“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!

It isn’t often that you read a book that captures romance and comedy while gracefully tackling big subjects like domestic violence. Abby does just that with her fourth novel, forcing her readers to become so emotionally invested in the characters, especially the strong-willed, fully-capable female protagonist who is ready to break generational trauma and live her damn life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My freakin’ heart. This was absolutely, 100% the best book I have read this year. I truly don’t know how Abby does it but each book is better than her last! Part of Your World deals with serious topics such as domestic abuse (physical and emotional), depression, and familial issues. I love Abby’s books because she looks to represent so many different groups of people.

On the surface, Alexis and Daniel are complete opposites. She’s a super fancy, $4,000 dress wearing, Mercedes driving kick ass ER physician in the big city. He’s a muddy boot wearing carpenter and mayor of the smallest little town you’ve never heard of. In short, their lives simply do not blend. How can Alexis EVER bring a tattooed man home to her strait-laced parents?

If you’ve ever read a romance novel, I don’t have to tell you that Alexis and Daniel… yeah, they fucking blend!! Another prominent character is Alexis’s best friend, Brianna. I am so excited that she is going to get her own love story in Abby’s next book. All. The. Stars.

Always remember, it’s okay to pick yourself.

Abby Jimenez once again knocks it out of the park writing a romance that has great depth and character development. I flew through this book and loved every second of it. I absolutely adored the romance aspect of the book and could honestly read about these two characters forever. There definitely needs to be a trigger warning for verbal and emotional abuse. I thought Abby did a great job of covering this sensitive topic but it was also a little hard to read. I know her parents are supposed to be the bad guys of the book but it was so heartbreaking to read how they treated her abuse and her abuser. I would have liked to see her parents and her friends be a little more sympathetic and understanding to her trauma, instead of acting like she deserved it. This could really be triggering and upsetting to readers who have personally experienced abuse. Overall, I absolutely loved this book and will read whatever she puts out next!

Abby Jimenez once again has created real characters in a world we ahould be so lucky to live in, baby goat and all. This book is a treasure from start to finish, with hints of magic everywhere. Wakan is so real in the pages, as are the people who live there. I can't wait to visit again.

Thank you so much to Forever Books for my ARC of this highly anticipated release!

Genre: romance
Pub date: April 19, 2022
In one sentence: Wealthy doctor Alexis meets small town innkeeper Daniel, and opposites attract - but can he really be part of her world?

This book has been hyped up by many of my favorite bookstagrammers, and I totally get it now. I loved Alexis' growth over the course of the novel - she goes from being defined by her family/boyfriend's expectations to carving her own path in the world and figuring out her own priorities. Daniel was the perfect counterpoint to her - his kindness and caring were obvious in everything he did. I love reading books about good people - and these two are some of the best.

The obstacles Alexis and Daniel encounter - mostly class-based and geographical - felt very real to me. I've never been in an abusive relationship, but I briefly dated a guy who thought that making more money meant that he made all the decisions. I loved watching Alexis realize what a healthy relationship should look like, and that it wasn't what she had at the beginning of the novel.

There's definitely serious content in this book, but I also loved the sense of magic in Daniel's hometown of Wakan. The townspeople, their community, and their love for each other made me smile. How could you not love these kind people who truly care for each other and their town, and who welcomed Alexis with open arms?

I'm not ashamed to say I teared up reading this one, and for that reason I am giving it 5 stars! Plus a title taken from The Little Mermaid and repeated references to The Princess Bride will always win you extra points in my book.

Abby Jimenez does it again. She is so talented with writing characters so well that you feel like you know them personally. The emotions they experience are palpable and you can feel the highs and lows of each character so deeply. I love how she tackles tough issues in her books while still delivering a beautiful and fun love story.

TW: physical abuse, emotional abuse

Abby Jimenez has done it again! She has created a fairy tale from start to finish with Part of Your World! This is an age gap romance featuring the beautiful Dr. Alexis Montgomery and Wakan's Mayor Daniel Grant.

