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London Lovers #2

This Year's Love

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This is one kitchen fire they can't put out...

When rising chef Grace Gonella is offered a job working with Oliver Graham at his new London restaurant, she jumps at the chance. This kind of opportunity is not to be missed.

Unfortunately, Oliver has a business partner he never mentioned: his older brother. Leo Johnson has heaps of his own talent in the kitchen and a sprinkling of arrogance to match.

He’s also the man who broke Grace’s heart five years previously.

It’s fine. Totally fine.

So what if Leo’s smouldering good looks have got better with age? So what if he’s annoyingly charming and funny, and still looks at her like he wants to worship at her feet? Been there, done that. Never again. She is closed for business.

Except Grace doesn’t count on Leo’s determination for a second chance, or the chemistry still alive between them; a passion burning hotter than any dish they create. What could possibly go wrong and will her heart survive it?

This Year’s Love is a steamy second chance age gap romance containing strong language and sexual scenes. Book Two of an interconnected series, it can be read as a standalone.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2023

19 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

J.R. Jenner

5 books69 followers
British author who writes stories with heat, heart and always a happy ever after. Besides reading and writing, interests include trying to sleep, crying over cute animal videos, and obsessively shipping fictional characters.
https://linktr.ee/jrjennerauthor

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Esther.
265 reviews253 followers
June 8, 2023
I received an Arc from this book but this is my honest review. This book is published (meet me) at midnight🎶 and it’s a second-chance romance where there is no double standard. Ahem ahem iykyk. Anyway, without giving spoilers (until it’s technically published) I will say that normally I prefer where both stayed with their hands in their pockets (it’s that how it’s said? I don’t think so but I think my safety group will get it) but it’s not possible I want both during separation doing the same AND the least info about this time as possible.
So, they dated for 6 months and both were kinda players but obv things were starting to be serious until H broke things up. H was the chef while h work under him (I did that on purpose) so when they broke up h decide to stop working there even tho it was a great job. H broke up with her bc she was 13 years younger and work with him (22 and 35?) Imo he could have thought that before but they both thought it was just to get the other of their systems (normally that doesn’t work)
Anyway, H regretted it but bc h said that she doesn’t want to see him again he respects her wishes (man, you should not respect her so much) UNTIL they reunited bc h is working with H’s brother (and H technically)
They started to be friends and I wish h was harder with him. I get that it was 5 years ago but he broke her heart and h has some trauma. Also, she was 22 so I will have understood if she fight with him more but she decided to be professional and have a cordial relationship with him that ended up in friendship and in relationship. So, that was my “main” problem with the book. Wish she make him work harder (even tho she kinda did a bit at the end) and that H was 41 and acted like 20-something (for me) They acted pretty much the same but she is 27.
The family was great. We have some info about the last couple. We have some info about the next Hero. I’m curious about them honestly. We also have a great great great h’s bff. I’m so excited for that book and it was fun and spicy and steamy. What more to love?
Also, the h is curvy and I really liked that she isn’t like insecure or anything about her body. Normally, when people write these characters they tend to also talk about low self-esteem and all that. It’s fresh to read about an h that loves herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karolina.
243 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2024
This book was a quick read. I liked one week without you more and I wasn’t a huge fan of Leo’s character. He seemed a little too angry sometimes but overall enjoyed this read. 3.75 stars
Profile Image for Kira.
743 reviews32 followers
July 22, 2023
Title: This Year’s Love
Author: JR Jenner
Hero/Heroine: Leo & Grace
Tropes: Age Gap, Workplace, Second Chance,

tw/cw: mention of anxiety and depression, insomnia, mention of dysfunctional parental relationship,

✨the good ✨

This is the second book in the Johnson family series and it was just as enjoyable as the first. Leo and Grace were a fabulous couple, and I loved seeing them fight their feelings at every turn.

When Grace applied for a job as a sous chef at a new restaurant, she had no idea that it was co-owned by the man who broke her heart five years ago. Determined to not let it ruin this opportunity for her, she put her feelings aside and promised herself she would be a complete professional from this point forward. I laughed at that too. These pair had way too much chemistry to ever just be professional.

