I have loved Abby Jimenez‘ Friend Zone romcom series so far, so I was very excited to read this one early and I was not disappointed. This book had me smiling and happy by the end completely invested in the characters’ lives and their happy ever after !
I loved spending time with these characters and I especially love seeing their character development. The book touches on sensitive topics of mental health, abuse and neglect and does so skillfully not leaving at the light romcom territory but also not downplaying issues - realistic and sensitive but utterly readable - a tall order.
I love the premise of the story, defying classic gender stereotypes and having the female main character be older (by 10 years) and a lot more successful than the male lead.
The story was beautifully told - I enjoyed the humorous parts, especially the animal names but also the emphasis placed on the role of adult friendships, the food descriptions and Minnesota setting and how the author inserted herself through her bakery Nadia Cakes.
I’ll be waiting for Bri’s story next and can’t wait for it to come out - but first this one pub day April 19th, 2022 !

I love Daniel. He has a baby goat in pajamas. Really, that feels like a complete review. Knowing that and the fact Abby Jimenez wrote the book is sufficient to say that it is amazing and heart-wrenching.

Alexis and Daniel have very different backgrounds. She is an ER doctor and part of the founding family of physicians in her town. Daniel's family has a similarly strong founding legacy in his town as the mayors. Through getting to know Daniel, Alexis becomes more aware of her unthinking class privilege.

Wakan is a magical place. I would love to go stay at Daniel's bed and breakfast there. it really is fascinating to see how Alexis enters that world. Reading from her perspective is difficult at times because she is involved in several abusive relationships. The story is one of growth and highlights mental health and therapy.

The ending was absolute perfection. And I loved the sprinkling of references to previous characters.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Forever for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

TW: abusive relationship

4.5 stars rounded up

I absolutely loved this book! Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez will be out on April 19th. This book starts off with a handsome guy towing a woman out of the ditch (thanks to a raccoon) and from there In couldn't put it down. I was rooting for Alexis and Daniel throughout this book. I loved the supporting characters and felt for Alexis's struggle! I really didn't want this book to end! This book had a little steam and lots of humor!! It was a great balance for me!

I love how Abby Jimenez incorporates real life issues in her novels. Although many of us may not personally experience the issues the main characters are going through, Abby's writing does an amazing job of allowing us to relate as much as possible. Her latest novel was not my most favorite, I could not get past how much of the internal dilemma Alexis was going through but I appreciate the resolution with the story's conflict.

I have read and loved all of Abby Jimenez's previous novels, unfortunately Part of Your World was not my favorite.

I adored Daniel and everything about him and his town. He was kind and genuine and wholesome and he deserved better. I understood Alexis, but she frustrated me to no end. She was thirty-eight and still allowing her parents, cheating ex-fiancé and friends to dictate her life and happiness and after a while I stopped feeling sympathetic toward her.

Still, Ms. Jimenez is a talented writer, and I enjoyed the happy ending, I just wish Alexis would have told everyone off sooner.

In "Part of Your World", we get to know Alexis Montgomery, who is an ER doctor in the city and comes from a wealthy family who are world renowned surgeons and expect her to follow the family legacy. In the small town of Wakan there is Daniel Grant, who is a carpenter, the mayor and really close with the community of the small town. Alexis makes an unexpected stop in the small town of Wakan, and she meets Daniel and chemistry is instant! The more time she spends in Wakan with Daniel, the more in love she falls with both. Now she feels conflicted on which world she belongs in.

“Part of Your World” confirms why Abby Jimenez is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. This book reinforces everything I love about her. It is charming, magical, and heartwarming. I couldn't put this book down once I started reading because I had to see what happened next. I loved everything about the setting of Wakan; the beautiful scenery, the interesting town history, the seemingly magical elements, the fun animals (baby goat in pajamas, energetic dog, escaping pig) and their adorable names. I love the nods to "The Princess Bride", which is one of my all-time favorite movies! I enjoyed the character arcs for both Alexis and Daniel, but particularly loved how Alexis realized that she had the power to change the circumstances that were keeping her and Daniel apart. She didn't have to sacrifice everything about herself to find her happily ever after. The way Daniel supports Alexis and his community with humor and grace, all while dealing with his own stress is perfection. They were perfect counterpoints to each other. The chemistry between these two was so palpable, even the trees and weather conspired to keep them together. I also adored the side characters, I especially adored Bri! She had me rolling on the floor laughing, every girl deserves to have a best friend like her! I was excited to find there is a book about Bri coming in 2023! I appreciated that Abby really shows her readers how abuse can take many different forms and that leaving an abusive relationship is not easy. She has a special talent for discussing difficult topics with kindness, care and makes them believable. I love that Abby is not afraid to take on very hard subjects and do so in a way that touches you as the reader. I enjoyed all of the little nods to previous books and characters- it’s fun to catch up with them and hear how they're doing too.

