Fake dating AND a nod to romcom classic While You Were Sleeping? Love You, Mean It was such a fun romp while also managing to thoughtfully touch on topics of grief and family obligations. This is for everyone who wants to fall in love and have it mean something.

Though it had its slow points, this was an adorable romance and I loved the way Ellie was able to follow her dreams, and how it examined the way her fears were holding her back.

Please add this to the top of your TBR for April if you like Fake Dating and Romantic Comedy.

I freaking LOVED this book, even though a few times the overly "rich people are all terrible" attitude was annoying. Read the blurb if you want specifics but I'll say that temporary amnesia, a rich dude who isn't so bad, family drama, fake dating and laughing are things you like then just read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. Love You, Mean It by Jilly Gagnon is a cute romcom. Ellie has come home to run her family’s deli after her father dies, and it is going pretty well. But then an Eataly type of company proposes opening a huge shop in town, this could put them out of business. There is an attractive man involved of course, and also temporary amnesia. Lots of back and forth between the two, and hopefully a happy ending for her store. Good if you are looking for a fun light read. #loveyoumeanit #jillygagnon #romcom #netgalley #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday

The premise of this story was super cute, and I loved how it reminded me of Sleepless In Seattle. The first few chapters were enjoyable and entertaining, but I had a tough time finding the rest of the book as enjoyable. The way Elle and Theo met was fun, but neither of them was very likable during the story. I felt more connected with some of the side characters than with both Elle and Theo. The story itself was good, but something still was missing.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House Publishing for giving me a copy of the book.

Wow, I went into this one blind and it was so much fun! “Love You, Mean It” features Ellie, who runs her family’s deli store. And then along comes Theo, who is seeking to bring in the deal for a larger grocery chain to take up lease in their small town. Ellie needs to save her family’s business from the larger competition. This sets up a meet-cute of amnesia proportions and fake dating shenanigans!

For those who enjoy:
🩵 Hate-to-Love
🩵 Small Town
🩵 Opposing businesses
🩵 Fake Dating
🩵 Making a deal with his Ex
🩵 “While You Were Sleeping”
🩵 Interesting family dynamics

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fake dating is my absolute favorite trope and this did not disappoint! I love how Ellie and Theo meet and the reasoning behind their fake dating made sense to me! My one criticism is Ellie and her inability to say what she’s feeling! I understand it was to move the book along, but the whole Sam, Ellie, Theo “triangle” just felt unnecessary to me. Thankfully, Theo makes up for that! I will definitely be picking this up again in the future!

This was such a cute and quick read! I did struggle with the first few chapters as it wasn’t really hooking me in. But then it did! I was a bit skeptical about another amnesia love plot… but plot twist! The unexpected twist and the way Ellie was tricked throughly surprised me. Theo really matched her energy and I enjoyed how that frustrated Ellie. The execution of the fake engagement trope was enjoyable and the connection between Ellie and Theo unfolded in a fun manner. The spice in the book was also just the right amount. I loved Ellie and Theo and hope that there’s more to their story. I’d definitely recommend this book to others.

Thank you @Netgalley and @randomhouse for this advanced copy!

This book filled with fake dating, amnesia and dueling businesses reminds us that we will go to any length to help our families. While I struggled with the believability of some of the plot, I would this romantic comedy very playful and heartfelt. Definitely a book worth cozying up with!

I was SO excited to read this book. After reading the synopsis and a few blurbs that talked about how successfully it does the “amnesia trope” I couldn’t wait. Unfortunately the book didn’t live up to the hype.

I put the book down twice (45% and 71%) with honestly no intention to pick back up, but I pep talked myself into finishing it HOPING it would get better, it didn’t, but I did finish the book.

I found the writing to be long winded and reminded me of when you would write and essay in school and try to change as many words via thesaurus as possible just to make it sound fancier. On more occasions that I can count I had to go back and read sentences multiple times just to try to figure out what was actually being said. I found the characters lacked depth and likability and the big moments weren’t earned. The sex wasn’t earned. It left be feeling uninvested and not wanting to root for them. The characters lacked chemistry in the intimate moments and definitely leading up to, they did have great banter though. Also, Sam and Theo went on a date?! WTF. Theo should have said sorry no I’m mad at Ellie but it’s clear I love her and I don’t need to go on a date with you to confirm that, that was a real let down.

On a positive note, I thought that the amnesia trope was done SO WELL. It was refreshing to not roll my eyes reading this storyline. I alreally really enjoyed that as far as the fake dating went, the true close family members weren’t kept out of it, they were in on the secret. I always hate when the sweet mom and dad or grandma get swept into it as collateral damage. I loved that Ellie realized that she did love the deli and that she wanted to do it for her. I imagine given the circumstances that it would be hard to come to that realization on your own or quickly.

Overall, this book was a miss for me, but I really, really wanted to love it which is why I kept reading. For plot and a few successful areas, I’m willing to give it 2 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via NetGalley. I really enjoyed this book. It was really well written and it just had you trying to solve the mystery. I look forward to seeing what’s next from this author.

Thank you Random house Ballantine for Love You, Mean It by Jilly Gagnon. This is a fun romcom with lots of tropes, including love/hate, enemies to lovers, amnesia kind of fake fating themes and exploration of family ties and identity.

This is a case for me of wanting to love a book more than I did, I liked the plot a lot but somehow this one felt slow to engage me, the two main characters felt a little flat and unlikable for me and the chemistry didn't quite work for me. A case of maybe it's just me but compared to some other romcom/romance reads that worked for me recently, this one didn't quite nail it. I still think it's a fun read and perfect for a quick summer read, a good book to stick in a beach bag or read on an airplane!
(note, this might also be really fun as an audiobook, that review copy was not yet available when I read this and at times I tend to really prefer romcoms like this on audiobook!).

