Rating: 5 Stars
Published: April 1, 2025
Pages: 416
Genre: Romance
This is one of my most anticipated books of the year, so I was waiting desperately for its release. Abby is one of my favorite authors and her books are auto buys for me or rather always pre-ordered long before they are released.
The story follows Xavier and Samatha who meet at Xavier’s veterinary clinic and instantly have a connection. On their first date, Samantha tells Xavier she is leaving Minnesota and moving permanently to Califonia. Although they both feel strongly about each other despite the fact they barely know themselves well, she decides that exploring a relationship would not work so it would be best to sever contact after that day. After trying to hold it in for weeks, Xavier damns the consequences, calls Samantha and they begin this painful long-distance relationship with no future in sight. Samantha and Xavier are both tied on each end with family issues and financial constraints that make it impossible for either of them to move and stay in the same city and as time goes by, they begin to wonder if all they are doing is worth it at all. The story explores themes such as the stress long distance relationships put on dating couples and the issues that are not usually discussed around this such as financial and emotional strain, caring for loved ones with dementia, loss, and fighting for love.
This was another page turner. I went through the book and wanted more. I loved Samantha and Xavier’s love story for several reasons but the one that stood out for me was the fact that the author did not throw in the usual ex who comes in to cause a miscommunication between the couple and they will then fight over the issue. I loved the fact that it felt very relatable and realistic especially as they were both honest about their financial situations and how it was impossible for them to move either way. There was also the part of taking care of a parent with dementia and how that takes a toll on a family no matter how much they want to care for the person. Coincidentally, I have experienced both the long-distance relationship bit and caring for a family member with dementia, so the story made me feel very seen and I can say here that the author did very well at capturing the emotions around both topics. There were also important other sub-themes such as child abuse, kindness, true friendships, and some others which made the story richer but most importantly, the way Xavier demonstrated his love and commitment to Samantha takes him up to number one on the list of book boyfriends. Lastly, the fact that her books are mostly always set in Minnesota is normally the icing on the cake because I can visualize the story in my head which makes it realer than real (laughs) and the Jon Secada song – Just Another day which Samatha played in the car after she picked up Xavier from the airport brought back fond memories taking me back to the 90s when I used to play this song and others alike. I had to stop reading the book at that point and listened to the song before going back in. It made the experience richer and more memorable.
I really enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend to all romance lovers. Based on the themes, there are some trigger warnings as the author clearly stated at the beginning of the book so check that out before you dive into it.
See you on the next one.
The Author:
Abby Jimenez is a Food Network winner and USA Today best selling author with her hit debut novel The Friend Zone. She founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and has amassed an international cult following. Abby’s wry literary wit was spotlighted as the admin behind the hilarious viral comments on the now famous Nadia Cakes Vageode ® cake. Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.
Copyright © Biyai Garricks
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Biyai Garricks, rovingbookwormng.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Discover more from Biyai Garricks
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.