Just for the Summer

All of Jimenez’s novels are considered contemporary romances, while the humorous writing style she brings into her plot and characterization situates them in the romantic comedy subgenre. Like many of her other novels, Just for the Summer handles discussions of heavier subjects such as mental health, child neglect, and complicated family dynamics. It also balances these darker subjects with moments of lighthearted comedy.

Contemporary romances are defined by their lighthearted tone, soul-searching characters (often with misconceptions about life and love that will be corrected in the story), and Happily Ever Afters (HEAs). The protagonists of contemporary romances are often on paths of personal growth and must overcome romantic barriers. A common aspect of contemporary romance is the alternating His/Hers perspectives that cycle between the first- or third-person perspectives of the male and female love interests.

Just for the Summer adheres to the contemporary romance genre through its incorporation of the His/Hers points-of-view with alternating first-person perspectives following the primary romantic couple, Emma and Justin. It also includes the two love interests overcoming various barriers to becoming romantically involved. Emma must confront her toxic mother and the past trauma she has never fully recovered from to settle down and commit to Justin. Justin must come to terms with taking custody of his siblings following his mother’s imprisonment and learn to prioritize empathy over anger with his loved ones.

While the characters deal with many heavy conflicts throughout the novel, Jimenez keeps things lighthearted with the inclusion of rom-com tropes and plot archetypes including Emma and Justin’s romantic “curse,” the “bargain” or “deal” trope in which they agree to break said curse, and a unique take on the “fake dating” trope.