I would honestly read Abby Jiminez' grocery list, but luckily, she keeps writing these amazing books so that I don't have to! Part of Your World is the latest 5 star winner from Jiminez and features Alexis and Daniel - two opposites who certainly attract. PoYW deals with the two of them navigating how they can fit into each other's worlds and is absolutely one of my favorite Abby books to date!

Thank you to Forever Pub for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Content warning: gaslighting and domestic abuse (physical and emotional)

Who knew that a raccoon and a foggy night could lead to finding the love of your life? Alexis had her life completely planned out - at least her family had it completely planned out for her - but one fateful night, on her way home from a funeral and trying to dodge a raccoon in the road, her life is completely flipped on its head when she meets Daniel. The two never planned to fall in love, but what started as a bet and a one night stand turned into so much more. Alexis finds herself fitting seamlessly into Daniel's world. His small town accepts and welcomes her with open arms. The problem? Alexis can't see Daniel ever fitting into her world.

Abby Jimenez has done it again. She has made me ugly cry over fictional characters. Part of Your World is about so much more than two people finding their other half. It is about standing up for yourself, finding what you want and fighting for it. It's about learning to fight for the love that you want rather than the love you think you deserve.

My one complaint: After everything falls to pieces, it's all put back together far too quickly and neatly. Side stories that should have taken at least a chapter to wrap up are tied up nice and neat in a couple sentences.

Alexis and Daniel are two very different people. She's from the city, he lives in a small town in the middle of nowhere. She is highly educated, wealthy, and has always had privilege. He is an innkeeper and carpenter who struggles to make ends meet. All of these differences don't matter on the night they meet, when he pulls her car out of a ditch, she shows up at the local bar, and then she decides to go home with him. It's not until she bolts out of his home, stealing a hoodie along the way, that she truly realizes just how different they are, including that Daniel is almost 10 years younger! As they both fight the chemistry and connection from that first night, Alexis can't seem to stay away and Daniel can't stop thinking about her. Can they overcome obstacles and their differences for a happily ever after?

I particularly enjoyed the magical realism aspects in the story--that the town itself was affected by Alexis and Daniel's relationship. At first it seemed odd, but then it ended up being kind of fitting as small towns (especially to many outsiders) can seem magical and it was an interesting way to outwardly show the internal feelings of the characters.

I also appreciated the ways in which domestic abuse was depicted. Most people can recognize the violent sort of abuse, but emotional abuse is much more easily hidden and less well-known by many. It was interesting seeing several women in abusive relationships, and in different stages of the relationship. It brought to light how even though to outsiders they seem like very different situations (physical vs. emotional), when in fact they can be extremely similar. And I liked how the ending didn't necessarily wrap these women's stories up into nice bows; one was just starting to make changes to her situation. Everyone is different and you can't force someone to make a change they aren't ready for.

A recommended read for all, with the knowledge that there is discussion of and some depiction of abusive relationships.

I sometimes wonder why I let books sit on my kindle for so long 😑 this is absolutely one of the BEST RomComs I have had the pleasure reading. I love me some age gaps (usually older man, younger woman, not so much older woman younger man) but this? This was spectacular. The goat? The pig? Good lord I was dying 🤣 and phew boy the 🌶 was there my friends. It was there. Now that being said there are some serious themes in this so do some research before reading, and if you decide you want to take a ride with this one? Buckle up friends and grab your tissues; If you dont cry you'll need them for the laughter you will undoubtedly be doing for a good part of this book!

I really like Abby Jimenez and her writing and this book fit the bill! In this book we get to see two very different characters come together and see if they can fit into each other's worlds. I really loved the small town vibe in the town Daniel was from. Also Alexis' family was super toxic so it was interesting to watch her sort through her feelings. A great read overall and I look forward to reading more from Abby Jimenez in the future.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

Abby has done it once again. Part of Your World is a great rom-com, meet cute story. Abby knows just how to give you all the feels and love and then rip your heart out and stomp all over it, but before she is officially done she always gives us a perfect happy ending. Her books are so easy to read and they always take you straight into their world. Alexis and Daniel are amazing characters with so much depth and history. She knows how to make a tough situation such as domestic abuse and shine a light on it in a very understanding and sensitive way. Oh and POYW has a dog and a baby goat in pajamas so go read it now! Abby will become your new favorite author too!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

This book was so hyped on BookTok and Bookstagram that I was a little worried it would ruin the experience of reading it- boy was I wrong. this was the perfect mix of what want in a contemporary romance.

One of my favorite book qualities is the ability to be heavy while still remaining lighthearted. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez achieved exactly that. This was such a charming read where the love interests had so much in common while coming from completely opposite worlds. I loved seeing the small town vibes juxtaposed with the dramatic and lavish hospital community.

