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Forbidden Love #1
Truly Madly Deeply
This old flame just might set them on fire.
Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.
Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating…
And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.
Ambrose has a lot on his plate: a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.
Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.
Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.
Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.
***
Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.
Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.
Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.
Too bad she’s always been clumsy.
Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.
Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.
Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating…
And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.
Ambrose has a lot on his plate: a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.
Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.
Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.
Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.
***
Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.
Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.
Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.
Too bad she’s always been clumsy.
Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.
16 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 10, 2024
16760 people are currently reading
83182 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Shen
81 books56.4k followersL.J. Shen is a New York Times, USA Today, WSJ, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Kindle Store bestselling author of contemporary romance books.
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
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Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
She writes angsty books, unredeemable anti-heroes who are in Bill Gates's tax bracket, and sassy heroines who bring them to their knees (for more reasons than one).
Keep up with L.J. on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3LhsIrb
Instagram➜ shorturl.at/cDJRZ
TikTok ➜ shorturl.at/frw59
Facebook➜ https://goo.gl/fKCSo4
Website ➜ www.authorljshen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,978 reviews
September 12, 2024
I deserve a tub of ice cream, a box of pizza, and a cup of hot chocolate as my rewards for finishing this, freaking finally. 😭
How this ended up being so incredibly awful still amazes me.
Nowhere to be found chemistry? ✅
Annoying and immature MCs? ✅
All over the place story? ✅
Drawn-out plot for nothing? ✅
Irritating push and pull? ✅
Very cringey public grand gesture? ✅
Way too many to count freaking cliches? ✅
Don't get me started on that candy cane and zucchini, because seriously, wtf???
Idk who's more insufferable, Cal or Row, but I think it's the former not saying the latter isn't; he's just a bit more tolerable compared to her (by a minuscule). Whatever the case, I'll just hate them both because these two pissed me off way too much and for far too long. My blood pressure has never skyrocketed this fast, and it's all thanks to these morons. 😤
This was a freaking hardship to go through. I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. I'll never understand why I subjected myself to this atrocity when it's clearly not working for me. I could rant on and on about the things that made me cringe and roll my eyes so hard, but that would be wasting my time yet again. My hours spent on this book are terrible enough, but it would be even worse if I had to dedicate much time just to write a loooong freaking review, so I'm not going to.
The only positive aspect from this is that it added to my GR reading challenge; other than that, I can't say anything else. 🤷♀️
PS. I'm not sure, but I think the succeeding books might be about the following characters:
— Dylan x Kieran (single mom x soccer player >> gotta say I'm intrigued)
— Tate x Gia (boss x assistant >> never, nope, not in this lifetime)
How this ended up being so incredibly awful still amazes me.
Nowhere to be found chemistry? ✅
Annoying and immature MCs? ✅
All over the place story? ✅
Drawn-out plot for nothing? ✅
Irritating push and pull? ✅
Very cringey public grand gesture? ✅
Way too many to count freaking cliches? ✅
Don't get me started on that candy cane and zucchini, because seriously, wtf???
Idk who's more insufferable, Cal or Row, but I think it's the former not saying the latter isn't; he's just a bit more tolerable compared to her (by a minuscule). Whatever the case, I'll just hate them both because these two pissed me off way too much and for far too long. My blood pressure has never skyrocketed this fast, and it's all thanks to these morons. 😤
This was a freaking hardship to go through. I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. I'll never understand why I subjected myself to this atrocity when it's clearly not working for me. I could rant on and on about the things that made me cringe and roll my eyes so hard, but that would be wasting my time yet again. My hours spent on this book are terrible enough, but it would be even worse if I had to dedicate much time just to write a loooong freaking review, so I'm not going to.
The only positive aspect from this is that it added to my GR reading challenge; other than that, I can't say anything else. 🤷♀️
PS. I'm not sure, but I think the succeeding books might be about the following characters:
— Dylan x Kieran (single mom x soccer player >> gotta say I'm intrigued)
— Tate x Gia (boss x assistant >> never, nope, not in this lifetime)
October 14, 2025
➸ 2.75/5 stars
I was kind of intrigued by this book because it seemed different from shen’s books that I read before (read and hated may I say) and it was a decent read to be fair.
Two main points that held this book from being a good read.
1) L.j. Shen’s writing: is quite torturous for me, I don’t think I’ll read more books my her soon even tho “all saints high” is in my tbr but her monologues were excessive, and her humor was not for me because she’ll try to make a joke about everything but it miserably failed.
2) the FMC: I’m not even shocked because I’ve read 7 books by Shen and hated all of her fmcs and this one was the same, or maybe it’s just because she’s a huge people pleaser and I’ve had trauma from a certain people pleaser person in my life so I couldn’t stand her … also she was about to propose to him but he stopped her, maybe I’m a brat But you’ll never catch me making even a move for a man, HE will do everything or he can screw away 😭 she’s also Russian but the only Russian thing she did was saying “Mamushka” and that “she can handle alcohol” please can white authors stop with such stereotypes already?
But the Mmc was the surprise! Because in the previous 7 books I’ve read by L.j. Shen I hated all of her men but he IS the anomaly, in a good way in this case. He was incredibly patient with her which is the hottest trait a man can have imo, he’s a Michelin star chef *bite lip* he’s considering and have been in love with her for YEARS. And supported her dream even tho when he thought he lost her, he had a Tiffany ring on him all the time because he hoped to propose to her, I just can’t with fictional men anymore they make my already high standards higher *sigh* staying single until someone do all of this for me. The relationship itself wasn’t bad, it was well and realistically developed with needed banter, angst and pace not rushing not slowing so that’s a win. The characters fight inner battles but opened up to each other yet still it felt so bland. and Trigger warning: He fucked her with a zucchini Just thought you should know.
***ALC Provided by the Publisher Dreamscape Media.***
I was kind of intrigued by this book because it seemed different from shen’s books that I read before (read and hated may I say) and it was a decent read to be fair.
Two main points that held this book from being a good read.
1) L.j. Shen’s writing: is quite torturous for me, I don’t think I’ll read more books my her soon even tho “all saints high” is in my tbr but her monologues were excessive, and her humor was not for me because she’ll try to make a joke about everything but it miserably failed.
2) the FMC: I’m not even shocked because I’ve read 7 books by Shen and hated all of her fmcs and this one was the same, or maybe it’s just because she’s a huge people pleaser and I’ve had trauma from a certain people pleaser person in my life so I couldn’t stand her … also she was about to propose to him but he stopped her, maybe I’m a brat But you’ll never catch me making even a move for a man, HE will do everything or he can screw away 😭 she’s also Russian but the only Russian thing she did was saying “Mamushka” and that “she can handle alcohol” please can white authors stop with such stereotypes already?
But the Mmc was the surprise! Because in the previous 7 books I’ve read by L.j. Shen I hated all of her men but he IS the anomaly, in a good way in this case. He was incredibly patient with her which is the hottest trait a man can have imo, he’s a Michelin star chef *bite lip* he’s considering and have been in love with her for YEARS. And supported her dream even tho when he thought he lost her, he had a Tiffany ring on him all the time because he hoped to propose to her, I just can’t with fictional men anymore they make my already high standards higher *sigh* staying single until someone do all of this for me. The relationship itself wasn’t bad, it was well and realistically developed with needed banter, angst and pace not rushing not slowing so that’s a win. The characters fight inner battles but opened up to each other yet still it felt so bland. and Trigger warning: He fucked her with a zucchini Just thought you should know.
