My heart. This book was such a brilliant read. So pure and definitely one of best romance read of 2025, given this was ARC.
Xavier is such a genuine character and caregiver of everything and everyone in spite of his upbringing. Here you will see characters who will make it through every obstacle that stands in their ways even though they only spent one night together before they had to part 2000 miles. Determined to fight for each other in most important ways. This story is addictive and you won’t stop reading it. Say you’ll remember me is pure gold of romance books.

A UFO escape room, organic mustard, a VILF and ‘Come on, Eileen’… what more could you want from a romance story 🫶🏼

5 stars for Abby Jimenez. Every time I think she can’t outdo her last book she goes and creates something that equally pulls on my heart strings and makes me giggle so loud.

Even though this is advertised as a romance, it’s truly so much more. The family dynamics is the shining star of this book more than the romance, in my opinion. Every scene the heroine, Samantha, had with her mother had me in physical pain, honestly yo the point that this book wasn’t always fun to read because it made me feel so sad 😭 their scenes were incredibly heartbreaking but also the best part of the book. I wasn’t too focused on the romance because the painful scenes with Samantha caring for her mother were just so poignant that they stole the whole show.

Ultimately, I don’t see this book as a romance so if you’re going into it wanting lots of romance, definitely proceed with caution! Xander is a swoony hero, there’s no doubt, but the mother-daughter is the heartbeat of this book.

This novel is a likeable mix of romcom and family drama, that mixes flirtatious banter and sparkle with some more challenging real-life issues.

As a romance this really worked - I believed Xavier and Samantha loved each other, and the intimacy of their relationship was evoked in a way which didn't feel corny or overly explicit.

There was one dodgy moment early on where I was worried a dog was going to be hurt (Xavier is a vet) - but fortunately, the author was just messing with the reader, and everything was fine!

Author Abby Jimenez is a star in romance fiction - I'm glad to have finally read one of her books, and look forward to reading more. 'Just for the Summer' is constantly popping up on my GoodReads feed, and so that might be where I head next.

Favourite line: "I read the note. My three favorite words. You were right."

And this bit was heartbreaking: "For the most part I liked to think my upbringing had made me a stronger person... I was someone who would never raise a hand to my own children, someone who knew the power of encouragement and compliments - even if it was too late for me to be the kind of man who could accept them myself."

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

I cannot express how Abby's books make me feel when I'm reading them. The level of comfort is out of this world! This book really got me in my feels and had a certain topic that i did struggle to get through at times because it's very close to my family.
However, I could have read about these characters for another 500 pages! Abby is an absolute genius and in my eyes can do no wrong! Funny, flirty, spicy, light hearted but also quite deep at the same time.
Just an all round perfect author! I thank you Abby for continuing to grace my life with these FANTASTIC Books!! ❤️

I'm running out of ways to explain how much I love Abby's books. As Abby's success grows, her books and characters continue to grow and develop that make her books so enjoyable. While her earlier books are equally terrific, there was something about Say You'll Remember Me that had maturity and depth while harnessing a sense of humor that made really difficult topics easier to read about. I loved the character development that Xavier had and of course the subtle nods to other characters are always fun to find. I think what made this book so special was the positivity that was in it without being unrealistic. While there's a happy ending, it isn't without challenge but there were good reminders that even small moments can become core memories. Like with all of Abby's books, I loved this one and can't wait to read it again and again.

Thank you for letting me read arc read in exchange for an honest review.

Find me an Abby Jimenez book that I don’t enjoy… you can’t, there isn’t one. With her bingeable writing style and real-feeling stories, it would be impossible. You know what else is impossible? Getting through this book without nearly bawling your eyes out. Can Abby pay for our collective therapy? I doubt it. Will I read everything else she writes? Absolutely yes, of course. Prepare to cry your eyes out.

Say You’ll Remember Me is a romance told from dual first person POV. Samantha meets Xavier when she takes her kitten to the Vet. Xavier is a gorgeous veterinarian that looks like a Greek God. He is grumpy and kind of an asshole to Samantha. However, Xavier and Samantha have an instant attraction and end up having the best first date. Samantha is moving to California though so they have to decide if it’s worth it to have a long distance relationship and how that can work out.