This book also portrayed the many ugly faces of abuse - from physical to emotional to mental. It also portrayed it coming from a relationship aspect or even a parental aspect. Despite since sensitive topics, it was portrayed so realistically it was uncanny. However, it still remained digestible. It was like the perfect summer meal...it's heavy enough to satiate while still you feeling light and happy. It's not just fluff but it won't weigh you down either.

I also loved all the nods to Abby Jimenez's other books. The other 3 are marketed as a series, but this book makes mention of every single one. it's 100% a standalone though, with the references being something fun if you notice but not taking away or leaving any confusion if you don't.

Abby Jimenez has been an auto-buy author for me for some time now, and this one is easily my favorite.

Absolutely adored this book! The writing was great, it was laugh out loud funny, and I've met my new book boyfriend in Daniel Grant, the hot and helpful carpenter!

This was my first book by Abby Jimenez but I'll definitely be checking out her back list IMMEDIATELY!

If you're in a book slump, read this. If you love books with great characters and great writing, read this. If you love to laugh, read this!

All the stars for Part of Your World

Hot Takes
-Everyone absolutely loved this book and for me it was good but didn’t blow me away.. Not bad by any means and maybe my expectionations were set bit too high,but yeah. . And that made me upset because there’s so many tropes about it that I love!
-I love a class difference and I loved the way this was handled. She fell hard and it was adorable!
-Was there an age gap? I think so? I wish it was flushed out a bit more!
-Her friends suck. Like a lot. To the point where they really pissed me off, so well done lol

Read If You Like: Class issues, big city girl finding small town dude, It Happened One Summer maybe?

I am never disappointed by an Abby Jimenez book. This one made me almost want to move to a small town and buy a homestead too. I loved watching the MC transform after leaving a lifetime of abusive men and recognize her worth and power.

I loved this book. There is so much fun banter and authentic relationship building. The author does a great job at building the characters and showing why they are the way they are. I also love the growth that the main character has after being emotionally abused in this story. Trauma and abuse are so hard to get right and have to be approached very delicately and Abby Jimenez was able to do this flawlessly. I love how the author was able to create such a warm and wholesome book and still add trauma and life experiences in that really made this read feel real and authentic. This is my first book by this author but I will definitely be reading their entire backlist now. Amazing!!

I now really look forward to every new book we get from Abby Jimenez, and this one did not disappoint. She's delivered another great romance with substance, and Daniel is a top tier love interest.
Trigger warnings for emotional abuse and domestic violence.
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever/Gradn Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

When successful ER doctor Alexis Montgomery finds herself in a ditch outside of a small town, she's absolutely certain she will be murdered in the middle of nowhere all because a raccoon. Fortunately, she is rescued by small town carpenter/absolute dreamy babe Daniel Grant. Unfortunately... she is rescued by small town carpenter/absolute dreamy babe Daniel Grant.

What was supposed to be a one-night stand quickly turns into infatuation for both the busy city doctor and the reliable carpenter. Every time they think their lives are incompatible, they are thrown together by something magical that makes them realize how perfect they are for each other.

Between emotionally abusive exes who won't move out to parents who won't stop meddling in their lives, Alexis and Daniel must determine whether this relationship is worth fighting for.

Multiple times throughout this book, I was caught between tears and fits of laughter. The characters are strong and loveable, and the little splash of magical realism throughout the story makes it feel like the perfect modern-day fairytale.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review.

THIS BOOK made me want to go through every other 5-star rated romance novel I have ever read and knock a star off simply because they are not THIS BOOK. Warning upfront: I can't review this book and do it any justice, it was perfection and for some reason, my brain contains no coherent or remotely intelligent thoughts about it. If you like romance novels you'll like this book.

Jimenez crafts this mystical little small town, you can't help but be drawn to it. She made such dreamy characters that somehow also have such tremendous real-life family and inner conflicts.
I spent half of this book agonizing - will they, won't they - and the other half giddy, 'ooooh, was that magic?' The author does a fantastic job of carrying every single storyline through, she sprinkles these little nuggets, the dragonfly, and the stained-glass window carefully and meticulously throughout - it is such a unique reading experience!

I was lucky enough to read and review this Advance Reader Copy courtesy of Abby Jimenez and NetGalley, but all opinions are mine.

Trauma porn.

Going into this, I thought, well, this is fine story. A bit overwrought. Alexis' work history and her relationship with her family seemed like a starting point. Falling for someone younger than her also was good. Not enough older women/younger men romance stories.

But when the outpouring of trauma, dropped unexpectedly, about Ali's ex, it was startling. And it's hard because it's such an important topic to discuss and keep awareness of but it felt cheap in this book. You could have presented Ali's story without the trauma and made it good. The trauma seemed to be thrown in for shock sake and because the author was flinging everything into pot. I stopped reading after 25% (kindle) and will not finish.

Part of Your World is hands down my favorite Abby Jimenez book!