3.5 stars!

I received an advanced copy of this book for review!

4.5⭐️ I am such a sucker for a fake dating trope. I loved Ellie and Theo so much. I finished it and found myself wanting more! I loved their banter and how they challenged each other to leave their comfort zones. I am not a huge fan of the third act break up, and that was quite painful to read (in a way that I was gut-punched at what they were saying to each other), so that knocked half a star off for me, but overall, I enjoyed this book so so much and will definitely be reading more from Jill Gagnon!

Ellie gives up her life in New York to take over her family deli after her father passes away. When Theo's family wants to sell the building down the street to a huge corporation that will be the end of Ellie's store, she tries to reason with him. That meeting leads to an injury, amnesia, a fake engagement, and Theo and Ellie working together to trick his father in this fun romantic story. I enjoyed the book and read it in 2 days. I felt that it took too long for Ellie to see what was really happening. The story was a bit predictable but it was still a fun read. Thanks so much to the publisher for giving me an advanced copy and suggesting that I read it!

2.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I truly don’t know where to begin. This was a hard read for me, simply in the fact that the FMC was really hard to like. There was nothing wrong in the writing per se, just Ellie. I didn’t give it a lower rating because I could picture this town and picture these characters and the author did a wonderful job of creating the space, but Ellie and her choices & thought processes??!?!? So unrealistic and consistently pissed me off all the way until the *in my opinion* undeserved ending.

I’ll end my review here. It’s not beneficial to air out all my grievances. Nevertheless, the book is still a quaint, small town, quick read romance if a reader finds themselves in the mood for that.

*Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

A playful romantic comedy featuring dueling delis, fake dating, a shockingly awesome ex, and just the right amount of amnesia

Ellie Greco wishes she weren’t stuck in Milborough, running her family's decades-old deli. When Ellie hears that a local landlord is planning to rent to Mangia, the glitzy gourmet food department store, the very existence of Greco’s Deli is suddenly in jeopardy. She tries to plead her case to Theo Taylor, the property manager’s son, but their meeting goes from bad to worse. Theo is knocked out cold waking up with amnesia. Ellie claims they are engaged to get into the hospital to see Theo, but he quickly recovers, however they decide to keep going with the ruse. When complications arise, Ellie must choose between friendship, family legacy, and unexpected romance.

A romantic story that takes several tropes and weaves them into a narrative reminiscent of You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping. With exploration of personal growth, unexpected romance, witty banter, and the complexities of family and friendship I recommend this novel.

If you are looking for a cute romcom, this book is for you! It was a cute story! I liked the family dynamics. One thing that was not appealing to me was the foul language. If that doesn't bother you, then you will probably enjoy this book.

Thanks to the author, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. My opinions of this book are entirely my own.

It has a cute story line! It's. a romcom filled with all the fake dating, amnesia and all the craziness in between. Only thing that was not appealing to me was the language. I felt like there was foul language in almost every page. If that doesn't bother you, then you'll really love this book.

Ellie Greco wishes she weren’t stuck in Milborough. For a few brief, shining years, she escaped her hometown to pursue her dream career—designing beautiful, elaborate costumes for theater—until her father’s death five years ago called her home to run the family’s decades-old deli. Yes, she loves the place, but she’d always thought she was meant for more exciting things than stocking the right tinned fish. But when Ellie hears that a local landlord is planning to rent to Mangia, the glitzy gourmet food department store, the very existence of Greco’s Deli is suddenly in jeopardy.

She tries to plead her case to Theo Taylor, scion of the property management firm that is about to put her out of business, but their meeting goes from bad (it’s not her fault he’s infuriating) to worse (no one expects the ceiling to literally fall in).

With Theo out cold, Ellie panics and claims to be his fiancée . . . and almost passes out herself when amnesia means Theo seems to actually believe her. Soon, the effects of the head injury wear off, but Theo proposes that their “engagement” stick around. If they manage to convince enough people, they might both get what they want: an end to the Mangia deal. Ellie doesn’t trust him (after all, if Theo Taylor wants it, how can it be good for her?) but seeing no other option, she reluctantly agrees.

And miraculously, the fake engagement seems to be working—even Ted, Theo’s shrewd, cold father seems convinced—that is, until Sam, Theo’s ex-fiancée, reappears on the scene. Not only does she see through their ruse, but she proposes an arrangement of her own, forcing Ellie to decide between a blossoming friendship, her family legacy, and the burgeoning romance she frankly never asked for.

All opinions are my own.

If you are looking for a fun Rom-Com, this book is for you! It features an Italian-American family, which I can relate to. It has an enemies-to-livers trope, which I always enjoy.
Many thanks to the author, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

*I received an advance copy from NetGalley.

I'm a sucker for a good rom-com, be it a book, movie, you name it. Jilly Gagnon's "Love You, Mean It" hit all the marks for me. I loved the main character, Ellie Greco, from the get-go — a talented costume designer/seamstress who moved home from New York to the small town she grew up in to run her family's deli after her father's passing. Of course, there is a rich handsome man who steps into the picture, Theo Taylor, who is not as big of a jerk as Ellie originally thinks. It's hard not to spoil this one, so I'll just say, you'll want to go along for the ride as Ellie does whatever it takes to protect her family's deli. There's family, love, playfulness and games, money, property, relationships, secrets — this novel has it all. Whether you're looking for a book to cozy up with on the sofa in the winter months or something to throw in your beach bag, "Love You, Mean It" is the book you want to grab.