This was really beautiful and I had the best time. I was nervous to read another book by Abby Jimenez because I’ve really enjoyed her books but none have been favourites. That changed with this one because I loved this. Every second was a joy to read despite the pain of the long distance relationship and some family issues. The romance between Xavier and Samantha was just great and the long distance element was really intriguing because I don’t think I’ve read that in a romance before. It really showed me how much they loved each other because they both had to work so hard to make the relationship work. The moments they were together were perfect. This was a realistic romance that dealt with hard topics but I actually believe in this couple as if they are real. I already know this is going to be a huge hit and I cannot wait until it releases so I can get a physical copy. It made me tear up a few times and I will remember this romance for a long while.

A beautiful mix of laughter, tears, love, and heartbreak, with layers of emotion that stay with you long after the last page. This is more than just a romance; it’s a story about different forms of love—family, self-love, and the hopeful, romantic connection between Samantha and Xavier. Each type is explored with depth, making you smile, cry, and reflect on your own experiences.

I was impressed by how the author tackled serious topics like early-onset dementia with sensitivity and care. Her portrayal of the emotional toll on families is both heartbreaking and deeply moving, especially for anyone who has faced a similar situation.

Samantha and Xavier are lovable, well-developed characters, and the humor and banter between them provide the perfect balance to the emotional moments. Just when you think you can’t handle any more heartache, a well-timed line will have you laughing through your tears.

The theme of memory is beautifully woven throughout, adding depth to the story as the characters navigate holding on to their past while witnessing the fading memories of a loved one.

This is a poignant journey of love, family, and memory that will stay with you. It’s my first Abby Jimenez book, but certainly not my last.

To the publisher: On page 97 there's a typo - her sisters name Jeneva is spelled "Jenava"

Book titles (Taylor’s version) has become a gimmick, but it’s one that Abby Jimenez definitely doesn’t need.
Becoming a tik tok favorite with two trilogies, her last book “just for the summer” was a GMA book club pick in april 2024. Her signature style has become romance with family drama often rooted in psychological issues, and her latest follows suit.

We meet Xavier, the grumpy and stoic veterinarian, as the ray of sunshine marketing manager Samantha brings a rescue kitten into his clinic. When he says the kitten cannot be saved, she sets out to prove him wrong, and we have our meet cute.

It all starts with a romantic and fun backdrop, but as the curtains fall we find nothing but misery behind it. Samantha has to leave for California to take care of her mother suffering from dementia, and Xavier has put everything he owns in his clinic in Minnesota to prove his abusive parents wrong. Can they do long distance or is the relationship just doomed?

At the beginning we got a glimpse of the grumpy x sunshine trope, but it quickly faded and the memory we are left with really isn’t grumpy at all, but rather mushy. When the characters are separated by about 2000 miles all they can really do is mush, reminisce and try to plan visits. It doesn’t always go as planned and the distance and their responsibilities wear on them.

If you come for spice and romance, there’s very little of it. But there’s a realistic hardship in life throwing you curveballs and a willingness to fight for a relationship here. One that honestly, doesn’t feel very realistic to a jaded millennial like me. Do people really fight for relationships anymore when there are 200 other matches waiting on your phone? My experience tells me no. But the dream is alive and it’s heartwarming to read about.

Jimenez is good with banter and the humor is spot on and repeating so it feels like the reader is part of an inside joke. Like the protagonist Sam in her story, Jimenez just “gets” people. Sometimes however it can get a bit repetitive, and it’s not just the jokes. It repeats and reminds us why they refuse to give up on the relationship when it’s not working. When the distance and time difference wears on them and they work themselves to the bone for just a minute's pleasure. I didn’t mind it, but with no end in sight you could feel their frustration in the constant mushing and convincing themselves and each other that this was going to work. The romance became secondary to me.

