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Love & Other Recipes
The Wedding Menu
USA TODAY BESTSELLER
For fans of Tessa Bailey and Mia Sosa, highly acclaimed author Letizia Lorini brings a deliciously sexy, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny rom-com set in the culinary world.
One year ago, Amelie had it all. Nearly engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad’s restaurant, her life was exactly what she’d ordered. Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, sat beside her at a wedding and proved she might like something off-menu.
Now, Amelie is unemployed, single, and taking a break from her best friend. On top of it all, she’s lost all contact with Ian. When she visits his hometown to teach at a weeklong cooking conference, she hopes for a fateful meet-cute. But their reunion is explosive when Amelie discovers Ian is the son of her father’s business rival.
Even bigger fiasco? He only wants to be her friend. Amelie has one week to change his mind, and if the truth of why her whole life fell apart remains hidden, their love story might even end with a wedding.
For fans of Tessa Bailey and Mia Sosa, highly acclaimed author Letizia Lorini brings a deliciously sexy, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny rom-com set in the culinary world.
One year ago, Amelie had it all. Nearly engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad’s restaurant, her life was exactly what she’d ordered. Until Ian, an opinionated wedding-hater, sat beside her at a wedding and proved she might like something off-menu.
Now, Amelie is unemployed, single, and taking a break from her best friend. On top of it all, she’s lost all contact with Ian. When she visits his hometown to teach at a weeklong cooking conference, she hopes for a fateful meet-cute. But their reunion is explosive when Amelie discovers Ian is the son of her father’s business rival.
Even bigger fiasco? He only wants to be her friend. Amelie has one week to change his mind, and if the truth of why her whole life fell apart remains hidden, their love story might even end with a wedding.
463 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2023
499 people are currently reading
20562 people want to read
About the author
Letizia Lorini
6 books773 followersLetizia Lorini is the USA Today bestselling author of the Love & Other Recipes series. She’s an Italian writer who’s passionate about heart-warming books with high cackling potential.
Based in Sweden, she lives with her partner and their fluffy pup.
She also has a degree in sociology and one in criminology, speaks three languages, and drinks the daily recommended dose of coffee before breakfast.
Instagram: letizialorini.writes
Tiktok: letizialorini.author
Pinterest: letizialoriniauthor
Website: www.letizialorini.com
Based in Sweden, she lives with her partner and their fluffy pup.
She also has a degree in sociology and one in criminology, speaks three languages, and drinks the daily recommended dose of coffee before breakfast.
Instagram: letizialorini.writes
Tiktok: letizialorini.author
Pinterest: letizialoriniauthor
Website: www.letizialorini.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,176 reviews
July 16, 2024
laughing at myself from january, little did i know when i said i already knew desserts for stressed people would be my favorite read of this year THIS ONE WAS JUST WAITING FOR ME TO GIVE IT A CHANCE TO REALIZE MY MISTAKE LOL
7 months later and i can say without a doubt amelie, ian and the wedding meNu will be my number 1 read of this year 🩷
if you know me, you know i am to my core an absolute hater of dual timelines, im simply way too impatient for them and yet there isnt a single thing i would change about this book. it is absolutely perfect to me 😭🩷
ian, you will forever and always be my favorite golden boy 🥰
7 months later and i can say without a doubt amelie, ian and the wedding meNu will be my number 1 read of this year 🩷
if you know me, you know i am to my core an absolute hater of dual timelines, im simply way too impatient for them and yet there isnt a single thing i would change about this book. it is absolutely perfect to me 😭🩷
ian, you will forever and always be my favorite golden boy 🥰
January 31, 2025
3.4 ˖⁺‧✮
such an interesting storyline for a romance book. read the synopsis for more background, because i’m not explaining it 👀 before reading the book, i honestly felt very unimpressed by the plot line, i had no expectations and i had no hopes for this read. however, it such such a fun, engaging book.
«“Wasn’t it?” she asks, her eyes wondering to the people walking beside us. “He asked me to sit in his chair so he’s have an excuse to talk to you.»
i can keep talking about how good the plot was, but it was kind of dragging. i honestly was expecting a shorter read, but this one took me so long to finish. and not because i was uninterested but because it’s actually such a long book. the book mixes past and present but i feel like, the chapters should have been organized better. what i mean it, switching between timelines was never an issue and i usually enjoy such a switch but with this one, chapters were uncomfortable to read. while present was present, past was slowing moving into present. examples: at first chapters were called “past” and after they were called “2 weeks before..” and so on. when reading last 15 cheaters, i generally felt confusing in time.
«”Amelie, will you come to my weeding?” Before I can tell him I’m pretty sure that’s not how he’s supposed to ask, he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Because I’m definitely going to need a bride.”»
going to characters and things i liked. this book had a lot of unique elements and situations that sometimes even surprised me. i was not the fan with the plot line of Ian’s father and in general between fathers’ conflict. maybe because it was brought up late in a book or because, idk. i liked the Ian’s father and Amelie scandal, definitely wasn’t expecting it.
«He turned my dream into a nightmare—into what has me sobbing into my pillow until I finally fall asleep.»
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for approving my request for an arc.
such an interesting storyline for a romance book. read the synopsis for more background, because i’m not explaining it 👀 before reading the book, i honestly felt very unimpressed by the plot line, i had no expectations and i had no hopes for this read. however, it such such a fun, engaging book.
«“Wasn’t it?” she asks, her eyes wondering to the people walking beside us. “He asked me to sit in his chair so he’s have an excuse to talk to you.»
i can keep talking about how good the plot was, but it was kind of dragging. i honestly was expecting a shorter read, but this one took me so long to finish. and not because i was uninterested but because it’s actually such a long book. the book mixes past and present but i feel like, the chapters should have been organized better. what i mean it, switching between timelines was never an issue and i usually enjoy such a switch but with this one, chapters were uncomfortable to read. while present was present, past was slowing moving into present. examples: at first chapters were called “past” and after they were called “2 weeks before..” and so on. when reading last 15 cheaters, i generally felt confusing in time.
«”Amelie, will you come to my weeding?” Before I can tell him I’m pretty sure that’s not how he’s supposed to ask, he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. “Because I’m definitely going to need a bride.”»
going to characters and things i liked. this book had a lot of unique elements and situations that sometimes even surprised me. i was not the fan with the plot line of Ian’s father and in general between fathers’ conflict. maybe because it was brought up late in a book or because, idk. i liked the Ian’s father and Amelie scandal, definitely wasn’t expecting it.
«He turned my dream into a nightmare—into what has me sobbing into my pillow until I finally fall asleep.»
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for approving my request for an arc.
dnf
July 29, 2025I am so sorry, I just can't deal atm.
I understand the fmc is supposed to be annoying and you want to shake her, or hit her, SOMETHING.
Basically, we start low so we can go up?
But I am just so angry and I waited and waited, and at 50% in I am taking a break/giving up.
(Also, just FYI, the audio and KU version didn't match? don't know what that's about)
-------
megan brought me here
I understand the fmc is supposed to be annoying and you want to shake her, or hit her, SOMETHING.
Basically, we start low so we can go up?
But I am just so angry and I waited and waited, and at 50% in I am taking a break/giving up.
(Also, just FYI, the audio and KU version didn't match? don't know what that's about)
-------
megan brought me here
September 11, 2023
❝ ―You're my most certain choice
.
I had the privilege of not only receiving an ARC, but an extra early one ( les avantages de parler la langue de Tragédie), and lemme tell you that I can't count the number of times I slid into the author's DM to scream about a scene.
First of all, Ian? Perfection. From bottom to the top, he is my new precious golden retriever baby boi and he can't go wrong. His lines? Iconic. Charisma, humor, little attention. I love him, your honor. His only default would be the Butter Gates and his opinion on French cuisine but I might be able to stop eating cheese for him - I said what I said!
