Domestic abuse as a storyline is no easy feat. I did not find it exploitive or entertaining, but rather compelling the way any clever stories tend to be. The story was both deep and emotional, but also charming. Much more Interesting than an Emily Henry novel.

I don’t know how Abby Jimenez does it but she tells such heartwarming stories with characters that are so lovable. I just absolutely loved this audiobook. Julia Whelan and Zacchary Webber are two of my favorite narrators and they did this story justice!

I really liked Alexis but boy it took her a long time to find the balance between her own wants versus her parents’ dreams for her. Alexis Montgomery and her brother came from a line of surgeons. Her life has been charted for her and it is expected that they step up and join the family business. But when Alexis’ brother runs off to follow his heart, she is left to shoulder their parent’s expectations. Then her car breaks down, introducing her to a small town Air BnB manager, named Daniel, she gives in to an impulse that also puts her on a path to question her career path versus what makes her truly happy.

Daniel was just an amazing guy. Yes he was younger than her but he was her equal in every way that counts. These two came from different walks of life but they fit so well. They really moved each other out of their comfort zone and taught each other about true emotional connections. This book had a great mix of humor and some teary scenes. It touched on things like emotional and physical abuse as well as financial equity between partners. This book represents everything I love in romance novels, a compelling story, character growth and a strong love connection. This book was just everything!

This is one of my favorite books I've read in quite some time! Abby Jimenez is funny on social media, but she really knows how to translate her humor to the page, but without making it contrite. She knows how to play the position of witty, humorous, and also serious. I greatly enjoyed this meet cute rom-com with deep issues explored and expressed.

What a winner!

The dual narration by Julia Whelan and Zachary Webber was just so perfect for this story.

This would have to be one of my absolute favourite audiobooks that I have listen to this year.

This is was my first Abby Jimenez novel and with out a doubt won’t be my last!

Abby Jimenez is the romance queen. Her humor, wit, dialogue, and deep love stories are refreshing every single time. I never walk away from her books disappointed. This story features Alexis Montgomery and Daniel Grant. Alexis is the heir to a medical legacy in the city while Daniel is one to a small town. The chemistry, however, cannot be denied. There are depictions of mental abuse and manipulation but Abby, as always, handles it so well. Anything by Abby is a must-read for me and Part of Your World is no exception.

There's not much better than an Abby Jimenez story...except maybe an Abby Jimenez audiobook.

A Part of Your World is a fantastic story about great characters finding their way to happiness when their life situations seem to have them stuck where they are. Ms. Jimenez always manages to throw in heavy topics but does so with sensitivity and nuance, all the while keeping things light and amusing where appropriate and necessary.

Throw in amazing narrators who make the story come even more alive and there's no better way to spend my time (or money) - Ms. Jimenez's books are SO good that I always read AND then listen to the audiobook, usually more than once. Her stories are simply THAT good and I can't wait to read whatever she writes next!

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.

Abby Jimenez does it again! Part of Your World may be my favorite book of hers yet. I immediately fell in love with Alexis and Daniel. I had to try to pace myself slowly so that I didn't devour this one too quickly.

This is my first Abby Jimenez book and I will definitely be looking for her backlist books. This was such an enjoyable story that when I finished it, I wanted to meet these characters and become friends. Alexis Montgomery is a sophisticated city girl who is part of the distinguished, well-known Montgomery family of doctors. She is an ER doc, much to her father's chagrin, as that is not an exclusive enough position for a Montgomery. Her father is bullying and overbearing and her mother goes along with him, rather than rocking the boat. She broke up with her boyfriend/fiancé when she caught him in an affair, but he won't leave the house they co-own. Her parents want her to forgive him as he is the chief of surgery and an important man to have in the family. On the way home from a funeral, she meets hot carpenter, Daniel Grant, who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come. Their chemistry is undeniable and immediate. Alexis loves the town, the people she meets and the hunky mayor. It doesn't take long before she is spending every weekend in his small town, but can they make a life together?

