Jilly Gagnon

Title: Love You, Mean It
Author: Jilly Gagnon
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"Love You Mean It" by Jilly Gagnon

My Thoughts:

I enjoy how these fake romances can turn into quite a read after all is said and done. When it looked like Ellie Greco and Theo Taylor had a fake romance going to try to fool everyone, there was one person who didn't believe it. Why was that, especially being Theo's ex and even his father? The story will give one a lot of drama from this little bit of amnesia that Theo had from what had fallen on him. How far would this story go on about this fake romance?

To understand how this story will go with Ellie trying to save her family's Greco Deli business, it looks like Theo's family [father] was getting ready to sell the Mangia deal that would lower prices for the mom-and-pop shops in the area. What will happen when Theo goes along with the fake engagement?

The story will continue, so be ready for a long story. However, by the end, the reader is given a decent story that will come out. Pick this one up to see how the author brings it out, which will be surprising. Be ready for a good read that will keep you reading till the end.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my… (meer)

Rebecca Wilson is swept away on a surprise 1920's theme murder mystery weekend by her husband Blake in an attempt to reconcile with her for his betrayal. She is naturally curious but suspicious when realizes that they are at an old mansion coincidentally with another couple they know. This story is a convolution of characters which can be difficult to follow even if you have a list since all the characters have two names. They arrive with their own names but then have to "be" another character for the weekend to solve a mysterious "murder". Becca is on edge and just skeptical in general especially when she overhears a conversation which sounds dubious at best. When a character is found "murdered" the game begins with each character given specific clue pertinent to their character and how they are related to the mystery. Confusion begins when a character goes "missing" unexpectedly and they realize they might have an actual murder to solve.

It is an interesting story plot but used too much of my "headspace" following the story. I thought it was me until I noticed other reviewers with the same experience. It's a challenge to read because of all the characters and kudos to the author for being able to keep track of them!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.… (meer)

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

After her father’s death some five years ago, Ellie Greco left New York and costume design behind to return to Milborough, her hometown, where she took over running the family deli. And, although she loves the place, she wishes she were still doing the thing she wanted to do.

And then the possible arrival of a glitzy gourmet food shop threatens Greco’s Deli. Can Ellie find a way to keep Theo Taylor’s property management firm from renting to Mangia? When she goes to talk with him about it, the two end up in a fake engagement that seems determined to become a real romance.

What will Ellie do?

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A romantic story that takes several tropes and weaves them into a narrative reminiscent of a Hallmark movie. Readers who enjoy this genre will find much to appreciate in this tale.

Sadly, Ellie is not a particularly likable character. She’s negative, always complaining; she’s snarky and frustrating . . . readers may find it difficult to connect with her. But her relationship with her family shows another side of the character, one that is more heartfelt and relatable. Theo’s amnesia doesn’t last long, but it serves as a perfect foil for this enemies-to-lovers romance and their fake-dating/fake engagement deception.

The excessive unnecessary crude language/swearing throughout the story tends to pull the reader out of the telling of the tale. It is likely to be off-putting for some readers and it lowers the rating for this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#LoveYouMeanIt #NetGalley… (meer)