I am a sucker for the fake dating trope and this book did not disappoint. Ellie and Theo were both funny and lighthearted and made you fall in love with them from the start. Add in the family drama and it was a “can’t put down” book. One issue is it’s a little hard to tell who is speaking when but once you get used to each characters dialogue style then it’s easier to tell. A really great romcom overall!

Love You, Mean It is a funny, fast-paced rom-com. Our main character, Ellie, has moved back home from NYC to take over her family's deli (NOT because her dreams of being a costume designer weren't working out). Ellie is sarcastic and a bit pessimistic when we first meet her, but shows her soft side when her family is around. When the deli's future is put into question, thanks to one Trip/Theo Taylor and his rich family, Ellie decides to take matters into her own hands. However, things go horribly awry when Theo loses his memory after an accident during their conversation. Ellie, for totally altruistic reasons, poses as his fiancée and Theo has no reason not to believe her when he wakes up. Once Theo regains his memories, he proposes a plan to keep the engagement standing so they can BOTH get something out of this deal - saving the deli for Ellie, and giving Theo what he really wants to create in the building space.

This was a very witty, fast-paced read. I grew to really like Ellie, even though my first impression of her was a bit sour. Ellie and Theo had great tension and banter and there were a few spicy scenes throughout the book. I thought the drama and self-discovery was done very well and seemed realistic. ALSO, please note that this book will make you hungry with all the food descriptions, it definitely made me go to my own local Italian market after I finished!

I also LOVED the attention paid to female friendships in this story. Ellie's journey and healing was not solely dependent on Theo, but finding her own way and girl-friends as well. It didn't take away from Ellie and Theo's love story, and made the whole story and Ellie's growth more realistic and complex to me.

I do wish that we had gotten an Epilogue to learn more about Ellie and Theo's story after the present-day event close. I also wish we would've gotten some chapters or scenes with Theo meeting Ellie's family on a private scale to develop that a bit better. We get a good amount of Ellie/Theo's family, which makes sense for the story, but knowing how important family is to Ellie, I think it would've shown us a bit more to Theo and their developing relationship.

The ending was a bit quick and slightly unexpected (slight spoilers ahead!). I really thought Ellie was going to expand the Deli into the Taylor Building so she can grow her business (including her designs) while keeping the deli's authenticity - but alas, it was not to be!

Overall, I did enjoy this read, even though it was a bit slow to start. I think Ellie and Theo's story was cute and the author did a great job developing their physical and emotional relationship. I would definitely read another book by Jilly Gagnon, even if rom-com isn't her normal genre, and would recommend this book to anyone looking for a rom-com with a leading character with blazing wit and a strong personality.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to review!

This was a quick, easy read that was somewhat predictable. It reminded me of the plot of several popular rom com movies I've seen which is what I kept visualizing while reading; otherwise, I would have rated it a little higher.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced reader’s copy of Love You, Mean It by Jilly Gagnon.

About the book from Amazon:

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, Greco's Deli's very existence is suddenly in jeopardy. 

She tries to plead her case to Theo Taylor, scion of the property management firm 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, 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-fiance, reappears on the scene. Not only does she see through their ruse, she proposes an arrangement of her own, forcing Ellie to decide between blossoming friendship, her family legacy, and the burgeoning romance she frankly never asked for.

My review:
I found this book and its characters to be adorable. I loved the connection and banter between Ellie and Theo. I loved watching Ellie grow and discover herself throughout the book as well as watching Theo come into himself. Both of them had a lot of growing up to do that they were able to figure out how to do together. The storyline was wacky at times, but it kept me entertained which is what matters most.

OMG, I absolutely love love and loved this book! I'm a bug fan of this author and can't wait to see what's next. Thanks for the ARC

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions are my own! Unfortunately this book was not for me. It is a romantic comedy about a fake engagement that blossoms into something more. The writing was well done but the back and forth dialogue was a little overwhelming and I felt went into too much detail. When the overall story gets lost to too much witty banter and dialogue the story falls flat for me. Maybe add some more introspection. The comedy was ok but I didn’t really find it too amusing. I found the main character Ellie to be quite frustrating and annoying. Aside from this the writing is well done, the plot was good and easy to follow. The book is a decent work of fiction if you love romantic comedies with a ton of dialogue and reading about detailed accounts of her daily life.

I enjoyed Jilly Gagnon’s book – All Dressed Up – and thoroughly enjoyed the book, the writing style and the characters. When I was asked to read this rom-com, I have to admit I wasn’t overly thrilled. Rom-coms are generally not a favorite genre, but I was optimized since Jilly Gagnon wrote it. I’m so glad I did. Not only did I enjoy this read, I would recommend it. Fun story, the characters had great chemistry with each other, a wee bit of drama, some oo-la-la romps, but not overly graphic, just a good read.

