I was anticipating a somewhat comedic, romantic tale and maybe that was my misinterpretation and I should have read the blurb closer. This book does have trigger warnings, for animal cruelty for example, but honestly it was a little over the top. I don't want to say too much, but at one point a character mentions a parent killing four or five litters of puppies by drowning them. I feel like that was a bit overkill, no pun intended.
Also, the author used the word "scoffed" so many times, it began to lose all meaning to me.
Definitely not my favourite by this author.

I will buy literally anything that Abby Jimenez writes. Seriously- she could publish a book with photos of grass growing and I'm at the bookstore. This one was fantastic-- I adored everything about the characters.

Xavier Rush is hands down one of my favorite book boyfriends of 2025. Thank you Abby for creating this man who totally stole my heart!

Abby Jimenez is one of those rare romance authors that I auto-buy every single new release because I know that she is going to deliver a swoon-worthy romance that is going to rock me hard with all the feels. Sure enough, this book is no different as I made my way through an entire tissue box while my heart went through the wringer.

It was one of my most anticipated new romance books of 2025 and did not disappoint!

I find that only the best romance authors can pull off insta-love in their stories where the connection between characters from just one night is so deep and believable that I’m hooked for the rest of the story, desperate for their happily ever after.

Abby wrote the BEST dialogue between Xavier and Samantha from their first meeting in his veterinary clinic and every interaction after.

Samantha had this exuberance that was infectious and she was a woman who loved openly and with her whole heart.

Xavier was the more closed-off, almost stern grump to her sunshine who had the best dry delivery and one-liners that had me smiling from ear-to-ear.

I swear I highlighted so many lines between these two that makes me believe Abby should lead a seminar on dialogue, she’s that good.

As far as first dates go, Samantha and Xavier had one of the best so it’s no wonder they were never going to forget one another. I honestly don’t think I will ever be able to hear the song, Come on Eileen again without thinking about this amazing book.

While I loved these characters, their dialogue and their devotion to each other that made their relationship so hard fought, I also really liked the side stories that were woven in.

Abby always packs a punch with her books and she did so with the topics of parental abuse yet again as well as parental dementia. There were only mentions of Xavier’s upbringing but it broke my heart what that man had gone through. I loved how one aspect of his story came full circle.
I think Abby also did a great job of portraying one family’s struggle with dementia. It is such a terrible disease and you could see how much it impacted everyone in Samantha’s family without completely taking over the storyline.

Abby Jimenez books should not be missed, though they should be read with a box of tissues nearby. I adore her writing, highly recommend this new release and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

*I received an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own. Thank you Forever Publishing.

Unfortunately I cannot finish this book. In 2025, we cannot gloss over casual racism in books. I am sad that type of language made it through editing. “f*cked off to his hoke country.” Etc.

Abby can write me a traffic ticket and I will frame it.

This story is stunning. Felt so personal to my own story of how met my husband. Beyond that this story challenged me into a different take on dementia and the reality of the sacrifice required to truly love someone unconditionally.

Favorite quote ✨ “Sometimes the challenges we face either break us or they make us stronger. And sometimes they do both.”

Does anyone write better dialogue than Abby Jimenez? Or better boyfriends? I think not!

As soon as I was turning pages, I was smiling and so happy to be in the company of Abby’s writing.

Alternating chapters between Xavier and Samantha are perfectly woven. Samantha has the best sense of humor and Xavier is truly the perfect boyfriend (maybe a little too perfect but still). Xavier is a veterinarian who meets Samantha when she comes in with a rescue cat, who definitely needs rescue. He thinks the cat is beyond help, but Samantha, a marketing copywriter, proves otherwise. But then she is called home to help care for her mother, who has early onset dementia (at 55), and their struggle becomes real.

This book is so much about grief, taking care of aging parents, and all the difficult things in life. I enjoyed it, but I wish it would have had a little more levity in a few parts. I appreciate how much Abby tries new things and really wants to examine all facets of mental health and life experiences.

My favorite book of hers so far!! I was hooked from the first chapter and these characters hold a special place in my heart. Covers heavy topics so check triggers!

