TW: Abuse.

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I'm out here crying in the club. I'm actually in the living room of my house but I'm out here crying.

Bruv. Abby. Bestie. I -

What am I supposed to do when I am provided such a gift and have NOTHING TO GIVE IN RETURN? Abby, here is my heart. Take it.

Daniel - I... Hmmm.

Okay, I'm going to start with Alexis because I don't think I can formulate a sentence involving Daniel right now. Alexis is a legacy child. She and her brother's futures had been planned for them since before they were even born. Montgomerys have walked the halls of Royaume for over a century and their father has made sure that this legacy was not to end with his own children. While dealing with the stress of her family, Derek Montgomery makes a move that not even she expected... and she's his twin. Now she is faced with the legacy by herself, all while dealing with a breakup from a boyfriend who she now realizes was god awful. TLDR; Alexis has been overworked all her life and needs a break and some fun. I don't think she could ever imagine that she finds the source of all this potential fun on the side of the road, as he's towing her out of a ditch.

The universe works in mysterious ways but Daniel Grant (asjndaksdasda) is not complaining when it plants the funny and charming Alexis in front of him. The two of them hit it off and even though Alexis intended for a one night stand, she doesn't see a way where she can stay away from Daniel and his small town of Wakan. She has never been surrounded by such a strong support system that doesn't even belong to her and the longer she's around, the more it sucks her in. But Daniel does not fit the very specific and dramatic bill that Alexis' father has. She's trying to protect herself, but she's trying to protect him and all the good he brings to her life even more. What are they supposed to do when their arrangement is running on a timer?

Genuinely, I don't know which of Abby's books I love most. The Friend Zone was my starting point but god I LOVE THESE BOOKS. I love her writing. There is always an important little piece to each of the puzzles of her books and I love reading how she unfolds and irons it all out. She's so gentle with these topics too and I can only appreciate the effort that is put into these books. We have a lot of talk about the different types of abuse within different kinds of relationships and Alexis handles it with grace while being very real and honest the whole time. It was an important story to tell and I very much respect the way it was told. I just wanted Alexis to be appreciated.

Enter Daniel.

Daniel...... was :). I'm :D! I don't have thoughts? I just... every time Abby writes that he's smiling I don't know what to think. I have not a thought behind my eyes. He was so charming and perfect and exactly what Alexis needs and I think that's all I'll say. I think he deserves to show you himself and I refuse to ruin anyone's first chance at experiencing him by giving you a heads up as to what to expect. Just... he's lovely.

This book was wonderful. Abby Jimenez is truly one of my insta-buys and I'm so happy I came across her. I WILL SPEND ALL OF MY TIME REMIND OTHERS THAT SHE EXISTS AND IS SOMEONE THEY NEED TO READ.

Anyways, I'm going to go to bed. I think I'm reaching a level of hysteria due to me being overwhelmed by my feelings and also just being tired.

GOODNIGHT. READ THE BOOK WHEN IT COMES OUT!!

Are you looking for your next favorite RomCom? Look no further, this is IT. I feel like I need to start this review with a disclaimer - Abby Jimenez is one of my favorite authors and I've been desperately awaiting Part of Your World. However, even if I had never read any of her books, I would have absolutely loved this one - and inherited a new book boyfriend in the process!

Alexis Montgomery is a super smart and accomplished ER doctor with a legacy to uphold. For generations, her family of illustrious doctors have been on the staff at the hospital that she works at. Unfortunately, her twin brother's recent marriage and move to Cambodia have put the pressure on Alexis to uphold her family's legacy. As she tries to do so, she struggles with a recent break-up from her abusive ex due to his close relationship with her parents. Meanwhile, Daniel Grant - current Mayor of Wakan, MN - knows a bit about family legacy himself. He runs his grandparent's B&B while trying to care for all the residents of his small town. When Alexis and Daniel have an adorable meet-cute, we are treated to the best of the opposites-attract trope: an age difference (with an older woman!!), city vs country, and differing (yet similar) familial obligations. As Alexis begins to fall for Daniel and his town, she questions what sacrifices would be required of them both to make their relationship work long-term.