Leo and Grace were such great characters, I loved their interactions, their chemistry was hard to ignore and it made for some enjoyable reading. There were parts of the story that packed a bit of an emotional punch, especially when Grace was explaining to Leo how he made her feel all those years ago when he broke up with her. I had to respect her honesty though, as she wasn’t afraid to let him know exactly what she thought, even though it may have been hard for him to hear. Witnessing Leo slowly earn back Grace’s trust was a beautiful thing, and I loved how open he was about his feelings for her.

This Year’s Love was a fabulous addition to the Johnson family series, and I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful family.

✨ the bad ✨

I did want to slap Oliver ever so slightly for how he reacted when Leo confided in him about his feelings for Grace. But it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book, so it’s all good.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

✨overall thoughts: spicy and sweet age gap romance, loved it
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Zabeth.
864 reviews8 followers
June 7, 2023
❤️5/5 📚148/120


🇺🇸This is my favorite trope: exes to lovers. And JR Jenner wrote it perfectly, exactly how I want it. It's got it all, the burden of what happened in the past, the tension, the resentment, and the memories (good and bad) that continue to haunt them both. And for once, the author doesn't fall into the trap that always disappoints me, that of giving their old breakup a stupid excuse.

Here, we explore both characters, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they try to do better (even if it's sometimes for the worse) and either open themselves or protect themselves.

I loved JR Jenner's writing style, whom I'd never read before. I’ll definitely pick up her other books! +100 stars for her way of writing smut, which was hot as hell.

An addictive novel, with a satisfying resolution and powerful characters. I recommend!

🇫🇷Ce roman m’a été confié en SP par l’auteure, que je remercie, mais sachez que ce n’est pas pour cette raison que cette histoire fut un véritable coup de cœur pour moi. J’essaie toujours de rester le plus objective possible dans mes reviews et si j’ai pas aimé, jamais inutilement cruelle. Tous les styles et les goûts sont dans la nature et un roman qui ne m’a pas plu pourrait très bien être votre coup de cœur et inversement. Bref, je digresse.

Ce roman expose ma trope préférée, à savoir celle des exes to lovers, et le fait magnifiquement bien. On a tout, l’histoire lourde de sens, la tension, la rancœur et les souvenirs qui continuent de les hanter. Et pour une fois, l’auteure ne tombe pas dans la piège qui me déçoit toujours, celui de donner à leur séparation d’il y a des années une excuse stupide.

Ici, on explore les deux personnages, leurs forces et leurs faiblesses et la façon dont ils tentent de faire mieux (même si c’est parfois pour le pire).

J’ai adoré le style d’écriture de JR Jenner, que je n’avais jamais lue auparavant. +100 étoiles pour son spice, qui est flamboyant.

Un roman addictif, avec une jolie résolution et des personnages percutants. Je vous le conseille !
206 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2023
This is the second story in the London Lovers series for JR. The first one, One Week with You, was my favorite novella from last year, so you can only imagine my excitement to get my hands on the next installment! And the story did not disappoint! JR has such a way to create characters that feel very realistic, and you grow very attached to! Grace and Leo both sacrifice for others, have a lot to learn about what they want/deserve, and the chemistry between them is off the charts! I love character development and seeing growth, and JR does a great job with that. You get to know both MCs-their dreams, pasts, longings, and with the dual POV (which I love!!), you get to understand their inner workings and see how they are growing-even when you want to shake them! I felt their highs and lows with them, as if I was right there. I definitely laughed with the banter between the MCs, but the side characters brought great moments into this storyline, too. The storyline is realistic and flows smoothly because it is so well written. One side character deals with some tough things, like depression, and JR does a fine job of bringing light to this subject and even offers extra information and sites at the end. I am excited to know that character’s story is coming soon! I’m even more ecstatic to know there’s more than just one coming! I know I’m going to be going through withdrawal from JR’s writing style and this world starting tomorrow! If you love a steamy Hallmark with a very swoon-worthy book boyfriend and a funny and independent female lead, get snuggled in and grab this book-You just may find that you can’t stop reading it! It’s addictive!
Profile Image for Shaina (ssmbookreview).
473 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2023
This Year’s Love is a second chance, age gap romance and book 2 in the London Lovers series.

Grace is interviewing as sous chef for a new restaurant in town when in walks her old flame, Leo, head chef, part owner, and brother to Oliver the other partner. Five years ago Grace and Leo worked together and were hot and heavy until Leo ended things.