What I was there for, was the abusive parent’s, I have heard Xavier's mom's speech before - verbatim! I cannot begin to describe how accurate those feelings are.
I also grew up with a grandmother with dementia and it is so spot on! I wish we got a little more reflection around how it felt tackling the parents than we got gushing about the love in the long distance relationship, but this is a romance first and a drama second, with the vibe of sunny California and the seasons of Minnesota as supporting characters.

After the book ended, I was happy to find Xaviers playlist in the back, so I could stay in the vibe of this book a while longer. Not only has Jimenez become my favorite romance author, she's also the only romance author I auto-buy.
Thank you to netgalley for this review copy.

ೃ⁀➷ 4⭐️

Read if you like :

🐶 veterinarian
🌸 love at first sight
🏥real life problems
🌞 no third act breakup
☯️ grumpy/sunshine

Abby Jimenez did it again, I mean I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed but boy does she know how to write.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ The Writing *ੈ✩‧₊˚

The pace was quite fast, the writing so easy but in a good way; words made me travel to a whole new life and for a second I thought I was in love with a veterinarian looking like Rhysand. The book isn’t long at all but it doesn’t lack of anything.


*ੈ✩‧₊˚ The Plot *ੈ✩‧₊˚

I’m used to read a lot of romance books but this one has a really different storyline. They had an amazing evening together, an amazing date and they knew that they would have a fantastic story together but she has to move the day after to take care of her mother. But it’s hard to say goodbye to someone with whom you felt so connected to. You can call it love at first sight, I know I will.
There’s a little plot twist at the end that I didn’t see coming at all. It made my heart burst into tiny hearts and i’ve cried happy tears (more like, 'this plot twist makes me so happy omg' kind of tears)
The relationship distance makes us see how hard it can be but how you can achieve anything if you really put your heart into it.
I discovered what it’s like to live with someone with dementia and how hard it affects the whole family. This whole thing moved me and made me cry a little.
You have real life problems treated here and it shows how everything doesn’t always work out the way you want to. you have sacrifices to make and it doesn’t always end like in books. ironic learning this from a book isn’t it ?
you can’t make money happen in order to have the simplest narrative. This couple makes it happen with difficulties and i loved them SO MUCH

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Characters *ੈ✩‧₊˚

Xavier is a cold man who has been disappointed in humanity over and over again. He has a bad relation with people but an amazing one with animals. Hence his job. He is hardworking and loyal, thoughtful and generous.
Samantha has faith in people and life. She sees the glass half full and will do anything she can to be there for her loved ones. Hence the moving. She is funny and supportive, romantic, loving and caring.

+ I just wanna talk about Hank ???? This man ????? Please i wanna hold him and hug him for eternity.


what made me lose a whole star :
✎ a lot of inner monologues so the last 20% were a bit long
✎ i would have loved another whole chapter of their lives together, I was a little left hungry for more.


*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Quotes *ੈ✩‧₊˚

"What did he look like?" she asked.
"Like if Rhysand from the ACOTAR series were a real person,"

I preferred his ice cream more than mine and he switched with me

"You didn't remember to forget me," I said, quietly.
"No," he said. "I did not."

Then at 1:08 a.m. Christmas morning I felt a dip on the side of my bed. Suddenly I was wrapped in firm familiar warm arms and for the first time in sixteen hours I was held together enough by someone to completely fall apart.

The One.
The person who was made just for you.
And you only ever get the one.
Samantha was my one.

"Why?"
"Because life wouldn't be worth living if I didn't remember you."

I had no choice but to go home.
Correction. To go to Minnesota.
Because home was where she was.

Then I ordered her favorite iced coffee to be delivered to the house.

“I want a parallel line and the fantasy world we talked about to be real. I want us to make memories."

Hank was a ripple in the ocean of our love story.

