This book is *cute* and pure escapism. 3.5 stars rounded up for an excellent debut showing from this author.
I’m not into celebrity stuff… I don’t follow any celebs on social media or read tabloids or watch gossip tv, so Jake being a pop star didn’t really interest me, but Jake as a love interest was so so sweet. Lexi on the other hand had such tunnel vision on her culinary career and was such a negative-nancy-debbie-downer, I just wanted to shake her.
Their insta love weekend was steamy steamy and well-written and I did root for their second chance romance on Jake’s behalf, but overall I felt like Lexi was really childish… she read as immature while Jake acted much wiser (after his initial disappearing act which succcked).
Overall, this book is a neat glimpse into the culinary world- I actually really liked all the kitchen scenes and details about the career options itself. I didn’t really care about the stardom aspect with the managers and the paparazzi just feeling dreadful and annoying. I felt like Lexi ended up with excellent character development (even if one of her final choices would be a NEVER in this economy).
It’s a cute romcom with some definite spice. I’d recommend for celebrity crush types, aspiring chefs and lovers of NYC.
(FYI- I kept thinking of the 1997 movie of the same name and, while there are similarities, they definitely aren’t associated.)

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Till There Was You was a cute second-chance romance (which is not usually my thing) about Lexi, a culinary student, who meets and falls in love with Jake, an aspiring singer, in a bar one night. They have an amazing weekend but he has to leave for the opportunity to record a demo, and when it takes off, he ghosts her.

They reconnect years later and hit it off, but with all new challenges that come with his fame and her desire to become a Michelin chef to make her late mom proud.

I enjoyed their love story, even if I thought Jake was a huge jackass in the beginning for ditching her the moment his star began to rise. The fact that his biggest song was based off of the weekend they spent together was sort of just salt in the wound, and they had a lot to overcome.

I would definitely read more from this author though, and in the end it was a cute romance!

3.5⭐️
This was a cute light read. Til There Was You takes us on a journey of love, work/ life balance, stardom and second chances.
Lexi is a student chef who meets Jake at a karaoke dive bar. After spending a weekend in together they form an instant connection (insta love). Jake leaves to record a demo and becomes famous overnight and ghosts Lexi. She didn’t expect to see him again until his hit single “Blueberry” is released and is about her.
A year later, Jake is at her door and back for a second chance. With Lexi starting work at a new restaurant and Jake dealing with fame, there is a lot for them to navigate.
It was a bit to insta love for me and the conflicts were immature. It’s still an enjoyable romance to read with cute and funny moments.

This book was a fun rollercoaster ride of emotions for me! There was laughter, frustration, spice, anticipation, and of course, a HEA. I couldn't ask for more! Jake and Lexi are both great MC that I instantly was invested in, and I loved watching them find a way to follow their dreams and fall in love at the same time. Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

It was hard for me to connect with this story. I didn't ever want to pick it up to read it, but I didn't want to DNF it, either.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC of Till There Was You. I highly recommend this book to all contemporary romance enthusiasts. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down! The main characters, Lexi and Jake, are incredibly well-developed, individually and as a couple, and their growth throughout the story is genuine. I also loved the cast of characters and Lexi's friend-group, they were so fun and always brought a smile to my face. Although I typically dislike insta-love as a trope, it was executed flawlessly here, and I was thoroughly invested in their relationship from the start. I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the food - Lexi is a chef and I wanted everything they talked about her cooking/drinking (whisky sour with two cherries, matzo ball soup, roasted chicken, sweet tea the list goes on! While the blurb emphasizes the celebrity angle, the second-chance trope is handled so cleverly and creatively that it becomes the star of the show. I was cheering for these characters so much that I couldn't put the book down.

Lindsay has written a cute romcom that will make you laugh and break your heart. Lexi has big dreams of being a head chef, so finishing culinary school is her focus. Men are just a distraction, and she doesn’t have time for that. Ali is the opposite. She’s rotating through men as quick as she needs to. Chloe’s up for finding Mrs Right…or at least Miss Right Now, but a nightmare PR client keeps her in turmoil. Regardless, Friday night is happy hour, and they are going to have a good time, dang it. A new band is supposed to play, and Ali wants to see the lead singer. It takes to long, and Ali and Chloe are off to start their night.

Somehow, Chloe stays behind for one more drink, which the bartender can’t be bothered to get right. Imagine her rule-following self being horrified when a stranger reaches over the bar to get her fruit she was (ok, loudly) complaining about. He ends up being a nice guy, which a great voice. Who knew it would end up falling head over heels for Jake Taylor. The bigger surprise is when he becomes a huge success.

