"Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez Summary and Review

"Just for the Summer" by Abby Jimenez is a contemporary romance novel that blends humor, emotion, and heartfelt moments into a story of love, timing, and self-discovery. The novel focuses on two protagonists who, believing they are cursed in love, decide to enter into a summer fling with no strings attached, only to find that love often has its own plans.

 

Get Book

The novel is set in a picturesque lakeside town where the two main characters, Vivienne and Jason, come together for what they initially intend to be a short-lived romance. Vivienne, a driven and successful career woman, has had a string of relationships that all ended with her partners finding their true love right after their time with her. She begins to believe that she’s cursed, thinking that anyone who dates her is destined to find their soulmate afterward—but not with her. Disheartened by this recurring pattern, Vivienne decides that a no-strings-attached summer fling might be the best way to enjoy herself without the risk of heartbreak.

 

Jason, on the other hand, is a charming and laid-back chef who also believes he is cursed in love. Much like Vivienne, Jason has noticed that every woman he dates ends up finding "the one" immediately after they break up. Despite his easy-going nature, Jason is weary of committing to another relationship, fearing it will end like all the others. When he meets Vivienne, he is immediately drawn to her, but like her, he is hesitant to start anything serious.

 

The connection between Vivienne and Jason is instantaneous, and they quickly agree to a summer romance with the understanding that it will end when the season does. They set clear boundaries to ensure neither of them gets too attached: no deep emotional involvement, no long-term promises, just a simple, fun summer fling. They spend their days enjoying the beauty of the lake, sharing meals, and indulging in their mutual love of cooking—Jason in the kitchen and Vivienne in her newfound hobby of baking. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their time together is filled with laughter, teasing, and a growing fondness that both of them try to ignore.

 

Get Book

As the summer progresses, the line between their fling and a real relationship begins to blur. Despite their best efforts to keep things casual, Vivienne and Jason find themselves opening up to each other in ways they hadn’t anticipated. They share stories about their pasts, their fears, and their dreams, gradually realizing that their connection is deeper than either of them expected. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to maintain the emotional distance they had agreed upon.

 

Vivienne starts to question her belief in the "curse" as she grows closer to Jason. For the first time in a long while, she feels genuinely happy and begins to wonder if she might actually deserve a lasting relationship. Jason, too, starts to reconsider his views on love and commitment. He realizes that Vivienne is unlike anyone he’s ever met, and that the connection he feels with her is something special. However, both are still haunted by the idea that their relationship is doomed to end in heartbreak, which prevents them from fully embracing their feelings.

 

The novel takes a turn when Vivienne’s job requires her to return to the city, bringing an abrupt end to their summer together. Both Vivienne and Jason struggle with the separation, each realizing just how much the other means to them. Vivienne, in particular, is torn between her career, which she has always prioritized, and her growing feelings for Jason. She begins to question whether her job is worth sacrificing a potential future with someone she truly cares about.

 

Get Book

As they try to move on with their lives, Vivienne and Jason find it increasingly difficult to forget each other. They both attempt to date other people, but it becomes clear that no one else can compare to what they had. Their thoughts continually drift back to the summer they spent together and the connection they shared. Despite the distance and their initial agreement to keep things casual, neither of them can deny that their relationship was more than just a summer fling.

 

The story reaches its climax when Vivienne realizes that she can’t let fear dictate her life. She decides to take a risk and return to the lakeside town to see Jason, determined to tell him how she really feels. Jason, who has been harboring similar feelings, is both surprised and thrilled when Vivienne shows up. In a heartfelt and emotional reunion, they both confess that they want more than just a summer fling—they want a real relationship, curse or no curse.

 

The novel concludes with Vivienne and Jason deciding to take a chance on love, despite the uncertainties and their past experiences. They recognize that while the future is unpredictable, their feelings for each other are worth the risk. The story ends on a hopeful note, with Vivienne and Jason embracing the idea that love isn’t about guarantees or perfect timing, but about being willing to take a leap of faith.

 

Get Book

"Just for the Summer" is a warm and engaging story that explores the complexities of modern relationships, the fear of vulnerability, and the courage it takes to open up to love. Abby Jimenez skillfully balances humor with emotion, creating characters who are relatable and endearing. The novel’s exploration of the idea that love can’t be planned or predicted, but must be embraced despite the risks, makes it a compelling and heartfelt read. Through Vivienne and Jason’s journey, Jimenez reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life come when we’re least expecting them, and that true love is worth fighting for, even if it starts as something "just for the summer."