Abby Jimenez masterfully balances laugh-out-loud humor with deeply emotional storytelling, creating contemporary romances that tackle real-world challenges like infertility, loss, and family dysfunction while never losing their warmth or hope. Her characters feel like your best friends—flawed, funny, and facing the messy complications of modern life with both vulnerability and strength. Books like The Friend Zone and Part of Your World prove that romance novels can be both entertaining and profoundly moving, offering readers both escapism and genuine emotional catharsis.
If you enjoy reading books by Abby Jimenez then you might also like the following authors:
Christina Lauren (writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Bilson) creates romance novels that perfectly blend Abby Jimenez's signature mix of laugh-out-loud humor with genuine emotional depth. Like Jimenez, they excel at creating characters who feel like real people dealing with authentic challenges while finding love in unexpected places.
The Unhoneymooners exemplifies their appeal, following Olive and Ethan who are forced to go on their siblings' honeymoon together despite hating each other, only to discover their animosity might be masking deeper feelings. The authors' genius lies in crafting witty dialogue that reveals character depth while building romantic tension that feels both inevitable and surprising.
What makes Christina Lauren perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is their ability to tackle serious themes like family expectations and personal insecurities while maintaining the kind of banter and warmth that makes you want to be friends with every character.
Emily Henry crafts emotionally intelligent romances that explore grief, creative struggles, and second chances with the same heartfelt authenticity that makes Abby Jimenez so compelling. Like Jimenez, Henry creates characters dealing with real trauma and loss while finding healing through love, laughter, and genuine human connection.
Beach Read follows January Andrews, a romance writer facing writer's block after her father's death shattered her belief in happy endings, who makes a pact with her literary fiction writer neighbor to swap genres for the summer. Henry's brilliance lies in showing how vulnerability and honesty can transform both writing and relationships.
What makes Emily Henry essential for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to balance deeply emotional themes with genuine humor and hope, proving that the best contemporary romance doesn't shy away from life's hardest moments but finds beauty and healing within them.
Tessa Bailey brings the same character-driven humor and emotional authenticity as Abby Jimenez, but with steamier romantic tension and a talent for transforming seemingly superficial characters into deeply lovable, complex people. Like Jimenez, Bailey excels at showing how love can inspire personal growth and self-acceptance.
It Happened One Summer follows Piper, a privileged LA influencer forced to manage her late stepfather's dive bar in a small Washington fishing town, where she discovers both her own strength and an unexpected connection with gruff fisherman Brendan. Bailey's genius lies in taking a character who could easily be dismissed as shallow and revealing her depth through genuine challenges and authentic relationships.
What makes Tessa Bailey perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to combine laugh-out-loud banter with moments of genuine vulnerability, creating stories where the humor never undermines the emotional stakes and where every character earns their happy ending.
Sally Thorne masters the enemies-to-lovers dynamic with the same sharp wit and emotional intelligence that makes Abby Jimenez so addictive. Like Jimenez, Thorne creates characters whose verbal sparring reveals deeper insecurities and desires, building romantic tension that crackles with both humor and genuine feeling.
The Hating Game follows Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, office nemeses who share constant banter and competitive games until their animosity begins shifting into something more complicated and electric. Thorne's brilliance lies in showing how hatred and attraction can be two sides of the same intense emotional coin.
What makes Sally Thorne irresistible to Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to create workplace romances that feel both professionally grounded and emotionally swoony, with dialogue so sharp and engaging that you'll find yourself re-reading conversations just to savor the perfect timing.
Helen Hoang creates groundbreaking romances featuring neurodiverse characters with the same authentic emotional depth and sensitivity that makes Abby Jimenez so compelling. Like Jimenez, Hoang writes about characters dealing with real challenges—autism, anxiety, family expectations—while finding love that accepts and celebrates their differences rather than trying to change them.
The Kiss Quotient follows Stella, an autistic econometrician who hires escort Michael to help her learn about intimacy, only to discover that their connection goes far deeper than either expected. Hoang's genius lies in portraying autism not as something to overcome but as an integral part of who Stella is, creating authentic representation that feels both educational and deeply romantic.