Second, Amelie? My God, she broke my heart. She is stuck in an impossible situation where her whole life is crumbling and if she moves, everything is going down. I wanted to slap people for her so bad, you had no idea. Also, girl... the butter, really??!
The double-timed storyline? Per-fe-ction. It should have been a pain in the ass to manage but it resulted in a fast-paced storytelling, with parallels between chapters in the present and the past. The moment when both collided is so satisfying to read and it keeps you on your toes with mini cliffhangers
In disguise as a cute little second-chance romcom, this book is also about grief, Abandonment issues, gambling about the future, and so much more. Certain passages really made me emotional and that is always a sign of a truly good book.
TLDR, I had an amazing time devouring this book. I loved the characters, the story, the food, the humor, and the messages. I will definitely keep both eyes open for the next book and probably crawl to try to read it asap.
.
For you if you like :
🧈Dual time-line
🧈He's a golden retriever (not a literal one )
🧈Message exchanges
🧈Cheesy pickup line
🧈Second chance (kinda)
🧈Open door romance
🧈Dirty talk
🧈Slow burn
🧈Stranger to best friends to stranger to lovers
🧈Hea
🧈He falls first and hard
🧈She loves weddings and he doesn't
🧈No 3rd act breakup (technically speaking)
🧈 Abandonment issues
🧈Mutual pining
.
.
I had the privilege of not only receiving an ARC, but an extra early one ( les avantages de parler la langue de Tragédie), and lemme tell you that I can't count the number of times I slid into the author's DM to scream about a scene.
First of all, Ian? Perfection. From bottom to the top, he is my new precious golden retriever baby boi and he can't go wrong. His lines? Iconic. Charisma, humor, little attention. I love him, your honor. His only default would be the Butter Gates and his opinion on French cuisine but I might be able to stop eating cheese for him - I said what I said!
Second, Amelie? My God, she broke my heart. She is stuck in an impossible situation where her whole life is crumbling and if she moves, everything is going down. I wanted to slap people for her so bad, you had no idea. Also, girl... the butter, really??!
The double-timed storyline? Per-fe-ction. It should have been a pain in the ass to manage but it resulted in a fast-paced storytelling, with parallels between chapters in the present and the past. The moment when both collided is so satisfying to read and it keeps you on your toes with mini cliffhangers
In disguise as a cute little second-chance romcom, this book is also about grief, Abandonment issues, gambling about the future, and so much more. Certain passages really made me emotional and that is always a sign of a truly good book.
TLDR, I had an amazing time devouring this book. I loved the characters, the story, the food, the humor, and the messages. I will definitely keep both eyes open for the next book and probably crawl to try to read it asap.
.
For you if you like :
🧈Dual time-line
🧈He's a golden retriever (not a literal one )
🧈Message exchanges
🧈Cheesy pickup line
🧈Second chance (kinda)
🧈Open door romance
🧈Dirty talk
🧈Slow burn
🧈Stranger to best friends to stranger to lovers
🧈Hea
🧈He falls first and hard
🧈She loves weddings and he doesn't
🧈No 3rd act breakup (technically speaking)
🧈 Abandonment issues
🧈Mutual pining
.
December 5, 2023
This was, unfortunately, not my vibe. At all. In seeing all the rave reviews, I question my sanity... what am I missing here??
I didn't find the FMC to be likable at all. I found her to have no backbone. She let her fiance and best friend walk all over her. Even though she was uncomfortable and unhappy, she allowed it to happen continuously. It was incredibly frustrating to read it over and over again.
Now, I dont have an issue with open relationships, to each his own. But they need to be consensual and the rules need to be clear. Regardless of her shitty ass fiance wanting to be in an open relationship, they promised one another that they would not be involved emotionally with other people to which she blatantly disregarded that. What's the point?? Just break up!! I don't find emotional cheating to be sweet or romantic.
Ian's character was more likable, and he had sweet moments. He was fine. But he also pursued an inappropriate relationship with a woman whom he knew was off limits. She fed into it, but he allowed it to happen. I found it so weird that he helped her plan her wedding too!!
The last 20% of the book was fine. We finally got answers and resolution and relief from the first 80%, which was so drawn out with ominous mystery that it was annoying.
I should have DNFd this book. But seeing all the rave advanced reviews made me think it would get better at some point, but for me, it never did.
Overall, it was a toxic story. Toxic friendship, toxic relationship. It just made me feel icky.
Tags:
-rivals to lovers
-forced proximity
-emotional cheating
-dual timeline
Spice: 2/5
First person
Single POV
I didn't find the FMC to be likable at all. I found her to have no backbone. She let her fiance and best friend walk all over her. Even though she was uncomfortable and unhappy, she allowed it to happen continuously. It was incredibly frustrating to read it over and over again.
Now, I dont have an issue with open relationships, to each his own. But they need to be consensual and the rules need to be clear. Regardless of her shitty ass fiance wanting to be in an open relationship, they promised one another that they would not be involved emotionally with other people to which she blatantly disregarded that. What's the point?? Just break up!! I don't find emotional cheating to be sweet or romantic.
Ian's character was more likable, and he had sweet moments. He was fine. But he also pursued an inappropriate relationship with a woman whom he knew was off limits. She fed into it, but he allowed it to happen. I found it so weird that he helped her plan her wedding too!!
The last 20% of the book was fine. We finally got answers and resolution and relief from the first 80%, which was so drawn out with ominous mystery that it was annoying.
I should have DNFd this book. But seeing all the rave advanced reviews made me think it would get better at some point, but for me, it never did.
Overall, it was a toxic story. Toxic friendship, toxic relationship. It just made me feel icky.
Tags:
-rivals to lovers
-forced proximity
-emotional cheating
-dual timeline
Spice: 2/5
First person
Single POV
October 18, 2023
5 stars ⭐️
✿ I received a free eARC from the author of this book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily.Thank you! ✿
✨️ 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔/𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:
• dual timelines (recent past/present)
• restaurant settings
• golden retriever best mfing MMC ❤️
• medium spice 🌶
• he fell first and hard
• drama
• inside jokes and relationship quirks
• friends to lovers w rivals to lovers w second chance
• sweet sweet slow burn 🔥
• textation-ship
“𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
💌⁀➷
Dear diary, I am in love with Ian Roberts.
Okay you guys don't understand how much I loved this book. It was fucking amazing. I absolutely 100% loved it to the point it made me laugh,tear up,giggle,squeal,stop eating to take the scene in,put my phone down just to look up at the sky and be like "god where's my ian roberts at?".
Like I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this story and most of all Ian Roberts. That man has my heart. He has it ok? I was not prepared to have my heart be taken by him but it has been. Neither was I prepared to be so invested into this story this much that I rated it 5 stars!
Ian Roberts personifies the perfect book boyfriend. Period. Amelie and him were so damn cute it made my heart warm and ache simultaneously.
Ian had me in a chokehold ok? I even shared about it on my story and talked to the author and I'm gonna say what I told her here.
Dear author thank you for giving me and the world Ian Roberts. He is everything 🥺😍
This story has tons of cute moments like so much fluff,it has some angst, drama, humor,friendship,family dynamics and most importantly love. It has love so beautiful.
Amelie also made a good fmc, she had growth and I loved the relationship with Ian and her. All of the many tropes were done tastefully and made it really enjoyable.
A wonderful read, so to my romance girlies come jump in coz you will not regret it.
✿ I received a free eARC from the author of this book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily.Thank you! ✿
✨️ 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔/𝑵𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔:
• dual timelines (recent past/present)
• restaurant settings
• golden retriever best mfing MMC ❤️
• medium spice 🌶
• he fell first and hard
• drama
• inside jokes and relationship quirks
• friends to lovers w rivals to lovers w second chance
• sweet sweet slow burn 🔥
• textation-ship
“𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
💌⁀➷
Dear diary, I am in love with Ian Roberts.