***ALC Provided by the Publisher Dreamscape Media.***
September 6, 2024
I will take absolutely no criticism over Row, I love him so much 😭 the banter, the angst, the fact he fell first 😫😍 this book was everything!
September 1, 2024
🌸 𝙼𝚈 𝚁𝙴𝚅𝙸𝙴𝚆 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁𝚂 🌸 can also be found on my blog:
╰┈➤K𝐈T𝐓Y K𝐀T𝐒 𝐂R𝐀Z𝐘 𝐀B𝐎U𝐓 𝐁O𝐎K𝐒
'𝐓R𝐔L𝐘, M𝐀D𝐋Y, 𝐃E𝐄P𝐋Y' Is the first full length enemies to lovers romance book in her new Forbidden Love Series by author L.J. Shen. Spoken in 'dual perspectives.'
Row (27) 💋 Calla (23)
💋 Grumpy x sunshine
💋 Enemies to lovers
💋 All her firsts
💋 Best friends brother
💋 Slow burn
💋 Millionaire
💋 He fell first
* Celebrity *Major asswhole *Stalked
I'd been anticipating this book and couldn't wait to have it in my hands, and yet again I fell under this authors spell, as soon as I started this I found myself lapping up the words like I was dying of thirst. So in saying that this was inhaled in no time at all.
This had L.J. Shen written all over it, her humour is top notch, I giggled as much as I swooned, these two were perfection.
Row gave Gordon Ramsey a run for his money, and she was unabashedly quirky to a T, making her such a unique likeable character.
Past: Row and Cal found themselves in a compromising situation and were caught out by her best friend, subsequently ending their fourteen year friendship. And since then she's not been back.
Now (5 years later): Cal is back in her hometown, Staindrop Maine and staying with her mother whilst they both grieve, so it was only a matter of time before she saw Row and her ex best friend again with the hopes that she can mend her friendship. She also needs a job and finding out that Row was shorthanded worked in her favour.
I really enjoyed Cal & Row's story, the banter, the sexual tension, the fire, Row definitely had me swooning all over the place. * Teaser used is off the authors facebook page *
September 11, 2024
I love LJ Shen and was super excited about this new release. But this book is just SO BAD. It’s full of cliches badly executed. The writing doesn’t make sense. The MFC is just cringe and stupid and you never really get what the MMC really sees in her.
Struggled to finish reading.
Such a bummer, I was really looking forward to this book coming out! Big disappointment!
Struggled to finish reading.
Such a bummer, I was really looking forward to this book coming out! Big disappointment!
February 5, 2025
he did WHAT with the zucchini???
September 4, 2024
I am unwell. The unholy ways I would worship and praise this masterpiece at the altar are unsettling. This book is the holy grail of passion and the Bible of devotion. This book has a man possessed with great ardor while on his knees pining for his obsession, and this is just the start of the series.
LJ Shen creates the start of a brilliant new series with Truly, Madly, Deeply, which focuses on Calla Litvin and Ambrose Casablancas. Cal, also referred to as Dot by her friends, returns to her hometown in Staindrop, Maine, to help her grieving mother after her father passes away. While providing support to her brokenhearted mother, Cal also wants to mend her broken friendship with her childhood best friend Dylan. Staindrop brings back wonderful yet traumatic memories for Cal, one of them being Ambrose Casablancas, the older brother of Dylan and the object of her childhood fixation. Ambrose, or Row, made a name for himself after leaving Staindrop to become a famous Michelin-starred chef and restauranteur while also making appearances as a reality TV judge. His feelings for Cal are protective at best and obsessive at worst. It’s a small town, and the two have a delicate history together, so when circumstances repeatedly bring them back together again, it reestablishes old past feelings and creates a new beginning, but only if they’re both willing to take the chance.
Cal, my sweet, precious girl. LJ has a way of writing vulnerable and eccentric yet strong female leads, and Cal is a beautiful example of that. She’s a people-pleaser and is oftentimes insecure and indecisive about herself and her choices. Her anxiety and uncertainty were so relatable alongside her andromeda. However, her strength to overcome past trauma and persevere so she could make her father proud and get the love she deserves was admirable. Row, on the other hand, is assuredly confident and secure in himself and his wants and desires. While he retains the quintessential characteristic of LJ’s classic alpha-hole, he also exhibits vulnerability. Row’s protective nature and fixated devotion and desire for Cal are stupendous, to the point where he would drink her bath water if he could. If “after all this time” and “always” were people, it would be Ambrose Casablancas. His unwavering, passionate adoration and infatuation for Cal were ultimately both his strength and heartbreak. The title was so fitting and appropriate for Row because he truly loved Cal madly and deeply.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is a book about devotion, reassurance, self-worth, and family. It regards various themes of acceptance, vulnerability, insecurity, and sacrifice. But above all, it’s a book about rediscovering yourself, overcoming trauma, facing your fears, and opening yourself up to love. This book consumed me in the most devastating way. I ardently, reverently, and vehemently love this book with something fierce. I love the small town of Staindrop; I love the witty side characters, the world-building, the found family, the chat messages, and the hilarious banter. Giving it five stars is such a disservice to the brilliance of this gem. It deserves the entire galaxy of stars.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is LJ at her best, and this is perhaps her best book and series yet. This book is easily and undoubtedly one of my top ten favorite books by her and undeniably one of the best reads of 2024. I am zealously awaiting the next book in this exceptional series, and I fear this will be my Roman Empire for the rest of these few remaining months, and I’m okay with that.
LJ Shen creates the start of a brilliant new series with Truly, Madly, Deeply, which focuses on Calla Litvin and Ambrose Casablancas. Cal, also referred to as Dot by her friends, returns to her hometown in Staindrop, Maine, to help her grieving mother after her father passes away. While providing support to her brokenhearted mother, Cal also wants to mend her broken friendship with her childhood best friend Dylan. Staindrop brings back wonderful yet traumatic memories for Cal, one of them being Ambrose Casablancas, the older brother of Dylan and the object of her childhood fixation. Ambrose, or Row, made a name for himself after leaving Staindrop to become a famous Michelin-starred chef and restauranteur while also making appearances as a reality TV judge. His feelings for Cal are protective at best and obsessive at worst. It’s a small town, and the two have a delicate history together, so when circumstances repeatedly bring them back together again, it reestablishes old past feelings and creates a new beginning, but only if they’re both willing to take the chance.
