Absolutely fantastic plot! Could not put the book down once I began reading it. Cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone I know!

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House publishing for an advances readers copy of this adorable book. With sweet romcoms you typically know the ending before you pick up the book, so it’s really about the banter and the details. Jilly Gagnon did a great job making you fall in love with both Ellie and Theo. The details of the deli and and Ellie’s interactions with customers and family make you long for big Italian family dinners amidst Theo’s country club lifestyle. Four stars only because there wasn’t anything groundbreaking or jaw dropping but i thoroughly enjoyed every minute is this book.

I was so excited to read this, but it took a minute to get into-too much meat talk for me.

Ever since her father passed, Ellie runs her family’s deli. All is well until another store threatens to open up in town. It’s even worse when she finds out Tripp Taylor’s family is behind it-a guy she used to go to school with and dated her cousin for about a week. Apparently Tripp goes by Theo now and Ellie knows that if she doesn’t do something, it could put an end to the deli her family has put over 50 years into. When she goes to talk to Theo and beg him to reconsider, he gets bashed in the head with a big metal box that falls from the ceiling, literally. In order to stay with him to further push her agenda, she lies to the paramedics and says she’s his fiancé. A lie she wasn’t going to continue with for long, but when Theo wakes up he has temporary amnesia and can’t remember the last six years. What a perfect time for the nurse to tell him that Ellie is his fiancé. What is she going to do now?

She doesn’t have to wait long to figure it out as Theo’s memory comes back quickly. It turns out he’s not a huge fan of his father’s new business venture either. They devise a plan to keep up with the fiancé ruse in hopes they’ll both get what they want. She despises the prick, but can’t argue with logic. I mean really what could go wrong? It’s not like they’ll fall in love…

As I said, this had a slow start for me. It did get better, but then flatlined again. I don’t know what it was, but I found myself bored. I liked Theo and Ellie enough, but I felt the narrative was too slow. I found myself skipping around a bit. I hate to admit it, but this wasn’t the quick, romantic read I was looking for.

I will say this was cute and the premise was so good. I did love the chemistry between Ellie and Theo and how they really got to know each other. The spice scenes were mild, but 🔥🔥. I also really enjoyed the ending.

Overall, I do think plenty of people will love this. I would be willing to read more by this author.

I loved this book…i will say the text messages were a tad confusing because i did not know where it started and when it finished but i loved the characters. I didn’t know i would like a meat shop owner as much as i did

I enjoyed this romance story, which felt a bit reminiscent of "While You Were Sleeping" initially. It was a classic enemies-to-lovers narrative, and also gave off "You've Got Mail" vibes, with the big company pushing out the small family business idea. Both lead characters were likable to me. Overall, I enjoyed this read.

I almost had to DNF this one...
I almost quit after the first chapter as the main character, Ellie, is very hard to root for. She is very negative, seems to dislike herself, acts surprised when anyone likes her, and judges everyone she meets without looking past their status or clothing to get to know them as people. She also bases her self-worth on what she does rather than who she is - acting like a martyr when she does anything good - and pushes people away with her sarcasm rather than show any sort of warmth or kindness.
The synopsis sounded fun, and I thought I would enjoy this romantic feel-good chick-lit. However, it quickly failed to hold my attention. The characters and narrative pace didn't do it for me.
Suffice to say it's a huge surprise when a man Ellie judges and is horrible to seems to find her lovely and wants to spend time with her. And it's the same with him - he does some nice things but he is very lacking in the warmth and kindness department too.

I was unfamiliar with this author, but received a free ARC of this book, and decided to give it a try.

Ellie is a hard-working deli owner, trying to keep her family legacy viable, with a threat of a big box store possibly opening up close to her location.

Theo is the son of the man who is trying to develop the property, and this puts him at odds with Ellie. I know this is listed as a rom-com, but I didn't find it funny.
Entertaining? Yes. Funny? No.

The accident, temporary amnesia, and fake engagement was entertaining. But then most of the rest of the chapters revolved around the two of them faking their affection and not being truthful about what they want, what they really want to happen, not what others want.
I would say it's a slow burn between them, but not really.

I couldn't really enjoy these two, as I waited for both of them to find their backbones, and admit to wanting something different. Additionally, they weren't ever friends, they have basic chemistry, and there's not much of a steamy connection between them until the end.

Overall, I wanted more from this read than what I got. It's easy to read, and I liked parts of it. I just wanted more. I voluntarily leave my review, and thank Netgalley and Penguin Random House for allowing me to review this story.