When Leo sees Grace again he knows he made a mistake and never should have let her go. He thought their age differences were too much and Grace needed to excel in her career, not be tied to an “old man.” Grace calls Leo on his BS and refuses to let him break her heart again.

I loved that Leo was the pursuer. He knew he made a huge mistake and needed to grovel. Grace gave him a good run too. Their reconnection wasn’t perfect and the intertwining of fiction and life as chefs and family/friend dynamics was spot on. Leo and Grace had things to work through and conversations to have. The baggage was real and the characters acknowledged it.

Special mention of Leo’s family. 🤣 The dynamics were great! Grace and Evelyn, the found family will tug as your heart. 💗
Profile Image for Maria.
1,317 reviews15 followers
June 30, 2023
Ugh, this was so good. I don't normally like age gaps, but I didn't mind this at all since it was wound up with a second chance, and some blazing hot sexual chemistry. Leo and Grace also genuinely cared for each other, and were able to build their new relationship on a foundation of friendship.

While this was a medium burn, the horniness starts right away, with both characters flashing back to little moments from their relationship five years ago. Grace is fat, and it's a complete non-issue for her and Leo, aside from him finding her super sexy. They are both chefs, and their chemistry in the kitchen is as convincing as their chemistry in the bedroom. This is a gem of a second chance where the couple confronts everything that didn't work the first time around, and specifically make different choices and build new pattens together this time around.

The first book in the series, a holiday novella, was my favorite novella from last year, and I'm so thrilled that this is on the same level, and I cannot wait for more!
Profile Image for Kaylee.
383 reviews41 followers
June 9, 2023
“A nothing moment really, but a happy one, and wasn’t that what made life worth living? Hundreds of happy nothing moments that added up to something spectacular as a whole?”

I’ve never had the words to describe this feeling, but this captured it perfectly. I want a life full of happy nothing moments. More importantly, I wanted that for Leo and Grace. Happy nothing and everything moments for them always.

If you know me, you know I’m not a second chance romance fan, but this one got me. It was so well done and I was hooked on their story from the very beginning. I was never frustrated by their actions or reasoning for being apart. The way the author developed these characters and showed their very rational responses to the way they’ve been hurt in the past felt very realistic. It made me feel so much for both Leo and Grace, I wanted them to grow and for Grace to heal and learn to accept the love she deserves.

The way J.R. Jenner writes just flows so well for me. It’s relatable and lovely, full of emotion and loveable characters* (and a decent bit of very well written spice 👀).

*I love them all dearly, but cannot explain the connection I feel to Everly. I will be patiently waiting for her story.

Thank you to J.R. Jenner for the ARC. I’m happy to be here and see what comes next, I just know Jacob and Oliver’s stories are going to be great.
Profile Image for Arzum.
691 reviews155 followers
June 17, 2023
finished this one like a week ago but I’m only able to write a review. JR Jenner’s writing just does it for me what can I say, always in awe of her mind creating beautiful stories🫶🏼 Can’t wait to read more by her💓
Profile Image for Marianne Syme.
202 reviews
May 30, 2023
Loved this story x

The chemistry was evident from the start x I loved the build up to the HEA x

Can't wait for more from this series x
Profile Image for J’aime.books.
492 reviews12 followers
May 26, 2023
JR Jenner became an instant buy author after the short: one week with you. That was confirmed with the ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This years love. I was thrilled to get little glimpses of Rafe & Talia as I was dying for more of their story.
Second chance, age gap for Leo & Grace.
Leo is Talia’s older brother and the head chef at his & their brother Oliver’s new restaurant, Ignite. Grace is hired on as the new sous chef by Oliver. Oliver didn’t know about Leo’s past with Grace…. how long will it take for sparks to fly when old love reunites?
“If home had a scent, she smelled like mine” ❤️
“A stubbled jawline made for sitting on, which I had, many times” 🔥
Profile Image for Lucile *:・.
74 reviews5 followers
July 23, 2023
♡ Tropes:
• Second chance romance
• Age gap (13 years)
• Chefs couple
• Workplace romance
• Forced proximity
• Plus-size FMC
• London setting
• Found family
• Mental health rep
• Spicy
• Dual POV (1st person)
• No third-act breakup

