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Madly Deeply Always
She’s a struggling musician seeking a mentor.
He’s the brooding Englishman who lets her stay in his seaside cottage.
Haunted by their pasts, neither dares to fall in love again.
Heartbroken, burnt out, and afraid to play her guitar, 21-year-old Australian musician Lily-Anne escapes to England, hoping to find her way back to music.
She takes refuge in a seaside cottage owned by Brandon Ward—a once-renowned music manager who worked with her late father.
But Brandon isn’t what she expected.
He's quiet, reserved, and almost impossible to read.
He doesn’t try to fix her.
He simply gives her space.
And in that stillness, something begins to grow.
But recognising what’s changing between them isn’t easy.
Not with her chaotic sister’s Harry Potter road-trip plans.
Or the neighbours’ matchmaking schemes.
And especially not with the teasing attentions of the charming owner of Willoughby’s Café.
As Lily slowly finds her way back to music and looks to the future,
a secretly besotted Brandon remains haunted by a past he’s never truly faced—
even as he falls for the one person who might finally bring him back to life.
Inspired by the bittersweet yearning of Sense and Sensibility’s Brandon and Marianne, Madly Deeply Always is an introspective, emotional modern romance about healing after grief, rediscovering identity, and the unwavering devotion of a gentleman who loves without expectation—even when it hurts.
If Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Brandon in Sense and Sensibility stole your heart, this one’s for you.
CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE:
This is a complete story with a satisfying happily ever after, and the first book in an interconnected series of slow-burn romances.
Prepare for the kind of love that takes its time—until suddenly, it’s everything.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day read? Order it now and fall in love slowly.
Full-length Standalone Novel · Contemporary Romance · First Person Dual POV · Written in British English · Emotional · Very Slow Burn with Mutual Pining + Open-Door Spice payoff · Age Gap (21F/33M) · HEA
He’s the brooding Englishman who lets her stay in his seaside cottage.
Haunted by their pasts, neither dares to fall in love again.
Heartbroken, burnt out, and afraid to play her guitar, 21-year-old Australian musician Lily-Anne escapes to England, hoping to find her way back to music.
She takes refuge in a seaside cottage owned by Brandon Ward—a once-renowned music manager who worked with her late father.
But Brandon isn’t what she expected.
He's quiet, reserved, and almost impossible to read.
He doesn’t try to fix her.
He simply gives her space.
And in that stillness, something begins to grow.
But recognising what’s changing between them isn’t easy.
Not with her chaotic sister’s Harry Potter road-trip plans.
Or the neighbours’ matchmaking schemes.
And especially not with the teasing attentions of the charming owner of Willoughby’s Café.
As Lily slowly finds her way back to music and looks to the future,
a secretly besotted Brandon remains haunted by a past he’s never truly faced—
even as he falls for the one person who might finally bring him back to life.
Inspired by the bittersweet yearning of Sense and Sensibility’s Brandon and Marianne, Madly Deeply Always is an introspective, emotional modern romance about healing after grief, rediscovering identity, and the unwavering devotion of a gentleman who loves without expectation—even when it hurts.
If Alan Rickman’s portrayal of Brandon in Sense and Sensibility stole your heart, this one’s for you.
CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE:
This is a complete story with a satisfying happily ever after, and the first book in an interconnected series of slow-burn romances.
Prepare for the kind of love that takes its time—until suddenly, it’s everything.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day read? Order it now and fall in love slowly.
Full-length Standalone Novel · Contemporary Romance · First Person Dual POV · Written in British English · Emotional · Very Slow Burn with Mutual Pining + Open-Door Spice payoff · Age Gap (21F/33M) · HEA
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2026
36 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Jules Starbrook
4 books52 followersJules Starbrook is an Australian contemporary romance author writing emotional, age-gap slow-burn love stories set in England and steeped in yearning, quiet devotion, and a touch of nerdy charm. Her novels feature introspective heroines searching for identity and belonging, and brooding gentlemen who fall in love long before they allow themselves to admit it—loving her in silence even as they resist the inevitable.
Her debut novel Madly Deeply Always, inspired by Sense and Sensibility’s Brandon and Marianne, is the perfect rainy-day comfort read: gentle, immersive, and designed to leave a slow-burn ache that lingers long after the final page.
Her debut novel Madly Deeply Always, inspired by Sense and Sensibility’s Brandon and Marianne, is the perfect rainy-day comfort read: gentle, immersive, and designed to leave a slow-burn ache that lingers long after the final page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
did-not-finish
February 20, 2026DNF @ 21% 😭💔
I'm heartbroken. 😔 I was so, so excited to read this because I love Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility and I love music–it's literally my heart and soul. But while I was reading this, I was...bored. Can you believe that?! Sure, I can keep on going and see if the story grows on me, but the thought makes me feel overwhelmed, honestly. I think there was just too much yet not enough going on. The characters were okay and the writing was good, but the plot fell flat for me. Not even the slow burn romance is tempting enough for me to keep going! 😢 There were also some references to Harry Potter, and I know absolutely nothing about that series, so I was just shrugging my shoulders and ignoring those tidbits.
*Heavy sigh* Well, it looks like my goal to not DNF books as much as possible this year isn't working out. But just because I didn't prefer this, it doesn't mean you won't. ☺ If you decide to read this, I really hope you love it! 🩷
Thank you to Roseden Press & Jules Starbrook and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available!
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death of loved ones & controlling/manipulative ex.
I'm heartbroken. 😔 I was so, so excited to read this because I love Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility and I love music–it's literally my heart and soul. But while I was reading this, I was...bored. Can you believe that?! Sure, I can keep on going and see if the story grows on me, but the thought makes me feel overwhelmed, honestly. I think there was just too much yet not enough going on. The characters were okay and the writing was good, but the plot fell flat for me. Not even the slow burn romance is tempting enough for me to keep going! 😢 There were also some references to Harry Potter, and I know absolutely nothing about that series, so I was just shrugging my shoulders and ignoring those tidbits.
*Heavy sigh* Well, it looks like my goal to not DNF books as much as possible this year isn't working out. But just because I didn't prefer this, it doesn't mean you won't. ☺ If you decide to read this, I really hope you love it! 🩷
Thank you to Roseden Press & Jules Starbrook and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. The book is now available!
❗Content Warnings❗
Mentions death of loved ones & controlling/manipulative ex.
February 7, 2026
Thank you to the publisher Roseden Press and Jules Starbrook for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I love Sense and Sensibility, particularly Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon so when I saw this book was inspired by Sense and Sensibility I knew I had to read it. This book was a real slowburn, there a spark of attraction at the start that leads into embers of longing and pining from afar, before being engulfed by the flames of love at the end. When we first meet Lily she is haunted by the memory of her father’s death and has just ended a very toxic relationship, this has left her unable to play music. Enter Brandon a family friend who used to a music manager, Lily was hoping by staying with him that he’d be able to fix her but I think they slowly helped each other to heal. I really liked Lily as I felt she slowly healed over the course of the book and that she breathed life into Brandon. I loved that Lily was passionate about her music, but she was putting a lot of pressure on herself. Brandon was the perfect gentleman but he was haunted by his own ghosts, so initially tries to push Lily away. It was like a case of will they or won’t they watching these two skirt around their feelings and each other but I was very satisfied with the ending as I loved these two together. I’m looking forward to Ellenor and Sean’s book.
