The Situationship by Abby Jimenez

You know that feeling when you curl up with a cozy romance novella and it just hits all the right spots? That’s exactly what Abby Jimenez delivers with “The Situationship.” It’s like a warm hug on a chilly Minnesota evening, complete with an adorable pig named Kevin Bacon. (Yes, really.)

A Meet-Cute That’ll Make You Snort-Laugh

Let’s set the scene: We’ve got Maddy, a sassy travel nurse with commitment issues, and Doug, a ruggedly handsome farmer who’s basically a walking green flag. Throw in the aforementioned Kevin Bacon (the pig, not the actor), and you’ve got a recipe for rom-com gold.

Their first encounter had me giggling like a teenager. Picture this: Maddy’s out for a walk, minding her own business, when BAM! A pig in a reflective vest comes barreling out of the bushes. Enter Doug, looking all farmhand-chic, trying to wrangle said pig. It’s the kind of meet-cute that would make even the Hallmark Channel say, “Whoa, dial it back a notch.”

Characters You’ll Want to Befriend

Jimenez has a knack for creating characters that feel like old friends. Here’s the rundown:

• Maddy: Fiercely independent, with a side of snark and a heart of gold
• Doug: Gentle giant meets farm boy charm. Plays guitar (poorly) and isn’t afraid to laugh at himself
• Kevin Bacon: Scene-stealing pig extraordinaire

Small-Town Charm with Big Personality

The fictional town of Wakan, Minnesota, comes alive under Jimenez’s pen. It’s the kind of place where:

• The local pig is a celebrity
• Everyone knows your business (for better or worse)
• There’s probably a quirky annual festival involving cheese or corn

Sizzling Chemistry (No Bacon Puns Intended)

Holy smokes, folks. The tension between Maddy and Doug is electric enough to power a small city. Jimenez masterfully builds their connection through:

• Witty banter (my personal catnip)
• Lingering glances
• Those accidental-but-not-really touches

I may have whispered “Just kiss already!” to my Kindle more than once. No shame.

Tackling the Big Stuff

Don’t let the novella length fool you—Jimenez packs some serious emotional weight into these pages. We’re talking:

• Fear of commitment
• The importance of chosen family
• Finding your place in the world

It’s like getting punched in the feels, but in a good way.

A Touch of Spice

Fair warning: Things get a little steamy towards the end. Nothing too explicit, but maybe don’t read it aloud to your grandma. Unless she’s cool like that. You do you, Grandma.

Jimenez’s Signature Style

If you’ve read Jimenez’s other works (like “The Friend Zone”, “Just for the Summer” or “Part of Your World“), you’ll recognize her trademark blend of:

• Humor that actually makes you laugh out loud
• Heart-squeezing emotional moments
• Characters who feel refreshingly real

“The Situationship” by Abby Jimenez might be shorter, but it doesn’t skimp on any of the good stuff.

A Love Letter to Animal Lovers

Between Kevin Bacon the pig and the storyline involving a kitten in need, this novella is catnip (pignip?) for animal lovers. Jimenez clearly gets the bond between humans and their furry friends.

The Verdict: A Delicious Bite-Sized Treat

“The Situationship” by Abby Jimenez is like that perfect chocolate truffle—small, but oh-so-satisfying. It’s the ideal palette cleanser between heavier reads or when you need a quick mood boost.

The Good:

• Laugh-out-loud funny
• Swoony romance
• Adorable animals
• Leaves you wanting more (in a good way)

The Not-So-Good:

• It’s over too soon (seriously, I wanted to live in this world longer)
• Might make you crave farm-fresh goat cheese

Who Should Read This?

• Rom-com enthusiasts
• Anyone who’s ever had a crush on a farmer (don’t lie, we’ve all been there)
• People who appreciate a good pig pun
• Readers looking for a quick, mood-lifting read

If You Loved This, Try…

• “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
• “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
• “Get a Life, Chloe Brown” by Talia Hibbert

Final Thoughts: A Heartwarming Hug in Novella Form

Look, life can be a dumpster fire sometimes. But books like “The Situationship” by Abby Jimenez remind us that there’s still joy, laughter, and yes, swoony romance to be found. It’s the literary equivalent of comfort food – warm, satisfying, and leaves you feeling just a little bit better about the world.

Jimenez has crafted a story that’s perfect for when you need a quick pick-me-up or a dose of small-town charm. It’s the kind of book that’ll have you grinning like an idiot on your lunch break or staying up way too late because “just one more chapter” is a lie we all tell ourselves.

A Teaser for More

The best part? “The Situationship” by Abby Jimenez is just an appetizer. It whets your appetite for Jimenez’s full-length novels and leaves you eager to dive into her backlist. (Seriously, if you haven’t read “The Friend Zone” yet, what are you even doing with your life?)

The Bottom Line

Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of “The Situationship.” It’s the perfect bite-sized dose of romance, humor, and heart. Just don’t blame me if you end up:

a) Craving goat cheese
b) Wanting to adopt a pig
c) Booking a trip to small-town Minnesota

Actually, you know what? Go ahead and do all three. Live your best rom-com life. Abby Jimenez would approve.

A Conversation Starter

One of the best things about novellas like “The Situationship” is how they spark conversation. Here are some questions to ponder or discuss with your book club (or, let’s be real, your group chat):

1. Team Maddy or Team Doug? Who did you relate to more?
2. If you were a Wakan resident, what would your role in town be?
3. What’s your stance on workplace romances? (Looking at you, Alexis and Daniel)
4. How do you think Maddy and Doug’s story continues beyond this novella?
5. What’s your favorite fictional small town? How does Wakan compare?

A Note on Representation

While “The Situationship” is a quick read, Abby Jimenez still manages to include some diversity in her cast of characters. It’s a refreshing touch in a genre that can sometimes feel homogeneous.

The Final Verdict: Read It!

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Should you read “The Situationship”?

Absolutely, positively, 100% yes.

It’s the perfect palate cleanser between heavier reads, a mood-boosting quickie (of the literary variety, get your mind out of the gutter), and a reminder of why we fall in love with romance novels in the first place.

Abby Jimenez has crafted a story that’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and swoon-worthy. It’s like getting a big ol’ hug from your best friend, if your best friend was really good at writing witty dialogue and creating sexual tension.

So go ahead, treat yourself to “The Situationship.” Your romance-loving heart will thank you. Just don’t blame me if you end up with an inexplicable desire to visit a petting zoo or learn the guitar. Romance novels are powerful like that.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here Googling “how to start a GoFundMe for fictional kittens.” Thanks a lot, Abby Jimenez.