The first time Xavier and Samantha meet, she calls him an asshole. The second time they meet they get trapped in an escape room for hours. So begins their love story, tumultuous, long distance and really rough at times for the both of them. Xavier is a vet with a brand new business in Minnesota which he can't leave without bankrupting himself, and Samantha moves to California to be close to her family the day after their long (but very romantic) first date. It shouldn't work, but it does (kinda). All they want is to be together but the distance will truly test them.

Like all of Abby Jimenez's books, this romance has some truly heartbreaking moments. Reading about the pair struggling with a long distance relationship, Xavier's childhood and super shitty parents and Samantha's mother who is living with dementia, was tough. Their relationship was stronger because of it though, and I was rooting for them from the very start - such strong characters that you can't help but want a happy ever after for.

I loved the animals mentioned in this book, as ever with Jimenez, there are multiple dogs (thanks Abby) and a gorgeous veterinarian makes an excellent love interest. The side characters were great too, Samantha's family were lovely and Xavier's friends were sweet and funny.

I wasn't a huge fan of the dementia representation (I don't think it was hugely accurate but what do I know). I also think it's an extremely hard topic to write about well without using clichés. It works well as a plot device in a way but I'm not sure if it should be used to that end. I also didn't particularly enjoy the fact that the WHOLE book was their long distance relationship - it made the novel feel a lot longer and more repetitive because it was just them together (happy!! Yay!!) then them apart (sad). Writing about a long distance relationship is tricky though so I do understand why it was done like this.

Overall an enjoyable novel, and thanks for the pug rescue scene because that was brilliant. Also, no third act conflict!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown UK for the eARC.

I want to start this review by saying that I am so honoured to have been giving the arc so far ahead of the release date and, Abby, if you see this, don’t change a thing. This book was perfect.

At this point, I’d read anything written by Abby Jimenez, but Say You’ll Remember Me has taken the top spot of my favourites for so many reasons. Not only did it have me laughing out loud 2 chapters in, but the realities of having a family member with dementia resonated with me so deeply that it broke my heart a thousand times over.

This book, simply put, was about the difficulties of having to maintain a long-distance relationship whilst the reality of adult life is throwing hurdles at you from every direction. But, the main character’s relationship was represented in such a healthy way that it made the story even more painful to witness.

Xavier, an adonis of a vet and Samantha, a headstrong mustard-lover (trust me, it’s relevant), have the perfect meet-cute resulting in a once in a lifetime date. It isn’t until Samantha admits she is moving 2000 miles away care for her mother that the characters realise how monumental their first date actually was.

Distance and responsibility mean that Xavier and Samantha’s connection is impossible to pursue. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her, but it’s easier said than done when they’re both so certain that they have met the one.

Samantha is such a wholesome character. Willing to put her life on hold to return to her family home and care for her mother with dementia. Even Jimenez’s representation of the realities of the disease are spot on (to my experiences), which just made me want Samantha to have the happy ending that she deserves.

As for Xavier... Not a single flaw. That man is the epitome of ‘if he wanted to, he would’. From working 80-hour weeks just to be able to fly across the country, to faking conferences as an excuse to see Samantha just one more time. If Jimenez doesn’t have you rooting for these two characters immediately, you’re reading it wrong.

Even the title of this book is perfect. It has so many meanings and is relevant to so many aspects of the story. Samantha may beg Xavier to forget her, but some things are worth remembering and fighting for.

*Alexa, play Come On, Eileen*

I was so immersed in this book that I didn’t even pay attention to the possible overlaps that Jimenez is known for. Until I read other reviews and noticed the potential link with Just for the Summer!!!

I can’t wait for you all to read this and have your hearts broken and stitched back up over and over again just so you can experience this beautiful story.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Hachette for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

⭐️4.5!!!

I was so sucked into this from the beginning, I would’ve read it in one sitting if I didn’t need to sleep. I had to finish 242 pages in at 2:30 in the morning and immediately picked it up the next day.

Xavier and Samantha charmed me from the start, from their first meeting I adored them both. They have such subtle intimacies with each other, they feel incredibly realistic and you can really feel the way that they become entangled in each other’s lives so easily. They do a fantastic job and showing how small and seemingly unimportant moments can be the most significant memories in someone’s life, and are worth making.

