Abby Jimenez (Say You'll Remember Me; Just for the Summer) delivers her usual lovable characters, witty banter, and emotional depth in The Night We Met. After Chris's best friend, Mike, offered Larissa a ride home from a concert a couple months ago, Mike and Larissa began casually dating. But when Larissa spends an unexpected and emotional but somehow enjoyable morning with Chris that includes rescuing a filthy dog from behind a trash can, she realizes her first impressions of Chris were wrong. Larissa discovers a surprising connection and sense of security in Chris as they find themselves constantly thrown together, co-parenting the havoc-wreaking Yorkie and discussing their shared love of obscure books. But as Larissa tries to make her relationship with Mike work, Chris senses that his feelings surpass those of friendship.
Chapters alternate between Larissa's and Chris's perspectives as the two navigate the nuanced, messy, and heartbreaking realization that whatever their feelings are, they can't matter, because Larissa chose Mike. Mike's charm and kindness make Larissa wonder if his steady presence is just what she needs, despite her draw to Chris. Jimenez traverses weighty themes through Larissa's determination to pick the right guy and provide for herself, unlike her mother, and Chris's history of carrying burdens entirely on his own. Larissa's life is also a constant hustle: she lives with her mom and works tirelessly to pay bills and debt her father accrued.
Through strikingly sincere reflection, Jimenez creates a love story deeply rooted in understanding. Beautiful moments of authentic connection carry Chris and Larissa through their difficult circumstances and eventually lead them to their happy ending. --Clara Newton, freelance reviewer