I loved it so much! Daniel! Oh, if I could only meet a man like Daniel! He is basically perfect. He is such a sweet guy who wants to help everyone he can. I completely get why Alexis would fall for him. And Alexis. I loved how this woman who, on the outside, seemed so strong and put together was struggling. Alexis was such a real character, and I loved reading about her and seeing her grow.

This book is told in alternating POVs between Daniel and Alexis. This is my preferred romance writing style, and I loved it so much in Part of Your World. It was great to see Alexis and Daniel together and apart. I liked getting that glimpse of them when they were each in their communities without the other one and how different their worlds were.

This book deals with abuse, both mental and physical abuse. It also shows how people judge one another. I liked how Alexis admitted to herself that if she hadn’t had a personal connection to Daniel, she might have been just as guilty of treating him poorly as her friends. But we learn in this book that “grace costs you nothing,” and I loved that quote almost as much as I loved this book!

This is officially my favorite Abby book. This story is fun and exciting but also feels realistic and down to earth.

The idea of big town girl and small town boy isn't new, but Abby adds a nice twist to it. Having Daniel swoop in and save Alexis in a moment of need but then still let her control so much of the rest of their story was a really great idea. It was wonderful to see her work through the issues she was encountering in her life and learn how to change and adjust with Daniel's support. These two are fun and amazing, whether it's a lighthearted moment or a serious one. And we will never recover from the ring light scene!

The surrounding characters were very well written, even the characters you end up disliking have so many layers and nuances to them. My only complaint is that there was not enough baby goat in the story.

Abby Jimenez is a must-read romance author for me. I've enjoyed all of her books and Part of Your World is my new favorite.

We meet our heroine Alexis Montgomery when she is coming back from a funeral. Her car lands in a ditch when she swerves to avoid hitting a raccoon. She is waiting for a tow truck and is talking on her phone with her best friend Bri when a car stops and a guy comes over to check on her and helps her pull her car out. The guy, Daniel, is efficient and soon, her Mercedes is out. They meet again at the small-town bar where everyone seems to know each other. Daniel warns her that their friends have a wager to see who will take her home. In turn, Alexis asked Daniel to walk her out, so he can win the bet and she can leave. Daniel always a gentleman offers to cook her a grilled cheese before she leaves and she agrees to go home with him. What happens next, you can guess. What is different is the obstacles they have to surpass in order to be together.

Alexis is in her late thirties. She is an ER physician who comes from a rich family. Her parents and her brother Derek are renowned surgeons and being a Montgomery is almost a synonym for royalty. There is a huge expectation for her to be better now that her brother decided to stay in Cambodia after marrying in secret. Alexis is not crazy about the responsibility of being a Montgomery. She never wanted to be the one who carried the torch but with Derek leaving, she has no choice. To make matter worse, her parents would prefer for her to go back with Neil, her ex, who is the chief of Surgery. Alexis left him because he was emotionally abusive and he cheated on her. Her parents don't care, they think the world of Neil.

Daniel Grant also has his own family legacy. His family has lived in Wakan and has helped the town for over 125 years. Daniel wears multiple hats. He runs his grandparents' home as a B&B, he is the town mayor and he is a carpenter. He is also a great cook, a good friend, and overall just a good person. He has a dog and is taking care of a baby goat who wears adorable pajamas (at least in my mind they were adorable). Daniel has tattoos, wears denim and flannel, drives a truck, and is also ten years younger than Alexis.

How can they be together? Their world is completely opposite and incompatible but their chemistry is not.

I love everything about this book. I love Wakan, the dog, the pig (Kevin Bacon), the baby goat, the magic, Daniel, Bri, and the narrators. Any book read by Julia Whelan becomes an instant favorite of mine. Zachary Webber does an amazing job in bringing Daniel to life. I thought both of them complemented each other well.

Kudos to Abby Jiminez for writing a romance novel that works!!

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Alexis Montgomery is a big city doctor from a well-known family whose life is already mapped out for her. Daniel Grant is a small town mayor, carpenter, B&B manager, and an all-around nice guy who is just trying to make ends meet. Their opposite worlds collide one night when Alexis' car goes off the road into a ditch and Daniel offers to help tow the car. What follows is a charming and captivating story that includes real issues, a magical love story, baby goats in pajamas and a pig named Kevin Bacon.

What I appreciated about this book:
This book took absolutely no time to intrigue me. The author's writing has a way of immediately grabbing my attention and drawing me into this story and the conversations between characters flowed so well. I also appreciated the different personalities of the characters and how each of them and their personal issues came to life. There were tearful moments, funny moments, steamy moments, magical moments - this book has it all! It's basically a Disney story for grownups. This was my first book by this author and will certainly not be my last. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read this charming story. It was the perfect read for this busy season of life.

What didn't work for me:
Overall, I loved this one and it exceeded my expectations.

Thanks @Netgalley and the publisher for the digital review copy in exchange for my honest review.