As is the case with her other books, Abby does tackle some heavy subject matter - in Part of Your World, the story includes both physical and verbal domestic abuse/violence. She writes these storylines in a thoughtful way that really represents the experiences and impact of the women dealing with this violence, and I’m always impressed with her ability to respectfully weave tougher topics into a romcom so that her readers can learn and build empathy and understanding while reading.

I could barely put this book down, and I was so sad when it ended. I felt like Alexis and Daniel were my new best friends, and I was ready to travel to Wakan to hang out with them (if only it was a real town!). If you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, will crush your heart, and then rebuild it, you need to read Part of Your World. Also, if you have read any of Abby's other books, then you will absolutely love all of the Easter Eggs from The Friend Zone universe. My only regret about reading this so quickly? The fact that I will need to wait until 2023 for the next Abby Jimenez book.

5/5

Abby Jimenez is an absolute S T A R. I am not even surprised at this point that this was another 5 star read! I just finished it but I already want to reread it, as typically goes with Abby Jimenez books.

This book followed Daniel and Alexis, two people from very different worlds. She's an ER doctor from a rich rich family and he's a man that wears many hats from a small town (think Star Hollow from Gilmore Girls type small town). They meet one night and hit it off, but their respective duties and responsibilities keep getting in the way.

This romance was so heartwarming and whimsical but also so REAL at the same time dealing with serious and relevant topics - please check TW. This book even had me ROLLING on the floor laughing at times (which I was actually surprised by) and of course a cast of characters and animals that will keep you invested from start to finish! Want a contemporary romance that can do it all? Pick this one up you will not regret it, trust me! (And then pick up her other books when you inevitably crave more).

Big thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

Jimenez has done it again. This is my favorite book so far! She has a way to tug at your heart strings and make you smile, raise an eyebrow, laugh, and tear up in one book. All the feels. I wanted to read the book so fast just to know what was going to happen next, but I also wanted to savor every chapter. Dr Montgomery has a hospital to run, and Daniel has to take care of his town. Their run in on a dark road has to end there. You can sense the spark, but life must go on. Everyone back to their own world, right? Or does the world work in mysterious ways? I can not wait to read this book again and again like all of the others. The fourth book in her collection definitely stands up to the rest! Abby, you have a way with words and a way to touch our hearts! There is always a subject that seems to be touched on. And this book is no different. These characters overcome their own struggles with violence, physical and emotional, and Abby does this in the most respectful way. Well done!

I don’t feel like there are enough stars for Abby Jimenez’s books. Each book she writes, I love more than the last and I’ve already given those 5 stars. She’s an incredible writer. This book was outstanding. I was so thrilled to be accepted to receive an ARC. I drop everything for her books and I don’t put them down until I’m finished.
Abby is very good writing humor, but she’s also very good at making you cry with the same book. This one had a couple gut wrenching moments, so prepare yourselves for those, but also expect to laugh a lot too. She likes to take us on emotional rollercoasters in her books and this was no different. I loved that this was a reverse age gap. It’s something we don’t get a lot of in romance and being in a relationship where I am older than my partner, it’s nice to feel “seen” in romance books. This book was relatable in that sense.

Daniel is swoony and definitely book boyfriend material. I love his dedication to his family and his town and that he was willing to do what it took to be with Alexis. Alexis definitely goes on a journey and it was great to see her growth and how she goes from doing what she thinks she has to do to doing what she wants to do.

The chemistry between them was fire. This is probably the steamiest of her 4 books, which I love!

There’s a connection to HEAP, although small, and it was fun to see Nadia Cakes mentioned also.