Okay you guys don't understand how much I loved this book. It was fucking amazing. I absolutely 100% loved it to the point it made me laugh,tear up,giggle,squeal,stop eating to take the scene in,put my phone down just to look up at the sky and be like "god where's my ian roberts at?".
Like I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this story and most of all Ian Roberts. That man has my heart. He has it ok? I was not prepared to have my heart be taken by him but it has been. Neither was I prepared to be so invested into this story this much that I rated it 5 stars!
Ian Roberts personifies the perfect book boyfriend. Period. Amelie and him were so damn cute it made my heart warm and ache simultaneously.
Ian had me in a chokehold ok? I even shared about it on my story and talked to the author and I'm gonna say what I told her here.
Dear author thank you for giving me and the world Ian Roberts. He is everything 🥺😍
This story has tons of cute moments like so much fluff,it has some angst, drama, humor,friendship,family dynamics and most importantly love. It has love so beautiful.
Amelie also made a good fmc, she had growth and I loved the relationship with Ian and her. All of the many tropes were done tastefully and made it really enjoyable.
A wonderful read, so to my romance girlies come jump in coz you will not regret it.
September 4, 2023
The Wedding Menu by Letizia Lorini 🥐🧈
One year ago, Amelie had it all. She was engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant. Her life was going exactly as planned... until she met Ian proving she wanted something off the menu. Then a year later Amelie has lost it all. She's unemployed, single, and taking a break from her friendship. Oh and Ian is gone too. She gets invited to a week long cooking convention in Ian's hometown and attends in hopes of seeing him again. Turns out Ian is the son of her father's business rival and even worse, he only wants friendship from her. She has one week to change his mind.
This is one of my new all time favorite romances and one I see myself re-reading it soon. There's so much to love about this one; the dual timeline, their banter, the slow burn, and most importantly IAN. Amelie was a super relatable character for me and I loved seeing her stand up for herself and make decisions for what's best for her instead of what's best for others. It's time to be selfish!
Now, Ian? I'm obsessed. This man is hilarious, has tattoos, charming, caring, knows how to communicate, has the best pick up lines, and is an absolute golden retriever of a human. All future men are ruined for me. I don't know what I'm going to do because I'm just going to compare them to Ian.
The chemistry and the bit of angst between Ian and Amelie was so good. I loved reading their text messages from the past timeline and then see them interact with each other. Seeing them go from complete strangers with an immediate connection to something else had me hooked. These two are made for each other.
Also, there was this one spicy scene that did something to me... I just. I had to take a moment.
This is one of those books that I love so much I don't really know what to say other than I love it. It's perfect. Please go read it (and Letizia's first book while you're at it)!
Tropes:
🦮 golden retriever hero
⏱️ dual timeline
🧈 foodie
👥 forced proximity
📱 texts messages
❤️🔥 slow burn
🫶🏻 friends to lovers
🤍 no third act breakup
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2.5/5 spice level 🌶️
One year ago, Amelie had it all. She was engaged to her high school sweetheart, close to her childhood best friend, and cooking at her dad's restaurant. Her life was going exactly as planned... until she met Ian proving she wanted something off the menu. Then a year later Amelie has lost it all. She's unemployed, single, and taking a break from her friendship. Oh and Ian is gone too. She gets invited to a week long cooking convention in Ian's hometown and attends in hopes of seeing him again. Turns out Ian is the son of her father's business rival and even worse, he only wants friendship from her. She has one week to change his mind.
This is one of my new all time favorite romances and one I see myself re-reading it soon. There's so much to love about this one; the dual timeline, their banter, the slow burn, and most importantly IAN. Amelie was a super relatable character for me and I loved seeing her stand up for herself and make decisions for what's best for her instead of what's best for others. It's time to be selfish!
Now, Ian? I'm obsessed. This man is hilarious, has tattoos, charming, caring, knows how to communicate, has the best pick up lines, and is an absolute golden retriever of a human. All future men are ruined for me. I don't know what I'm going to do because I'm just going to compare them to Ian.
The chemistry and the bit of angst between Ian and Amelie was so good. I loved reading their text messages from the past timeline and then see them interact with each other. Seeing them go from complete strangers with an immediate connection to something else had me hooked. These two are made for each other.
Also, there was this one spicy scene that did something to me... I just. I had to take a moment.
This is one of those books that I love so much I don't really know what to say other than I love it. It's perfect. Please go read it (and Letizia's first book while you're at it)!
Tropes:
🦮 golden retriever hero
⏱️ dual timeline
🧈 foodie
👥 forced proximity
📱 texts messages
❤️🔥 slow burn
🫶🏻 friends to lovers
🤍 no third act breakup
single POV
5/5 stars ⭐️
2.5/5 spice level 🌶️
January 30, 2024
This was a fun filled, realistic story about a chef and a restaurant owner. Their chats were adorable and the chemistry was damn off the charts.. I loved how the timeline switched between then and now.. But in a way that explained things better. It was emotional, hot, funny and the banter just did it for me..!!!
Oh and the tweet war was hilarious!!
Oh and the tweet war was hilarious!!
January 22, 2025
My rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes:
- right person, wrong time
- second chance
- friends to lovers
- he falls first
- dual timeline
The book is full of moments that I could have hated, but it made me love it. The story made me laugh and cry.
The book tells the story of Amelie, who has everything: she was almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, had a close relationship with her childhood best friend, and worked in her father's restaurant. Her life was exactly as she wanted it to be, or so she thought.
That is, until she met Ian (my new book boyfriend 🤭), and everything started to change.
In my opinion, the dedication of the book should be mentioned that it is dedicated to those who have walked a difficult path to learn how to choose themselves. And those who are in the process.
Let’s be honest: not everyone can make decisions in a second, especially those that determine their fate.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and definitely not the last.
The book will definitely appeal to fans of Romeo and Juliet, Bride Wars, Letters to Juliet, and Little Italy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
- right person, wrong time
- second chance
- friends to lovers
- he falls first
- dual timeline
The book is full of moments that I could have hated, but it made me love it. The story made me laugh and cry.
The book tells the story of Amelie, who has everything: she was almost engaged to her high school sweetheart, had a close relationship with her childhood best friend, and worked in her father's restaurant. Her life was exactly as she wanted it to be, or so she thought.
That is, until she met Ian (my new book boyfriend 🤭), and everything started to change.
In my opinion, the dedication of the book should be mentioned that it is dedicated to those who have walked a difficult path to learn how to choose themselves. And those who are in the process.
Let’s be honest: not everyone can make decisions in a second, especially those that determine their fate.
This is the first book I've read by the author, and definitely not the last.
The book will definitely appeal to fans of Romeo and Juliet, Bride Wars, Letters to Juliet, and Little Italy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2023
Where do I even start with this FANTASTIC new romcom from a new to me indie author??? I've had Desserts for stressed people on my shelves for awhile and guiltily haven't picked it up yet (I will be fixing that ASAP). My FOMO for The wedding menu, however, was getting to me and I couldn't wait any longer to pick it up after reading glowing review after glowing review.
I am here to tell you friends it is WORTH EVERY SINGLE word and page of your time! And at 460 pages, it's definitely a longer read than most but you will not even notice. This fresh take on a friends to lovers slow burn between newly engaged French chef Amelie and determined to remain single Ian will have you flipping the pages so fast!!
Told through flashbacks, we see how Ian and Amelie meet at a wedding, have one extraordinarily memorable night and begin a texting friendship that quickly comes to mean everything to them both. Forces keep them apart but that just makes you root for them more!!
What else can I say other than you need to read this book!! You will LAUGH (the butter scene!!), you will cry (the terrible fiancé, Frank and magazine reviews!) but you will also SWOON so hard for steadfast Ian who can deliver some of the BEST lines (both cheesey and swoony)!! Bonus, the epilogue has an amazing cameo featuring Heaven and Shane from Desserts for stressed people.