Xavier has to be the perfect man. The way he thinks about and views Samantha is adorable, and the way his feelings come out through his actions and understanding of her needs and family situation touches my heart! The animal rescuing is also a huge plus.

This book made me laugh aloud some moments and cry another, one minute it’s silly and lighthearted, the next it’s heart-wrenching and painfully realistic.

A certain reference or two took me out of the book for a little bit, but it was easy to get back into it.

This was my first book by Abby Jiminez and has completely convinced me to read the rest of her work ASAP.

A huge thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for providing me the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

A favourite quote - 'The best moments don't have to be big to be forever' 💜

As always, thank you so much to @littlebrownbookgroup_uk @piatkus_living & @netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for honest feedback. There are multiple trigger warnings at the start of the book ✨️

Wow. I don't know where to start, other than this is the easiest 5-star review I've given this year. I flew through this story & read it at any opportunity I had, constantly multitasking so I could keep reading 🤭

Say You'll Remember Me was equal parts heartwarming & heartbreaking and this is 100% a book that will stick with me long after I've finished it. I was completely engrossed in Samantha & Xavier's story and found myself smiling at my Kindle so many times during the warm & fuzzy bits, then the next my heart was breaking for them. Swipe for my Kindle's POV towards the end of the book 🥹

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the characters! Any main character described like Rhys from ACOTAR is a gigantic tick in my book 🤤❤️ Xavier sounds too good to be true - handsome, hardworking, kind & thoughtful, but is that the case? You'll have to read it to find out 🤭

I WANT to be Samantha 🥹😂 She's confident, stunning, funny, witty & loyal to her core. An awesome main character. Her brother, Tristan, is another favourite - absolutely full of sass 😂 I can't forget about a dog in witnessnprotection (yup 👀) & Pooter the kitten who kick off the whole lovestory 😽

There are so many obstacles throughout Samantha & Xavier's relationship, some are extremely tough, but it's such a beautiful story that will keep you hooked & reading through to the end.

I absolutely loved this story & I will be reading every single one of Abby Jimenez's books!

What an incredible story, Samantha and Xavier are the kind of couple that stay with you for a lifetime.

Abby has created a drop of magic here, say you’ll remember me is heart swooning and breaking all in the same breath.

In the beginning Samantha visits a vet practice with a cat she’s found, she meets Xavier and they both know they’ve met someone who is going to leave an impression. Samatha returns to the practice, after proving Xavier wrong and he asks her on a date. That evening they embark on their first date, the date neither of them wants to end so they extend it, and extend it and cherish those moments together, when they finally exit the escape room Xavier drives Samantha home to collect her bags for her trip, but he then discovers she’s leaving Minnesota for California, and moving 2000 miles away.

The distance certainly makes the heart grow fonder and Xavier chases Samantha time after time to simply be with her, and exist in her orbit.

Their relationship progresses, but not without its challenges, Samantha’s mum has dementia, she’s moved to support her family and things go from bad to worse when she loses her job.

Xavier has a terrible relationship with his parents and feels like he can’t do anything to be closer to Samantha, he can’t close his practice and move 2000 miles away as that would be failure and his parents would be there ready to tell him he’s a failure.

However, regardless of the odds stacked against them, they make it through, and their incredibly deserved happy ending comes at the best time, while both Samantha and Xavier are at a point in their lives when things are going “ok”, he makes the jump and suddenly he’s there, under the gazebo, with a bunch of red roses and a proposal (of sorts 😆)

This is a stunning tale of love conquering against all the odds, it’s a testament of true love, soul mates, and all of the warm fuzzies us romance readers live for.

“Say You’ll Remember Me” by the bestselling author of Just for the Summer delivers a charming and heartfelt romance with a blend of humour, emotional depth, and lovable characters. Xavier Rush, a near-perfect yet imperfectly charming veterinarian, and Samantha, who is dealing with family turmoil, share a chemistry that feels both endearing and genuine. Their story begins with a memorable date, rich in romantic promise, only to hit emotional hurdles that keep them apart, creating a tension that is both sweet and slightly heartbreaking. The book thoughtfully handles difficult themes around family and personal growth, with a relatable sensitivity that will appeal to new readers of Jimenez and long-time fans alike.