I love Sense and Sensibility, particularly Alan Rickman as Colonel Brandon so when I saw this book was inspired by Sense and Sensibility I knew I had to read it. This book was a real slowburn, there a spark of attraction at the start that leads into embers of longing and pining from afar, before being engulfed by the flames of love at the end. When we first meet Lily she is haunted by the memory of her father’s death and has just ended a very toxic relationship, this has left her unable to play music. Enter Brandon a family friend who used to a music manager, Lily was hoping by staying with him that he’d be able to fix her but I think they slowly helped each other to heal. I really liked Lily as I felt she slowly healed over the course of the book and that she breathed life into Brandon. I loved that Lily was passionate about her music, but she was putting a lot of pressure on herself. Brandon was the perfect gentleman but he was haunted by his own ghosts, so initially tries to push Lily away. It was like a case of will they or won’t they watching these two skirt around their feelings and each other but I was very satisfied with the ending as I loved these two together. I’m looking forward to Ellenor and Sean’s book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The cover of this book is absolutely stunning! Thankfully the book itself is as well. I took an interest in the characters from the very beginning. When the author said slow burn, she meant it. But hold steady, it's sooo worth the wait. Age gap can be hit or miss for me, but I thought the author did a wonderful job with this book. There was plenty of plot, yearning, humor and excitement to easily keep my attention throughout the entire book. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and I can't wait to buy my own physical "shelf trophy" once it releases. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance books. I really enjoyed the authors writing style and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC provided by Roseden Press & Jules Starbrook
It delivers exactly what I love in a romance: A soft-but-intense romance full of healing and pining. The relationships built on a slowly deepening connection rather than instant attraction.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that parts of the middle dragged slightly for me, and I occasionally wanted a bit more to happen. But the payoff's worth it, and the emotional tone stays strong all the way through.
It delivers exactly what I love in a romance: A soft-but-intense romance full of healing and pining. The relationships built on a slowly deepening connection rather than instant attraction.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that parts of the middle dragged slightly for me, and I occasionally wanted a bit more to happen. But the payoff's worth it, and the emotional tone stays strong all the way through.
January 5, 2026
An absolute beautiful story!
An emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing, crying, pulling out your hair, shaking your fist, and then melting away.
This story follows Lily-Anne, as a musician silenced by trauma, she takes a chance to find her voice again, by travel to a new country. Findig hope and solace with an old mate of her dad's, Brandon, she slowly regains control of her life.
Unfortunately, not all is as it seems in the town where her new adventure is set.
Full of twists and turns, angst, and a slow burn that will have you begging for more, Madly, Deeply, Always is sure to captivate you.
It was a book that I couldn't put down! I feel in love with the characters. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I highly recommend this sweet, romantic read that takes a bit of it's inspiration from a Jane Austen classic.
An emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing, crying, pulling out your hair, shaking your fist, and then melting away.
This story follows Lily-Anne, as a musician silenced by trauma, she takes a chance to find her voice again, by travel to a new country. Findig hope and solace with an old mate of her dad's, Brandon, she slowly regains control of her life.
Unfortunately, not all is as it seems in the town where her new adventure is set.
Full of twists and turns, angst, and a slow burn that will have you begging for more, Madly, Deeply, Always is sure to captivate you.
It was a book that I couldn't put down! I feel in love with the characters. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I highly recommend this sweet, romantic read that takes a bit of it's inspiration from a Jane Austen classic.
January 23, 2026
I LOVED it! Five stars, immediate yes.
This book captured me from the get go. The love story is gentle and strong. Protective and cautious. Growing and reflective. The connection builds through an appropriate timeline. The main characters are so well rounded individually that they just bring out the best in each other. I fell immediately for the characters I was meant to. I had the ick right away for other characters as well. And then there are characters with a sense of mystery about them that add depth to the plot as a whole.
I laughed out loud. I cried out loud. I cheered for some, I quite literally asked “WHY??” at other times. Everything I want in a book.
If I had to pick a criticism, it would Ellenor’s character. I found her annoying at many times when I didn’t want to be annoyed. I know that she was meant to add flare and excitement but she needed to have other sides as well. This doesn’t take stars away for me, but I do want to see her develop and grow a little more in the next book. I do think that her love interest will bring out the best of her if we get more of them.
I’m so glad I signed up as ARC reader and was accepted! It was a joy to read and review this book. This was my first five start ARC read, ever, and I can’t wait to continue this story.
This book captured me from the get go. The love story is gentle and strong. Protective and cautious. Growing and reflective. The connection builds through an appropriate timeline. The main characters are so well rounded individually that they just bring out the best in each other. I fell immediately for the characters I was meant to. I had the ick right away for other characters as well. And then there are characters with a sense of mystery about them that add depth to the plot as a whole.
I laughed out loud. I cried out loud. I cheered for some, I quite literally asked “WHY??” at other times. Everything I want in a book.
If I had to pick a criticism, it would Ellenor’s character. I found her annoying at many times when I didn’t want to be annoyed. I know that she was meant to add flare and excitement but she needed to have other sides as well. This doesn’t take stars away for me, but I do want to see her develop and grow a little more in the next book. I do think that her love interest will bring out the best of her if we get more of them.
I’m so glad I signed up as ARC reader and was accepted! It was a joy to read and review this book. This was my first five start ARC read, ever, and I can’t wait to continue this story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*I received this as an early review copy from the author. The opinions are my own!*
Ok, so this was a beautiful slow-burn romance. This is romance the way it SHOULD be written. If you loved Sense amd Sensibility, this is that, but not entirely.
This book had me feeling so many emotions, sadness, pain, heartbreak, fear, uncertainty, yearning... I mean I could go on, but you get the picture. The flow of this story was so beautifully done. It was organic, it wasn't rushed. Two people, one broken, one alone and they come together to heal each other in a way that seemed like fate. Lily-Anne had been through so much, this poor girl, suffered, but she wanted her musical spark back. Enter her dad's long time friend Brandon. He made musicians. He helped them reignite their love for music when they lost it. So you see where this is going right? And man does it go.
The relationship starts slow... Unbearably so, and it evolves over the 508 pages of this literal masterpiece! Jules Starbrook brought everything to the table with this and I loved ever heartwrenching, soul yearning, trama healing moment of this.
If you want a wonderfully written, slow-burn, modern day romance, PLEASE read this. It was perfection!!
Ok, so this was a beautiful slow-burn romance. This is romance the way it SHOULD be written. If you loved Sense amd Sensibility, this is that, but not entirely.
This book had me feeling so many emotions, sadness, pain, heartbreak, fear, uncertainty, yearning... I mean I could go on, but you get the picture. The flow of this story was so beautifully done. It was organic, it wasn't rushed. Two people, one broken, one alone and they come together to heal each other in a way that seemed like fate. Lily-Anne had been through so much, this poor girl, suffered, but she wanted her musical spark back. Enter her dad's long time friend Brandon. He made musicians. He helped them reignite their love for music when they lost it. So you see where this is going right? And man does it go.
The relationship starts slow... Unbearably so, and it evolves over the 508 pages of this literal masterpiece! Jules Starbrook brought everything to the table with this and I loved ever heartwrenching, soul yearning, trama healing moment of this.
If you want a wonderfully written, slow-burn, modern day romance, PLEASE read this. It was perfection!!
February 19, 2026
When I saw Sense and Sensibility inspired romance I was immediately intrigued since that was one of my favourites, not the mention I love a good age gap romance.
This was a beautiful story of healing and how the right person can help you find yourself again. I loved reading how Brandon and Lily’s emotional connection developed and how it helped them each pull themselves out of their depression.
The slow burn was soooo good. I normally like the spice to hit early but I loved how much yearning there was, how their connection developed, and the character arc they each took. When they were finally together it felt so perfect and romantic. I really believed in their love and connection.
This was a beautiful book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
**I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley**
This was a beautiful story of healing and how the right person can help you find yourself again. I loved reading how Brandon and Lily’s emotional connection developed and how it helped them each pull themselves out of their depression.
The slow burn was soooo good. I normally like the spice to hit early but I loved how much yearning there was, how their connection developed, and the character arc they each took. When they were finally together it felt so perfect and romantic. I really believed in their love and connection.
This was a beautiful book and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
**I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley**
January 25, 2026
ARC copy given by the author. As a huge fan of Sense and Sensibility (my favorite Austen tale) and of the film version starring Alan Rickman, I was very excited to read this book inspired by both.
This is a slow burn romance and a fun read. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it was a little slower than I wanted at times and I felt I needed a bit more dimension to some of the characters - I liked them and wanted to know more of them.
Overall this is a creative contemporary visit to some familiar themes and an enjoyable read!
