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Part of Your World #1
Part of Your World
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2022)After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.
While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.
Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?
The New York Times bestselling author of Life's Too Short delivers a refreshingly modern fairy tale perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry.
While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.
Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?
The New York Times bestselling author of Life's Too Short delivers a refreshingly modern fairy tale perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Emily Henry.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 19, 2022
About the author
Abby Jimenez
9 books34.5k followersAbby Jimenez is a Food Network winner, New York Times best selling author, and recipient of the 2022 Minnesota Book Award for her novel Life's Too Short. Abby founded Nadia Cakes out of her home kitchen back in 2007. The bakery has since gone on to win numerous Food Network competitions and, like her books, has amassed an international following.
Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.
Abby loves a good romance, coffee, doglets, and not leaving the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32,590 reviews
February 7, 2024
I’m just slapping my head so hard! Why the hell did I wait too long to jump into this MARVELOUS JOURNEY! I’m telling you my friends: this is the BEST ABBY JIMENEZ BOOK! Absolutely her best work!
I cried and laughed so much and sometimes I did it at the same time! The book brings out so many different you buried inside and help you set them free!
A workaholic, responsible ER doctor’s path crosses accidentally with a small town mayor: when her car stuck in a ditch: blame it on mischievous raccoon!
Alexis: coming her ultra wealthy family who are world-renowned surgeons, differentiating her path by becoming an ER doctor. At age 37, she suffered enough from emotional, verbal, physical abuse of her ex and her own family.
By a car accident, she finds herself in a small town Wakanda forever ( okay, I wrote it to check if you are still reading me!) correct name is : Wakan.
Daniel: who saves Alexis from ditch, caring sweetheart and definitely dreamy book boyfriend! Yeap, he’s younger than her, mayor of town, efficient carpenter, running her grandparents’ B&B. The guy checks all the boxes! I don’t know how Abby Jimenez creates the best hero characters in her books. Each one of them are exceptional. And luckily this time Alexis is also easy to roof for with her resilience, honesty, genuineness.
As long as Alexis spends her time in that small town, taking a break for her responsibilities, extra busy schedule, burdens from past, she realizes she can find the happiness at a place with a man she never imagined before.
I have to admit some parts of the book truly hurt me: reading about traumatic experience Alexis has been through was really painful. I got so sad, angry, heartbroken. The angsty part was truly realistic, hard to digest!
But like a sun coming out of the clouds: the sweet and promising love story of the book warmed my heart!
I love this book so much! I am absolutely giving my five small town, amazingly adorable hero, second chances, emotional stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever ( Grand Central Publishing) for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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I cried and laughed so much and sometimes I did it at the same time! The book brings out so many different you buried inside and help you set them free!
A workaholic, responsible ER doctor’s path crosses accidentally with a small town mayor: when her car stuck in a ditch: blame it on mischievous raccoon!
Alexis: coming her ultra wealthy family who are world-renowned surgeons, differentiating her path by becoming an ER doctor. At age 37, she suffered enough from emotional, verbal, physical abuse of her ex and her own family.
By a car accident, she finds herself in a small town Wakanda forever ( okay, I wrote it to check if you are still reading me!) correct name is : Wakan.
Daniel: who saves Alexis from ditch, caring sweetheart and definitely dreamy book boyfriend! Yeap, he’s younger than her, mayor of town, efficient carpenter, running her grandparents’ B&B. The guy checks all the boxes! I don’t know how Abby Jimenez creates the best hero characters in her books. Each one of them are exceptional. And luckily this time Alexis is also easy to roof for with her resilience, honesty, genuineness.
As long as Alexis spends her time in that small town, taking a break for her responsibilities, extra busy schedule, burdens from past, she realizes she can find the happiness at a place with a man she never imagined before.
I have to admit some parts of the book truly hurt me: reading about traumatic experience Alexis has been through was really painful. I got so sad, angry, heartbroken. The angsty part was truly realistic, hard to digest!
But like a sun coming out of the clouds: the sweet and promising love story of the book warmed my heart!
I love this book so much! I am absolutely giving my five small town, amazingly adorable hero, second chances, emotional stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever ( Grand Central Publishing) for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
medium.com
May 18, 2023
dnf @ 59%
i really tried to finish this book, like it had so much potential to be good bc the ratings are so high but i felt it was about to put me back into a slump bc of how boring it was and the fmc was unbearable!! she treats daniel like a child bc he is 28?? um, he literally knows more than you do so pipe down, he’s not that young. and also, how does she have a medical degree but is so helpless with life - she didn’t even know what a fkn broom was!! the mmc literally had to show her how to clean and cook like BFFR RN- she didn’t know what a breaker was, couldn’t make her own coffee and doesn’t know how to peel potatoes.. but calls her friends privileged?? YOU GREW UP WEALTHY LITERALLY STFU!! LIKE GIRLLL YOURE ALMOST 38 AND CANT DO DAY TO DAY NECESSITIES AND CANT EVEN STAND UP FOR YOURSELF TO YOUR SHITTY TOXIC PARENTS AND EX BF - alexis, i hope you go broke and i’m stealing daniel from you bc you don’t deserve him you ungrateful witch 😭 but honestly, i feel like i read a completely different book to everyone else lmaoo.
— ok but mostly, i hated how they got together so early on in the book, like they have sex in chapter 4.. they’ve probably known each other for like an hour at this point and she was going on how she won’t sleep w him bc she doesn’t do ONS but then BOOM, she has sex w him like girl bffr pls you’re draining me 😐 the insta-lust/love threw me off, it leaves no room for the characters to grow and it just leaves the story to DRAG ON AND ON!! ppl say there was a lot of tension and chemistry between them, WHERE??? i felt nothing, it was so forced!! there’s no pining, longing or realisation that they’re falling for each other. this is why i stick with slow burns!!
and don’t get me started about the ring light and the dick pic chapter situation.. like who gives a fuck about the angles and lighting ITS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT ANY BETTER!! AND WHY WAS HIS GIRL COUSIN GIVING HIM ADVICE ON HOW TO TAKE A FKN DICK PIC 🫥
also, i predicted the ending from the start and i had to check; shocker, i was right.
i really tried to finish this book, like it had so much potential to be good bc the ratings are so high but i felt it was about to put me back into a slump bc of how boring it was and the fmc was unbearable!! she treats daniel like a child bc he is 28?? um, he literally knows more than you do so pipe down, he’s not that young. and also, how does she have a medical degree but is so helpless with life - she didn’t even know what a fkn broom was!! the mmc literally had to show her how to clean and cook like BFFR RN- she didn’t know what a breaker was, couldn’t make her own coffee and doesn’t know how to peel potatoes.. but calls her friends privileged?? YOU GREW UP WEALTHY LITERALLY STFU!! LIKE GIRLLL YOURE ALMOST 38 AND CANT DO DAY TO DAY NECESSITIES AND CANT EVEN STAND UP FOR YOURSELF TO YOUR SHITTY TOXIC PARENTS AND EX BF - alexis, i hope you go broke and i’m stealing daniel from you bc you don’t deserve him you ungrateful witch 😭 but honestly, i feel like i read a completely different book to everyone else lmaoo.
— ok but mostly, i hated how they got together so early on in the book, like they have sex in chapter 4.. they’ve probably known each other for like an hour at this point and she was going on how she won’t sleep w him bc she doesn’t do ONS but then BOOM, she has sex w him like girl bffr pls you’re draining me 😐 the insta-lust/love threw me off, it leaves no room for the characters to grow and it just leaves the story to DRAG ON AND ON!! ppl say there was a lot of tension and chemistry between them, WHERE??? i felt nothing, it was so forced!! there’s no pining, longing or realisation that they’re falling for each other. this is why i stick with slow burns!!
and don’t get me started about the ring light and the dick pic chapter situation.. like who gives a fuck about the angles and lighting ITS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT ANY BETTER!! AND WHY WAS HIS GIRL COUSIN GIVING HIM ADVICE ON HOW TO TAKE A FKN DICK PIC 🫥
also, i predicted the ending from the start and i had to check; shocker, i was right.
April 28, 2022
this book is a shot of happiness and fairy tales and joy <3
February 21, 2024
Here I am smiling and giggling... am I enjoying a romance book??
June 9, 2022
gonna blame the PMS for the high rating. that and the golden retriever boyfriend hero ✌🏻
Want to read
February 14, 2022Editing to add that you can pre-order it here (and please do. There's a paper shortage and pre-orders are strongly recommended)
https://www.read-forever.com/titles/a...
As you know my books, while romcoms, also deal with serious real life issues. Please see below for a list of content warnings.
The following trigger warnings for Part of Your World may contain spoilers!
CW: Emotional abuse by side character, on page gaslighting by side character and on page physical abuse of a secondary character. Main character is an ER doctor and there are brief mentions of fatal accidents of minors, though we don't see these on the page.
https://www.read-forever.com/titles/a...
As you know my books, while romcoms, also deal with serious real life issues. Please see below for a list of content warnings.
The following trigger warnings for Part of Your World may contain spoilers!
CW: Emotional abuse by side character, on page gaslighting by side character and on page physical abuse of a secondary character. Main character is an ER doctor and there are brief mentions of fatal accidents of minors, though we don't see these on the page.
April 19, 2022
Now THIS is the rom-com world I’ve been waiting for! Hallelujah!
After a series of cynical (and not very fun) reads, what a pleasure it was to spend time with the wholehearted characters Abby Jimenez brought to life in Part of Your World. Just as I was starting to wonder if I’d outgrown the romantic comedy genre, her fourth book (but first for me) helped me realize there’s still some rom and a whole lot of com out there to be enjoyed.
Part of Your World takes the opposites attract trope and gives it a good shake-up by (gasp!) making the woman almost 10 years older than the man. That’s right folks, she’s 37 and he’s 28. She’s an ER doctor at a prestigious hospital in Minneapolis, and he’s a carpenter/mayor/B&B manager at a small town called Schitt’s Creek, whoops, I mean Wakan (the Dakota word for “magic”). He wears denim, she wears Dolce & Gabbana. She comes from a family that puts the “greed” in well-pedigreed, and he comes from a self-centered teen mom. Opposites, to be sure.
