Title: Say you’ll Remember Me
Author: Abby Jimenez
Publisher: Platkus
Pages: 416
Genre: Romance, Fiction
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️🖤
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Say You’ll Remember Me
Samantha and Xavier have the kind of first date people write about in movies—even getting stuck in an escape room can’t ruin the magic between them. But the very next day, Samantha boards a plane. What Xavier doesn’t realize is that she’s not just going on a quick trip—she’s leaving Minnesota for good. She’s heading back to California to care for her mother, who’s battling dementia.
Before she leaves, Samantha tells Xavier to forget her. But how do you forget someone when the connection is undeniable? No amount of time or distance can erase what they felt that night. The chemistry between them is impossible to ignore, and despite the odds, neither of them can shake the feeling that they’ve found something rare—something worth fighting for. Now, they’re both wondering if maybe, just maybe, love is worth the risk.
Review
Last year, I read my very first Abby Jimenez book—Just for the Summer—and I absolutely loved it. It was emotional, romantic, and the main guy was amazing. And honestly? Abby did it again with this one.
Xavier in this book? Pure perfection. The way he never stopped thinking about Samantha, constantly sending her thoughtful gifts and doing everything he could to take care of her? Swoon. He was supportive not just of her, but of her whole family. Their long-distance relationship wasn’t easy, but it was strong—stronger than most. Xavier wanted so badly to move to California to be with her, but he had just opened his own clinic, and relocating would’ve buried him in debt. Meanwhile, Samantha couldn’t return to Minnesota because she was caring for her mom full-time. The emotional weight of that situation felt so real.
The last book I read was Promise Me Sunshine, which also balanced romance with heavier themes, and I’m realizing that’s something I actually love in books. A mix of joy and heartbreak just makes everything feel more genuine, more grounded. Dementia, loss—these are things so many people face, and reading about them in fiction brings a certain kind of comfort and perspective.
Also—funny side note—I loved how everyone in the book kept saying Xavier looked like Rhysand from the ACOTAR series, which I just started reading. So I had a very clear (and very attractive) mental picture of him the whole time. And shoutout to authors who include playlists in their books. I didn’t recognize most of the songs on this one, but I’ll definitely be looking them up. Of course, I did know the most important one—”Come On Eileen.” Such a great song, and now it’s forever tied to this story in my head.
Overall, I adored this book. It was sweet, emotional, and filled with so much heart. Xavier is the dream boyfriend, and yes, I am absolutely manifesting someone like him into my life. The parts with Samantha and her mom were deeply moving—I almost cried. This book was a solid 4.5 stars/hearts for me, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance with depth.