This is a slow burn romance and a fun read. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it was a little slower than I wanted at times and I felt I needed a bit more dimension to some of the characters - I liked them and wanted to know more of them.
Overall this is a creative contemporary visit to some familiar themes and an enjoyable read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Jules Starbrook for trusting me with an ARC copy of her new book Madly Deeply Always.
I was skeptical at first. Like do I really want to bother with this? Romance is so infrequently done in a way that moves me. But this book is going to be one of my top ranking books this year. I was absolutely blown away. I will not stop recommending this book. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Lilly-Anne has just come out of a relationship with Toby who has completely broken her heart by taking over her life following the death of her Dad. She is now struggling to play the music that has been her entire life and the reason for the sudden break up with Toby.
To try to heal from this and to rekindle her love of music she has been in contact with her Dad's friend Brandon who is living in England (she is from Australia). We meet her as she is traveling to England to stay with Brandon for 6 months, seeking his help, as an ex-band manager, to grow her love of music again and to help her play music again.
Both he and Lilly-Anne have ghosts from their pasts that linger with them. And slowly they reveal their experiences and let go of the past.
Despite an 11 year age gap they fall hard for each other, but both are trying to do the right thing and deny their feelings.
When Lilly-Annes sister, Ellenor, suddenly turns up at Brandon's house things get really interesting...
This story was OMG good! I just absolutely ate it up, right from the start. Lilly and Brandon's relationship seems so respectful and genuine. And believable in its development. Nothing in this story was forced.
I absolutely LOVE Brandon. He is just the sweetest man ever. Just totally down to earth. So in love with Lilly and so caring and generous. He does SO many things that I was like NO WAY! Why can't someone love me like that?! Never oversteps, always coming to the rescue. Just the best book boyfriend ever!
But ALL the characters are lovable. All the main characters anyway. Lilly is a sweet girl. Really kind, but naive. It's believable what she is going through and I found her totally relatable and the sense of what it is to come out of a relationship like Toby and her had was spot on with how she stopped believing in herself and had to.try regain control of her life again. How she had to fight to find it. And Thus her and Brandon's relationship being so slow burn was utterly believable and felt like the right thing to do. I definitely found myself rooting for her. Wanting her to succeed. Wanting to be more like her. Even though she's still young and going through things. I wanted to be able to make choices like she did again.
And I definitely wanted a big sister like Elenor. That kind of relationship would be amazing. Elenor is this brash lawyer big sister. Always has something sparky to say. Adores Harry Potter and wants everyone else to. But my lanta is she adorable and actually the coolest character. Especially when paired with Sean. (Can't wait to read about their relationship). God I love this character. You will too. And this argument she has with her sister. It was just so perfectly done. It was so real. I think everyone has been there with their sister at some point. But this argument is handled with such love and care for the characters. absolutely stunning.
And Barbs and Rupert. The Neighbour's. Gosh! I know they're supposed to play as these over stepping busy bodies. But they are just the sweetest neighbour's. I adored them. They really had some things to.say and added this really.cute factor to the book. But also this I dont even know. They were perfect.
This whole story was just an absolute treasure. I read the whole story with this dumb smile on my face. Tears at points. Could not put it down. Rooted for all the characters. Fell I love with everyone. Imagined a different life for myself. Wished to be part of this family and this amazing adventure. Just so many feelings.
I can not recommend this story enough if you live yourself a romance.
Standing ovation on that one.
I was skeptical at first. Like do I really want to bother with this? Romance is so infrequently done in a way that moves me. But this book is going to be one of my top ranking books this year. I was absolutely blown away. I will not stop recommending this book. And I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Lilly-Anne has just come out of a relationship with Toby who has completely broken her heart by taking over her life following the death of her Dad. She is now struggling to play the music that has been her entire life and the reason for the sudden break up with Toby.
To try to heal from this and to rekindle her love of music she has been in contact with her Dad's friend Brandon who is living in England (she is from Australia). We meet her as she is traveling to England to stay with Brandon for 6 months, seeking his help, as an ex-band manager, to grow her love of music again and to help her play music again.
Both he and Lilly-Anne have ghosts from their pasts that linger with them. And slowly they reveal their experiences and let go of the past.
Despite an 11 year age gap they fall hard for each other, but both are trying to do the right thing and deny their feelings.
When Lilly-Annes sister, Ellenor, suddenly turns up at Brandon's house things get really interesting...
This story was OMG good! I just absolutely ate it up, right from the start. Lilly and Brandon's relationship seems so respectful and genuine. And believable in its development. Nothing in this story was forced.
I absolutely LOVE Brandon. He is just the sweetest man ever. Just totally down to earth. So in love with Lilly and so caring and generous. He does SO many things that I was like NO WAY! Why can't someone love me like that?! Never oversteps, always coming to the rescue. Just the best book boyfriend ever!
But ALL the characters are lovable. All the main characters anyway. Lilly is a sweet girl. Really kind, but naive. It's believable what she is going through and I found her totally relatable and the sense of what it is to come out of a relationship like Toby and her had was spot on with how she stopped believing in herself and had to.try regain control of her life again. How she had to fight to find it. And Thus her and Brandon's relationship being so slow burn was utterly believable and felt like the right thing to do. I definitely found myself rooting for her. Wanting her to succeed. Wanting to be more like her. Even though she's still young and going through things. I wanted to be able to make choices like she did again.
And I definitely wanted a big sister like Elenor. That kind of relationship would be amazing. Elenor is this brash lawyer big sister. Always has something sparky to say. Adores Harry Potter and wants everyone else to. But my lanta is she adorable and actually the coolest character. Especially when paired with Sean. (Can't wait to read about their relationship). God I love this character. You will too. And this argument she has with her sister. It was just so perfectly done. It was so real. I think everyone has been there with their sister at some point. But this argument is handled with such love and care for the characters. absolutely stunning.
And Barbs and Rupert. The Neighbour's. Gosh! I know they're supposed to play as these over stepping busy bodies. But they are just the sweetest neighbour's. I adored them. They really had some things to.say and added this really.cute factor to the book. But also this I dont even know. They were perfect.
This whole story was just an absolute treasure. I read the whole story with this dumb smile on my face. Tears at points. Could not put it down. Rooted for all the characters. Fell I love with everyone. Imagined a different life for myself. Wished to be part of this family and this amazing adventure. Just so many feelings.
I can not recommend this story enough if you live yourself a romance.
Standing ovation on that one.
February 1, 2026
Madly, Deeply, Always is a powerful story about healing after loss and learning how to move forward when life breaks you in ways you never expected. While it is the slowest-burn romance I have ever read, the pacing fits the story because the characters are working through deep, tragic losses. Their grief makes it realistic that love does not come easily or quickly.
The novel also explores how damaging some relationships can be, especially when one person uses control to tear another down. In addition to dealing with loss, one of the characters must recover from being emotionally beaten down in a harmful relationship. This adds another layer to the story and shows how trauma can come from more than one source.
At its core, the book is about finding yourself after tragedy and how difficult that process can be. One of the most meaningful symbols in the story is the kintsugi bowl—a bowl that has been broken and repaired in a way that highlights its cracks rather than hiding them. This symbol reflects the characters themselves. As the quote explains, “we all carry fracture lines, whether they’re caused by time, grief or mistakes. They mark us, but the breaks don’t lessen us… they can make us into something rare, unique, and beautiful.” This idea is especially important because one character is broken again, but in a different way, showing that healing is not a straight path and that time plays a crucial role in recovery.
The story also addresses jealousy and emotional growth. One character’s jealousy suggests that if he had allowed himself to move forward sooner, much of that pain could have been avoided. This reinforces the theme that healing takes effort, honesty, and patience.
Overall, Madly, Deeply, Always is a meaningful and emotional novel that shows how brokenness does not make someone weak—it can make them stronger, more self-aware, and capable of deeper love.
The novel also explores how damaging some relationships can be, especially when one person uses control to tear another down. In addition to dealing with loss, one of the characters must recover from being emotionally beaten down in a harmful relationship. This adds another layer to the story and shows how trauma can come from more than one source.
