Yes, Chef! I Truly, Madly, Deeply love this book!

A fresh, unique spin on Small-Town romance! This one is packed with familiar tropes I love including Best Friend’s Brother, Grumpy x Sunshine, Forced Proximity, and Second Chance romance- yet it feels completely original!

Calla (Cal) Litvin is quirky, nostalgic for the '90s, and chasing her dreams as an aspiring podcaster. Ambrose (Row) Casablancas is a famous, brooding chef with a notorious bad-boy streak.

The dynamic between these two, full of witty banter, keeps you hooked throughout the story! Though the spice is a slow burn, Row’s sharp tongue definitely adds some extra heat… his dirty talk game is Michelin Star-worthy!

Having experienced this book through both Kindle and audiobook, I can confirm that the audio enhances the reading experience! Lila Winters voices Cal, and Teddy Hamilton voices Row—their performances perfectly suit the characters, in my opinion. Their tone and reading style really bring the story to life!

This is the first standalone in a brand-new LJ Shen universe. I highly recommend checking it out!

Grumpy vs. sunshine grumpier!

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration

The heroine: Calla Litvin (a.k.a. Cal) - when she was eighteen and about to leave for college, she hooked up with her best friend Dylan’s older brother Row. She had a crush on him for a long time. He had the bad boy vibe to a T, was tall, muscular and a total hottie. When Dylan found them together, she threw a hissy fit and ended their friendship. Cal left the next day for Columbia and told herself that she never wanted to step foot in town again. Years later, her father’s death brought her back to town. She had been waiting tables in New York, while trying to get the nerve to start her own true crime podcast. Though now she promised to stay for a while to help out her mother who was reeling from her husband’s death.

The Hero: Ambrose Casablancas (a.k.a. Row) - he is now a world-famous chef, restauranteur, and reality tv judge. He was often featured on morning shows, opening new restaurants and more. He is a grumpy, grouchy broody, sarcastic celebrity. He moved back to his hometown and opened a restaurant nearby. It was awarded three Michelin stars, the only restaurant in the state with that designation.

The Story: Cal was nervous to run across her former bestie, but when Dylan and Row showed up at the funeral, she was happy to find that though Dylan didn’t forgive her for sleeping with her brother, she admitted that she used their falling out to leave Cal behind before Cal left her when she went away to Columbia. Cal was even more surprised to find out that Row now seemed to hate her and wasn’t afraid to show it. Though Cal needed to find somewhere to work while she was in town and when she finds out that Row had two servers quit on him suddenly, she gets a job working at his restaurant.

The story had a good premise, and I do like the grumpy or broody alpha Hero trope. Though some parts were a bit too predictable. Cal had been messaging with some anonymous guy for years, and was able to talk to him about things she couldn’t talk to anyone else. The first time it was brought up in the story, I knew he would turn out to be Row. The guy went by the screen name McMonster and said he worked at a restaurant.

The story also made me feel a bit old since Cal had a bit of an obsession with the 90’s. She went on about how it was a time that had been over before she was born but she liked to dream of the time before social media, influencers, and people being famous for nothing, and all the things that are so prevalent today. I was surprised to find myself getting bored at times during this one. I usually love L.J. Shen romance stories. This just needed something to happen at times.

The female narrator was a problem for me as well. She sounded like she was depressed. Though Cal was a bit depressing quite a bit. This book was billed as grumpy vs. sunshine with Cal having the sunny disposition, but I didn’t find her sunny, quirky or lighthearted. She dwelled on her past and her issues quite a bit. Actually, both of the main characters ruminated way too much on how they couldn’t be together when it was so obvious that all they wanted was to be together. It went on for far too long with neither of them talking out a way to make it happen.

“Unpopular opinion. It’s ok not to forgive people who destroy our lives.”

This audiobook was told in two points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Lila Winters. Teddy Hamilton is one of my favorite male narrators. I have to say, I am much fonder of the male narrators than the female for some reason and Teddy is one of the best. He has a sexy, gravelly voice and he always sounds so natural. Lila Winters isn’t horrible, though I am not too fond of her voice. She sounds a bit nasal and angry at times, depressed at others. She seemed to overact when she was narrating Row and Dylan’s parts. It annoyed me.

I voluntarily listened to & reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, I don’t think I am the target audience of this book and it did not work for me. This leans heavily into the “new adult” category and I think I’m simply too old for this genre. However I also think I did not think or speak in this manner when I was a young adult or teen, so it didn’t feel authentic to me in any way. I think the characters were very hard to connect with, and root for. There are plot points that don’t really make sense, as well as with the backstory. As a specific note on the audiobook, the pacing of speaking is incredibly slow and I had to speed it up considerably (even more than I usually do). If you enjoy a more crass, over the top new adult romance, you may enjoy this. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to provide my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC

I have to admit I hated the story at first. I found the mmc dispicable and the fmc wasn't any better. It took some time but then I started to warm up to the characters. I never got along with the anomosity between them and found their dislike for each other annoying. Neither could I comprehend why a hook up between the fmc's best friend's brother and her created such a rift. I liked the part where their friendship healed and how good friends they were again afterwards. After a while I started to like the relationship between the fmc and the mmc. Especially because of how smitten he was with her. I did think the book was too long though.

