially telling a whole group of people their feelings and opinions are invalid. - On the other hand not including these references offends/hurts no one.

On the subject of insensitivity…
● I think the FMC using the phrase “fucked off back to his motherland” in reference to Omar is questionable at best and straight up racist at worst.
● While I’m at it I strongly dislike that the abusive and alcoholic character in the book’s career is… surprise surprise, military - this isn’t the first time I’ve been uncomfortable with Abby Jimenez’s portrayal of individuals in the military, something tells me it won’t be the last.

I am aware that occasionally changes are made from advance reader copy to final print (we all make mistakes). Rest assured I am eager to remove these critiques should the publisher and author make changes to the final copy.

Overall this certainly wasn’t a BAD book, but it was a complete let down when compared to this author’s other books. Maybe it’s not fair to rate it compared to her other books, but it’s my goodreads so I’ll do what I want. 😝


Thank you NetGalley and Forever Publishing for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This was a slow one to get into, but by the end I was crying. A typical Abby book that does follow a formula, but in the best way.

this book was so funny I really enjoyed that part. I loved the family dynamics and how they cared for one another. The romance was beautiful. I did feel like the couple was in an impossible situation and it was really hard for me to accept the solution that was provided. I do realize that the theme of doing anything for the person you loved was important here but it just seemed like a lot. I also feel like the FMC becoming the mom’s main caregiver was a lot. I also hated what the dad was doing. I still really loved the characters and wish I loved the ending more,

I love Abby Jimenez. If you like a nice romance with great characters and a good plotline, you can't go wrong with this book! I really did enjoy it. Her character development is second to none. So sweet and so romantic!

Such a sweet love story of a long distance relationship. The two meet in a quickly their first date turns into a long date from the early evening into the early morning. Their first date had such an impact on him that when he finds out that she is moving 2,000 miles away, he will find any excuse to see her. They eventually decide to try long distance, but of course it is difficult and there are so many obstacles that get in their way. But, in the end they have a happily ever after. Such a sweet book and love conquers all.

Just wow! Abby Jimenez has become my go-to author! She never, ever disappoints! I read this book in five hours because I could not put it down! Jimenez does an incredible job connecting you to characters and pulling at your heartstrings. I will highly recommend this book!

Another heartfelt book from Abby Jimenez. I'm always nervous to read a book from an author I love, like what if this one isn't as good? But this book immediately sucked me in and I read over half of it in one sitting. The writing is effortless to read and made me DNF another book I've been trying so hard to slog through. THIS is how reading for fun should be. So so enjoyable.

When Samantha adopts a kitten, she takes it to the vet to get it looked at. She's surprised when he's one of the hottest men she's ever seen. But he's a total asshole and she lets him know it when he tells her the kitten has a birth defect that she won't survive without a 15-20k surgery and she needs to put her down. Samantha refuses and insists she can raise the money on GoFundMe.

Xavier loves his job as a vet but isn't a fan of people. He's not great at small talk and has a bit of a RBF, but he's a softie at heart. He has a complicated past with unsupportive and abusive parents and his circle of friends is small but like family now. It's a bit of a grumpy/sunshine vibe but more misunderstood male.

When Samantha brings her cat back to the clinic for a checkup, Xavier admits he was wrong thinking she couldn't raise the money for the surgery and is happy to see her back. The chemistry between them is off the charts and he asks her out.

My synopsis doesn't do it justice, just read it. You're going to love it.

Trigger warning: dementia, memory loss

Thank you to netgalley for a copy to enjoy.

I've really enjoyed the rest of Jimenez's books, but this one was different and ultimately not for me. Despite the trigger warnings provided, I was not prepared for the level of tragedy and trauma. In my opinion, it was overkill. The happy ending didn't make up for how horribly the main characters suffered. I will continue to read Jimenez works, this one just wasn't for me.

Abby Jimenez is an auto-read author for me. I have such an appreciation for the careful way she weaves romance stories, and this one was superbly done. The character growth is steady and believable, the conflicts are present but not overwhelming, and the plot is conflated just enough to create tension. There's hopefulness even in the sorrow. I can't imagine anyone not rooting for Samantha and Xavier. I sobbed no less than 5 times, but as Harry Styles once said, I was "crying... in a cool way." I will be recommending this book to everyone who appears remotely interested in romance.

A very sad romance from one of my favorite authors. I usually love her books, but this one felt very one-note. Samantha’s chapters only ever lamented about her mother’s dementia and Xavier’s chapters about money and his parents. The small bits about their romance and their friends and families were great as usual for AJ, but it was just too overall sad and depressing.

