Jules Starbrook's "Not Madly Not Deeply" is a resonant read, perfect for anyone navigating creative blocks or seeking a fresh start. I was particularly drawn to the authentic portrayal of Lily-Anne, a character grappling with the raw emotions of grief and loss as she dares to step outside her comfort zone. Her journey through grief, loss, and the power of music creates a deeply emotional experience, making it easy to get swept up in her story. Starbrook's writing beautifully articulates Lily-Anne's search for her lost creative spark, infused with the weight of her grief and the emotional resonance of music. And the sprinkling of Harry Potter references added a charming and delightful layer.

This short story prequel is a must-read if you've ever felt the weight of grief, a creative block, or the need to break free from a toxic past. I loved how the author delved into Lily-Anne's emotional landscape, her deep connection to music, and her initial steps toward finding her voice again. This captivating story serves as a compelling prelude, leaving me eagerly anticipating the continuation of Lily-Anne's journey in the full-length novel, "Madly Deeply Always."

Thank you to NetGalley and Jules Starbrook for the advanced reader copy of this story!

As someone whose life has completely changed in recent years, a book about hope is exactly what I needed. The main character navigates rebuilding life following the death of a parent, a life event most of us will experience in our life time. A story short but hopeful, following themes of loss, love, hope and a spark of romance, alongside healing and grief. A gentle mix of something we all experience in our lives. Proving there is hope after darkness.

Not Madly, Not Deeply is the perfect prequel to get you in the spirit for Jules Starbrook’s upcoming book, Madly Deeply Always.

The only thing I didn’t love about this book was the fact that it was a shorter prequel because the storyline reels you in immediately! Lily-Anne and Brandon have a mutual connection in their history which pulls them together in the end of this prequel. I look forward to reading more about their story and finding out how Lily-Anne grows into herself with Brandon’s help!

Thank you NetGalley and Jules Starbrook for the arc copy of this book and allowing me to share my opinions on this!

Goodreads review posted on: 08/20/2025

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a free epub in exchange for an honest review!

This novella read like poetry in the best way possible. It was very an emotional and heartbreaking journey that you could feel in your soul. It was also a very short read, perfect for a rainy day, wrapped in a blanket with some tea. Very cozy, despite the dark themes.
I would like to note that this entire story circulates around the idea of a parent death and a VERY toxic ex, so some may find this very hard to read. But otherwise, this was a short and sweet standalone that is good to keep in mind if you need a good cry.
4.75 stars rounded up!

If the goal was to make me want the full novel immediately then the author absolutely nailed it. I was hooked, I was invested and I felt everything Lily was going through. It’s rare that a short prequel pulls you in this deep but this one did it perfectly.

What really struck me was how real Lily’s emotions felt, especially in the aftermath of losing her dad. The way the story showed how that kind of grief leaves you open to someone else stepping in (like Toby) was painfully relatable and so true to life. That whole dynamic of clinging to someone in your brokenness, only to realize later that they were keeping you down, was written in such an honest and heartbreaking way.

And then there’s the creative spark storyline, which might have been my favorite part. Losing yourself and wondering if you’ll ever get back that fire—ugh, I felt that so hard. The author captured that emptiness and slow, shaky search for identity in a way that made me feel seen. It wasn’t just about music, it was about Lily trying to find herself again after everything.

As a huge fan of Sense and Sensability, I instantly requested this one..

A Australian music singer right off a breakup. Her father and died and she is trying to piece herself together. A Christmas card to her dead father changed her plans.

It has a great set up for the next book; humor, intrigue, with the music, and Harry Potter Flare- what’s not to love? This makes me excited to read the next story and dive into Brandon and Lily-Anne’s story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ms Starbrook. I will definitely be reading the next book.

Going into this short story, I knew it ended on a cliffhanger, yet when I got to the end, I audibly yelled, "No, don't stop now!"

I thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the story, the feelings of hope and the way the creative block was described! You could feel Lily struggling with how to feel post-toxic ex breakup... that man was emotionally abusive, and I cannot wait to read how Lily not only overcomes it but how she gets through the grief of her toxic ex!

Also note: I am not an HP or Sense and Sensibility fan, but I knew enough to enjoy this story still fully!

I cannot wait to read Lily and Brandon's story in Madly Deeply Always!

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, Rosedon Press and Jules Starbrook for the Arc!