I loved this story so much !!! ❤️ the characters... plot... the best friends brother... ahhhh it was so good . Spicy spicy too !!! Just how I like my romance reads!!! 🌶🌶🌶 ro and dot have the cutest story and up and down history together.... SHEN DID IT WITH THIS ONE !!!

Enemies to lovers is hard for me because my favorite romance trope is 'he falls first', but I found listening to it on audio with both POVs definitely made this much more attractive to me. Like others there were definitely some scenes that had me cringing a bit, and there are only so many things I can suspend my real life feelings about when it comes to sex scenes. Would be five stars if the FMC was a little less annoying.

There is always something so intricate about the way L.J. Shen writes her characters. They have so much depth to them, even if they’re minor. There is a character for everyone in her stories.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is a great second chance / it was always you story. I really liked broody Row paired with the colorful Cal. The two just work, even though every thing about them is opposite. I think the scene of them talking on the swings was my favorite as you got to see a side of Row that was often hidden.
It was a little bit romantic suspense, at times, but thankfully for my anxiety quickly resolved itself. It was a little bit long for my liking, which is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5, I found myself nodding off at times.

The audio was fantastic though! The narrators did a great job portraying the characters.

This, unfortunately had a lot of tropes and personality traits of men that I just really don’t like in books. For example, I hate when the men are mean. I don’t like when they’re mean to the female protagonist regardless of their excuses or if it’s just an act. it’s just icks me out and makes it really hard for me to like them and it also just ends up feeling misogynistic . I also just hate when men in books are unnecessarily crass and overly sexual like it’s not sexy at all to me. it’s just giving like 14-year-old boy who just discovered sex and it’s really uncomfortable for me to read.

Like to me, it just veers into pervert territory but whatever floats your boat I guess.

This is something that will forever irritate me in recent romance books for an ever reason they feel the need to make every pop culture reference. It’s almost like a competition. Why are you mentioning “my Roman Empire”or why is her ringtone friends by BTS like we did not need that in the book.

Plot was boring AF. A 14 hour audio book and somehow nothing happened. The best thing about these cheesy new adult romances is the convoluted plots. But this just opted out of having one entirely.

Yeah Calla was unbearable. No notes.

Also, why does everybody in these romance books have to have a weird name??? like even the baby has a weird name!! gravity?!? are you joking?? that is insane!!

But… I will say the smut was in fact good for once. Let’s just ignore the kitchen scene :)

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

The tension in this book was incredible, I loved the past and present relationship. I just didn’t feel that attached to the characters except for Dylan I loved Dylan haha. The town was adorable and the story to do with it was interesting. I just felt like the grumpy sunshine trope was pushed quite a bit, like exaggerated grumpy guy , super happy girl but she’s faking it, it’s been done a lot and it’s cute but also feels a bit generic now. The rest of the romance wasn’t though. Third act bothered me but there’s not many romances that it doesn’t it’s just Mc or heroine making a dumb mistake and always makes me feel uncomfortable haha, but that’s me. First 50% I didn’t want to put it down because how good the tension was the rest was pretty good too but first 50% was just incredible.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 23rd September and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of October

This was a classic enemies to lovers romance that I enjoyed so much. The narrators did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. The chemistry was written so well and I loved all the the banter between Row and Cal. There was also a lot of intense and strong moments to this book that made it that much better.

Truly, Madly, Deeply has two of my favorite tropes, grumpy x sunshine and enemies to lovers! Cal is Ambrose's little sister's best friend. This should mean she is off limits. He really tries. Cal know her besties brother is not for her. Her best friend has made it perfectly clear that they will no longer be friends if anything happens between them. With Cal working closely with Ambrose, the lines drawn get harder and harder not to cross. The story was so good. I loved the spice and all the banter between all the characters. I cannot wait to read the next one in the series! The narration was just right! Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloom Books for an advance audio-copy of Truly, Madly, Deeply, in exchange for an honest review.

The book centers around a complex, anti-hero male lead, Cal, whose initial cruelty is initially off-putting. His harsh interactions with Row, the FMC, are described as sharp and painful, making it difficult to initially connect with him. However, as the story unfolds and Cal's emotional barriers begin to crumble, revealing his wounded heart, you will start to understand his motivations.

Row, too, presents a challenging character. While her self-sabotaging tendencies can be frustrating, the reviewer finds her endearing and ultimately sympathetic. The unraveling of her past adds a layer of depth and understanding, making her struggles relatable and heartbreaking.