While Say You’ll Remember Me shines in its sweet and heartwarming interactions, some readers may miss the intense spark that characterised Jimenez’s previous romances. The romance here leans more on the sweet, PG side than the steamy passion some might expect, which may feel tame to readers accustomed to Jimenez’s usual blend of humour and heat. However, the story still delivers memorable moments and a charming HEA (happily-ever-after), even if the ending feels a touch too neatly wrapped. Overall, this is a satisfying and emotional read with just enough heart to leave a lasting impression, making it a lovely introduction to Jimenez’s style or a pleasant addition for her fans.

This was yet another gorgeous read from Abby Jimenez with two great main characters who know right from their first date they’ve found their one however they both have commitments that keep them 2000 miles apart and struggle to see how they can ever be together. Abby does an amazing and very sympathetic job of representing the difficulties of living with a much loved family member who has dementia and the stress and strain it can put on a family, meanwhile the impact of a difficult childhood is also sensitively explored. The relationship and feelings between Samantha and Xavier felt very genuine and I loved Samantha’s family. Overall despite the difficult themes this a really uplifting feel good read with all the feels.

You know those books that you can't put down? Yep this is one of them. I read it in a day I was consumed.

I just had to know how this beautiful love story was going to end, I could see a way out, like the characters and my heart hurt for them.

What to expect:

Long distance relationship
Dementia rep
Vet MMC that looks like Rhysand
Funny, witty FMC
Family dynamics
Soulmates
A few more TWs - please check these

What i love about an Abby book is she doesn't shy away for the hard hitting topics. She weaves them in to her books and you become consumed into the story, with the good and the bad. I had tears running down my cheeks when reading this. I also laughed, because it was so funny and witty and I felt like my soul was smiling when the two MCs were together.

Did I mention there were animals? A cute kitty, a dog in witness protection and a pug that needed rescuing. I'm sold.

This has EASILY become one of my favourite romance books for all time. Hands down, I won't be able to stop thinking about this for a LONG time, I will be getting a physical copy of release and rereading for sure.

I don't want to spoil any of the book so I'll leave my review completely spoiled free, but know you'll love this!

It's a must read but bring your tissues! Can't recommend this enough.

this book truly deserves nothing less than a five!!

I was absolutely blown away by this book. I love Abby Jimenez’s writing and will forever scream and shout how beautiful it is.

I mean it’s an Abby Jimenez book so expect your heart to be broken into pieces!!!❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

This book definitely hit home for me. My Grandad had Alzheimer’s, and the feeling of someone not recognising you, who you’ve known your entire life is so tough. Seeing the confusion on their face, and witnessing them change into a different person, battling all of these emotions is devastating. This book made me feel so seen with how Sam felt with her Mothers dementia, and the realities of how heartbreaking a disease such as dementia truly is.

Xavier’s backstory was also so incredibly sad, and honestly had me crying so much. My heart just broke for him so so many times. But he literally screams GOLDEN RETRIEVER energy!!!! (also he’s a vet so it seems pretty fitting). I think everyone’s going to love him when this book comes out. Which is soooo deserved.🫶🏻

I honestly think this may have topped just for the summer for me, which I RAVED about non stop as soon as I read it. But I’m so happy to have found two new fav books this year by the same author✨

I am so excited for everyone to read this when it comes out, Abby truly did an amazing job with this one and again RIPPED MY HEART TO SHREDS, but also the writing is just insanely beautiful and the amount of quotes I was highlighting was crazy!!!

this comes out 1st of April 2025 so save the date !!!!

thank you to netgalley & little, brown book group uk for the arc, I’m still in shock I was accepted for this arc so thank you!!! and obviously thank you to Abby Jimenez for writing this beautiful book💫💕