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Madly Deeply Always: A Slow-Burn Age-Gap Romance Inspired by Sense and Sensibility
Not yet published
Expected 14 Feb 26She’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.
Inspired by the bittersweet yearning of Sense and Sensibility’s Brandon and Marianne, Madly Deeply Always is a modern, emotional slow-burn romance of healing after grief, rediscovering identity, and the unwavering devotion of a gentleman who loves her without expectation, even when it hurts. It can be read as a standalone with a satisfying Happily Ever After.
Heartbroken and afraid to play her guitar, 21-year-old Australian musician Lily-Anne escapes to England to stay in the seaside cottage belonging to Brandon Ward, a once-renowned music manager who worked with her late father.
Living under his roof, she hopes the sea air and his guidance will help her find her way back to music—and herself.
Brandon isn’t what she expected, however. He doesn’t push or demand. He simply gives her space to find her own rhythm again. And in that stillness, something tender begins to stir between them.
But amidst her sister Ellenor’s relentless Harry Potter road trip plans, the not-so-subtle matchmaking of their neighbours, and the charming owner of Willoughby’s Café, recognising their growing feelings isn’t as simple as it seems.
As music slowly returns and their quiet companionship deepens, Lily starts to glimpse the man behind Brandon’s reclusive calm.
But while she looks ahead, 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.
Tender and heartfelt, Madly Deeply Always delivers a blend of coffeehouse warmth, witty banter, mutual pining, and the kind of love that takes its time—until suddenly, it’s everything. If Alan Rickman’s Brandon from Sense and Sensibility stole your heart, this one’s for you.
“Perfect for lovers of...BBC period drama with a dash of Harry Potter nostalgia.”
Full-length Standalone Novel · Written in British English · Slow Burn Tension · Age Gap (21F/33M) · Coastal · Cozy Small Town Vibes · Wholesome · Emotional Healing · Quiet Devotion · Love Triangle · Spice (One Lyrical Open-Door Scene) · Jane Austen inspired · Happily Ever After · Caught in the rain · By Her Bedside When Sick · Choosing Love Over Fear · Healing After Loss
He’s the brooding Englishman who lets her stay in his seaside cottage.
Haunted by their pasts, neither dares to fall in love again.
Inspired by the bittersweet yearning of Sense and Sensibility’s Brandon and Marianne, Madly Deeply Always is a modern, emotional slow-burn romance of healing after grief, rediscovering identity, and the unwavering devotion of a gentleman who loves her without expectation, even when it hurts. It can be read as a standalone with a satisfying Happily Ever After.
Heartbroken and afraid to play her guitar, 21-year-old Australian musician Lily-Anne escapes to England to stay in the seaside cottage belonging to Brandon Ward, a once-renowned music manager who worked with her late father.
Living under his roof, she hopes the sea air and his guidance will help her find her way back to music—and herself.
Brandon isn’t what she expected, however. He doesn’t push or demand. He simply gives her space to find her own rhythm again. And in that stillness, something tender begins to stir between them.
But amidst her sister Ellenor’s relentless Harry Potter road trip plans, the not-so-subtle matchmaking of their neighbours, and the charming owner of Willoughby’s Café, recognising their growing feelings isn’t as simple as it seems.
As music slowly returns and their quiet companionship deepens, Lily starts to glimpse the man behind Brandon’s reclusive calm.
But while she looks ahead, 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.
Tender and heartfelt, Madly Deeply Always delivers a blend of coffeehouse warmth, witty banter, mutual pining, and the kind of love that takes its time—until suddenly, it’s everything. If Alan Rickman’s Brandon from Sense and Sensibility stole your heart, this one’s for you.
“Perfect for lovers of...BBC period drama with a dash of Harry Potter nostalgia.”
Full-length Standalone Novel · Written in British English · Slow Burn Tension · Age Gap (21F/33M) · Coastal · Cozy Small Town Vibes · Wholesome · Emotional Healing · Quiet Devotion · Love Triangle · Spice (One Lyrical Open-Door Scene) · Jane Austen inspired · Happily Ever After · Caught in the rain · By Her Bedside When Sick · Choosing Love Over Fear · Healing After Loss
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 14, 2026
15 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jules Starbrook
3 books32 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
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 4, 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 received from Author
eARC review!
Madly Deeply Always is a soft, emotional romance that leans hard into using creativity to heal. I liked the way music was woven into Lily-Anne's journey and how she used it to find herself again. This had a very slow-burn, highly romanticized feel, and the ties back to Jane Austen were clear.
