What We’re Reading in April 2025
CURRENTLY READING
Say You’ll Remember Me
by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez knows how to tug on heartstrings. She’s the queen of yearning, missed opportunities, and the slow burn with steamy reprieve. I have yet to be disappointed, and I could not wait to share Say You’ll Remember Me with book club!
Get your copy of Say You’ll Remember Me (Amazon) and read with us!
What Victoria Loved
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
This wrecked me. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional pendulum that is this love story. Or the framing of memories in the lens of witnessing and living life.
Say You’ll Remember Me weaves in heart-wrenching truths about dementia, loss, and love through fresh, witty banter. Abby Jimenez balances the lightness of humor and laughter against the heaviness of grief and anxiety. It is so real, maybe too real. But she incorporates perfectly timed full-circle moments and comedic breaks to lighten the darkest moments, which only made the characters more relatable and more human.
The best / worst part? No third-act breakup! Its’s their love against their circumstances. This is real life, it’s not the artificial problems we sometimes read about. It’s the real ups and downs of a relationship trying its hardest to get off the ground when everything is working against it, and the most responsible option might be to let it go before it can even begin.
This is a wrong time, right person romance. A heart-breaking reminder that time is out of our control, so don’t wait forever to live life for yourself.
Read my Sneak Peek.
When you come across “Come On, Eileen,” play our Say You’ll Remember Me playlist (Spotify).
What the Book Club Loved
FIREWORKS & STEAM: 0/5
Sigh. This was a let down. After the emotional rollercoaster we went through, we deserved something.
WRITING STYLE: 4/5
The first nine chapters of this book were among the best we’ve read thus far. We were enthralled! Then the twist of all twists took us into a world that hit home for a lot of us, and it just gave us anxiety. Abby captured the realities of the caregiver experience and long distance relationships to deliver a timeliness romance.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4.5/5
The characters were the epitome of balance. Xavier is so type A, the perfect balance to Samantha, a true opposites-attract scenario. Despite their circumstances, she was the sunshine in the grumpy veterinarian’s life — she made him more well-rounded, bringing smiles to his lips even when he was drained. Likewise, he was her lifeline, the light and levity in the heavy darkness of caregiving.
THE LOVE STORY: 4/5
Xavier and Sam worked for this relationship. But when it rains, it absolutely pours and they were in a torrential downpour of misfortune without reprieve. Their days were exhausting, their visits were burdensome. We needed levity, they needed a break… heck, Xavier needed it — he was willing to give so much of himself to spend just a few hours in her presence. Romantic or irresponsible?
“I have found my niche in the romance genre, and its’s this book. Romance novels with pet owners.”
- JACQUI
If You Loved Say You’ll Remember Me, You’ll Love These
A VETERINARIAN: The Front Runner (Gold Rush Ranch #3) by Elsie Silver (Amazon)
The FMC is a veterinarian (based on a ranch) and the MMC (of a competing ranch) has had his sights on her for years. And when she needs help, he uses that moment to negotiate some dates. This age gap fake dating, enemies-to-lovers a sweet palette cleanser to follow Say You’ll Remember Me.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
LONG DISTANCE: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune (Amazon)
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to reach into a book, grab characters’ shoulders and shake them more than while I read this book. Don’t get me wrong — it was stupidly cute and I think that was the problem. I just want everyone to find love… screw the list of reasons it’s a bad idea because of being together makes them happy, they should just do it.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
INSTALOVE AT THE WRONG TIME: Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune (Amazon)
I’m not usually a fan of insta-love romances (which is a bit ironic given I claim to have fallen for James the second I laid eyes on him), but I do believe in the lasting impact of a single encounter.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
WRONG TIME, FAMILY FIRST: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston (Amazon)
An HoH Book Club Pick! This is a magical romance that feels like you’re being wrapped in a warm fuzzy blanket on a cold, rainy day or a great big hug from your favorite person. You’ll be rooting for the main characters from their meet-cute and eagerly turning the next page to see how it all comes together.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
BY THE AUTHOR: Just for the Summer (Part of Your World #3) by Abby Jimenez (Amazon)
Do you believe in fate? Guard your heart because Abby delivers another cute meet cute. When two people find they’ve been cursed out of love, they make a pact to see if they can break it…. but what if they were always destined to end up together? Justin is one of the best MMCs I’ve read — he’s the epitome of if he wanted to, he would and if I’m being honest, he even goes beyond that. PS: The entire Part of Your World series is adorable and I recommend it - go start from Book #1 and work your way to this gem.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4.5/5
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