What makes Helen Hoang essential for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to combine steamy romance with genuine advocacy for neurodiversity, proving that the most powerful love stories happen when characters are loved for exactly who they are, not despite their differences.
Ali Hazelwood brings academic romance to life with the same blend of humor, vulnerability, and authentic career struggles that make Abby Jimenez so relatable. Like Jimenez, Hazelwood creates heroines who are brilliant professionals still figuring out their personal lives, dealing with imposter syndrome and workplace challenges while navigating complicated romantic relationships.
The Love Hypothesis follows PhD student Olive who fake-dates her intimidating professor Adam to convince her best friend that love is possible, only to discover that their pretend relationship might be addressing very real feelings. Hazelwood's strength lies in creating STEM heroines who feel authentically smart and capable while remaining charmingly human and relatable.
What makes Ali Hazelwood perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to celebrate ambitious women in demanding careers while showing that professional success and romantic happiness aren't mutually exclusive, especially when both partners support each other's dreams.
Sophie Kinsella perfects the art of romantic comedy with the same gift for finding humor in life's most embarrassing moments that makes Abby Jimenez so endearing. Like Jimenez, Kinsella creates heroines who are refreshingly imperfect, prone to comic mishaps, but ultimately lovable in their authenticity and determination to figure out their messy lives.
Can You Keep a Secret? follows Emma Corrigan, who spills all her secrets to a stranger on a plane during turbulence, only to discover he's her company's new CEO. Kinsella's genius lies in creating situations that are simultaneously mortifying and hilarious, while building genuine romantic connections through vulnerability and shared laughter.
What makes Sophie Kinsella irresistible to Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to turn everyday disasters into romantic opportunities, proving that the best relationships often begin when we stop trying to be perfect and start being real.
Beth O'Leary crafts innovative romances that explore healing and second chances with the same emotional intelligence and warmth that make Abby Jimenez so compelling. Like Jimenez, O'Leary writes about characters recovering from trauma and finding love in unexpected ways, often through unconventional narrative structures that mirror the complexity of real relationships.
The Flatshare tells the story of Tiffy and Leon, flatmates who communicate entirely through Post-it notes before they ever meet, slowly building intimacy through small daily kindnesses and shared vulnerabilities. O'Leary's brilliance lies in showing how love can develop through patience, understanding, and genuine care rather than just physical attraction.
What makes Beth O'Leary essential for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to create romances that feel both innovative and deeply grounded in human emotion, proving that the most powerful connections often grow slowly through everyday acts of kindness and understanding.
Lyssa Kay Adams brings the same focus on found family and emotional growth that makes Abby Jimenez so heartwarming, but with a unique twist: her male characters learn about relationships by reading romance novels together. Like Jimenez, Adams writes about people healing from past wounds while building stronger, more authentic connections with those they love.
The Bromance Book Club follows Gavin Scott, a baseball player whose marriage is failing until his friends introduce him to a secret book club where alpha males read romance novels to become better partners. Adams's genius lies in showing how vulnerability and emotional intelligence can transform not just relationships but entire social circles.
What makes Lyssa Kay Adams perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is her celebration of emotional growth and male vulnerability, creating stories where characters learn that real strength comes from opening their hearts and supporting each other through life's challenges.
Jen DeLuca creates community-centered romances with the same blend of humor, heart, and authentic character development that make Abby Jimenez so appealing. Like Jimenez, DeLuca writes about characters finding their place in the world while discovering love in unexpected circumstances, often within tight-knit communities that feel like chosen family.
Well Met follows Emily who reluctantly helps with her hometown's Renaissance festival to support her injured sister, where she clashes with and eventually falls for Jake, the festival's dedicated coordinator. DeLuca's strength lies in showing how community involvement and shared passions can bring out the best in people while creating natural opportunities for romance.
What makes Jen DeLuca essential for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to create small-town settings that feel genuinely welcoming and supportive, where characters can heal from past hurts while building both romantic relationships and lasting friendships.