That said, Lily-Anne's path to recovery through music felt a little too fast for how deep her grief was (3 days and she was back on stage?), which made parts of her healing arc feel rushed. Once she took the stage again, she also went straight back into practicing for perfection instead of playing for the joy of it, which didn't feel like the methodology she needed to actually find herself. On the flip side, the relationship between the FMC and MMC moved in the opposite direction: their slow-burn dynamic worked for me at first, but once they finally admitted their feelings, I expected their relationship to build more quickly. Instead, the physical side of their relationship felt unnaturally slow, which was odd given the modern timeframe and the lack of any real roadblocks standing in their way.
I was also a bit confused by how many characters seemed to have the financial freedom to quit their jobs with no notice and immediately start globe-trotting, which felt slightly disconnected from reality. Similarly, the Harry Potter references often felt intrusive and heavy-handed. While I understood they were tied to the sister’s depression and coping mechanisms, they tended to pull me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Overall, Madly Deeply Always is a sweet, heartfelt read that I enjoyed, even if the pacing didn’t always land quite right for me.
Madly Deeply Always is a soft, emotional romance that leans hard into using creativity to heal. I liked the way music was woven into Lily-Anne's journey and how she used it to find herself again. This had a very slow-burn, highly romanticized feel, and the ties back to Jane Austen were clear.
That said, Lily-Anne's path to recovery through music felt a little too fast for how deep her grief was (3 days and she was back on stage?), which made parts of her healing arc feel rushed. Once she took the stage again, she also went straight back into practicing for perfection instead of playing for the joy of it, which didn't feel like the methodology she needed to actually find herself. On the flip side, the relationship between the FMC and MMC moved in the opposite direction: their slow-burn dynamic worked for me at first, but once they finally admitted their feelings, I expected their relationship to build more quickly. Instead, the physical side of their relationship felt unnaturally slow, which was odd given the modern timeframe and the lack of any real roadblocks standing in their way.
I was also a bit confused by how many characters seemed to have the financial freedom to quit their jobs with no notice and immediately start globe-trotting, which felt slightly disconnected from reality. Similarly, the Harry Potter references often felt intrusive and heavy-handed. While I understood they were tied to the sister’s depression and coping mechanisms, they tended to pull me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Overall, Madly Deeply Always is a sweet, heartfelt read that I enjoyed, even if the pacing didn’t always land quite right for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After being captivated by the prequel, Not Madly, Not Deeply, I was eager to dive into Jules Starbrook’s full-length debut. Madly Deeply Always is a masterclass in the slow-burn romance!
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, the novel follows Lily-Anne and Brandon as they navigate the complexities of grief and healing, quiet longing, and deep desire. Unlike many romance protagonists, Lily-Anne possesses profound depth; her struggles with self-doubt, her disconnection from her musical creativity, and her fears are handled with such sincerity that you feel an instant connection to her journey.
The plot is beautifully layered and dimensional, much like love itself. From the opening scene, I was drawn into a world filled with genuine emotion and 'swoon-worthy' moments. It is a well-crafted novel that evokes a full spectrum of feelings: laughing at the charming 'Harry Potterisms,' feeling endeared by Brandon’s gentlemanly acts of kindness, aching through the misunderstandings, and reeling from an act of betrayal that makes you forget to breathe.
With a supporting cast (deserving of their own story) that leaves you wanting more, this is an impressive debut for any fan of heartfelt contemporary romance. It masterfully captures the patience of a slow-burn and transforms its characters by the final page. Brandon and Lily’s love story is a gem! I am already crossing my fingers for a sequel featuring the supporting cast.
***I had the pleasure of serving as a beta reader for this title. The thoughts expressed are my own opinion.***
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility, the novel follows Lily-Anne and Brandon as they navigate the complexities of grief and healing, quiet longing, and deep desire. Unlike many romance protagonists, Lily-Anne possesses profound depth; her struggles with self-doubt, her disconnection from her musical creativity, and her fears are handled with such sincerity that you feel an instant connection to her journey.
The plot is beautifully layered and dimensional, much like love itself. From the opening scene, I was drawn into a world filled with genuine emotion and 'swoon-worthy' moments. It is a well-crafted novel that evokes a full spectrum of feelings: laughing at the charming 'Harry Potterisms,' feeling endeared by Brandon’s gentlemanly acts of kindness, aching through the misunderstandings, and reeling from an act of betrayal that makes you forget to breathe.
With a supporting cast (deserving of their own story) that leaves you wanting more, this is an impressive debut for any fan of heartfelt contemporary romance. It masterfully captures the patience of a slow-burn and transforms its characters by the final page. Brandon and Lily’s love story is a gem! I am already crossing my fingers for a sequel featuring the supporting cast.
