Oops, their divorce never actually went through and now they have to pretend to be happily married (again) and their dogs and feeeeelings are probably going to make sure they stay that way (I love this second chance romance so hard).

Jayce Ellis really just hits all my best feelings and favorite tropes in this glorious second-chance romance. I loved all the touches; the contrast between DeShawn's Michelin starred restaurant and Malik's family restaurant. The love that never really burned out between these two. Having to fake be romantic in public with ALL the feelings behind it. YES.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

CW; Grandma with terminal cancer; she passes off page after the HEA (epilogue is a future jump).

3.5/5
A very nice romance novel centering the revival of old love. There’s a lot of chemistry between the main characters and i love the fake dating trope ! I do think, though, that some parts were a bit too fast paced and others were dragged too much.

A charming, uplifting book with a great story between the main characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

If You Love Something is a fake relationship romance - wait, it's a second chance romance - well, it's both, and it's a get you right in the feels kind of story from beginning to end. DeShawn and Malik have such good chemistry, which is nothing short of what I expect from Jayce Ellis. The story is a great combination of emotional, sweet, and sexy, and the writing is engaging and entertaining. True to form for this author, every character adds something to the story. Be it good or bad, there aren't many throwaway characters in Ellis's books. In this one, I liked most of them. I guess it wouldn't be giving anything away since the info is in the blurb - the only character I really didn't like was Robert, DeShawn's uncle, and we're not supposed to like him. To sum it up, this is another great read by Jayce Ellis. It's perfect for curling up in your favorite chair and whiling away a few hours or a solid choice for a weekend read.

Well this was a nice read that I wasn't expecting! The cover of this one is a bit deceptive I think and wonder if it needs to be a little edgier. Sure it's a romance/rom com but I'm not sure it does it justice.

Grandma Moore is sorting out her affairs given she's unwell and she doesn't want her son Robert to inherit when she dies. Instead she leaves her house to her grandson DeShawn and all her money to Malik - DeShawn's ex-husband. She needs to tell each of them her plan but she's also discovered DeShawn and Malik are still legally married after a mix-up with the paperwork seven years earlier. To ensure Robert has no legal claim on either legacy DeShawn and Malik decide to fake-reunite. The only problem is upon reflection both DeShawn and Malik wish they'd stayed married. As the trial looms both wonder if their facade will be discovered but it's the least of their worries when they seem to be falling in love (again).

This is another romance featuring food and beverages. I think it's been a real trend this year or certainly something I've noticed. DeShawn's a chef and Malik's parents own a restaurant he and his brother are running. DeShawn and Malik's circumstances are quite discrepant and it makes for an interesting juxtaposition. This story is a second chance romance, based upon the miscommunication premise. The pair were young when the miscommunication occurred so it's a little more palatable and realistic even though the pair were married at the time. Both character's relationships with Grandma warmed the cockles of my heart and once the story got going about 50% in with a little steam, I was all in for DeShawn and Malik.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

4/5 stars

A beautiful second chance romance for two ex-husbands that are reunited due to a family member’s will, only to find out their divorce never was finalised and they need to pretend they’ve reconciled to keep the money.

The vibe: A gorgeous story about the right person, wrong time and learning from your mistakes. Also fake dating and forced proximity tropes for good measure too!

Pros:
I liked that we learnt about their relationship and why they got divorced in the first place. I felt that this made their reunion and new choices more significant as we were able to see parallels that highlighted their growth.

Cons:
I wish there had been a little bit more about Robert and maybe him interacting with Malik and DeShawn to show how they needed to sell their relationship.

My standout quote:
“Our divorce had been amicable - on the surface at least. Underneath, fears and frustrations had nearly swallowed us whole and we’d put duct tape, and Flex paste and Gorilla Glue on years’ worth of hurt.” (Chapter 3)

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Content Warnings: cancer, sexual content, two dogs who are Very Good Boys
Themes: fake dating, second-chance romance, alternating pov

Why, yes, I do believe this is the gay black second chance romance I needed.

