recently read: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
03: the best book i've read so far in 2024
I kid you not: this is the best book I’ve read so far in 2024. Let me preface this bold statement with a few things -
I know that we are only in April
My favorite genre is romance / rom coms
This book is #2 of a 2-part series, but you truly do not need to read book #1 to follow along (I did not!)
Now with all that being said, oh my gawd was this book a fun read! Spoilers ahead, so duck out now if you don’t want to get all the details (ok, not all the details because I can’t spoil everything). Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez follows Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life as her divorce is being finalized, her brother is in need of a kidney transplant, and her word feels like it’s falling apart because of the aforementioned changes. She also happens to be the first choice for a promotion at work, until she learns that the person who’s also up for the position is the new guy that everyone is calling Dr. Death. One apology over a bad first impression from Dr. Death, aka Jacob Maddox via a letter turns into back and forth letters, and quickly spirals (in the best way) to a budding friendship.
One thing that particularly stood out to me was just how likable Jacob’s character was - he was handsome, shy, meticulously thoughtful and filled with social anxiety. His inner thoughts and perspective on each interaction and decision were so human. After he learns about Briana’s brother needing a kidney transplant, he contemplates the situation and decides to anonymously donate his kidney knowing that how much his & his family’s life changed after his mom got a kidney donor years ago. His love language is definitely acts of service! Briana accidentally finds out that the donor for her brother’s kidney is her new friend, Jacob and she’s blown away by his selflessness and decision.
From there, the two begin what is arguably one of my favorite tropes: fake dating one another because Jacob’s little brother is getting married to his ex and his whole family is worried that he’s unwell from it (I mean, who wouldn’t be???). Once the fake dating begins, the feelings for one another start to unravel, but the tension and holding back emotions from one another is what absolutely made me yell at my kindle!! Because Briana has trust issues from her past relationship and Jacob questions if the feelings are mutual due to the very generous decision of donating his kidney to her brother, the two of them constantly have these build up moments that come to screeching halts when one of them pulls away as the internally talk themselves out of taking a leap of faith in the, many times steamy, situations. IT’S ALL SO GOOD.
I’ll stop there and say, the book is a page turner that goes down paths you wouldn’t expect and gives the readers a satisfying ending. The characters and scenarios that they face are all extremely relatable, sometimes jaw dropping, and if you love romcoms, you will most likely devour the book quickly. If you’re a book worm with a romance and romcom lover, drop your book recommendations in the comments below. Now that I’ve finished this one, I’m patiently waiting for my Libby hold to come through for Part of Your World. Happy reading!