Yours Truly

Can I give this more than 5 stars?

This book is so emotional. I seriously laughed out loud and cried out loud.

Something Abby Jimenez does with her books that I really appreciate is making her characters so relatable and real. They deal with real/raw emotions and have flaws just like everyone else.

Briana is everything in this book. She is such a strong fmc with so many personal struggles and fears. I loved her so much and loved her journey. Also, let’s talk about how she understood Jacob’s anxiety. 👏

Jacob, this mmc. I want to cry just thinking about him. He is one of the best, if not the best, mmc of all time. He is sweet and caring and real. I loved his growth so much. Also, his family. I was seriously laughing so hard.

Benny is such a strong character as well. Abby’s writing of Benny’s struggles is so beautiful and emotional. I loved his story.

✨fake dating ✨workplace romance ✨dual pov ✨hilarious banter ✨cinnamon roll mmc ✨mental health awareness ✨kidney disease awareness

Favorite Quotes:

“This year was going to be my villain origin story, I just knew it.”🤣

“Men have only ever left me […] You never realize you’re living the best time of your life. It happens and then it ends, and you only see it for what it was after.” 🥺

“I needed my life calm, easy, and static. But I wouldn’t do that with Briana. I’d leave my comfort zone. I had to. Because that’s where she was. And for her I would go anywhere.” 😭

“…When she ghosts me, she haunts me.” 😭

“I’m trying to manifest the things I want by speaking them into the universe.” 😭

Someone give me a freaking box of tissues cause I'm sobbing over here! I don't think I've ever cried so much while reading romance. A passionate romance at that. And the romance didn't need a moraly grey man who was broody and detached to make it interesting. Jacob has to be my all time favorite male main character of all time! He is the most adorable, caring and wonderful MMC I've read and I'm totally in love with him. Through out the story this man has proven over and over again that he's the best man to ever exist even if it's fictional and it wasn't even his looks. And Brianna? I loved her sense of humor. Abby Jimenez knows how to wrote her characters. She gives so much life to them. There are so many layers. Brianna is definitely someone I would be friends with. She's a no nonsense caring and intelligent FMC. I was glad this book touched on mental health. Jacob and his anxiety, Brianna and her trauma. This was for me the perfect book! It's like the perfect cupcake, moist, gooey in the center with chocolate filling and the most lightest and deliciously flavored frosting with a cherry on top and some sprinkles for all the jokes lol. I cried, I laughed, I cried some more and by the end of it. I just sat there hugging my kindle... sigh...

I loved this book so much!!! I am OBSESSED!!! Abby is such an amazing writer!!! I felt so bad for Bri when she didn't get the position at first. I love that she has Alexis in her life. And Jacob has anxiety. I wanted to cry for him, and for me too, when I learned what it's like for him and how he thinks other people feel about him. I felt so seen. It's like I wrote my feelings on a piece of paper and sent them to Abby to use while writing Jacob. And I was sad to learn that his ex is marrying his brother. I hate that he thinks he is boring. I loved the convo with his family and how it quickly turned into an uncomfortable conversation, lol. And I loved that everyone was mad at Amy and Jeremiah on his behalf. But I have to agree with Jacob that them being mad is not going to make Amy and Jeremiah change their mind. And Jacob overthinking his interaction with Bri and feeling like a jerk for not letting it go is so familiar. I do this too and it's so exhausting. I liked their easy conversation in the sob closet, even though it only lasted a few seconds before it went downhill. I understand Bri not wanting any platitudes. Benny is entitled to feel angry about his situation. It is unfair. And Bri is allowed to be mad at it, too. But omg, do I understand Jacob and feel awful for him. Anxiety is awful and exhausting. But I also feel for Bri and Benny.😭😭😭

Awww, Jacob was sewing the girl's doll so she could be distracted while the bite was treated. He's so cute and sweet. And I loved that Zander told Bri that Jacob is an introvert and a bit shy. As an introvert, I understand what it's like to have people think you're a jerk simply because you don't talk much and seem standoffish. And then Bri told him to bring the nurses dessert and he asked her which cupcake was her favorite!!!! 🥰🥰🥰

I loved how they started to exchange letters and got to know and understand each other better through them. I was smiling the whole time! Their letters were so sweet and funny!! I loved how Jacob poked fun at himself and felt comfortable with Bri to write more about himself. And their phone convos were even better!