Life as a prep/salad chef, with horrible hours, and the struggles of fame both weigh them down in their own ways. However communication is the biggest issue.

I get Lexi’s issues and heartache. I really do. However, those issues dragged out a bit too much for me. Then again, Lexi is nicer than I am. ;) Still, it is definitely worth the read. You’ll laugh, your heart will melt, you’ll be hungry (and crave sweet tea). You’ll also be angry, want to cuss someone; and feel the heartbreak of all Lexi had been through.

I want to thank NetGalley, St. Marten’s Publishing, and Lindsay Hameroff for the ARC and opportunity to read it in exchange for an honest review.

Thenk you to St Martins Press & NetGalley for a ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was the perfect mix of romance, laughter, emotion, and drama! I enjoyed the characters individually and as a couple.

One-word review: Frustrating
Emojis: ❤️‍🔥🥹😤
Rating: 4🌟s

My thoughts:
What a roller coaster of emotions I felt while reading this story. I loved Lexi and Jake, and then I was frustrated with Jake and, at my wits end, with Lexi. I don't even know that I was happy with the ending either because after going through all those emotions, I felt like I needed a bigger ending one way or the other.

The story begins with Lexi, a culinary school student, and Jake, a local musician, meeting at a local bar and experiencing instant love that people only dream of. Then Jake goes to LA to record a demo and gets discovered while there. Lexi graduates from culinary school and procures her first job as the lowest person on the kitchen totem pole in a well-respected restaurant.

I loved the pacing of this story, which was consistent and quick due to well-balanced amounts of exposition and dialogue. I also enjoyed the instant love at the story's beginning. Still, I wished for more witty and mature dialogue from all characters. I loved the behind-the-scenes peek into a culinary career, but I wish I was given the same peek into a music career.

Overall, though, I enjoyed this quick story that took me on quite an emotional journey.

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Spice Level: Steamy—High

I was interested in this book because of the Jewish aspect and food. Any story with cooking is an immediate plus for me.
Within a few pages, I found I didn't like a side character and didn't finish the book. I wasn't in the mood for a steamy romance.

I think others will enjoy this book without a hitch.

Happy reading!

a simple romance book that most would enjoy. this felt more YA at times but it wasn’t that big of a deal for me.

Lindsay Hameroff’s debut novel - Till There Was You is an absolute 5-Star read for me and sure to be in my top books of 2024.

The story of Jake and Lexi has everything you want. Rock Star romance, family drama, and all the feels. You will laugh, cry, and root non stop for their love story to work. Add in the Jewish representation and well - perfection!

I cannot wait for all of my friends to read TTWY because I know they will love it as much as I did.
Now, if we could just have the recipe for the blueberry pancakes! Haha
Sign me up for Lindsay’s next novel and the one after that too! Fan for life!

⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙟𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚.

📍 Read if you like:
• Second Chance
• Insta Love
• Rockstar MMC x Chef FMC
• Chasing Your Dreams

I have such mixed feelings about this book, I really wanted to enjoy it more than I actually did. I honestly picked this up because of the cover, I mean who doesn’t love some blueberry pancakes?

While I enjoyed Lexi and Jack as characters, I’m not the biggest fan of Insta-love. They both meet at a bar and have a one-night stand, expecting not to see each other again. Jake is a musician who ends up becoming an overnight celebrity after his song “Blueberry” becomes a hit.

Lexi, a culinary student hoping to become an executive chef, instantly thinks the song is about her - knowing she made him blueberry pancakes the morning after their steamy weekend.

The romance in this was very sweet and spicy at the same time. I feel like I didn’t really click with the Insta-love, which I’m very bummed about. The concept sounded so interesting and I love a good celebrity romance.

I honestly felt like this book read too juvenile, I struggled at times with the word context in this book. I didn’t really connect with the characters together either, so it was tough rooting for their second-chance romance.

I did enjoy the NYC story and completely understand what the story wanted to do, but I’ve read so many great romcoms lately - it’s tough when one doesn’t reach those expectations.

Overall, while this was a fluffy romantic debut, I struggled to really root for the romance in this. I loved the premise and most tropes in this, but it just didn’t work out for me.

Thank you so much NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!

•𝗧𝗪/𝗖𝗪: Death Of Parent, Cancer, Cursing

This was such a cute story! I enjoyed the romance, even if it was insta-love. It was written in way that was relatable. I thought the characters were perfect for each other

A charming rom-com. Lexi Berman is a culinary student and she want to become an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. She has fond memories of cooking with her mom and after she passed she became estranged from her dad who moved on too quickly and moved away.