At its core, the book is about finding yourself after tragedy and how difficult that process can be. One of the most meaningful symbols in the story is the kintsugi bowl—a bowl that has been broken and repaired in a way that highlights its cracks rather than hiding them. This symbol reflects the characters themselves. As the quote explains, “we all carry fracture lines, whether they’re caused by time, grief or mistakes. They mark us, but the breaks don’t lessen us… they can make us into something rare, unique, and beautiful.” This idea is especially important because one character is broken again, but in a different way, showing that healing is not a straight path and that time plays a crucial role in recovery.
The story also addresses jealousy and emotional growth. One character’s jealousy suggests that if he had allowed himself to move forward sooner, much of that pain could have been avoided. This reinforces the theme that healing takes effort, honesty, and patience.
Overall, Madly, Deeply, Always is a meaningful and emotional novel that shows how brokenness does not make someone weak—it can make them stronger, more self-aware, and capable of deeper love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Jules for choosing me for an ARC copy of your lastest book. Well what can I say - a slow burn that kept me pining for the characters love.
Lily-Ann is a musician who has lost her way after the death or her father. Nothing seems to be able to rekindle her passion not even her precious guitar. An opportunity to go to the UK to mentor under one of Lily's father's friends arises and she thinks this might be her last chance to find her mojo. Hoping on a plane from Australia, Lily makes her way to the small seaside town of Whitstable. There she meets Brandon who sets out to help her regain her love of music. Whilst in town, Lily stumbles upon a cafe that host live music and has an open mic night. Running into the host of the cafe - the very charismatic Jack Willoughby who talks Lily into coming to the open mic, encouraging her to perhaps play a song. Brandon isn't sure this is a good idea and that Lily might be rushing it, but is this her last chance to take the plunge and see if music still pulses through her veins ???
A tricky triangle forms between Brandon, Lily and Jack but is it just about Lily and her music or is there more to Brandon and Jack's pasts than meets the eye.
A great story that kept me turning to the end. Although I'm more a thriller type of gal, I loved that this story danced around mystery, drama and romance to tell its tale. Now that I have read this one, will definitely seek out Jules' other books. Recommend to anyone wishing for a second chance.
Lily-Ann is a musician who has lost her way after the death or her father. Nothing seems to be able to rekindle her passion not even her precious guitar. An opportunity to go to the UK to mentor under one of Lily's father's friends arises and she thinks this might be her last chance to find her mojo. Hoping on a plane from Australia, Lily makes her way to the small seaside town of Whitstable. There she meets Brandon who sets out to help her regain her love of music. Whilst in town, Lily stumbles upon a cafe that host live music and has an open mic night. Running into the host of the cafe - the very charismatic Jack Willoughby who talks Lily into coming to the open mic, encouraging her to perhaps play a song. Brandon isn't sure this is a good idea and that Lily might be rushing it, but is this her last chance to take the plunge and see if music still pulses through her veins ???
A tricky triangle forms between Brandon, Lily and Jack but is it just about Lily and her music or is there more to Brandon and Jack's pasts than meets the eye.
A great story that kept me turning to the end. Although I'm more a thriller type of gal, I loved that this story danced around mystery, drama and romance to tell its tale. Now that I have read this one, will definitely seek out Jules' other books. Recommend to anyone wishing for a second chance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. It talks about grief in such a relatable way, without hurry, with respect, and with hope quietly waiting in the corner.
This is a second chance story for both MCs, and I loved how we get to follow two parallel journeys of finding one’s path anew. The romance was genuinely sweet. I especially appreciated Brandon’s approach to Lily’s trauma: giving her as much space as she needed, even when that meant putting his own feelings aside. That kind of emotional patience felt really meaningful.
This would have been a five-star read for me if not for two things. The first is the love triangle trope, which I’m personally not a fan of (not a critique of the book itself, just my preference). The second is that some scenes felt a bit too prolonged.
In the end, I do think both the love triangle and the slower pacing serve the story well. They just didn’t serve me quite as well, and that’s okay.
I really enjoyed this book. It talks about grief in such a relatable way, without hurry, with respect, and with hope quietly waiting in the corner.
This is a second chance story for both MCs, and I loved how we get to follow two parallel journeys of finding one’s path anew. The romance was genuinely sweet. I especially appreciated Brandon’s approach to Lily’s trauma: giving her as much space as she needed, even when that meant putting his own feelings aside. That kind of emotional patience felt really meaningful.
This would have been a five-star read for me if not for two things. The first is the love triangle trope, which I’m personally not a fan of (not a critique of the book itself, just my preference). The second is that some scenes felt a bit too prolonged.
In the end, I do think both the love triangle and the slower pacing serve the story well. They just didn’t serve me quite as well, and that’s okay.
January 12, 2026
***Potential Spoilers Ahead!***
I received this book as an ARC and when it does release, I think I’m going to buy a trophy copy for my shelves lol. The book is DEFINITELY slow burn. It takes them AGES to finally admit their feelings for each other to themselves and then to act on it takes even longer. There is some smut but it happens pretty far into the book. However, with that being said. The pining and yearning??? *chefs kiss* top tier. I think Jules Starbrook just unleashed a new favorite trope of mine that I didn’t even realized I loved.
I always say that I love books that make me emotional. There are some scenes that deal with past and current traumas (mostly gaslighting) that really got me angry and my poor friends had to hear me rant about it. And I may or may not have told the author herself 😅 sorry Jules! The story also deals with the healing aspect of said trauma as well as grief from tragic losses. If a book can make me tear up (I am not a cryer!) then it’s done a good job.
You can read the prequel to this Not Madly, Not Deeply in a few hours and get most of the backstory on Lily-Anne’s reject of an Ex if you want it. It just helps you understand the way Toby manipulated Lily-Anne into doing what he wanted of her.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved Brandon’s quiet, gentle nature. I loved the chaos that came with Ellenor and I loved Lily-Anne in general. Rupert and Barbara stole the show in the scenes they were in and the Benjamin pranks made me cackle. IYKYK. Happy reading friends. I hope you love it as much as I did!
I received this book as an ARC and when it does release, I think I’m going to buy a trophy copy for my shelves lol. The book is DEFINITELY slow burn. It takes them AGES to finally admit their feelings for each other to themselves and then to act on it takes even longer. There is some smut but it happens pretty far into the book. However, with that being said. The pining and yearning??? *chefs kiss* top tier. I think Jules Starbrook just unleashed a new favorite trope of mine that I didn’t even realized I loved.
I always say that I love books that make me emotional. There are some scenes that deal with past and current traumas (mostly gaslighting) that really got me angry and my poor friends had to hear me rant about it. And I may or may not have told the author herself 😅 sorry Jules! The story also deals with the healing aspect of said trauma as well as grief from tragic losses. If a book can make me tear up (I am not a cryer!) then it’s done a good job.
You can read the prequel to this Not Madly, Not Deeply in a few hours and get most of the backstory on Lily-Anne’s reject of an Ex if you want it. It just helps you understand the way Toby manipulated Lily-Anne into doing what he wanted of her.
Overall, I loved this book. I loved Brandon’s quiet, gentle nature. I loved the chaos that came with Ellenor and I loved Lily-Anne in general. Rupert and Barbara stole the show in the scenes they were in and the Benjamin pranks made me cackle. IYKYK. Happy reading friends. I hope you love it as much as I did!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and it was PHENOMENAL!! I couldn’t put it down! I was so excited to see that it will continue with Ellenor’s story and hope to still hear more about Lilly’s along the way! This book was so wonderful and delightful that I’m not sure what else to say. It was perfection! Jules Starbrook is now on my list of favorite authors! Bravo work my dear!
February 19, 2026
Gut rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: Open door
ARC publication date: February 14th 2026
Tropes: Sense and Sensibility inspired, English seaside, age gap romance, older family friend romance, musicians, dual POV, witty banter, loss and grief, Harry Potter notsaly, slow burn
Quote: Something old and dangerous stirs - protective and territorial. “Lily - come here.” The command leaves me unbidden. Not raised or sharp, but stern. She turns immediately. Softer, I say, “I need you.”