I was so sad to learn that Amy made him uncomfortable. But I'm so happy he feels comfortable with Bri. I was so heartbroken when Bri broke down and cried while thinking about her marriage to Nick. I loved that Ali was there for her. And Jacob donated his kidney to Benny!!! I loved how welcoming Jacob's family was to Bri. I could totally feel Jacob's discomfort throughout the conversation about him when he was little as if I was in his shoes 😢. Though his family meant well and the stories were endearing, it is so uncomfortable for someone with anxiety to sit through that. I'm so happy Bri reassured him and was there to help and support him. I almost cried when he thought about how Bri must feel about the whole thing after dinner was over😢. And the taxidermy room!!! I laughed so hard at the coyote dressed like Flo from Progressive😂😂. I wasn't ready for Grandpa!!! He is so funny! And Jafar yelling profanities and Jacob's parents' safe word😂😂😂😂. I love how Lieutenant Dan always puts his head on Jacob's lap when he is nervous or his mood changes. He is such a good puppy. And his name is so clever! 😁.

I loved how Bri and Jacob's relationship slowly progressed into love. I loved their intimacy and how they could easily joke with each other. I was sad to learn that Jacob blamed himself for what happened with Amy. I'm happy Bri set him straight. There is nothing wrong with him and he is not boring!!! I was so mad at Amy for making him feel that way instead of taking the time to understand him. Ugh!!!! I loved the catchphrase game Bri taught Jacob and how she didn't make it easy for him. Ha!! I loved Bri's response to Amy's stupid comment about people, mostly her I'm sure😑, couldn't believe Jacob had a girlfriend. I was like "want something for the burn, Amy?" UGH! I don't like her one bit. And she had the audacity to follow him and argue with him about Bri using him and him being vulnerable after their break-up. Is she for effing real?! And of course Bri heard them and thought Jacob was still in love with Amy. I was so sad for her. I hate Amy so much!!! I hate that Jacob stayed and just paced after dropping Bri off. And I was happy when he asked Bri out for real. But of course I understand why she rejected him. I felt for the both of them 😭😭😭. Ali and Daniel are the bestest of friends.

I loved Joy's advice to Jacob to just show up. And he did. He went to Wakan to be with Bri. I love how easy it is for them to spend time together and how comfortable they are with each other. I loved watching them fall in love. But I was so heartbroken that they kept thinking their feelings were one-sided.

And she moved in!!! I was so happy when Bri just showed up at his door. And Bri thought Jacob wouldn't get jealous of Levi. Ha!! Of course he would, he is so enculado with her!!! And Bri is with him too. But they're too silly to realize it. I was so sad when Jacob had a panic attack at his parents' house. And Briana thought it was due to Amy and Jeremiah having a baby. And then Bri found him and told him she loves him and he kissed her!! That kiss was cathartic!!! And then they had the no-pants dance hehehehe. But poor Bri thought Jacob still wanted Amy and not her 😢. I was heartbroken for them both. I loved how Bri defended Jacob when that Shannon woman was talking nonsense about him. And Amy came to talk to her at the gazebo. And she realized that she did not appreciate Jacob and how much effort he put into showing up. And she wants Jacob to be happy because he deserves it!!! I had to smile and I guess I like Amy now.

I was so happy when their fight turned I to a love confession and they told each other how they feel. My smile was so big my face hurt!!😁😁. And they were so cute at the wedding. I loved their romance and flirting so much. And she caught the bouquet!!!😁🥰 And Benny, I mean Ben, lol, is dating Jane!!! I was so happy for him and learning that he's taking care of himself made me feel so relieved. He deserves to be happy. And I love that Bri and Amy are nice to each other after their conversation in the gazebo. And then they had to see Nick and pregnant Kelly on their way to their room. I panicked when I read it was them. Poor Bri, that was so jarring to her. And poor Jacob didn't know what to do, which made him anxious. And Lieutenant Dan was so distressed for Bri. I was devastated when they got home and Bri broke up with him. The things she said were so hurtful and that just shows how hurt she really was by the whole Nick situation. I totally understand where she was coming from after learning everythingshe went through. I was really horrible. I felt their panic. My chest got tight and I wanted to cry so bad😭😭. My heart broke for them both, again😭😭. I loved what Joy told Jacob about Briana needing therapy. Depression is an awful thing.