*POPULAR* opinion alert: YOU NEED THIS BOOK! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Christina Lauren and books like You, again by Kate Goldbeck or The last encore by Elodie Colliard. I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own!!
Fav quote: "You're my favorite notification"
I am here to tell you friends it is WORTH EVERY SINGLE word and page of your time! And at 460 pages, it's definitely a longer read than most but you will not even notice. This fresh take on a friends to lovers slow burn between newly engaged French chef Amelie and determined to remain single Ian will have you flipping the pages so fast!!
Told through flashbacks, we see how Ian and Amelie meet at a wedding, have one extraordinarily memorable night and begin a texting friendship that quickly comes to mean everything to them both. Forces keep them apart but that just makes you root for them more!!
What else can I say other than you need to read this book!! You will LAUGH (the butter scene!!), you will cry (the terrible fiancé, Frank and magazine reviews!) but you will also SWOON so hard for steadfast Ian who can deliver some of the BEST lines (both cheesey and swoony)!! Bonus, the epilogue has an amazing cameo featuring Heaven and Shane from Desserts for stressed people.
*POPULAR* opinion alert: YOU NEED THIS BOOK! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Christina Lauren and books like You, again by Kate Goldbeck or The last encore by Elodie Colliard. I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book and all opinions are my own!!
Fav quote: "You're my favorite notification"
September 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
List of reasons to read this book:
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- Dual timeline
- Text messages
- Laugh out loud moments
I had various emotions reading this book, I smiled at every interaction between Amelie and Ian, I was angry in every scene Frank appeared, and I laughed several times.
The chemistry between Ian and Amelie is absurd. I loved the positive impact he had on Amelie, and to see her finally impose herself was wonderful.
I identified a lot with Amelie, and I was very happy with her ending. And Ian, what can I say? He's perfect, tattooed, hot, obsessed with his girl.
I had a great time reading this book and highly recommend it.
(I received an ARC, but all opinions are mine)
Thank you, Letizia Lorini, for sending me this ARC.
🌶🌶
List of reasons to read this book:
- Friends to lovers
- Second chance
- Dual timeline
- Text messages
- Laugh out loud moments
I had various emotions reading this book, I smiled at every interaction between Amelie and Ian, I was angry in every scene Frank appeared, and I laughed several times.
The chemistry between Ian and Amelie is absurd. I loved the positive impact he had on Amelie, and to see her finally impose herself was wonderful.
I identified a lot with Amelie, and I was very happy with her ending. And Ian, what can I say? He's perfect, tattooed, hot, obsessed with his girl.
I had a great time reading this book and highly recommend it.
(I received an ARC, but all opinions are mine)
Thank you, Letizia Lorini, for sending me this ARC.
September 11, 2023
4.5⭐️
ARC REVIEW
first of all, i wanna thank letizia for allowing me to get an arc of this book, i enjoyed it so much honestly.
the way i need y’all to see the comments i left on this book… i have like over 1k highlights man. this is such a cute little lovey dovey story honestly and I lowkey loved it.
the only issue i had with it (hence the half star) is that personally, i don’t like the dual timelines thing. it stresses me the fuck out and that's what i felt like reading this book. this is just a personal preference for me tho. it did take me a bit to get into the book tho because of that, but once the whole plot started developing, it was such a good and entertaining story.
there are still some plot holes i feel like were missing detail and i’m sorta still confused how we got from point A to point B, but overall it was such a cutesy read
PSA: LETIZIA YOU WERE A GENIUS WITH THAT EPILOGUE I SWEAR I ALMOST SCREAMED IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS
ARC REVIEW
first of all, i wanna thank letizia for allowing me to get an arc of this book, i enjoyed it so much honestly.
the way i need y’all to see the comments i left on this book… i have like over 1k highlights man. this is such a cute little lovey dovey story honestly and I lowkey loved it.
the only issue i had with it (hence the half star) is that personally, i don’t like the dual timelines thing. it stresses me the fuck out and that's what i felt like reading this book. this is just a personal preference for me tho. it did take me a bit to get into the book tho because of that, but once the whole plot started developing, it was such a good and entertaining story.
there are still some plot holes i feel like were missing detail and i’m sorta still confused how we got from point A to point B, but overall it was such a cutesy read
PSA: LETIZIA YOU WERE A GENIUS WITH THAT EPILOGUE I SWEAR I ALMOST SCREAMED IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS
September 23, 2023
Que libro más desesperante. Al menos me dejo una moraleja: si mi novio de toda la vida me pide tener una relación abierta para “experimentar” le digo que no, lo termino y me voy con el rubio guapo que conocí en la boda de mi amiga.
May 7, 2025
Esta historia comienza con una boda y opiniones impopulares de ellas. Amelie e Ian comparten una química excelente instantanea pero ella está casi comprometida y él aunque está interesado termina siendo su mejor amigo. Pero meses después las cosas han cambiado pero no sabemos que pasó realmente porque vamos a regresar al pasado en dos lineas temporales.
Opinión
Odio los libros con dos lineas temporales pasado y presente pero no lo sabía así que no me quedó de otra más que seguir porque me enganché.
Así hasta acabar, sin duda alguna la sufrí feo con este libro. No por la escritura sino por las desiciones tan tontas que toma Amelie más la pesada de una de sus amigas. Definitivamente deteste los capítulos del pasado más que nunca, esta chica hace regada tras regada y sólo disfruté los capítulos en presente.
Definitivamente me quedé con una sensación agridulce, Amelie no me gustó tanto como ya he dicho pero Ian es de lo más divertido y quedé flechada por él.
Hay una pelea entre cocineros tipo Montesco y Capuleto. Esa parte me divertía hasta que sé volvió un mega problema.
Ya no puedo decir más porque sí te gustan las bodas y la temática de cocina entonces será de tu gusto la novela. Pero tenle paciencia a las decisiones de Amelie.
Tenemos unas cuantas escenas spicy muy explicitas. 🔥
No me gustó pero tampoco me fascinó.
Opinión
Odio los libros con dos lineas temporales pasado y presente pero no lo sabía así que no me quedó de otra más que seguir porque me enganché.
Así hasta acabar, sin duda alguna la sufrí feo con este libro. No por la escritura sino por las desiciones tan tontas que toma Amelie más la pesada de una de sus amigas. Definitivamente deteste los capítulos del pasado más que nunca, esta chica hace regada tras regada y sólo disfruté los capítulos en presente.
Definitivamente me quedé con una sensación agridulce, Amelie no me gustó tanto como ya he dicho pero Ian es de lo más divertido y quedé flechada por él.
Hay una pelea entre cocineros tipo Montesco y Capuleto. Esa parte me divertía hasta que sé volvió un mega problema.
Ya no puedo decir más porque sí te gustan las bodas y la temática de cocina entonces será de tu gusto la novela. Pero tenle paciencia a las decisiones de Amelie.
Tenemos unas cuantas escenas spicy muy explicitas. 🔥
No me gustó pero tampoco me fascinó.
November 25, 2025
No pensaba que una comedia romántica de este tipo diese tanto de sí, pero sí, me ha sorprendido positivamente.
La trama de esta historia es más profunda de lo que cabría esperar y se tratan temas como el duelo, la traición o encontrar el consuelo en alguien inesperado. Pero además de eso, hay un slow burn que se cuece a fuego bien lento, nunca mejor dicho 🧑🍳
El ritmo es ágil y los diálogos tienen mucha chispa. Tal y como comenté hay varios temas profundos pero se equilibran bien con momentos divertidos.
La pluma de Letizia Lorini es sencilla y muy natural. La autora construye escenas con tensión muy logradas.