Ellie wants to save her family's decades old Italian deli from being run out of business by a proposed "Big Box" style Italian grocery/eatery. She contacts the son of the developer, Theo to see if their shared high school years might make him a bit more lenient towards her plea for the project to be scrapped. During their tour of the historic building that "Mangia" plans to renovate, Theo is hit on the head by falling metal debris and is left unconscious. Wanting to be sure he's ok, Ellie tells the EMTs that she's his fiance so that she can ride to the hospital with him. From there the lie continues until friends, relatives and most of the town know that Ellie and Theo are engaged. Using that "little white lie" to their advantage allows both Ellie and Theo to attain their ultimate goals despite Theo's ex-fiance waiting in the wings to trip them up and get Theo back for herself. Nice pacing, fun characters and a good read for a relaxing night.

Romance book that does a good job portraying a single woman that is pretty whole in her own, the romance isn't necessary for her to be a real person, but you still did for them to get together.

A little more open for than I prefer but I'm getting stodgy in my old age.

At first I didn't like the main characters competing interests of fashion and the deli but it was all brought together nicely.

This review contains spoilers!


Overall the book kept me interested but the more I thought about it after I finished I wished that there had been some more depth and the ending left me wanting more for example:

Did Ellie continue to make clothes?

Where did Theo get this random idea for an architecture apprenticeship? I know he had an appreciation for architecture but it was never expressed that he wanted to be more involved.

Does she ever get drinks with Jenna? Why did Jenna even come up as a character?

I wished that there was more about her life in New York and what she really gave up to keep the deli open. I felt like there would have been more of a connection to the story in that case and why it was so important that this other deli does not open in town.

I also with they would have developed more on the death of Theo’s brother, something that affects him deeply.

Overall it was an okay read it just really left me wanting more.

I really liked this one. I’ve read the authors previous two mystery novels (one which I liked more than the other) but I was really impressed with this genre switch.

This story so easily could have gone wrong and been super silly and implausible but it manages to remain grounded despite tropes like amnesia and a fake engagement. Ellie and Theo are likable characters with great chemistry. The other characters are well written with some solid takes on female relationships.

It’s a fast enjoyable read that exceeded my expectations.

Love You, Mean It by Jilly Gagnon is a delightful romantic comedy that revolves around rival delis, a pretend relationship, an unexpectedly amazing former partner, and a touch of amnesia.

In this captivating tale, Gagnon skillfully weaves together a lighthearted narrative that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. The story unfolds amidst the backdrop of two competing delis, each vying for the attention of the town's food enthusiasts. As the tension between the delis escalates, the protagonist finds herself caught in the middle, forced to navigate the chaos with wit and charm.

Adding to the intrigue is the introduction of a fake dating scenario, which adds a layer of complexity to the protagonist's already complicated life. This clever plot device not only injects humor into the story but also sets the stage for unexpected twists and turns.

One of the highlights of this novel is the inclusion of a remarkably impressive ex-partner. This character brings a refreshing dynamic to the story, challenging the protagonist's assumptions and adding depth to their interactions. The ex's presence serves as a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, second chances are worth exploring.

Gagnon masterfully incorporates just the right amount of amnesia into the narrative. This element adds an intriguing layer of mystery, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth. The amnesia serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery, allowing the protagonist to reassess her priorities and make life-altering decisions.

Love You, Mean It is a captivating and professionally crafted romantic comedy that effortlessly combines humor, romance, and a touch of mystery. With its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and skillful writing, this novel is sure to leave readers thoroughly entertained and eagerly anticipating Jilly Gagnon's future works.

Cute story. Really loved all of the characters. Theo and Ellie were a hoot. Good HEA. Not the expected one as far as I’m concerned. Enjoyed the banter. Well written. Hoping to read more of these characters.

I went into this one unfamiliar with the author, but loving the premise of the book. Very While You Were Sleeping vibes (one of my favorite movies).

However, it didn't take long for me to decide this book wasn't for me. I didn't connect to either the FMC or the author's voice. I found the writing style to be too verbose and felt it watered down the rom com aspect and lost a bit of its punch. The heroine was too cynical and crude for my taste. I started skimming very early on.

Though this wasn't the right fit for me, it might be for someone else. Those who enjoy reading about Boston/east-coast culture, the details of maintaining a family-run business, and like characters with strong family roots and traditions—who love and fight for their family, along with possess a sense of town loyalty will like this book. Unfortunately, those aspects still weren't enough to love this story.