This is a great book that I highly recommend! If you've never picked up an Abby Jimenez book before, run, don’t walk to your nearest library and grab one, you won’t be sorry! If you liked “The Friend Zone” series and are hoping for more like it, then you won’t be disappointed! Thankful to Forever Pub, Abby Jimenez, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my thoughts.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC.
This was a beautiful romance that really had me drawn in right from page one. Having never read this author's work before, I can definitely say that she is welcome on my bookshelf and I can't wait to check out her backlist.

Daniel and Alexis were so adorable, I love them.

Solid 5 star read.

Alexis is a big city doctor. Daniel is a small town B&B operator. Both of them have family histories and legacies to uphold. From their first meeting, it's instant fireworks. But how can two people from such different worlds ever work?

Abby Jimenez has you rooting for these characters from their first meeting. Her character building is incredible! I loved many of the characters (Alexis, Daniel, Bri) and truly disliked others (Neil, Cecil, Jake). I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, and wanting to yell during others. I loved all the little Easter eggs to her other books (The Friend Zone, The Happy Ever After Playlist, and LIfe's Too Short). Plus, there's a baby goat in pajamas. I mean, how can you not like a book that includes a baby goat in pajamas?

If you haven't read any of Abby's other books, the you definitely should, If you have, and are a fan like myself, then you'll love Part of Your World just as much as the others.

Abby Jimenez really knows how to create immediate and believable chemistry between characters and then still leave room for it to grow. Alexis and Daniel are worlds apart and yet so similar and their connection was sweet, cute, and delicious. There was something so satisfying in their love.

As much as I love her previous series, it was great to get a new start with new characters and locales. I loved all the new protagonists that inhabit the delightful town of Wakan. It’s the type of fictional place you never want to leave once you start reading about it.

The way abuse in relationships is explored, in various forms, as well as how it’s received and perceived by others was deftly done. Adding in generational patterns created a complete and comprehensive picture. Still, it’s couched in a Hallmark-movie-like scenario, giving just enough of all the emotions and situations that creates a rom-com with serious tones, without turning melodramatic. The best of both worlds.

My only gripe is a pet peeve of mine. When conflict arises because of willful lack of communication or clarification, and it goes on too long, I always get frustrated. Didn’t stop me from zipping through the book though. Overall, I really enjoyed it. And I’m excited that it already looks like there’s going to be more. Can’t wait.

"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 a person you love dies. It does what it wants."

A SOLID FIVE STARS. For the book as a whole AND for Daniel. His thoughtfulness, loyalty, generosity, and selflessness.

Looking at you, Daniel Grant. (ps. Alexis may or may not actually be Ariel).

Talk about SWOONING. The chemistry between Daniel and Alexis is off the charts! Part of Your World's OTP punched me right in the heart and my stomach did a somersault. Or three. I was in tears over the beauty of community and family. Serving and taking care of your neighbor. I loved it. LOVED IT!

✨ THINGS & STUFF ✨
-dual pov
-age gap. he’s 28, she’s 37.
-baby goat in pajamas
-tiny town in the middle of nowhere
-opposites attract
-the princess bride
-wirehaired pointing griffon hunting dog with adorable inside out ears
-dragonflies
-community & found family
-royalty, legacy, & last lineage
-disney vibes: aladdin, cinderella, little mermaid, beauty & the beast
-#IsThisAKissingBook: 18+ pg-13 content. "I think my soul recognized hers the second I laid eyes on her..."

tw: emotional/mental abuse, domestic violence, parental abandonment and family expectations.

BIG thanks to Forever Pub for an advanced copy!

🎶 Song: True by Spandau Ballet 🎶

This novel tackles some heavier topics, including abuse and complicated family dynamics, but at its heart it's a sweet love story between a sophisticated big-city doctor and a small-town B&B owner/woodworker/mayor. There's also a baby goat in pajamas, which is probably all you need to know to start reading. It will have you ready to pack up and move to Wakan.

I loved this book! Alexis and Daniel are from two very different worlds. She is from a wealthy, powerful, sophisticated family of doctors and he is from a poor, rural Minnesota town. They meet unexpectedly and there is a ton of chemistry. As they get to know each other, they realize that they have a lot in common and they reluctantly fall in love. Alexis knows that her family and friends will never accept Daniel and believes that this can not be a long term thing. But Daniel is so irresistible and such a swoon-worthy book boyfriend that you can't help hoping that they can work it all out!

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 ie; abuse. 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!

This was such a great book! While I am still relatively new to Abby's books (I have not been reading in order!) She is quickly becoming an auto buy author for me. This book had everything I want in a romance...it's funny, it's witty, it's got the right amount of steam, great characters and a lot of heart.

I adored the chemistry between Alexis and Daniel. They couldn't have been more different. She was a big city ER Doctor, and he was small town guy who was the jack of all trades. Despite their differences, their romance felt so believable and I was rooting for them from the first instant they met. Give me a better book boyfriend than Daniel! Seriously, just try. This guy was everything! Not only was he sweet and loyal but he was just so genuinely kind. Loved him!