I loved Alexis’ best friend and I’m happy to see we’re going to get even more of her in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, going into this book, I was already a HUGE Abby Jimenez fan. I was so excited to see that I had access to this story and as I started reading, that excitement grew. She created a world that I wanted to be a part of. Her characters were relatable, there were undertones that were brilliantly covered, as well as creating places that I wanted to visit. If you haven't read her before, you NEED to!!

Thank you Netgalley, Abby and publishers for this copy in exchange for an honest review!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the way it was written and the language that was used. The characters of Ali and Daniel were amazing. Even though I could figure out how things might play out about halfway through the book, I needed to know if I was right. The relationship was relatable. I had some favourite scenes and favourite lines that I will never stop chuckling over. The characters of Doug and Bri, their best friends, rounded out their dynamics. I know lots of parents like Ali's parents even without all the money. If this book is not on your list to read in 2022, it needs to be.

"𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈" < love, love, love this

What a cute book. I went in blindly and I'm glad I did! I haven't read many romcoms lately and this was a pretty decent palate cleanser.

This book had a few different layers to it and I thought they interlocked quite nicely. Daniel is book boyfriend goals and I've fallen for a baby goat in pajamas.

There are some swoon-worthy parts and then some parts I didn't vibe with and being that this doesn't drop until April, ill just leave it at that.

*Also, note that there are some triggers.

Thank you Netgalley & Forever Pub for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! I was hesitant to continue reading it once I was half way through because I was afraid of what was going to happen. I am glad I jumped that hurdle and read the rest - I completed it in one day. This book is so well done and handles difficult and sensitive situations, as well as life struggles, incredibly well. There were parts where I laughed and some parts where I wanted to cry. I don’t typically reach for this genre, but I am so glad I gave it a try - I cannot wait to read other books by this author!!

Part of Your World was a very enjoyable read. In the book, Alexis has a chance encounter with Daniel. Alexis is coming off of a bad breakup and a bad relationship. She isn't sure she is ready for a new relationship, but when she meets Daniel she can't stop thinking about him. Alexis and Daniel are opposites. She is older, from the city, a doctor, and grew up very wealthy. Daniel is from a small town, a carpenter, and a bed and breakfast manager. Alexis is sure the relationship can't work. They live hours apart in very different worlds, but yet she can't bring herself to stop seeing him.

Someone please get Ms Jimenez some unicorn blood, we need to immortalize her so she can keep writing books forever.

Alexis lives in a mansion, drives a Mercedes, and comes from a 125-year legacy of renowned physicians and surgeons. Daniel is the mayor of a tiny, tourist town called Wakan where he runs his own type of family business: a bed-and-breakfast in the home his grandparents lived in. Alexis is rescued by a Daniel on a foggy night and the two can't resist the pull to the other... but Alexis could never introduce this tattooed entrepreneur to her family after they disowned her brother for marrying a rock star. She's supposed to marrying her ex-fiance, another surgeon at the hospital she works at.

For all you English nerds out there.... be sure and read the author's note. Then reread to pick up on every single breadcrumb and allusion she scattered throughout, because there are a LOT. And if you follow her on TikTok then you might read some familiar scenes 👀

I loved how this felt so much like a classic Abby Jimenez book yet it's so different from her usual work? And this is my first time reading a book of hers having become FRIENDS with her, so I will be calling her Abby, tyvm.

I'm not big on magical/mystical elements in a story, but this just made the book feel even more like I was in a Disney movie. A Disney movie that makes me ugly sob—wait, that's every Disney movie. The amount of charm captured into one book should be illegal. I never wanted it to end.

And per Abby, she drew on real life experiences to capture the harder sides of the story. Her friend is a survivor of domestic abuse and that's a recurring element in the book, affecting side characters and our lead Alexis. But to lighten up the story we also have a baby goat in pajamas! And our leads fall in love over a grilled cheese. It's worth reading for those details alone.