This story has a few tropes that are tried and true: Older woman/younger man, rich/blue collar, and parental expectations/live your own life and they really worked in this book. I loved Alexis and Daniel, both together and individually. They had great chemistry and their relationship was swoon worthy. Alexis was caring and the way she reacted to and treated people was so touching. She was confused about what she wanted, especially when dealing with her father. Daniel was willing to do what he needed to do to be together. The only character I disliked was Alexis' overbearing and stuck-in-his-ways father. The characters are dealing with real issues and their own personal goals. There are also strong supporting characters, a loveable pooch, some drama and humor. I love how she captured the small town, close knit community where everyone knows everyone else's business, and they all help each other. The story is told from both POVs, which I really enjoyed, especially as the audiobook had two narrators. There are some serious issues, such as domestic abuse, a town with no doctor, bullying and family expectations vs living your own life, but it is all wrapped up in a wonderful story with friendship, community, charity and romance. I definitely recommend Part of Your World. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one, narrated by Julia Whelan and Zachary Webber is well done, with great voice, emotion and expression. I highly recommend it.

Abby Jimenez was a new author for me. I could not beleive I had not heard about her and her books before this stellar book. She's amazingly good at many things other than writing; like cupcakes, Instagram videos of her dogs, Tess and Stuntman Mikey, and comedy. I feel like I have a sister I never knew about!

Part of Your World is about two people from different walks of life, different socio-economic situations, and education but are so inextricably drawn together they cannot give each other up. Attraction and lust starts the relationship but their sensibilities are heightened as they get to know each other better.

You want their relationship to work but just can't imagine how it can. I was blown away by the perfect ending, which I did not see coming. I first listened to the audio, which I loved, then ordered the book. Naturally I didn't want their story to end, so I'm hoping there will be a sequel.

Don't miss this book and audio.


Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Book Group.

Narrated by Julia Whelan and Zachary Webber

Strong word of mouth about the author and their new audiobook led me to request Part of Your World from NetGalley last week. Abby Jimenez is a new-to-me author and lately, I’ve been a bit leery about veering away from old favorites, but I’m happy to tell you I plan to binge her back catalog right away! I’m usually a bit slow to turn around book reviews – even with books I like (much to my editor’s despair), but I couldn’t wait to sit down and tell you all about this one. While Part ofYour World has a few minor problems, the central relationship – featuring a whopper of an opposites attract pairing – is romantic and sexy, the primary and secondary characters are well realized (with one glaring exception), and the narrators are supremely well-suited to the material. The novel had me totally absorbed during my morning walks this last week, and I was sad to finish it on my ride to work today. I enjoyed almost every bit of it and recommend you read – or listen to – it, too.

Growing up, Alexis Montgomery always knew she was destined to follow her parents into medicine, and expected to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons. But after graduating at the top of her class at UC Berkeley, and then Stanford, she opted to become an ER doctor instead. The work doesn’t come with the same fame or glory, but it brings her happiness – even if her father diminishes her decision whenever they’re together and her workplace has recently become less comfortable.

When the story begins, thirty-eight year old Alexis is in the small town of Wakan, Minneapolis, stuck in a ditch after swerving to avoid hitting a raccoon. After calling for roadside assistance, she discovers it will be at least an hour before someone can tow her out and opts to spend the time talking to her close friend Brianna on the phone. They discuss the funeral she just attended; the fortunate absence of her brother Derek (a plastic surgeon currently volunteering in Cambodia); therapy, and the state of her relationship with her cheating, gaslighter of an ex-boyfriend Neil (head of surgery at her hospital); and Brianna is urging her to go ahead and remove the uncomfortable Spanx she has on under her Dolce & Gabbana dress when Alexis spots headlights in her rearview mirror. She frantically attempts to pull her undergarments completely off before the approaching driver reaches her window. Friends, this information dump via a chatty conversation between friends is supremely well done. Slightly wicked and supportive Brianna is an excellent foil to Alexis’s more stoic persona, and their conversation is alternately hilarious and sobering. It’s smartly done by Jimenez, and a terrific way to get to know both these characters. Also, the panicked race to remove the Spanx had me giggling out loud.

