Abby Jimenez Books in Order – What to Read First

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If youโ€™re a fan of contemporary romance and love stories that make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between, Abby Jimenez is an author you need to know. With her heartwarming and witty writing, Abby has quickly become one of my favorites as I enjoy stories about love, friendship, and second chances.

But with several amazing books to her name, you might be wondering where to start or how to read her novels in the best order.ย Below is a comprehensive look at Abby Jimenez’s books in order, highlighting their storylines, series connections, and key themes.

Abby Jimenez Books in Order

  1. The Friend Zone (2019)
  2. The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020)
  3. Lifeโ€™s Too Short (2021)
  4. Part of Your World (2022)
  5. Yours Truly (2023)
  6. Just for the Summer (2024)

Upcoming Books

Say Youโ€™ll Remember Me (2025)

The Friend Zone Series (2019โ€“2021)

1. The Friend Zone (2019)

Book on the table next to a cup of coffee
Abby Jimenez / The Friend Zone (2019)

Abby Jimenez’s debut novel,ย The Friend Zone, introduced readers to her signature style of contemporary romance with humor and depth. The story revolves around Kristen Peterson, who faces a medical condition that threatens her dream of motherhood.

When she meets Josh Copeland, who is set on having a big family, an undeniable attraction forms. However, Kristen’s secret creates tension, as she fears revealing the truth might shatter their budding romance.

Themes of friendship, love, loss, and infertility are explored in this emotionally charged book. The novel has been praised for its balance of humor and heartbreak, making it a strong debut in the romance genre.

2. The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020)

Book in a desk drawer
Abby Jimenez / The Happy Ever After Playlist (2020)

The Happy Ever After Playlistย follows Sloan Monroe, a character introduced inย The Friend Zone, as she navigates grief after losing her fiancรฉ. Two years later, a chance encounter with a lost dog leads her to Jason, a rising musician.

โ€œYou canโ€™t control the bad things that happen to you. All you can do is decide how much of you youโ€™re going to let them take.โ€ โ€•ย Abby Jimenez,ย The Happy Ever After Playlist.

Sloan and Jason’s long-distance romance takes center stage in this novel as they battle career complications and emotional baggage. This book is both a standalone and a sequel toย The Friend Zone, as it shares characters and backstory. It also emphasizes healing after loss and finding love when you least expect it.

3. Life’s Too Short (2021)

Book on a cozy blanket next to coffee cup and biscuits
Abby Himenez / Life’s Too Short (2021)

Inย Lifeโ€™s Too Short, Abby Jimenez tells the story of Vanessa Price, a successful travel vlogger who has taken on a carefree lifestyle, due to a hereditary illness that has drastically shortened the lifespans of her family members.

Her neighbor, Adrian Copeland, a lawyer with a structured life, is drawn into her orbit. The opposites-attract dynamic plays out as Vanessa struggles to live in the present while Adrian introduces her to the possibility of a future.

With themes of living life to the fullest, self-discovery, and the complexities of love in the face of illness,ย Lifeโ€™s Too Shortย became another standout in Jimenez’s portfolio.

Part Of Your World Series (2022โ€“2024)

4. Part of Your World (2022)

This novel shifts focus to a new set of characters and is considered part of a loosely connected series.ย Part of Your Worldย follows Alexis Montgomery, a doctor from a prominent family, who meets Daniel Grant, a down-to-earth carpenter from a small town.

โ€œLove follows you. It goes where you go. It doesnโ€™t know about social divides or distance or common sense. It doesnโ€™t even stop when the person you love dies. It does what it wants.โ€ –ย Abby Jimenez,ย Part of Your World

Their love story blossoms despite their different worlds and family expectations. Jimenez uses this novel to explore themes of class differences, familial obligations, and self-identity. The book balances the weight of personal responsibilities with the transformative power of love.

5. Yours Truly (2023)

Woman holds a book on her lap
Abby Himenez / Yours Truly

is a companion novel to Part of Your World, focusing on Briana Ortiz, a character introduced in the previous book. Briana, a nurse dealing with her brotherโ€™s medical struggles and her own failed relationships, finds solace in a surprising friendship with Dr. Jacob Maddox, her workplace rival.

What begins as a professional enmity turns into a heartfelt romance as Jacob helps Briana through her personal trials. This book expands on Jimenez’s ability to portray emotional growth, healing, and romantic tension, blending humor and heartfelt moments.

6. Just for the Summer (2024)

A girl holds a book in her purse
Abby Jimenez/ Just for the Summer (2024)

Just for the Summerย is Jimenezโ€™s upcoming release, and while details are scarce, early reports suggest it will follow characters introduced inย Part of Your Worldย andย Yours Truly. Fans can expect a story filled with Jimenezโ€™s signature wit, warmth, and well-developed character arcs.

โ€œYou are not what happened to you. You are what you do next.โ€ –ย Abby Jimenez,ย Just for the Summer

7. The Situationship (2024)

 

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ะžะฑั˜ะฐะฒะฐ ะบะพั˜ัƒ ะดะตะปะธ Abby Jimenez (@authorabbyjimenez)

This is a sweet, funny short story about Maddy, a busy travel nurse, and Doug, a charming farmer. After a quirky encounter involving Kevin Bacon the pig, sparks fly between them. Though Maddy doesnโ€™t plan to stay in Minnesota, sheโ€™s open to a flingโ€”or maybe more.

Originally a bonus chapter in the Target edition of Just for the Summer, this ebook also includes a sneak peek at Jimenez’s upcoming novel, Say Youโ€™ll Remember Me.