***I had the pleasure of serving as a beta reader for this title. The thoughts expressed are my own opinion.***
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had planned on having an ARC-free December… and then Jules messaged me about her book. From the moment she mentioned it, I was instantly drawn in. I honestly don’t know why it spoke to me so deeply — it just did.
Long story short, I’m fully booked with ARCs until March, but I messaged her back to explain my predicament. She sent it to me anyway, and I was absolutely over the moon.
From the very beginning, you’re pulled into a story filled with past trauma and heavy manipulation. Lily-Anne desperately needs a break — time to find herself and, more importantly, her music again. Enter Brandon, a former music manager. He carries his own deep scars from the past. While Lily-Anne needs his help to rediscover her music, Brandon ends up fixing far more than that. He becomes a constant in her life, and in the process, he begins to heal too.
I don’t usually give overviews in my reviews, but this one just felt right. I was completely sucked into this story from the start. It’s incredibly easy to read, so much so that I flew through it because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Add in some wonderfully meddling neighbors, and you have something truly special.
There’s also a subtle Harry Potter theme woven throughout — even if her sister takes it a bit too far… but Eleanor? She’s an entirely different story.
I’m so honored to have been able to read this book early.
✨ Madly Deeply Always releases February 14th ✨
Long story short, I’m fully booked with ARCs until March, but I messaged her back to explain my predicament. She sent it to me anyway, and I was absolutely over the moon.
From the very beginning, you’re pulled into a story filled with past trauma and heavy manipulation. Lily-Anne desperately needs a break — time to find herself and, more importantly, her music again. Enter Brandon, a former music manager. He carries his own deep scars from the past. While Lily-Anne needs his help to rediscover her music, Brandon ends up fixing far more than that. He becomes a constant in her life, and in the process, he begins to heal too.
I don’t usually give overviews in my reviews, but this one just felt right. I was completely sucked into this story from the start. It’s incredibly easy to read, so much so that I flew through it because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Add in some wonderfully meddling neighbors, and you have something truly special.
There’s also a subtle Harry Potter theme woven throughout — even if her sister takes it a bit too far… but Eleanor? She’s an entirely different story.
I’m so honored to have been able to read this book early.
✨ Madly Deeply Always releases February 14th ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, a huge thank you to the author, Jules Starbrook, for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Where do I even begin with this glorious book?
Madly Deeply Always was everything I could ever want from a modern romance inspired by a beloved historical novel turned film (Sense and Sensibility). From the aching mutual pining, to the emotional healing, to the way he absolutely fell first.
Every element was executed beautifully. And Jules’ writing style? Simply stunning.
This book was definitely outside my usual reading comfort zone, but hey, new year, new vibes, right? And honestly, I couldn’t be happier that I took the leap.
This story was sweet, heart-moving, and breathtakingly beautiful. In my eyes, it’s pure perfection. I became so deeply attached to Lily and Brandon, and watching their connection slowly, delicately come to life was incredibly satisfying. By the time things finally ignited, I felt like kicking my feet.
What truly amazed me is that Madly Deeply Always doesn’t read like the work of a new author. It feels like something written by someone who’s published countless books before.
And yet, this is only Jules’ second release.
I cannot wait to see what she delivers next… especially the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Where do I even begin with this glorious book?
Madly Deeply Always was everything I could ever want from a modern romance inspired by a beloved historical novel turned film (Sense and Sensibility). From the aching mutual pining, to the emotional healing, to the way he absolutely fell first.
Every element was executed beautifully. And Jules’ writing style? Simply stunning.
This book was definitely outside my usual reading comfort zone, but hey, new year, new vibes, right? And honestly, I couldn’t be happier that I took the leap.
This story was sweet, heart-moving, and breathtakingly beautiful. In my eyes, it’s pure perfection. I became so deeply attached to Lily and Brandon, and watching their connection slowly, delicately come to life was incredibly satisfying. By the time things finally ignited, I felt like kicking my feet.
What truly amazed me is that Madly Deeply Always doesn’t read like the work of a new author. It feels like something written by someone who’s published countless books before.
And yet, this is only Jules’ second release.
I cannot wait to see what she delivers next… especially the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Content warnings for emotional abuse/gaslighting, grief/loss, physical injury/medical procedures, suicide, pregnancy loss and sexual content.
Lily-Anne’s breakup caused a huge creative block in her music, so much so that she can’t even strum a chord. In a desperate attempt to play again she flies halfway across the world to Brandon Ward’s cottage. Brandon, a once-renowned music manager that had ties to her late father, now oyster farmer, has musical baggage as well. Jack Willoughby can’t break into music on his own so he seduces women and rides their coattails. Can Lily-Anne find herself before she’s lost again or will the momentum she gains be lost to Jack’s ambition?
