Opening Thoughts: When Anxiety Meets Angst
You know that feeling when you’re about to bite into a really good taco, but you’re worried it might fall apart and make a mess? That’s kinda how I felt starting “Yours Truly” by Abby Jimenez. I mean, I loved her previous book “Part of Your World,” so I had high hopes. But could she deliver again? Spoiler alert: she totally did, and then some.
This book, y’all. It’s like… imagine if your favorite rom-com had a baby with a medical drama, and that baby grew up to write love letters. That’s “Yours Truly” in a nutshell. It’s funny, it’s touching, and it’ll make you believe in the power of both modern medicine and old-school romance. Oh, and it might just convince you to become an organ donor. But more on that later.
Plot Summary: From Hate to Love, One Letter at a Time
Meet Our Heroes: Dr. Grumpy and Dr. Anxiety
So, we’ve got Dr. Briana Ortiz, aka Dr. Grumpy. She’s going through it, folks. Divorce? Check. Sick brother? Check. Annoying new coworker? Triple check. Enter Dr. Jacob Maddox, who’s about as socially graceful as a bull in a china shop… that’s also having an anxiety attack.
These two start off like oil and water. Or maybe more like mentos and coke—you just know there’s gonna be an explosion. But then Jacob does something crazy. He writes Briana a letter. An actual, honest-to-goodness, handwritten letter. And wouldn’t you know it, the guy’s got a way with words.
From Sob Closet to Love Story
What follows is a delightful dance of misunderstandings, witty banter, and slowly melting defenses. Briana and Jacob go from reluctant pen pals to lunch buddies, bonding over tiny horses (don’t ask) and the merits of a good cry in the hospital supply closet.
But here’s where Jimenez throws us a curveball that had me gasping like a soap opera star. Jacob, in a move that’s equal parts selfless and bonkers, offers to donate a kidney to Briana’s brother. I mean, talk about going above and beyond to impress a girl, right?
Character Deep Dive: More Than Meets the Eye
Briana: Tough Cookie with a Gooey Center
Let’s chat about Briana for a hot second. On the surface, she’s your typical rom-com heroine—smart, sassy, and suffering from a serious case of emotional baggage. But Jimenez doesn’t stop there. She peels back Briana’s layers like an onion, revealing a woman who’s struggling with trust issues, family expectations, and the fear of being vulnerable again.
I gotta say, there were moments when I wanted to reach into the book and give Briana a hug… or maybe a gentle shake. Her journey from cynical divorcée to someone willing to take a chance on love again felt real and earned. And her relationship with her brother? Sibling goals, right there.
Jacob: Anxiety Poster Boy with a Heart of Gold
Now, Jacob. Oh, Jacob. This guy, I swear. Jimenez has created a hero who’s so endearing, so genuine, that you can’t help but root for him. His social anxiety isn’t just a quirky character trait – it’s a fully realized part of who he is, affecting his interactions and decisions in believable ways.
But here’s the kicker – Jacob’s anxiety doesn’t define him. He’s funny, he’s kind, and he’s got a backbone of steel when it counts. His willingness to put himself out there, both emotionally and physically (hello, kidney donation!), had me cheering him on from page one.
Themes: More Than Just a Rom-Com
Mental Health: It’s Not Just in Your Head
Okay, can we talk about how refreshing it is to see mental health issues treated with respect in a romance novel? Jimenez doesn’t shy away from the realities of living with anxiety or depression. She shows how these conditions impact relationships, careers, and everyday life. But she also demonstrates that having mental health struggles doesn’t make you any less deserving of love. Preach, sister.
Family Ties: The Good, the Bad, and the Dysfunctional
Family plays a huge role in Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez, and not always in the Hallmark movie kind of way. We see the good (Jacob’s wonderfully wacky clan), the bad (Briana’s absent father), and the messy (the whole ex-spouse situation). Jimenez paints a picture of family that’s complex, sometimes painful, but ultimately a source of strength.
Second Chances: It’s Never Too Late for a Do-Over
At its core, this book is about second chances. Second chances at love, at health, at happiness. It’s a reminder that no matter how much life has kicked you around, there’s always hope for a fresh start. And sometimes, that fresh start comes in the form of a hand-written letter or a donated organ. You know, the usual.
Writing Style: Letters, Laughs, and a Little Bit of Medical Jargon
Can we take a moment to appreciate Abby Jimenez’s writing in Yours Truly? It’s like she’s your best friend, telling you this incredible story over a glass of wine. Her dialogue crackles with wit, her descriptions paint vivid pictures without getting bogged down in purple prose, and her pacing keeps you turning pages like you’re reading the world’s most addictive medical chart.
The use of letters as a storytelling device is excellent. It allows us to see the characters’ inner thoughts and watch their relationship develop in a way that feels intimate and authentic. Plus, who doesn’t love a good epistolary romance?
And let’s not forget the medical aspects. Jimenez manages to incorporate enough medical detail to make the hospital setting feel real without turning the book into a textbook. It’s a delicate balance, and she nails it.
The Good, the Bad, and the Swoon-worthy
What I Loved:
- The chemistry between Briana and Jacob is off the charts. You could power a small city with the electricity between these two.
- The supporting cast is superb. From Briana’s mom to Jacob’s eccentric family, every character feels fully realized.
- The handling of mental health issues is sensitive and nuanced.
- The humor! I laughed out loud more times than I can count.
What Could Have Been Better:
- The pacing in the middle section dragged a tiny bit. But hey, that might just be me being impatient for more Briana-Jacob scenes.
- Some readers might find the medical details a bit much. But personally, I was here for it.
Swoon-worthy Moments:
- The letters. All of them. But especially that first one from Jacob.
- The supply closet scenes. Who knew hospital storage could be so romantic?
- Jacob’s grand gesture. No spoilers, but… wow.
Final Thoughts: A Heart-Transplanting Good Time
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez is like a warm hug for your soul. It’s funny, it’s touching, and it might just restore your faith in love… and the medical profession. Jimenez has crafted a story that’s both escapist fun and emotionally resonant, tackling heavy themes with a light touch.
If you loved Jimenez’s previous works like “Part of Your World” or “The Friend Zone,” you’re gonna eat this up with a spoon. And if you’re new to her writing? Well, lucky you. You’ve got a treat in store.
So, should you read Abby Jimenez’s “Yours Truly”? In the immortal words of Magic 8-Ball, signs point to yes. It’s the perfect prescription for anyone in need of a good laugh, a good cry, or a reminder that love can show up in the most unexpected places. Just maybe don’t read it in a hospital supply closet. Or do. I’m not the boss of you.
Because everything’s better with freakishly small equines. Trust me on this one.
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez left you hungry for more medical romance with a side of humor, check out:
1. “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne
2. “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey
3. “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to write some handwritten letters and maybe look into organ donation. Because that’s just the kind of mood Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez puts you in. Happy reading, folks!