One thing they have in common though is obligation, and it’s those obligations that become the obstacle to their happily ever after. As they wrestle with them (and each other, ifyaknowwhatimsayin), readers are treated to many humorous lines and scenes, a baby goat in pajamas, and a pig named Kevin Bacon.
Jimenez has sprinkled a little pixie dust over the story by integrating subtle nods to various fairy tales and Disney movies. Be on the lookout for Cinderella scenes and Little Mermaid moments. Also be prepared for the underlying serious theme of domestic abuse - both emotional and physical. A few of the beauties in this book have dealt with some beasts.
Part of Your World might have been slightly more successful for me if it had been a tad less spicy in the s-e-x department, but that’s a personal preference and at least none of the C-words I hate so much were used. There are a few f-bombs, but that’s a-OK in my book. Or should I say world? ;)
4.5 stars
My heartfelt thanks to the author and Estelle at Forever for the gifted copy to review. Now available!!
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
After a series of cynical (and not very fun) reads, what a pleasure it was to spend time with the wholehearted characters Abby Jimenez brought to life in Part of Your World. Just as I was starting to wonder if I’d outgrown the romantic comedy genre, her fourth book (but first for me) helped me realize there’s still some rom and a whole lot of com out there to be enjoyed.
Part of Your World takes the opposites attract trope and gives it a good shake-up by (gasp!) making the woman almost 10 years older than the man. That’s right folks, she’s 37 and he’s 28. She’s an ER doctor at a prestigious hospital in Minneapolis, and he’s a carpenter/mayor/B&B manager at a small town called Schitt’s Creek, whoops, I mean Wakan (the Dakota word for “magic”). He wears denim, she wears Dolce & Gabbana. She comes from a family that puts the “greed” in well-pedigreed, and he comes from a self-centered teen mom. Opposites, to be sure.
One thing they have in common though is obligation, and it’s those obligations that become the obstacle to their happily ever after. As they wrestle with them (and each other, ifyaknowwhatimsayin), readers are treated to many humorous lines and scenes, a baby goat in pajamas, and a pig named Kevin Bacon.
Jimenez has sprinkled a little pixie dust over the story by integrating subtle nods to various fairy tales and Disney movies. Be on the lookout for Cinderella scenes and Little Mermaid moments. Also be prepared for the underlying serious theme of domestic abuse - both emotional and physical. A few of the beauties in this book have dealt with some beasts.
Part of Your World might have been slightly more successful for me if it had been a tad less spicy in the s-e-x department, but that’s a personal preference and at least none of the C-words I hate so much were used. There are a few f-bombs, but that’s a-OK in my book. Or should I say world? ;)
4.5 stars
My heartfelt thanks to the author and Estelle at Forever for the gifted copy to review. Now available!!
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
April 13, 2024
I absolutely loved this story - relatable in so many ways. I laughed, I teared up & I found myself nodding my head to so many familiar things. Love!
April 12, 2023
5 stars. Heck, 6 stars. I have found a new all-time favourite!
“I wondered distantly if we’d known each other in a former life and we’d found each other again. If that was why he felt so familiar…”
I’m not really going to tell you what this book is about. The blurb will do that for you. But I’m going to try to tell you how it made me feel, try, since I think that’s the most interesting part when it comes to book reviews. To review the impact a fictional story left you with. Real-human-feelings type of impact for a fictional world.
I think this book just became the blueprint for what all romances should read like, should feel like. It read like an absolute dream for me and I don’t know how I am supposed to move on from this story, knowing that this realm exists that I can never be a part of? I don’t want to move on. 😩
“But grace costs you nothing.”
From the town, to the main characters, to the side characters, I loved every part of it. I was rooting so hard for Alexis and Daniel, it’s not even funny. They’re not even real, but they might as well have been.
That speech that Alexis gave towards the end? I can’t tell you how proud I felt. I don’t even know whether she recognised her worth by the end, but I sure as fuck did. The woman is incredible! 🥹
And Daniel? Don’t get me fuckin’ started. 😭 Abby Jimenez had no right to create this type of hero. None at all. Cinnamon roll to the core. He was someone that was just so good and honourable. Real life men, real life people could never. They’d fail in comparison to him.
These two characters who are seemingly worlds apart, fit and made sense like you wouldn’t believe and I loved following them on their individual journey as well as the one they had together.
I’m just blown away, tbh. I’m finding words difficult, simply because it wouldn’t do this book justice.
So, to end it, my favourite aspect to this book (alongside everything else I’ve already mentioned) boils down to this: I feel like it emphasised that found families can sometimes trump the ones you are born into.
*Trigger warnings for emotional/narcissistic abuse from an ex and her parents.
There’s also a side character who’s experiencing domestic abuse*
“I wondered distantly if we’d known each other in a former life and we’d found each other again. If that was why he felt so familiar…”
I’m not really going to tell you what this book is about. The blurb will do that for you. But I’m going to try to tell you how it made me feel, try, since I think that’s the most interesting part when it comes to book reviews. To review the impact a fictional story left you with. Real-human-feelings type of impact for a fictional world.
I think this book just became the blueprint for what all romances should read like, should feel like. It read like an absolute dream for me and I don’t know how I am supposed to move on from this story, knowing that this realm exists that I can never be a part of? I don’t want to move on. 😩
“But grace costs you nothing.”
From the town, to the main characters, to the side characters, I loved every part of it. I was rooting so hard for Alexis and Daniel, it’s not even funny. They’re not even real, but they might as well have been.
That speech that Alexis gave towards the end? I can’t tell you how proud I felt. I don’t even know whether she recognised her worth by the end, but I sure as fuck did. The woman is incredible! 🥹
And Daniel? Don’t get me fuckin’ started. 😭 Abby Jimenez had no right to create this type of hero. None at all. Cinnamon roll to the core. He was someone that was just so good and honourable. Real life men, real life people could never. They’d fail in comparison to him.
These two characters who are seemingly worlds apart, fit and made sense like you wouldn’t believe and I loved following them on their individual journey as well as the one they had together.
I’m just blown away, tbh. I’m finding words difficult, simply because it wouldn’t do this book justice.
So, to end it, my favourite aspect to this book (alongside everything else I’ve already mentioned) boils down to this: I feel like it emphasised that found families can sometimes trump the ones you are born into.
*Trigger warnings for emotional/narcissistic abuse from an ex and her parents.
There’s also a side character who’s experiencing domestic abuse*
February 28, 2024
4.5 Stars ☆
"Grace costs you nothing."
This did start off as insta-love, but don't let that deter you because I'm not a fan of it and ended up enjoying this. The story progresses into more, even touching on some heavy real-life topics. This is my first Abby Jimenez book, and she portrayed emotional and mental abuse well, showing the realness of dealing with it.
Part of Your World is the first book in the POYW series. It is a small town, age gap(she's older 37 and he's 28), opposites attract romance with tension, witty banter, laugh out loud moments and scenes of abuse that had me feeling angry and shedding tears.
Alexis was on her way home late one night from an out of town funeral when she swereved to miss a raccoon and put her car in a ditch. While she was waiting for the towns tow truck, Daniel stopped to help pull her out. She goes to the only open place in Wakan the towns bar and runs into him there. Deciding to help him win a bet with his friends as a way to thank him.
Daniel Grant is thoughtful, generous, and selfless, and I swear he is the sweetest. This man has the biggest heart and will do anything to help those who need it. He had me swooning for him so hard with all the gestures that he did for Alexis. He has his struggles, though, and it mad me so mad to watch him go through them. We see him suffer with financial struggles, but he tries not to show that he is struggling to save one of the things that means the most to him. Guys, he takes care of a baby goat that wears pajamas for a friend, sigh.
“I like to read. It’s the only way I get to live somewhere that isn’t Wakan. I read three, four books a week. A lot of audiobooks. That way I can work and read at the same time.”
Alexis Montgomery is smart, sophisticated, and grew up being privileged. She went through both mental and emotional abuse with her ex and didn't realize that she deserved better until she met Daniel. My favorite part of Alexis was watching her grow and realize that her own family had also been abusive while growing up. Always doing the things that were expected of her by her parents and doing what truly made her happy but to please them. She started to see it all so clear once she was treated the way that she deserves by Daniel. My heart broke for her so many times, but in the end, she broke away from it and did the things that fit her life for her and not for anyone else.
"Nobody can save you until you’re ready to save yourself.”
Daniel and Alexis are the complete oppostie of each other. She is an er doctor at a prestigious hospital, and he is the mayor of the town who runs a B&B and is a carpenter. When they are together, though, the sparks fly. They fit so well together and really do compliment each other in ways that no one has before. Their love for each other and the trials that they went through together felt so real.
“Have you ever seen anything so perfectly beautiful?”
“Yes…”
“You.”
I fell in love with the found family in this. It's the way the people of Wakan all look out for one another and are a big family. Some of my favorites were Doug and Brian as they brought humor with them that had me laughing out loud so much. I adored Liz and felt so bad for everything that she was enduring. Bri was the only friend that Alexis could count on, and that was true to her.
This took me through so many emotions that I wasn't expecting. The ending was a bit predictable, but I still loved it and was happy with the outcome. The only question I'm asking myself is, "What took me so long to read this?" I'm excited to read the next book and see Bri get her happy ending.
Favorite quotes and moments
"Sometimes what you have to give is enough. Even if it’s a rock instead of a diamond.”
"Love follows you. It goes where you go. It doesn’t know about social divides or distance or common sense. It doesn’t even stop when the person you love dies. It does what it wants."
"There’s something more final than forever. It’s never. Never is infinite."
"Sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into. Sometimes family is found."
~~~~~~
Pre-review: I've seen so many good things about this! Plus, I'm hoping for some cute and cozy vibes 🥰
"Grace costs you nothing."
This did start off as insta-love, but don't let that deter you because I'm not a fan of it and ended up enjoying this. The story progresses into more, even touching on some heavy real-life topics. This is my first Abby Jimenez book, and she portrayed emotional and mental abuse well, showing the realness of dealing with it.
Part of Your World is the first book in the POYW series. It is a small town, age gap(she's older 37 and he's 28), opposites attract romance with tension, witty banter, laugh out loud moments and scenes of abuse that had me feeling angry and shedding tears.