Cal, my sweet, precious girl. LJ has a way of writing vulnerable and eccentric yet strong female leads, and Cal is a beautiful example of that. She’s a people-pleaser and is oftentimes insecure and indecisive about herself and her choices. Her anxiety and uncertainty were so relatable alongside her andromeda. However, her strength to overcome past trauma and persevere so she could make her father proud and get the love she deserves was admirable. Row, on the other hand, is assuredly confident and secure in himself and his wants and desires. While he retains the quintessential characteristic of LJ’s classic alpha-hole, he also exhibits vulnerability. Row’s protective nature and fixated devotion and desire for Cal are stupendous, to the point where he would drink her bath water if he could. If “after all this time” and “always” were people, it would be Ambrose Casablancas. His unwavering, passionate adoration and infatuation for Cal were ultimately both his strength and heartbreak. The title was so fitting and appropriate for Row because he truly loved Cal madly and deeply.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is a book about devotion, reassurance, self-worth, and family. It regards various themes of acceptance, vulnerability, insecurity, and sacrifice. But above all, it’s a book about rediscovering yourself, overcoming trauma, facing your fears, and opening yourself up to love. This book consumed me in the most devastating way. I ardently, reverently, and vehemently love this book with something fierce. I love the small town of Staindrop; I love the witty side characters, the world-building, the found family, the chat messages, and the hilarious banter. Giving it five stars is such a disservice to the brilliance of this gem. It deserves the entire galaxy of stars.
Truly, Madly, Deeply is LJ at her best, and this is perhaps her best book and series yet. This book is easily and undoubtedly one of my top ten favorite books by her and undeniably one of the best reads of 2024. I am zealously awaiting the next book in this exceptional series, and I fear this will be my Roman Empire for the rest of these few remaining months, and I’m okay with that.
October 8, 2024
3/5 ⭐️ Calla might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I loved her quirkiness. It made me laugh out loud a few times. I also loved how obsessed and in love Row was with Calla, even though on the outside he claimed to “hate” her.
This was pretty enjoyable for me in the beginning but some of the cringy moments were just too over the top. And another thing? It was TOO DAMN LONG! 500+ pages 😵💫. It did not need to be that long for the type of story that it was. It dragged so much.
This was pretty enjoyable for me in the beginning but some of the cringy moments were just too over the top. And another thing? It was TOO DAMN LONG! 500+ pages 😵💫. It did not need to be that long for the type of story that it was. It dragged so much.
October 5, 2024
Grumpy vs. sunshine grumpier!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Calla Litvin (a.k.a. Cal) - when she was eighteen and about to leave for college, she hooked up with her best friend Dylan’s older brother Row. She had a crush on him for a long time. He had the bad boy vibe to a T, was tall, muscular and a total hottie. When Dylan found them together, she threw a hissy fit and ended their friendship. Cal left the next day for Columbia and told herself that she never wanted to step foot in town again. Years later, her father’s death brought her back to town. She had been waiting tables in New York, while trying to get the nerve to start her own true crime podcast. Though now she promised to stay for a while to help out her mother who was reeling from her husband’s death.
The Hero: Ambrose Casablancas (a.k.a. Row) - he is now a world-famous chef, restauranteur, and reality tv judge. He was often featured on morning shows, opening new restaurants and more. He is a grumpy, grouchy broody, sarcastic celebrity. He moved back to his hometown and opened a restaurant nearby. It was awarded three Michelin stars, the only restaurant in the state with that designation.
The Story: Cal was nervous to run across her former bestie, but when Dylan and Row showed up at the funeral, she was happy to find that though Dylan didn’t forgive her for sleeping with her brother, she admitted that she used their falling out to leave Cal behind before Cal left her when she went away to Columbia. Cal was even more surprised to find out that Row now seemed to hate her and wasn’t afraid to show it. Though Cal needed to find somewhere to work while she was in town and when she finds out that Row had two servers quit on him suddenly, she gets a job working at his restaurant.
The story had a good premise, and I do like the grumpy or broody alpha Hero trope. Though some parts were a bit too predictable. Cal had been messaging with some anonymous guy for years, and was able to talk to him about things she couldn’t talk to anyone else. The first time it was brought up in the story, I knew he would turn out to be Row. The guy went by the screen name McMonster and said he worked at a restaurant.
The story also made me feel a bit old since Cal had a bit of an obsession with the 90’s. She went on about how it was a time that had been over before she was born but she liked to dream of the time before social media, influencers, and people being famous for nothing, and all the things that are so prevalent today. I was surprised to find myself getting bored at times during this one. I usually love L.J. Shen romance stories. This just needed something to happen at times.
The female narrator was a problem for me as well. She sounded like she was depressed. Though Cal was a bit depressing quite a bit. This book was billed as grumpy vs. sunshine with Cal having the sunny disposition, but I didn’t find her sunny, quirky or lighthearted. She dwelled on her past and her issues quite a bit. Actually, both of the main characters ruminated way too much on how they couldn’t be together when it was so obvious that all they wanted was to be together. It went on for far too long with neither of them talking out a way to make it happen.
This audiobook was told in two points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Lila Winters. Teddy Hamilton is one of my favorite male narrators. I have to say, I am much fonder of the male narrators than the female for some reason and Teddy is one of the best. He has a sexy, gravelly voice and he always sounds so natural. Lila Winters isn’t horrible, though I am not too fond of her voice. She sounds a bit nasal and angry at times, depressed at others. She seemed to overact when she was narrating Row and Dylan’s parts. It annoyed me.
I voluntarily listened to & reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙💜❤️
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙂🥰😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine: Calla Litvin (a.k.a. Cal) - when she was eighteen and about to leave for college, she hooked up with her best friend Dylan’s older brother Row. She had a crush on him for a long time. He had the bad boy vibe to a T, was tall, muscular and a total hottie. When Dylan found them together, she threw a hissy fit and ended their friendship. Cal left the next day for Columbia and told herself that she never wanted to step foot in town again. Years later, her father’s death brought her back to town. She had been waiting tables in New York, while trying to get the nerve to start her own true crime podcast. Though now she promised to stay for a while to help out her mother who was reeling from her husband’s death.
The Hero: Ambrose Casablancas (a.k.a. Row) - he is now a world-famous chef, restauranteur, and reality tv judge. He was often featured on morning shows, opening new restaurants and more. He is a grumpy, grouchy broody, sarcastic celebrity. He moved back to his hometown and opened a restaurant nearby. It was awarded three Michelin stars, the only restaurant in the state with that designation.
The Story: Cal was nervous to run across her former bestie, but when Dylan and Row showed up at the funeral, she was happy to find that though Dylan didn’t forgive her for sleeping with her brother, she admitted that she used their falling out to leave Cal behind before Cal left her when she went away to Columbia. Cal was even more surprised to find out that Row now seemed to hate her and wasn’t afraid to show it. Though Cal needed to find somewhere to work while she was in town and when she finds out that Row had two servers quit on him suddenly, she gets a job working at his restaurant.
The story had a good premise, and I do like the grumpy or broody alpha Hero trope. Though some parts were a bit too predictable. Cal had been messaging with some anonymous guy for years, and was able to talk to him about things she couldn’t talk to anyone else. The first time it was brought up in the story, I knew he would turn out to be Row. The guy went by the screen name McMonster and said he worked at a restaurant.
The story also made me feel a bit old since Cal had a bit of an obsession with the 90’s. She went on about how it was a time that had been over before she was born but she liked to dream of the time before social media, influencers, and people being famous for nothing, and all the things that are so prevalent today. I was surprised to find myself getting bored at times during this one. I usually love L.J. Shen romance stories. This just needed something to happen at times.