My synopsis
When musician Lily-Anne's father died suddenly three years ago, she fell into a depressive spiral and under the influence of a controlling boyfriend, leaving her music tangled with pain. To find her inspiration and passion again, 23yo Lily-Anne accepts private mentorship from a trusted music industry legend - 33yo family friend Brandon Ward. Moving from her home in Australia to his English seaside cottage, Lily-Anne and Brandon help one another face the grief and trauma they're carrying, and perhaps find something deeper between them. But with the electric Jack Willoughby weaseling his way back into Brandon's life, what path will Lily-Anne choose?
My review
This was everything I'd hoped for in a contemporary take on Sense and Sensibility! A soft emotional story driven by character growth, with slow burn romance that blossomed naturally and honestly.
The characters were strongly written and translated so well into modern times. From the gentle and stable Brandon (who gave such Alan Rickman vibes!), to his exasperating nosey neighbours, the slimy fake Willoughby who gaslights and controls, and the innocent Lily-Anne and her hopes and dreams.
Loss and grief were core parts of Lily-Anne's and Brandon's lives and the author wove them into the story really well. Their emotions were written so vividly, hanging over them as ghosts for them to have to work through.
The only part I struggled with was Lily-Anne's sister Ellenor and her side plots (plus Harry Potter obsession). She felt abrasive and destructive rather than the sensible composed Elinor of Sense and Sensibility.
With thanks to the author for providing me with this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Death, death of parent, grief, suicide, emotional abuse, toxic relationship, drug abuse, injury detail, medical content, pregnancy, child death, panic attack, gaslighting, sexual content, abandonment, alcohol, blood
CAWPILE rating: TBD
Spice: Open door
ARC publication date: February 14th 2026
Tropes: Sense and Sensibility inspired, English seaside, age gap romance, older family friend romance, musicians, dual POV, witty banter, loss and grief, Harry Potter notsaly, slow burn
Quote: Something old and dangerous stirs - protective and territorial. “Lily - come here.” The command leaves me unbidden. Not raised or sharp, but stern. She turns immediately. Softer, I say, “I need you.”
My synopsis
When musician Lily-Anne's father died suddenly three years ago, she fell into a depressive spiral and under the influence of a controlling boyfriend, leaving her music tangled with pain. To find her inspiration and passion again, 23yo Lily-Anne accepts private mentorship from a trusted music industry legend - 33yo family friend Brandon Ward. Moving from her home in Australia to his English seaside cottage, Lily-Anne and Brandon help one another face the grief and trauma they're carrying, and perhaps find something deeper between them. But with the electric Jack Willoughby weaseling his way back into Brandon's life, what path will Lily-Anne choose?
My review
This was everything I'd hoped for in a contemporary take on Sense and Sensibility! A soft emotional story driven by character growth, with slow burn romance that blossomed naturally and honestly.
The characters were strongly written and translated so well into modern times. From the gentle and stable Brandon (who gave such Alan Rickman vibes!), to his exasperating nosey neighbours, the slimy fake Willoughby who gaslights and controls, and the innocent Lily-Anne and her hopes and dreams.
Loss and grief were core parts of Lily-Anne's and Brandon's lives and the author wove them into the story really well. Their emotions were written so vividly, hanging over them as ghosts for them to have to work through.
The only part I struggled with was Lily-Anne's sister Ellenor and her side plots (plus Harry Potter obsession). She felt abrasive and destructive rather than the sensible composed Elinor of Sense and Sensibility.
With thanks to the author for providing me with this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trigger warnings: Death, death of parent, grief, suicide, emotional abuse, toxic relationship, drug abuse, injury detail, medical content, pregnancy, child death, panic attack, gaslighting, sexual content, abandonment, alcohol, blood
February 21, 2026
3.5‑Star
A slow‑burn age‑gap romance with enough yearning to power a small seaside village.
Madly Deeply Always is the kind of story that creeps up on you — gentle at first, then suddenly you’re knee‑deep in feelings, clutching the book like it personally offended you. Lily‑Anne arrives in England heartbroken, burnt out, and borderline allergic to her own guitar strings. She’s twenty‑one, grieving, and trying to remember who she is without falling apart, and honestly? You feel every bit of that.
Then there’s Brandon Ward: brooding Englishman, former music manager, and human emotional fortress. He’s quiet, unreadable, and just mysterious enough that you start wondering if he’s part cryptid. But he gives Lily something rare — space — and that’s where the slow, steady magic begins. Their connection builds with patience and restraint, the kind of slow burn that makes you want to gently shake them both and say, “HELLO, FEELINGS, PLEASE COMMUNICATE.”
The supporting cast brings warmth and chaos in equal measure: a sister with road‑trip energy, neighbours who treat matchmaking like a competitive sport, and a café owner who stirs the pot with expert precision.
The novel leans into healing, identity, and that quiet, aching devotion that sneaks under your ribs. Brandon’s pining is excellent, Lily’s growth is heartfelt, and the whole experience feels like a warm cup of tea on a stormy day — soothing, emotional, and just dramatic enough.
It’s beautifully written and introspective, though the slow burn may test the patience of readers who prefer a quicker spark. Still, the payoff is tender and earned.
A solid 3.5 stars for a romance that takes its time — and mostly makes the wait worthwhile.
A slow‑burn age‑gap romance with enough yearning to power a small seaside village.
Madly Deeply Always is the kind of story that creeps up on you — gentle at first, then suddenly you’re knee‑deep in feelings, clutching the book like it personally offended you. Lily‑Anne arrives in England heartbroken, burnt out, and borderline allergic to her own guitar strings. She’s twenty‑one, grieving, and trying to remember who she is without falling apart, and honestly? You feel every bit of that.
Then there’s Brandon Ward: brooding Englishman, former music manager, and human emotional fortress. He’s quiet, unreadable, and just mysterious enough that you start wondering if he’s part cryptid. But he gives Lily something rare — space — and that’s where the slow, steady magic begins. Their connection builds with patience and restraint, the kind of slow burn that makes you want to gently shake them both and say, “HELLO, FEELINGS, PLEASE COMMUNICATE.”
The supporting cast brings warmth and chaos in equal measure: a sister with road‑trip energy, neighbours who treat matchmaking like a competitive sport, and a café owner who stirs the pot with expert precision.
The novel leans into healing, identity, and that quiet, aching devotion that sneaks under your ribs. Brandon’s pining is excellent, Lily’s growth is heartfelt, and the whole experience feels like a warm cup of tea on a stormy day — soothing, emotional, and just dramatic enough.
It’s beautifully written and introspective, though the slow burn may test the patience of readers who prefer a quicker spark. Still, the payoff is tender and earned.
A solid 3.5 stars for a romance that takes its time — and mostly makes the wait worthwhile.
February 16, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on February 14th called, Madly Deeply Always. This about Lily-Anne, she is traveling from Australia to England to try and reignite her spark for music. She is staying with Brandon, he used to be a music manager and he worked with her dad before her dad passed. Lily-Anne and Brandon connected over emails and by the time she lands in England she feels a strong connection to him. Staying with him is easy and she even feels sparks between them. But they've both dealt with heartbreak, and while she's willing to put her heart out there again, he isn't. He knows she's there for her music so even though he has feelings for her he wants to give her the space to find herself and her music again. But while he's giving her the space to do that, someone else swoops into Lily-Anne's life to try and sweep her off her feet. But it's the last person Brandon trusts. Can he get over his haunting past and put his feelings for Lily-Anne out there, before it's too late?