Twenty-eight year old Daniel Grant is the mayor of Wakan (following in the footsteps of generations of Grants before him). He’s also a carpenter, manager/host of The Grant House (a local landmark and bed and breakfast), and – when the town tow truck operator is two sheets to the wind at the local VFW (an out-of-season hot spot hangout), he’s the guy who pulls cars out of ditches. So when he spots a Mercedes in a ditch, he pulls over to offer help. As he approaches, he notices the passenger’s frantic efforts to remove her undergarments, but plays dumb as he taps on her window. The beautiful redhead who turns to partially unroll the window and inform him she’s waiting for a tow truck is a surprise, but he quickly informs her it’s going to be a long wait for the tow truck and convinces her to let him help her instead. He refuses her offer of payment, hooks his truck up and pulls her out. Daniel doesn’t expect to ever see her again… which is why he’s surprised to spot her later that same evening. Well, he isn’t too surprised. It’s dinnertime in the off-season in Wakan, and the only place open after six is the VFW. Unfortunately, Daniel’s friends have noticed her, too, and he decides to warn her about their $100 bet to see who can take her home that night. Alexis asks if there’s anywhere else to eat in town and Daniel offers to make her dinner at his place. She’s clearly wary – and then he mentions his buddy Doug plans to serenade her with a guitar rendition of More Than Words. Alexis offers to leave with him to help him win the bet, and they head out together for dinner at Daniel’s.

Oh, friends! It’s a great meet-cute. I loved it – and Daniel! Suffice it to say, the night… ahem, takes a turn and what starts out as a one-night stand quickly becomes something more – despite Alexis insisting it isn’t. Told in multiple, parallel plotlines that don’t converge until a swoony fairytale-esque ending, Part of Your World explores what it does – and doesn’t – take to be happy, and how life often leads in unexpected directions.

Both Daniel and Alexis were raised with heavy expectations; Alexis by an emotionally abusive father and submissive mother, and Daniel by beloved grandparents who raised him after his teenage mother abandoned him as a small child. Alexis is determined to meet the personal and professional obligations inherent as a member of the Montgomery family, while Daniel feels a similar sense of obligation as a Grant in Wakan. But while Alexis is convinced Daniel doesn’t belong in her world and works diligently to keep him out of it, Daniel loves having Alexis in his world – and believes he can find a way to fit into hers. The story unfolds in their alternating PoVs – Daniel, head over heels for Alexis, and Alexis, in denial about her own feelings for Daniel, digging in her heels and determined to keep him at a remove.

If it all sounds heavy, well… it is. And that’s without telling you about Alexis’s ex-boyfriend, or Daniel’s friend Liz, whose boyfriend regularly beats her up. Look, this story has highs and lows (obviously), but the author masterfully juggles the PoVs and the plotlines, and those highs? Um. They’re marvelous. The relationship between Alexis and Daniel is super hot and sexy; she’s a good person trapped by fears of failure, he’s?…oh man. He’s good looking, fit, handy with tools, kind, generous, sweet, an amazing cook. Is it overkill? NO. IT ISN’T. He’s amazing. More please. And then there’s the magical town of Wakan – a character in and of itself, the terrific cast and characterization of both good (and bad) secondary characters – shout out to super bestie Brianna – the friendships, the positive therapy-rep. Friends, it all works! The only flaws of any significance are Alexis’s doubts – which grow tedious, Liz’s storyline, which is powerful until it isn’t, and perhaps the author borrows a bit too heavily from fairy tales (for my taste) to craft this happily ever after. But those are minor flaws folks, and they didn’t take away from my pleasure in this romance.