Entre las cosas que más me han gustado destacaría la dinámica entre los protagonistas con la evolución de su relación, la correcta integración de los momentos de humor y la ambientación culinaria que tan bien acompaña a la historia.
En resumen, este libro es una comedia romántica en la que se tratan temas muy profundos. Una historia sobre la importancia de encontrar tu lugar y sanar en la que se tratan las emociones de una forma muy honesta, con sensibilidad y sin caer en el melodrama. Me ha gustado más de lo que esperaba.
La trama de esta historia es más profunda de lo que cabría esperar y se tratan temas como el duelo, la traición o encontrar el consuelo en alguien inesperado. Pero además de eso, hay un slow burn que se cuece a fuego bien lento, nunca mejor dicho 🧑🍳
El ritmo es ágil y los diálogos tienen mucha chispa. Tal y como comenté hay varios temas profundos pero se equilibran bien con momentos divertidos.
La pluma de Letizia Lorini es sencilla y muy natural. La autora construye escenas con tensión muy logradas.
Entre las cosas que más me han gustado destacaría la dinámica entre los protagonistas con la evolución de su relación, la correcta integración de los momentos de humor y la ambientación culinaria que tan bien acompaña a la historia.
En resumen, este libro es una comedia romántica en la que se tratan temas muy profundos. Una historia sobre la importancia de encontrar tu lugar y sanar en la que se tratan las emociones de una forma muy honesta, con sensibilidad y sin caer en el melodrama. Me ha gustado más de lo que esperaba.
May 19, 2025
Menuda maravillosa sorpresa que ha sido esta historia. Me ha encantado de principio a fin. Había leído muy poco sobre ella y prácticamente fui a ciegas y me he encontrado una historia preciosa, con unos personajes que me han enamorado.
Lo he amado por completo <3.
Lo he amado por completo <3.
August 11, 2023
Antes de mais agradecer à autora pela oportunidade de ler um dos romances mais esperados deste ano em formato arc é uma honra para mim ser reconhecida por autores e poder ler estas pérolas 🫶🏻
Pois bem, eu tinha uma ideia de como este livro seria, a verdade é que acabou por ser completamente diferente do que esperava (mas no melhor sentido possível). Fui surpreendida a cada capítulo que lia e sim, a autora é das melhores autoras indie de romance que descobri este ano. A facilidade com que aborda certos temas, fazendo tudo ter valor ao mesmo tempo que nos desperta as emoções...é surreal ✨️
O facto da história ser contada somente do POV da Amelie faz com que o leitor se sinta muito próximo dela, e curiosamente faz com que valorize ainda mais o Ian, pois vê-lo pelos olhos da Amelie é único, precioso e um desvendar lindo da personagem - apaixonamo-nos por ele conforme a Amelie se apaixona por ele e deixem que vos diga que é literalmente impossível não amar o Ian!!! Uma curiosidade - as minhas quotes preferidas são todas proferidas por ele ❤️
O crescimento da Amelie é algo que me tocou imenso...todo o seu modo de ser e de estar com os outros, o facto de nunca valorizar o que quer e o que sente, o facto de se menosprezar apenas porque não se considera digna de algo...doeu-me a ler pois foi muito pessoal; foi rever-me nela e compreender o seu crescimento como algo que também eu devo fazer. Aprendi com ela, estou orgulhosa dela 🥹
Não estava à espera que a história ocorresse no passado e no presente, mas essa dualidade transportou o leitor para a viagem que é a relação da Amelie e do Ian de um modo muito especial, foi muito interessante e enriquecedor para as emoções experienciadas. Nota-se claramente que a autora evoluiu no modo como conta histórias e é um prazer ler qualquer coisa que ela escreva pois podia ser a história de qualquer um de nós.
O livro surpreendeu-me em vários aspetos: dei por mim a rir que nem uma louca com determinada cenas, pois eram tão caricatas e constrajedoras que só dava para rir; fiquei com o coração quentinho com as declarações de amor presentes, não só as que são ditas por palavras, mas as que são ditas por gestos; e sim, fiquei chocada com as revelações do final (não estava nada à espera daquilo, fiquei zangada mas adorei que fosse algo deste género). E claro que o cameo da Heaven e do Shane foi só a coisa mais fofa e adorável do mundo!!! Amei 😍
Claro que recomendo, como poderia não recomendar depois disto tudo...
Pois bem, eu tinha uma ideia de como este livro seria, a verdade é que acabou por ser completamente diferente do que esperava (mas no melhor sentido possível). Fui surpreendida a cada capítulo que lia e sim, a autora é das melhores autoras indie de romance que descobri este ano. A facilidade com que aborda certos temas, fazendo tudo ter valor ao mesmo tempo que nos desperta as emoções...é surreal ✨️
O facto da história ser contada somente do POV da Amelie faz com que o leitor se sinta muito próximo dela, e curiosamente faz com que valorize ainda mais o Ian, pois vê-lo pelos olhos da Amelie é único, precioso e um desvendar lindo da personagem - apaixonamo-nos por ele conforme a Amelie se apaixona por ele e deixem que vos diga que é literalmente impossível não amar o Ian!!! Uma curiosidade - as minhas quotes preferidas são todas proferidas por ele ❤️
O crescimento da Amelie é algo que me tocou imenso...todo o seu modo de ser e de estar com os outros, o facto de nunca valorizar o que quer e o que sente, o facto de se menosprezar apenas porque não se considera digna de algo...doeu-me a ler pois foi muito pessoal; foi rever-me nela e compreender o seu crescimento como algo que também eu devo fazer. Aprendi com ela, estou orgulhosa dela 🥹
Não estava à espera que a história ocorresse no passado e no presente, mas essa dualidade transportou o leitor para a viagem que é a relação da Amelie e do Ian de um modo muito especial, foi muito interessante e enriquecedor para as emoções experienciadas. Nota-se claramente que a autora evoluiu no modo como conta histórias e é um prazer ler qualquer coisa que ela escreva pois podia ser a história de qualquer um de nós.
O livro surpreendeu-me em vários aspetos: dei por mim a rir que nem uma louca com determinada cenas, pois eram tão caricatas e constrajedoras que só dava para rir; fiquei com o coração quentinho com as declarações de amor presentes, não só as que são ditas por palavras, mas as que são ditas por gestos; e sim, fiquei chocada com as revelações do final (não estava nada à espera daquilo, fiquei zangada mas adorei que fosse algo deste género). E claro que o cameo da Heaven e do Shane foi só a coisa mais fofa e adorável do mundo!!! Amei 😍
Claro que recomendo, como poderia não recomendar depois disto tudo...
August 10, 2023
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
“I knew I was playing with fire, Amelie. And besides, I’d let you burn me anytime.”
I was absolutely eating out of the palm of this book's hand. The way this was written as a dual timeline was masterful. Each piece of new and slightly vague information you learn has you begging to know what the full story is. And as it unravels, you will absolutely fall in Amelie and Ian.
If you're a doormat like a lot of us are (me 🙋♀️), you're going to relate to Amelie so much that it will pain you to read about yourself on page. And Ian? F*cking swoon. He's hilarious. He's the golden retriever everyone wants. He's just falling hard from minute one for Amelie, no matter the consequences or stipulations (even to his own heart and his own rules). This man is a green flag. The biggest green flag. The perfect brand of "will burn the world down just to make her happy." The angst of this relationship made me want to burn the world down for HIM.
The spice in this, you ask? Bless you, Letizia Lorini. “You make me powerless. You own me.” If a man said that to me (and this was not even close to the most insane thing that came out of Ian's mouth), I'd probably fall flat on my face.
In summary, I'm obsessed.
“I knew I was playing with fire, Amelie. And besides, I’d let you burn me anytime.”
I was absolutely eating out of the palm of this book's hand. The way this was written as a dual timeline was masterful. Each piece of new and slightly vague information you learn has you begging to know what the full story is. And as it unravels, you will absolutely fall in Amelie and Ian.