This was such an enjoyable story! I loved the setting, the characters, the Harry Potter references, the story being centered around music and finding yourself again. The heartbreak, growth, and healing, of Lily-Anne and Brandon was so well written. They were so sweet and adorable! I really enjoyed this book and I need her sister Eleanor and Sean's story now!! 💜📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Madly Deeply Always, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an enjoyable story! I loved the setting, the characters, the Harry Potter references, the story being centered around music and finding yourself again. The heartbreak, growth, and healing, of Lily-Anne and Brandon was so well written. They were so sweet and adorable! I really enjoyed this book and I need her sister Eleanor and Sean's story now!! 💜📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Madly Deeply Always, in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
This is an enjoyable small town slow burn romance set in a seaside town in England. Brandon is Lily-Anne’s Father’s friend. Lily- Anne’s father died in a tragic accident and she is struggling to navigate through her grief. Her beloved guitar that her Dad bought her is all that she has left, that and her love of creating music just like her Dad.
Recently split from her controlling ex boyfriend she comes to England to stay with Brandon to see if she can spark some of her musical creativity which has been lacking at home in Australia.
It is clear from the outset that there is a physical attraction between Lily - Anne and Brandon but Brandon rejects it as he doesn’t feel it would be right for them to be together. He wants to ensure Lily- Anne has built her confidence and found herself first.
I did enjoy this book although I found myself getting so frustrated with both Lily and Brandon for their miscommunication. I was really happy when Lily-Anne found herself and saw Jack ‘Willoughby’ for who he really was!
The slow burn between Brandon and Lily-Anne was at times a little too slow for my liking but I admired that Brandon was respectful of Lily- Anne’s vulnerability and always wanting to have her best interests at heart. This is where he won my heart! It was refreshing to read a small town romance set in England, I really liked the setting of the local community and the friends that Lily-Anne made. I loved her relationship with her Sister and the constant references to Harr Potter. This was an enjoyable, cosy romance.
Recently split from her controlling ex boyfriend she comes to England to stay with Brandon to see if she can spark some of her musical creativity which has been lacking at home in Australia.
It is clear from the outset that there is a physical attraction between Lily - Anne and Brandon but Brandon rejects it as he doesn’t feel it would be right for them to be together. He wants to ensure Lily- Anne has built her confidence and found herself first.
I did enjoy this book although I found myself getting so frustrated with both Lily and Brandon for their miscommunication. I was really happy when Lily-Anne found herself and saw Jack ‘Willoughby’ for who he really was!
The slow burn between Brandon and Lily-Anne was at times a little too slow for my liking but I admired that Brandon was respectful of Lily- Anne’s vulnerability and always wanting to have her best interests at heart. This is where he won my heart! It was refreshing to read a small town romance set in England, I really liked the setting of the local community and the friends that Lily-Anne made. I loved her relationship with her Sister and the constant references to Harr Potter. This was an enjoyable, cosy romance.
Read
February 14, 2026Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt I couldn't give it a clear numerical rating because while I wasn't the target reader, the book was not subpar. It was just not my cup of tea.
Why I wasn't the target audience:
1) I very rarely enjoy first person POV romance, which *is* the predominant POV at the moment, so this is unlikely to bother most readers. But I do wish the blurb had made this clearer. I think that's my only actual complaint.
2) This is inspired by S&S, it's not an adaptation or a retelling. So while you can see parallels and which characters relate to the original text, it's an original story. That can definitely be a plus, and many people will enjoy that. But personally I wished that Lily-Anne and Ellenor had personalities more similar to their book counterparts.
I also rarely read contemporary or slow burn romance. I DID really enjoy some of the independent themes of this book, like how creativity is important for healing. It's something that resonated with me as a reader. Also how grief impacts our life, even years later. It sounds like Ellenor's future book will focus on that a lot too.
So here's who I think would really enjoy this book. Fans of:
*contemporary romance
*slow-burn
*YEARNING
*readers who are looking for character driven romance
I felt I couldn't give it a clear numerical rating because while I wasn't the target reader, the book was not subpar. It was just not my cup of tea.
Why I wasn't the target audience:
1) I very rarely enjoy first person POV romance, which *is* the predominant POV at the moment, so this is unlikely to bother most readers. But I do wish the blurb had made this clearer. I think that's my only actual complaint.
2) This is inspired by S&S, it's not an adaptation or a retelling. So while you can see parallels and which characters relate to the original text, it's an original story. That can definitely be a plus, and many people will enjoy that. But personally I wished that Lily-Anne and Ellenor had personalities more similar to their book counterparts.
I also rarely read contemporary or slow burn romance. I DID really enjoy some of the independent themes of this book, like how creativity is important for healing. It's something that resonated with me as a reader. Also how grief impacts our life, even years later. It sounds like Ellenor's future book will focus on that a lot too.
So here's who I think would really enjoy this book. Fans of:
*contemporary romance
*slow-burn
*YEARNING
*readers who are looking for character driven romance
Read
January 20, 2026Treasures. I like to call them treasures, when you receive a gift from a loved one that takes your breath away. A gift that brings tears of joy, disbelief, amazement. A moment in time that they come back.
Lily-Anne finds herself in the desperate claws of grief with the loss of her father. She has a lovely life following in his footsteps of music but suddenly the music has stopped. The ability to think it, write it, yet alone sing it. The only thing that allows her to hold on to whatever is left of her is the Cole Clark guitar he gave her. A treasure.
Across the globe, there’s a former friend, musician, a music industry professional who knew her father well. Is it possible for him to come alongside her & bring that spark of hope back? The spark that first musical note lights in the darkness?
Author Jules Starbrook has written a beautiful piece of music with this story. Like a cantata that has it moments of ups & downs, bass, baritone, alto & soprano all voices combined with the orchestra instruments, turned into a beautiful medley of hope. What a delightful story to be a part of just by having read it. Make sure not to miss it!
Lily-Anne finds herself in the desperate claws of grief with the loss of her father. She has a lovely life following in his footsteps of music but suddenly the music has stopped. The ability to think it, write it, yet alone sing it. The only thing that allows her to hold on to whatever is left of her is the Cole Clark guitar he gave her. A treasure.
Across the globe, there’s a former friend, musician, a music industry professional who knew her father well. Is it possible for him to come alongside her & bring that spark of hope back? The spark that first musical note lights in the darkness?
Author Jules Starbrook has written a beautiful piece of music with this story. Like a cantata that has it moments of ups & downs, bass, baritone, alto & soprano all voices combined with the orchestra instruments, turned into a beautiful medley of hope. What a delightful story to be a part of just by having read it. Make sure not to miss it!
February 20, 2026
What a gem this is! With wonderfully developed characters, a great scene and a throughly enjoyable plot.
I absolutely adore the cover, the colours especially.
I got hooked within the first chapter and that was it. I found it hard to put down as I got so engrossed into Lily Anne’s story and also Brandon’s.
I liked the style this was written in, going between the different points of view.
I enjoyed the slow burn of the romance, the careful consideration of each other, their pasts and how that affects their present. The author writes in a very thoughtful way, making you really feel what the characters are feeling and truly appreciate each and every one of them.
There’s a lot of Harry Potter references made between Lily Anne and her sister and although I’m not a major fan myself it was nice they had something they enjoyed together.
Music is a major theme throughout. I love the detail and the in depth look behind the scenes, the realisation of what can happen that people just don’t see.
So all in all a wonderful read, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I absolutely adore the cover, the colours especially.
I got hooked within the first chapter and that was it. I found it hard to put down as I got so engrossed into Lily Anne’s story and also Brandon’s.
I liked the style this was written in, going between the different points of view.
I enjoyed the slow burn of the romance, the careful consideration of each other, their pasts and how that affects their present. The author writes in a very thoughtful way, making you really feel what the characters are feeling and truly appreciate each and every one of them.
There’s a lot of Harry Potter references made between Lily Anne and her sister and although I’m not a major fan myself it was nice they had something they enjoyed together.
Music is a major theme throughout. I love the detail and the in depth look behind the scenes, the realisation of what can happen that people just don’t see.
So all in all a wonderful read, I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
February 18, 2026
Firstly the cover grabbed me with this one. I have never seen or read Sense & Sensibility so I kind of went into this story blind.
When Lily-Anne tragically loses her dad, he whole world is sent into turmoil. She doesn't know who she is anymore and her love for music and crestivity is stalled. Her relationship with her partner ends and she is struggling to hold it all together.