Alexis was on her way home late one night from an out of town funeral when she swereved to miss a raccoon and put her car in a ditch. While she was waiting for the towns tow truck, Daniel stopped to help pull her out. She goes to the only open place in Wakan the towns bar and runs into him there. Deciding to help him win a bet with his friends as a way to thank him.
Daniel Grant is thoughtful, generous, and selfless, and I swear he is the sweetest. This man has the biggest heart and will do anything to help those who need it. He had me swooning for him so hard with all the gestures that he did for Alexis. He has his struggles, though, and it mad me so mad to watch him go through them. We see him suffer with financial struggles, but he tries not to show that he is struggling to save one of the things that means the most to him. Guys, he takes care of a baby goat that wears pajamas for a friend, sigh.
“I like to read. It’s the only way I get to live somewhere that isn’t Wakan. I read three, four books a week. A lot of audiobooks. That way I can work and read at the same time.”
Alexis Montgomery is smart, sophisticated, and grew up being privileged. She went through both mental and emotional abuse with her ex and didn't realize that she deserved better until she met Daniel. My favorite part of Alexis was watching her grow and realize that her own family had also been abusive while growing up. Always doing the things that were expected of her by her parents and doing what truly made her happy but to please them. She started to see it all so clear once she was treated the way that she deserves by Daniel. My heart broke for her so many times, but in the end, she broke away from it and did the things that fit her life for her and not for anyone else.
"Nobody can save you until you’re ready to save yourself.”
Daniel and Alexis are the complete oppostie of each other. She is an er doctor at a prestigious hospital, and he is the mayor of the town who runs a B&B and is a carpenter. When they are together, though, the sparks fly. They fit so well together and really do compliment each other in ways that no one has before. Their love for each other and the trials that they went through together felt so real.
“Have you ever seen anything so perfectly beautiful?”
“Yes…”
“You.”
I fell in love with the found family in this. It's the way the people of Wakan all look out for one another and are a big family. Some of my favorites were Doug and Brian as they brought humor with them that had me laughing out loud so much. I adored Liz and felt so bad for everything that she was enduring. Bri was the only friend that Alexis could count on, and that was true to her.
This took me through so many emotions that I wasn't expecting. The ending was a bit predictable, but I still loved it and was happy with the outcome. The only question I'm asking myself is, "What took me so long to read this?" I'm excited to read the next book and see Bri get her happy ending.
Favorite quotes and moments
"Sometimes what you have to give is enough. Even if it’s a rock instead of a diamond.”
"Love follows you. It goes where you go. It doesn’t know about social divides or distance or common sense. It doesn’t even stop when the person you love dies. It does what it wants."
"There’s something more final than forever. It’s never. Never is infinite."
"Sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into. Sometimes family is found."
~~~~~~
Pre-review: I've seen so many good things about this! Plus, I'm hoping for some cute and cozy vibes 🥰
April 30, 2022
the crazy high average rating is definitely what drew me to this book. my experiences with AJs novels have been so-so, but a book that currently has a 4.62 rating has to be better than just mediocre, right?
and luckily this is!
the relationship between alexis and daniel is super sweet. yes, it starts off with a massive case of insta-lust, but i think the story progresses in a really nice way that shows how genuine feelings develop between the two of them. it feels real. dont get me wrong, the story is super predictable, but its honest, so i liked that.
my only complaint would be the balance between the fun, cute, and lightheartedness of a rom-com and the serious, heavy topics of real life. i think romance books incorporating more of the serious topics of relationships is a good thing, but sometimes i pick up a romance to escape real life, and i thought this story had a bit too much seriousness and prevented that escapism at times.
but honestly, it wasnt a deal breaker. i had fun and thought this was an improvement from my previous experiences with AJs books!
↠ 3.5 stars
and luckily this is!
the relationship between alexis and daniel is super sweet. yes, it starts off with a massive case of insta-lust, but i think the story progresses in a really nice way that shows how genuine feelings develop between the two of them. it feels real. dont get me wrong, the story is super predictable, but its honest, so i liked that.
my only complaint would be the balance between the fun, cute, and lightheartedness of a rom-com and the serious, heavy topics of real life. i think romance books incorporating more of the serious topics of relationships is a good thing, but sometimes i pick up a romance to escape real life, and i thought this story had a bit too much seriousness and prevented that escapism at times.
but honestly, it wasnt a deal breaker. i had fun and thought this was an improvement from my previous experiences with AJs books!
↠ 3.5 stars
May 6, 2022
“Grace costs you nothing.”
Hey, so this was definitely giving a bit of “insta love,” but it’s okay because there was so much more to this book than just the romance.
Alexis Montgomery comes from a long line of world-renowned surgeons. She and her twin brother are expected to carry on this legacy, except maybe they don’t want to do it exactly in the way their family members did. As she was headed somewhere, because I really don’t remember where she was going, her car ended up having a problem. Luckily for her, Daniel shows up and helps her. Daniel comes from a local town, where he rents out a family house to visitors. They probably didn’t expect to see each other again, but as fate would have it, they see each other again, and “things” happen. How does their relationship develop from there?
I thought this one was really amazing. I wholeheartedly could not put it down and finished it on the same day I started. Let’s start with the romance. Alexis and Daniel were really really really cute. Like I said from the beginning, it was definitely giving insta love but they still developed their relationship over the course of the book. Alexis and Daniel live different lives in regards to money, so it was really nice to see how they learned from each other through tasks and conversations.
“Don’t let them decide the life you’re going to live.”
A huge part of this book was abuse, both physical and emotional. Jimenez does a great job of highlighting how emotional abuse is just as powerful as physical abuse. I want to especially give a high five for revealing that these kinds of abuse can be among family members. My heart hurt for Alexis so much throughout the book. Except for her twin brother, best friend, and Daniel, I literally hated everyone she was surrounded with. How could someone survive with that much toxic energy? It was very realistic to portray this struggle that she had and how she slowly overcame them one at a time. How does she do this?
Of course, Daniel also has his own individual struggles, not abuse, but more on the financial side. I was scared that we weren’t going to see any struggles on Daniel’s side, but we did, even though it felt at times that Alexis' problems were shown more. Daniel is pretty much another illustration of fictional men being amazing. I could smell husband material from the first lines about him. He’s 10 years younger than Alexis, and she made this a pretty big deal. I thought we are in a time when age isn’t a huge deal, but apparently, not everyone thinks this way.
Overall, there were some funny lines here and there, and the pacing was great. It wasn’t really smutty though, which I was kinda surprised by. I’m also surprised that I’m surprised since it’s not like the rest of her books were that smutty. I believe Jimenez has written four books so far, all of which I’ve read. Her characters have so much chemistry. It is something she has definitely mastered. I personally think this is her best one yet!!
Hey, so this was definitely giving a bit of “insta love,” but it’s okay because there was so much more to this book than just the romance.
Alexis Montgomery comes from a long line of world-renowned surgeons. She and her twin brother are expected to carry on this legacy, except maybe they don’t want to do it exactly in the way their family members did. As she was headed somewhere, because I really don’t remember where she was going, her car ended up having a problem. Luckily for her, Daniel shows up and helps her. Daniel comes from a local town, where he rents out a family house to visitors. They probably didn’t expect to see each other again, but as fate would have it, they see each other again, and “things” happen. How does their relationship develop from there?
I thought this one was really amazing. I wholeheartedly could not put it down and finished it on the same day I started. Let’s start with the romance. Alexis and Daniel were really really really cute. Like I said from the beginning, it was definitely giving insta love but they still developed their relationship over the course of the book. Alexis and Daniel live different lives in regards to money, so it was really nice to see how they learned from each other through tasks and conversations.
“Don’t let them decide the life you’re going to live.”
A huge part of this book was abuse, both physical and emotional. Jimenez does a great job of highlighting how emotional abuse is just as powerful as physical abuse. I want to especially give a high five for revealing that these kinds of abuse can be among family members. My heart hurt for Alexis so much throughout the book. Except for her twin brother, best friend, and Daniel, I literally hated everyone she was surrounded with. How could someone survive with that much toxic energy? It was very realistic to portray this struggle that she had and how she slowly overcame them one at a time. How does she do this?
Of course, Daniel also has his own individual struggles, not abuse, but more on the financial side. I was scared that we weren’t going to see any struggles on Daniel’s side, but we did, even though it felt at times that Alexis' problems were shown more. Daniel is pretty much another illustration of fictional men being amazing. I could smell husband material from the first lines about him. He’s 10 years younger than Alexis, and she made this a pretty big deal. I thought we are in a time when age isn’t a huge deal, but apparently, not everyone thinks this way.
Overall, there were some funny lines here and there, and the pacing was great. It wasn’t really smutty though, which I was kinda surprised by. I’m also surprised that I’m surprised since it’s not like the rest of her books were that smutty. I believe Jimenez has written four books so far, all of which I’ve read. Her characters have so much chemistry. It is something she has definitely mastered. I personally think this is her best one yet!!
April 1, 2024
— 4.5 stars ★
I was truly captivated by this Part of Your World from very first chapter. Abby Jimenez, what did you put in this book? This is my first book by AJ and I am obsessed with her writing and the characters. I am not a fan of insta-love but Abby has a true talent of writing insta-love stories because it was just so perfectly written. This book is a mixture of hilarious, tender and heart-warming moments. There were moments where I was sobbing but then the next moment I was giggling and smiling because Alexis and Daniel were so precious. This is also the best reverse age-gap book ever written.
This book is like the biggest warm hug— like those comfort cardigans you love to wear on your good and bad days. AJ beautifully blended the heavy issues and emotional moments with refreshing and swoon-worthy romance. Abby tackled heavy subjects like emotional and mental abuse, domestic abuse and manipulation in a realistic way and showed us how people deal with their situations differently.
The small town moments and the found family trope was so precious in this book. I loved the way they all were there for each other and how they all were just a big found family. Daniel's friendship with his Doug and Brian and how Alexis was welcomed and loved by his people. Everything was so sweet and tender. There were a lot of nuanced things in this book like the concept of Wakan being a magical town and how it will keep what it wants was kinda cute, it added the modern fairy-tale vibes to Daniel and Alexis's story.
