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💫💕

As someone who has adored Abby Jimenez's previous works, I was eagerly anticipating Say You’ll Remember Me. Her knack for creating heartfelt, emotionally charged stories had me excited, but unfortunately, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me.

The premise—a romance between a charming young man with a troubled past and a woman struggling to overcome her own challenges—had all the ingredients for something special. And yet, despite the intriguing setup, the story felt a bit lackluster. The chemistry between the leads was there, but it didn’t ignite in the way I had come to expect from Jimenez's previous books. The emotional stakes seemed a little more surface-level than I’m used to, and while the characters had potential, they didn't feel as fully fleshed out or as compelling as some of Jimenez’s earlier creations.

One major disappointment for me was the lack of spice in the romance. If you’ve read Jimenez’s earlier books, you’ll know she has a talent for mixing humor, heart, and heat. But in Say You’ll Remember Me, the romance felt more like a PG version of what could have been a more passionate and intense connection. I found myself wondering if I had somehow missed a more mature, steamy edition—where was the fire, the chemistry that made the other books so memorable?

Ultimately, while Say You’ll Remember Me still had its heartwarming moments and some relatable themes, it didn't live up to the emotional depth or intensity that I’ve come to love in Jimenez’s writing. For fans of her earlier work, this might feel like a bit of a letdown. Still, for readers new to Jimenez, it may serve as a decent introduction to her style, just without the usual spark that makes her novels stand out.

God, I love Abby Jimenez. I was so excited to get this book as an ARC and it definitely didn't disappoint. It has the same addicting banter as her other books, with great romance and chemistry, and of course the emotional back stories that always make me cry. I read it in two days, and the only reason it took that long was because I forced myself to go to bed instead of binging it all night.

5/5 stars, no notes. Highly recommend.

Thank you SO MUCH to NetGalley, Abby Jimenez, and her publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

♾️⭐️.

Abby's books are EVERYTHING. Not a single one of her books has failed to make me smile, laugh and cry. Her books leave you feeling empty and full at the same time. I always want to savour every moment of her books.

This one had me from the first few pages. Also, there are several ACOTAR references and the MMC is consistently referred to as a real life Rhysand so if that doesn't convince you to read it...

This book deals with some heavy topics, it portrays the complexities of life and the sacrifices that come with love. It focuses heavily on dementia and the importance of savouring memories with your loved ones.

The FMC Samantha is ray of sunshine. She is hillaious and witty and has the kindest soul.

The MMC Xavier is going straight onto my top book boyfriends list. He is a gorgeous, moody, but gold-hearted vet. His love for animals is so extremely endearing.

Samantha and Xavier are one of my favourite Abby couples. The commitment they put in to making their relationship work, even though they only got to see eachother 12 days a year, it was absolutely beautiful. The longing they felt when they were apart was so real and raw, and had such an emotional impact.

For me, I want to feel something when I read a book, whether it be heartbreak or happiness, and Abby Jimenez book's always have that impact on me. If you haven't read an Abby Jimenez book yet then please do, I promise you will love it and it might even change your life❤️.

This book is so much more than a collection of tropes however, the ones in this book include-

❤️ Insta-love (not my favourite but this hits differently).
❤️ Long distance
❤️ Grumpy vs Sunshine
❤️ ACOTAR references
❤️ Right person, wrong time
❤️ Complex family relationships

Full review closer to the publication date but wow, another incredible Abbey Jimenez book.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer comes a new playful yet deeply emotional contemporary romance.

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.

4.25 ⭐

Once again, Abby succeeded in making my heart do triple flips on every single page.

This book feels like a warm mug of hot chocolate on a cozy winter day. It makes you want to snuggle up, believe in love again, and just savor each moment.

The portrayal of loyalty, friendship, trust, open communication, and growth truly tugs at my heart. Not because it’s painful, but because it’s so healthy and real that it makes me want to be part of that world—and to be a better person.

I loved how different topics were addressed, like mental health and animal cruelty. The little details and everyday struggles, which often go unnoticed, are exactly what affect us the most.

Sam’s mum’s early-onset dementia made me appreciate and fully embrace the present moment. It brought color to life, even on the grayest days (just like those I've had while reading this book). It reminded me of This is Us and Rebecca’s story. I didn’t cry, but I came close—not out of sadness, but from seeing how beautiful and united this family was. Love is what held them together. After all, love is the color of life.

