Listen all the pop culture references really made this book so cringe. It did not feel like an Abby Jimenez book until the last quarter of it. I did not finish the book due to the racist gross remark. I’m glad that the publisher took it out of the final copy to be published. However it does not change the fact that it was in the arc.

This book gave me all the feels. ALL THE FEELS. I am not usually a fan of 'insta-love' but in this case, it completely worked for me. I loved the inside jokes, which made it more real. It was full of emotions, and anyone who has had to take care of a parent with dementia will relate to the ups and downs, the highs and lows.

The characters are well written and relatable. And anyone who struggled through a long-distance relationship will understand. Aside from the rom-com side of the story, there are deeper issues at hand about healing and overcoming past traumas.

5/5 would recommend.

I absolutely have loved everything that Abby has written and this book is no exception. I devoured this in a day.

The family relationships in this book hit me so hard. This is a long distance romance that hightlights time, memory and the people we love. I was a mess reading this book. I don't even know what to say. I think the messaging around memories really got to me.

I think it's important to say that this is not as romance oriented as her other books and has little spice. Say You'll Remember Me shines in a different way. Some chapters may feel repetitive as the main characters navigate their relationship. It's hard being in a long distance relationship and I felt that while I was reading. The moments I really enjoyed reading, the ones where my heart broke was reading about our FMC and her family. It has me thinking a lot about my own memories and what memories I want to create with the time I have.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Forever Publishing and the author for this ARC!

This was such a light and feel good book. What I’ve come to except from Jimenez. Great writing as always.

This was my first Abby Jimenez book and it certainly won't be my last. What a great writer Abby Jimenez is. This book had all of the emotions you are looking for, and dealt with some pretty common problems. The family dynamics that are addressed in this book are very real and you can certainly relate to the emotions and feelings the characters in this book are experiencing. It is romance at it's best with a side twist of family reality thrown in. A fantastic read!!!

I’d bet at least 50-60% of voracious romance readers had this on their list of biggest releases this year. When an author reaches Abby Jimenez levels of romance phenom, every new book feels like a Super Bowl for the community. With that in mind, I want to first extend my thanks to Forever for the advanced copy.

Say You’ll Remember Me is a tender, emotional love story—perfect for fans of insta-love, well-rounded characters, and stories that engage with real-life issues. While it doesn’t take the title of my new favorite Jimenez book, it’s absolutely worth the read.

One of my favorite aspects of this novel is the family dynamics—both Samantha’s blood family and Xavier’s found family. The supporting cast was developed just enough to feel meaningful without taking the focus away from the central story, and I genuinely came to care for each of them in their own way.

Another highlight: this book is basically an entire novel-length argument for why I LOVE romcoms that skip the third-act breakup. Despite their insta-love, Samantha and Xavier prove their lasting power, facing real, significant challenges together instead of falling into unnecessary drama.

That said, as a longtime Jimenez fan, I don’t think her prose is at its strongest in SYRM. Choppy sentences, reliance on pop culture references as shortcuts, and overly similar POVs (so much so that I often had to double-check whose head we were in) made for a out-of-the-norm reading experience.

Speaking of pop culture references: Xavier's physical appearance was described as “Rhysand from ACOTAR without wings” not once, not twice, but FIVE TIMES. I hope some of those mentions get cut in the published version.

Other than his alleged ACOTAR-ness, Xavier is one of my favorite Jimenez heroes. Such a sweetie with a heart of gold. He’s the calm in any storm, the guy who grounds the people around him. Plus, he's an "Airport Dad"—the one in charge, the safe haven, the person you can shut your brain off around. Personality-wise, he pretty much could have walked out of my dreams. He’s also possibly the furthest thing from the billionaire romance trope (except for the small fact that he’s as attractive as a Greek god). I honestly loved that money was a real and relatable obstacle in his relationship with Samantha—because let’s be honest, long-distance romance is all fun and games until those flight tickets start adding up. His backstory was tragic, but it made complete sense for his character, and hearing him open up to Samantha only made me love him more.

Samantha, on the other hand, didn’t stand out as much to me. I liked her quirky job as the sassy mastermind behind a mustard brand’s social media, and her fierce commitment to Pooter the kitten was adorable. She processed everything with her family and Xavier about as realistically as could be expected—but ultimately, I connected with Xavier more.

If you’re a sappy, sentimental person like I am, this book has a lot to say about memory-making and how sacred it is to share your life with someone(s). It will absolutely punch you in the ooey-gooey feels.

A sweet romance that spans the distance as well as familial obligations. Xavier has never felt this way about anyone, but when Samantha tell him she is leaving after their first date, everything changes for him. He reconsiders his business plan, while Samantha hopes for something to change so that she and Xavier can be together. Both have to make major sacrifices to make their relationship work

Abby Jimenez’s Say You’ll Remember Me is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully explores love, second chances, and the complexities of human connection. This novel is a heartwarming and, at times, heart-wrenching journey, making it an absolute must-read for anyone who loves contemporary romance with depth and authenticity.