She boards an aeroplane and flys to the other side of the world to meet with a family friend Brandon, who was once a musical manager and worked with Lily-Annes late dad, in the hopes of regaining her musical spark. The two find much more than a musical spark within eachother. It is a slow burn romance but I feel this was exactly the right pace for this story as we really get to know the characters and can therefore better connect with them.
As a Harry Potter fan myself I loved the HP references as Ellenor, Lily-Annes sister is a big fan of the whole world of witchcraft and wizardry. In all honesty I loved every little piece of this book and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. Lily-Annes story was both emotional, heartfelf and uplifting. I am keen to read more by Jules!
When Lily-Anne tragically loses her dad, he whole world is sent into turmoil. She doesn't know who she is anymore and her love for music and crestivity is stalled. Her relationship with her partner ends and she is struggling to hold it all together.
She boards an aeroplane and flys to the other side of the world to meet with a family friend Brandon, who was once a musical manager and worked with Lily-Annes late dad, in the hopes of regaining her musical spark. The two find much more than a musical spark within eachother. It is a slow burn romance but I feel this was exactly the right pace for this story as we really get to know the characters and can therefore better connect with them.
As a Harry Potter fan myself I loved the HP references as Ellenor, Lily-Annes sister is a big fan of the whole world of witchcraft and wizardry. In all honesty I loved every little piece of this book and I'm so glad I gave it a chance. Lily-Annes story was both emotional, heartfelf and uplifting. I am keen to read more by Jules!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is everything! A slow burn love story that has you yearning for it as badly as the main characters. This book had me from the start and Im not ready for this story to end just yet. There were times I wanted to reach into this book and throttle some characters myself. The characters are well written that I feel as though I am there with them, and can relate to each struggle and feeling they have on the page.
If you are a fan of a slow burn, pride and prejudice, all out love and protector characters with a bit of Harry Potter sprinkled in for good measure then this is the book you need to pickuo immediately!
This story has me wanting more of Brandon and Lily, More of their futures and adventures navigatigating their relationship personally and professionally as Lily takes her next steps into the music industry.
If you are a fan of a slow burn, pride and prejudice, all out love and protector characters with a bit of Harry Potter sprinkled in for good measure then this is the book you need to pickuo immediately!
This story has me wanting more of Brandon and Lily, More of their futures and adventures navigatigating their relationship personally and professionally as Lily takes her next steps into the music industry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2026
The sweetest love story you'll ever read. 🥺❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the prequel novella Not Madly, Not Deeply by Jules Starbrook and was instantly hooked on the potential and anticipated romance of Lily-Anne and Brandon. So I was very excited to get a beta copy of Madly Deeply Always!
While I have never read Sense and Sensibility, I love that Jules has given a new life to the themes related to that plot and has given it modern updates and situations that most of us can relate to.
I loved that the novel was from both Lily and Brandons perspective, especially when it was the same scene.
I was so mad at Jack Willoughby that I literally said WTF out loud.
The plot moved forward at a steady pace and I did not feel like there was any parts I wanted to just skim and move on from without really reading it.
I definitely recommend!
*I received a beta copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I have never read Sense and Sensibility, I love that Jules has given a new life to the themes related to that plot and has given it modern updates and situations that most of us can relate to.
I loved that the novel was from both Lily and Brandons perspective, especially when it was the same scene.
I was so mad at Jack Willoughby that I literally said WTF out loud.
The plot moved forward at a steady pace and I did not feel like there was any parts I wanted to just skim and move on from without really reading it.
I definitely recommend!
*I received a beta copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What intrigued me about this book was the UK setting (always wanted to live there❤️)
and, as a musician myself, the topic was right down my alley.
I loved seeing the story through both main characters, Brandon and Lily-Anne, and their mental barriers in musicianship and romance, and how their past trauma affected them.
Undeniably cosy setting with an excruciatingly slow burn as they untangle everything, but it's well worth it in the end. There are a few hilarious side characters like Barbara and Rupert, but my favourite was Ellenor, who kinda reminded me of myself with her behaviour.
Easy and fun read to curl up with a nice cup of coffee.
and, as a musician myself, the topic was right down my alley.
I loved seeing the story through both main characters, Brandon and Lily-Anne, and their mental barriers in musicianship and romance, and how their past trauma affected them.
Undeniably cosy setting with an excruciatingly slow burn as they untangle everything, but it's well worth it in the end. There are a few hilarious side characters like Barbara and Rupert, but my favourite was Ellenor, who kinda reminded me of myself with her behaviour.
Easy and fun read to curl up with a nice cup of coffee.
February 2, 2026
Madly deeply Always is 2026s romance book we all need!
We’re introduced to Lilly Ann a Brave main female character making a huge step after the end of a difficult relationship and loss of a family member.
There are plenty of Great Harry Potter references without it being to over the top all throughout the book written into the storyline
Jules’ descriptive writing takes you right to Whistable so much so It’s like you’re breathing the fresh sea air.
After starting to move on with life after her difficult and stifling relationship Lilly Anne starts to experiences and appreciate life on her terms again whilst overcoming new emotional and physical obstacles.
The slow burn of this book is intoxicatingly addictive!
Having read the ebook version of this book Madly Deeply Always I will definitely be purchasing a trophy copy for my bookshelf.
We’re introduced to Lilly Ann a Brave main female character making a huge step after the end of a difficult relationship and loss of a family member.
There are plenty of Great Harry Potter references without it being to over the top all throughout the book written into the storyline
Jules’ descriptive writing takes you right to Whistable so much so It’s like you’re breathing the fresh sea air.
After starting to move on with life after her difficult and stifling relationship Lilly Anne starts to experiences and appreciate life on her terms again whilst overcoming new emotional and physical obstacles.
The slow burn of this book is intoxicatingly addictive!
Having read the ebook version of this book Madly Deeply Always I will definitely be purchasing a trophy copy for my bookshelf.
Review of advance copy
This is a romance novel, where music is an important topic. It is also a romance novel, where grief and how to cope with it is a main subject.
So if you currently yourself have to live through this, this novel might be not the right book to read for you.There are also some other TWs, you might take notice of before reading this novel.
Lily and Ellenor are the daughters of a late record company owner/executive in Australia, who died in a helicopter accident three years ago. Ellenor is now a career only oriented lawyer and has no time for everything else, so it seems. Lily went through an university education as a musician and composer and struggled deeply after the death of her father. Feeling kind of numb she let herself fall into a relationship with a fellow student, who was more than ready to take over decisions for her. Until she decided to leave her manipulating boyfriend, she was part of a guitar ensemble, a job where he also had been a part of.
Now that she has left him and the ensemble, she lives with her mother again. She has no job and no idea what to do with her life. She is not able to play her guitar and she is not able to write music anymore. She still struggles with the patterns of the psychological abuse, that went so far, that she let nearly every decision about herself and her life choices in the past years made by her former partner. And now after the separation the grief of loosing her father is coming up again strong.
Finally Lily decides to leave Australia behind for some time, to get distance and maybe find a new orientation for her professional life. With some hesitation she climbs into the plane to England, where she will be staying with Brandon, an old friend of her father, who might be helpful as a mentor for her.
Brandon indeed is an old friend of her father, but he is still in his early thirties. He was a famous manager in the past and experienced some drama during his own career. Now he lives in a small village by the sea, where he spends his days harvesting oysters for a living. Something happened in his past, that caused him to change his life drastically. But Brandon never talks about that and has apart from feelings of guilt and sometimes appearances of a ghost from his past well adjusted to a rather uneventful life in the small coastal village in Kent.
There are some other things from the past, which are not mentioned in detail in this novel, but they still influenced the life of the characters. Some of them might be revealed in the following book of the series. But even if I thought it was a bit disappointing, for the flow of this special part of the story those events are not really important.