➸ Daniel Grant
The man of my dreams. He's just so perfect that no words will ever be enough to describe him and how much I love him. He's so down to earth, appreciates the privileges in his life, has the biggest heart ever, always helping his people, and there is nothing complex about him at all. You read about him and you'll see exactly what he shows you and says to you. He's good, kind, thoughtful, charming, selfless, knows how to love and take care of a woman without even asking for anything in return. I mean he spent two hours down by a river to find a perfect heart shaped rock for his girl, he adopted a war trained dog, he takes care of a baby goat in pyjamas. Aside from this, he also has his own struggles — financially and he tried his best to save his legacy but he also tried not to show his struggles to anyone because he's the one Wakan people depends on. He never pressured Alexis for anything just only ever wanted her time and I did not liked how he was treated by her in this book. Also, did I tell you HE READS AND COOKS!
➸ Alexis Montgomery
The woman who belonged to a complete different world than Daniel's and who's rejected the idea of dating until she met the one. She's intelligent, kind-hearted, has lived a very luxurious and extravagant life. My heart broke for her so many times and all the emotional and mental abuse she went through for years by the people who loved her only to criticise her for her own choices. I liked her character development and how she came out of her toxic relationships with her father and her ex and how it made her realise that she was never the problem. Daniel helped her see love and life from a different and clear perspective which helped her understand her true potential and how there's so much to life than just carrying on a 125 years old legacy. Alexis is great and I love her but what I didn't liked about her was how she treated Daniel. There were so many things she could've done differently and that would've made things easy for their already complicated relationship.
╰┈➤ Daniel and Alexis
Do I mind that they fell for each other way too soon? Absolutely not because when you know you know. They did started of as friends with benefits but I loved the way they slowly started to get to know each other. They are perfect for each other but their different worlds and lifestyles are not perfect for their reunion. Daniel is the best in their relationship who was ready to give up his town, his legacy, his family just to make a future with her in her city because she means more to him than his 125 years legacy in Wakan. He's truly a gem. Daniel gave Alexis everything she never properly had in her life. She needed love, care and someone who can make her his first priority, someone who won't emotionally abuse her, someone who can accept her as she is and Daniel is that person to her.
I loved the way he made her feel normal, gave her the normal life she never had, told her all the little and handy things she thought she could never learn, how he always gave her the time and space and his love. He accepted her even without knowing about her extravagant lifestyle and her 125 years legacy. I understand Alexis choice and why she felt she could only protect Daniel by not including him in her luxurious and sophisticated life and she did her best but she also betrayed him so many times by not trying to include him in her life because he only ever wanted her. Daniel deserves so much better and someone who is proud of who he is and I think Alexis could've done better by his side.
The ending was dreamy and no I am not kidding. The third-act breakup was not needed but it was reasonable and it broke my heart because Daniel did not deserved to be treated like someone who's not good enough for the world Montgomery's lives in. He was ready to give up his everything for Alexis and still it would never be enough for her father. Alexis's father is the worst and he should be in jail for the way he emotionally abused his kids and his wife for years. What I liked was how Alexis accepted Daniel in her life and how she didn't give a shit about anyone's reaction and just waited for Daniel to come and walk in her life with his head held high. The epilogue was the cutest ever!
I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this book to every hopelessly romantic out there 💌
“Sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into. Sometimes family is found.”
I was truly captivated by this Part of Your World from very first chapter. Abby Jimenez, what did you put in this book? This is my first book by AJ and I am obsessed with her writing and the characters. I am not a fan of insta-love but Abby has a true talent of writing insta-love stories because it was just so perfectly written. This book is a mixture of hilarious, tender and heart-warming moments. There were moments where I was sobbing but then the next moment I was giggling and smiling because Alexis and Daniel were so precious. This is also the best reverse age-gap book ever written.
This book is like the biggest warm hug— like those comfort cardigans you love to wear on your good and bad days. AJ beautifully blended the heavy issues and emotional moments with refreshing and swoon-worthy romance. Abby tackled heavy subjects like emotional and mental abuse, domestic abuse and manipulation in a realistic way and showed us how people deal with their situations differently.
“Love follows you. It goes where you go. It doesn’t know about social divides or distance or common sense. It doesn’t even stop when the person you love dies. It does what it wants.”
The small town moments and the found family trope was so precious in this book. I loved the way they all were there for each other and how they all were just a big found family. Daniel's friendship with his Doug and Brian and how Alexis was welcomed and loved by his people. Everything was so sweet and tender. There were a lot of nuanced things in this book like the concept of Wakan being a magical town and how it will keep what it wants was kinda cute, it added the modern fairy-tale vibes to Daniel and Alexis's story.
➸ Daniel Grant
The man of my dreams. He's just so perfect that no words will ever be enough to describe him and how much I love him. He's so down to earth, appreciates the privileges in his life, has the biggest heart ever, always helping his people, and there is nothing complex about him at all. You read about him and you'll see exactly what he shows you and says to you. He's good, kind, thoughtful, charming, selfless, knows how to love and take care of a woman without even asking for anything in return. I mean he spent two hours down by a river to find a perfect heart shaped rock for his girl, he adopted a war trained dog, he takes care of a baby goat in pyjamas. Aside from this, he also has his own struggles — financially and he tried his best to save his legacy but he also tried not to show his struggles to anyone because he's the one Wakan people depends on. He never pressured Alexis for anything just only ever wanted her time and I did not liked how he was treated by her in this book. Also, did I tell you HE READS AND COOKS!
“Even though I didn’t fit into her life, she fit into mine.”
➸ Alexis Montgomery
The woman who belonged to a complete different world than Daniel's and who's rejected the idea of dating until she met the one. She's intelligent, kind-hearted, has lived a very luxurious and extravagant life. My heart broke for her so many times and all the emotional and mental abuse she went through for years by the people who loved her only to criticise her for her own choices. I liked her character development and how she came out of her toxic relationships with her father and her ex and how it made her realise that she was never the problem. Daniel helped her see love and life from a different and clear perspective which helped her understand her true potential and how there's so much to life than just carrying on a 125 years old legacy. Alexis is great and I love her but what I didn't liked about her was how she treated Daniel. There were so many things she could've done differently and that would've made things easy for their already complicated relationship.
“It’s amazing how someone can touch you, even if you only know them for a moment in time. How they can change you, alter you indelibly.”
╰┈➤ Daniel and Alexis
Do I mind that they fell for each other way too soon? Absolutely not because when you know you know. They did started of as friends with benefits but I loved the way they slowly started to get to know each other. They are perfect for each other but their different worlds and lifestyles are not perfect for their reunion. Daniel is the best in their relationship who was ready to give up his town, his legacy, his family just to make a future with her in her city because she means more to him than his 125 years legacy in Wakan. He's truly a gem. Daniel gave Alexis everything she never properly had in her life. She needed love, care and someone who can make her his first priority, someone who won't emotionally abuse her, someone who can accept her as she is and Daniel is that person to her.
“How do you do that?” she breathed.
“Do what?” I asked, my voice husky.
“Know how to touch me.”
“I pay attention to you,” I said, kissing her collarbone gently. “How you feel matters to me.”
I loved the way he made her feel normal, gave her the normal life she never had, told her all the little and handy things she thought she could never learn, how he always gave her the time and space and his love. He accepted her even without knowing about her extravagant lifestyle and her 125 years legacy. I understand Alexis choice and why she felt she could only protect Daniel by not including him in her luxurious and sophisticated life and she did her best but she also betrayed him so many times by not trying to include him in her life because he only ever wanted her. Daniel deserves so much better and someone who is proud of who he is and I think Alexis could've done better by his side.
“Have you ever seen anything so perfectly beautiful?” I breathed. I turned to Daniel. But he wasn’t watching the petals anymore. He was looking at me.
“Yes…” he said quietly, holding my eyes. “You.”
The ending was dreamy and no I am not kidding. The third-act breakup was not needed but it was reasonable and it broke my heart because Daniel did not deserved to be treated like someone who's not good enough for the world Montgomery's lives in. He was ready to give up his everything for Alexis and still it would never be enough for her father. Alexis's father is the worst and he should be in jail for the way he emotionally abused his kids and his wife for years. What I liked was how Alexis accepted Daniel in her life and how she didn't give a shit about anyone's reaction and just waited for Daniel to come and walk in her life with his head held high. The epilogue was the cutest ever!
I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this book to every hopelessly romantic out there 💌
“Kiss me, Daniel Grant.”
He looked scandalized. “Right here? In front of everyone?”
“Right here. In front of everyone.”
May 4, 2024
This was fine. It was definitely cheesier than Yours Truly. I mostly just read it because I wanted to know the backstory of all the characters before I read Just For The Summer.
April 30, 2024
⊹ִֶָ 𓂃⋆ ∞ / 5 ⋆𓂃ִֶָ ⊹
THIS. BOOK. is so beautiful, funny, and amazing🛐🛐 it had me smiling and giggling THE WHOLE TIME! Also, I was screaming, crying, melting, and kicking my feet. My heart was shattered in some scenes but healed in others. I connected with this book since chapter one, and I loved every single part of it💖 it was my first book by Abby Jimenez, and I’m so happy that I decided to finally read it. Thanks to that, I just found my new favorite romance book💗 after reading it, my standards are so high that I just know that it will be extremely difficult for other books to reach them.
❥ 𝒜𝓁𝑒𝓍𝒾𝓈 ❤️ ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
This woman has my whole heart💗 she lived in privilege her whole life and had the pressure of continuing her family legacy even though it wasn’t what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted an out, but she felt that she couldn’t disappoint her family more than they already were. She needed to feel accepted by her family, friends, coworkers, and everyone in general. Maybe she didn't know how to do basic stuff like cooking, cleaning, etc., but we must keep in mind that she was literally conditioned by her parents since she was a child to fulfill the expectations of her family and to have everything handed on a silver platter. But she was raised like that. That was her world- she didn’t know anything better. She was taught that all she had to do was to study, get a job with a high position in the medical field, surround herself with influential people, and marry someone "worthy" whom her parents accepted. She didn’t have the mindset to see something else outside this world until she ended her abusive relationship, went to therapy, started to set boundaries for her parents and order her priorities, and when she met Daniel. Then, she started her journey of self-discovery,
self-awareness, and personal growth. I was so proud of her and her character development.