If You Love Something follows DeShawn, a popular professional chef and local celebrity, and his ex-husband Malik, an accountant for his family’s failing restaurant. After separating seven years ago they both assumed it would be the last they heard of each other, so they’re shaken when a family emergency brings them back together. Now they’ve got to play nice and pretend they’re getting back together to help DeShawn’s grandmother ensure her will is carried out exactly how she wants it, and if getting the two back together is an added bonus? Well, she’s just fine with that.

Did I mention that they’re both black?! Really, this love story was such a gem. There’s an expected formula with things like this where they just completely fail to communicate and that’s the problem we’re working with the entire book, but that’s not what happens here! It’s obvious these two care about each other, and while the confession comes not out of an actual conversation but more and explosion of emotion when one of the characters feels unheard. This pushes IYLS into more of a story of the two learning to communicate, to love each other again, to see how the other has changed and where he fits into their life. It’s a really tender, low angst, nice and spicy romantic tale. The writing style may be awkward or unfamiliar to some, but it reads well to a black reader so just trust me when I say it’s fine and enjoy the read.

So yeah, I absolutely enjoyed reading this. I was rooting for Malik & DeShawn from the jump, the grandma became my grandma, I suddenly had a hankering for soul food even though I’ve been vegetarian for like 8 years. To say I got sucked in would be an understatement. Consider this book devoured. I knew I’d love it after reading the synopsis, and it did not disappoint.

If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis

Second chance M/M romance with all the feels – really liked the characters and reading their story!

What I liked:
* Malik Franklin: keeps the books for his family’s restaurant, an introvert, enjoys making desserts, guards his heart, does what he thinks is best for those he loves even when it might not be best for himself.
* DeShawn Franklin: Executive Chef at top restaurant, TV celebrity, has dreams and goals for his future, loves his family and friends, creative in and outside of the kitchen, knows what he wants and hopes he will get it.
* Bruno and Corey: canine family to Malik and DeShawn
* Larry: DeShawn’s cousin and lawyer
* Grandma: raised DeShawn, dying of cancer, wants to see Malik and DeShawn back together again
* The side and supporting characters in the restaurants and families
* The rekindling of the relationship
* That there were no big issues for the men to deal with in their relationship
* The media spin and following Malik and DeShawn’s relationship developed
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Robert: DeShawn’s uncle, gambling addiction, greedy, son of Grandma,
* The pushiness of Christopher, DeShawn’s agent, though such people do need to be pushy to further their client’s dreams.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? I believe I would

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin-Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

** spoiler alert ** This is a beautiful story, it follows a MM relationship (which starts as a forgotten relationship, where they were supposedly divorced), upon a sad cancer diagnosis of their "nan"/"grandma", the pair embark on a new relationship for show for the courts (grandma's will causes quite a stir), it soon becomes clear that there is still a lot of love in the air for them, and a lot of unfinished business. The pair reconcile in a most beat way. I will say though this book does lose 1 star - I don't think the "love" scenes needed to be quite so graphic..my imagination could have worked out what happened in the bedroom, without the need of pictures being planted. That being said I really did enjoy this book.
Thank you to Netgalley UK and the publishers for allowing me to read this wonderful book!
Happy Reading.

If You Love Something is a new MM contemporary romance by author Jayce Ellis. A second chance romance for two men whose marriage ended from life circumstances, not lack of love.

DeShawn and Malik were very much in love when they married, but their lives were set on separate paths. DeShawn's career was up and coming, and his career dreams about to put him in the spotlight. While Malik wasn't ready to come out of the closet, nor be in the spotlight. Malik divorces him in order to let DeShawn achieve his goals without him holding him back. As DeShawn's grandmother's health starts declining, and she's putting her affairs in order, she learns their divorce never went through. When angry family wants to contest her will, they have to pretend to have reconciled their marriage. It's been 7 years and they still have the connection they had at the start but will Malik open his heart again and will DeShawn's career still stand between them.

