Gosh if I was conflicted about Yours Truly, I don’t know what to say about this one. I almost wish this was a story about Emma and Amber with Justin as the side story, not the other way around. This was a much better drama than it was a romance. Abby Jimenez brings up a lot of really important issues with mental health, abandonment, and showing up for the people you love. This is where the true story lies.

The romance feels genuine but one sided - because it is for 90% of the book. Emma is an awful person but that’s kind of the point being made. And this is why I’m so conflicted about the book. It’s a terrible romance book but does a great job telling an important story.

While talking about the romance, I hate a fake dating trope. This is fake dating adjacent but close enough that it still takes all the hard work out of making the two fall in love, just like Yours Truly did.

Justin and his family are a breath of fresh air. I’m noticing a trend in Abby Jimenez’s books that the love interest is nearly perfect. I love that he will do anything for the people he loves even if it makes his life more difficult. He’s the true definition of love meeting you where you’re at.

I loved the call backs to Part of Your World and am kind of glad I didn’t recognize the connections being made until they were obvious. Twice this book got me to go “POYW character name????? Omg???”

Overall, this was still a good book but not my cup of tea. I wish it wasn’t a romance because the side stories were way more interesting than anything Emma and Justin were doing.