Despite their initial harsh exteriors, the connection between Cal and Row is undeniable. I believe that once you are able to look beyond the surface, you will find yourself deeply invested in their journey. The narration further enhances this experience, bringing the characters to life and contributing to the overall enjoyment of the story.

'Truly, Madly, Deeply' is an emotionally complex darkish romance that subverts expectations. While it delves into darker themes, the palpable connection between the two leads and their compelling character development make it a rewarding read. I highly recommend this audiobook, particularly for fans of LJ Shen's work and those who enjoy stories that explore the depths of human emotion and connection. Just remember to be prepared for a darker tone and to check the trigger warnings before diving in.

DNF @ 75%. I really thought I was going to love this book and ended up disappointed. There were a lot of things I LOVED, but so many things that gave me the ick 🥴

First off, the MMC is the best part of the book. Loved him. He was grumpy, fell first, *slightly* morally gray, the FMC’s best friends brother, would burn the world for the FMC, and he’s a hottie chef. I’d date him.

The FMC? A different story. She drove me NUTS. She is completely obviously to everything. I get she has been through some trauma, but she got on my nerves the majority of the time.

The plot also seemed overly complicated and filled with too many tropes. Idk why but it wasn’t working for me.

I thought I could finish, but when it got to the zucchini and candy cane I tapped out.

Thanks NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED THIS BOOK 😍

4.75 STARS!!

it's losing half a star rating though, because of that zucchini and candy cane scene. my brain truly didn’t need to imagine it, each to their own with that I guess but oh my gosh!! the banter in this is everything i needed and exactly my sense of humour.

it's a best friend-brother romance but kind of a second chance too because cal leaves row broken hearted after their one moment together. row was completely down bad for cal but the cold and broody front he put on was crazy good. they have secretly had feelings for one another and all their interactions are filled with snark and so much tension, I love it,

i also liked the little subplot of trying to figure out who was after row. i loved dylan’s character and how she always spoke her mind. seeing a character with traits cal was new to me, but seeing her growth was wholesome.

i read this book exactly when i needed to, if you are itching for a good hate-to-love, with good banter, so much angst and a bit of drama, you’ll love this one 🫶🏻

also in NEED of tate and gia’s book asap xx

I am beyond obsessed with the way LJ writes. This book was phenomenal. From friends to enemies to the hottest lovers… she just makes me want to keep reading forever. Row and Cal kept me on the edge of my seat, and I love them together more than I’ve ever loved an LJ couple. SOOO good!!

Truly, Madly, Deeply in love with Ambrose Casablancas.
This book had me hooked. Row has loved Cal forever, and she broke his heart. Could he survive if she breaks it again?
The chemistry, banter, and text message exchange is so good. This book had a wonderful set of side characters that added to all the banter. The moms…. Oh how I loved the moms.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook. And wow Lila Winters and Teddy Hamilton did a phenomenal job with this cast of characters.
They gave this book life, and I was living it.

Absolutely more than 5 stars…. A definite read or listen.

This love story full of misunderstanding and childhood disappointments and hurts will break your heart, but also put it back together again. I always enjoy a best friend's sibling trope and these two characters lit up the pages along with the pregnant sister. The audiobook was a great way to enjoy this story and I loved the way the narrators brought this romance to life.

LJ Shen does it again! The angst she writes is always so good! I loved the narrators and they did a great job! Thank you so much for the audiobook.

First off, I loved the audio narrations. Teddy Hamilton as Ro was spot on! Lila Winters also did a great job.
I did really like this book. This is my first book by this author, and I would definitely listen to more of her books. Cal’s character development and issues were great. I enjoyed the plot and the conflict was pretty good. The spicy was hot. I loved Dylan and hope she gets her own story.
This book was just way too long and drawn out. I thought some unnecessary scenes could easily be cut out to move the story along. Other than that, I really enjoyed it. Grumpy chef and a quirky heroine. Sign me up!
Huge thanks to Dreamscape and Netgalley for allowing me to listen and review this book!

5/5 Stars 3.5/5 Spice

Tropes:
Small Town
Enemies to Lovers
Best Friend's Brother
Second Chance
Grumpy x Sunshine

🎧 Narration: Teddy Hamilton & Lila Winters absolutely killed it. This was my first time to listen to Lila Winters & I will absolutely be looking for more from her bc she was excellent as Cal. I loved her cadence it was so pleasant to listen to even at 2.5x. && Teddy Hamilton as a hot grumpy chef?! say less. he was so good. this is definitely an audiobook you don't want to miss.

okay fine, this book was so dang good i will be rereading it & i have no shame. i loved these two. their past & present are both SO messy & it was such a journey to get these two flawed humans to the finish line & i ate up every single second. 10/10 SO GOOD. this book is funny, swoony, sexy & a really engaging story. highly recommend! (and the paperback is so pretty!)