The female narrator was a problem for me as well. She sounded like she was depressed. Though Cal was a bit depressing quite a bit. This book was billed as grumpy vs. sunshine with Cal having the sunny disposition, but I didn’t find her sunny, quirky or lighthearted. She dwelled on her past and her issues quite a bit. Actually, both of the main characters ruminated way too much on how they couldn’t be together when it was so obvious that all they wanted was to be together. It went on for far too long with neither of them talking out a way to make it happen.
“Unpopular opinion. It’s ok not to forgive people who destroy our lives.”
This audiobook was told in two points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Lila Winters. Teddy Hamilton is one of my favorite male narrators. I have to say, I am much fonder of the male narrators than the female for some reason and Teddy is one of the best. He has a sexy, gravelly voice and he always sounds so natural. Lila Winters isn’t horrible, though I am not too fond of her voice. She sounds a bit nasal and angry at times, depressed at others. She seemed to overact when she was narrating Row and Dylan’s parts. It annoyed me.
I voluntarily listened to & reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
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September 11, 2024
LJ Shen strikes again with the captivating, heart-wrenching enemies-to-lovers pull of Row and Calla. The grumpy x sunshine trope was perfection, and this book was enthralling from start to finish.
Row is amazing. His grumpiness is unmatched, but his softness for Calla!? Stunning.
Row is amazing. His grumpiness is unmatched, but his softness for Calla!? Stunning.
September 30, 2025
⋆˚࿔ review 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
3⭐️
Half the time this book was cute and soft, and the other half it was boring me to tears. He was sweet and fell first (simp behavior, we respect it), while she stayed blind for ages before catching up. Her awkwardness had me screaming, especially that first chapter it was rough.
Her family was honestly adorable, the sweetest dynamic ever. My favorite scene was her mom kicking everyone out after a funeral because her favorite kdrama was about to start. That’s the energy I aspire to.
The plot was just alright. Nothing too bad, but nothing special either. I didn’t fully understand her character, even after the big explanations. She stayed confusing, and that didn’t change by the end.
Row was okay. Cute sometimes, but definitely not book-boyfriend material. The fact that he was supposed to be just highlighted how bland he really was.
Dylan was the true star. Her humor carried this entire book. The way she hated on that man with her whole chest had me howling. Celebrating his downfall? Iconic. If I could read a whole book about Dylan alone, I would.
My bestie told me Dylan and Kieran don’t end up together, and I’m still mourning the glimpse I got of them.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I have no clue what this is about, but my bestie has been raving nonstop and swears it’s amazing, so it has to be good… right? 🤭 If it flops, I’m blaming her 😭
3⭐️
Half the time this book was cute and soft, and the other half it was boring me to tears. He was sweet and fell first (simp behavior, we respect it), while she stayed blind for ages before catching up. Her awkwardness had me screaming, especially that first chapter it was rough.
Her family was honestly adorable, the sweetest dynamic ever. My favorite scene was her mom kicking everyone out after a funeral because her favorite kdrama was about to start. That’s the energy I aspire to.
The plot was just alright. Nothing too bad, but nothing special either. I didn’t fully understand her character, even after the big explanations. She stayed confusing, and that didn’t change by the end.
Row was okay. Cute sometimes, but definitely not book-boyfriend material. The fact that he was supposed to be just highlighted how bland he really was.
Dylan was the true star. Her humor carried this entire book. The way she hated on that man with her whole chest had me howling. Celebrating his downfall? Iconic. If I could read a whole book about Dylan alone, I would.
My bestie told me Dylan and Kieran don’t end up together, and I’m still mourning the glimpse I got of them.
⋆. 𐙚 ˚ pre read ⋆. 𐙚 ˚
I have no clue what this is about, but my bestie has been raving nonstop and swears it’s amazing, so it has to be good… right? 🤭 If it flops, I’m blaming her 😭
September 8, 2024
I had no idea what to expect from this book. I have read quite a few books by LJ Shen and each one has hit me differently over the years. I was very intrigued by this one and it was such a ride. Nothing like I expected.
There was the typical anti-hero man, who is almost too cruel at the start. When you don't understand him or you can't see where is hurt and anger comes from. It's almost hard to watch some of the interactions between Row and Cal. Their interactions were sharp and painful to witness.
As it becomes clear that Row is constantly lashing out to keep himself from falling more deeply in love with her... I started to see his heart. He may have convinced himself that he's killed his feelings but spend more that an hour with him and you'll see the truth.
As for Cal, she was also hard to feel for her at times. She gets so badly in her own way yet I found her so endearing at the same times. As her past unfolded in the story, my heart bled for her. She and Row deserve it other and I wanted that SO MUCH, they just needed to get out of their own way.
I also want to caution that this book is darker than it may appear. I know LJ Shen IS known for her Dark Romance, but just because this is being published with a pink and purple cover and through a publisher... well, still check the TWs because I was gutted by a few things.
The connection is palpable between these two and if you can push past their exteriors, I think you will care for these characters as much as I did.
There were a few things that bothered me, though they are hard to articulate here, but that is why it's not quite a 5 star for me, but I do still recommend this.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Child Abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, child exploitation, violence against teenagers, cyber bullying, mention of overdose, androphobia, attempted murder, domestic abuse (some of these are combined when they happen)
*Thank you to Bloom Books and the author for an ARC of this title.*
There was the typical anti-hero man, who is almost too cruel at the start. When you don't understand him or you can't see where is hurt and anger comes from. It's almost hard to watch some of the interactions between Row and Cal. Their interactions were sharp and painful to witness.
As it becomes clear that Row is constantly lashing out to keep himself from falling more deeply in love with her... I started to see his heart. He may have convinced himself that he's killed his feelings but spend more that an hour with him and you'll see the truth.
As for Cal, she was also hard to feel for her at times. She gets so badly in her own way yet I found her so endearing at the same times. As her past unfolded in the story, my heart bled for her. She and Row deserve it other and I wanted that SO MUCH, they just needed to get out of their own way.
I also want to caution that this book is darker than it may appear. I know LJ Shen IS known for her Dark Romance, but just because this is being published with a pink and purple cover and through a publisher... well, still check the TWs because I was gutted by a few things.
The connection is palpable between these two and if you can push past their exteriors, I think you will care for these characters as much as I did.
There were a few things that bothered me, though they are hard to articulate here, but that is why it's not quite a 5 star for me, but I do still recommend this.
4 stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: Child Abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, child exploitation, violence against teenagers, cyber bullying, mention of overdose, androphobia, attempted murder, domestic abuse (some of these are combined when they happen)
*Thank you to Bloom Books and the author for an ARC of this title.*
Read
September 23, 2024So this is an LJ Shen's book (YES, I'M JUDGING). It's second chance romance with zero chemistry and he was her first one and only. Even though during the separation she stayed celibate and he banged every chick he managed to find. Lastly it's L.J. shen and I expected this trash worthy MMC and brainless naive FMC, cause Mrs. Shen hates entire women population.
November 6, 2024
3,5.
It’s a lovely story that made me laugh out loud sometimes.
I thought this book too long maybe it could be more compact .
It’s worth reading.
It’s a lovely story that made me laugh out loud sometimes.
I thought this book too long maybe it could be more compact .
