Review: Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Thank you Forever Publishing for my copy! All thoughts are my own.
I have been a fan of Abby Jimenez for a number of years now. My favorite part about her writing Is that she isn’t afraid to discuss topics that are heavy within the confines of the Romance genre. This was a book that I think pushed a lot boundaries and will test the endurance of a lot of readers. It deals with quite heavy topics. I had seen some reviews that thought the things her characters went through were “too much.” But the more I sit and think about the book, I think it was painfully real.
Even if someone is experiencing grief, depression, job loss, etc, they deserve love. They deserve a partner who endures these seasons with them. They deserve somene who stands by them, supports them, cares for them and allows themselves to cared for. I think I loved this book, personally. It has everything fans of her books will love, but it is definitely truly heavy and I encourage you to proceed with caution if any of the trigger warnings are something too close to home for you right now.
Synopsis:
“There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…
. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.
Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.” —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Characters—I loved Xavier and Samantha. I loved their personalities and how they complemented each other. While insta-love may not be a trope I am a fan of, this didn’t feel like the cheesy insta-love I have come to loathe. It was an instant connection. The beginning of the story felt so cinematic with how they connected. Their flirtations felt natural and I believed it right away.
The Banter—Abby’s writing is really great in this book.. I laughed, I swooned, I ached with them. I loved how they leaned on each other but nothing felt too much.
The Endurance of the Characters’ Love—As someone who has gone through a lot in the last five years, I truly felt how they loved each other. These characters experience a lot of hardship together and separately. But that is how life is sometimes. Bad things happen and sometimes those things pile on and on until it feels like you’ll break. They helped each other put the pieces together.
Discussion of Long Distance—I did long distance with my now husband for quite sometime and everyone wants to believe it’s not possible. it’s HARD. But not because you resent the person. It’s hard because you want them there so badly but circumstances have you living separately. It’s not easy. But for the right person, you’ll do anything to make it work.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
Is it “Too Much?” —I saw some reviews claiming that Abby hates her characters and what they went through was too much. I don’t think it is, because sometimes every bad thing happens in succession. It’s heavy to read about, especially if you’re expecting a banter filled silly romance. But what I love about the genre is that it is expansive and inclusive. No matter what you’ve endured or life throws at you, you deserve love.
The Ending…—I was wondering how she was going to wrap up or find a solution to their separation. I liked it, the mroe I think about it. The only thing I didn’t like (spoiler warning!) was that Sam gave up her job offer. Now, I have never had to be a primary caretaker so I don’t judge them. But it did make me a little sad and I hope wherever she is now, she still gets to do work she loves.
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Spice Rating: 1/5 Overall Rating: 5/5
Content Warnings:
Severe dementia, being a caregiver, grief, death of a loved one, mentions of animal abuse (one past, one on the page), illness, child abuse (past), emotional abuse, abandonment