Member Reviews
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez follows Alexis Montgomery and Daniel Grant, opposites from different worlds who meet and develop feelings for each other. However, distance, careers, an age difference, an annoying ex, demanding parents, self-doubt, and more stand in the way of their happiness. Can Alexis and Daniel find a way to be together, and will they take a chance on what could be the love of a lifetime?
I loved this contemporary romance! It’s witty and fun, romantic and sexy, and has just the right amount of lightheartedness to balance with the serious subjects. I love books that make me feel all the feels, and this story definitely did that. There are scenes when I laughed out loud, like when they talk about the names of a neighbor’s animals (Barack Ollama is my favorite, though Kevin Bacon the pig and Chick-a-Las Cage the chicken are fabulous too), and there are other scenes where I wept. There are also several scenes that made me swoon, especially when it comes to Daniel.
Daniel is my new book boyfriend. I adore his character! He is smart, hardworking, and honest. He’s so generous and supportive, and he has an easygoing temperament. He’s also handsome, funny, talented, and so thoughtful and romantic. And I love the dialogue between him and Alexis. They have such great banter, and it’s clear their connection is strong and ever-growing. I also love that Daniel really sees Alexis, not because of her family and her reputation, but for who she really is. He reads people well and treats people well, and Alexis is no exception. This is quite different from the way Alexis is usually treated by the men in her life.
Alexis is strong, smart, and well-educated. Unfortunately, her parents are more concerned with their name, reputation, and medical legacies than they are about the well-being of their children. Her entire life has been dictated by her parents and their expectations, and she’s never made a decision without their overbearing influence. Unlike Daniel, who is a man of integrity, Alexis’s family value prestige, and Alexis has some major realizations over the course of the story, as she begins to reject the abusive and toxic way she is treated.
Other characters in the story are also compelling, including Alexis’s best friend and the townspeople of Wakan. A small, close-knit community, this is the type of place where everyone knows everyone else, and they are deeply involved in each other’s lives. This community is more like a family, and it sounds like a magical place to live. I like how Alexis falls in love with the town and, through the people she meets and the experiences she has with them, realizes that there is more to life than her career and her parent’s demands.
The story definitely has some modern fairy tale vibes. The title, of course, is the title of a song from Aladdin, which I sang on repeat while I read the book, and Alexis and Daniel reflect Jasmine and Aladdin in their economic differences and lifestyles. Also, Alexis is a redheaded daughter of an overbearing and powerful father, which sounds a bit like The Little Mermaid. Even the anthropomorphic elements bring fairy tale-esque vibes to the story. Nature and Daniel’s house almost seem to come alive and, much like the music Alexis listens to reflects her feelings, they often reflect Daniel’s feelings and wishes. His house and the surrounding land also sometimes seem to act as Daniel’s protector and wingman. This, as well as the continually changing stained-glass window, the dragonflies, the story about the cardinal, and more add some poignant symbolism to the story, as well as a hint of magic.
This is my first read by Abby Jimenez, but it certainly won’t be my last! A story about, love, growth, change, and seeking happiness, Part of Your World is a fabulous contemporary romance that I highly recommend. The story tackles some serious issues, including abuse and the toxicity of broken, toxic relationships, but it also focuses on healing, growth, and the benefits of therapy. It also has so many elements that I love in a book – great characters, a charming setting, a little bit of magic, and a swoon-worthy romance. I’m so thankful to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Abby Jimenez does it again!!!! This is one author that I automatically buy all her books before I even know what the book is about. This book has all the beautiful vibes. I loved this couple together and Daniel is my new book boyfriend. Just do yourself a favor and buy this one!!!!
Abby Jimenez, the very meaning of romantic comedy GOLD! I have such a deep love for Abbys books, they check all my boxs in terms of what I look for in the "perfect love story." Abbys subtle humor and swoony moments are in each chapter if not on every page. The plot of the story being about two people from very different walks of life meeting unexpectedly and catching feelings immediately. Only after realizing they are from completely different worlds. Can they make it work? It could never be that easy though, could it?
Daniel and Alexis will forever be one of my favorite couples in Abbys world of books.
1 million stars for another besteller.
Thank you so much Netgalley and readforeverpub for this coveted ARC.
WOW! This was my first book read by Abby Jimenez and I am SO grateful that I got the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
It's probably too early but here I am calling this book my favourite read of November already. This book was SO much more than your typical 'Big City Girl meets Small Town Boy' romantic comedy. The main characters Daniel and Alexis are created so well, I honestly felt like I knew them in real life, hearing their story right from their mouths directly. I found myself actually laughing out loud to myself in so many scenes, I'm even chuckling right now just thinking about them again.