♡ I'm becoming more and more obsessed with this series with each book I read!!! This is the second book written by JR Jenner I read, and I am still in love with her writing, characters, and story!!! I loved getting to know more about Leo! I, honestly, loved everything about this book!!! It was my first book with a chef couple, and it was incredible getting to see this side of this profession! It felt so realistic. And Grace and Leo’s story… I also really liked seeing their thoughts, feelings, etc. I was able to feel exactly what the characters were feeling, and I also related to them; this is one of the things I love the most while reading books! And, seriously, I will *never* get over this story!!! Their love story was so beautiful!

♡ I also had so many theories (that were mostly wrong, but that’s a detail) about who was going to end up with who!! Honestly, this read was sooo enjoyable!!! From all the banter, emotional roller coasters, the *spice*, and their love for each other, this book was incredible. And there was also mental health representation in one of the secondary characters, and I really liked it! I can’t wait to read her story too! (And everything she writes, to be honest.)

⚠ Be sure to check the TWs before reading this book. The topics discussed are not for everyone. Respect your boundaries if you think this book might trigger you. ⚠

♡ And I would also like to thank JR Jenner a hundred times for sending me an ARC of this novel!!! I *cannot* wait to read all of your upcoming books! ♡
Profile Image for wanderingwithinpages.
1 review1 follower
June 12, 2023
Beautiful, cosy and spicy!
JR Jenner's writing is such a comfort for me. Her characters are beautifully written and drew me in from the first page.

This book follows on from 'One Week With You' where we got to see Talia and Rafe's story, and we are now focusing on the oldest Johnson sibling, Leo.
After breaking Grace's heart five years ago due to feeling like they were on different life trajectories (and essentially freaking out), the second Leo sees her again 5 years later as the newly hired Sous-chef in his and his brother Oliver's new restaurant 'Ignite', he becomes determined earn himself a second chance with her.
Grace on the other hand is trying to protect herself knowing she won't be able to survive another Leo Johnson heartbreak after being completely in love with him the first time around.

In both this book and 'One Week With You', I adored every single character.
While I of course can appreciate a gruff, slightly older guy in a romance book (hey, I'm only human), it's actually the female characters that steal the show for me in both books so far.
JR writes women in such a real and relatable way that I always end up getting the feeling that I would love to be friends with them in real life.

Grace in this story is driven, compassionate, fierce, loyal, funny and so relatable!
She has worked so hard to get where she is after a tough upbringing, yet is still a romantic at heart and wants to be cherished by someone. She is no push over though and gives as good as she gets with Leo's cheeky attitude (she does fall prey to his dirty mouth though - but my god, who wouldn't?!).
Her friendship with Everly is also so carefully written, the two of them are the ultimate found-family girlfriends, and I am so happy that there will be a book focusing on Everly as I am very intrigued!

Overall this is such a cosy and beautifully written story filled with friendship, love, quick banter and a good sprinkle of (very) open door spice!
I can't wait for Jacob's story in book 3 :)

Profile Image for Melissa.
317 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2023
"If promises were tangible, you'd have mine in your arms. But I need you to trust me. Trust that I won't hurt you again. Trust that your heart is safe in mine. Because once we have trust, we have everything."

Oliver and Grace are two of a kind - self sacrificing hard workers who struggle with being emotional open and being honest (with themselves anyway).
It's because of this... and circumstances that leads them to break it off the first time. Devastating them both and only reinforcing their existing emotional issues.

Now 5 years later Grace is up for the job of a lifetime -- ground floor of a brand new restaurant. Only to find the Head Chef is her ex, Leo. They insist on putting the past behind them. They can be professionals. Maybe even friends.

But I think we all know how that's gonna go! The forced proximity, their unresolved issues, a start up business, family and friends all come to a head. Will they be able to be open with each other? Trust that 'This Year's Love' can go the distance?


This book is part of the London Lovers interconnected series, but can be read standalone with no problem. Medium angst, Med-High spice. Open door intimate moments.

CW/TW: anxiety, insomnia, depression, parental abandonment/estrangement

*Received this as an ARC. Thoughts and opinions are my own. Freely given.
Profile Image for Yvette | The Saucy Bookshelf.
235 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2023
I was so looking forward to reading Grace and Leo’s story after thoroughly enjoying Rafe and Talia’s story in book one, and it didn’t disappoint.

