Abby Jimenez has become an auto-read/buy for me now, and her last book, “The Happily Ever After Playlist”, was one of our book club picks! So when my library hold for her newest came available, I immediately became unavailable for all my other plans. I DEVOURED this book in literally one sitting, maybe with 15 minute pauses to make my kids kraft mac and cheese. But in short, I love love love loved this third installment in the “Friend Zone” series.
“Life’s Too Short” follows famous vlogger, Vanessa, as she suddenly finds herself caring for her sister’s newborn baby (and her family’s own set of issues) while also dealing with a possible terminal illness, and Adrian, her very structured, very workaholic next door neighbor. Their paths intertwine thanks to an inconsolable newborn, and the baby helps them seem to keep crossing paths until they all become an inseparable family unit… Yay for cute, meet-cute babies!
Personally, I loved the easy friendship they developed and how comfortable they were with each other. The way they would always be there for each other or go out of their way to cheer the other person up is one of my favorite things about how relationships develop. It was also fun to hear about Vanessa’s vlogging lifestyle and see its ups and downs normalized (the fan mail!). Abby J. did throw in a visit from our favorite Jaxon Waters, Sloane Monroe, Kristen + Josh, but to be honest, I found their connection a little forced and out of place, even though Adrian’s gesture to Vanessa was sweet.
Overall, I’d give this a solid 4.5/5; it hit all my points for characters, feels, and a dramatic happily ever after on an amazing tropical island. I could definitely see myself re-reading this on a lounge chair, poolside under some palm trees this summer. Pick it up for your next quick, chick lit read!