As for the character development, I have to say I didn’t fall in love with Samantha right away. She came off a bit bratty at first, and I didn’t love her family focus when she moved to California. But I loved her growth and how mature she became after caring for her mum, shifting from "I had to give up my life for my mum" to "I choose to take care of her."

And Xavier? Abby, please! How can you keep raising the bar for green flags? These fictional men are making it harder and harder for me to stay grounded. Even though I couldn’t picture him as Rhysand from ACOTAR, he was very much a Patrick Dempsey in my mind, and I couldn't be happier about it. 😍😮‍💨

Now, I need Patrick Dempsey cast for this role if this ever makes it to the screen.

1 - Plot Creativity: 3/5
2 - Enjoyment: 5/5
3 - Character Development: 4/5
4 - Narrative: 5/5

Abby Jimenez has done it again!! Truly the master of romance books. Abby know's how to write a realistic and healthy romance, while still keeping it funny, emotional, and relatable. Abby perfectly captured the difficulties of financial limitations, complex family relationships, and long distance relationships. I loved that this book did not follow the typical whirlwind romance, dramatic breakup, and then they get back together. The realities of losing a grandparent hit so close to home for me, and Abby really knew how to describe the importance of grandparents in families. The way that Alzheimer's was represented in this book was very well done and at times emotional to read. I loved this book and can't wait to read more books by Abby.

Sweet and heartwarming yet heartbreaking at the same time. Samantha and Xavier were a gorgeous couple and I loved their interactions so much. It was also so lovely to see side characters pop up too (and I'm hopeful there will be future novels of their stories too).

The book dealt with difficult themes and I felt they were handled sensitively. If I'm being pedantic, I felt the ending was a little tooooo wrapped up and perfect (but who am I to second guess a HEA in a romance book).

Wow, as you’ve come to expect with Abby Jimenez she’s written a book that packs an emotional punch. Both with a beautiful romantic story and one about loss and sacrifice.

Xavier is the ultimate book boyfriend. Both physically (we all love a Rhysand lookalike) and emotionally. Though he may be grumpy and unlikeable (who wouldn’t chose animals over humans everyday?!) he’s the ultimate care giver. Abby always manages to write characters that create a real impact, they have real flaws and personalities complete with meaningful back stories. Xavier’s abusive history was touched on delicately but also realistically. I kept thinking we would get a full blow out moment with his parents but having him come to terms on his own with his desire to succeed to prove them wrong being less important than the happiness of the rest of his life was done beautifully. Hank was the perfect accompaniment to this moment in the story and a perfect example of how Abby brings things full circle.

The lighter moments with how Xavier and Sam meet, (I won’t be able to hear “Come on Eileen” again without thinking of them) and the comedic touch of Sam’s marketing puns about mustard as well as the four legged characters made me smile and read with pure joy.

This was a gentle love story with no third act breakup. The adoration and determination of the characters to be together even when they couldn’t be physically together was so sweetly written. The longing from both main characters to have their person with them at their most difficult moments felt so real and raw.

Whilst the focus of this ultimately is the romance between Samantha and Xavier. The families (both Samantha’s loving family and Xavier’s found family - work and friends) make this such a powerful and emotional read. Abby doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects and this book is no exception. She broke my heart with this story, the sacrifices all of Samantha’s family had to endure to look after Lisa through her dementia and the positivity of knowing that life isn’t always going to go the way we expect it to and the message that love and happiness really is the important thing in life.

“But the small memories are the fabric of your life, the ones so inconsequential that you don’t even remember them. You just know how you felt when you were making them.” This quote really resonated with me and there were many other poignant messages weaved throughout the story that for me there really is no other better romantic story teller than Abby Jimenez.

I tend to read romance books for something lighthearted but in contrast what I love about Abby’s stories (Say You’ll Remember me in particular) is that she fully immerses you into her characters world and you go through all the emotions. For me I want to truly feel something when I read - be it love, happiness or heartbreak. The nitty gritty of life as well the happy ever after.

Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK and Abby Jimenez for granting my wish and providing me with a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. I feel privileged that I got to meet Samantha and Xavier early and read their wonderful love story.