Once again Abby Jimenez delivers a story that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression on my heart and soul. Her books keep getting better and better. Say You’ll Remember Me has become an instant favorite. This story is a captivating blend of heartfelt romance and emotional depth that showcases Abby’s exceptional storytelling prowess.

This is a devastatingly beautiful romance between Xavier and Samatha. Whose first meeting doesn't go so well and ends with Samantha calling Xavier out for being an asshole, which he totally was. Samantha is a spirited marketing manager, who made me laugh so hard. And Xavier is my new book boyfriend. I fell HARD for Xavier the charming veterinarian who prefers animals over humans (except when it comes to Samantha). Who sacrifices so much in the name of love. Who is a natural caretaker despite his abusive past. Xavier who looks like Rhysand. He’s my PERFECT MAN and I swear I have never been so jealous of a FMC than I was of Samantha #VILF. The evolving relationship between Xavier and Samantha is both swoon-worthy and relatable. It captures the complexities of love amidst life's unpredictabilities, and while it’s far from a perfect, it's filled with so much humor, growth, and undeniable chemistry.

The thing Abby does so well is being able to balance lighthearted moments and romance with profound themes, delving into family dynamics and personal challenges that add layers of authenticity to the story. There are some stories and characters that are more relatable than others, and this really hit close to home for me. Samantha's dedication to her family, and her decision to move back home to help take care of her mother who has early-onset dementia, is portrayed with so much sensitivity and realism. I wanted to devour this book in one sitting, but kept needing to take breaks because of how emotional it was making me. You know how sometimes you just need a good cry to make you feel better, well that's this book (and I cried A LOT while reading this). This destroyed me in the best way and I'm calling it now, this is my #1 book of 2025. I kind of feel sorry for all the other books I’ll read in 2025, because they’ll be gray and Say You’ll Remember Me is color in a gray world.

Side bar: This is a true romance and NOT just smut. I salute Abby for making this a closed door romance and I found it made the story even richer.

✨The Highlights✨

. Vet 🦮

. Grumpy x Sunshine ☀️

. Dementia Rep 💚

. Long Distance ✈️

. He Falls First

. Summer Vibes 🎡

. Dual POV



✨The Feels✨

Abby has done it again! One minute I’m laughing so hard I nearly choke on my water, and the next, I’m getting teary-eyed. This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, tackling so many important topics that are close to my heart. I absolutely adored both main characters, and what made it even better was how I saw pieces of myself in each of them—always a favorite feeling of mine.



Oh, and ACOTAR fans, rejoice 👏🏻 —because we’ve got a full-blown Rhysand Doppelgänger here (minus the bat wings, unfortunately). There’s just something about a grumpy, brooding male lead who saves all his soft smiles for the heroine that always gets me!



This story takes place in the same universe as Part of Your World, Yours Truly, and Just for the Summer, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. If you enjoy romance with deeper themes, you’ll love this one—as well as any of Abby’s other books!



✨The Spoiler-Free Details✨

Samantha brings her kitten to the vet, only to find that he’s both irresistibly attractive and unbearably grumpy. Their first encounter is a disaster, but he later recovers. After an unforgettable night together, Samantha drops a bombshell—she’s moving across the country in the morning & begs Xavier to forget her.

I ordered Nadia Cakes cupcakes and will share my review to Instagram when they arrive!

I loveeee Abby’s books and I was fully going into this book expecting it to be 5 stars and one of my favourite reads of the year. And for the first 50% I loved it, I ignored many of its flaws and I was swooning over Xavier and how obsessed he was with Samantha. It was an Abby Jimenez classic; witty, emotional, romantic. The mutual pining was so good and I loved every moment that they got to spend time together, I couldn't put the book down and it was just so easy to keep reading. However, I couldn’t ignore its flaws in the last half and ultimately, I was disappointed by this book. Perhaps that is my fault for hyping it up so much, but usually I’m never let down by Abby.