TW: domestic abuse (recounted, on page), depression/depressive episodes, toxic/estranged parents, gaslighting, mentions of accidents/fatalities, birth scene on page

Tropes: one night stand (which I usually don't like but ofc Abby wrote this so I'm eating my words), frontline worker (lead is an ER doctor), class gap, age gap, small town (WAKAN FOREVER), opposites attract, forbidden romance

A funeral, stray wild animal, ditch, a bet, and a grilled cheese sandwich all come together to introduce Alexis and Daniel. While the night is fun, the lives are totally different so Alexis quietly sneaks out the next morning hoping to forget that she had a one night stand. For some reason she can’t shake this guy though. As she continues to fall, Alexis knows that he will never fit in with her family and life, how will she be able to chose between the two?

Ok Abby, just rip my heart of and throw it around again! I held off as long as I could before finally giving in and reading this one because I knew once I read it, it would be over. Now I am sad that it’s over! I mean first of all, baby goat….in pajamas?! Yes freaking please! Then add in a rich doctor, and a handsome country boy…seriously this book was just perfection! I don’t even know how to put my love for this book in words….but once again, Abby Jimenez can do no wrong!

How does one make themselves the President of Abby Jimenez’s fan club?! Because I need to be in the running, thanks.

I have been in LOVE with Abby’s work since I read The Happy Ever After Playlist and I was on the floor crying while listening to kids trick or treat last year.

So when I got approved for her new one on Netgalley and I screamed!!!!!

And then I read it.

Y’ALL. When I tell you that I INHALED this book. I buddy read this with Megan @theberrybookreport and she inhaled it just as fast! Go check out her review!

How does one describe their love of Daniel? The PUREST soul on this green earth?! What I found fascinating was his good looks were described every once in a while, but I think what I was most drawn to was his heart. He was shown caring for others, being dependable, being thoughtful, being responsible, and fighting for what he wanted. He felt like he had nothing to give in terms of material things, but he had SO much more to give with his words and his actions.

Alexis is a legacy doctor at a prestigious hospital and is recovering from a horrible breakup with a guy her dad thinks is stellar. Spoiler alert: they’re both extremely UNstellar. Is that a word? I don’t care, they sucked. ANYWAY. Alexis suffered from an emotionally abusive situation which made my heart ache for her. It made me want her to be loved and cared for and respected. In walks Daniel.

I think these two healed each other in a way that they needed most. Daniel needed to feel worthy/love and Alexis needed to feel cherished/protected. They were both able to give that to each other. This story just honestly warmed my heart and gutted me and put me back together and made me angry and made me feel a little magic. Falling flower petals anyone?

Anyway GO PREORDER THIS BOOK. This REALLY helps authors and trust me you’re GOING to want to read this book.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Be still my heart.

I've never used the highlight feature on my Kindle as much as I did on this book. Abby is truly talented, I think we all know that and that is why we all hope, pray, cross our fingers we get the Netgalley approval and count down the days to her next new release. Her 2021 release, Life's Too Short, was incredibly special. It dealt with dark subject matter in a sensitive, real, raw and honest way that left you feeling all the feels and wanting more.

I'll admit that I went into this one totally blind. All I knew was it was written by Abby and I had to have it. I'll have you know, this is hands down, my favorite book by her to date. This was incredibly special. The tone was unreal., the pacing, the story telling, the RAW emotions I felt as a reader - I just cannot speak more highly of this story. The way that Abby weaves words together to create a story that you've never read, but also you feel like you could have lived yourself is an innate talent that few authors possess.

Daniel may be the most pure and perfect character ever. Not perfect in a swoon, he's the perfect guy kind of way, but a human with empathy, a human who knows who he is at his core and is so proud of that person. I could not get enough of the lessons he offered to all of us. Alexis was so scarred and beaten down into a box she didn't even want to be in, but found herself there anyway. I think we all can relate to Alexis in our own way and I pray we all have a Daniel in our lives to help us break out of the box and come into our own.

