Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

Yours Truly offers a compelling, heartwarming story that revolves around Dr. Briana Ortiz and Dr. Jacob Maddox. Briana's life is in turmoil—her divorce is close to being finalized, her brother is desperately searching for a kidney donor, and the promotion she desires seems to be slipping away, potentially falling into the hands of the new doctor—Dr. Death, as he is affectionately called by the nursing team. Initially, Briana sees Jacob as an obstacle, but a heartfelt letter from him starts to change her perspective.

Jimenez skillfully breathes new life into the familiar ‘fake relationship-to-real-relationship’ trope. Briana and Jacob’s interactions feel genuine and engaging. Jacob’s character is immediately likable and relatable, while Briana takes a bit more time to warm up to. However, as the relationship progresses, their chemistry becomes undeniable.

One of the most touching aspects of Yours Truly is how Briana instinctively understands and supports Jacob’s struggles with anxiety. Her willingness to meet him where he is, offering unconditional love and acceptance, highlights a theme of empathy and understanding. The depiction of their relationship showcases the beauty of loving someone despite their flaws and finding strength in each other.

As the story progresses, I find that Jacob's love for Briana begins to feel somewhat obsessive, verging on codependent. This aspect of their relationship adds complexity but may leave some readers feeling uneasy. Additionally, Briana’s trauma revealed towards the end of the book feels sudden and somewhat overwhelming. Despite hints of her past struggles, the full extent of her emotional baggage is unveiled rather abruptly, which might feel like a dramatic overload to some readers.

Nonetheless, Jimenez handles the themes of anxiety, depression, and the journey of learning to love oneself while loving another with grace and sensitivity. This portrayal of mental/emotional wellness is realistic and poignant, allowing the characters’ experiences to resonate deeply with readers.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez is a delightful read that balances romance, humor, and emotional depth. It captures the essence of the beauty found in embracing imperfections. Despite a few rushed elements towards the end, the novel remains a compelling and heartfelt story. It’s a book I highly recommend to both young and middle-aged adults looking for a story that blends romance with themes of personal growth.

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