The beautiful, funny, crazy, magical, story of Alexis and Daniel and the town of Wakan is a true modern day fairy tale. It has the evil characters we expect from a fairy tale, the beautiful princess and handsome prince, the snobby/jealous characters, the disapproving parents and so much more. There is magic and so much good. There is laughter and so many humorous aspects. This novel with capture your heart and have you wanting more.

Abby Jimenez has done it again. This book packs a lot of the humor, swoon, and tight pulls on my heart that I love about reading romance. There’s so much to love about this book!

Older heroine
Adorable meet cute
Instant chemistry
Opposites attracting
Punny animal names!!!
Family drama
Omgggg will they?! The tension is killing me!
HEA that makes me want to cry and cheer

These two characters went on a journey together and individually. I love when two characters are perfect for each other in how they make each other grow into better people themselves. Alexis and Daniel were both characters that I really loved. The side characters weren’t as strong for me in this one. Alexis’ friends were absolutely terrible (with the exception of Bri) and they annoyed me so much. I really don’t like reading characters like that, but people like that exist so I had to get over it. I really wanted more from Liz and Brian and was hoping they’d get their own book, but I’m not thinking that’s gonna happen.

Great, spectacular, MUST READ FOR 2022!! Thank you so much Forever Pub for this ARC!

Excuseeee me?! This was laugh-out-loud funny, utterly adorable, and had me feeling ALL the feels—yes, I cried (full disclosure, it was over a dog).

“So you came home in a muddy two-thousand-dollar dress wearing one shoe and your fu*k buddy’s camo hoodie.” I nodded. “That is correct.” “Like an Old McDonald walk of shame. Did you have hay in your hair?”

Excuse me while I go read all of Abby Jimenez’s books. If you’re a fan of Tessa Bailey, you’ll love this!!

5/5 ⭐️ | 1/5 🌶

When you got approved for an Abby Jimenez arc you drop everything, that is a fact we can all agree on right?

Abby has written another swoony romance, that's no surprise. If you've read the first three books in the series you'd know her characters deal with serious issues, This one is no different. Here we have Alexis just out of a long, emotionally abusive relationship finding love again in an unlikely person: In a small town "boy" 9 years of her junior. The only major gap between Alexis and Daniel is not their age but also their socioeconomic standings. And this is a long-ish distance relationship where Alexis has trouble seeing a future for many reasons that you need to read the book to find out.

Abby has a way of drawing you in to the story and making you fall in love with the characters. I instantly felt connected to Alexis and Daniel. Their first scene put a silly grin in my face and I just wanted them to find a way to work the relationship out.

As always Abby treats her characters with gentle care. This book opened my eyes to a different kind of abuse and gas lighting. It wasn't easy to read how Alexis's ex-partner and her parents treated her.

This book can be read as a standalone. It takes place in the same "book universe" as the other three books and Abby has sprinkled these Easter eggs that would make the fans of her previous books giddy when they come across them.

Lastly, Daniel is basically a unicorn. The guy cooks, makes furniture with his hands, takes care of the towns people but most importantly he gets upset when he could not be there for Alexis at the end of a long work day to give her foot rubs! "Too perfect boyfriends" is a pet peeve of mine in romance books but because Daniel's love language is acts of service I am going to give him a pass. You might have caught I put boy in quotes in the beginning of my review. I just found Alexis referring to Daniel as boy weird. He wasn't that young, he is an adult with many responsibilities. I get why she's be conflicted about starting a relationship with a younger man but still he was no boy:)

This book will be published and available in April 2022 I was able to read this book as an ARC via Net Galley. all opinions are my own . 2020 made us all take a look at our priorities and knowing that this book was written in the thick of that makes you appreciate the themes of kindness and helping others. Being patient and kind to everyone, but especially those in the service industries especially taking in to mind how leaving a bad review can make or break a persons business and it is just as easy to write a good review, but people often only write reviews to complain. As it is said often in the book giving grace costs you nothing. I loved this book and these characters so much. Abby is able to combine so many aspects of life together flawlessly and also make it funny and relatable. You can tell through her writing that she does genuine research and touches on serious topics in a thoughtful manner. The importance of telling someone I believe you and recognizing that not all abuse leaves a visible mark. I enjoyed the different Disney type tie ins as well as the joking about a Zombie apocalypse survival plan as all of these are things I’ve also discussed with friends. I’m glad that Alexis has that ah ha moment of being able to see the people in her life in a new light and even realizing how not everyone lives the way she was used to and makes her feel a greater appreciation for those around her. I really like Bri’s character and how Abby always makes the best friend like a real relatable person you know. Chloe the adorable goat in pajamas and the dog Hunter knows the girl needs to stay close by. Also the animal names are fantastic and she should submit ideas for the St Paul Saints when they do the naming contest every year. I will continue to read everything that you write and I’m so glad you’ve brought these characters into our lives.











https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3918521648

“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.”