I could gush for pages and pages, but just trust me - this book is incredibly special. Hit pre-order now. Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I loved this so much that I plan on pre-ordering my own copy and placing it in an LFL on pub day so some random, unsuspecting book worm can be in for a great surprise!

“Grace costs you nothing.”

Swoon!!! Oh this book! It was exactly what I needed. It’s full of wit and snark, touches on hard topics, and completely captivated me. I’ve heard rave reviews for Jiminez’ other books, but I was still blown away by how much I loved this one. And now I’m invested in reading her entire backlist!

Alexis and Daniel… complete and total opposites in so many ways. Alexis is a prominent doctor from a wealthy and powerful family. She’s been raised to take over the medical empire that has been in the family for generations. Daniel is both mayor of his small town and a carpenter that creates the most beautiful pieces of furniture. He’s been raised to be a good neighbor and lend a hand… which is exactly how Daniel comes to meet Alexis. And while technically it all started because he tows Alexis’ car out of the ditch, I think the true magic happened with the baby goat in pajamas and a grilled cheese sandwich.

The pixie dust is strong in this book. Jiminez magically weaves gems from various Disney movies and fairy tales (even a Sex and the City nod) into Alexis and Daniel’s story. That shouldn’t be a surprise given that the title of the book is the theme song from The Little Mermaid. I’ve seen other authors attempt this feat. But none have done it as adeptly or magically as Jiminez has in this book.

While this story is completely enchanting, it also hits some relatable and hard topics. Life is messy and difficult. Abuse isn’t that easy to identify and can take on many different appearances. These hard topics are handled with such grace and create necessary and important messaging.

I could continue to gush ad nauseum about this one… great characters (including the supporting cast), a charming atmosphere, witty banter, incredible steam, and the most adorable bunch of (perfectly named) animals. But instead, I’ll summarize with this: Read this book.

Thank you Abby Jiminez, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book.

CW: gaslighting and emotional abuse (past and on page), physical abuse (on page, secondary character), classism, depression, PTSD, & past suicidal ideation (secondary character), cheating ex, complications during childbirth/delivery (on page, secondary character), parental abandonment, toxic parental relationships

Every time I finish a book by Abby Jimenez, I can’t help but wish that her characters were real. That’s how engrossed and invested I am in the happiness of these fictional characters. I'm always amazed by Abby Jimenez’s ability to pull so many emotions and feelings out of me. The balance of sweetness, humor, and more serious topics (please see CW’s) in Part of Your World was so impressive. Plus, this novel has one of THE swooniest heroes ever. I’m normally not a big fan of age gap romances, but I loved Daniel and Alexis. Daniel may be almost a decade younger than Alexis, but he definitely had an old soul. He understood her on a level that few others ever had and he was truly able to see her for who she was. Their chemistry and banter had me rooting for them right from the start and though Jimenez puts readers on an emotional roller coaster, it’s worth all the drops, twists, and turns.

I appreciated that the love story in Part of Your World wasn’t just a romantic one. There’s also the love of friendship, the love between family (born into and found), the love for yourself and that of your community. I fell in love with the entire town of Wakan and the touch of magic throughout the story was a fun addition. There were so many wonderful secondary characters and I cannot wait for Bri’s story next. A heartfelt novel from start to finish!

*I beta read an early edition of this book and voluntarily read this advance review copy*

Abby Jimenez does it again! With her sarcastic wit, relatable characters, and surprising twists, this is one rom-com you just can't put down. Jimenez takes an important topic, emotional and physical abuse, and weaves it organically into this story of loss, redemption, and love. Readers will appreciate Jimenez's balance between the sensitive issue of abuse and the comedic meet-cute relationship of the two protagonists.

Part of Your World
Pub Date April 19, 2022

I knew going into this book that I would >> like << it at the very least. I love the stories that Abby Jimenez weaves. She puts together love, betrayals, trying times, and intricate friendships and relationships in general, that you can't not feel like you are part of the family.

