Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: Book Review

Say You’ll Remember Me is the latest release from best-selling author Abby Jimenez. Released in April 2025, it is the first in a new romance series. Xavier lives in Minnesota and has had no contact with his family since he was 17. Samantha lives in Minnesota, but needs to move back to California to be with her family. Could a long-distance relationship really work, or would it be better to break up and go their own way?

CW/TW: early dementia, death of a family member, memories of child abuse, memories of animal abuse

Synopsis from Goodreads

There might be no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is, until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolutely wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

My Opinions

Say You’ll Remember Me is the start of a new series, but if it is like Jimenez’s other books, it could be considered a standalone. Unlike her other books, there doesn’t seem to be any characters connected to any of her previous books.

Xavier and Samantha’s story is a slow-burning one, spanning a year. They have a meet-cute, go on a date, and the next day she moves 2,000 miles away. As such, it takes a while for them to have any intimate time, and when it does finally happen, it’s off-page.

The main thread throughout this book is memories-creating them, remembering them, cherishing them. I found it to be a great reminder that even the small things can bring happiness and joy. A favorite song, a seashell in your pocket, a scent that you forgot about. These things can all help you cherish those special moments.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that, sure, Say You’ll Remember Me is marketed as a romance, but it’s so much more than that. There is a romance, no doubting that. But there is also seeing that family relationships can get messy. The expectations may not always be in everyone’s best interest.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.