💘 Book Review: The Situationship by Abby Jimenez (Kindle Edition, Part of Your World #3.5)
A sweet, hilarious, and emotionally grounded short story that delivers rom-com charm in bite-sized form—Abby Jimenez proves once again that she can pack heart, humor, and heat into just a few pages.
🧠 Overview
Published in September 2024, The Situationship is a 37-page novella originally released as a bonus chapter in the Target exclusive edition of Just for the Summer. Now available as a standalone Kindle edition, it serves as a delightful prequel that explores how Maddy, a sassy travel nurse, and Doug, a ruggedly wholesome farmer, first met in the quirky town of Wakan, Minnesota.
Their meet-cute? It involves a pig named Kevin Bacon (yes, really), a reflective vest, and a chaotic dash through the bushes. What follows is a whirlwind of witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and a not-quite-a-relationship that toes the line between fling and something more.
💘 Key Tropes & Highlights
- 🐖 Meet-cute madness: Kevin Bacon the pig steals the show in a scene that’s pure rom-com gold
- 🌞 Grumpy/sunshine dynamic: Doug is a walking green flag, while Maddy brings sass and emotional walls
- 🏡 Small-town charm: Wakan is full of nosy neighbors, quirky festivals, and cozy vibes
- 💬 Witty banter: Jimenez’s dialogue sparkles with humor and heart
- 🔥 Slow-burn tension: Lingering glances, accidental touches, and “just kiss already” moments abound
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.90/5 from over 34,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers love the novella’s humor, chemistry, and emotional depth despite its short length
- 💬 “It’s like a warm hug on a chilly Minnesota evening, complete with an adorable pig named Kevin Bacon”
- 🧾 Some readers wished for a longer format, but most found it a satisfying peek into Maddy and Doug’s origin story
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 37 pages, it’s a quick read—best enjoyed as a companion to Just for the Summer
- 📚 Series continuity: Works as a standalone, but adds depth to the Part of Your World universe
- 🔞 Mild spice: Includes romantic tension and a touch of steam—nothing too explicit
🏁 Final Verdict
The Situationship is a fun, flirty, and emotionally resonant novella that showcases Abby Jimenez’s talent for crafting lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments. Whether you’re already a fan of her Part of Your World series or just dipping your toes into her world, this Kindle edition is a delightful treat.
