"Just for the Summer" follows Emma and Justin, who connect online over their shared curse of making their exes find true love immediately after breakups. Their solution? Date each other temporarily to break the pattern. What starts as a practical arrangement in a small Minnesota lake town becomes something deeper as both confront serious family baggage.

Jimenez excels at balancing humor with heavy emotional content. Emma's struggles with her narcissistic mother and Justin's complicated relationship with his recovering addict brother feel authentic and grounded. The small-town setting of Minnetonka Beach is vividly rendered, creating a cozy backdrop that contrasts effectively with the characters' internal turmoil.

The romance develops at a believable pace, with genuine chemistry between the leads who are both flawed but likeable.

However, the book tackles perhaps too many serious issues - addiction, emotional abuse, family dysfunction, career pressures - which occasionally makes the tone feel uneven. Some readers may find the shift between lighthearted banter and trauma processing jarring. The mental health representation is generally well-handled, though Emma's anxiety sometimes feels more told than shown.

Jimenez's writing is accessible and engaging, with snappy dialogue that keeps pages turning despite the heavier themes. This book works best for readers who enjoy contemporary romance with substantial emotional depth and don't mind crying alongside their swooning. It's perfect for fans of books that treat mental health seriously while maintaining romantic optimism. Skip this if you prefer lighter beach reads or are sensitive to detailed discussions of addiction and emotional abuse. The fake dating trope is executed well enough to satisfy trope lovers, but the family drama is the real heart of the story. Readers seeking pure escapism should look elsewhere, but those wanting romance that acknowledges life's complexities will find much to appreciate.