This was a fast burn romance. Normally, that isn’t something I like but I didn’t mind it here at first. Xavier and Samantha’s love story was so sweet, I loved how they couldn’t forget each other (a metaphor for her mothers dementia). I loved how they were the definition of “when you know, you know.” However, once Xavier and Samantha realized that they were literally soulmates, it started getting depressing and a little cringe-worthy at times. I felt like in every chapter, there was a new blow to how their relationship was going to work or how difficult their lives were. The distance, the money, the family drama. There wasn’t really a moment where they could just be happy. When there was, the pop culture (or mustard) references took over every conversation. Usually, I can handle that, and I’m used to it in Abby’s books, but this got to be a bit too much. They had the “would you still love me if I were a worm?” conversation, they talked about TikTok challenges, named a dog Jake from State Farm, and at one point, in his POV, Xavier thought, “she looks at me like she looks at mustard, and I'm going to work so hard to deserve that” unironically. Like that was supposed to be sweet or something? It was weird. The mustard obsession was a bit overboard. At one point, the relationship was completely sucking the life out of both of them, especially Xavier, who was working so much just to see her, and it felt like she wasn’t working for the relationship in the same way. However, I know her circumstances were very different so I can let that slide a bit.

I would classify this book as half romance and half emotional/family drama. I appreciated how much I learned about dementia, and I cannot judge any of Samantha’s family’s actions for the way they dealt with their mother's/wife's illness. Therefore, I understand why they were reluctant to put her in a care home, but I just felt like it would have been better for everyone if she was, especially near the end of the book when her condition took such a detrimental toll on everyone in the family.

So, yeah. I had a love/hate relationship with this book. There’s lots to love, but it was also my least favourite Abby book by far. The cringe and over-the-top depressing and bad luck moments are what I didn’t enjoy. The characters were (mostly) lovable, and they were in emotionally difficult situations—which could be heavy at times. There were still lighter moments that made me laugh and sweet moments, too. I loved the themes of memories and family love throughout the book. It reminded me to make more memories with my loved ones because that's all you have at the end of the day.

Tropes:
🐈Meet cute
🎡Fast burn
🐈Long distance
🎡Family drama
🐈Cute animals!
🎡“When you know, you know”
🐈Soulmates
🎡Boy obsessed
🐈Mutual pining
🎡Closed door
🐈Caretaking

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Forever, and Abby Jimenez for the ARC! Can’t wait for more from Abby (I’m still her absolute biggest fan, I promise lol)

@thelovelibraryy on Instagram for more edits and reviews!

Abby is a favorite author of mine. I truly love her work, but sometimes a book doesn’t hit and I gues ms that was this one for me. I felt disconnected from the characters and wasn’t entirely sold on their progression. I can handle insta love, and I think the first date was super cute and I did see their chemistry, but something was lacking for me and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe the chemistry needed more slow burn, or maybe it’s a me problem. I think I had a hard time with the dementia portion because of personal reasons/but I think Abby handled it really well and I can tell she did her research. Abby will forever hold a piece of my heart in her stories, but i have to give this book a three stars.

Abby Jiminez has turned herself into an auto buy author. She does a phenomenal job with making you feel all of the emotions. She paints a beautiful picture of everyday life while simultaneously writing characters that you fall in love with. Her stories suck you in from the very beginning. And I love the cameos that other characters or animals make. She does an amazing job of making these stories feel like memories lived with friends. Like watching great love stories with your own eyes. Samantha and Xavier are so stinking cute! And I’m glad to know that they were willing to put in the work for one another. I love you Abby! I want you to write my story!

Say you’ll remember me starts off strong and I knew I’d really enjoy it.
The banter was amazing
Samantha was hilarious
Xavier was so serious
Grumpy sunshine trope for sure
Samatha was experiencing the struggles with a parent having dementia. It really gave a glance into what it would be like and could feel how tough it really was day to day.
Abby Jimenez does a good job at putting in humor even if it may be a sad situation
The book had some good plot twists for a romance that I wasn’t expecting.

Even though this was insta love, Abby Jimenez does a great job of building up the connection between the characters so it didn’t feel near as cringy

Such a cute story!! I really fell in love with Xavier and Samantha and everyone involved. There were a couple of weird lines that i eye rolled at but overall this was such a great way to show love between two people.

I will always love Abby Jimenez and her cutesy Minnesota love stories (even though this book is also set in California, it's still a Minnesota book, okay?). I found Say You'll Remember Me to be a bit slower and I was less invested in the story than her other books. It just felt like there were so many obstacles for this couple and I just wanted them to be okay, and in some instances it seemed like it might be a better choice for them to break up. I didn't dislike the book, I actually found the first chunk very entertaining and easy to breeze through, but almost 70% of this book was just hard to get through because life was so hard for the characters to get through.