I think if you enjoy the FMC in the first three chapters, then you'll like the rest of the book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, Dell for an advanced reader copy of “Love You, Mean It” by Jilly Gagnon. This was a fun read from start to finish! Ms. Gagnon writes with humor and wit and creates background characters that fully support the main characters.

Ellie is from a large Italian family and run the family business (a family deli) that has been around for about 100 years. She had previously been in NYC trying to break into as costume designer but when her father died she returned home to run the business. It’s now been five years.

Theo is from the same town but from a very wealthy family of real estate investors. His company (his father’s company, too) is poised to bring in a big box Italian restaurant/home goods/fine kitchen appliances, etc., which would decimate the local business downtown.

The two main characters are at odds over this issue and Ellie goes to meet him at the job site to argue for him to not bring this big box company to town. Amidst their turn on the site, Theo is hit on the head by some mechanical box and loses memory of the last six years.

The rest of the story is full of deals, agreements, lies, passion, tenderness, feelings of inadequacy, and learning who they really are and what’s important to them.

This is a quick read and really held my attention. I loved the characters and the central conflict and how they figured it all out. This book comes out next year and I highly recommend giving it a read! You won’t be disappointed!

Such a cute story! The story paced well and was really well written. 10/10

This book was gifted to me by the publishers through NetGallery.

Unfortunately this one was super boring and I could not get into it. I love this genre but it just wasn't for me. :-(

"Love You, Mean It" by Jilly Gagnon appears to be a delightful romantic comedy filled with humor, fake dating, charming characters, and the promise of unexpected love. The book's description sets the stage for a fun and engaging story that readers are likely to enjoy.

Ellie Greco's character is introduced as someone with dreams beyond her small hometown, Milborough. Her passion for costume design and her return to run the family deli after her father's death create a relatable and empathetic protagonist. The juxtaposition of her seemingly mundane responsibilities and her longing for excitement adds depth to her character.

The conflict introduced through the arrival of Mangia, the gourmet food department store threatening Greco's Deli, provides a solid backdrop for the story. The idea of Ellie pretending to be Theo's fiancée to protect her business, especially due to the amnesia twist, adds a unique and comical element to the plot. The amnesia trope often leads to hilarious and unexpected situations, making it a promising ingredient for humor and character development.

The dynamics between Ellie, Theo, and Sam, including the proposal for a fake engagement and the reappearance of Theo's ex-fiancée, suggest a complex and engaging love triangle. This setup not only promises romantic tension but also personal growth and self-discovery for the characters involved.

The book's overall premise, featuring a charming deli, the clash between traditional and modern businesses, and the potential for love to blossom amidst deception, offers a compelling and entertaining narrative.

In summary, "Love You, Mean It" appears to be a playful and enjoyable romantic comedy. Readers who appreciate witty banter, unexpected twists, and the exploration of personal and professional dreams are likely to find this book a delightful and engaging read.

This is a charming romantic comedy that earns a solid 4-star rating. This book delivers a delightful blend of humor, romance, and a dash of amnesia, all set against the backdrop of the dueling delis.

The story introduces us to Ellie Greco, a spirited young woman who had dreams of a more exciting life than running her family's deli in Milborough. When the threat of a glitzy gourmet food department store, Mangia, moving into town endangers her family's business, she finds herself in an unexpected predicament. Her chance encounter with Theo Taylor, the scion of the property management firm behind Mangia, sets the stage for a series of comical mishaps.

One of the standout elements of the book is the fake engagement between Ellie and Theo, which leads to a host of humorous and heartwarming moments. As Theo grapples with amnesia, their dynamic becomes more entertaining. Gagnon skillfully crafts their relationship, making it believable and endearing.

The supporting characters add depth to the story, with Ellie's shockingly awesome ex and theo's shrewd father, Ted, providing interesting subplots and dynamics. The reappearance of Sam, Theo's ex-fiancee, adds an intriguing layer of tension and drama to the narrative.

"Love You, Mean It" strikes the right balance between witty banter and heartfelt moments, making it a highly enjoyable read. The book's pacing keeps you engaged, and you'll find yourself invested in Ellie and Theo's journey, even as they navigate the complexities of their fake engagement and the unexpected romance that blossoms.

Overall, this is a well-crafted romantic comedy that offers a delightful escape into the world of dueling delis and fake dating. It's a feel-good read with relatable characters and a satisfying blend of humor and romance, making it well-deserving of its 4-star rating.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC for my honest review.

I didn't love this book, and I mean it. I was not drawn to either of the leads, and the fake engagement story line was not compelling to move the story to a HEA.