Not only did I absolutely adore the main characters, but the side characters were tied in so perfectly with the story line. I appreciated the topics of emotional and physical abuse and the realism of how hard it is to break the cycle of abuse, these parts were written so incredibly. This is another one of those books that I just had to hug at the end and shed a few tears. Simply amazing. 10000% recommend.
Mark your calendars to get this book April 18th, 2022 because I will DEFINITELY be purchasing this and adding it to my shelves!
Abby Jimenez pens another winner!
In her latest book, Part of Your World, Jimenez made me laugh, cry, and sigh. Not only does the author write a fabulous romantic comedy, but she also tackles real life issues. I appreciate the depth this brings to the story.
The novel centers around Alexis Montgomery. Alexis is a busy, affluent ER doctor who comes from a long line of prominent doctors. Her parents put tremendous pressure on Alexis to succeed in all areas of her life from her career to her relationships. They will accept nothing less.
For most of her 38 years, Alexis has strived to meet her parents’ unrealistic expectations but then she meets Daniel Grant who comes from a completely different world. Not only is Daniel 10 years younger but he comes from moderate means and doesn’t have a high-powered career. Here’s where the ‘sigh’ comes in. Daniel is a kind, funny, generous, swoon-worthy, animal-loving guy. And Alexis and Daniel have great chemistry! What’s not to love? Well, the road to happily ever after is bumpy. Alexis and Daniel have a lot of obstacles to overcome. Read the story to find out how they fared. The journey is well worth it!
Big thanks to Forever publishers and NetGalley for this ARC!
Abby Jimenez does it again! Another amazing book that gets you right in the feels. A carpenter from a small town and a doctor from a big city meet, what could possibly happen!? Will love enter this equation or will it just be a meeting by chance situation, and nothing happens!?
I laughed. I cried. I swooned. I cried a lot, don't even ask me why, because I'm not sure. I was always catching some tears falling down my cheeks, and not necessarily sad tears!
I have loved every single character that Abby has written to life but I think Daniel is my most favorite. It's just something about him that speaks to my heart. The small town vibe, love and coming together when it's needed, makes me think of home. Alexis puts up with a lot of crap from people and it hurts my heart but will she finally figure it out at the end!?
You must read this book when it releases in 2022. I was lucky to get an ARC copy from netgalley. This review is my own.
Wow. Just wow. I have read so many amazing books this year and this is by far one of the best. And not just because I enjoyed the story so much but also because the writing was just so beautifully done. At multiple points in the story I was barking out laughing at the one-liners. And I was smiling so hard at the cute flirty banter between the characters as they started to develop an interest in one another. And I was *very* close to crying along with them when it seemed like hope was lost.
Alexis is a 37 year old ER doctor, the youngest (along with her twin) in a long line of powerful doctors and surgeons. Yet somehow, she’s still not enough in her parents’ eyes. She’s driving home one day from a funeral and ends up with her car in a ditch. She’s rescued by Daniel, 10 years her junior. One grilled cheese, overexcited hunting dog and baby goat later and Alexis’s whole world is changing. She’s the sophisticated wealthy city-girl and Daniel is a twenty-something part-time carpenter that runs a B&B. But she keeps going back to visit him again and again even though it can never become anything long-term. Or can it?
This is one of those books that I need to reread because I know there are magical little snippets I probably missed here and there. There were lots of Disney references (be still my heart!) and the small town where Daniel lived had its own kind of magic. It made me want to move there and be a part of the family! This book comes out in April 2022 and I will definitely be snagging a physical copy to keep forever!
Content warnings: emotional abuse, physical abuse of side character (one scene on page, other incidents mentioned)
Thank you to Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Abby Jimenez for this advanced copy to review.
Abby Jimenez cannot write a bad book. Every book she writes introduces you to a new illness/cause that you never knew about. And I LOVED the little elements of magic that surrounded the town (And the magic stained glass window). I was bummed to miss the in-person appearance of past characters, but the small Easter Eggs thrown in for fans were a big treat!!
I’ve been in a rom com mood lately and this one totally fit the bill. Daniel is my total book boyfriend and I’m little jealous of Alexis if I’m being honest.
This book was funny without being cheesy and told just a perfect amount of story to keep me interested.
Jimenez is definitely an auto read author for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Pub for my gifted ebook copy.
I have been itching to get my hands on Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez since she first started hinting about this story so I was beyond excited to be given the opportunity to review the book through #NetGalley. Thank you so much to Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the chance to read and review this advanced digital copy!
