If you’re a fan of Abby Jimenez, you know that no love story of hers is just for the summer, the electrifying chemistry is forever. In this heartfelt romance, though, Emma and Justin only have one summer to break the curse and find their forever after. Through a series of unfortunate events, they find their way to each other, only to be torn apart by the unpredictability of life.
Can true love be found on a lake in Minnesota? Let’s pack our summer clothes and get a literary ticket to Minneapolis, Just for the Summer, to see!
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Don’t worry, fellow bookworms, we got your back; no major spoilers ahead, so you can read on even if you haven’t finished the book!
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Just for the Summer is your not-so-usual rom-com of boy meets girl through a Reddit post, girl moves across states to fake-date boy and break a curse, they fall in love, the end. Or is it? This contemporary romance has a lot more to offer, with its intricate exploration of mental health and the experiences that make us all human. What starts as a quirky agreement between two strangers to break their so-called soulmate curse quickly turns into a heartfelt journey of love, healing, and self-discovery.
Justin is convinced he’s doomed to always be “the one before the one.” Every woman he dates finds her happily ever after right after him, but when Emma slides into his DMs, he realizes he’s not the only one haunted by this streak of bad romantic luck. When they strike a deal to date each other and “break the curse,” sparks fly in all the wrong—and surprisingly right—ways.
Among the many obstacles and emotional barriers along the way, there is one very important catch to this deal: their relationship is just for the summer, as at the end of it, Emma and her best friend Maddy will have to leave the unique cottage in Lake Minnetonka, and the even more unique Justin, behind forever.
Things get even more complicated with the arrival of Emma’s deadbeat mother, Amber, and her romantic relationship with Neil, which initially brings out her best, then her worst self. Just as the love story between Emma and Justin starts to write itself, countless obstacles stand in the way of their happiness, threatening to pull them apart.
From strangers to fake dating, to summer romance, to…? Well, you’ll just have to read and see, we already promised, no spoilers!
As a traveling nurse, Emma has settled into an ever-changing lifestyle. To her, no place is home, and there is no space in her life for clutter. Her whole life is packed into two suitcases, and she is determined to keep moving, never setting roots or developing lasting connections. As she puts it, she is an island, and the only person who is allowed on this island is her childhood friend Maddy, who works and travels with her. She and Maddy have a special connection, but even in this relationship, Emma keeps up some impenetrable walls.
Carrying the trauma from her own neglectful mother, she has learned to go into survival mode when someone gets too close, or life brings her deeper connections she can’t ignore. This survival mode translates into aloofness at best and running away at worst. Self-destructive much? Yes, but her caring, sweet nature makes up for it, as she’s a character you can’t help but love and sympathize with. Every person carries their own scars, and Jimenez does a great job creating a complex character the reader can relate with and root for. As readers, we see Emma for the sweet soul she is beyond the hardships, hoping to see her heal, one scar at a time.
Justin is the quintessential perfect boyfriend, that golden retriever type that puts the effort in and loves unconditionally. Even so, he still hasn’t found his soulmate, which has led him to believe he must be cursed. No matter how hard he tries, Justin just can’t seem to find “the one” as all his partners seem to find their soulmate right after they break up with him. His AITA post on Reddit, though, leads him to Emma, who seems to be suffering from the same curse, so they decide to break it together, agreeing to go on a few dates that will push them both to find their true love after. What could go wrong, right?
As his feelings for Emma grow, Justin has to deal with his own baggage, having to take custody of his siblings, a responsibility that keeps him from pursuing his heart’s true desires. He is kind and understanding, with a great sense of humor that works wonders in getting Emma out of her shell and letting her true colors shine through. In general, Justin never backs down from hardship and takes every challenge in his stride, never hesitating to go the extra mile for those he holds dear.