The story follows Drix, a young man caught in the legal system due to a troubled past, and Mia, a smart, determined woman who is skeptical about everything Drix represents. Their chemistry is palpable from the first page, and what begins as a seemingly impossible connection evolves into something deeply meaningful. Jimenez does an incredible job at developing these characters, allowing readers to see their flaws, fears, and vulnerabilities. Drix is a complex, lovable character who’s working hard to build a future beyond his mistakes, while Mia’s strength and compassion make her someone to root for from the start.

The emotional stakes are high, and Jimenez masterfully balances the romance with real-life challenges. The tension between the characters is not just romantic, but also tied to personal growth and healing. The way the author tackles serious topics like redemption, judgment, and societal expectations adds layers of depth that elevate the story beyond a typical romance.

Jimenez’s writing is witty, heartfelt, and at times, beautifully poetic. The dialogue feels natural, and the pacing ensures that the book never drags—each chapter leaves you eager to see what happens next. And while the love story at its core is absolutely captivating, it’s the underlying themes of forgiveness and self-acceptance that truly resonate.

This is a novel that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect long after the last page is turned. Say You’ll Remember Me is a testament to the power of love, growth, and finding light even in the darkest of times.

Jimenez delivers another emotional, swoon-worthy story filled with wit, heart, and characters you can’t help but root for. Beautifully written and deeply moving!

Abby will you ever not be good?! Nope I truly don’t think so. I laughed and cried all thanks to this book right here. There is just something about her writing that gets to me on a deeper level. And any man who loves animals and is a cinnamon roll?! Give him to me RIGHT now thank you. This one packed a punch in the most loving way. I can’t wait until everyone can get their hands on this and love it as much as I do.

Say You'll Remember Me is my favorite Abby Jimenez book to date. All of her books have been fantastic, but this one grabbed me as soon as I began reading and I did not want to put this book down!

While this story has many, many layers to it and deals with real life issues, including dementia, I feel like anyone who has helped to take care of anyone, whether a family member or even a friend, can connect with it. I know that I did. Abby Jimenez has a way of writing love that it doesn't matter what type of love it is, romantic, familial, or friendships, you feel it on a molecular level.

Samantha and Xavier are fantastic characters and their meet-cute is one I couldn't have seen coming! Their connection is obvious, but with Samantha leaving, and moving cross-country, to help care for her mother, the timing is just off for she and the hunky veterinarian. She needs to be with her family and Xavier can't leave either given the situation with his practice. Can they figure out how to make it work, or will it be a situation of right person, wrong time?

I would highly recommend this to anyone, as it is one of my favorite reads of the year so far!

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**

Thank you so, so much to Forever Pub for this e-ARC of Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez. This book was so reflective and tender, and it was everything I loved about Abby Jimenez and then some. However, I really wish that it was not so heavy in the pop culture references. The female main character compared the male main character to Rhysand from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series multiple times, and at a certain point, we definitely get the visual. I saw somewhere else that one of the more borderline offensive lines, the one about a character that never appeared on page named Omar fleeing the country, was going to be removed, and while I know that the author did not mean offense by this, it just felt like it did not need to be included in the book itself. It added nothing to any character or the book as a whole. It was seriously off-handed.

Overall, while I felt that Xavier and Samantha lacked a bit of the depth that some of Abby's other main characters did, I really enjoyed their relationship a lot more than other couples. I loved the way they navigated their lives and "right person, wrong time" and how it was slowly killing them because their lifestyles were not able to fit. I loved the resolution, and I loved the way that they really tried to make it work, even if it was incredibly difficult to manage. It was so incredibly realistic, and Abby portrayed both of their circumstances so well, and really made you see how Xavier and Samantha loved each other and what they saw in each other. It was incredible, and definitely everything you love in Abby Jimenez, and then some. I just really wish some of the pop culture references were toned down, though.

As always, I went into this Abby book blind. Boy, that was tough. As someone who has Alzheimer’s running strong on both sides of her family, yikes. This was truly a very difficult read for me. On top of that, my husband and I did long distance for years after reconnected when he was living in another state. So, yeah, it was a tough read for me.

That being said, this book is BEAUTIFUL. She handles these topics with care, and it’s got that classic Abby wittiness and charm. The characters are all incredibly well-done and so lovable. I still laughed at some things and still loved the chemistry and romance between the two MCs.

A truly excellent read, but just know that this is a book about caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, and there happens to be a love story in there. It is not primarily a romance.

Absolutely adorable! Lots of cuddles and fun romantic swoony read for me. I love the character, long distance relationship and family drama. I could relate and it was a good read.

This was my first Abby Jimenez read, and it did not disappoint. She included just the right amount of romance and humor into a piece that also addressed the tough issue of a family struggling with the progression of Alzheimer's. The characters all had their own levels of depth. Xavier was so endearing, while also being believable as a character. I will definitely be recommending this as a book club read and ordering a copy for our library.