❥ 𝒟𝒶𝓃𝒾𝑒𝓁 💚 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
Where should I start? THISS MAN!🛐 he’s so thoughtful, generous, sweet, caring, respectful, gentle, adorable. He has: the most charming and selfless personality, tattoos, dimples, and the cutest dog and a baby goat (it’s his friend’s, but he helps him a lot taking care of it).
Since I first read about this man, he captivated me. There’s just something about him that always had me smiling, melting, and kicking my feet. Was it his charisma or how he took care of Alexis? Was it how humble he was or how openly he was to love Alexis despite their differences and the odds of not being able to fit in each other’s life? He is the sweetest person ever. He made Alexis feel safe, beautiful, powerful, heard, seen, helpful, worthy, and happy. Daniel helped her heal from her past relationship which was mentally abusive. He helped her raise her self-esteem, and always encouraged and supported her. Since the beginning, all he wanted was to worship her and make her feel comfortable. Daniel made her his priority and was willing to give up everything just to be with her. Andd he didn’t doubt that not even once.
❥ 𝐵𝓇𝒾 🤍 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
This gorgeous woman💕Alexis' best friend and the only one she truly deserved. Not like Gabby or Jessica, the superficial and hypocritical “friends”. Bri is the type of friend who is so genuine and the one who will tell you all the hard truths, even if you don’t like it. She was always there for Alexis when she needed her the most, and she helped keep her grounded. She was so helpful for Alexis to recognize her true feelings and take those brave steps to organize her priorities and follow her dreams, not her parents. Also, she helped Daniel to calm down, avoid misunderstandings and reunite them. I love her <3
I’ve said it before, small towns romance books have a soft spot in my heart❤️🩹 there’s something so special, sweet, and cozy about them. Wakan didn’t disappoint at all. The people there weren’t just simple neighbors. They were a family. A strong bond and found family that won my heart. All of them were so special. They had me laughing so hard and melting, and they were the sweetest and the most supportive people ever.
❥ My thoughts 💭 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
➴ every single chapter was magical🦋✨ this book hooked me from the very beginningwhich normally is very hard for me to achieve. Part of Your World is my new favorite romance book💜 I felt a rollercoaster of emotions and enjoyed every single word of this book.
➴ I hated so much Alexis' parents. I could say so many things about them, but I would never end. Her father was a narcissist who only cared about prestige and was mentally abusive to her. Her mother never stood up for Alexis or her twin. They mistreated her and didn’t care for her well-being or happiness. She deserved so much better, but I’m so glad she found her own family in Wakan, Daniel, Bri, and her twin.
➴ the third act breakup broke MY HEART. I felt like I was the one who was drowning instead of them. THAT is how empathetic I was toward this book.
➴ when Daniel thought Alexis was embarrassed of him? SO HEARTBREAKING💔 he just wanted to be supportive, love her, and just be there for her. He was willing to give up EVERYTHING- his house, work, town, and follow her to another city just to be with her. Thissss man😭💗
➴ this was an insta love, and you know what? I didn’t mind that one bit because I truly felt all the chemistry since the beginning. They were so opposites, and they lived in very different worlds. Even though, Alexis and Daniel had a beautiful, comfortable, and palpable connection since the moment they met and as they got to know each other and formed a relationship. They had insecurities, fears, wounds, and all the odds were against them. But they found a way to mix their worlds and be together despite the obstacles. They helped each other bring out the best of them and be the best versions of themselves. They became each other's priority and were willing to give up everything to be together. They just wanted to live their lives doing what they wanted and loving each other. And they achieved it. No matter how many differences they had, that didn't stop them from following their hearts and fighting against the odds to be together. I'm the happiest with their happy ending💖
❥ Other quotes just because I love them ✨
Anyways, I will forever recommend this book to absolutely everyone. I hope you all enjoy it💜🦋
💐“Love follows you. It goes where you go. It doesn’t know about social divides or distance or common sense. It doesn’t even stop when the person you love dies. It does what it wants. Even if what you want is not to be in love.”💐
THIS. BOOK. is so beautiful, funny, and amazing🛐🛐 it had me smiling and giggling THE WHOLE TIME! Also, I was screaming, crying, melting, and kicking my feet. My heart was shattered in some scenes but healed in others. I connected with this book since chapter one, and I loved every single part of it💖 it was my first book by Abby Jimenez, and I’m so happy that I decided to finally read it. Thanks to that, I just found my new favorite romance book💗 after reading it, my standards are so high that I just know that it will be extremely difficult for other books to reach them.
🌹 𝓢𝓹𝓸𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓻𝓼 𝓐𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓭 🌹
❥ 𝒜𝓁𝑒𝓍𝒾𝓈 ❤️ ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
🦋“I had to drown first.
And I was finally, finally ready to save myself.”🦋
This woman has my whole heart💗 she lived in privilege her whole life and had the pressure of continuing her family legacy even though it wasn’t what she wanted to do with her life. She wanted an out, but she felt that she couldn’t disappoint her family more than they already were. She needed to feel accepted by her family, friends, coworkers, and everyone in general. Maybe she didn't know how to do basic stuff like cooking, cleaning, etc., but we must keep in mind that she was literally conditioned by her parents since she was a child to fulfill the expectations of her family and to have everything handed on a silver platter. But she was raised like that. That was her world- she didn’t know anything better. She was taught that all she had to do was to study, get a job with a high position in the medical field, surround herself with influential people, and marry someone "worthy" whom her parents accepted. She didn’t have the mindset to see something else outside this world until she ended her abusive relationship, went to therapy, started to set boundaries for her parents and order her priorities, and when she met Daniel. Then, she started her journey of self-discovery,
self-awareness, and personal growth. I was so proud of her and her character development.
❤️🩹“Daniel empowered me, instead of stripping me. Lifted me up instead of keeping me low.”❤️🩹
❥ 𝒟𝒶𝓃𝒾𝑒𝓁 💚 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
💗“She felt like the sun. Like she was the reason for everything. Like I’d always been waiting for her to get closer and bring me to life.”💗
Where should I start? THISS MAN!🛐 he’s so thoughtful, generous, sweet, caring, respectful, gentle, adorable. He has: the most charming and selfless personality, tattoos, dimples, and the cutest dog and a baby goat (it’s his friend’s, but he helps him a lot taking care of it).
🤍“Nothing could convince me this woman wasn't made for me to love. I think my soul recognized hers the second I laid eyes on her. Our bodies knew it the very first night.
The power she had over me terrified me. But it also gave me clarity.
There is a peace in knowing the one thing you can't live without. It simplifies all things. There was her, and then there was everything and everyone else. And only she really mattered.”🤍
Since I first read about this man, he captivated me. There’s just something about him that always had me smiling, melting, and kicking my feet. Was it his charisma or how he took care of Alexis? Was it how humble he was or how openly he was to love Alexis despite their differences and the odds of not being able to fit in each other’s life? He is the sweetest person ever. He made Alexis feel safe, beautiful, powerful, heard, seen, helpful, worthy, and happy. Daniel helped her heal from her past relationship which was mentally abusive. He helped her raise her self-esteem, and always encouraged and supported her. Since the beginning, all he wanted was to worship her and make her feel comfortable. Daniel made her his priority and was willing to give up everything just to be with her. Andd he didn’t doubt that not even once.
🛐😭“I'd give up my life here to be where she was if she'd have me. I'd give up my house and this town and all the people in it. If she was at the hospital eighty hours a week, I could be there when she left and be there when she came home. Make her breakfast, take her lunch, take her dinner. I could pick up the slack. She wouldn't have to do anything, it could be all me this time -I'd go to her. It didn't have to end.”😭🛐
❥ 𝐵𝓇𝒾 🤍 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
☀️“You don’t have to feel like this. You literally don’t. Quit. Leave. Pick him. Pick yourself.”☀️
This gorgeous woman💕Alexis' best friend and the only one she truly deserved. Not like Gabby or Jessica, the superficial and hypocritical “friends”. Bri is the type of friend who is so genuine and the one who will tell you all the hard truths, even if you don’t like it. She was always there for Alexis when she needed her the most, and she helped keep her grounded. She was so helpful for Alexis to recognize her true feelings and take those brave steps to organize her priorities and follow her dreams, not her parents. Also, she helped Daniel to calm down, avoid misunderstandings and reunite them. I love her <3
❥ 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓶𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓸𝔀𝓷🌻 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
💝“Sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into. Sometimes family is found.
And I’d found mine in Wakan.
I’d found mind in him.”💝
I’ve said it before, small towns romance books have a soft spot in my heart❤️🩹 there’s something so special, sweet, and cozy about them. Wakan didn’t disappoint at all. The people there weren’t just simple neighbors. They were a family. A strong bond and found family that won my heart. All of them were so special. They had me laughing so hard and melting, and they were the sweetest and the most supportive people ever.
❥ My thoughts 💭 ˖⁺. ༶ ⋆˙⊹
➴ every single chapter was magical🦋✨ this book hooked me from the very beginning
➴ I hated so much Alexis' parents. I could say so many things about them, but I would never end. Her father was a narcissist who only cared about prestige and was mentally abusive to her. Her mother never stood up for Alexis or her twin. They mistreated her and didn’t care for her well-being or happiness. She deserved so much better, but I’m so glad she found her own family in Wakan, Daniel, Bri, and her twin.
➴ the third act breakup broke MY HEART. I felt like I was the one who was drowning instead of them. THAT is how empathetic I was toward this book.
➴ when Daniel thought Alexis was embarrassed of him? SO HEARTBREAKING💔 he just wanted to be supportive, love her, and just be there for her. He was willing to give up EVERYTHING- his house, work, town, and follow her to another city just to be with her. Thissss man😭💗
➴ this was an insta love, and you know what? I didn’t mind that one bit because I truly felt all the chemistry since the beginning. They were so opposites, and they lived in very different worlds. Even though, Alexis and Daniel had a beautiful, comfortable, and palpable connection since the moment they met and as they got to know each other and formed a relationship. They had insecurities, fears, wounds, and all the odds were against them. But they found a way to mix their worlds and be together despite the obstacles. They helped each other bring out the best of them and be the best versions of themselves. They became each other's priority and were willing to give up everything to be together. They just wanted to live their lives doing what they wanted and loving each other. And they achieved it. No matter how many differences they had, that didn't stop them from following their hearts and fighting against the odds to be together. I'm the happiest with their happy ending💖
❥ Other quotes just because I love them ✨
I didn't like that others had to take care of me. I wanted to know how to take care of myself. I wanted to pull my weight and learn to be self-reliant so that when I did depend on someone, it was by choice and not necessity. And it was Daniel who was teaching me how.