Abby’s books are always sweet, funny, tender, emotional, but this one took it to another level. This one felt different from the rest. Heavier in a way. I felt my heart being torn apart very often, but at the same time it was put back together. Samantha and Xavier have my whole heart. I love them individually and even more so as a couple.

Though I loved the characters, I often felt like they all needed a break from everything happening to them and around them. I understand that maybe the point was to show resilient complex characters, but at one point I felt it was too too much. Regardless, of course I was rooting for them until the very end.

Abby is a mastermind at handling difficult topics with kindness, and I will forever be her fan. Just like the rest of her books, once I started, I could not put it down.

🐾 Dual POV
🐾 “If he wanted to, he would” personified
🐾 Cinnamon roll MMC
🐾 He’s down bad for her
🐾 Grumpy / sunshine
🐾 Difficult family dynamics
🐾 Long distance relationship
🐾 No third act breakup!
🐾 Insta love (not usually a fan, but it was so good here!)
🐾 Grey sweatpants
🐾 Found family

TW: past trauma / abuse, loved one with dementia, loss of a loved one

Thank you Forever for the chance of this arc!

This book was everything. It was really one of those stories where you just get immersed into the characters lives and when you look up, you realize there is a whole other world in front of you. There were so many fun moments and then there were so many emotional moments where I cried for these people and what they went through. I have to say that this book really hit home for me because I lived with a grandparent that had dementia and our family took turns taking care of her. It was hard sometimes because it was so real but in a way it was also very comforting in a weird way. I think a lot of people will think the romance took a backseat in this book, but to me, I think that it rode passenger seat while the story progressed. I felt this book was about family, and being there for when things got hard, it had a lot of heart and I think Abby Jimenez really did this book justice. I think if might be one of her saddest books but I think it might have been one of her best too. I'll be thinking of this book for years to come.

Abby can do no wrong! She is perfect at blending heart-wrenching real-life scenarios with a swoon-worthy romance. This book was no different! Was scared to read because of my own family experience with dementia but actually found the story quite healing.

Thank you NetGalley & ReadForeverPub for this ARC!

I’m always left speechless at how amazing Abby’s writing is, at this point, I shouldn’t be surprised but I always am.

Say You’ll Remember Me is another masterpiece.
I laughed so much. I cried the last 15% of the book.
And most importantly, I finished this book feeling so so thankful. Abby’s books always make me reflect on life. It always teaches me important lessons and encourage me to see life through a different light.

Sam & Xavier’s love story was a thought one.
So many obstacles but so much love.

Life is hard but when you have your person things are easier!

After Yours Truly this is my favorite book by Abby!

I cannot wait for this book to be out in the world so everyone gets to experience reading this love story!

4.25⭐️

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book. I love Abby Jimenez’s books and I definitely fangirled when I saw that I was approved for this. All opinions here are my own.

This was a classic Abby romance, I loved it! I think maybe this is the most heartbreaking of all the books I’ve read by her, there were a few times I had to pause and collect myself because of just sad things. Sad things/situations, but stories that needed to be and deserved to be told nonetheless. Is this my favorite in the series? Probably not as there is STEEP competition and stories I resonated with more (such as Yours Truly/Just For the Summer). I did enjoy both Xavier and Samantha’s relationship and having two people truly love each other/who are perfect for each other do anything to make a relationship work. I was rooting for them so hard and hoping a miracle would happen but I think the ending was perfect.

Definitely recommend for all the romance readers/Abby fans!

Frikin Abby Jimenez just has a way of making me SOB! And honestly, I love her for it.
In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where this was going. I normally don’t like insta love but THIS DID IT FOR ME!
Everything came full circle, and I was scared this book was going to end in a tragic way. While there were sad parts, it still had a happy ending.
With tons of extremely touching moments throughout.
YES YES YES!

My only criticism that made me rate this book a 3 star rating is because of the real world references. While I personally wasn’t a fan of the ACOTAR references, I can see how they may appeal to a certain audience. However, I do feel that referencing a specific work could limit the book's timelessness, as future readers may not be familiar with those references. It also seemed to me that the writing was trying a bit too hard to relate to a younger demographic, rather than focusing on telling a compelling story and letting the readers connect with it naturally. Overall, it didn’t have that timeless quality I look for in a romance book.