Wonderfully written blend Harry Potter nostalgia with age gap romance and romantic melancholy. Laughter and tears in equal measure with lovable and villainous characters alike. A bit of open door spice after a healthy dose of extremely slow burn romance and the ties to Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility shine. I got so enthralled I read past 3 in the morning but it was worth it!
I received an ARC copy but my opinions are my own.
Lily-Anne’s breakup caused a huge creative block in her music, so much so that she can’t even strum a chord. In a desperate attempt to play again she flies halfway across the world to Brandon Ward’s cottage. Brandon, a once-renowned music manager that had ties to her late father, now oyster farmer, has musical baggage as well. Jack Willoughby can’t break into music on his own so he seduces women and rides their coattails. Can Lily-Anne find herself before she’s lost again or will the momentum she gains be lost to Jack’s ambition?
Wonderfully written blend Harry Potter nostalgia with age gap romance and romantic melancholy. Laughter and tears in equal measure with lovable and villainous characters alike. A bit of open door spice after a healthy dose of extremely slow burn romance and the ties to Jane Austin’s Sense and Sensibility shine. I got so enthralled I read past 3 in the morning but it was worth it!
I received an ARC copy but my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVE all things Jane Austen, and therefore I was so thrilled to be able to read Madly Deeply Always!
This story was beautiful from start to finish. Jules’ writing is so vivid and realistic that it was easy to get sucked in and not come up for air until the story was finished.
I think my favorite part about this story is that both Brandon and Lily-Anne are suffering from their own respective losses, but they find their way to each other in the slow burn of late-night beach guitar sessions and quiet conversations. The day-to-day domestic routine that establishes itself is always a warm fuzzy. They are both so comfortable with each other that, if their fear of loss again were not standing in their way, I know they would have come together much sooner. But life is a journey, and so is love. They needed to go through all these trials on their way to each other to be able to believe in it.
Not to mention, I immediately fell in love with Brandon. He is definitely a top-tier book boyfriend!
This story was beautiful from start to finish. Jules’ writing is so vivid and realistic that it was easy to get sucked in and not come up for air until the story was finished.
I think my favorite part about this story is that both Brandon and Lily-Anne are suffering from their own respective losses, but they find their way to each other in the slow burn of late-night beach guitar sessions and quiet conversations. The day-to-day domestic routine that establishes itself is always a warm fuzzy. They are both so comfortable with each other that, if their fear of loss again were not standing in their way, I know they would have come together much sooner. But life is a journey, and so is love. They needed to go through all these trials on their way to each other to be able to believe in it.
Not to mention, I immediately fell in love with Brandon. He is definitely a top-tier book boyfriend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an impressively written debut. This is a sweet and heartfelt story. The writing is melodic and full of emotion, bringing the characters vividly to life. This is a story about overcoming grief, whether from loss or heartbreak, and learning how to live and find happiness again.
Lily and Brandon share a connection that tugs at the heart. While the story could have progressed earlier if they’d communicated sooner, their silence makes sense as their backstories unfold and they work through healing. This is a true slow burn, with the relationship not picking up until around 85%, but that fits the story, and when it does, it’s handled tastefully.
Lily-Anne’s sister, Ellenor, brings the chaos. Harry Potter fans will appreciate the references she uses as a coping mechanism. She’s set up as the FMC for the next book, and the BOMBSHELL teaser has me eager for what’s next.
Well done, Jules Starbrook! Thank you for sharing this story. 💗 I received this as an advanced read and left this review willingly.
Check trigger warnings: talks of loss of parent, suicide attempt, suicide, loss of pregnancy, emotional abuse.
Lily and Brandon share a connection that tugs at the heart. While the story could have progressed earlier if they’d communicated sooner, their silence makes sense as their backstories unfold and they work through healing. This is a true slow burn, with the relationship not picking up until around 85%, but that fits the story, and when it does, it’s handled tastefully.
Lily-Anne’s sister, Ellenor, brings the chaos. Harry Potter fans will appreciate the references she uses as a coping mechanism. She’s set up as the FMC for the next book, and the BOMBSHELL teaser has me eager for what’s next.
Well done, Jules Starbrook! Thank you for sharing this story. 💗 I received this as an advanced read and left this review willingly.
Check trigger warnings: talks of loss of parent, suicide attempt, suicide, loss of pregnancy, emotional abuse.
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
I needed this book!!! Gosh—talk about a healing journey. I was not expecting this book to be this good.
At first, I expected the writing to be hard to read, but it wasn’t at all. It’s actually very accessible. The characters are where this book truly shines. We aren’t just told things outright; instead, they unfold like an onion, with layers being peeled back as the story progresses.