I absolutely loved everything about this book, so I apologize if my review is a bit all over the place lol . The writing , the storyline, the characters, and the emotion. DeShawn's character right away had all my love. I loved that right from the start, he knew he didn't want to lose Malik a second time and would do what it takes to restore their bond. Malik was a sensitive soul and from the start put up walls when it came to DeShawn, which was understandable because he didn't see their situations as much different from before. They were both living much different professional lives, one in the spotlight and one out of it. This causes some push and pull from Malik at first, but once he gives in to his feelings, their actual relationship is quite smooth. They still have the same issues with their professions lives, but now that they are older they handle it with maturity . There's no childish drama or miscommunication, even thought they both hesitate at first to say their feelings out loud, at least when one does the other follows without it being some big drawn out drama .

Deshawn and Malik have a bit of a slow burn between them. It's not until like 70% that they become intimate, but I honestly didn't notice because I was really enjoying just experiencing them reconnect. However, the bedroom scenes were open door and deliciously steamy. They were just great together in and out of the bedroom .

If You Love Something by Jayce Ellis was simply a pleasure to read. A refreshing romance with mature characters. A second chance romance with lovable pups, a meddling grandmother, stress baking, and a satisfying happily ever after.

If You Love Something is an emotional romance with a bit of steam. A well-written, fast-paced romance with undeniable chemistry from the beginning. The characters share a very strong love for each other and are true soulmates. If You Love Something is perfect for anyone who loves a good romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN-Carina Press for the ARC!

4 stars!

If You Love Something is an M/M, second chance, and "marriage for the cameras turned real" story.

DeShawn Franklin is a celebrity chef and when he finds out his Grandmother is terminally ill, he also finds out that his divorce 7 years ago didn't go through, AKA he's still married. He also finds out that in his Grandmother's will she leaves a significant amount to his not ex-husband, Malik. Enraged, DeShawn's uncle sues Malik for fraud, and Malik and DeShawn put on a loving marriage for the cameras/ the trial, only soon enough they begin to fall in love again.

This book was truly amazing. When DeShawn and Malik reunite, sparks fly and them together was just so cute. They were both mature, the side characters were likable, and the plot was engaging as well. The representation and diversity in this book was there and also done well.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you are looking for a cute and lighthearted read that you fly through!

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Release Date: December 28, 2022

Additional Information:
Spice? Yes, semi-descriptive scenes
Cheating? No
OW? No
HEA? Yes

Condensed review to be posted on Indigo.ca.

Thank you to NetGalley, for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This romance was everything I wanted and more and one of the best I’ve read in a couple months. I’m not sure if I’ve read a second chance romance with ex-husbands with YEARS of history before, but this was so compelling to read.

I’m all for a classic meet cute romance, but I think what made this story work so well is drawing on the couples layered history. DeShawn and Malik already knew each other and Ellis made that effortlessly clear.

However, I love the conflicts revolving around grown adults having to overcome adversity in a mature and reasonable way, but still always agreeing to choose each other.

I loved this and the maturity of this relationship and would read more from Ellis in a heartbeat!

Super cute story, but the lack of conversation between the two main characters about their relationship and worries really bothered me. So much of the struggles could have been avoided if they just would have talked things through. But all of the characters were incredibly loveable and well developed. Would definitely recommend!

4.5 Stars
If You Love Something is a wonderful M/M, own voices, second chance romance. It tells the story of Malik and DeShawn who are brought back together when it is revealed that the divorce they filed for seven years prior did not actually go through and the two must reunite in order to receive their inheritance from DeShawn’s grandmother. This book held my interest from the moment I started reading it and I struggled to put it down.

I loved both Malik and DeShawn. They had such a fun dynamic. I loved how attractive they were to one another despite growing older. The hesitancy of reuniting with someone who broke your heart felt very realistic. I think that Jayce was smart in keeping the book entirely in the present rather than flash back to the pair’s past. The side characters added to the story without distracting. It was just so wonderful to read a queer Black romance from a queer black author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin, and Carina Press for the ARC.

