Just for the Summer

This barely made the cut for my “Summer of Smut” reading. . . NOT because it was a bad story (it was terrific) but because it was low on the smut scale.... and HIGH on the plot and characterization scales.I adored [b:Just for the Summer 195820807 Just for the Summer (Part of Your World, #3) Abby Jimenez https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1692118145l/195820807.SY75.jpg 197775193]!! I kept hearing about this book and Jimenez's writing while perusing literary agents who represent what I write. So many asked for writing “like Abby Jimenez,” so I thought I should check her out.I love the concept of this book. Two people who seem to be the person dated just BEFORE the soulmate comes along. Emma read Justin's description of “the curse” on reddit. He explained how every girlfriend who broke up with him went on the marry the next guy she met while he remained unattached. Emma realized this was happening to her as well, so she commented on his post. In the end, they schemed that if they dated one another, and then broke up, they would both go on to find their soulmates. So started the summer of their discontent. Unfortunately, instead of just having the month or six week long affair, with the required 4 dates and one kiss, they ended up starting to like each other which wasn't the plan. . . but who didn't know that would happen?What does happen is both character have obstacles placed in their lives that do two things: - Help them learn what each is really made of - Discover that they really can't be together. . . wrong place/wrong time/wrong lifeWhat happens next is a fascinating story of self-discovery (and the tiniest bit of smut) that leads them both on a new path. And because it's essentially a romance, you might guess that the HEA will happen, you just won't guess how.If you want to read about how family dynamics can totally mess with your love life, read this book. You'll find the storytelling a grade above most romances. In fact, the romance is really secondary to a fascinating tale.