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A review by stephdaydreams
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
5.0
This was a true delight of a romance!
I've read plenty of age gap romances, but it's always the male lead as the older love interest, so let me just begin by stating how nice it was to read the woman as the older love interest. 37 year old city girl Alexis finds herself falling for 28 year old small town boy Daniel, and the feeling is oh so very mutual. That special mutual feeling incites a romance that empowers both characters to become the best versions of themselves. Providing a valuable lesson in always remembering our worth.
Daniel might become one of my favorite book boyfriends ever-- he is the ideal man. Respectful, loyal, kind, funny, and selfless. He puts others above himself and takes care of all the people in his small town-- a community that is most definitely a family.
Alexis is weighed down by the burden of responsibility, she loves her parents unconditionally to the point she has forgotten to show herself the same love in the process. A chance meeting with Daniel begins a journey of self-discovery and freedom for Alexis, who begins to a taste a life free from expectations and filled with love that supports her back, rather than leaving her dangling.
The chemistry between these two is superbly done. I was committed to them from the start and bite my nails down to a stub as I anxiously awaited to see how their relationship would develop.
Now while some may look towards the town of Wakan (truly it's own character) as the cupid of the book, let me shine a light of Alexis' best friend Bri. Bri was such a favorite of mine-- she was the only other person in Alexis' life, aside from Daniel, who loved her for who she is and not for what she was expected to be. Bri wished for Alexis' happiness and had some key scenes within the book trying her best to direct Alexis in the right direction towards that happiness. Bri is the best friend we all deserve to have and also should try our best to be. I am thrilled to see Bri will be getting her very own book next Spring-- I'm so curious to see where romance will lead her!
If there was any hiccup it may be with the 'magic' of Wakan. It became rather heavy handed at one point, for me. Nevertheless, this 'hiccup' is not enough to deter me from giving a solid 5 stars. I consumed this book wholeheartedly and loved it to bits. From start to finish, I was in.
It's one I intend to recommend to all.
As comforting as the book was, there are also trigger warnings to be aware of:
The leading heroine is out of a recent emotionally and mentally abusive relationship, and a secondary character is in a present physically abusive relationship. The narrative takes great care of approaching this topic. A main component in Alexis' journey of self-growth is reflecting on how the type of abuse she suffered under ripped away her power and agency. She takes the steps to regain both back.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I've read plenty of age gap romances, but it's always the male lead as the older love interest, so let me just begin by stating how nice it was to read the woman as the older love interest. 37 year old city girl Alexis finds herself falling for 28 year old small town boy Daniel, and the feeling is oh so very mutual. That special mutual feeling incites a romance that empowers both characters to become the best versions of themselves. Providing a valuable lesson in always remembering our worth.
Daniel might become one of my favorite book boyfriends ever-- he is the ideal man. Respectful, loyal, kind, funny, and selfless. He puts others above himself and takes care of all the people in his small town-- a community that is most definitely a family.
Alexis is weighed down by the burden of responsibility, she loves her parents unconditionally to the point she has forgotten to show herself the same love in the process. A chance meeting with Daniel begins a journey of self-discovery and freedom for Alexis, who begins to a taste a life free from expectations and filled with love that supports her back, rather than leaving her dangling.
The chemistry between these two is superbly done. I was committed to them from the start and bite my nails down to a stub as I anxiously awaited to see how their relationship would develop.
Now while some may look towards the town of Wakan (truly it's own character) as the cupid of the book, let me shine a light of Alexis' best friend Bri. Bri was such a favorite of mine-- she was the only other person in Alexis' life, aside from Daniel, who loved her for who she is and not for what she was expected to be. Bri wished for Alexis' happiness and had some key scenes within the book trying her best to direct Alexis in the right direction towards that happiness. Bri is the best friend we all deserve to have and also should try our best to be. I am thrilled to see Bri will be getting her very own book next Spring-- I'm so curious to see where romance will lead her!
If there was any hiccup it may be with the 'magic' of Wakan. It became rather heavy handed at one point, for me. Nevertheless, this 'hiccup' is not enough to deter me from giving a solid 5 stars. I consumed this book wholeheartedly and loved it to bits. From start to finish, I was in.
It's one I intend to recommend to all.
As comforting as the book was, there are also trigger warnings to be aware of:
The leading heroine is out of a recent emotionally and mentally abusive relationship, and a secondary character is in a present physically abusive relationship. The narrative takes great care of approaching this topic. A main component in Alexis' journey of self-growth is reflecting on how the type of abuse she suffered under ripped away her power and agency. She takes the steps to regain both back.
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.