I wish I loved this one. Unfortunately this just didn’t hit as well as I thought it would for me.
The writing felt pretty clunky from the beginning which kept me from being wrapped in the story. I pushed through and gave it the benefit of the doubt, because this is AJ and she can write such beautiful stories with multi layered characters you fall hard for. But our MCs felt flat and single layered. That layer being Trauma with a capital T.
I love characters with traumatic pasts and storylines, I root for them the most. But it was like I couldn’t catch a breath with the trauma piling these two were dealing with. Don’t even get me started on how this is immediately an insta love long distance relationship and the MMC does everything to run himself in the ground for her and the deepest this got was them being like “I like you”, some bedroom activities, and then countless trauma dumps. Oh and so many pop culture references. The only reason we really know what the MMC looks like is because it’s brought up 3 separate times in 2 chapters that he looks like Rhysand.
Now will this be a winner for big time AJ fans or just fan of a heart wrenching romance, sure thing. But please go into it knowing it’s a lot of deep triggers, so read the authors note!

Thank you for the reader copy

When I tell ya’ll that I was laying in bed crying my eyes out to this book, ya’ll gotta take it seriously! This was my first Abby Jimenez book and it won’t be my last. This book touches on how challenging a long distance relationship can be, not only for the relationship but for the indivuals in the relationship. Throw in a severe illness like dementia and severe parental issues and you have probably one of the most challenging relationships out there. This is what Samantha and Xavier have to deal with throughout this story and there were many instances you can tell there were so many points where they wanted to throw in the towel. I was literally crossing my fingers and toes for a happy ending. I don’t think I have ever rooted for a couple as much as these two.

Well I was worried about crying on a plane when I started this book but the few tears I did have came the next morning in the coffee shop.

As always Abby delivered more than just a romance or rom com story. There was grief and family dynamics and illness, alongside inside jokes, mustard puns and songs that get stuck in your head even if you are just reading the lyrics.

Xavier and Samantha have an unforgettable first date at the worst possible time for both of them. But they want to try and make it work, because giving up so soon isn’t an option for either of them. The obstacles these two have to overcome are realistic but also endless. I just wanted them to catch a break!

But the underlying message of wanting to be a witness to someone else’s life was absolutely beautiful. It is what we all hope for in any relationship be it love, friendship or even with family. There really isn’t a greater gift.

“That there is nothing more beautiful than being a witness to someone’s life. To know them inside and out and be with them through everything, share the same memories. Memories are everything. I want that.”

Thank you Forever Publishing for the early copy

He worked every single day, pulled double shifts, just to see her once every two months! Xavier is officially at the top of my list next to Jacob. I swear, Abby writes the perfect men—because no real man would ever do what Xavier did.

This book is for anyone who thinks long distance is impossible. Xavier and Samantha proved that when true love is involved, nothing is impossible. And of course, Abby didn’t hold back on the heartbreak. But what I really loved was how this book wasn’t just about their love story. It also tackled tough topics—abusive parents and how their trauma lingers, even long after escaping, and the emotional toll of caring for a sick parent.

Xavier and Samantha were so good together from the very first second they met. He’s the kindest person you could ever imagine, and she’s so talented with an incredible personality. I wasn’t completely on board with the insta-love at first, but honestly? The way their story unfolded made it work. They were just meant to be.

And seriously, I still can’t believe everything Xavier did just to be with her. These men may be fictional, but they are my fictional men!

This story was so much fun! I love her how easy this read was but still has so much emotion and growth. One thing I’ve been loving about her books is that they are low on spice and it’s easy to skip. And the stories are so swoony!

The chapters are listed on the photo. Please look at the triggers before going into this one.

Please remember that this was the ARC things could have change as it printed. I try to be as accurate with my spice rating as possible but only to the extent I can control. 💛

Language is strong.

TY to Net Galley for the ARC. You always know that you're in for more than just romance in a A.J. book and that's one of the many things I love about her books. The two MCs are amazing and their romance is delectable. The extended cast and their stories enrich and add depth and character to the book as only Abby can. Watch for the Nadia Cakes references. They're fun!