I really enjoy JR’s writing; she is a talented author who can make you hurt or feel immense joy alongside the characters. Being British myself, I loved the familiarity of this series set in London. The mention of cities, landmarks, or whether it be Leo’s mum shopping in Marks and Spencers, all adds to the richness of the storyline.

I instantly fell in love with Leo and Grace. Second Chance romances are one of my favourites, and this was a brilliant one. I really liked that Grace was a beautiful, plus-size woman and that Leo loved every inch of her. Oh, Leo boxing, all sweaty in just shorts…. Yum!🔥🔥

The side characters deserve a mention here too. Everly, Grace's best friend, who is getting her own book, suffers with mental health which JR handled with kindness and compassion. (Not to do with the actual story, but I liked that JR added a note about this with websites that can help if you suffer with mental health)

I can’t wait to see which brother is next, and the more I read about these characters, the more intrigued I am about Jacob. I really want to know what’s going on with him.

Thank you, JR, for another fabulous book.♥️

***SIGN-UP TO JR’S NEWSLETTER FOR THE EXTENDED EPILOGUE!***

Profile Image for Tammy - .
1,109 reviews142 followers
November 24, 2023
This review is bittersweet for me, because I am loving this London Lovers series and this new-to-me author so much. I've finished this book and I am so ready for the next, and it's not out yet!! Ugh...the torture!

Anyway, This Year's Love is Grace and Leo's story. When Grace gets the opportunity to work in Oliver's brand new restaurant, she jumps at the chance, not realizing that Oliver's brother aka her new boss is Leo, the man who broke her heart five years ago. Determined to follow her dreams, she agrees to be friends with Leo and to keep it professional, but she's not prepared for Leo to want a second chance at something more.

Now, second chance romance is probably my favorite (if I had to choose just one trope), and I absolutely loved this one. The tension, the back-and-forth, the slooooow burn which eventually explodes. Yep, this one has it all and more. I loved the age gap, the family dynamic, the friendships, everything about this book had me turning the pages and left me wanting more.

This book is definitely slow to heat up, but it does burn HOT once it gets going, and the chemistry between Grace and Leo is off-the-charts. I loved their dynamic, both in the kitchen and in the bedroom. There were moments that made me laugh and a few that brought me to tears too. I cannot wait to get the next book in this series!

546 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2023
Well written, catching romantic story with steamy moments. An age gap story about a second chance at love. Grace gets a new job, one she really wants, but to her horror she has to work with Leo, the man who dumped her 5 years ago after an intense relationship of 4 months. Leo has always regretted this and doesn't know how to turn away from Grace a second time, Grace on the other hand doesn't know if she can trust him a second time. A straightforward content, but written in an attractive writing style, with characters that really come to life for you. There are steamy descriptions, but it also especially about the development of their second chance, the friendship and feelings between them, without getting sentimental. located in London, which I also like. I was wondering if I wanted to know a little more about Leo's motivations for breaking up with her five years ago. Yes, I think so, but at the same time I think it becomes clear as the story progresses, and is not necessary for the story itself, more for my own curious analytical brain.

Pleasant writing style, fluently written, with occasionally short jumps in time,fast and entertaining read. Part of a series that can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Ally (art.bookshelf).
378 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Absolutely loved this book by a new-to-me author, JR Jenner! I greatly enjoyed reading something that was a little different than what I was used to-a book revolving around two chefs in London! I loved the change of scenery and also the age-gap between Grace and Leo. I'm also becoming such a sucker for second chance romance. I love the beginning stages of them testing the waters with each other and when one of them accidentally makes a reference to something emotional and meaningful from before. I'm so excited to read the next few books in this series and I most definitely will have to go back and read the first! I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Read if you like:

🩷Second Chance Romance

🩷London

🩷Age Gap

🩷Supportive Best Friends

🩷Happily Ever After

"Somehow, Grace had always known when I needed to talk and when I didn't want to, and it was confusing and comforting to realise that hadn't changed. I didn't know what to do with that either. Being constantly reminded of how well we fit together when I couldn't do anything about it was frustrating as hell."
Profile Image for Cande.
38 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2023
i absolutely LOVED this!!!!
i’m really here for a good second chance romance, abe more if the guy is just as obsessed with the girl as Leo is with Grace. i love the fact that the worships the floor she walks on and that he’s up to whatever he might need to do to get her back.

i felt so connected to Grace and i really need to give her a hug and tell her everything is gonna be okay. she’s so so strong and i’m so proud she did get her happy ending. she deserves all the happiness in the world.