It’s worth reading.
September 17, 2024
This book was not good.
The characters were immature.
The plot dragged on and on, and it was so boring. I don't know why I finished it. I guess I was just hoping it would get better.
There was no chemistry between Row and Dot.
The whole book felt forced and unnatural.
I give it 1.5 stars. The premise was good, but the execution was terrible.
The characters were immature.
The plot dragged on and on, and it was so boring. I don't know why I finished it. I guess I was just hoping it would get better.
There was no chemistry between Row and Dot.
The whole book felt forced and unnatural.
I give it 1.5 stars. The premise was good, but the execution was terrible.
September 10, 2024
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆-𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 🧎♀️🧎♀️🧎♀️.
Ambrose is a grumpy chef who can’t stop thinking about his sister’s best friend. After a steamy night the summer before college, he vowed never to be tempted again... until Cal is back in town and desperate for a job 😏.
I’m sorry, but this book was delicious. The way Ambrose’s inner monologue is all about him trying to "stay away" but still being blunt with Cal was the perfect balance of angst I needed! The relationship they had growing up made it so clear HE WANTS HER, but she’s completely delulu, thinking there’s no way he could be into her.
“𝙔-𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚?”
“𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙛*𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚”
Watching Cal slowly catch on and seeing the domino effect of their connection was filled with tension, drama, and even some trauma, making me scream for her to finally realize his obsession!
“𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
“𝑨 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒇*𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖”
“𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒊’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝑰 𝒈𝒆𝒕.”
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a grump and especially one who is obsessed with a girl he thinks he can’t have, but will take whatever part of her she’s willing to give 🩷.
Thank you, LJ Shen, for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest review!
Tropes:
💘boy obsessed
💘billionaire romance
💘enemies to lovers
💘grumpy x sunshine
💘second chance
💘best friend’s brother
----
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ᡣ𐭩 •｡: LJ SHEN is the queen of angsty men aka why i can’t wait to read this! Also best friend’s brother gimme gimme
Ambrose is a grumpy chef who can’t stop thinking about his sister’s best friend. After a steamy night the summer before college, he vowed never to be tempted again... until Cal is back in town and desperate for a job 😏.
I’m sorry, but this book was delicious. The way Ambrose’s inner monologue is all about him trying to "stay away" but still being blunt with Cal was the perfect balance of angst I needed! The relationship they had growing up made it so clear HE WANTS HER, but she’s completely delulu, thinking there’s no way he could be into her.
“𝙔-𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚?”
“𝙄 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙡𝙡”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙛*𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙚”
Watching Cal slowly catch on and seeing the domino effect of their connection was filled with tension, drama, and even some trauma, making me scream for her to finally realize his obsession!
“𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
“𝑨 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒄𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒇*𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖”
“𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒊’𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒂 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕, 𝑰 𝒈𝒆𝒕.”
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a grump and especially one who is obsessed with a girl he thinks he can’t have, but will take whatever part of her she’s willing to give 🩷.
Thank you, LJ Shen, for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest review!
Tropes:
💘boy obsessed
💘billionaire romance
💘enemies to lovers
💘grumpy x sunshine
💘second chance
💘best friend’s brother
----
𝗽𝗿𝗲-𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 ᡣ𐭩 •｡: LJ SHEN is the queen of angsty men aka why i can’t wait to read this! Also best friend’s brother gimme gimme
December 10, 2024
Reading is a passion of mine, just like so many of you. I often joke that I'm broken because I just don't cry from books. However, L.J. Shen's books touch my soul and stay with me and can almost crack me open. This is the first book in the new forbidden love series.
*grumpy sunshine
*best friends brother
*millionaire
*enemies to lovers
I'm just going to copy the books about for you below because I simply can not do it justice:
This old flame just might set them on fire.
Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.
Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating…
And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.
Ambrose has a lot on his a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.
Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.
Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.
Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.
***
Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.
Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.
Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.
Too bad she’s always been clumsy.
Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.
*grumpy sunshine
*best friends brother
*millionaire
*enemies to lovers
I'm just going to copy the books about for you below because I simply can not do it justice:
This old flame just might set them on fire.
Conceited, unattainable, and downright delicious, renowned Michelin-starred chef Ambrose Casablancas has one passion in life—food.
Women are a distraction, and he doesn’t do those. Especially Cal Litvin, his baby sister’s best friend. Her entire existence is a complication; she’s awkward, eccentric, infuriating…
And, much to his chagrin, hotter than his kitchen.
Ambrose has a lot on his a new restaurant to open, a multimillion-dollar property deal to execute, and a violent stalker to tame.
Then Cal shows up at his doorstep, looking for both a job and salvation after their messy goodbye. His resolve, like his patience, is ebbing each day she works at his restaurant.
Because Cal is no longer a doe-eyed girl.
Now? She’s the woman he’ll do anything to conquer.
***
Quirky, compassionate ball of sunshine Calla Litvin can’t catch a break, and not just because she swore off running.
Back in her hometown to nurse her mother’s broken heart after losing her father, she finds herself jobless, hopeless, and penniless. She hopes to rekindle her friendship with her former BFF, but Dylan is attached at the hip to her cruel brother—the one Cal’s been secretly crushing on since middle school.
Falling for the bad boy the second time around would be a mistake of gargantuan proportions.
Too bad she’s always been clumsy.
Truly, Madly, Deeply, is a grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance. It is the first in the Forbidden Love series, but can be read as a standalone.
January 12, 2025
2.5 stars
There was no need for this book to be as length as it was. One third of it would’ve been just fine. There was nothing really memorable about it, not the story or the characters. I didn’t particularly like or dislike it….just meh!!!!
There was no need for this book to be as length as it was. One third of it would’ve been just fine. There was nothing really memorable about it, not the story or the characters. I didn’t particularly like or dislike it….just meh!!!!
September 3, 2024
I am 100% truly, madly, and so, so deeply in awe of this book by LJ Shen. Row and Cal's story touched every emotion deep in my soul. It was light that it lifted my soul.
It was mysterious that it had me intrigued.
It was romantic that I swooned with delight.
It was heart wrenching that it bruised my heart.
It was thought provoking that it left me contemplating.
It was sweet that it had me reminiscent.
It was steamy that it had me blushing.
I was completely engrossed and enamored in this love story that time stood still for me and I didn't want it to end. I could go on and on stating all the reasons why I love this book so much, but I don't think there are enough words to describe it accurately enough unless you've read the book.
It is so much more than a romance story that it has made it my top 2024 book.
It was mysterious that it had me intrigued.
It was romantic that I swooned with delight.
It was heart wrenching that it bruised my heart.
It was thought provoking that it left me contemplating.
It was sweet that it had me reminiscent.
It was steamy that it had me blushing.
I was completely engrossed and enamored in this love story that time stood still for me and I didn't want it to end. I could go on and on stating all the reasons why I love this book so much, but I don't think there are enough words to describe it accurately enough unless you've read the book.
It is so much more than a romance story that it has made it my top 2024 book.
September 19, 2024
”ever wondered what it might feel like?” “what?” “kissing each other.”