Say You’ll Remember Me arc review in honor of PUB DAY!

“Love is the greatest color in a gray world” 🌎 ❤️
“There is nothing more beautiful than being a witness to someone’s life”

I’m so incredibly lucky to have received access to the e-arc of Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez!
As someone who has had many happy life events surrounding “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners, this book is very special to me :) This book was an IMMEDIATE 5 stars for me and I think I’ve found a new book bf to add to my list of favs!! Wow! This book was so incredibly beautiful, heart wrenching, and full of so much love along with the contrasting heartbreak that follows the blessing of having so many happy and loving memories in your life! This book made me feel nostalgic for things that haven’t happened yet and all the joy to come in the future both within the mundane parts of life as well as all the exciting things that will eventually happen!
Xavier and Samantha’s characters were beautifully written and upon immediately starting this book, they felt like old friends you’d known forever. This book was easy to start and immediately jump into and be absorbed by- as a mood reader, this is especially appreciated because I feel like there wasn’t too much “set up” time before getting into the story which I always love!
This is a book I feel that I will see on shelves in bookstores and feel the need to pick up and hug because it provided me with so many warm and fuzzy feelings- and all the sweet baby animal sidekicks always have a special place in my heart!
The cruel reality of illness and family, along with the joys found along the way, and doing all you can for those you love was beautifully portrayed in this novel! I feel so privileged to have been granted access to this e-arc and am tempted to say this is my fav book I’ve read by Abby Jimenez so far… so excited that Xavier and Samantha’s story is out in the world today, and that you can all read of the beautiful bits of color granted to each other in a world full of gray! I hope you love this book as much as I did, and I’m hoping to add this to my list of in need of a reread asap 🤍

What a heartwarming and emotional story!

I loved Xavier and Samantha’s chemistry, and their banter kept me engaged. Some scenes were adorable and felt like classic abby jimenez. I really appreciate romance novels that tackle real-life struggles, and this one definitely included heavier and sadder topics. We know Abby is great at balancing humor and emotional depth. However, I would have loved to see the emotional moments explored more deeply instead of circling back to the same issues—some of it felt a little repetitive to me. Also, with this book, it felt very much like insta love — we just knew that the characters were “made for each other”. I would have loved more moments that showed why they were perfect for each other (though I get that the long distance aspect made that tricky).

The acotar and rhysand references were a little cringey to me, but not the end of the world!

That being said, Abby’s writing is still very engaging and I found this one so easy to read and fast. the ending was truly heartwarming and definitely made me shed a few tears. 🥹

Thank you to @readforeverpub & @netgalley for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

4/5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Abby Jimenez for sending me an ARC of Say You’ll Remember Me in exchange for my honest review.

Abby, are you paying for everyone’s therapy after this one? Just casually crying on a Tuesday morning. No big deal. This is a romance book, but it is more sad than horny…as life often is, tbh. There are still lots of funny moments, but Abby Jimenez does an amazing job of infusing intense moments of raw emotional damage into something lighthearted and fun.

The struggles within the family dynamics were handled well, and I think accurately showcase what would happen and how people might react in these really difficult situations. The pacing does start to feel a bit…bogged down? I do think that’s purposeful. It’s meant to make you feel the same way the characters feel, but I felt like the ending felt a bit rushed after that. Also, I read for escapism and the heaviness of everything just started to get to be a bit much.




Content warnings: animal abuse, animal cruelty, animal neglect, animal death (off page, past), cheating (side character), child abuse (physical and emotional—past, recounted), death of a loved one (off page), dementia (detailed description of life and daily care)

Another smash hit from Abby Jimenez. I did have a bit of trouble with the mother storyline as it hit a little too close to home for me personally. But overall, I thought that it was handled with care.

4.5 rounded up to a 5

I Loved this story of overcoming odds and demonstrating great love and care for the people most important in your life. The story is filled with love and heartbreak. Heartbreaking and beautiful reflection of all types of love.

Say You’ll Remember Me was an engaging read that I flew through in just two sittings. Abby Jimenez knows how to craft a compelling story with characters that feel real, and this one was no exception. The romance was heartfelt, the emotional moments hit just right, and I was fully invested from start to finish. My only gripe—like with all her books—is that sometimes the humor feels a bit forced. But even with that, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read that kept me hooked the whole way through!