If you're a doormat like a lot of us are (me 🙋♀️), you're going to relate to Amelie so much that it will pain you to read about yourself on page. And Ian? F*cking swoon. He's hilarious. He's the golden retriever everyone wants. He's just falling hard from minute one for Amelie, no matter the consequences or stipulations (even to his own heart and his own rules). This man is a green flag. The biggest green flag. The perfect brand of "will burn the world down just to make her happy." The angst of this relationship made me want to burn the world down for HIM.
The spice in this, you ask? Bless you, Letizia Lorini. “You make me powerless. You own me.” If a man said that to me (and this was not even close to the most insane thing that came out of Ian's mouth), I'd probably fall flat on my face.
In summary, I'm obsessed.
July 18, 2025
“—Te escogí incondicionalmente y nunca cambiaré de opinión.”
Ian me encantó, el resto de la historia no tanto.
Pensamientos generales 🍰
Al principio la historia en sí me llamaba mucho la atención, incluso la primera mitad los pude leer con bastante ganas, pero el punto central es que los capítulos que alternaban con el pasado no me agradaron mucho. Y también muchísimas cosas me parecieron muy desesperantes.
Ian 🫦
Este hombre me fascinó, toda su personalidad, un tipo gracioso, golden retriever aura, precioso, simpático. Muchísimas cosas positivas tengo para decir de él. Que fue migajero? Si, lo fue. Y en algunos momentos me dio rabia con él, por eso mismo, que aunque Amelie no se decidía como tal, él aún seguía ahí aceptando todo eso, y obviamente no iba a terminar tan bien.
Amelie🌷
No sé ni qué opinar sobre ella. Fue un personaje femenino que no conecté mucho con ella, con muchísimos aspectos de su historia, me pareció desesperante. Y la verdad es que me aburría. Ese tira y afloja que tenía con Ian y con su ex, no fue lo mío. Un dramón se formó de todo eso y pienso que no valió la pena.
Ian x Amelie 💗
Mmm... Si historia juntos me pareció un caos, no me gustan los libros en qué se centran tanto en el pasado para contar los hechos que los unió. Que si quería leer como terminaron envueltos en todo ese lío, pero muchos capítulos ni siquiera me interesaban, me aburrieron muchísimo. Como pareja los pude disfrutar bien bien, fue para los últimos capítulos. Porque con los capítulos del pasado no sentí su conexión, ni sentimientos de amor, todo fue un poco meh.
Cuando hay drama de terceros y capítulos alternados con el pasado (pero muchísimos) no puedo disfrutar de una historia bien, y si no está bien llevada, peor. Es ese tipo de historia que debería ser comedia romántica, pero para nada lo fue, a mí parecer. Seguramente pronto se me olvidan hasta los personajes.
Ian me encantó, el resto de la historia no tanto.
Pensamientos generales 🍰
Al principio la historia en sí me llamaba mucho la atención, incluso la primera mitad los pude leer con bastante ganas, pero el punto central es que los capítulos que alternaban con el pasado no me agradaron mucho. Y también muchísimas cosas me parecieron muy desesperantes.
Ian 🫦
Este hombre me fascinó, toda su personalidad, un tipo gracioso, golden retriever aura, precioso, simpático. Muchísimas cosas positivas tengo para decir de él. Que fue migajero? Si, lo fue. Y en algunos momentos me dio rabia con él, por eso mismo, que aunque Amelie no se decidía como tal, él aún seguía ahí aceptando todo eso, y obviamente no iba a terminar tan bien.
Amelie🌷
No sé ni qué opinar sobre ella. Fue un personaje femenino que no conecté mucho con ella, con muchísimos aspectos de su historia, me pareció desesperante. Y la verdad es que me aburría. Ese tira y afloja que tenía con Ian y con su ex, no fue lo mío. Un dramón se formó de todo eso y pienso que no valió la pena.
Ian x Amelie 💗
Mmm... Si historia juntos me pareció un caos, no me gustan los libros en qué se centran tanto en el pasado para contar los hechos que los unió. Que si quería leer como terminaron envueltos en todo ese lío, pero muchos capítulos ni siquiera me interesaban, me aburrieron muchísimo. Como pareja los pude disfrutar bien bien, fue para los últimos capítulos. Porque con los capítulos del pasado no sentí su conexión, ni sentimientos de amor, todo fue un poco meh.
Cuando hay drama de terceros y capítulos alternados con el pasado (pero muchísimos) no puedo disfrutar de una historia bien, y si no está bien llevada, peor. Es ese tipo de historia que debería ser comedia romántica, pero para nada lo fue, a mí parecer. Seguramente pronto se me olvidan hasta los personajes.
May 7, 2024
Firstly, the cover is misleading, it's not all cute and shit.
And almost 500 pages is way too long.
The dual timeline is interesting but I was so frustrated. I feel like 70% of the book gave nothing. Yeah, past was cool and fun but present was toxic and frustrating.
Ian is a cute MMC and he really broke my heart when I fucking cried. That's your VIP ticket to my book bf list. 🫡
But the FMC was so annoying. I get her in some ways but she was a coward. I still don't feel like she deserved Ian tbh. I didn't understand her obsession for wedding, the ways she was lying/omitting dumb shit that would have avoided issues... I don't hate her because she wasn't perfect and that's realistic but her reasons made me so mad.
I think what annoyed me the most was, having the full story ~ 80% of the book. And the last 10% made me roll my eyes so much. I get the
Fuck you Martha and your excuses. And what happened to Frank?
And almost 500 pages is way too long.
The dual timeline is interesting but I was so frustrated. I feel like 70% of the book gave nothing. Yeah, past was cool and fun but present was toxic and frustrating.
Ian is a cute MMC and he really broke my heart when I fucking cried. That's your VIP ticket to my book bf list. 🫡
But the FMC was so annoying. I get her in some ways but she was a coward. I still don't feel like she deserved Ian tbh. I didn't understand her obsession for wedding, the ways she was lying/omitting dumb shit that would have avoided issues... I don't hate her because she wasn't perfect and that's realistic but her reasons made me so mad.
I think what annoyed me the most was, having the full story ~ 80% of the book. And the last 10% made me roll my eyes so much. I get the
Fuck you Martha and your excuses. And what happened to Frank?
August 3, 2023
I wish words did justice to this book, I wish a million reviews did justice to this book, I wish a standing ovation all over the world did justice to this book, but no matter what, nothing does justice to how beautiful this book was, how lovely this journey has been and how deeply invested I have been in. I knew Letizia had an art of writing for when I read Shane's book, but Ian's book? It crossed all charts. I read this book in one sitting, letting go of my sleep to keep both characters, especially Ian, so close to my heart because me falling asleep scared me that I might lose hold of them. And I never wanted to lose them, never wanted to let go. I drank this book, felt tears prick my eyes on many occasions and never have I ever wanted a couple to end up together so badly. Ian and Amelie? They are made for each other, they belong with each other, they are just....meant to be. If fate believes in love? It certainly created our #Amelan. I love them, I love them so much that I would specially be getting a paperback of their story because I just need it right there, in front of me, as a reminder that in this cruel and upsetting world, if I never get love? If I am that unfortunate enough? I'll live by the feeling that somewhere here, Shane and Heaven exist, Ian and Amelie exist, and that love? Love blooms between them, blossoming a bubble around them that is too beautiful and too pure to look at.
I wish I could put it into more words for how well put together this book is, how well the emotions play in this, oh-yes, the way this book has emotions? I love books which play with emotions and their painful life is exactly what pulled at my heartstrings. They both went through so much, especially Ian. Love is a stupid thing. Especially when you fall in love with a person you cannot have. And to see Ian KNOW this, he still chose to hurt himself by keeping the life of friendship alive, knowing how much it used to hurt him and chisel him alive that she can never be his. Because that's what loves makes you do. As Amelie said, I'll say it in regards of Ian, "Going after that one percent is better than not going at all."