I am still kicking my feetsies over getting this ARC by ABBY JIMENEZ. How did I get so lucky?!

It is a classic Abby Jimenez story that is a heartfelt rom-com with some heavy themes. (Listed TWs will be at the bottom of this review.)

I giggled. I cried. laughed. I had happy tears. I was sad. I was happy. I felt ALL the emotions reading this one.

For a couple that was 1. long distance and 2. going through their own crap individually...their relationship was almost going TOO smoothly? I think that is my only gripe BUT Abby handles their struggles well and their efforts to make it work even better.

Read this book because it's written by Abby but also because it has the following tropes:
-Meet-cute
-Instalove with personal struggles
-Long distance relationship
-Dual POV
-Complicated family dynamics

TWs:
-advanced dementia
-mention of a cheating spouse of a side character
-mention of past child abuse both physical and emotional
-mention of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect.
-sudden and unexpected death of a side character

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for an ARC of this title.

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Pub Date: 4/1/25
Format: ebook
Rating: 4.5 Stars!

"The best moments don't have to be big to be forever"

For longtime Abby fans, let me start this review with a slight disclaimer. This book is TOUGH. It is heavy and it is, in my opinion, a bit different from her books that have come before. There is certainly still romance at the heart of this novel, but I wouldn't quite say this book is a romcom. Go in with an open mind as far as genre expectations. I loved this book but it definitely read a little more like lit fic to me!

That being said....OOF this book is beautiful. And painful. And such a realistic depiction of living grief. The journey Samantha and her family go on throughout this novel is heartbreaking and, as per usual, Abby has you feeling ALL the feels right along with our characters.

I also love Xavier so damn much. He might be one of my favorites out of the love interests we've been gifted from Jimenez over the years. His patience, loyalty, and absolute love for animals had me soooo smitten. Some of my favorite moments in this book took place at his vet practice and watching him interact with the folks who support him there.

I honestly don't want to give too much away, but this novel truly is special. It makes you realize how important it is to feel the magic of all the little moments and to not take your memories for granted. Enjoy the mundane small moments with your loved ones just as much as the big life changing milestones!

If you have loved someone who suffers or suffered from dementia, please be kind to yourself while reading. Huge thank you to Netgalley and Forever publishing for the advanced ebook in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was Abby Jimenez’s most beautiful, moving work yet. I loved absolutely everything about it. I deeply appreciative the care and attention she gave to the dynamics around caring for ailing family. It was a beautiful portrayal of the many ways love changes over time.

COME ON EILEEN, that was RUFF! 🐕

Abby Jimenez does it again!! The overall theme of "life is hard, but also wonderful" is practically shouted from the pages. The ending was so cathartic, so satisfying. The final lines are among the best I've ever read. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Forgive me, I'm a bit tired because I started reading this at 1:00 am in hopes of reading briefly before falling back to sleep, but instead I read until I finished it...after the sun came up!

Samantha and Xavier are the PERFECT match. After a rocky start, they discover that they have a once-in-a-lifetime connection, even when there are 2,000 miles between them. Xavier's a gorgeous vet who presents as grumpy but inside is a classic Jimenez cinnamon roll. Samantha's a hilarious influencer for a local mustard brand. I laughed SO HARD. But, as with all of Jimenez's books, I cried hard as well. Samantha's mom is dealing with dementia, which means her whole family is dealing with dementia. Xavier and Samantha attempt to eek out what they can from their relationship and their lives, but it's a challenge. The question is, how can they make it work when they can't be together but they can't stand to be apart?!?

This book didn't have the number of Easter eggs I was hoping for, but in a way it made sense because the last novel, Just for the Summer, really seemed to tie things up in a bow. As always, there's a mention of her real-life Nadia Cakes, but the only other Easter egg I could find was one of the best she's ever done! Masterful! And to talk about it, we actually have to go back to her previous novel. At one point in Just for the Summer, Emma recognizes that a woman is suffering from a memory issue and uses the woman's phone to contact her daughter, SAMANTHA. This event is referenced in Say You'll Remember Me as one of the scary moments Samantha's family realizes that her mother, Lisa, is beginning to suffer from dementia. I love how Jimenez takes a moment from one novel and then reveals a new jaw-dropping component of the same event in a later novel! Another great example of this is when we find out Jaxon Waters' hand (from The Happy Ever After Playlist) is treated by Dr. Jacob Maddox (from Yours Truly)! SO FUN!!!!

Trigger warnings: death of a grandmother, person with a heart condition, narcissistic parents, child abuse, animal abuse, mother with dementia, cheating, loss of one's job, financial stress

I'd like to thank Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Abby Jimenez did it again! I honestly think that with every book that she writes, she gets better, and honestly, after Just For the Summer, I didn't think it was possible. I love her writing so much! The romance between the characters is always so well done and so emotional. Say You'll Remember Me is no exception. Abby Jimenez fans will not be disappointed, and I can't wait for everyone to fall in love with Xavier & Samantha!