Emma’s one true constant—and a fan favorite on Booktok—Maddy is her childhood best friend and confidante. As a fellow traveling nurse, she shares Emma’s transient lifestyle, but their friendship is more than just convenience—it’s a lifeline. Maddy is Emma’s tether to emotional stability, the only person Emma trusts enough to let onto her metaphorical island. Even so, Maddy is no pushover; she calls Emma out when she needs to and pushes her to face her fears and insecurities. Despite Emma’s walls, Maddy remains patient, compassionate, and fiercely protective of her friend, proving that their bond is the kind of rare friendship that withstands even the toughest storms. Through Maddy, Jimenez illustrates the value of found family and the power of having someone in your corner no matter what.
Amber, Emma’s mother, is a shadowy presence in the story, yet her impact looms large over Emma’s life. As the source of Emma’s deepest traumas, Amber represents everything Emma is trying to escape. Neglectful and unreliable, Amber’s failures as a parent taught Emma to fend for herself at a young age, instilling a fear of attachment and a tendency to run from emotional intimacy. Though Amber’s appearances are limited, her influence is undeniable, and she serves as a reminder of the generational scars that shape Emma’s worldview. Abby Jimenez paints her not as a villain, but as a deeply flawed individual whose mistakes ripple through the lives of others.
Justin’s younger siblings—whom he takes care of after their mother’s legal troubles—add depth and complexity to his character arc. They aren’t just background characters; they are integral to understanding Justin’s sacrifices and the weight of responsibility he carries. Each sibling has a unique personality, from the rebellious teenage Sarah testing Justin’s patience to the cheerful and energetic Alex, to sweet young Sarah, who looks up to him as a parental figure. Their presence reveals Justin’s nurturing side and his ability to balance his own desires with the needs of his family. They also act as a mirror to Emma’s fears, showing her what a functional, albeit unconventional, family can look like when built on love and mutual care.
Not to be confused with Brad the dog, human Brad is Justin’s best friend and former roommate. His falling in love with Justin’s girlfriend and moving out of their apartment is what sets off the serendipitous chain of events that leads Justin to Emma. This, however, doesn’t cause any real rupture in the relationship, as the love and support they have for each other remains strong through thick and thin. He and Benny are always there to handle whatever life throws at them together, offering their advice or even funny little jabs here and there.
As he hilariously describes in the Reddit thread, Justin holds no hard feelings for Brad leaving their apartment to move in with his girlfriend, he holds some pettiness though, as that led him to adopt “the ugliest dog” and name him Brad as revenge. More than a recurring joke, Brad is a constant companion, adding an adorable note to the romance.
Just for the Summer is the perfect beach read for those who enjoy contemporary romance but are not afraid to dig a little deeper when it comes to trauma and emotions. Ultimately, the book highlights the importance of finding strength in your flaws and overcoming them with a little—or a lot of—help from those who truly love you. If you love a quirky, funny love story that will also pull at your heartstrings, this is the Abby Jimenez book for you.
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Just for the Summer is the third book in Part of Your World, a series of standalones including Part of Your World and Yours Truly. Although the plots are not interconnected, there are reappearing characters throughout the series. In Just for the Summer, we get cameos of the main characters of both previous books, namely Briana and Jacob from Yours Truly and later Daniel and Alexis from the first book, Part of Your World.
No, the previous books do not offer any necessary backstory to better understand Just for the Summer. That being said, there are some characters that make cameos in this book, so it’s much more fun when you can place them.
For the most part, this romance book takes place in Minnesota. When Justin invites her over for the summer, Emma convinces her best friend Maddy to rent a cottage on Lake Minnetonka, where they can only get to by boat. On their dates, Justin shows Emma his favorite places around the city and she starts to fall in love with every part of it, even the weirdest ones—hello, Toilet King!
Eirini is a passionate book nerd with a keen penchant for the whimsical and the witty. She holds a degree in English Literature - because what's better than reading books for homework? - and delights in dissecting the subtleties of storytelling. When it comes to fiction analysis, she is determined to turn every stone and go through every theory of the stories that excite her. Known for her playful approach and keen observations, her contribution offers readers a delightful exploration of literary themes that resonate with enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