Fab, fab, fab! I just love the way Jayce Ellis draws me into a world I'm not familiar with and fills it up with characters that soothe my soul.

Here she knocks it out of the park with a second chances/new beginnings romance between two people who never stopped loving each other but somehow lost sight of it.

DeShawn is a starred executive chef, a position he holds because his ex-husband Malik essentially sacrificed himself so that his talented man wouldn't come to regret turning down his chance of fame.

Of course, things never do turn out as you expect them to and I absolutely adored DeShawn's grandma's meddling ways when she discovered the divorce had never been finalised.

Jayce takes a slow burn approach through the reconnection of the two men and it pays off, there's enough UST to power a small country each time they meet.

I really enjoyed the secondary plot line with two skeezy reporters trying to find out if they really were married and together once the public started to cheer on their reunion.

I also loved the wee Easter Egg appearance from Collin (from Jayce's Jeremiah) who works for DeShawn's lawyer and brother in everything but blood - yes it's the fabulously sarcastic Larry who I am desperately waiting for a story about please!

This little world that Jayce has created in and around DC really makes me happy and I loved everything about this book.

The secondary characters fill out the study beautifully, from Malik's brother and sister at their family restaurant to Maribel, DeShawn's number two, and of course Miss Maxine, Larry's mum, who's essentially DeShawn's aunt and has helped bring him up alongside his Grandma.

Sweet, steamy and snarky. This story was an absolute RIDE. I loved the dual pov, and being able to really get the inner monologue of both DeShawn and Malik’s experience.

Second chance romances hold a certain depth of intimacy that makes me weak in the knees.

It stuck a bit at times and the dialogue felt forced in a way that never lost my interest but sometimes had me pausing to break up the jumps.
Malik and DeShawn’s emotional love story was incredible, but I think Bruno and Corey were my favorite part. :)

Two Black, gay men in their late 30’s/early 40’s give their marriage another go because of a twist of fate: a second chance romance unlike any you’ve ever read!

If You Love Something was a great book, for many reasons. First, the double POV (which is something I just adore in romance books.)

Second, the chef/restaurant setting, which was quite refreshing compared to the usual romances premises!

Third, the story as a whole was actually super endearing, beautiful but also quite raw and emotional. DeShawn’s honesty and bluntness perfectly balanced Malik’s restraint and sensitivity. They never fell out of love and both care about each other so much, it was dreamy.

Side characters (Sheila, Maribel, Grandma who I loved with my entire heart…) were nice too.

The only reason I’m removing one star is because of the pace of the whole story. It felt a bit slow but considering its themes, I guess it was to be expected— this was definitely more an emotional read than a light, eventful one. That being said, there were a few funny moments that made me smile, and that punctuated the story just enough.

One note: there were some typos left here and there, as well as some repetitions (verbs or expressions mostly!)

Huge thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN - Carina Press for the opportunity of reading this book! 4 stars!

I really enjoyed this book! It was exactly what I look for in a romance. It’s easy to read and hard to put down. It’s mostly lighthearted and fun even though it deals with heavy topics too and the way the characters dealt with those issues made them feel real.

Oh my gosh, this book was an utter delight. Second chance is one of my favorite tropes, and I adored the execution in If You Love Something.

DeShawn and Malik filed for divorce seven years ago, but when DeShawn’s grandmother informs him that her cancer is back and she’s refusing treatment, they learn the divorce never actually went through. And DeShawn and Malik are forced together to show a united front when DeShawn’s Uncle Robert wants to challenge Grandma’s will, which he has been cut out of.

I loved how Malik and DeShawn always loved each other, but they felt their paths were diverging which led to them filing for divorce. But seven years has allowed both of them to grow and settle more firmly into themselves. I also loved how they both got dogs in the interim, and seeing Corey and Bruno bond was an additional delight.

This is overall a very low angst romance full of wonderful tropes and chosen family bonds and a delightful second chance romance. I loved every moment of reading this, and it was just the brightness I needed in my week.