What I LOVED: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- all the Friend Zone world Easter eggs. Everytime I came across one, it would make me absolutely giddy!
- the small town community of Wakan. Sign me up! I wanted to move there. Wakan felt like another character to me, not just a setting & I absolutely LOVED the origin of the town's name (per the Author's notes)
- Abby's signature humor & supporting characters you will absolutely fall for (cannot wait for Bri's story!)
- more from a TFZ character you know and love (my jaw hit the floor & this adjacent storyline brought tears to my eyes)
- the sensitive yet authentic way tough topics were addressed, from unconditional love to emotional and physical abuse within different types of relationships, I appreciate the way this was handled with integrity and an effort to empower readers who may relate or at the least, find themselves in a position to support someone who does
- Another great book boyfriend - Daniel was by far my favorite character and a great addition to Abby's men!
- I loved the age gap and wealth/class difference themes that were explored
- The magic and fairy tale themes throughout were a fun touch
Why it was a 4 Star Read for me:
- while I loved the connection Alexis and Daniel seemed to say they had, it wasn't as developed for me. I missed the longer lead in and slow burn that you find in most contemporary romances. I understood why the author handled this differently but it was decidedly less steamy and I found that I wasn't AS invested in this particular pair even though I was looking forward to their HEA and enjoyed their growth together
- I found that I really couldn't relate to Alexis. Again, I understand a lot of the reasoning on her character depiction, but I just couldn't connect as a reader and it left her chapters feeling a bit flat & at times downright frustrating. Her choices, her reasoning, her perspective just didn't resonate with me. I looked forward to Daniel's chapters and the book always made sense to me through his eyes and that of the rest of the cast of characters. Some of the author's notes helped me reframe this a bit and I wonder if I would have appreciated Alexis more had I read it prior to reading the story.
- Some miserable characters who were really unlikable made those storylines drag
Overall though I truly loved Part of Your World. I can read an Abby Jimenez book any day and find myself laughing and smiling, unable to put it down. I savored this book though as much as possible because I did not want it to be over. I can't wait for the the audiobook version and I will most definitely be re-reading. I'm already looking forward to the next connected story, too. That character was a highlight for me and I can't wait to get inside her head and her heart.
This is one of those books that will undoubtedly leave me in a slump for days because I want to be back with Daniel and Alexis.
I thought I was going in to a light fluffy book about two people with completely opposite lifestyles, and while yes - that is what I got - it was also so much more than that. The exploration and discussion around emotional abuse, enablers, and how it can cause you to lose sight of what’s important to you was beautifully done in a way that wasn’t outright triggering. It make the topic very palatable for people who may just be learning about this form of abuse and how it can come from multiple types of people in different ways.
I also felt very connected to not only the main characters, but the town itself and its cast of side characters. Jimenez did a beautiful job creating a whole world that you could envision, rather that focusing solely on the MC’s which pulled me in much more than some other novels.
I also love the shout out to Nadia Cakes 😉
As a Californian blessed to live near a Nadia Cales location it’s worth the hype and I’m all for Jimenez shouting out her own company.
So many layers and depth with Abby’s books. This one does not disappoint. I connected so much with Alexis and her societal pressures. Having to live up to others expectations and never knowing what her true happiness is. I love her awakening several times throughout the book and seeing her grow into a better person. All the side characters are wonderful too: Hunter, Bri, Doug and even the town of Wakan, which brings people together. Loved it and can’t wait for the next one. Magical story.
This is the best midwestern rom-com ever! Abby Jimenez has the ability to make you laugh snort and cry all in the same book! I can't wait to see what other books are in store.
I adore this author so much and I have to thank Azanta for recommending this author to me!! Part of your world is a charming book with relatable characters that will make you swoon.
When Dr Alexis Montgomery gets stuck in a ditch in the middle of back roads- the last things she expected was a hot guy to pull her out.
Daniel loves his small town of Wakan. Everyone looks out for one another. It’s awfully quiet off season, but his friends and keeping busy at his B&B make up for the quietness.
Alexis didn’t see it coming. She thought meeting Daniel at the local VFW May be just a fling. But then she kept coming down to see him most weekends despite their very different lives. She knows she can’t have anything permanent with him, but she just can’t help how she feels. …
Thank you to Forever Pub for a gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Abby Jimenez's writing really sucks you in from page 1. I could not put this book down despite being exhausted taking care of a baby and working full time! Per usual, the dialogue and story will leave you smiling, laughing outloud and crying. I loved Daniel and was definitely rooting for him and Alexis in the magical town of Wakan. Abby covered a lot of themes in this story such as domestic abuse, emotional abuse, and complicated family relationships. I am not a huge fan of the age gap trope and I thought the inner dialogue over the age difference was a bit repetitive so it's not a 5 star for me. However, I still really liked it alot and I'm looking forward to Bri's story!