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ 2.5🌟
honestly, i do not know what possessed me to read this. this was my first book by this author BUT i’ll say i’ll be probably reading the rest of this series when i need something quickand shitty.🤧
”it didn’t help that i couldn’t look directly at her. that her existence was a stench i couldn’t unsmell. she was here now, not only in my territory but deep inside my head.”
i debated dnfing after thirty or fourty percent, but i am kind of glad i’ve finished it. i’ve cringed so many times it’s crazy. from immature and annoying fmc to hot headed mmc with anger issues. then we have constant patronizing of all the man in this world. it bored me to death. plus her so called trauma was because of a woman, not a man. can we please stop with that. please. the only thing i liked about row was his obsession with cal. smut was actually good and i was flabbergasted by it.💀
other then that, i had good time with their banter and side characters. there were many hilarious moments which gave this book few more points.😂 i’ll be waiting for dylan and kieran’s book tho.🗝️
”don’t do this.” “don’t do what?” “don’t run away from us.”💌
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪ 2.5🌟
honestly, i do not know what possessed me to read this. this was my first book by this author BUT i’ll say i’ll be probably reading the rest of this series when i need something quick
”it didn’t help that i couldn’t look directly at her. that her existence was a stench i couldn’t unsmell. she was here now, not only in my territory but deep inside my head.”
i debated dnfing after thirty or fourty percent, but i am kind of glad i’ve finished it. i’ve cringed so many times it’s crazy. from immature and annoying fmc to hot headed mmc with anger issues. then we have constant patronizing of all the man in this world. it bored me to death. plus her so called trauma was because of a woman, not a man. can we please stop with that. please. the only thing i liked about row was his obsession with cal. smut was actually good and i was flabbergasted by it.💀
other then that, i had good time with their banter and side characters. there were many hilarious moments which gave this book few more points.😂 i’ll be waiting for dylan and kieran’s book tho.🗝️
”don’t do this.” “don’t do what?” “don’t run away from us.”💌
September 15, 2024
5 stars for a man that’s down bad & never wavers or second guesses 💅🏻
Loved so many aspects of this story but easily #1 is all things Row. He’s grumpy. He’s hot. He’s been down bad for this girl for like 15 years.
Every time he called her “baby” I melted
I was very nervous about this book because of the length - usually if contemporary romances are longer than like 4 hrs estimated reading time in my kindle - there tends to be subplots that I find painful, but that wasn’t the case at all in this story. Now, was the FMC way too trapped in her own head? Yeah. Was she ridiculous for being nervous about getting serious with a sexy, millionaire chef? Yes absolutely. But every fmc has to have flaws, I suppose!!
Highly recommend for contemporary romance lovers
Things to know:
Smalltown
Second chance romance
Childhood crush
Bestfriends brother
He’s a famous chef
She’s… kind of a mess, career wise
Dual POV
He’s down bad
He calls her “baby”
“That’s my girl”
Loved so many aspects of this story but easily #1 is all things Row. He’s grumpy. He’s hot. He’s been down bad for this girl for like 15 years.
Every time he called her “baby” I melted
I was very nervous about this book because of the length - usually if contemporary romances are longer than like 4 hrs estimated reading time in my kindle - there tends to be subplots that I find painful, but that wasn’t the case at all in this story. Now, was the FMC way too trapped in her own head? Yeah. Was she ridiculous for being nervous about getting serious with a sexy, millionaire chef? Yes absolutely. But every fmc has to have flaws, I suppose!!
Highly recommend for contemporary romance lovers
Things to know:
Smalltown
Second chance romance
Childhood crush
Bestfriends brother
He’s a famous chef
She’s… kind of a mess, career wise
Dual POV
He’s down bad
He calls her “baby”
“That’s my girl”
November 4, 2024
While this is a hefty book page wise, I devoured it. I loved ROW. I know he's a green flag kind of guy which isn't a typical thing for LJ Shen to write but I was ALL ABOUT HIM! I loved his patience and uplifting Cal to overcome her fears and to pursue her dreams. Cal was a beautiful human being, a bit messy with a little baggage (but let's be real, who isnt??). I loved her rawness and her character development throughout the book. Dylan was my absolute fave though, she was HILARIOUS. Also Taylor had me laughing my butt of about the dang air pods (IYKYK).
I think the icing on the cake was discussing this with LJ Shen on Zoom. I'm so excited to read the next in the series as they'll be darker AND the Spin off series coming after that 🥰🙌 Super excited!!
I think the icing on the cake was discussing this with LJ Shen on Zoom. I'm so excited to read the next in the series as they'll be darker AND the Spin off series coming after that 🥰🙌 Super excited!!
January 1, 2025
What in the zucchini and candy cane did I just read!??
September 6, 2025
Alright, alright, I have a few things to say. So if you care, continue on and if you don’t, well, just read it anyways 😁
To start, a note:
A few months ago I picked this book up (as my first LJ Shen book at the time). I read the first 3 chapters and was like “ehhh, nah. Not sure this is for me.” I wasn’t gelling with the writing style and thought I’d try again another time.
But then in August, I read My Dark Romeo and gave it 4 stars. The first few chapters of that I was also kinda unsure about, but then I quickly started to love it. It was SO funny and just an overall good time. I think me reading My Dark Romeo before this helped me adjust to her writing. So when I decided to come back to this again, I was honestly loving it.
I don’t know if me enjoying her books is because I go in with low expectations or what, but I don’t even care why LOL
Her writing style is SO fun to me 😭, but I can see how it is somewhat of an acquired taste lol. The sharp, witty dialogue has me genuinely laughing out loud. I love that the banter between her characters is so sarcastic and overly dramatic. Honestly, it’s so unique to me because I can’t think of any other books that have made me laugh like hers do. The characters as individuals always carry depth and have this like quirkyness to them that I really enjoy.
4🌟 for the book, but 5🌟 for Row Casablancas. That man is a fucking ANGEL😭 Not only is he so deeply in love with Cal in the present, but he has also been madly in love with her for nearly his entire life. The grand gestures this man did for her without her even knowing… I can’t 😭 He was and is so unbelievably DOWN BADDDDDD for Cal, I was absolutely LIVING for it 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤭😭 Like guys, come on, this man was absolutely PATHETIC for her (not in an annoying way. In a super hot way). He loved absolutely every single part of her and who she is. God, it was cute 😭 He was also fucking hilarious 🤣
Was this book a little longer than it needed to be? Yeah, it was. Was there something specific that happened during a spicy scene that had me like…. Why…? Also, yes. (I decided to look past it bahahahahahahha) If it these two things were fixed, I’m gonna be real with yall, this would be 5 stars—I KNOW. I KNOW. I’m sorry yall I just can’t get behind the hate 🤣😭
I had a really great time and I don’t give a flying f who disagrees 😌😌😌
Ok, that’s all
Bye
To start, a note:
A few months ago I picked this book up (as my first LJ Shen book at the time). I read the first 3 chapters and was like “ehhh, nah. Not sure this is for me.” I wasn’t gelling with the writing style and thought I’d try again another time.
But then in August, I read My Dark Romeo and gave it 4 stars. The first few chapters of that I was also kinda unsure about, but then I quickly started to love it. It was SO funny and just an overall good time. I think me reading My Dark Romeo before this helped me adjust to her writing. So when I decided to come back to this again, I was honestly loving it.