Leo is just as good. one of the best mmc i’ve read this year. the determination, the groveling and everything was just chef kiss. i really love the fact that he knew what he wanted and went for it without hesitation.

something i also need to highlight about this book is the curvy girl representation. as a curvy girl i haven’t read many books where the fmc is also curvy and it made me so happy to be able to feel seen through Grace. is a big plus for me!!!

i really liked this book and enjoyed every second of it. i can’t wait to read the rest of the series <3
Profile Image for Kristen.
698 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2023
I would love a life of nothing moments.

This Years Love is book two in the London Lovers series. The first was Talia and Rafe, now this one is Talia’s brother Leo and his second chance at love.

Leo is a chef and is starting a new restaurant, Ignite, with his brother. Turns out the new sous chef for Ignite is a woman Grace who Leo worked with five years prior. While they worked together they couldn’t avoid their attraction and had a hot and heavy relationship. Now five years later they are reconnecting and Grace is not looking forward to it. However they are both older now and ready to give it a shot for real!

I have loved getting to know this family through the London Lovers series. They are close siblings who have very different views on their love lives so it’s been fun. I am so excited for Jacob’s story to eventually come!
Thank you @jrjennerauthor for the ARC!
Release Date: June 9, 2023
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥: kitchen
Profile Image for Isabella.
372 reviews10 followers
June 19, 2023
Thank you to the author for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is my first book by JR Renner but it won’t be my last.

“This Year’s Love” follows Grace, a chef, as she accidentally gets a job at the restaurant owned by her ex and his brother. She hasn’t seen Leo since he broke her heart, but now they’ll be working together.

Grace and Leo’s relationship was incredibly well written. The progression from scorned exs to reluctant coworkers to friends to lovers felt natural. I never felt like they were moving too fast or making any weird decisions. The pacing was perfect.

I also loved the character development throughout. Grace and Leo were a lot younger when they first dated and it led to their breakup because of their immaturity. In the present, however, they’ve both grown as people and are able to handle these issues with more maturity.

I very much enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read more from Renner.
Profile Image for Francis.
230 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2023
Leo,41, is the eldest of 4 siblings and a chef with other dreams.

5 years ago he met Grace at work. Rafe's father restaurant. And Rafe is Leo's best friend, married with Talua, Leo's sister who we both met in "One week with you".
Leo and Grace had some steamy months together, but it didn't work out.
Grace is hired as a sous chef at Oliver's, Leo's brother, restaurant, but doesn't know the connection until...
Even though Leo is 13 years older... sometimes Grace is just the wiser one.
This is a great read!
Loved the humour, and those steamy scenes... OMG!! Perfection!
I want to visit London again and visit all these places mentioned in this book!

This book is about discovering what you really want in life.

Tropes:
Age gap (13 years)
Forced proximity
Workplace romance
Second chance
Profile Image for Jill (readinginpjs).
694 reviews231 followers
June 8, 2023
Second chance, age gap romance with tons of heat between chefs? Yes please!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️

Grace and Leo have a history - a steamy one. Leo, sexy older head chef, trained Grace at a hotel restaurant five years prior. Their undeniable attraction led to a passionate affair, and ended in heartbreak.

In present day, Grace is offered her dream job in a new restaurant. Little does she know she'll be working with her new boss' older brother, none other than Leo Johnson. While she can't decide whether or not to forgive him, Leo can't let another chance with Grace pass him by.

I LOVED Grace's confidence both in and out of the bedroom. Too often we see a timid heroine who doesn't ask for what she wants.

Does a wreck room actually exist? I need one. Leo was amazing at knowing what Grace needed, and supporting her completely. He managed to redeem his previous actions with honesty, and become someone Grace deserved.

