This is my first book from Jimenez, even though it’s technically the third book in a series the author has written each of the books to work as standalone titles. I got the audiobook for this title, and as soon as the second chapter began I was pleasantly surprised that we get a perspective from the male lead that is narrated by a second narrator in the audiobook edition. Having separate narrators for the male and female perspectives is not something I’ve noticed in other audiobook within this genre, and I’m a fan of this format.
Jimenez has a distinct writing style and the sentences flow effortlessly from one to the next. The banter is so much fun, it had me laughing out loud multiple times. And, that’s exactly what I wanted- some quick paced light summer reading. But, this author delivers emotional poignancy with just as much dexterity. In short, Jimenez had me feeling big feelings with Just for the Summer. The main characters are well developed, and I was rooting for them early on. The male lead, Justin, basically personifies the truism ‘if he wanted to he would’ in the sweetest way. He really does go above and beyond right from the first date, making him the male lead that only a woman’s mind could conjure. The supporting characters are also well thought out, and serve to give this story depth and make it so much more wholesome. The midwestern Minneapolis summer on the lake, in a cottage on an island that is only accessible by boat makes for a setting that is gorgeous and downright impractical - which is the ideal place for a romantic comedy such as this to unfold.
Right the first chapter I was deeply invested in what seemed to be a promising and hilarious plot- Justin and Emma are cursed because every person they’ve dated and broken up with goes on to find their soul mate. They decide they’ll date each other then break up so they can cancel out each other’s curses and find their forever soul mates. What follows over the summer, is the story of how these two people navigate both the evolving complexities of their personal lives as well as how they navigate inevitably catching feelings for each other. Just for the Summer explores the fake romance and second chance romance tropes, and my personal favorite one about found family. It’s hilarious without compromising on emotional depth and big feelings. Summer or not, this one definitely makes for a great romantic comedy.
Here are some of my highlights.
- “You’re not asking too much,” he said. “You were just asking the wrong person. Ask me instead.”
- “You are not what happened to you. You are what you do next.”
- “Not everything that comes out of crisis is bad. Sometimes your traumas are the reason you know how to help.”
- “Be glad you don’t get it. It means your life has been a lot gentler than hers.”