The narration is equally good. I liked both narrators very much, and I think each does a great job bringing these principal characters and their story to life. Jimenez and/or the producers have done a terrific job finding voices that match my idea of who these people are and I was wholly absorbed in the story every time I turned it on. I loved listening to it..

Abby Jimenez is a new addition to my auto-buy list. If you haven’t tried one of her books yet either, give Part of Your World a try. It’s excellent.

Breakdown of Grade: Narration – A; Story – A

I really thought The Friend Zone would remain my favorite Abby Jimenez book forever, but Part of Your World just gave it a run for its money! Alexis's journey to heal from an emotionally abusive relationship was written with such care, and I'm so glad Abby is bringing awareness with her writing. Alexis and Daniel make a powerful duo, and I adore the way he brings her walls down and helps her find what she really wants in life. I loved this one!

Author Abby Jimenez creates such relatable, hilarious and tear jerking stories. She continues to amaze with this absolutely stunning and heartwrenching story of goats, family legacy and opposites attract.

As someone who isn't far from Waukon, IA "Part of Your World" was hilariously set and portrayed. Capturing the essence of small town, midwest people and the shenanigans that occur. Daniel and Alexis were so perfectly imperfect, readers will instantly root for their characters. Well done to yet another Jimenez masterpiece.

Absolutely enamored with this story! Part of Your World is my favorite book by Abby so far and I wish I could read it again for the first time!

The audiobook was perfection, brought to life by the amazing Julia Whelan and Zachary Webber. I'm pretty sure they could read the phone book and I'd buy it, but this was an experience I'll never forget.

I was sold when I heard there were baby goats and grilled cheese, but that's only the tip of the iceberg.

Things I loved:
**Small town
**RomCom
**Age gap
**Witty banter
**Family dynamics
**Handsome carpenter

It's not all sunshine and rainbows, as the author loves to put her readers on an emotional roller coaster, but it's one I'd gladly go on again and again.

My only complaint about this book was it ended too soon! This will definitely be one I read again in the near future and I can't recommend it enough.

Alexis and Daniel meet when Alexis gets stuck on the side of the road in the middle of seemingly nowhere. She's ten years his senior, but the attraction is undeniable. They come from totally different words: Alexis is living with her abusive and manipulative ex-boyfriend in the city and Daniel's the mayor of a small town that practically shuts down until tourist season is in session. When their worlds collide, Alexis and Daniel have to figure out what their next step should be and if it should be alone or together.

I've read all of Abby's books but the last two, including this one weren't my favorites. I dislike how the people in this book were portrayed as such do-gooders and wealthy because of their jobs and philanthropy. Those two things just hit me wrong and seemed like it was too goody-goody. I really do love Abby's writing, it's easy to read, fun, and has really cute side stories, like the goat in pajamas. But overall I didn't love this story, I should have written this review earlier because I read this one two weeks ago and I don't even remember much about it, And I hate saying that because I loved her first two books and can remember lots from those and how they made me feel while reading them. I think this one just came across as trying too hard or trying to wrap things up really nice and cleanly and lacked some of Abby's charm.

I loved this book so much. I was totally obsessed with this “forbidden love” relationship. It’s one of my favourite tropes and this one was really well done. I absolutely loved the characters and was rooting for them. Once again, Abby Jimenez proved why she’s one of my favourite author, phenomenal writing! I was totally engrossed from start to finish.

Thank you to the publisher for and for providing a free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As well as NetGalley for the ebook and audiobook.

I cannot rave about the work these two narrators did enough. I was legitimately hooked on this story from chapter one, and had a hard time pausing this book for things like work and sleep; if I had the hours to listen to this in one sitting, I would have. Jimenez brought so much personality to every single character in this story, and the narrators fully embraced it and brought these two to life. Not only were Alexis and Daniel adorable and steamy and swoon-worthy, but everyone from Bri to Pops to even Hunter the dog came alive with distinct traits and mannerisms. I can't recall a book that made me love all the secondary characters this much like Part of Your World. In the book, Alexis found a home in Wakan and with all it's people; as a reader, you do the same.