This book did not disappoint. I LOVED this story.

Being a Montgomery comes with a level of standards that would crush most people by the age of Kindergarten, let alone going to Ivy League colleges and 100% succeeding if not thriving. Alexis knows that her life was meant to impress and not just survive. She knows that in order to shine in her father's eyes, she needs to not only be SUPER successful, but also marry well, have only the BEST connections and friends, and anyone in her inner circle has to be equally impressive. When a decision made by her brother leaves her in a sticky situation, most of her room to make a choice for herself and her life gets taken away in an instant.

In a town two hours away, Daniel Grant has a different legacy to uphold. A Grant has been in the city for over 125 years. They are Mayors, they are philanthropists, they are dependable, they are carpenters, they are for the good of the "village". Daniel is morally pure and dependable and he is about to throw Alexis's world into total and utter chaos. They couldn't be more different, but the chemistry that they share is ridiculously HOT.

Is there any way that their worlds could be one? Will one of them have to choose to leave behind their century long familial legacy?

I can't rave enough. This book had it all for me and some.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just coming here quickly for a mini-review and to say if there is any book to pre-order this holiday, give yourself the biggest hug and *make*it*this*one*. This book was phenomenal and as close to a perfect romcom as you can get - so incredibly well-written, endearing characters, realistic conflicts, a love story you root for and feel so deep in your bones. I laughed, I swooned, I despaired, I cried – this is the first book that has made me cry in a long, long time. All. The. Feels. Plus a bearded, flannelled, strong- and-silent teddy bear of a man with a heart of soul – just put a fork me in me because I am done. It reminded me of my own love story a lot – older woman/younger man, she’s all city, he’s all country, my hubs’ name is close to Daniel, my name is Ali. I’m not a doctor and he didn’t have a baby goat but, details.

I finished this a few weeks ago after another awesome buddy read with @thanksomylocallibrary, @travelinglovereads and @thebookishmom and it’s still with me. I’ve been loving the new Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood song “If I didn’t love you” and every time I hear it I think of Daniel and Alexis…

The biggest thank you to @readforever, @abbyjimenez and @netgalley for the ARC.

4.5⭐
Is it possible to have too many book boyfriends? Don’t hate me, but I have four from just Abby Jimenez’s books alone. You can’t have Daniel, but you must read all about him in Part of Your World, book number four in The Friend Zone series.

I could go on and on about Daniel, but let’s talk about Alexis. Fresh out of an emotionally abusive relationship (the dude also cheated. Geez.), and caught up in her family’s expectations about her career, everything changes when Alexis gets stuck in a ditch somewhere (Wakan, MN) between CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (omg, hello! I live in Iowa City!) and the Twin Cities. The Twin Cities has demanding parents, the ex, obnoxious “friends,” and an awesome BFF. Wakan has Daniel, and every other lovely person and animal in this family of a small town (excluding the Sheriff).

Between Daniel and Alexis, there is: a 10-year age gap, a social gap, and many miles. I loved following their journey to HEA; there were laughs and tears along the way. Alexis needed to find her voice and her life’s calling; Daniel, the small town of Wakan, and perhaps a little magic, were pivotal in helping her. It’s important to note that there is a sweet, sweet goofball of a dog and a baby goat in pajamas. I mean, if you weren’t already convinced to read this book.

The first three books in The Friend Zone series were all five stars for me; I can’t quite put my finger on why I’m giving this one 4.5 stars. I didn’t think anything could compare with my feelings for The Happy Ever Playlist, but then Life’s Too Short came along. But, I mean, you just can’t go wrong with an Abby Jimenez book, so don’t worry about stars and just read all of them. (You’ll be treated to some Easter eggs!)

A Part of Your World will be released on April 19, 2022. A huge thank you to @readforeverpub and @netgalley for this eARC to review. I was beyond thrilled and humbled to have my request approved; this was the 200th book I read this year!