Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

PART OF YOUR WORLD

by Abby Jimenez

Publication date: 7/5/2022

Format: Audiobook

Source: Overdrive

4 Stars

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUDIBLE

WHAT I ENJOYED
 
The dialogue/banter: I’m a sucker for good dialogue. For clever, witty banter. And it has to feel realistic – not stilted, not silly, not unrealistic. I loved the dialogue and banter here. Whether it was snappy and clever, or heartfelt and emotional, Jimenez had me eating it up.
 
Daniel: This guy… this guy! Oh my goodness, what a sweetheart. We’re talking Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame. Sweet, thoughtful, responsible, loyal, romantic – generous with his time and with his heart. Daniel took care of those around him – as the mayor of the small town of Wakan, as a friend, as an innkeeper. And he had a baby goat in pajamas. What more could you want?
 
Alexis: She was intelligent, successful, and – even though she was still dealing with the effects of verbal and mental abuse from more than one person in her life – she was self-aware enough to recognize what it was and seek help. It was easy to cheer her on through every step she took to put an end to those patterns and relationships, and reclaim her life on her own terms.
 
Wakan: This little blink-and-you-miss-it-village truly understood the meaning of community. They looked out for one another, they took care of one another, they pitched in when needed. I loved the residents of Wakan and their sense of family.
 
The perfect mix: Jimenez managed to blend romance and humor and more serious themes (verbal and emotional abuse of the main character, physical abuse of a side character) in such a way that none felt overpowered by the other. The humor and the heavier moments were balanced perfectly and had me completely invested.
 
BUT NOT SO MUCH
 
Alexis: Yes, Alexis is appearing on both lists. Because while I cheered for her at times, I was also disappointed by her at others. Even though Daniel welcomed Alexis into his life with open arms, Alexis kept her life completely separate from her time with Daniel. She did not offer him the same openness and transparency that he gave so willingly. Time and time again she had opportunities to include him or just acknowledge him, but consistently chose to deny him and his importance in her life. The hurt she inflicted in the name of keeping the status quo and placating those around her really tainted how I felt about her. She ultimately redeemed herself, but it was a long time coming.
 
The magical elements: I didn’t vibe with the few instances of fabulism and thought the story would have been just as good/effective without them. I am not a fan of fabulism/magical realism in general, so this is totally a “me thing.”
 
OVERALL

Part of Your World was my first by Abby Jimenez and delivered more than I expected. Sweet and steamy, funny and emotional, lovable characters and an engaging story – it all combined for a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to read more from Jimenez. 4 stars

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