I flew through this book. I just could not stop reading. It had all the tropes I loved and a cute goat in pajamas! I understand that there was an age gap but to have Alexis keep referring to Daniel as a baby seemed a bit much, but still I will be eagerly waiting to read anything this author writes!
Another outstanding effort by Abby Jimenez!
I’ve read a lot of rom-coms since first being introduced to Jimenez’ writing in The Friend Zone, always searching for stories that match her mixture of witty rom-com banter, connected romances that pull you in, and excellent handling of very deep issues — but none compare!
The unique storyline, meaningful dialogue, laugh out loud situations, swoon worthy romantic relationship, and the deeper connection Jimenez helps readers feel with her characters makes Part of Your World another of Abby’s 5⭐️ masterpieces! I loved it and didn’t want to put it down!
Alexis Montgomery is a doctor carrying on her prestigious family’s 125 year legacy of medical excellence with Royaume Northwestern Hospital. When she lands in a ditch in the middle of nowhere (Wakan,) she meets Daniel, who pulls her from the ditch - and maybe from other ways she is stuck as well. He happens to be carrying on his own Grant family legacy of 125 years of being a groundskeeper of Wakan, serving as mayor, overseeing his family home, and helping everyone in town. These two are deeply rooted in their very different worlds. But their draw to one another might be stronger than the differences that threaten to keep them apart. Their connection is instant, but Alexis especially has too many barriers with her family expectations that get in their way. Their journey to be with each other isn’t an easy one; but it’s worth the effort. Can they give in to the magical ways Wakan tries to pull them closer? Can they find a way to be together?
Early on Alexis’ brother tells her,
“Don’t let them decide the life you’re going to live. You only get one.”
This theme plays throughout the whole book. Such great exploration of figuring out one’s own path in life.
The whole book has so many great lines. I highlighted so much!
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, etc.,) and the interesting town friends (especially Liz, Brian and Doug) all drew me in and made me want to visit this special community. Alexis’ home turf was less inviting with the harsh characters of her demanding parents, abusive ex-boyfriend Neil, and stuck up friends Jessica and Gabby; but I loved her best friend, Bri!
Once again, Jimenez tackles a very difficult topic in this book, while still managing to keep it light and hopeful. The biggest issue at play here is abusive relationships, demonstrating both emotional and physical abuse. I felt that this was handled very well. I really appreciate Jimenez’ efforts with sensitivity readers to treat this honestly and delicately. I liked the emphasis on counseling, and some clear conversations and action plans to help characters move forward. Several other issues are at play with family dynamics, responsibilities and insecurities - mostly handled with maturity and growth.
There is so much packed into this book! I could go on and on. But I just need to say it’s a great book that I highly recommend!
5⭐️
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Thankful to Forever Pub, the author, and Netgalley for the gift of an ARC for this book! Providing an honest review of my own accord.
This may be my favorite Abby book yet! I was skeptical in the beginning as I read and it felt familiar to certain tv shows, but as I went on, I realized it was intentional (and she confirmed it in her spoiler group).. I didn’t feel like my heart was smashed into a million little pieces like I felt in the Friend Zone and Happy Ever After Playlist, but I was okay with that, too! I think for some, this will still have that same impact, and re-reading at another time may have that impact for me.. I truly appreciate that Abby includes a “serious” topic that other authors would shy away from. It makes the story a bit harder to read, but it brings the characters to life and makes them more relatable a lot of the time.
The Easter eggs that she hides in her books are always fun to find, even if you don’t realize you are looking for them. I can’t imagine the planning it takes to come up with the way some of the story lines fit together book to book, but it is fun as a reader to see them come together.
I can’t wait for the next one, but until then, I will be impatiently waiting for the audiobook of this one!
Every time I read a new book by Abby Jimenez, it automatically becomes my new favorite book. Part of Your World was no exception. Abby’s characters are relatable, making it easy to immerse yourself in the story. While a happy ever after, I found that I was still guessing on what would happen to get us to the end of the story instead of just knowing exactly what would happen. Overall a great story and Abby continues to be an automatic buy author!
Thank you for the chance to read this book early! I can’t wait to read it again and for Bri’s story!