I received a free ARC of this novel and I am leaving my review here voluntarily. Reading the novel was quite a good experience for me, because the author’s writing style is simply great. Jules Starbrook describes situations and moods in an atmospheric way and she also has a good understanding of the characters and their development within the story, how they may act, and how they might feel. And she is not afraid to describe the relapses the main characters go through and in doing so, she brings a good part of reality into the plot without being boring. For example: Even if Lily has been in a manipulative relationship before, she isn’t able to fight manipulation attempts from another character at first.
„Madly Deeply Always“ is a very well written novel, with a lot of depth and I can only recommend it highly. I am already looking forward to the continuation, which will bring hopefully Ellenor as the next FMC more into the focus of the readers.
So if you currently yourself have to live through this, this novel might be not the right book to read for you.There are also some other TWs, you might take notice of before reading this novel.
Lily and Ellenor are the daughters of a late record company owner/executive in Australia, who died in a helicopter accident three years ago. Ellenor is now a career only oriented lawyer and has no time for everything else, so it seems. Lily went through an university education as a musician and composer and struggled deeply after the death of her father. Feeling kind of numb she let herself fall into a relationship with a fellow student, who was more than ready to take over decisions for her. Until she decided to leave her manipulating boyfriend, she was part of a guitar ensemble, a job where he also had been a part of.
Now that she has left him and the ensemble, she lives with her mother again. She has no job and no idea what to do with her life. She is not able to play her guitar and she is not able to write music anymore. She still struggles with the patterns of the psychological abuse, that went so far, that she let nearly every decision about herself and her life choices in the past years made by her former partner. And now after the separation the grief of loosing her father is coming up again strong.
Finally Lily decides to leave Australia behind for some time, to get distance and maybe find a new orientation for her professional life. With some hesitation she climbs into the plane to England, where she will be staying with Brandon, an old friend of her father, who might be helpful as a mentor for her.
Brandon indeed is an old friend of her father, but he is still in his early thirties. He was a famous manager in the past and experienced some drama during his own career. Now he lives in a small village by the sea, where he spends his days harvesting oysters for a living. Something happened in his past, that caused him to change his life drastically. But Brandon never talks about that and has apart from feelings of guilt and sometimes appearances of a ghost from his past well adjusted to a rather uneventful life in the small coastal village in Kent.
There are some other things from the past, which are not mentioned in detail in this novel, but they still influenced the life of the characters. Some of them might be revealed in the following book of the series. But even if I thought it was a bit disappointing, for the flow of this special part of the story those events are not really important.
I received a free ARC of this novel and I am leaving my review here voluntarily. Reading the novel was quite a good experience for me, because the author’s writing style is simply great. Jules Starbrook describes situations and moods in an atmospheric way and she also has a good understanding of the characters and their development within the story, how they may act, and how they might feel. And she is not afraid to describe the relapses the main characters go through and in doing so, she brings a good part of reality into the plot without being boring. For example: Even if Lily has been in a manipulative relationship before, she isn’t able to fight manipulation attempts from another character at first.
„Madly Deeply Always“ is a very well written novel, with a lot of depth and I can only recommend it highly. I am already looking forward to the continuation, which will bring hopefully Ellenor as the next FMC more into the focus of the readers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The slowest of slow burns..the yearning and angst create such a deep, delicious pull between Lily Anne and Brandon.
Madly Deeply Always is the kind of slow‑burn that doesn’t just simmer, it aches. It stretches itself across more than 500 pages of longing, restraint, and two people quietly falling in love long before either of them dares to say it out loud. It’s tender, atmospheric, and deeply human, with that unmistakable Austen‑inspired emotional undercurrent.
Lily Anne is twenty‑one, a musician whose writer’s block feels like a locked door she can’t find the key to. After losing her dad, she leaves Australia for a small coastal town in England, staying with one of his old friends, at a place meant to give her space to breathe, but instead becomes the beginning of something life‑altering.
Brandon, thirty‑three and carrying ghosts he can’t get away from, is the last person she expects to connect with. He’s guarded, quiet, and convinced he’s better off alone. But the moment they meet, something shifts, not loudly, not dramatically, but in that subtle, soul‑deep way that feels like recognition.
What makes their relationship so powerful is the mutual pining. They circle each other for hundreds of pages, wanting, hurting, hoping, and never quite stepping over the line. Every glance, every silence, every almost‑touch is loaded with emotion. It’s the kind of tension that makes you read slower just to savor it.
And the music. Their bond over music becomes the language they can’t speak out loud. Lily Anne finds pieces of herself again through melodies and lyrics. While Brandon who is steady, patient, quietly supportive becomes the person who helps her hear her own voice again. She listens to him in a way no one else does, and he supports her in a way he’s never allowed himself to support anyone.
Both of them are grieving, but in different ways. Lily Anne’s grief is raw and searching, a wound she’s trying to understand. Brandon’s is buried deep, hardened into silence and self‑protection. Watching them navigate their pain side by side, sometimes clashing, sometimes comforting, and always learning was what gives the romance its emotional weight.
The coastal setting wraps around them like a second skin: foggy mornings, cliffs that feel like confessionals, sea air that carries both melancholy and hope. It’s the perfect backdrop for two people who are trying to rebuild themselves piece by piece.
By the end, Madly Deeply Always isn’t just a love story, it’s a story about healing, about finding someone who sees you even when you can’t see yourself, and about choosing connection even when grief tells you to stay alone.
If you love slow burns that make your chest ache, mutual pining that lasts for chapters and chapters, music as an emotional language, age‑gap tenderness done right, coastal melancholy and quiet intimacy, and characters healing in different but complementary ways then this book will stay with you long after the last page.
I can’t wait for Ellenor and Sean’s book! A huge thank you to Jules Starbook for the early copy!!
Madly Deeply Always is the kind of slow‑burn that doesn’t just simmer, it aches. It stretches itself across more than 500 pages of longing, restraint, and two people quietly falling in love long before either of them dares to say it out loud. It’s tender, atmospheric, and deeply human, with that unmistakable Austen‑inspired emotional undercurrent.
Lily Anne is twenty‑one, a musician whose writer’s block feels like a locked door she can’t find the key to. After losing her dad, she leaves Australia for a small coastal town in England, staying with one of his old friends, at a place meant to give her space to breathe, but instead becomes the beginning of something life‑altering.
Brandon, thirty‑three and carrying ghosts he can’t get away from, is the last person she expects to connect with. He’s guarded, quiet, and convinced he’s better off alone. But the moment they meet, something shifts, not loudly, not dramatically, but in that subtle, soul‑deep way that feels like recognition.
What makes their relationship so powerful is the mutual pining. They circle each other for hundreds of pages, wanting, hurting, hoping, and never quite stepping over the line. Every glance, every silence, every almost‑touch is loaded with emotion. It’s the kind of tension that makes you read slower just to savor it.
And the music. Their bond over music becomes the language they can’t speak out loud. Lily Anne finds pieces of herself again through melodies and lyrics. While Brandon who is steady, patient, quietly supportive becomes the person who helps her hear her own voice again. She listens to him in a way no one else does, and he supports her in a way he’s never allowed himself to support anyone.
Both of them are grieving, but in different ways. Lily Anne’s grief is raw and searching, a wound she’s trying to understand. Brandon’s is buried deep, hardened into silence and self‑protection. Watching them navigate their pain side by side, sometimes clashing, sometimes comforting, and always learning was what gives the romance its emotional weight.
The coastal setting wraps around them like a second skin: foggy mornings, cliffs that feel like confessionals, sea air that carries both melancholy and hope. It’s the perfect backdrop for two people who are trying to rebuild themselves piece by piece.
By the end, Madly Deeply Always isn’t just a love story, it’s a story about healing, about finding someone who sees you even when you can’t see yourself, and about choosing connection even when grief tells you to stay alone.
If you love slow burns that make your chest ache, mutual pining that lasts for chapters and chapters, music as an emotional language, age‑gap tenderness done right, coastal melancholy and quiet intimacy, and characters healing in different but complementary ways then this book will stay with you long after the last page.
I can’t wait for Ellenor and Sean’s book! A huge thank you to Jules Starbook for the early copy!!
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