Will starting out at a restaurant she meets Jake one night as her girlfriends finally get her out for the evening. Romance and a relationship are not things she has time for, but meeting Jake has her thinking about the possibility. After a world wind weekend, he disappears as his music career takes off.

A twist of fate, brings them back together again. Is a second chance possible? This novel is funny, romantic, endearing and a fun read. I will look forward to more of her work.

This was a quick, easy read. I really liked the concept, but unfortunately, the story fell a little flat for me.

While I enjoyed the initial meet cute of our MCs, Lexi and Jake, the rest of their story was a bit of a let down. They had one weekend together, and then no contact for a year. Because I didn't really get to see them fall in love outside of that short stay, the chemistry between them felt off for the rest of the book. I simply didn't believe that they would still be that into each other after barely knowing each other and then so much time apart.

In addition to the insta-love aspect of this story, the characters themselves felt pretty one-dimensional. I wish I knew more about Lexi than the fact that she wants to be a chef, her mom died when she was young, and her dad remarried quickly. Those aspects were pretty much repeated over and over throughout the book, so I felt like that's all I knew about our FMC.

Additionally, as someone who is a former pastry chef, I was slightly dumbfounded by Lexi's assertion that she hates baking because it could so easily end up in disaster because of small mistake that causes a chemical reaction that she doesn't understand, but pancakes are one of her go-to recipes. Pancake batter falls pretty squarely into chemical reactions could cause an issue...if you add too much acidity or too much leavener to the batter, your pancakes will have a terrible texture and you likely will have to start from scratch.

Overall, I really wanted to love this story, but it was only okay for me.

This was a fun, enjoyable romance to read. I appreciate how Lindsay Gamer off was able to use this story to address how easy it is to become so focused on what a person thinks they should be, that they lose sight of what they truly want or that others are able to take advantage. Thanks #NetGalley #StMartinsPress

Ughh look at that COVER!
I was absolutely sold with how cute that is.
Starts out darling…

Lexi is in culinary school with dream of being a Michelin star earning chef when she goes out one weekend with friends to blow off steam and meets Jake, a cute musician. They have a one night stand that turns into a full weekend of food, sex and Golden Girls’ episodes. When the weekend ends Jake goes to LA to hopefully get a contract and become a star-which he does and never calls Lexi again… TWO YEARS later he shows up at her doorstep looking for forgiveness and a second chance. Can Lexi handle her new job and her old flame?

*blows raspberry*
The chemistry was not there.
I didn’t believe any of it.
Jake is so jaded by being a star…He has been famous for 5 seconds.
Lexi was insufferable.
And the writing was very disjointed. It kept having time hops right after a conflict would occur or an apology was about to be made and instead of showing us what happened just two months later, one year later…?
Unfortunately this just didn’t work for me at all.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for an eARC.

I couldn’t put this book down! I think I ended up finishing it in two sittings, it was such a joy!

Till There Was You follows culinary student Lexi Berman, whose rigid schedule and lofty dreams of one day owning her own restaurant leave little time for dating. Enter Jake Taylor; a gorgeous musician Lexi meets in a dive bar who she has a soul deep connection with. Lexi and Jake spend a dreamy and steamy weekend together (complete with Lexi’s famous blueberry pancakes) before Jake flys out to LA in hopes of making his music career a reality. Everything seems to be going great, until Jake stops answering Lexi completely. All of a sudden Jake starts appearing on billboards, busses and radio stations, crooning hit songs inspired by the fateful weekend they shared. Lexi is determined to move on, but when newfound celebrity Jake Taylor shows up at her door asking for a second chance, Lexi is forced to make big decisions about what her future holds.

This was such a fun take on the celebrity romance genre. We got to see Lexi and Jake’s connection before he sky rocketed to stardom and what that connection had to endure as outside pressures took hold. The foundation of Lexi and Jake’s bond is rooted in the love of creation and there were beautiful passages about how love is shown through food and music. While the beginning of the book starts off with an insta-love style meet cute, the rest of the novel builds on Lexi and Jake’s relationship, putting them through various trials and tribulations that force them to grow as a couple. This romance made me feel gooey on the inside as I rooted for this pair, and I just loved the sweet vibes of the entire story.

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Till There was You comes out 2/20/24!

This romance kicked off with a super cute premise, but it lost steam quickly. The main characters felt pretty flat, and the side characters felt like a bit like caricatures. I think many contemporary romance fans will enjoy this upcoming release, but it wasn't for me.