I don’t know if me enjoying her books is because I go in with low expectations or what, but I don’t even care why LOL
Her writing style is SO fun to me 😭, but I can see how it is somewhat of an acquired taste lol. The sharp, witty dialogue has me genuinely laughing out loud. I love that the banter between her characters is so sarcastic and overly dramatic. Honestly, it’s so unique to me because I can’t think of any other books that have made me laugh like hers do. The characters as individuals always carry depth and have this like quirkyness to them that I really enjoy.
4🌟 for the book, but 5🌟 for Row Casablancas. That man is a fucking ANGEL😭 Not only is he so deeply in love with Cal in the present, but he has also been madly in love with her for nearly his entire life. The grand gestures this man did for her without her even knowing… I can’t 😭 He was and is so unbelievably DOWN BADDDDDD for Cal, I was absolutely LIVING for it 🙏🏻🙏🏻🤭😭 Like guys, come on, this man was absolutely PATHETIC for her (not in an annoying way. In a super hot way). He loved absolutely every single part of her and who she is. God, it was cute 😭 He was also fucking hilarious 🤣
Was this book a little longer than it needed to be? Yeah, it was. Was there something specific that happened during a spicy scene that had me like…. Why…? Also, yes. (I decided to look past it bahahahahahahha) If it these two things were fixed, I’m gonna be real with yall, this would be 5 stars—I KNOW. I KNOW. I’m sorry yall I just can’t get behind the hate 🤣😭
I had a really great time and I don’t give a flying f who disagrees 😌😌😌
Ok, that’s all
Bye
September 2, 2024
2016 was a pivotal year for me in regards to my reading journey, of course I've been reading for most of my life but in 2016 I read Blood to Dust and up until then I had mainly been reading YA, low angst, and nothing dark. L.J. doesn't know this but reading Blood to Dust changed EVERYTHING for me, it completely opened my eyes to worlds I thought would be too harsh, worlds I thought I wouldn't like and I'll always owe her for that.
8 years later and she's still opening my eyes. Truly, Madly, Deeply is such a perfect title for this book because it's how I fell for Cal & Row and I hate everyone but her is going to do it for me everytime. L.J. is amazing at showing us every broken, damaged part of a fractured soul and how that may manifest in the way we treat others, it's not always pretty but it's always real. I love the way she always puts it back together in the most exquisite way.
Addictive, all consuming, seductive and stunning, Truly,Madly, Deeply, is the perfect start to the Forbidden Love series!
8 years later and she's still opening my eyes. Truly, Madly, Deeply is such a perfect title for this book because it's how I fell for Cal & Row and I hate everyone but her is going to do it for me everytime. L.J. is amazing at showing us every broken, damaged part of a fractured soul and how that may manifest in the way we treat others, it's not always pretty but it's always real. I love the way she always puts it back together in the most exquisite way.
Addictive, all consuming, seductive and stunning, Truly,Madly, Deeply, is the perfect start to the Forbidden Love series!
May 12, 2025
THIS BOOK HAS MY HEART AND SOUL😭 it was so funny to read, too.
September 7, 2024
Did anyone else spend the entire (nearly) 16 hours of this audio wishing Cal & Dylan would just ditch everyone else and fall in love already?
No. Just me?
This book was waaay longer than it needed to be, the side quests included in here were a plenty, but wholly unnecessary for the most part.
And the male love interest?
Kind of impressive how he was both boring and overbearing at the same time.
Now Dylan & Cal? Them two ladies could have had something.
The banter with them was fabulous!
Their close and entertaining friendship could have turned into a beautiful sapphic love story.
Which is what I found myself daydreaming about instead of focusing on the story being presented.
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my ALC.
No. Just me?
This book was waaay longer than it needed to be, the side quests included in here were a plenty, but wholly unnecessary for the most part.
And the male love interest?
Kind of impressive how he was both boring and overbearing at the same time.
Now Dylan & Cal? Them two ladies could have had something.
The banter with them was fabulous!
Their close and entertaining friendship could have turned into a beautiful sapphic love story.
Which is what I found myself daydreaming about instead of focusing on the story being presented.
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my ALC.
September 13, 2024
Cal was an insufferable idiot.
November 13, 2025
I love Row, his grumpiness reminds me a little of luke from gilmore girls.
I like Calla, I don't care what people say, but for me she wasn't cringe and Allison almost murdering her with a couple of girls?!?!?!? wow!
also, I REALLY liked the way Row softened everytime Cal blinked rapidly because she was nervous but still wanted to declare her love to everyone 💗💗
quick summary:
The story already starts on the first page with spiceeee. Calla and Row are in some kind of bridge parking lot and she wants him to take her virginity since she’s going to NY and doesn’t want to be a virgin going there. So they do it but she fears Dylan her BFF will find out about it. And guess what, she does find out as she sees her brother and BFF doing it. So she cuts ties with Calla, who tries to tell Dylan that Row doesn't mean anything and that she's sorry she did it with him. Hurting Row EXTREMELY.
After 5 years, Cal's father Artem dies and she comes back to Staindrop (I think that's what's called). And in the house she sees Ambrose aka Row and her ex bff Dylan but pregnant. Turns out she had a thing with a dumb boy who didn't even like her (Tucker). Things are actually not so strained between all of them even though they haven't seen eachother for some years (which is good, that means it's a real and strong friendship.
Row is very grumpy to everyone and is a chef and a self made almost billionaire. He has a restaurant in the little town and a contract to sign by Tate (the MMC in the 3rd book) to keep his millionaire status and excel. However the towners are not so fond of this idea, since they want to keep everything old and historical.
Meantime, Cal's mother asks Cal to stay a little longer in Staindrop. She agrees and finds a job as a waitress in Row's restaurant. Her's and Dylan's relationship starts to be better and be pretty much the same as it was before
Row is not very nice to Cal, though she ignores it and actually handles it very good. She doesn't throw things back at him but also doesn't take it too personally. The more time they spend tgth, the more they cannot resist one another.
Cal's father left a note for her, saying she should start running again cuz she loved it in the past so much. So one morning she starts to run but remembers the bad things that happened to her in highschool_ sometime in school...
She falls and isn't really able to move BUT luckily comes who?
ROW
She tells him that when she was in school, there was a girl leader who always looked down on her and made her look bad because of things like ....Cal blinking fast when she was nervous and so on...she told her she wasn't normal and things like that. But when the next year she got more beautiful, she started to have friends who after some time felt jealous and dragged her down too. With the female lead being Allison, Row's EX. I sooo knew it would be her !!
ANYWAYYYYSSSS Cal then fears that Allison and Row have maybe something going on but then they argue and ...do it
- also dylan gave them the ok. Which was for me so dumb like, Dylan was a little insufferable like, who are you to tell them both not to be with each other????? I would punch this blond girl in the face I swear.
She's still scared that Row will break her heart and thus when he tells her he loves her, she denies him. She goes back to NY and he to London to continue his things. He even arranges for her a crime broadcast or something, which she takes and successfully manages.
in the end, she realizes that she loves Row, always has. So she flies back to Dylan and her mother, stating that she loves him, but they tell her they already knew, and she flies to London, confessing her love. Now THAT was awesome because girl, sacrifice yourself a little for ALL the things he did !! I absolutely adored her, though I loved her the entire book.