Ian broke my heart every single time just because he was breaking his in return. There are many scenes which just break your heart so beautifully for them that you wish to the stars above for them to be together through thick and thin. Seeing Ian cry as he wished for what his heart desired and all the chaos that had followed and that followed? Purely heartbreaking. But seeing them together at the ICCE, especially towards the end? I loved it. I loved each and every single moment of them, the end making me scream in delight and happiness at least a million times, Letizia can testify to that through our dms. My one respectful dm was also along the lines, "I want to scream and dance and hold your hands as I twirl you around and hurl you out of the window because that's how happy I am."
I would 10000000000000000000000% recommend this book to everyone. It doesn't matter what your taste it, this book? This author? She is meant for you. I wish I got my message across but Ian and Amelie? They deserve all the daisies and all the cheese nachos with champagne and all the popular and unpopular opinions and all the cheesy lines, because rest assured, they were so buttery good. So buttery French, that Eiffel for them. (Yes, Letizia, thank you for this.) And audience? Let me extend Letizia's sweet, warm hugs to you in the best and nicest way possible, "I'm not as think as you drunk I am." Au revoir
—— 🖤💞🖤💞🖤💞🖤
“Hi, beautiful Amelie.”
---
“I meant it when I said I’m not looking for a girlfriend, Amelie. But you . . .” He shrugs. “You’re my favorite notification.”
---
“I’ve wanted you for a whole year, every single day.”
—-
Every single furrow and muscle in his body has been put in front of me to lead me down a road of temptation I honestly want no GPS for.
—-
A friend is someone who doesn’t judge you. Who maybe can’t make things better, but will try, and if all else fails, will just sit in silence with you. Someone you can count on, someone who is happy when you are. A friend is someone who makes you laugh a little harder and smile a whole lot more.” With another step, he stands before me. “You are that to me. Am I that to you?”
“Yes,” I answer with no hesitation. “You are.”
—
“You and I are never a bad idea,” he says in a dark voice that sends a wave of pressure down my stomach.
—-
I want you so much my everything hurts.
—-
“You’re mine, Amelie, You’re all . . . fucking . . . mine.”
—-
“I knew I was playing with fire, Amelie. And besides, I’d let you burn me anytime.”
—-
“You’re my perfect girl.”
—-
“I chose you unconditionally, and I’ll never change my mind.”
—-
“You feel like a fucking dream I don’t want to wake up from, Amelie.”
—-
I’d do it all over again. I’d take any path, no matter how painful, as long as it brought me here. To Ian.
---
“Know what’s on the menu?”
As he flashes the brightest smile at me, my heart flutters. I do know what’s on the menu.
“Me n’ u.”
---
“But I’d marry you every day, forever, if that’s what you wanted.”
I wish I could put it into more words for how well put together this book is, how well the emotions play in this, oh-yes, the way this book has emotions? I love books which play with emotions and their painful life is exactly what pulled at my heartstrings. They both went through so much, especially Ian. Love is a stupid thing. Especially when you fall in love with a person you cannot have. And to see Ian KNOW this, he still chose to hurt himself by keeping the life of friendship alive, knowing how much it used to hurt him and chisel him alive that she can never be his. Because that's what loves makes you do. As Amelie said, I'll say it in regards of Ian, "Going after that one percent is better than not going at all."
Ian broke my heart every single time just because he was breaking his in return. There are many scenes which just break your heart so beautifully for them that you wish to the stars above for them to be together through thick and thin. Seeing Ian cry as he wished for what his heart desired and all the chaos that had followed and that followed? Purely heartbreaking. But seeing them together at the ICCE, especially towards the end? I loved it. I loved each and every single moment of them, the end making me scream in delight and happiness at least a million times, Letizia can testify to that through our dms. My one respectful dm was also along the lines, "I want to scream and dance and hold your hands as I twirl you around and hurl you out of the window because that's how happy I am."
I would 10000000000000000000000% recommend this book to everyone. It doesn't matter what your taste it, this book? This author? She is meant for you. I wish I got my message across but Ian and Amelie? They deserve all the daisies and all the cheese nachos with champagne and all the popular and unpopular opinions and all the cheesy lines, because rest assured, they were so buttery good. So buttery French, that Eiffel for them. (Yes, Letizia, thank you for this.) And audience? Let me extend Letizia's sweet, warm hugs to you in the best and nicest way possible, "I'm not as think as you drunk I am." Au revoir
—— 🖤💞🖤💞🖤💞🖤
“Hi, beautiful Amelie.”
---
“I meant it when I said I’m not looking for a girlfriend, Amelie. But you . . .” He shrugs. “You’re my favorite notification.”
---
“I’ve wanted you for a whole year, every single day.”
—-
Every single furrow and muscle in his body has been put in front of me to lead me down a road of temptation I honestly want no GPS for.
—-
A friend is someone who doesn’t judge you. Who maybe can’t make things better, but will try, and if all else fails, will just sit in silence with you. Someone you can count on, someone who is happy when you are. A friend is someone who makes you laugh a little harder and smile a whole lot more.” With another step, he stands before me. “You are that to me. Am I that to you?”
“Yes,” I answer with no hesitation. “You are.”
—
“You and I are never a bad idea,” he says in a dark voice that sends a wave of pressure down my stomach.
—-
I want you so much my everything hurts.
—-
“You’re mine, Amelie, You’re all . . . fucking . . . mine.”
—-
“I knew I was playing with fire, Amelie. And besides, I’d let you burn me anytime.”
—-
“You’re my perfect girl.”
—-
“I chose you unconditionally, and I’ll never change my mind.”
—-
“You feel like a fucking dream I don’t want to wake up from, Amelie.”
—-
I’d do it all over again. I’d take any path, no matter how painful, as long as it brought me here. To Ian.
---
“Know what’s on the menu?”
As he flashes the brightest smile at me, my heart flutters. I do know what’s on the menu.
“Me n’ u.”
---
“But I’d marry you every day, forever, if that’s what you wanted.”
December 2, 2025
I loved it!
What a surprise. A delightful book that I read in one day. It was funny and romantic and I loved the banter!
What a surprise. A delightful book that I read in one day. It was funny and romantic and I loved the banter!
May 5, 2025
Realmente e un 4,5⭐️ por que vaya FAN-TA-SIA AHHHH
tan gracioso, bonito, original, y he amado a Ian MUCHO o sea nuevo crush desbloqueado🫶🏼
La historia me ha encantado y sobretodo me ha parecido súper original, además creo que le da un punto muy chulo lo de los saltos al pasado, la cuenta atrás y los detalles como si fuera lit una boda, de verdad que me ha parecido una romcom preciosa y pienso leer TODO de esta autora💋
Por cierto mención especial al spicy por que a pesar de haber 2 escenas contadas TELITA🔥
Si quieres un libro que se leer solo este es tu libro✨🙏🏼💋
tan gracioso, bonito, original, y he amado a Ian MUCHO o sea nuevo crush desbloqueado🫶🏼
La historia me ha encantado y sobretodo me ha parecido súper original, además creo que le da un punto muy chulo lo de los saltos al pasado, la cuenta atrás y los detalles como si fuera lit una boda, de verdad que me ha parecido una romcom preciosa y pienso leer TODO de esta autora💋
Por cierto mención especial al spicy por que a pesar de haber 2 escenas contadas TELITA🔥
Si quieres un libro que se leer solo este es tu libro✨🙏🏼💋
August 20, 2023
Read if you like:
- Friends to lovers
- Then vs. now chapters
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
This was honestly an absolutely brilliant read! Definitely become a new favourite romance book🫶
I loved the premise of the story. I was so entertained by the story and came to care so deeply for the characters.
