As I curled up with Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez, I was ready to review Say You’ll Remember Me and lose myself in a romance that promised a spark bright enough to bridge thousands of miles. The buzz around this novel—some readers calling it a heart-stealing triumph, others lamenting its missteps—felt like a whispered challenge to uncover its truth.
With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, I dove into Samantha and Xavier’s story, eager to see if it could stir the same warmth and wonder as Jimenez’s past works. This review captures my journey through their fleeting connection, weighing its joys and flaws, and deciding if it’s a tale worth savoring.
What is Say You’ll Remember Me About?
Say You’ll Remember Me centers on Samantha, a social media manager for a mustard company, and Dr. Xavier Rush, a dedicated veterinarian in Minnesota. Their story begins when Samantha brings her kitten to Xavier’s clinic, only to learn it has atresia ani, a rare condition requiring a $10,000 surgery.
Xavier, practical and reserved, suggests euthanasia to spare the kitten pain, but Samantha’s determination to save her pet through a GoFundMe campaign catches his attention. His quiet donation to her cause marks the first flicker of connection between them. Intrigued by each other’s strong-willed nature, they share a clash-filled yet flirtatious exchange, leading Xavier to ask her out.
Their first date is nothing short of magical—a sunset animal adoption cruise on Lake Minnetonka, filled with adorable rescue pets, followed by a thrilling escape room. The night stretches on, their chemistry undeniable, but it’s cut short by a harsh reality: Samantha must fly to California the next morning to care for her mother, who has dementia.
Xavier, tethered to his veterinary practice, which he built with significant loans, stays behind. Bound by family obligations and professional commitments, they attempt a long-distance relationship, navigating texts, calls, and rare visits. The novel explores whether their one-night spark can endure 2,000 miles, personal traumas, and the weight of real-world responsibilities.
Review Say You’ll Remember Me: Is Abby Jimenez’s 2025 Romance a Must-Read?
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez, the promise of a playful yet deeply emotional romance, as heralded by its billing as a work from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer, set my expectations high.
From the outset, Say You’ll Remember Me hooked me with its premise: a love story born from a single, electric encounter, only to face the daunting hurdle of 2,000 miles. As someone who often finds insta-love tropes hard to buy into, I appreciated Jimenez’s attempt to ground the romance in a vivid, memorable first date.
The scenes of Samantha and Xavier bonding over rescue pets and puzzling their way through an escape room were charming, painting a picture of two people who click effortlessly. Yet, as the story shifted to their long-distance struggle, I found myself wrestling with both the novel’s strengths and its shortcomings.
One of the book’s most polarizing aspects, as noted in online discussions, is its heavy reliance on TikTok-inspired language. References to “core memories,” “it’s giving…,” and even a nod to the viral “would you love me if I were a worm” trend pepper the dialogue and narration. While I enjoy pop culture nods when they enhance a story, these felt forced and disruptive, pulling me out of the narrative.
Rather than enriching the characters or themes, the buzzwords seemed like an attempt to appeal to a younger, social media-savvy audience, which felt unnecessary given Jimenez’s established fanbase. The modern vernacular clashed with the emotional weight of the story, making it harder to fully immerse myself in Samantha and Xavier’s journey.
The romance itself, while heartfelt, struggled to maintain its momentum. The initial chemistry between Samantha and Xavier was palpable, but the long-distance format limited their interactions, leaving me craving more moments of genuine connection. The novel frequently references their profound bond, yet much of their relationship unfolds through texts, calls, and brief visits that felt repetitive.
As a reader, I wanted to see the spark that justified their persistence, but the narrative leaned heavily on telling me it existed. This disconnect made it challenging to root for them as fervently as I hoped, especially when their internal monologues about missing each other dominated the middle chapters.
That said, Jimenez excels at crafting obstacles that feel authentic and insurmountable, avoiding the cliché of miscommunication-driven conflicts. Samantha’s duty to her family in California, where she helps care for her mother alongside her grandmother, father, brother, and sister, is portrayed with sensitivity and nuance. Xavier, meanwhile, grapples with the demands of his veterinary practice and the lingering wounds of an abusive upbringing.
These external pressures—family obligations, financial constraints, and personal histories—lend the story a grounded realism that elevates it beyond a typical romance. The subplot exploring Samantha’s family dynamics, in particular, was a standout. The portrayal of her mother’s dementia and the family’s collective effort to support her was both heart-wrenching and illuminating, revealing layers of Samantha’s character that her romantic arc alone couldn’t convey.
The novel’s humor also deserves praise, offering moments of levity amid the heavier themes. Samantha’s witty bios for adoptable pets were a delightful touch, showcasing her creativity and warmth. Xavier’s gruff exterior softening through his interactions with animals and Samantha added depth to his character, making him more than the stereotypical “hot but serious” love interest. These lighter elements balanced the story’s emotional weight, though I occasionally wished for a faster resolution to the central conflict, as the cyclical nature of the long-distance woes grew taxing.
For readers sensitive to heavy topics, the family trauma and caregiving themes may hit close to home. While Jimenez handles these subjects with care, they contrast sharply with the book’s pastel, rom-com aesthetic, which might mislead readers expecting a lighter read. Checking content warnings beforehand is advisable for those with personal connections to dementia or familial strife.
Conclusion: Should You Read Say You’ll Remember Me?
Closing Say You’ll Remember Me, I’m left with a bittersweet mix of admiration and disappointment. Abby Jimenez’s gift for blending humor, heart, and real-world struggles shines in the family dynamics, witty moments, and authentic obstacles, but the TikTok-heavy dialogue and underdeveloped romance dulled the experience. As someone who’s cherished her earlier works, I found this novel less captivating, though it still offers warmth and meaning. The subplots, especially Samantha’s family, stole the show, making me wish the romance had matched their depth.
If you’re drawn to stories of love tested by distance, grounded by family ties, and laced with humor, this book might speak to you, especially if you can overlook cringe-inducing slang and a repetitive middle. For Jimenez newcomers, I’d point to her earlier novels, which better showcase her storytelling prowess. For fans or readers intrigued by the premise, Say You’ll Remember Me is worth a read for its heartfelt moments and vivid characters, even if it’s not the standout I hoped for. Pick it up if you’re ready for an imperfect love story that still leaves a gentle, lingering mark.