“I see you. I would save you if you were drowning.”
“I pay attention to you. How you feel matters to me.”
“Grace costs you nothing.”
He was in a black tux. One hand on the railing, and every woman in the room looking at him- but he was looking at me.
“Have you ever seen anything so perfectly beautiful?” I breathed.
I turned to Daniel. But he wasn’t watching the petals anymore. He was looking at me. “Yes…” he said quietly, holding my eyes. “You.”
He pulled out something and put it in my palm. It was a rock…
“It’s shaped like a heart,” he said. “Took me two hours to find it.”
It wasn't flashy. It cost him nothing but his time- but that was the gift. Daniel didn't have time. That was his most valuable commodity right now, and he'd given it to find me this?
She said she didn't see a future with us. That our lives didn't fit. I knew there were things I could never give her. At best, I had about as much to offer as my damn dog, companionship, and entertainment…But I could love her better than anyone ever could for the rest of her life. That, I knew. And if there was even a fraction of a chance that might be enough, I was going to take it.
Anyways, I will forever recommend this book to absolutely everyone. I hope you all enjoy it💜🦋
🥀“There’s something more final than forever. It’s never. Never is infinite.”🥀
May 12, 2022
April 5th: No blurb yet, but I literally don't even care what it's about, I just want it now.
November 1st: A huge thank-you to Forever and Netgalley for the advance copy. This book...GAH. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I don't know how Abby Jimenez does it, but I am awed by her talent. Full review to come closer to release date.
November 1st: A huge thank-you to Forever and Netgalley for the advance copy. This book...GAH. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I don't know how Abby Jimenez does it, but I am awed by her talent. Full review to come closer to release date.
April 19, 2022
It’s no secret that Abby Jimenez writes some of my favorite Romance books….
Although I only read a few a year, you can BET that one of them will always be whatever Abby has published! I am always so excited when I see that she has a new book available to request.
Sure, this genre has a formula that leads to happily ever after-but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to write.
In romance you MUST like the characters, you MUST enjoy their dialogue, and you MUST feel the chemistry!! 🔥
In addition, you absolutely MUST feel the angst! Theirs and yours-as you become worried that one of the leads will let the other get away, causing you to scream at that character to “go get your person”!
NOW!!
All the boxes are checked here!
And, once again, Abby Jimenez adds an “extra layer” to her stories by weaving another important topic into a sub-plot-this time, “domestic violence-both verbal and physical abuse“, providing resources after the epilogue.
This story introduces us Alexis Montgomery, who has been tapped to carry on her family legacy of world-renowned surgeons. (Think Meredith Grey of Grey’s Anatomy) She and her brother, Derek, have been groomed since childhood to be the next generation to lead their prestigious hospital into the next century and then Derek bails out.
Not their first choice, but nonetheless, now their only choice, their parents want Alexis to marry the right man-Neil-the head of surgery-have the right friends-the horrible Jessica and Gabby, and fulfill her destiny-Despite the fact that she has she realized that she doesn’t want any of these things.
Late one night, she is driving home from an out of town funeral, and she has to swerve to avoid hitting a raccoon-ending up in a ditch. Daniel Grant, a very tattooed, blue color, (and younger) man, offers to tow her out, and afterward she runs into him again at a nearby bar -which is the only place in town that is open this late with available food and rest rooms.
She decides to help him win a bet against his friends as a way to “thank him” for his assistance.
Despite the fact that their lives are as different as night and day, their sizzling chemistry is undeniable, and will make Alexis question if money does buy happiness and if if she has the courage to live life on her own terms.
As she tries to reconcile how she feels, we hear from both Alexis and Daniel, in alternating chapters, and I enjoyed hearing from them both equally.
Thankfully, Alexis has one true friend in her corner, Bri, and we should ALL have a friend like her-a friend who will tell you what you NEED to hear, and CHEER YOU ON, as you go for what will make you happy!
If you have enjoyed this author’s past work-you will enjoy this book too!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
One last thing—I was excited to learn that in 2023, it will be Bri’s turn in the spotlight and it will be her chance to find happiness! ❤️ My calendar is already marked!!
Thank You to Forever for my gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Although I only read a few a year, you can BET that one of them will always be whatever Abby has published! I am always so excited when I see that she has a new book available to request.
Sure, this genre has a formula that leads to happily ever after-but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to write.
In romance you MUST like the characters, you MUST enjoy their dialogue, and you MUST feel the chemistry!! 🔥
In addition, you absolutely MUST feel the angst! Theirs and yours-as you become worried that one of the leads will let the other get away, causing you to scream at that character to “go get your person”!
NOW!!
All the boxes are checked here!
And, once again, Abby Jimenez adds an “extra layer” to her stories by weaving another important topic into a sub-plot-this time, “domestic violence-both verbal and physical abuse“, providing resources after the epilogue.
This story introduces us Alexis Montgomery, who has been tapped to carry on her family legacy of world-renowned surgeons. (Think Meredith Grey of Grey’s Anatomy) She and her brother, Derek, have been groomed since childhood to be the next generation to lead their prestigious hospital into the next century and then Derek bails out.
Not their first choice, but nonetheless, now their only choice, their parents want Alexis to marry the right man-Neil-the head of surgery-have the right friends-the horrible Jessica and Gabby, and fulfill her destiny-Despite the fact that she has she realized that she doesn’t want any of these things.
Late one night, she is driving home from an out of town funeral, and she has to swerve to avoid hitting a raccoon-ending up in a ditch. Daniel Grant, a very tattooed, blue color, (and younger) man, offers to tow her out, and afterward she runs into him again at a nearby bar -which is the only place in town that is open this late with available food and rest rooms.
She decides to help him win a bet against his friends as a way to “thank him” for his assistance.
Despite the fact that their lives are as different as night and day, their sizzling chemistry is undeniable, and will make Alexis question if money does buy happiness and if if she has the courage to live life on her own terms.
As she tries to reconcile how she feels, we hear from both Alexis and Daniel, in alternating chapters, and I enjoyed hearing from them both equally.
Thankfully, Alexis has one true friend in her corner, Bri, and we should ALL have a friend like her-a friend who will tell you what you NEED to hear, and CHEER YOU ON, as you go for what will make you happy!
If you have enjoyed this author’s past work-you will enjoy this book too!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
One last thing—I was excited to learn that in 2023, it will be Bri’s turn in the spotlight and it will be her chance to find happiness! ❤️ My calendar is already marked!!
Thank You to Forever for my gifted copy! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
April 21, 2023
I’ll not go into the plot, and will keep this review short and sweet. It’s no secret I’m a curmudgeon (lol) and my eyes tend to roll a lot.
But every now and then I need a rom-com (as long as it’s heavy on the com).
Did I have to set aside believability? Of course. Did I care? Of course not.
This was a delightful rom-com with compelling characters and a conclusion that wasn’t entirely predictable, but yet, perfect. I loved these characters. And, there’s the adorable dog!
After more than a few disappointing reads, this was a delight start to finish. Funny and sweet, I highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Yet, there is substance, but the author dealt with it with sensitivity. It’s nice to be reminded of the best of humanity.
The narrators, Julia Whelan, and Zacchary Webber were perfect for their roles.
But every now and then I need a rom-com (as long as it’s heavy on the com).
Did I have to set aside believability? Of course. Did I care? Of course not.
This was a delightful rom-com with compelling characters and a conclusion that wasn’t entirely predictable, but yet, perfect. I loved these characters. And, there’s the adorable dog!
After more than a few disappointing reads, this was a delight start to finish. Funny and sweet, I highly recommended for fans of the genre.
Yet, there is substance, but the author dealt with it with sensitivity. It’s nice to be reminded of the best of humanity.
The narrators, Julia Whelan, and Zacchary Webber were perfect for their roles.
June 3, 2022
Part of Your World is out of this world!😍💥‼️
It's easily my favorite rom-com so far this year. I wish I had more stars to give!
In the middle of nowhere between Cedar Rapids and Minneapolis, Alexis avoids a raccoon on the road and ends up in a ditch. Luckily, a handsome Daniel drove by and helps tow her Mercedes out.
This isn't instant love, but close. Their encounter on the road sets off an unlikely romance between two people who are polar opposites, but their chemistry is off the charts! I soo love them together.
Daniel Grant is a carpenter, and mayor, and runs a B & B in the tiny town of Wakan, MN.
Dr. Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor from the big city.
I love their flirty connection, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud humor. I love the animals, Daniel's circle of friends, and dialogues with some risqué. 🤭There's a scene that I listened to THREE times because it was immensely hilarious. On a slightly serious part, there's an underlying emotional abuse message in the story.
Part of Your World hits all the right notes and gives me huge satisfaction~adding to my favorite shelf (the first rom-com!). The romance is hot ~ 3/5 🔥 scale.
🎧💓Is it normal to have a voice crush? If so Zachary Webber is mine!
It's easily my favorite rom-com so far this year. I wish I had more stars to give!
In the middle of nowhere between Cedar Rapids and Minneapolis, Alexis avoids a raccoon on the road and ends up in a ditch. Luckily, a handsome Daniel drove by and helps tow her Mercedes out.
This isn't instant love, but close. Their encounter on the road sets off an unlikely romance between two people who are polar opposites, but their chemistry is off the charts! I soo love them together.
Daniel Grant is a carpenter, and mayor, and runs a B & B in the tiny town of Wakan, MN.
Dr. Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor from the big city.
I love their flirty connection, witty banter, and laugh-out-loud humor. I love the animals, Daniel's circle of friends, and dialogues with some risqué. 🤭There's a scene that I listened to THREE times because it was immensely hilarious. On a slightly serious part, there's an underlying emotional abuse message in the story.
Part of Your World hits all the right notes and gives me huge satisfaction~adding to my favorite shelf (the first rom-com!). The romance is hot ~ 3/5 🔥 scale.