I loved so many other things about this book as well. The town of Wakan is a place I want to visit. It seemed so quaint and charming! The secondary characters who lived in the town were all wonderful and I wanted to be friends with all of them. There was even a baby goat and of course, a totally loveable and somewhat goofy dog!

This book also had some depth. It dealt with some pretty serious issues including both emotional and physical abuse, infidelity, toxic friendships, strained family relationships and even difficulties during child birth/labour. I love how Abby is able to give us the romance we want, while also bringing in real life issues and handling them tastefully. I will admit that there was one character in this book who I truly despised. He was horrid. And while I didn't like this character, I have to give the author credit for getting real with the writing.

Thanks to Forever Publishing for my review copy. I loved this one and can't wait for more! Definitely recommend adding this one to your reading this year!

What to expect when reading an Abby Jiminez romance? Smiling at your book. You'll be smiling at your book A LOT in this one.

Just the happiest, most adoring resting book face imaginable.

I have read and adored all of Abby's books so far, and I think this one has the most funny dialogue, and the least amount of angst. It is romcom gold, but it still has plenty of depth and meat to the story. The balance between lighthearted and deep feelings for the reader is absolute perfection.

What else?
Age gap (She is 37, he is 28)
But guess what, they make so much sense together! *collective sigh and swoon*
Opposites attract and "we're from different worlds" tropes.
Loveable main characters, and fun to despise some of the side characters!
Yummy chemistry - perhaps slightly steamier than her others, but not extremely detailed or completely open door.
Perfect pacing - there is no slow part of the story. It's addictive from page one.

I already can't wait for whatever Abby Jiminez gives us next!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the early copy of this one. I really love Abby Jimenez so I was looking forward to this one.

This one did not disappoint! I was instantly drawn into the story of a wealthy doctor who meets a small town guy and tries to keep him from her world. The characters felt realistic and the complications in their relationships felt so real. I flew through this one in under a day and had a hard time putting it down. Another great one!

Abby has done it again! Part of Your World was an absolute delight to read. It’s perfect for fans of How to Fail at Flirting and Act Your Age, Eve Brown but it also has a hint of magic. While there are so many hilarious and light-hearted moments this book does deal with emotional abuse and gaslighting by the heroine’s ex and she is frequently manipulated by her parents. There is also a secondary character in a physically abusive relationship. Daniel and Alexis manage to find an escape in each other even with impossible odds considering they are worlds apart. This is the perfect age gap, social gap romance that will have you swooning and wanting to grab tissues at the same time. Did I mention the baby goat in pajamas?

Thank you so much to @ReadForeverPub & @NetGalley for giving me this physical ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 19 April 2022)

SYNOPSIS | Alexis comes from a family of extremely successful surgeons & even though she is an ER doctor, she still has somehow disappointed them by not having the ambition to strive for more & carry on their legacy. She finds out that her head-of-surgery boyfriend has been cheating on her & while her parents try to force them back together, she starts up a fling with a carpenter in a local small town.

WHAT I LIKED:
- the author has a beautiful ability of making all of her stories have the perfect balance of humorous & heartbreaking
- I've been reading a lot of small town vibes books recently & its making me want to move to a little village in the middle of nowhere
- the fact that the author made the heroine a successful ER doctor & the hero a bed & breakfast owner (it would have been more expected if their jobs were reversed & I loved that they weren't)

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- the tiny magical realism elements didn't really do it for me (but certainly didn't detract from the story either)
- Alexis's parents (& ex) were a little too fairytale caricatures of an evil villain for my liking

Another gem from Abby Jimenez. Seriously, she churns out great stories like nobody's business. I know the title is going to make people think of The Little Mermaid but for me this is kind of a Midwestern modern-day The Notebook. Townie meets fancy city girl, he woos her with his charm and carpentry skills and her awful family tries to keep them apart. That said, I really loved Alexis & Daniel's story and always appreciate how Abby handles sensitive subject matter.
Daniel is a dreamboat and probably my favorite of all her male characters (and that is saying something--they're all pretty great!) and I wish I could spend a night at the Wakan VFW. My only complaint is that the end seemed a little rushed and everything got tied up in a neat little bow and I would have liked that part to be explored more.
I'm excited for Bri's story and hope Alexis and Daniel make an appearance or two.

Many thanks to Forever Grand Central Publishing & Netgalley for the ARC.

The description of books by Abby Jimenez always draws me in but the execution of her books falls flat. Her main characters fail to connect and are unrealistic, almost as if they were created based on little information from stereotypes. The side characters are more appealing, possibly because the reader doesn't hear their inner thoughts. However, the heavy topics are handled with sensitivity and Jimenez adds enough details that you know she can write well but this book doesn't reflect her potential.