Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Love conquers all in this heartwarming contemporary from bestseller Jimenez (Just for the Summer). New cat parent Samantha Diaz and hunky veterinarian Xavier Rush don't exactly meet cute: he bluntly tells her she has no choice but to put down her rescue kitten, who has a genetic defect, and she calls him an asshole. When the pair happen to reunite, however, he apologizes for his brashness and tells Samantha he admires her commitment to her animals--and her willingness to call him out. This second meeting leads to an elaborate dream date--complete with a UFO-themed escape room--and an undeniable attraction. Unfortunately, their chemistry can't lead to a relationship, as Samantha's about to move 2,000 miles away to help care for her mother, who has early onset dementia. Even with all that distance between them, neither can forget their magnetic connection, but being together for real will mean both of them reevaluating their priorities. The author expertly weaves a beautiful budding romance with real-life struggles: elder care, complicated family dynamics, the stress of veterinarian services, and overcoming mental, emotional, and physical childhood trauma. Jimenez knows just how to tug on the heartstrings. (Apr.)
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Review by Library Journal Review
When Samantha brings her new kitten to attractive veterinarian Xavier, their first interaction does not go well. Xavier instantly puts his foot in his mouth but redeems himself at Samantha's next vet visit and asks her out. Unfortunately, after the world's most perfect, never-ending date, Xavier discovers that Samantha is moving across the country the next day. In the midst of dealing with an ongoing family crisis, Samantha tells Xavier to move on and forget her and their one perfect day together, but they both soon find that they can't stop thinking about each other. Well-paced from beginning to end, the book deftly tackles challenges, such as early-onset dementia and caring for a parent, in between sweet and sexy scenes. Samantha and Xavier's story will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced long-distance romance, and secondary characters are so well drawn that they're practically begging for their own books. VERDICT Another winner from Jimenez (Just for the Summer). Readers won't be able to put down this laugh-out-loud funny romance and will be cheering for Samantha and Xavier even when the chips are stacked against them. A must-have for all public libraries.--Whitney Kramer
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