Jacob was so gentle with Bri through her awful moments. And she is pregnant. And he gave her his journal. And he is so in love with her!!!! I'm so happy she decided to be brave and accept his love. I loved that she was there when he woke up after the surgery. And he listed her as his wife!!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰.

The epilogue was pure perfection!!! I loved that he did everything in his power to reassure Bri that he was not going to do the same Nick and her father did to her. He even changed his last name to hers!!! I loved that they went to therapy together and Bri also went alone to deal with her issues. And Jacob is a stay-at-home dad!!! I loved how they planned their wedding so simple and without any of the moments that would make Jacob the center of attention. I loved that Bri and Amy are friends now. And Ben and Jane are happy together!! I could honestly not have thought of a better and more satisfying ending to this beautiful story. Love shows up and they showed up for each other and agreed to be harmless to each other. I loved this book so much!!! Thank you Abby for the roller-coaster ride and for writing such beautiful stories with such well-rounded characters. I love your writing so much! I am obsessed!!! This book will always be at the top of my favorites list. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

I read this in 24 hours. Beautifully written. Relatable, entertaining, heartwarming & funny! You feel like you’re falling in love too when you read this. The characters definitely take their time getting it together and this whole book kinda feels like edging. lol. However, it is worth it in the end, of course! This is one for me that is 5 starts even though you can totally see the whole plot coming before it gets there. I hope to find my Jacob in life as much as I hope to be as understanding as Briana. ♡

I adored this book. It is funny, heartwarming, heartbreaking (just enough) and addictive. I devoured it in two days and got up at 5:30 just to finish (and I like to sleep, so consider that two more stars). The characters are engaging and likable, but rounded enough to feel real. So satisfying. Like someone made you your favorite sandwich and you’re having on the deck while you sip lemonade satisfying. Recommend for a light, fast-paced, heart-swelling, smile-on-your-face read. Enjoy!

I loved seeing a MC with anxiety. Realistic, well-written anxiety. Also, it made me realize I definitely need medication because I do all of those things.

The love story was beautiful. I couldn’t guess where it was going to go. I wanted to scream at Briana a few times in the end but her inner monologue made me see her point. I’m glad that didn’t last long. Great character development for both- especially the one with anxiety because he wasn’t “healed by love”. Such a great read.

I liked this one just as much, if not more, than the first one. It’s not easy to describe what anxiety feels like, but I can tell Abby understands it completely. This book dealt with some very serious issues, but it was also super funny. I truly fell in love with these characters - the anxiety from Jacob’s point of view and the trust issues from Brianna’s, and she was so dang funny! There was one scene in particular that had me rolling on the floor laughing! I’m buying this one for my actual home bookshelf - It’s that good!

Rating 4-4.5 stars

A heartfelt fake dating romance filled with humor, depth, and complex characters. I loved Briana's strength and protectiveness and Jacob's gentleness and kindness. The way they understood each other even when they share a quiet space was just so tender and beautiful. I also respect how the author wrote about mental health issues throughout the novel. It was thoughtful and well done, making it relatable and realistic. However, the last few chapters did catch me off guard. I think if the issue was hinted more throughout the plot, it may not have been so unexpected at the end. It was just that there was already so much going on, and adding that additional "conflict" was too much and I felt it rushed such an important storyline.

Despite the ending, it is still one of my favorite romance this year. I simply adore this novel, because of the amazing characters and the amount of family love and support throughout the novel.

This book is well written with two main characters who are flawed but well intentioned and very likable. The only negative was the drawn out constant confusion between Briana and Jacob about his feelings for his ex because at a certain point the lack of communication between them seemed kind of juvenile for two people in their mid 30’s. An easy read and it’s hard not to cry at the ending/epilogue because it’s emotional and moving.