Ellie Greco manages her family’s deli, since her father died. The deli represents family, tradition and especially her father. So when rumors that a modern hip, uber upscale deli franchise, Mangia is coming to a location close by, Ellie is determined to put a stop to Mangia. When she learns, an old classmate, Theo (Trick) Taylor is the developer working on the project, she seeks him out to have a discussion. At the meeting, Theo is accidentally hit in the head by a falling piece of ceiling and has a head injury. Ellie accompanies Theo to the hospital and here is where the fun begins. Mix in some amnesia, a fake engagement, some real feelings, an ex-girlfriend, and a good look at oneself and you get a fun, engaging read. Pick a sunny spot and enjoy.

I’m sitting here in a cruise, and this was a cute book to read while relaxing. It was a quick read and enjoyable but there wasn’t a wow factor for me. The author took the rom com checklist picked her fake dating trope and went with it.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review

Thank you for the chance to read this early. Ellie has returned to her hometown to run the family deli. Things get tense when she learns a local man is planning to rent to Mangia-her competition. She goes to the property manager, Theo, to talk him out of it. But a freak accident causes a case of amnesia and in order to know his condition, Ellie says she’s his fiancé. One the “amnesia” is cured, they decide to stay “engaged” to help both of them end the potential Mangia deal. What I liked: dialogue between Ellie and Theo, Ellie’s relationship with family (particularly her grandmother). What I didn’t like: Theo’s ex, Sam. I just couldn’t buy her attempts at friendship with Ellie.

“Love You, Mean It” is a fun romcom that is reminiscent of its predecessors in the genre: the enemies to lovers trope, someone developing amnesia, and an ex who is still in love with the male love interest. It’s a pretty easy and low-stakes read!

Truthfully, I wouldn’t recommend this one unless you are committed to the genre in its highs and its lows. While I am a big supporter of women’s wrongs, the main character (Ellie) is a hard one to root for. The book would probably have been about 1/3 shorter if she wasn’t so committed to hurting the relationships she makes (both romantic and platonic). I found myself supporting the aforementioned ex for the majority of the plot; this would have been a cute way to subvert the typical happy ending, but sadly that was not the outcome.

“Love You, Mean It” will be out next year on April 30th—and thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me with an ARC to review!

3.5 stars!

Recap:
Ellie had dreams of being a costume designer. She moves back to her home town of Milborough after her father passed to run the family deli. In comes Theo Taylor, who threatens to bring the upscale market Mangia to town, which would put Ellie's deli out of business. She decides to ask him to stop, but a freak workplace accident causes him to have temporary amnesia. Ellie pretends to be his fiancé in an attempt to go with him to the hospital but the lie gets out of hand. Once his memory returns, they agree to stay fake engaged so they both get what they want out of this deal - Ellie keeps her deli and Theo gets to do what he wants with the building.

Review:
Ellie and Theo are portrayed as rivals or opposites, when in fact you can tell they are attracted to each other. Ellie thinks of him as a stuck up, country club, rich boy and she sees herself as a failure, stuck in a job she does not want, living a life that was not for her. Throughout the story, Ellie gets to discover who she is and what her purpose is, but not without a struggle. Side characters like Sam and Bella added charm to the story. Ellie had a really low sense of self, which was sad to watch. She did not care about her home or had friends, mostly because it looked like she did not think she deserved them. It made it hard for her to accept Theo's love.

Spoilers:
While I agree with their third act breakup, I do feel like Ellie did all the groveling. I feel like even though Sam was direct to her about her feelings for Theo, and gave her an out more than once, I do feel like Ellie saw her in a position of power and did not feel confident with expressing her own emotions. I don't think it was fair for Sam to go and ask what she did of Ellie, and she should have apologized for it. Ellie owned up to her side of the problem, but I don't think Sam did. Also, Theo said some shitty things to Ellie towards the end when they broke up, and he apologized in the car but never said anything more about it, while both Sam and Theo made Ellie grovel.

Read if you like
opposites attract
fake dating
enemies to lovers
small town romance

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

"Love You, Mean It" is a captivating and thoroughly entertaining romantic comedy that serves up a delightful blend of humor, heart, and an enticing touch of amnesia-induced confusion. With a charming premise involving dueling delis, fake relationships, and a lively cast of characters, this novel offers a fresh and engaging take on the genre.