Read if you enjoy:
⭐️ Second chance
⭐️ Curvy heroine
⭐️ Chefs
⭐️ Workplace
⭐️ Age gap
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Found family
⭐️ Mental health rep
⭐️ Dual POV/first person

This is book 2 of a series of interconnected novels. It can be read as a standalone, but I HIGHLY recommend the first - it's a novella - One Week with You!

Thank you to author JR Jenner for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Stacie ||readingbetweenthevines.
608 reviews23 followers
June 7, 2023
Grace & Leo had a four month relationship five years ago, and out of nowhere he ended it.
Five years later, unbeknownst to either of them, Grace is hired as Leo’s sous chef at his new restaurant with his brother.

From the moment they laid eyes on each other again, This Year’s Love had it all, great chemistry and banter, mutual pining, some great grovelling. I found Grace to be super relatable, given the situation and her history with Leo. I had a love/hate thing for Leo, because he was a fool in the past, but oh boy, I love a determined man!

This was the second book in an interconnected series, and I will definitely be going back to read Rage and Talia’s story, and looking forward to whoever’s story is next (because I feel like Oliver needs redemption in my eyes)! Thank you J.R. Jenner for sending me an advanced digital copy in exchange for review!
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,710 reviews18 followers
June 25, 2023
Although all about second chances, this book is also about deciding what’s most important in your life and overcoming your fears to reach out and grab it. Grace hasn’t had an easy life, leaving home at the tender age of 16. I admired her tenacity in following her dreams, but her career seemed to be the only thing working out for her. Leo is such a sweet man, who pulls out all the stops to show Grace what a mistake he made, determined to win back her love and trust. However, as the saying goes, once burned, twice shy. There are flashes of other interesting side characters, like Leo’s family and Everly, Grace’s BFF, who is also dealing with some issues, which will undoubtedly be the subject of a book further down the line. Despite some heavy moments, this was a feel-good romance with a satisfying HEA.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ade.
763 reviews27 followers
June 9, 2023
4.5⭐️

Totally Totally enjoyed it. I could not put it down. There is something about old flames rekindling and office romance that does things for me. Add all these to the fact that I love food and this is set majorly in a restaurant, you have a winner.

The subtle angst, steamy flashbacks and nosy family makes it very good. I love the plot with the occasional flashbacks which helped with filling the gaps.

All of the characters brought their A-game. I love how Leo and Grace developed and found their way back to each other.

I’m looking forward to reading the stories of the other characters in the book.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. The review is entirely mine.
Profile Image for Lila Dawes.
Author 8 books169 followers
June 16, 2023
I think I was gone from the description of Leo walking in with his leather jacket in one hand and motorcycle helmet in the other...I need him now haha.
Really loved this one, the tension between them was palpable from the start and I was just dying to get to the moment where they both give in.
It's a second chance romance and loved that Leo came to his senses very quickly and realised what he had done wrong in the past and his character development was great. I was so thrilled with the ending and the choices he made in his career - don't wanna spoil anything!
Grace was such a fantastic heroine, she was confident and sure of herself but there was vulnerability there too and she was the most amazing friend.
Loved it and can't wait for more in this series!
Profile Image for Tasha_loves_to_read .
731 reviews17 followers
May 28, 2023
The chemistry and tension between Leo is Grace jumps off the page. Their banter is also spot on.
Reading about normal people with normal jobs is refreshing - so much more relatable.
And I loved its set in London and the parts of London I know.
Leo's presence and love for his family and Grace is beautiful. So mature, you'd of never thought that there was a big age gap as they compliment eachother so well.
Grace was so strong and definitely deserved her hea, although I did want to scream at her.
Leo is so selfless and constantly thought about others before he put himself first. I loved this story. And I can't wait for more
Profile Image for …Welcome to My World &#x1f30e...
244 reviews4 followers
August 2, 2023
Very nice story indeed. Grace and Leo have history. They were in a relationship five years ago but Leo ended it and broke Graces’s heart. Now he’s back and helping his brother Oliver with his new restaurant. Well it just so happens that Oliver hired Grace as well. Now they both are put to the test of who will survive this set up. Leo regrets his actions all those years ago. Grace is too afraid to put her heart on the line once again and risk heartbreak all over again. Will Grace give Leo another chance?

I received an Arc Copy and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
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