Alexis Montgomery is a city-dwelling ER doctor from a family of wealthy surgeons. Daniel Grant is a carpenter from a very small town, ten years her junior, and nothing like the men Alexis usually date. Can these two with nothing in common possibly make a relationship work? In true Abby Jimenez fashion, get ready for chemistry that's off the charts.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I might have found my new favorite Abby book. Crazy, I know. She just gets better with every book she writes. I'm not complaining though. Okay, on with my actual review...

Abby's books always have the BEST starts. Car stuck in a ditch, wrestling out of a "full-body compression sock" when a man and a dog show up at her window. It doesn't get much better. What other fun things does this book have? There's a goat in pajamas, an education in dick pics, animals with punny names. How do Abby's books with such serious topics always manage to make me laugh so much?

This book really isn't all fun and games though. There are several women working through abuse, both emotional and physical. It can be hard to read at times but, as always, it's handled in such a powerful way.

We also see the struggles people face in a small town. I love Wakan so much but it's not your typical Hallmark small town. These people all face very real issues but the way the townspeople look out for each other is extremely heartwarming. The town really is a character all its own. There's just a touch of magic and it becomes a place we all could use in real life.

I haven't even touched on my love for Daniel yet! He can cook, he can build furniture, he’s a bearded softie. It's not hard to imagine why any woman would fall for him.

I don't think most of us need any help being convinced to read Abby's books but hopefully, I've done my part. P.S. don't skip the Q&A at the end!

CW: physical and emotional abuse

Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Where do I start?! “Abby does it again” should appear on every one of her books. There are very few authors who garner genuine human emotion and can put it into words. You feel every happy moment, every painful moment and every human experience with her characters. You are literally transported into this story. You feel like you’re there living it. Daniel and Alexis were just a joy to experience. Even with the tough subject matter of abuse. As an emotional abuser survivor myself, I want to thank Abby for doing the subject justice but keeping it lighthearted. Also, for letting people know there is a way to get out and be happy!

I’m not crying your crying!! This book was absolutely amazing, the characters the story line I could not and would not put it down!
After leaving a funeral Alexis swerves to miss a raccoon and she ends up in a ditch. A tow truck driver named Daniel offers to help. Not able to drive home because the fog is so thick Alexis stops at the local VFW since everything else is closed in the small town of Wakan, it’s the tourist off season, When she walks in who does she see her handsome tow truck driver Daniel. They hit it off and there’s immediate chemistry. She ends up going home with him and he even makes her a grilled cheese.
Alexis comes from a long line of surgeons known as the Montgomerys they are world-renowned doctors, and she and her brother are both expected to continue the tradition.
Daniel is the twenty-eight year old "mayor" of Wakan, He helps everyone around him without expecting anything in return and he’s says this is because that's how things are done in Wakan, and his family has lived in Wakan for five generations. He has a rescue dog and he even takes care of a baby goat, he runs a bed and breakfast and he has amazing carpentry skills.
Daniel and Alexis come from completely different worlds yet they can’t deny their feelings. Alexis ended an emotional abusive relationship and it doesn’t help that Daniel is younger than her. The more they spend time together the more they can’t deny the love, they find a comfort and a peace in each other that they are both desperately looking for. Alexis isn’t looking for anything serious yet she can’t stay away from Daniel, she’s hoping to get a huge promotion yet is she willing to leave Daniel behind? I’m giving this five stars. Abby did an amazing job describing how abuse doesn’t have to be physical it can also rear it’s ugly head as emotional abuse and how abuse can be generational and that therapy is important. I loved this book five ugly crying stars! Highly recommend!