The “then/now” structure of the chapters with the tropes made for such an amazing book!
Thank you to Letizia for writing the book and sending me the arc!
- Friends to lovers
- Then vs. now chapters
- Slow burn
- Forced proximity
This was honestly an absolutely brilliant read! Definitely become a new favourite romance book🫶
I loved the premise of the story. I was so entertained by the story and came to care so deeply for the characters.
The “then/now” structure of the chapters with the tropes made for such an amazing book!
Thank you to Letizia for writing the book and sending me the arc!
September 15, 2023
Dnf’d at 24%
Unpopular opinion
Was so looking forward to this but couldn’t get over:
1) the obsession with weddings the fmc had - even having her dress made before she was ever proposed to etc was just plain weird. Made it difficult to understand mmc’s attraction to her as I don’t know many men who wouldn’t have run a mile after listening to her prattle on about her wedding when she wasn’t even engaged
2) The arrangement her bf came up with which she begrudgingly accepted.
I understand the book was probably about her saying f you and becoming a stronger person but I just didn’t want to make myself read through it.
Skipped to the end and was pleased I hadn’t invested more of my time.
Others will love it, just not for me.
Unpopular opinion
Was so looking forward to this but couldn’t get over:
1) the obsession with weddings the fmc had - even having her dress made before she was ever proposed to etc was just plain weird. Made it difficult to understand mmc’s attraction to her as I don’t know many men who wouldn’t have run a mile after listening to her prattle on about her wedding when she wasn’t even engaged
2) The arrangement her bf came up with which she begrudgingly accepted.
I understand the book was probably about her saying f you and becoming a stronger person but I just didn’t want to make myself read through it.
Skipped to the end and was pleased I hadn’t invested more of my time.
Others will love it, just not for me.
October 14, 2023
this book was such a refreshing read - the writing was so well done and the chemistry between the main characters was so obvious from the first page. 10/10
January 2, 2024
i love love love ian and amelie <3 didn’t really expect much when i started the book but ended up finishing it in one sitting and it became one of my fav reads ever.
November 26, 2024
This was a cute and good time 🕺 the story was entertaining and fast paced, and I loved the chef and wedding aspects of the plot/story. There was so much dramaaa which I ate up. The characters were okay!!! Nothing super memorable for me but enjoyable. My biggest gripe with this book is it felt way too long. It started to drag a bit and I was losing interest but overall had a good time with it
October 19, 2024
thank you letizia for the arc copy!!!
THIS BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON KU AND B&N/BAM/AMAZON/OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS
**spoiler free**
for her follow up novel to desserts for stressed people letizia lorini knocked it out of the park again.
our fmc, amelie, is basically getting kicked while she’s already down. over and over again.
we follow a dual timeline. one is in the present day at the ICCE conference, and one is from a year ago where amelie meets our mmc, ian, at her friend’s wedding.
when they meet, amelie has a deadbeat boyfriend, dead end job, and a really shitty best friend. and ian takes on the role of her new best friend and impromptu therapist, especially once the deadbeat boyfriend asks for an open relationship.
in the present day, ian and amelie meet up at the conference by accident. they experienced a falling out that left them both broken-hearted and some things were left unresolved.
ian is loud out loud funny with a very dry sense of humor that could definitely label the man as a hell of a flirt. he’s the type of guy that if you met him at a bar, you’d be smitten with him immediately. he truly listens to amelie, which is something she’s been missing from her life for years. someone who LISTENS to HER. he also definitely, DEFINITELY hates butter.
he has lots of unpopular opinions to share, especially his opinions on marriage which aren’t great, or even good. but all of his opinions are phrased hilariously and make you giggle. even his reason for why marriage sucks.
and let me tell you… ian has a DIRTY mouth. he flirts with amelie shamelessly and tells him exactly what he would like to do to her. and boy… he follows through.
amelie starts off as a doormat. she just takes it because that’s how she feels like she should handle it. these people have been good to her so she feels like she has no choice but to roll over and take it. but ian says “fuck it” and teaches her to have the same attitude.
his interactions with amelie help her transform into someone with a take no shit attitude. he sees that she’s far too busy caring for everyone around her to put herself first, and that’s exactly what he wants her to do.
not to mention… their families own rival restaurants and have their own little romeo and juliet situation going on.
with funny side characters and the side characters you wish were real just so you could shove them around a bit, lorini brings these characters to life. i was kicking my feet, giggling, gasping, my jaw was dropped. i was tearing up. not many authors can pull this type of emotion from me. i was nearly crying with laughter at the infamous butter scene.
all i have left to say is lorini is definitely NOT a one hit wonder and i cannot WAIT for the third book.
not part of my original review but i’ll add it anyways incase my mother reads this… i adore letizia. the way she makes her readers feel so involved in the process is something crazy. i feel like she’s my friend and not just another author i obsess over (daily, because i do. i haven’t stopped thinking about shane or ian for a single day since reading.) i hope that letizia gets everything she deserves (a feature in barnes & waterstones & all the other big bookstores) and more. i’m so grateful to be an arc reader for her. she’s the best and 100% the type of author we should be supporting.
THIS BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON KU AND B&N/BAM/AMAZON/OTHER MAJOR RETAILERS
**spoiler free**
for her follow up novel to desserts for stressed people letizia lorini knocked it out of the park again.
our fmc, amelie, is basically getting kicked while she’s already down. over and over again.
we follow a dual timeline. one is in the present day at the ICCE conference, and one is from a year ago where amelie meets our mmc, ian, at her friend’s wedding.
when they meet, amelie has a deadbeat boyfriend, dead end job, and a really shitty best friend. and ian takes on the role of her new best friend and impromptu therapist, especially once the deadbeat boyfriend asks for an open relationship.
in the present day, ian and amelie meet up at the conference by accident. they experienced a falling out that left them both broken-hearted and some things were left unresolved.
ian is loud out loud funny with a very dry sense of humor that could definitely label the man as a hell of a flirt. he’s the type of guy that if you met him at a bar, you’d be smitten with him immediately. he truly listens to amelie, which is something she’s been missing from her life for years. someone who LISTENS to HER. he also definitely, DEFINITELY hates butter.
he has lots of unpopular opinions to share, especially his opinions on marriage which aren’t great, or even good. but all of his opinions are phrased hilariously and make you giggle. even his reason for why marriage sucks.
and let me tell you… ian has a DIRTY mouth. he flirts with amelie shamelessly and tells him exactly what he would like to do to her. and boy… he follows through.
amelie starts off as a doormat. she just takes it because that’s how she feels like she should handle it. these people have been good to her so she feels like she has no choice but to roll over and take it. but ian says “fuck it” and teaches her to have the same attitude.
his interactions with amelie help her transform into someone with a take no shit attitude. he sees that she’s far too busy caring for everyone around her to put herself first, and that’s exactly what he wants her to do.
not to mention… their families own rival restaurants and have their own little romeo and juliet situation going on.
with funny side characters and the side characters you wish were real just so you could shove them around a bit, lorini brings these characters to life. i was kicking my feet, giggling, gasping, my jaw was dropped. i was tearing up. not many authors can pull this type of emotion from me. i was nearly crying with laughter at the infamous butter scene.
all i have left to say is lorini is definitely NOT a one hit wonder and i cannot WAIT for the third book.
not part of my original review but i’ll add it anyways incase my mother reads this… i adore letizia. the way she makes her readers feel so involved in the process is something crazy. i feel like she’s my friend and not just another author i obsess over (daily, because i do. i haven’t stopped thinking about shane or ian for a single day since reading.) i hope that letizia gets everything she deserves (a feature in barnes & waterstones & all the other big bookstores) and more. i’m so grateful to be an arc reader for her. she’s the best and 100% the type of author we should be supporting.
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