Standalone Books

1. Worst Wingman Ever (2024)

@beachyreads

Replying to @Hermit Nomad this book made me laugh the hardest and itโ€™s one of my comfort books

โ™ฌ Scott Street (Slowed Down) – Phoebe Bridgers

Two strangers begin to fall in love without ever meeting face-to-face. Could destiny have a hand in bringing them together?

Holly is struggling with the upcoming loss of her grandmother and is still nursing the wounds of a tough breakup. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds a misplaced Valentineโ€™s Day card on her car.

What starts as a simple misunderstanding blossoms into a sweet connection, with the two exchanging anonymous notes and small gestures of kindness. But as their feelings grow, theyโ€™re faced with the possibility of having to say a final farewell before ever meeting.

Worst Wingman Ever is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute series, a collection of romantic short stories that showcase loveโ€™s surprises in the most unexpected places. Each story can be enjoyed in one sitting, making it perfect for a quick, cozy read.

2. Say Youโ€™ll Remember Me (2025)

@losblancosbooks

โ€˜Say youll remember meโ€™ will be my entire personality in 2025!! #abbyjimenez #sayyoullrememberme #thefallrisk #romancebooks #booktoknews #booknews

โ™ฌ original sound – F | Booktok

Xavier Rush is nearly perfectโ€”a gorgeous veterinarian with the charm of a Greek god, right down to cuddling a kitten. But when he opens his mouth, he proves even perfection can go wrong.

Samantha, quick to challenge his arrogance, never backs down from a fight. After one incredible date, Samanthaโ€™s family crisis forces her to pull away, begging Xavier to remember their night as a perfect, fleeting moment.

But time and distance canโ€™t erase their connection, and soon they realize that one perfect memory is only the beginning of something unforgettable.

Themes In Her Works

One of the hallmarks of Abby Jimenezโ€™s writing is her ability to mix humor with real-life challenges. Her novels often explore serious topics, including:

  • Infertility and medical issues: Kristen’s story inย The Friend Zoneย and Vanessaโ€™s hereditary illness inย Lifeโ€™s Too Shortย add depth to the romances.
  • Grief and loss: Bothย The Happy Ever After Playlistย andย Lifeโ€™s Too Shortย address how characters cope with personal tragedy and find ways to move forward.
  • Balancing career and love: Inย Part of Your Worldย andย Yours Truly, characters are often torn between their professional lives and their personal happiness, which adds tension and realism to the love stories.
  • Class differences and family expectations: Inย Part of Your World, Alexisโ€™s struggle with her familyโ€™s expectations and her relationship with Daniel highlights the conflict between different social spheres.

Jimenezโ€™s characters are often strong women who must confront their fears and limitations, whether due to health issues, societal pressures, or emotional scars.

These characters are relatable and inspiring, making her novels both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Which Book to Read First?

Although I suggest reading The Friend Zone series in order, you can also pick a book based on your favorite trope:

Trope Books
Friends to lovers The Friend Zone, Yours Truly, Lifeโ€™s Too Short
Celebrity/rockstar romance The Happy Ever After Playlist
Opposites attract, older woman – younger man Part of Your World
Fake dating/workplace romance Yours Truly

Critical Reception

Abby Jimenez signs an autograph in one of her books
Source: YouTube/Screenshot

Abby Jimenezโ€™s novels have been praised for their combination of humor, romance, and emotional depth. Reviewers have noted her ability to tackle tough topics while keeping the tone light enough to remain enjoyable.

Her characters are multidimensional, with realistic flaws and growth, which keeps readers engaged from start to finish.ย The Friend Zoneย was especially noted for its realistic portrayal of infertility and the emotional strain it places on relationships, whileย The Happy Ever After Playlist received accolades for its heartfelt depiction of grief and second chances.

Jimenezโ€™s books also stand out for their humor, which prevents the stories from becoming too heavy, even when dealing with difficult subjects.

Readers appreciate the balance of emotional weight and lighthearted moments, making her books appealing to a wide audience.

Abby Jimenezโ€™s Rise to Success

 

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A post shared by Abby Jimenez (@authorabbyjimenez)

Before becoming a bestselling author, Abby Jimenez was known for her work as the founder of Nadia Cakes, a cupcake bakery that gained attention on social media and from appearances on Food Network.

Her transition to writing was a natural progression, given her love of storytelling. Her debut novel,ย The Friend Zone, became a New York Times bestseller, cementing her place in the romance genre.

Since then, each of her books has been highly anticipated, with readers eagerly awaiting her next release. Abby Jimenez has also been praised for her engagement with her fans on social media, where she shares updates on her writing, interacts with readers, and occasionally offers glimpses into her personal life.

This accessibility has endeared her to a loyal fan base, who feel connected to her both as an author and as a person.

Summary

Abby Jimenezโ€™s books offer a blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth. It doesnโ€™t matter if youโ€™re reading about characters overcoming personal struggles or finding love in unexpected places, her novels provide an engaging escape that resonates with readers on multiple levels.

Also, her books are perfect for holidays, although books theme are not so festive.

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Ada Peterson

Hey there! I'm Ada Peterson, and I absolutely love books. Ever since I was a kid, I've found comfort and excitement in reading. I'm always up for exploring new worlds and ideas through the pages of a good book. Over the years, my passion for reading has only grown. Now, I spend my time diving into all sorts of genres, uncovering hidden gems, and sharing my thoughts with fellow book lovers. To me, books are more than just stories; they're friends that bring endless learning and joy. Whether it's the twisty plots of thrillers, the sweet stories of romance, or the deep insights of non-fiction, I treasure every moment I spend reading. On this site, I hope to connect with others who feel the same way and inspire more people to find their next great read.
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