This book definitely has some very funny lines, especially where you'd least expect it. I lived for these one-liners that actually had me laughing out loud while listening. But what I loved the most in Part of Your World was the very real look at familial expectations and emotional abuse. Those two things might seem out of place in a romance or rom-com, but Jimenez does such a fantastic job at bringing these issues to light without having them be a downer for the whole book. Alexis feels stuck. Her father has dictated her every move, only to be disappointed in his daughter for choosing to be an ER doctor instead of a surgeon. Between her job, her dating life, and how she represents her family at hospital functions, I was so glad that Alexis was able to see how her father was emotionally abusing her. I was also happy that Alexis could sympathize with her mom while also acknowledging that she enabled her husband to act the way he did to Alexis. Family dynamics can be hard, but Jimenez handled the Montgomery family perfectly.

Alexis wasn't the only one with expectations, though. But for Daniel, he fought to keep his family legacy alive through his family's estate as well as his presence in Wakan. Daniel was just the sweetest of cinnamon rolls, and I really loved everything about him. He was caring, he was understanding, and he was patient with Alexis - almost to a fault. Many would have given up on her, especially when it was evident that she was holding back and keeping secrets, but Daniel saw it through. Like any Prince Charming, he was willing to do whatever it takes to stay with his princess.

Overall, Part of Your World was a fantastic listening experience, with adorable and lovable characters and a plot that had me running the full gamut of emotions. You'll get pulled in with the baby goat in pajamas, but you'll stay for the love worthy of a Disney masterpiece.

Five shining stars for Abby Jimenez's newest novel, Part of your World. It comes out this Tuesday ,April 19, and it is one you do not want to miss!

Thank you so much to @readforeverpub and @hatchetteaudio for the advance review copies on netgalley so I could read this book before publication. I ended up listening to the audio book, narrated by Julia Whelan and Zachary Webber.

On her way home from a family members funeral Alexis' car breaks down on the side of the road. Local, Daniel, happens upon her car and helps her get back on her way. Its a romcom, so obviously this is the first meeting of our main characters.

I was instantly sucked into this book because of Chloe - the baby goat that Daniel is raising. In the first few chapters there is mention of his kid, and I just KNEW this would be the introduction of the goat on the cover.

As with all of Jimenez books, there is so much more going on in this book than a fluffy romance. She writes perfectly balanced stories tackling real life issues while also weaving a fairytale between her protagonists.

I have now read three of her four books, and I am looking forward to moving back to reading Life's Too Short one day soon.

This is one you are not going to want to miss!

The barriers just might be insurmountable for Alexis Montgomery and Daniel Grant. While it is true that they enjoyed a one-night-stand, their future together seems very unlikely. For one thing, Daniel is 10 years younger than Alexis. Then there is the fact that he is a carpenter and she comes from a rich family who has a lot of clout in the medical community. In fact, just about everybody in her family for the past 125 years has been a surgeon. However, Alexis took her own path and became an emergency room doctor.

If the age difference wasn’t enough, sadly, the class difference that exists between Alexis and Daniel is one that does not seem even possible to overcome. However, they are very, very much drawn to one another and Alexis spends as much time in Daniel’s town of Wakan as she can. Not only does Daniel accept her, but the members of this sweet town do as well. Will Alexis be able to remove the barriers between them? What about Daniel? Could he live in Alexis‘s world?

Part of Your World was a wonderfully sweet and tender love story between two people who just had to be together even though it seemed very unlikely. Abby Jimenez did a stellar job bringing these characters to life. The drama between them resulted in a warm ending that gave these two the happily ever after they deserve.

Many thanks to Forever and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.