🎧💓Is it normal to have a voice crush? If so Zachary Webber is mine!
February 4, 2024
Where this book has been my whole life!!😭🤧🥹
And this one should be the last book of Jan, i think?! 18th!
------------------------------------
Updated in 01/29/2024
4.5🌟
This was somehow my first book of Abby Jimenez! From this moment on, I’ll be buying everything she writes, I'm not even joking!
I didn't want to write a review, but it would be injustice to this book, not that I'm a good reviewer by any means. lol you get the point!!!
* ˚ ✦ “ Have you ever seen anything so perfectly, beautiful?”
“Yes…”
“ You.” ✦ ˚*
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
-About the plot
It follows Alexis journey where she happens to find her self in a small town where she knows no one and doesn't even plan to stay for long!until she met this guy called Daniel who is almost 10 yrs younger than him that changes what she had planned for her life all along!
Both MMC and FMC are expected to continue their family legacy with zero intention of leaving their town or letting anyone down in the process!
: ̗̀➛ ‘There's something more final than forever.it's never. Never is infinite.’
The story flows so effortlessly that before you know it, you reach half of the book.
I can't normally find humour in these novels funny due to cultural differences I have with them, but there were times I was crying out of laughter!!
: ̗̀➛ ‘All we had was our love for each other. That's all we had.
None of the other parts worked or fit or made sense.
But I didn't need it to make sense, because for me, the love was everything.it was all I needed.
But it wasn't enough for her.’
There are many situations where characters talk about domestic abuse, and you can see how wisely and thought through they were written, so please be aware of the warning!
: ̗̀➛ “Nobody likes assholes… .” Sometimes that's just what you think you deserve”
: ̗̀➛ “Nobody can save you until you're ready to save yourself.”
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
-Audiobook
10/10. Definitely recommend it.
“ Thank you for reading this review “
And this one should be the last book of Jan, i think?! 18th!
------------------------------------
Updated in 01/29/2024
4.5🌟
This was somehow my first book of Abby Jimenez! From this moment on, I’ll be buying everything she writes, I'm not even joking!
I didn't want to write a review, but it would be injustice to this book, not that I'm a good reviewer by any means. lol you get the point!!!
* ˚ ✦ “ Have you ever seen anything so perfectly, beautiful?”
“Yes…”
“ You.” ✦ ˚*
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
-About the plot
It follows Alexis journey where she happens to find her self in a small town where she knows no one and doesn't even plan to stay for long!until she met this guy called Daniel who is almost 10 yrs younger than him that changes what she had planned for her life all along!
Both MMC and FMC are expected to continue their family legacy with zero intention of leaving their town or letting anyone down in the process!
: ̗̀➛ ‘There's something more final than forever.it's never. Never is infinite.’
The story flows so effortlessly that before you know it, you reach half of the book.
I can't normally find humour in these novels funny due to cultural differences I have with them, but there were times I was crying out of laughter!!
: ̗̀➛ ‘All we had was our love for each other. That's all we had.
None of the other parts worked or fit or made sense.
But I didn't need it to make sense, because for me, the love was everything.it was all I needed.
But it wasn't enough for her.’
There are many situations where characters talk about domestic abuse, and you can see how wisely and thought through they were written, so please be aware of the warning!
: ̗̀➛ “Nobody likes assholes… .” Sometimes that's just what you think you deserve”
: ̗̀➛ “Nobody can save you until you're ready to save yourself.”
︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵︵‿︵‿︵‿︵
-Audiobook
10/10. Definitely recommend it.
“ Thank you for reading this review “
July 11, 2023
You guys, I think I have review burnout so this is going to be so mid 🙈 Also I am doing a week of summer time fun reads so it's all rapid fire feedback for now.
-This was really cute even though I wanted to fight the fmc through half the book and she better sleep with one eye open if she isn't good to my man Daniel! Honestly she didn't really deserve him bc this man was PERFECT! She comes around but I have my eye on her.
-I laughed so much, the dick pic tutorial with Daniels friend Doug!! PLEASE! I had tears!
-Both bffs, Doug and Bri were scene stealers and I LOVED them.
-The ANIMALS 😍
-Daniel... can we find this man on AMAZON bc he is the BLUEPRINT!!! He was almost too perfect tbh.
-So, had fun, was cute, would rec! 💙💙💙
-This was really cute even though I wanted to fight the fmc through half the book and she better sleep with one eye open if she isn't good to my man Daniel! Honestly she didn't really deserve him bc this man was PERFECT! She comes around but I have my eye on her.
-I laughed so much, the dick pic tutorial with Daniels friend Doug!! PLEASE! I had tears!
-Both bffs, Doug and Bri were scene stealers and I LOVED them.
-The ANIMALS 😍
-Daniel... can we find this man on AMAZON bc he is the BLUEPRINT!!! He was almost too perfect tbh.
-So, had fun, was cute, would rec! 💙💙💙
July 20, 2022
At this point, I'll read anything Abby Jimenes writes.
The men in her stories are perfect. They are the goodest boys. The kindest, most wonderful people. And I love them. Daniel has my heart! His only competition right now is Jason from The Happily Ever After Playlist, another of Abby Jimenez's books.
I am in love. That is all.
I need to go cry about the fact that men like Daniel only exist in fiction.
The men in her stories are perfect. They are the goodest boys. The kindest, most wonderful people. And I love them. Daniel has my heart! His only competition right now is Jason from The Happily Ever After Playlist, another of Abby Jimenez's books.
I am in love. That is all.
I need to go cry about the fact that men like Daniel only exist in fiction.
June 6, 2022
5 stars
Abby Jimenez never disappoints. I’ve read every book she’s written and I’ve loved them all. Part of Your World is one of her best. I loved so much about this story and these characters. I mean, Daniel! Could she have written a more perfect hero? I think not.
Alexis is not having a good day when she swerves to miss an animal and ends up in a ditch. Two hours away from home. She’s waiting for a tow when a young guy in a truck pulls up to assist her. His name is Daniel and he’s about ten years younger than her. He’s kind, refreshing, and all kinds of wonderful. Once they spend a night together, they can’t stay away from each other.
Talk about totally different worlds though. The life Alexis leads as a thirty seven year old successful ER physician compared to Daniel’s small town life of running his family’s business and doing some carpenter/mayor work on the side couldn’t be less alike but that doesn’t seem to matter. These two are compatible in all the ways that count and Alexis has never been treated so well in her entire life.
Of course I loved the romance of this story. It was so lovely and the banter was great. I laughed more than once. There is also some emotion, a bit of angst, and it touches on some sensitive subject matter . We’ve already established that Daniel was perfect and Alexis was great as well- her growth was a joy to watch. I loved so many of the side characters and I especially loved the small town Daniel was from. It felt truly magical. Almost like it was it’s own character. It had a great ‘found family’ aspect as well.
Part of Your World gave me that same THIS IS GOING TO BE A FAVORITE feel as ‘The Friend-Zone” did and I’m sure it’s going to be on my favorites list in 2022. This one is a must read romance I highly recommend!
Abby Jimenez never disappoints. I’ve read every book she’s written and I’ve loved them all. Part of Your World is one of her best. I loved so much about this story and these characters. I mean, Daniel! Could she have written a more perfect hero? I think not.
Alexis is not having a good day when she swerves to miss an animal and ends up in a ditch. Two hours away from home. She’s waiting for a tow when a young guy in a truck pulls up to assist her. His name is Daniel and he’s about ten years younger than her. He’s kind, refreshing, and all kinds of wonderful. Once they spend a night together, they can’t stay away from each other.
Talk about totally different worlds though. The life Alexis leads as a thirty seven year old successful ER physician compared to Daniel’s small town life of running his family’s business and doing some carpenter/mayor work on the side couldn’t be less alike but that doesn’t seem to matter. These two are compatible in all the ways that count and Alexis has never been treated so well in her entire life.
Of course I loved the romance of this story. It was so lovely and the banter was great. I laughed more than once. There is also some emotion, a bit of angst, and it touches on some sensitive subject matter . We’ve already established that Daniel was perfect and Alexis was great as well- her growth was a joy to watch. I loved so many of the side characters and I especially loved the small town Daniel was from. It felt truly magical. Almost like it was it’s own character. It had a great ‘found family’ aspect as well.
Because sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into. Sometimes family is found.
Part of Your World gave me that same THIS IS GOING TO BE A FAVORITE feel as ‘The Friend-Zone” did and I’m sure it’s going to be on my favorites list in 2022. This one is a must read romance I highly recommend!
April 9, 2024
4.25 ⭐️ i didn’t expect to love this as much as I did??? it was so much deeper than I thought it would be but yet so fun & cute & fluffy. it gave me fairy tale vibes!!!! I chuckled & I teared up.. all the emotions were felt by me. Alexis was so strong and amazing. now listen… she annoyed me sometimes but I still loved her 🤭 AND DANIEL, mr. mf perfect wow??
All of the side characters were also incredible & added so much to this book. Doug & Liz & Bryan!!! loved them so much. But the real star for me was ✨Bree✨ I need a book for her immediately, I require it.
“sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into, sometimes family is found. and I found mine in him.”
All of the side characters were also incredible & added so much to this book. Doug & Liz & Bryan!!! loved them so much. But the real star for me was ✨Bree✨ I need a book for her immediately, I require it.
“sometimes family isn’t what you’re born into, sometimes family is found. and I found mine in him.”
January 7, 2024
I started this at about 8:18pm. I finished at 1:40am. Can’t tell you the last time I read a book in one sitting
February 10, 2024
I FOUND MY FIRST 5 STAR BOOK OF 2024! This was such an emotional roller coaster. CW: emotional/mental abuse by partner and parents, parental abandonment, domestic violence
Part of Your World is not the book I was expecting. To be honest, I didn't think I was going to like it solely because of Alexis; however, as I worked through the novel more, I realized how much I connected to not only the story, but also the characters. While this is a journey of their romance, I definitely think it does a great job of handling the complications related to toxic partners as well as toxic parents.
