When Life Hands You Lemons, Write a Letter
You know that feeling when you’re having the worst day ever, and then BAM! – something amazing happens that turns it all around? That’s pretty much the vibe of Abby Jimenez’s latest rom-com masterpiece, “Yours Truly.” This book is like a warm hug for your soul, wrapped in wit, charm, and enough swoon-worthy moments to make you believe in love again.
Jimenez has a knack for crafting characters that feel like your best friends—if your best friends were ridiculously attractive doctors with hearts of gold, that is. In “Yours Truly,” Abby Jimenez introduces us to Dr. Briana Ortiz and Dr. Jacob Maddox, two ER physicians who start off on the wrong foot but end up healing each other’s hearts. It’s the perfect blend of laugh-out-loud humor, tender moments that’ll make you reach for the tissues, and enough chemistry to light up a small city.
A Tale of Two Doctors: Meet Briana and Jacob
Let’s talk about our leading lady, Dr. Briana Ortiz. She’s smart, sassy, and dealing with more drama than a telenovela. Fresh off a divorce from her cheating ex, she’s juggling a demanding career, a brother in desperate need of a kidney transplant, and a new colleague who seems determined to make her life miserable. Oh, and did I mention she’s got trust issues the size of Mount Everest? Yeah, our girl’s got a lot on her plate.
Enter Dr. Jacob Maddox, the new guy in the ER who’s about as smooth as sandpaper on first impressions. He’s got social anxiety that makes small talk feel like climbing Kilimanjaro, but underneath that awkward exterior is a heart of pure gold. Jacob’s the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back—or, in this case, a kidney to a stranger.
From Enemies to Lovers: A Journey in Letters
The magic starts when Jacob decides to break the ice with Briana through a good old-fashioned letter. And let me tell you, this man can write. It’s like watching two people fall in love through the lost art of correspondence, and it’s absolutely adorable. Their exchanges are witty, vulnerable, and sprinkled with enough medical humor to make Grey’s Anatomy fans swoon.
As Briana and Jacob’s relationship evolves from reluctant colleagues to friends to something more, Jimenez takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions. There are moments that’ll make you laugh out loud (like Briana’s glitter revenge on her ex – pure genius), and others that’ll have you reaching for the Kleenex (Jacob’s journal entries, anyone?).
More Than Just a Love Story
While the romance between Briana and Jacob is the heart of “Yours Truly,” Abby Jimenez doesn’t shy away from tackling some heavy themes. She dives deep into issues like chronic illness, anxiety, and the lasting effects of betrayal with a sensitivity that feels authentic and never preachy.
Family Matters: The Ortiz and Maddox Clans
One of the standout elements of “Yours Truly” is the rich tapestry of family relationships Abby Jimenez weaves throughout the story. Briana’s tight-knit bond with her brother Benny is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, especially as they navigate his health crisis together. And can we talk about Jacob’s family for a second? They’re like a sitcom waiting to happen – in the best possible way. From his meddling sisters to his taxidermist dad and sex-therapist mom, every scene with the Maddox clan is comedy gold.
Healing Hearts and Kidneys: The Power of Organ Donation
Jimenez uses the storyline of Benny’s need for a kidney transplant to shine a light on the importance of organ donation. It’s beautifully woven into the plot, never feeling preachy or forced. Instead, it adds a layer of depth to the characters’ motivations and relationships. The author’s personal experience with kidney disease (shared in her touching author’s note) lends an authenticity to these scenes that really hits home.
Mental Health Matters: Anxiety, Depression, and Recovery
Another standout aspect of Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez is its nuanced portrayal of mental health issues. Jacob’s social anxiety is depicted with empathy and accuracy, showing both the challenges he faces and the strategies he uses to cope. Briana’s journey through trust issues and past trauma is equally well-handled, highlighting the importance of therapy and self-reflection in healing.
Jimenez’s Signature Style: Humor, Heart, and Heat
If you’ve read Abby Jimenez’s previous books, especially Part of Your World (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?), you’ll recognize her trademark blend of humor and heart in “Yours Truly.” Her writing style is like chatting with your funniest friend – effortlessly witty, with a knack for one-liners that’ll have you snorting with laughter.
But it’s not all jokes and banter. Jimenez has a talent for creating intimate moments that feel raw and real. The vulnerability between Briana and Jacob as they open up to each other is palpable, making their journey from mistrust to love all the more satisfying.
And let’s not forget the heat factor. While “Yours Truly” isn’t explicit, the chemistry between Briana and Jacob is off the charts. Their first kiss? adorable. The tension leading up to it? Deliciously torturous in the best way possible.
A Love Letter to Second Chances
At its core, “Yours Truly” is a story about second chances—in love, in life, and in believing in yourself. It’s about finding the courage to open your heart again after it’s been broken, and the healing power of letting someone in. Briana and Jacob’s journey reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life come when we least expect them, often in the form of a quietly sexy doctor with a penchant for letter-writing.
The Verdict: A Must-Read Rom-Com with Heart
“Yours Truly” is a gem of a book that’ll leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a renewed faith in love. It’s the perfect blend of humor, heart, and swoony romance, with characters so real you’ll wish you could hang out with them in real life. Jimenez has outdone herself with this one, cementing her place as a queen of contemporary romance.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Abby Jimenez’s work or new to her books, “Yours Truly” is a must-read. It’s the kind of story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with love all over again. So grab a copy, curl up with your favorite beverage, and prepare to be charmed by Briana and Jacob’s journey to happily ever after.
Perfect for Fans of…
If you loved “Yours Truly,” you might also enjoy:
- “The Flatshare” by Beth O’Leary – another charming romance that starts with written notes
- “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood—for more swoony doctors and STEM romance
- “The Friend Zone” by Abby Jimenez – Jimenez’s debut novel, which also tackles serious themes with humor and heart
Final Thoughts: A Love Story That Shows Up
In the end, “Yours Truly” is more than just a romance novel. It’s a celebration of human resilience, the power of kindness, and the healing nature of love. Jimenez reminds us that sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to open our hearts and let love in, even when – especially when – we’re scared.
As Jacob would say, “Love shows up.” And in “Yours Truly,” it shows up in the most beautiful, unexpected ways. So do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Your heart will thank you.