What a great little love story! This is the first book I’ve read by Abby Jimenez, and I enjoyed it so much I finished it in two days. The snarky dialogue made me laugh out loud SO many times, and the emotional moments brought tears to my eyes. This is a funny yet moving story about a family dealing with dementia, and Xavier is an admirable hero you can’t help but swoon over. Samantha is a down-to-earth and relatable heroine, and she’s also someone to admire. I would highly recommend Say You’ll Remember Me to everyone. It was a nice little break from historical fiction for me, and I look forward to reading more of Jimenez’s work in the future.

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.)

Abby Jimenez gets better and better with each book. I always come away after reading thinking the characters are my wannabe friends! Free up a weekend and read this book!!

I had such a love/hate relationship with this one and it took me some time to get myself to the finish line.
I adored the family storyline and reading about the ups and downs of them trying to care for their mother with dementia, however the romance mixed in fell flat in some ways.
It almost felt like majority of the book was the main characters crying about how they can't see each other everyday, which is fine!! However I felt it took away from a lot of the plot line with her family.
Also some of the tik tok meme references got kinda annoying after a while, and made me groan a bit every-time one happened.
However I loved Xavier and Samantha, I could feel the chemistry between the two right from the start, I only wish we took a deeper dive into Xavier's past with his parents, all we got was one measly scene with them, in which they could've been used as a more bigger role in the plot instead I ended up just not caring so much about his past as they were kinda just one offs in my opinion.
Overall not my favorite Abby Jimenez book, however it still has some charm!

Abby is one of my absolute favorite authors and is an amazing person. Every book she writes leaves me smiling, laughing, and feeling a romantic vibe. I loved these characters. My heart broke for Samantha - I've worked in a nursing home and with dementia patients - it's heart breaking watching someone you love disappear inside themselves. The unexplainable pull Xavier feels for her is beautiful, and I love that he's willing to make a grand gesture.

I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, but I think it's best to just tell you to read it yourself and feel what I felt!

Something about this book missed for me. Having personal experience with a family member having a memory degenerative disease, I can understand how our main character is feeling but I don’t feel I connected to the main character. Also, it felt like the main character just kept getting dumped on. First her mom, then her relationship struggles, then family member passing, and to top it all of losing her job… this all felt like she kept getting dumped on over and over and she couldn’t catch a break. I also think the pacing threw me off, there were so many time jumps which I know is supposed to make you feel the way the characters feel not seeing each other for long periods of time but I wish we would have gotten some more in between moments so we could connect to the characters individually as well as them in the relationship. I don’t know, this book just wasn’t for me. I still want to read more Abby Jimenez, this one just wasn’t my book.

A big thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this advanced copy to review

Abby Jimenez does it again. I was kicking my feet and giggling within the first few chapters. I love how Abby is able to write about the hard topics while also making you feel hopeful.

LOVED this book. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advanced copy. Abby Jimenez is a fantastic author and I do not get tired of her books, her writing. Loved this story--humorous, hopeful, real and charming. Hot and romantic while being utterly cute. All that was missing was more dogs and cats.

Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for a ebook copy for review.

I didn’t think I’d find another book to absolutely bawl my eyes out to, but this one completely wrecked me in the best way possible. It’s one of those stories that feels so deeply personal, like Abby somehow peeked into my life and wrote down all the feelings and experiences I thought no one else could understand. I’ve never felt more SEEN.

The romance in this book is everythinggg - heartfelt, tender, and so achingly real. It’s the epitome of “right person, wrong time.” The connection between the main characters is undeniable, but the sacrifices they have to make for themselves, for their families, and for each other create this heartbreaking tension that had me rooting for them and crying for them at the same time. It’s not just about falling in love but about what you’re willing to give up and fight for when life doesn’t go according to plan.

What makes this story so powerful is how relatable and raw it feels. The characters’ struggles—whether in their relationships, their dreams, or their personal battles—were so easy to connect to. At times, I felt like I was reading parts of my own life. And Abby balances it all so perfectly with humor that feels natural and never forced. One minute, I was laughing out loud, and the next, I was clutching the book and ugly crying over a single line that hit way too close to home.

If you’ve ever been through a love that feels impossible but inevitable, or if life has ever forced you to choose between your heart and your circumstances, this book will hit you hard. It’s relatable, emotional, funny, and so beautifully written that it’ll stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Abby Jimenez has truly outdone herself with this one.

This book was a little too cheesy and pop culture referency for me, but I can see why people would love this author. She does a good job of combining heart with her cute love stories.