But what was not so awesome was her trying to propose to him...
It ends with them celebrating christmas as a married couple and her telling him she's pregnant as a christmas gift.
Thank you Lj shen for another entertainer.
I like Calla, I don't care what people say, but for me she wasn't cringe and Allison almost murdering her with a couple of girls?!?!?!? wow!
also, I REALLY liked the way Row softened everytime Cal blinked rapidly because she was nervous but still wanted to declare her love to everyone 💗💗
quick summary:
The story already starts on the first page with spiceeee. Calla and Row are in some kind of bridge parking lot and she wants him to take her virginity since she’s going to NY and doesn’t want to be a virgin going there. So they do it but she fears Dylan her BFF will find out about it. And guess what, she does find out as she sees her brother and BFF doing it. So she cuts ties with Calla, who tries to tell Dylan that Row doesn't mean anything and that she's sorry she did it with him. Hurting Row EXTREMELY.
After 5 years, Cal's father Artem dies and she comes back to Staindrop (I think that's what's called). And in the house she sees Ambrose aka Row and her ex bff Dylan but pregnant. Turns out she had a thing with a dumb boy who didn't even like her (Tucker). Things are actually not so strained between all of them even though they haven't seen eachother for some years (which is good, that means it's a real and strong friendship.
Row is very grumpy to everyone and is a chef and a self made almost billionaire. He has a restaurant in the little town and a contract to sign by Tate (the MMC in the 3rd book) to keep his millionaire status and excel. However the towners are not so fond of this idea, since they want to keep everything old and historical.
Meantime, Cal's mother asks Cal to stay a little longer in Staindrop. She agrees and finds a job as a waitress in Row's restaurant. Her's and Dylan's relationship starts to be better and be pretty much the same as it was before
Row is not very nice to Cal, though she ignores it and actually handles it very good. She doesn't throw things back at him but also doesn't take it too personally. The more time they spend tgth, the more they cannot resist one another.
Cal's father left a note for her, saying she should start running again cuz she loved it in the past so much. So one morning she starts to run but remembers the bad things that happened to her in highschool_ sometime in school...
She falls and isn't really able to move BUT luckily comes who?
ROW
She tells him that when she was in school, there was a girl leader who always looked down on her and made her look bad because of things like ....Cal blinking fast when she was nervous and so on...she told her she wasn't normal and things like that. But when the next year she got more beautiful, she started to have friends who after some time felt jealous and dragged her down too. With the female lead being Allison, Row's EX. I sooo knew it would be her !!
ANYWAYYYYSSSS Cal then fears that Allison and Row have maybe something going on but then they argue and ...do it
- also dylan gave them the ok. Which was for me so dumb like, Dylan was a little insufferable like, who are you to tell them both not to be with each other????? I would punch this blond girl in the face I swear.
She's still scared that Row will break her heart and thus when he tells her he loves her, she denies him. She goes back to NY and he to London to continue his things. He even arranges for her a crime broadcast or something, which she takes and successfully manages.
in the end, she realizes that she loves Row, always has. So she flies back to Dylan and her mother, stating that she loves him, but they tell her they already knew, and she flies to London, confessing her love. Now THAT was awesome because girl, sacrifice yourself a little for ALL the things he did !! I absolutely adored her, though I loved her the entire book.
But what was not so awesome was her trying to propose to him...
It ends with them celebrating christmas as a married couple and her telling him she's pregnant as a christmas gift.
Thank you Lj shen for another entertainer.
August 10, 2025
Truly Madly Deeply ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.3
I just thought this was so fucking adorable. MY HEART. I now want to read any book this author has ever written because my oh my does she know how to write a down bad man. STOP. HE LOVES HER SO MUCH. I was so gitty. I read so many books where the characters relationship for the mmc feels like it’s based on primarily lust and how fucking fulfilling that this man loved every part of who this girl is and only lusted after her because he already loved her so damn much. Cal’s personality is adorable. I loved how quirky she was and honestly relatable because I also have a deep fear of me and I also word vomit to excessive levels when I am nervous. They are just adorable together. I loved all the other characters. I loved how we got to see cal and Dylan’s awesome relationship and her relationship with her mom and dad. I just honestly loved this. HE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE HER FAV CANDY CAUSE THEY DISCONTINUED THEM AND SHES ANEMIC SO HE MADE SURE TO ALWAYS HAVE THEM AT ALL TIMES WITH HIM. EVEN WHEN SHE DIDNT PICK TO BE WITH HIM HE GAVE HER TO ABILITY TO FOLLOW HER DREAMS WITH STUDIO ACCESS😭😭😭 he also had no filter with her which I fucking LOVED. Overall adored this but I wish the smut was better. The foreplay was great but the actual sex was mid. I wish we got more flashbacks and more on Rows dad. I honestly also wish we got more of his friendships and relationships in his life. But besides that I loved them so much. I could read about them forever. God this man is great. Book boyfriend material 10000%. He is hot. His grumpiness is fucking hot. His undying love for her? HOT. I just want more of him and them. I wish I got his POV when she lost her virginity. DUDE THEIR BANTER IS SO FUCKING GOOD. I was laughing and blushing. THE FOREHEAD BLEEDIN SCENE WAS SO GOOOD. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series and obviously every single book by the author. I miss them already 😭💖💖💖
I just thought this was so fucking adorable. MY HEART. I now want to read any book this author has ever written because my oh my does she know how to write a down bad man. STOP. HE LOVES HER SO MUCH. I was so gitty. I read so many books where the characters relationship for the mmc feels like it’s based on primarily lust and how fucking fulfilling that this man loved every part of who this girl is and only lusted after her because he already loved her so damn much. Cal’s personality is adorable. I loved how quirky she was and honestly relatable because I also have a deep fear of me and I also word vomit to excessive levels when I am nervous. They are just adorable together. I loved all the other characters. I loved how we got to see cal and Dylan’s awesome relationship and her relationship with her mom and dad. I just honestly loved this. HE LEARNED HOW TO MAKE HER FAV CANDY CAUSE THEY DISCONTINUED THEM AND SHES ANEMIC SO HE MADE SURE TO ALWAYS HAVE THEM AT ALL TIMES WITH HIM. EVEN WHEN SHE DIDNT PICK TO BE WITH HIM HE GAVE HER TO ABILITY TO FOLLOW HER DREAMS WITH STUDIO ACCESS😭😭😭 he also had no filter with her which I fucking LOVED. Overall adored this but I wish the smut was better. The foreplay was great but the actual sex was mid. I wish we got more flashbacks and more on Rows dad. I honestly also wish we got more of his friendships and relationships in his life. But besides that I loved them so much. I could read about them forever. God this man is great. Book boyfriend material 10000%. He is hot. His grumpiness is fucking hot. His undying love for her? HOT. I just want more of him and them. I wish I got his POV when she lost her virginity. DUDE THEIR BANTER IS SO FUCKING GOOD. I was laughing and blushing. THE FOREHEAD BLEEDIN SCENE WAS SO GOOOD. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series and obviously every single book by the author. I miss them already 😭💖💖💖
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