This was a very cute, sweet novel. I really enjoyed it. I think the characters were well written and relatable. The storyline was a bit predictable but still enjoying to read. I will admit I was a little scared at first when Theo got hurt and I thought it was going to be a long, drawn out amnesia story but I'm glad I kept reading. I am so glad Ellie didn't take any crap from Theo's dad....that guy is a serious jerk (to put it politely)!

I have no doubt Ellie and Theo will live happily ever after and that's just how I like my books.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House and Jilly Gagnon for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute romantic comedy of a book. While several of the tropes are familiar, the story remains fresh and enjoyable. The characters are likable and the conflicts are relatable. This was a quick read but also one that was difficult to put down!

I really really enjoyed this one! I’ll be recommending to all my book loving friends! The cover I’m also totally obsessed with

I was surprised by how much I liked this book! Ellie Greco has taken over her family's deli and is making it work when she hears that an Eataly-esque store called Mangia might be moving into a vacant property. This would be a catastrophe for her business, so she approaches Theo, the real estate developer (and her old high school classmate) to talk about it. While meeting, Theo gets in a small accident and ends up with a case of amnesia. In a moment of panic Ellie tells the paramedics she's his fiancée so she can go with him to the hospital. Hijinks subsequently ensue.

I was incredibly nervous about the amnesia / lying about relationship storyline as that is just not my thing. But without giving spoilers, it's handled SO well. If that isn't your thing either, this book is definitely still for you. The side characters -- Bella, Sam, Mimi -- are also excellent. I really appreciate that Sam isn't played as a villain as she could so easily fall into that stereotype. And is it possible there will be a follow-up book for her story? I would definitely read if so!

All in all, a very sweet and slightly steamy read that I could easily see myself recommending to friends. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was a sweet story. I’m a sucker for a fake engagement story and this one did not disappoint. I only wish it had dual pov’s. I would have liked being inside Theo’s head.

Love You, Mean It is You’ve Got Mail meets While You Were Sleeping. The author promoted her book saying it had “just the right amount of amnesia,” and I have to agree! This was a cozy, small town romance with fake dating, big town versus small town business, and opposites attract. I’m a huge fan of the “plans have changed/didn’t mean to fall trope,” so this plot was right up my alley. I really enjoyed Jilly Gagnon’s latest thriller, Scenes of the Crime, and am impressed with her seamless transition into the romance genre. I highly recommend adding to your to be read shelf!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book fell a little flat to me, the premise was right up my alley. The writing was good. I just never got fully invested in the characters. What started out as a business desk never quite formed into a love story. I appreciate the advanced copy and the recommendation from NetGalley and I will definitely give Ms Gagnon’s books another shot.

Love You, Mean It follows Ellie as she tries to convince a local property management team not to allow a big chain food store to set up shop in their small town (which would put her family's deli at risk of going out of business). Ellie finds herself teaming up with an unlikely partner to try to keep the big chain food store out of the picture.

I was surprised by how hooked I was by this. Sometimes I feel like I read a rom com and they're all kind of the same, but this felt refreshing. The interactions between Ellie and Theo seemed very genuine, and I really enjoyed the pacing of how their relationship progressed. The amount of detail and thought put into Ellie and Theo's backstories made it feel very real and believable. I could feel Ellie's expertise and knowledge of all things delicatessen, and her love for her family, and her talent for sewing garments. Theo's trauma involving Chase and his fondness for old historic buildings was evident. It made them into real, likeable people for me, so I really enjoyed them as main characters. The author did a great job of making you feel what the characters were feeling (looking at you TED, the amount of loathing I have for that man is astronomical).

The only thing I didn't like (SPOILER!) was when the third act conflict between Ellie and Theo occurred and Theo and Sam went out on a date. I know Ellie and Theo were only fake dating/fake fiancés but it seemed kind of disloyal for him to immediately jump into going on a date with an ex when he was just in a "relationship" with Ellie. Even if they labeled it as fake, they were having relations, and it makes me not like Theo as much, like he wasn't as into Ellie as he seemed or like he was waiting for a second chance with Sam. It just seemed kind of out of character for him based on how he was written for the rest of the book.

The ending was cute and sweet and predictable but in the best way! I have so much love for this book, thank you to NetGalley and Jilly Gagnon for the free e-arc in exchange for a review!

I cannot say enough good things about this book! I received access to it yesterday and have been unable to put it down since. I will be posting a full review and expanded thoughts, but everything from the dialogue, to the storyline, to the characters is so well written. I wish I discovered Jillys books sooner! I will definitely be on the lookout for more from here. Love the name too by the way, haha!

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Jilly Gagnon for letting me review this ARC!

Love you, Mean it follows Ellie as she finds herself fake dating a local businessman after his short bout of amnesia in an attempt to save her families hundred year old deli. Theo and Ellie strike up a business deal where they both can get what they want, but that means they need to pull off this engagement to Theo's family. This includes family dinners with Theo's Dad, and meeting his ex. Oh, and ignoring their intense chemistry and definitely NOT falling for each other.

I started this book after midnight and couldn't put it down until I finished. I spent the last thirty minutes watching estimated minutes left dwindle, anxious to see what the outcome was. Love you, Mean it reminds me of early 2000s romantic comedies in the best way.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

i AM STILL in the middle of reading this one , Full review to come

I didn’t feel invested in the plight of saving the deli. The conniving grandmother and the misunderstood developer didn’t feel like they were presented in a new or interesting way. I stopped after chapter 2 (8%). I’m guessing it will be a solid three stars “liked it” for readers. The writing is easy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.