Mhairi McFarlane masters the art of second-chance romance with the same wit and emotional honesty that make Abby Jimenez so compelling. Like Jimenez, McFarlane writes about characters confronting their past mistakes and insecurities while finding the courage to rebuild their lives and relationships with authenticity and humor.
Don't You Forget About Me follows Georgina who returns to her hometown after a career setback, only to face the consequences of a lie she told in school and reconnect with Lucas, the boy whose life she accidentally changed. McFarlane's brilliance lies in exploring how our past choices shape our present while showing that redemption is possible through genuine growth and honesty.
What makes Mhairi McFarlane perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to tackle themes of shame, forgiveness, and personal growth with both humor and sensitivity, creating stories where characters earn their happy endings through genuine character development.
Mariana Zapata specializes in slow-burn romances that build emotional intimacy with the same patience and character development that make Abby Jimenez so satisfying. Like Jimenez, Zapata believes that the best relationships develop gradually through daily kindnesses, shared challenges, and genuine friendship before evolving into deep, lasting love.
The Wall of Winnipeg and Me follows Vanessa, personal assistant to NFL player Aiden Graves, whose professional relationship slowly transforms into something deeper as they navigate family expectations, career pressures, and their growing mutual dependence. Zapata's genius lies in showing how real intimacy develops through consistency, trust, and seeing each other at their worst and best.
What makes Mariana Zapata essential for Abby Jimenez fans is her commitment to earning every romantic moment, creating relationships that feel incredibly solid and real because readers witness every step of their development from friendship to forever love.
Penny Reid creates quirky, intelligent romances featuring neurodiverse characters with the same authentic representation and sharp humor that make Abby Jimenez so refreshing. Like Jimenez, Reid writes about brilliant, unconventional heroines who find love with partners who appreciate their unique perspectives and celebrate their differences.
Neanderthal Seeks Human follows Janie Morris, a pattern-seeking statistician with social anxiety who finds unexpected romance with Quinn Sullivan, a security expert who appreciates her unique way of seeing the world. Reid's genius lies in creating heroines whose quirks aren't obstacles to overcome but strengths that make them perfect for the right person.
What makes Penny Reid perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is her celebration of neurodivergent characters and her ability to balance geeky humor with genuine emotional depth, creating stories where being different isn't just accepted but truly valued and loved.
Kate Clayborn crafts literary-quality contemporary romances with the same emotional sophistication and character depth that make Abby Jimenez so compelling. Like Jimenez, Clayborn writes about people healing from past trauma while learning to trust again, building relationships that feel both deeply romantic and psychologically authentic.
Love Lettering follows Meg, a hand-lettering artist who discovers that one of her wedding signs led to a divorce, bringing her face-to-face with Reid, the ex-husband who wants to make amends for his failed marriage. Clayborn's brilliance lies in exploring how art, creativity, and genuine apology can become pathways to forgiveness and new love.
What makes Kate Clayborn essential for Abby Jimenez fans is her ability to combine beautiful, literary prose with deeply satisfying romance, creating stories that work both as love stories and as explorations of personal growth and creative fulfillment.
Elena Armas brings international flair to contemporary romance with the same blend of humor, family dynamics, and cultural authenticity that make Abby Jimenez so relatable to diverse readers. Like Jimenez, Armas writes about characters navigating the complexities of career, family expectations, and cross-cultural relationships while finding love that accepts all parts of their identity.
The Spanish Love Deception follows Catalina, a Spanish academic in New York who convinces her colleague Aaron to be her fake boyfriend for her sister's wedding, leading to a slow-burn romance complicated by professional rivalry and past hurt. Armas's strength lies in creating bilingual, bicultural characters whose romantic journey feels both deeply specific and universally appealing.
What makes Elena Armas perfect for Abby Jimenez fans is her celebration of multicultural identity and her ability to balance family comedy with genuine romantic tension, creating stories where love means accepting and celebrating every aspect of who someone truly is.