I didn’t fully grasp the sense and sensibility reference until after I had time to reflect on it, and I agree, so if you like that story, you will love this book. There is spice, but personally, it felt very tastefully done.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and would absolutely read from this author again.
At first, I expected the writing to be hard to read, but it wasn’t at all. It’s actually very accessible. The characters are where this book truly shines. We aren’t just told things outright; instead, they unfold like an onion, with layers being peeled back as the story progresses.
I didn’t fully grasp the sense and sensibility reference until after I had time to reflect on it, and I agree, so if you like that story, you will love this book. There is spice, but personally, it felt very tastefully done.
Overall, I highly recommend this book and would absolutely read from this author again.
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.
January 5, 2026
I loved this story. A slow burn romance that really is in the Jane Austin style. It is an easy read, very engaging, well written and has great story progression. The characters are developed logically and believably throughout the story. Lily is a musician in Sydney. Her Dad and mentor dies in a horror air crash. She splits up with her controlling boyfriend. She loses her spark to write and perform. In an attempt to find her spark again, she heads to England to visit an ex colleague of her father whom she hopes can help get her career back on track. He too has issues. Chaos follows but all ends well. I’m looking forward to the next book from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Reader Review*
Thank you to Jules Starbook for letting me be an ARC Reader.
A beautiful slow burn that invokes tender intimacy and deep connections. Lily Struggles with the l0ss of her father and the breakup of a toxic relationship and the loss of her love of music. She takes a risk to fly across the world to hopefully find her music again with Brandon.
What follows is a story that deals with creativity, self-discovery and loss. Deeply emotionally driven and authenticity, a slow burn romance reminiscent of the Jane Austen era reinterpreted for today's faced paced world. A cosy, emotinal romance and rediscovery of one's self!
Thank you to Jules Starbook for letting me be an ARC Reader.
A beautiful slow burn that invokes tender intimacy and deep connections. Lily Struggles with the l0ss of her father and the breakup of a toxic relationship and the loss of her love of music. She takes a risk to fly across the world to hopefully find her music again with Brandon.
What follows is a story that deals with creativity, self-discovery and loss. Deeply emotionally driven and authenticity, a slow burn romance reminiscent of the Jane Austen era reinterpreted for today's faced paced world. A cosy, emotinal romance and rediscovery of one's self!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great book!! Lily-Anne is one of my all time favorite characters!! She deals with her loss of her father and the horror of the ex-boyfriend. I can totally relate to letting ex-boyfriends take over your life to the point it is not even your life anymore. So glad she takes the chance to go to England and stay with Brandon for the summer. I read the prequel, then this book. I can’t wait for the next book!!!
January 4, 2026
So thankful to have received an ARC of this story! I loved everything about the FMC and MMC and the music within the story.
It makes me want to visit this town in England.
I did think it was very long as it’s over 500 pages. Great detail in the story, but do feel some of it could have been left out.
Overall, highly recommend! And suggest reading the short story prequel!
It makes me want to visit this town in England.
I did think it was very long as it’s over 500 pages. Great detail in the story, but do feel some of it could have been left out.
Overall, highly recommend! And suggest reading the short story prequel!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for Madly Deeply Always!
This was a beautiful Deep story.
Lily and Brandon are both going through alot. When lily ex brakes up with her after using her. she runs away to Brandon to find her way again. This was a true slow burn.
these two were so sweet and loving. I loved their growth from friendship to more.
This was a beautiful Deep story.
Lily and Brandon are both going through alot. When lily ex brakes up with her after using her. she runs away to Brandon to find her way again. This was a true slow burn.
these two were so sweet and loving. I loved their growth from friendship to more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
arc received, thank you
Overall an enjoyable read with a good number of tropes I enjoy
Brandon is a green flag, everyone should have one of him
The slow burn is slow burning
I look forward to reading the other interconnected standalones
Overall an enjoyable read with a good number of tropes I enjoy
Brandon is a green flag, everyone should have one of him
The slow burn is slow burning
I look forward to reading the other interconnected standalones
Review of advance copy received from Author
Madly Deeply Always 😍
Pulled at the heartstrings, reading a story that felt so close to home. Lily finding herself again, finding love and learning what she deserves in life.
Absolutely beautiful and grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this great book 🤍
Pulled at the heartstrings, reading a story that felt so close to home. Lily finding herself again, finding love and learning what she deserves in life.
Absolutely beautiful and grateful to have been given the opportunity to read this great book 🤍
January 8, 2026
What a great book that goes to show that love conquers all and is truly worth the wait. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
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