Book Review: Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Publisher: Forever | Published: April 11, 2023
SPOILER ALERT
Abby Jimenez has carved out a special place in my heart. I am love reading Romance but mostly I like Sci-Fi with a touch of romance. Ms. Jimemez has given me a newfound love of romance books. Her books offer a blend of warmth, humor, and emotional depth, and Yours Truly only strengthens my position on her books. This novel is a follow-up to Part of Your World, featuring characters who are relatable, deeply human, charming and slightly flawed. Let’s face it who isn’t flawed or carrying baggage. With its laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy romance, and heart-wrenching honesty, Yours Truly.
Plot Overview
Yours Truly main characters are Dr. Briana Ortiz, an ER physician who is going through an incredibly rough patch—her divorce is fresh from Nick (what a true dog), her brother, Benny, is in desperate need of a kidney transplant, and her trust in men is at an all-time low. Enter Dr. Jacob Maddox (so hot and swoon worthy…so need a guy like this in my life), the new doctor at her hospital, who initially makes a less-than-stellar first impression. Briana thinks he's arrogant, standoffish, and possibly trying to steal her job as ER Chief.
But then a letter arrives—Jacob’s sincere, awkward, and heartfelt apology for the misunderstanding. It turns out he isn’t arrogant; he’s just socially anxious and struggles to connect with people. From that letter blossoms a friendship, and eventually, a fake-dating arrangement to help Jacob navigate a family wedding (that of his brother about to marry his ex-girlfriend). As their bond grows stronger, so do the feelings between them.
What unfolds is a tender and often hilarious slow-burn romance that beautifully captures the complexity of love, vulnerability, trust, and healing.
“Love shows up” (page 148, used quite a few times throughout the book)
Briana is a fierce, loyal, and emotionally intelligent heroine. She’s the kind of woman readers root for instantly—she's competent, sarcastic, and fiercely protective of those she loves. Her emotional exhaustion is palpable, and her journey toward vulnerability and hope is deeply moving. However, she deals with childhood trauma and insecurities.
Jacob, on the other hand, is perhaps one of Jimenez’s most endearing male leads. He has social anxiety and selective mutism under extreme stress—something rarely portrayed in romance novels with such authenticity and compassion. His communication style, from his heartfelt letters to his small, thoughtful gestures, makes him an unforgettable romantic interest. Watching him fall for Briana is nothing short of heart-melting.
The chemistry between Briana and Jacob isn’t electric in the conventional sense—it’s quiet, warm, and slow-building, like falling in love with your best friend. Their text messages and letters are packed with humor, honesty, and real emotion, and their physical intimacy, when it arrives, feels like the natural culmination of emotional closeness rather than mere lust. Abby had me feeling like I should try writing letters or journaling by hand again. It’s something to be said about something as simple as a letter or journal living on long after we leave this world that represents a small piece of us for our loved one to have as a cherished memory. Jacob uses his journals as a means of easing his anxiety. One of his journals makes a huge impact on Briana in the end.
“I agree to be to be harmless to you”
At its core, Yours Truly is about healing and the power of love to soothe the deepest wounds. Jimenez doesn’t shy away from difficult topics—divorce, mental health, organ donation, chronic illness, and the trauma of being misunderstood. But she handles each with grace, balancing the heaviness with light-hearted banter and warm romantic beats.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its portrayal of anxiety. Jacob’s mental health challenges are not a subplot—they are central to his character and are treated with empathy and nuance. His coping strategies, therapy, and struggles feel authentic, not dramatized. This kind of representation is refreshing and necessary in modern romance.
Family also plays a significant role. Briana’s love for her brother is one of the book’s emotional backbones, and the subplot involving his health crisis adds tension and stakes that elevate the narrative beyond just romantic entanglement.
I love how Briana gives Jacob these crazy catchphrases to use. Theses catchphrases are their secrets that allows Jacob to quietly leave overstimulated social situations without arousing anyone’s suspicion’s. It's their love-language without even knowing it. Briana never sees this as a chore or a labor. Even when she is mad at Jacob, she still takes the careful time to ensure any situation is comfortable for Jacob before he enter it. This is what really got me about this book.
“Someone told me once that even a perfect match isn’t perfect”
Jimenez’s writing is effortlessly readable, but it’s also layered and smart. She has a knack for creating voices that feel distinct, natural, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Her dialogue shines—especially the witty exchanges between Briana and Jacob. There’s a rhythm to their conversations that feels both spontaneous and deeply personal.
The narrative switches between Briana and Jacob’s perspectives, and each voice is unique, authentic, and emotionally resonant. Jacob’s POV, in particular, stands out for its vulnerability. His introspection offers readers an honest look into the mind of someone living with anxiety, and it’s a powerful contrast to the outward calm he tries to project.
Story Structure
Though the novel leans on familiar tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, workplace romance—Jimenez makes them feel fresh. The pacing is steady, and the story unfolds organically. The romance simmers gently before boiling over, and each milestone in their relationship feels earned.
The middle portion of the book takes its time to explore the characters’ internal struggles, which may feel a bit slow to readers looking for rapid plot development. However, those who savor emotional complexity and character-driven stories will find this pacing satisfying.
More Quotes:
Briana: “I want to be brave enough to love him with my eyes closed. I just don’t think I can.” (page 357)
Jacob to Briana: We’re all a little broken. We are a mosaic. We’re made up of all those we’ve met and all the things we’ve been through. There are parts of us that are colorful and dark and jagged and beautiful” (page 364)
Joy (Matriarch)to Jacob: “You move slowly. Be consistent. Give her reassurance. Make her feel loved and safe. Show Up” (page 368)
Final Thoughts
Yours Truly is not just about falling in love—it’s about choosing to love again, even when it feels risky or impossible. Abby Jimenez has once again created a world you won’t want to leave, with characters who will linger in your heart long after the final page. This is a book for anyone who believes that love, in its truest form, is patient, kind, a little messy, and absolutely worth fighting for.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐ Would so reread again