What Worked: EVERYTHING! It's rare for me to think that all elements of book work together to create the perfect story, but Abby Jimenez did a great job not only developing the romance between Alexis and Daniel, but also these conversations related to the importance of found family. I will admit that Alexis isn't easy to deal with in the beginning. She's hesitant about starting a new relationship because of her separation from her current partner, but there were moments where she's not that great towards Daniel. It took a while for me to understand her as a character, but I appreciated the manner in Jimenez takes her time developing her and allowing her story to come full circle. Her behavior is a direct result of the emotional abuse she experiences at the hands of her parents. It forces her to make decisions with them in mind at all times even though she's an adult. It's a toxic cycle that she's been forced to accept and normalize, and it greatly impacts how she views the relationship between herself and Daniel. On the other hand, Daniel is the perfect character, a cinnamon roll that has a heart of gold. Raised by his grandparents and his small-town community, Daniel understands the importance of found family and assists Alexis in understanding how to make decisions for her own happiness and not that of others. There are brief discussions related to domestic violence and its impact on a side character. While I've seen some reviews that feel as though this element was simply thrown into the story, I think it also helps Alexis come to terms with the abuse that she faces at the hands of her own ex and parents. I thought the medical back drop of this was great and really helped support the idea that money and prestige doesn't always equate to complete happiness. This was well written and paced. I ADORED the side characters from Daniel's hometown as well as Alexis' best friend. They help these two continue to find each other and the love their share time after time.
Overall, this was a wonderful, amazing, and emotional read. I haven't cried this much reading a book in a while. I don't know if any of Jimenez's other works will have the same impact, but I'm excited to explore more of her backlist.
Part of Your World is not the book I was expecting. To be honest, I didn't think I was going to like it solely because of Alexis; however, as I worked through the novel more, I realized how much I connected to not only the story, but also the characters. While this is a journey of their romance, I definitely think it does a great job of handling the complications related to toxic partners as well as toxic parents.
What Worked: EVERYTHING! It's rare for me to think that all elements of book work together to create the perfect story, but Abby Jimenez did a great job not only developing the romance between Alexis and Daniel, but also these conversations related to the importance of found family. I will admit that Alexis isn't easy to deal with in the beginning. She's hesitant about starting a new relationship because of her separation from her current partner, but there were moments where she's not that great towards Daniel. It took a while for me to understand her as a character, but I appreciated the manner in Jimenez takes her time developing her and allowing her story to come full circle. Her behavior is a direct result of the emotional abuse she experiences at the hands of her parents. It forces her to make decisions with them in mind at all times even though she's an adult. It's a toxic cycle that she's been forced to accept and normalize, and it greatly impacts how she views the relationship between herself and Daniel. On the other hand, Daniel is the perfect character, a cinnamon roll that has a heart of gold. Raised by his grandparents and his small-town community, Daniel understands the importance of found family and assists Alexis in understanding how to make decisions for her own happiness and not that of others. There are brief discussions related to domestic violence and its impact on a side character. While I've seen some reviews that feel as though this element was simply thrown into the story, I think it also helps Alexis come to terms with the abuse that she faces at the hands of her own ex and parents. I thought the medical back drop of this was great and really helped support the idea that money and prestige doesn't always equate to complete happiness. This was well written and paced. I ADORED the side characters from Daniel's hometown as well as Alexis' best friend. They help these two continue to find each other and the love their share time after time.
Overall, this was a wonderful, amazing, and emotional read. I haven't cried this much reading a book in a while. I don't know if any of Jimenez's other works will have the same impact, but I'm excited to explore more of her backlist.
August 2, 2022
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD BRO WHAT THE WHAT
April 29, 2024
Omg this book was so good.
January 22, 2023
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It's so hard for me to find contemporary romances I actually enjoy because so many of them end up feeling really bland to me because they lack emotional stakes and conflict. I need some kind of driving force involving external conflict or inner turmoil to keep me turning pages, and that seems to be something that more and more authors are afraid to include these days. Maybe that's because, these days, any semi-flawed or unlikable character or situation involving any kind of nuance ends up getting you cancelled on TikTok.
PART OF YOUR WORLD, however, is that one book in one hundred that actually manages to write a successful rom-com that doesn't feel patronizing, unrealistic, or-- worse-- pandering. It includes so many of my favorite tropes that it felt like it was written for me: small town vibes, reverse age gap, class differences, STEM heroine (she's a doctor!), cute animals, strong female friendships, and loads and loads of family d(tr)auma to unpack and dread and scream over.
Alexis meets Daniel when her car gets stuck in a ditch. He helps tow her and then they meet again when she stops at the local bar for a bite. They end up hitting it off but she's a little put off by how young he is, and how their lives are totally different. (Read: she's loaded.) But they end up deciding to be a sort of exclusive-friends-with-benefits thing, which I wouldn't have minded if ALL THE SEX SCENES WEREN'T FADE TO BLACK (rude), but obviously they both catch feelings and obviously, both of them have extenuating factors that come into conflict with their budding romance. Daniel is about to lose his family house because his drug-addicted mother owns it and she wants to sell it all to run off with some guy. And Alexis is being put under incredible pressure by her manipulative and uptight family and her emotionally abusive ex.
The conflict drives the story and keeps up the tension, adding edge to what would otherwise be a pretty sugary-sweet insta-love romance wish fulfillment fantasy. Not that there's anything wrong with that. While I was composing my review in my head, I was actually going to talk about how *some* fluffy books manage to sell that fantasy without being too annoying. But then all that other stuff in the book came into play and I ended up being even more impressed than I already was. I only really have three complaints: (1) if you're going to tell me this dude is the Alexander the Great of having sex, you have to give us SOMETHING. Otherwise it feels like a taunt. (2) It kind of felt like the whole thing with Daniel's mom was just kind of resolved off-page, which was weird, because it felt like the book was playing her up to do something awful. (3) Could have done with 90% fewer Princess Bride references.
But overall, this was a lovely book. Just as good as the last book by this author that I read and thank goodness I have two more of hers on Kindle to read. PLUS, the next book in this series is going to be about Bri and she is absolutely the coolest and I can't wait for her story.
Thanks to FLINN and Anniek for reading this with me! Make sure to check out their reviews! :)
4 stars
November 18, 2023
oh friends, this is truly a new all time favorite romance book
this book starts out with a very unexpected meet cute, in a small stars hollow like town, when one of our main characters tows the car of our other main character. they get to know each other a little bit in the local pub and decide to spend the night together when they quickly realize how much they both like eachother even though it feels like they come from different worlds, rather than just different towns.
oh, and this man, daniel? HE IS AN INNKEEPER! He owns the local inn! If you have been reading my reviews for years, you will know… this such a niche box for me and this man was checking it and more! our other main character, alexis, is a er doctor who is trying to follow in her family’s very large footsteps at a hospital that they opened the doors of many generations ago. but one of the main things i really loved about this story was that she quickly sees how this small town doesn’t have adequate medical resources for her - from mental health help, to preventive care help, to being able to deliver babies, to emergency and much more - everything they have to go to the town over. And this is a very big problem that is pretty close to my heart as well, and it just meant a lot to me that a romance author made it a focal point of her book. alongside another very important discussion of domestic abuse and how that can take many forms, from physical to mental to emotional to everything in between, and how none of those are lesser or less scary and difficult to navigate to safety. this book also includes some really good resources for help in the back, too.
i also just loved how this book focuses on how surrounding yourself with kind and caring people makes you want to be more kind and caring. both platonic and romantic love is so important and just finding people who you truly want to constantly make your world better with really is what life is all about. but yeah, friends, i just loved this one with my entire heart. it was a very unexpected favorite, and i really will recommend it forever.
trigger + content warnings: this book really talks about domestic abuse and how that can take many emotional and physical forms, talk of lack of medical care in a community, talk of serious health issues, talk of mental health and not being able to get medication, brief mention of heart attack in past, abusive parents, parental abandonment, mentions of loss of grandparents in past, a scene of an emergency childbirth, blood, mention of loss of patients in medical career (one sentence of loss of child patient), one sentence funeral mention, minor car accident, one sentence mention of sex trafficking, mention of cheating in past (not mcs), panic attack, depression depiction, and i wouldn’t necessarily say hospital setting but this book very much talks about the medical field and being an er doctor so please use caution.
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♡ The Friend Zone ★★
♡ buddy read with betty jo
this book starts out with a very unexpected meet cute, in a small stars hollow like town, when one of our main characters tows the car of our other main character. they get to know each other a little bit in the local pub and decide to spend the night together when they quickly realize how much they both like eachother even though it feels like they come from different worlds, rather than just different towns.
oh, and this man, daniel? HE IS AN INNKEEPER! He owns the local inn! If you have been reading my reviews for years, you will know… this such a niche box for me and this man was checking it and more! our other main character, alexis, is a er doctor who is trying to follow in her family’s very large footsteps at a hospital that they opened the doors of many generations ago. but one of the main things i really loved about this story was that she quickly sees how this small town doesn’t have adequate medical resources for her - from mental health help, to preventive care help, to being able to deliver babies, to emergency and much more - everything they have to go to the town over. And this is a very big problem that is pretty close to my heart as well, and it just meant a lot to me that a romance author made it a focal point of her book. alongside another very important discussion of domestic abuse and how that can take many forms, from physical to mental to emotional to everything in between, and how none of those are lesser or less scary and difficult to navigate to safety. this book also includes some really good resources for help in the back, too.
i also just loved how this book focuses on how surrounding yourself with kind and caring people makes you want to be more kind and caring. both platonic and romantic love is so important and just finding people who you truly want to constantly make your world better with really is what life is all about. but yeah, friends, i just loved this one with my entire heart. it was a very unexpected favorite, and i really will recommend it forever.
trigger + content warnings: this book really talks about domestic abuse and how that can take many emotional and physical forms, talk of lack of medical care in a community, talk of serious health issues, talk of mental health and not being able to get medication, brief mention of heart attack in past, abusive parents, parental abandonment, mentions of loss of grandparents in past, a scene of an emergency childbirth, blood, mention of loss of patients in medical career (one sentence of loss of child patient), one sentence funeral mention, minor car accident, one sentence mention of sex trafficking, mention of cheating in past (not mcs), panic attack, depression depiction, and i wouldn’t necessarily say hospital setting but this book very much talks about the medical field and being an er doctor so please use caution.
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
♡ The Friend Zone ★★
♡ buddy read with betty jo
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