This one is a bit different from typical romance stories, which I think both helps and hurts it. The two immediately fall for each other and aren't shy about sharing that. There's no "will they, won't they", no climax where they break up or finally get together. It's a bit refreshing to read about such mature, loving people. But there's also a lot of heaviness to the story that feels a little incongruous with the love story, especially early on. It's certainly not a light-hearted read.

"because life wouldn't be worth living if I didn't remember you."

dr. xavier rush has entered the chat as my new favorite Abby Jimenez man. his soft yet protective demeanor had been the saving grace when it felt as if he and samantha were never going to be happy. and samantha, please wrap a blanket around her and hug because she deserves it so much.

sometimes, you meet "the one", and it turns out, they plan to move halfway across the country & you are left with memories of your perfect night together, even if it means being locked inside an escape room. abby jimenez has a knacked for balancing such heavy topics (please check the TW for this book) and romance to the point where this book feels like a lesson & an escape at the same time. while I mourned for the people I wanted samantha and xavier to be, had it been a different timeline, I cheered for their ending and was extremely happy to see them...happy.

thank you netgalley, forever publishing, and baby jimenez for this arc!

This book was a masterpiece. 5 perfect stars.

Okay, listen. I love all of Abby Jimenez's books. All of them. But I'm a sentimental gal, so I don't know if anything can top my first read of hers (The Happy Ever After Playlist). But this one... this one comes close.

I literally put down all my other reads to solely focus on this one alone.

Once again, she has crafted a story where the characters feel like real people with real issues. This book made me laugh at all the crazy antics, weep at the heartbreak and loss that many people go through, and remember to take each moment with my loved ones captive.

My mind AND my heart were fully invested in this book.

The fact that she also threw in so many ACOMAF references didn't hurt either! Instantly relatable, hahaha.

Abby Jimenez is an auto-buy author for me, and she definitely didn't let me down with this book. Highly recommend, highly loved, will be buying it immediately.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me an early copy of this book!

My review is already up on Goodreads and will be posted on Instagram on Friday, March 7.

As always, Abby Jimenez writes another winner. I just love all of her books. There is always something going on that is not always happy, but her storytelling is remarkable. She writes about real life situations and life is not always rainbows and butterflies. Yes there is always a romance in there, but the way they play out if just so satisfying. I love the characters and I really love that there were lots of animals in the book. Rescuing dogs and cats makes any book even better. I would recommend this book to everyone, but I know there are sensitive subjects in it, so I realize that it isn't for everyone.

Thanks Netgalley for this advanced ebook copy of the book.

4.5 ⭐️

How do I put into words the way this book absolutely ruined me and put me back together?! 'Say You'll Remember Me' is definitely a roller coaster of emotions - it had me squealing and kicking my feet at all the swoony bits one moment and sobbing into my coffee the next. So beautifully written, my heart literally ached after finishing. Time and time again, Abby Jimenez puts me in awe of how she can hit the perfect balance of rom-com and heavy topics...she especially took care with this one, featuring advanced dementia and the stress family caregivers can undergo during home care. I especially loved Xavier...he is a top tier male lead, VILF (IYKYK), no notes. Absolutely the best at care taking and shows up 150% for those he loves. It comes as no surprise, but I also enjoyed the banter and chemistry between the two leads and the incredible character growth across the board, main and secondary characters alike.

All in all, a fantastic read that I will be recommending to literally everyone. Thank you so much for the chance to read and review an advanced copy of one of my auto-buy authors!

I usually love Abby Jimenez's books, but this one just felt a bit rushed to me. I never felt got a chance to feel invested in Xavier and Samantha as people, let alone as a couple. While I understand instant attraction as a trope, and as a real idea, it just didn't work in this scenario. It felt obsessive and co-dependent in a red-flag kind of way. I also just wan't a fan of the writing for this particular novel. I look forward to reading any future books by Abby Jimenez, but I did ultimately DNF this book about 3/4 of the way through.