Yours Truly: 2 (Part of Your World) Paperback – 11 April 2023

QUICK REVIEWSome books just wrap around your heart and refuse to let go—Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez is one of them for me. This is a romance that’s not just about falling in love but about learning to trust, heal, and truly see another person.DEEPER DIVEA brief synopsis.Dr. Briana Ortiz has had enough. Her divorce is almost finalised, her brother desperately needs a kidney transplant, and to top it all off, the new doctor at her hospital, Jacob Maddox, is rumoured to be gunning for her promotion. Except… Jacob isn’t who she expected. Socially anxious, kind-hearted, and quietly thoughtful, Jacob is struggling with his own demons. When he unexpectedly offers to donate a kidney to Briana’s brother, everything shifts. What starts as wary office interactions turns into an endearing exchange of letters, a nostalgic, almost old-fashioned way of connecting that brings an extra layer of intimacy to their growing friendship.The letter-writing element was an absolute highlight for me. There’s something deeply personal and vulnerable about written words, and seeing Briana and Jacob slowly open up to each other in this way made their connection feel so real. It wasn’t just chemistry—it was trust, built piece by piece.Jacob’s neurodivergence is also a key part of the story, handled with nuance and authenticity. His social anxiety and the way he navigates the world add depth to his character, making him one of the most well-developed and relatable romance heroes I’ve read in a long time. His quiet acts of love—like offering his kidney without fanfare or expectation—speak volumes about the kind of person he is.There’s an undeniable Pride and Prejudice vibe to Yours Truly too, particularly in Briana’s journey. From the start, she misjudges Jacob—assuming him to be cold, distant, and possibly even a workplace rival. But as the story unfolds, much like Elizabeth Bennet with Mr. Darcy, she begins to see past her initial assumptions. Jacob’s true nature—his quiet kindness, deep emotional intelligence, and unwavering generosity—slowly reveals itself, making her (and the reader) fall for him in the best way. While not a direct retelling, that gradual unravelling of prejudice and the discovery of a deeply good heart beneath the surface adds a wonderfully familiar and satisfying element to their romance.I personally relate to both of our main characters in many ways.Jimenez doesn’t just skim the surface of emotions; she dives in. The book tackles grief, anxiety, chronic illness, and the ways our past wounds shape us, but it does so with a balance of humour and heart. Some moments are laugh-out-loud funny, while others hit you right in the feels.If you love romances that feel deeply human—where love isn’t just about passion but about understanding and safety—then Yours Truly needs to be on your shelf. With its beautifully developed characters, emotional depth, and the softest, most heartfelt letter-writing trope, it’s a book that lingers long after the last page.Perfect for anyone who loves contemporary romance with heart, humour, and characters that feel achingly real.Key tropes:Epistolary romance, fake dating, a little bit of grumpy sunshine, workplace romance, slow burn, major yearning, misunderstanding.

This is a story about fake dating that takes an unexpected turn, but we, as the audience, can see where things were headed.What surprised me was how emotionally charged the story became for both characters.We meet Briana, a doctor in the emergency department, who is nursing her inner heartbreak as her divorce finalises. She was betrayed, and her brother is spiralling out of control. The once fit and healthy young man is now in need of a new kidney.On the other hand, Jacob is recovering from a betrayal by the worst person imaginable, who is now getting married to his ex.He starts at the same hospital as Briana, and his quiet demeanour is misunderstood as coldness and distance. He’s having a terrible week. Has he made a mistake coming here for a fresh start? He also struggles with anxiety.Despite the hostility, he finds solace in the same room that Briana uses at the hospital. It’s where she goes to cry, be alone, and have lunch.They tentatively start chatting, and since he can’t always articulate himself, he converses with Briana in a series of letters. I love the back-and-forth and their anticipation of waiting for another letter.After seeing what his mother went through, Jacob decides to pay it forward. He wants the whole thing to be confidential. When a doctor accidentally lets it slip to Briana, she is overjoyed.We witness the commencement of their fabricated dating escapade, featuring a vibrant cast of characters and numerous comedic moments. Amidst misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions on both sides, an unexpected and unwelcome blast from Briana’s past upends the course of anything betweenCan Briana and Jacob overcome their fears and find a possible future together?There is a personal note from the author at the end, it is well worth a read.