Yours Truly - At a Glance
Yours Truly is a contemporary romance novel by Abby Jimenez, set in a bustling hospital. Told from the alternating first-person perspectives of two doctors, the story explores themes of healing, mental health, and unexpected love.
Opening Hook
In Abby Jimenez's Yours Truly, two doctors find their lives unexpectedly intertwined amidst personal and professional challenges. Dr. Briana Ortiz is navigating a painful divorce and a career crossroads, while Dr. Jacob Maddox battles crippling social anxiety. When Jacob's arrival threatens Briana's promotion, their initial animosity gives way to an unlikely friendship, sparked by heartfelt letters that reveal hidden vulnerabilities and a surprising connection. As they navigate their own personal turmoil, they discover that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest love.
Plot Overview
Act 1: Initial Misunderstandings and Budding Friendship
Briana's life is spiraling: her divorce is a raw wound, her brother, Benny Ortiz, desperately needs a kidney transplant, and her dream promotion is jeopardized by the arrival of the seemingly arrogant Jacob. Jacob's first day is disastrous, earning him the nickname "Dr. Death," detailed in the Chapter 1-5 Summary. However, Jacob, plagued by social anxiety, sends Briana a sincere letter explaining his awkwardness and clarifying his lack of interest in her promotion. This letter sparks an unexpected friendship, built on vulnerable conversations during shared lunches in Briana's "sob closet."
Act 2: A Fake Relationship and Growing Feelings
As their bond deepens, Jacob learns about Benny's dire need for a kidney. Driven by his family's history with organ donation, Jacob secretly gets tested and discovers he's a perfect match. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend, Amy, is now engaged to his brother, Jeremiah. To avoid worrying his family, Jacob impulsively lies about having a new girlfriend. When his sister spots him with Briana, the lie spirals, and Briana agrees to pose as his girlfriend for his family's wedding events, grateful for Jacob's selfless offer to donate his kidney anonymously. This fake relationship throws them into close proximity, igniting genuine romantic feelings.
Act 3: Confronting Fears and Finding True Love
The climax unfolds with emotional intensity. At the engagement party, Amy's pregnancy announcement triggers a panic attack in Jacob, stemming from stress and fear of losing Briana, not lingering feelings for Amy. Misunderstanding his reaction, Briana comforts him, leading to a passionate encounter. However, triggered by past trauma, Briana dismisses their intimacy as a mistake, detailed in the Chapter 36-40 Summary. The breaking point occurs at the wedding when Briana discovers she's pregnant with Jacob's child. Terrified of repeating past abandonment, she ends things with Jacob, convinced he'll eventually leave her.
Heartbroken but resolute, Jacob gives Briana his journal before his and Benny's transplant surgeries. Reading his private thoughts, Briana realizes the depth of his unwavering love. Finally understanding that her fear is the only obstacle, she rushes to Jacob's recovery room, ready to embrace their future. The Epilogue Summary concludes with Jacob and Briana married, raising their daughter, Ava, in a love built on trust and mutual support.
Central Characters
The characters in Yours Truly are complex and relatable, each grappling with personal demons and striving for growth. The Character Overview page offers a complete list of characters in the novel.
Dr. Briana Ortiz
Briana begins the novel guarded and cynical, wounded by her recent divorce. Her tough exterior is a defense against further pain, coloring her initial interactions with Jacob. However, their correspondence reveals her vulnerability. Briana's journey centers on overcoming her deep-seated fear of abandonment, rooted in her father's departure and reinforced by her ex-husband's betrayal. She learns to trust Jacob and her own judgment in love.
"You never realize you’re living the best time of your life... It happens and then it ends, and you only see it for what it was after. I gave Nick the part of me I don’t give anyone. I gave him the kind of stupid, innocent love that you can only give before you know better. He got the best of me. And I’ll never find that me again."
Dr. Jacob Maddox
Jacob is a kind and selfless man, hindered by crippling social anxiety that makes him appear aloof. His letters to Briana are his only outlet for genuine expression. Their relationship becomes his safe space, allowing him to slowly gain confidence. His arc is defined by quiet acts of love, such as donating a kidney and supporting Briana through her fears. He finds his voice and a life where he feels seen and accepted.
Major Themes
Yours Truly explores several significant themes, creating a touching romance and a commentary on human resilience. The Theme Overview page offers a full exploration of these ideas.
- Healing and Second Chances: Both Briana and Jacob are recovering from emotional wounds. Their relationship becomes a catalyst for healing, allowing them to trust again and embrace a second chance at love and fulfillment.
- Mental Health and Anxiety: The novel offers an empathetic portrayal of social anxiety through Jacob's character, normalizing his struggles and highlighting the importance of understanding, patience, and coping mechanisms.
- Family, Illness, and Sacrifice: Benny's kidney disease drives much of the plot, exploring how a family rallies around a loved one. Jacob's anonymous organ donation underscores the novel's message about selfless love.
- Communication and Misunderstanding: The story begins with a misunderstanding resolved through written words. The letters symbolize honest communication, while later conflicts arise from assumptions and a failure to openly discuss fears.
Literary Significance
Yours Truly stands out in contemporary romance for its blend of humor, emotional depth, and realistic conflict. Abby Jimenez is celebrated for tackling heavy topics, providing a narrative that is both escapist and grounded in reality.
The novel's use of letters pays homage to a classic romance trope while feeling fresh and modern. The letters allow for deep exploration of the characters' inner worlds, building a foundation based on genuine understanding rather than just physical attraction. This focus on emotional intimacy and mental health reflects a significant trend in modern romance, where readers seek stories that are emotionally intelligent and resonant.