The protagonist, Ellie Greco, is a relatable and endearing character whose struggles with her family's deli and her longing for a more exciting life make her instantly relatable. Her journey from a reluctant deli owner to a participant in an unexpected fake engagement is filled with humor and heartwarming moments. Ellie's witty banter with Theo Taylor, the dashing yet enigmatic love interest, adds a layer of sizzling chemistry and playful tension to the story. The amnesia plot device is used skillfully to create humorous and endearing situations that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages.

The novel excels in portraying the dynamics of family and friendship, making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters. Ellie's dedication to her family's legacy and the choices she must make between her heart's desires and her responsibilities tug at the heartstrings. However, some readers may find certain plot developments, especially those involving the shocking ex-fiancée Sam, to be slightly predictable, which is a minor critique in an otherwise engaging and enjoyable narrative.

In conclusion, "Love You, Mean It" is a delightful romantic comedy that delivers on its promise of laughter, romance, and heart. It's a feel-good read that reminds us of the importance of taking chances, embracing change, and the surprises that love can bring. Fans of the genre will find this book to be a delightful and satisfying escape into a world where love and laughter reign supreme.

This book seemed like a Romeo and Juliet style romance but in a more modern setting which I loved. Also second chance ex is a troupe I love as well as enemy’s to lovers. This was a very cute novel nothing too earth shattering but just a fun popcorn rom com

When Ellie’s family deli is threatened by a big bad mega food company, she’s desperate enough to pair up with Theo Taylor, son of the real estate tycoon whose company will decide if the sale goes through.

At first glance the premise gives off major Hallmark vibes, BUT Gagnon’s latest definitely has a couple of spicy scenes, and the tension between Elli and Theo is pure escapist fun,

If you like fake relationship tropes with a splash of spice, this book is your jam! It’s such a nod to everything I loved about 90s rom coms.

The story was cute, and the idea was nice. The MCs were nicely written. I felt I lacked any sort of attachment to them. It felt like the same thing repeatedly.

But I really did not like Sam; I thought she was pointless to the sorry. I understand they needed someone to create a “wedge” but still not a fan. Also, all those internal monologues had me skimming the text.

I adored the cover and title of Love You Mean It!

This was a fascinating book, a story based on family business and the risk a potentially new threat could have on the existing family business and community. Ellie runs her family meat store business and is threatened when a former schoolmate's father decides to open his family meat store… Tripp, also known as Theo, is not a fan of his father's new business venture. Surprisingly, these two former schoolmates engage in a scheme to ensure Tripp’s Father's business is unsuccessful.

You will love the chemistry between Tripp and Ellie. This was a slow read but eventually romantic in so many other ways. What happens next? Grab the book and find out.

Thank you Kathleen for this arc book.

I’m literally obsessed with Theo and Ellie. I loved the way he was the one that really fell for her first. I mean, Ellie is trying to set him back up with Sam, but all Theo does is become super protective of Ellie. I really loved the whole tennis scene. I thought it really funny how Theo tried to play Ellie with the whole amnesia thing to see if she caught on to the fact that he did remember her. I really enjoyed how Ellie stood up to Theo’s “dad.” We love a confident woman. It really hurt there towards the end and honestly they are both to blame for the way my heart hurt. I was really happy to see the way Theo fought to not let Ted get away with the whole project. I’m glad that Sam really helped Theo help Ellie with in a way. I’m glad that they stayed friends after they realized that Theo was son in love and better off with Ellie. I really enjoyed all of Ellie’s family and how they were all in on the whole fake fiancé situation.

A cute and charming rom com with cute banter, cute boys and fake dating.
Ellie Greco fee up in Milborough. A small town that she fled as quickly as she could. She always felt she was destined for more. Ellie was able to escape her hometown for a few years for her dream career, designing costumes for a theater production. Sadly Ellie is called back home when her father passes away suddenly and she needs to help run her family’s deli. She loves her deli, but she dreams of something more.
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When Greco’s deli is threatened by a new business Ellie suddenly feels the tug to stay in her hometown and keep the deli going.
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I thought this was a charming and sweet story. Cute for all rom com lovers and one I will recommend to others.

Thank you Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie runs her family deli and a new business possibly coming to town could jeopardize it. Ellie meets up with Theo to try and sway him to not open up Mangia. Things take a turn and we get the fake engagement but not in the normal way.
Good easy read but a little off for me.

When I read the synopsis for Jilly Gagnon new book I almost had a heart attack. This is like While You Were Sleeping candy for those who are fans of the movie. Ellie and Theo really romcom'd it up and couldn't have been happier.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell, and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review.