Love You, Mean It

A Novel

By: Jilly Gagnon

Narrated by: Amanda Ronconi

A playful romantic comedy featuring dueling delis, fake dating, a shockingly awesome ex, and just the right amount of amnesia

“[A] delightfully tropey rom-com . . . This is a sweet confection.”—Publishers Weekly

Ellie Greco wishes she weren’t stuck in Milborough. For a few brief, shining years, she escaped her hometown to pursue her dream career—designing beautiful, elaborate costumes for theater—until her father's death five years ago called her home to run the family's decades-old deli. Yes, she loves the place, but she’d always thought she was meant for more exciting things than stocking the right tinned fish. But when Ellie hears that a local landlord is planning to rent to Mangia, the glitzy gourmet food department store, the very existence of Greco’s Deli is suddenly in jeopardy.

She tries to plead her case to Theo Taylor, scion of the property management firm that is about to put her out of business, but their meeting goes from bad (it’s not her fault he’s infuriating) to worse (no one expects the ceiling to literally fall in).

With Theo out cold, Ellie panics and claims to be his fiancée . . . and almost passes out herself when amnesia means Theo seems to actually believe her. Soon, the effects of the head injury wear off, but Theo proposes that their “engagement” stick around. If they manage to convince enough people, they might both get what they want: an end to the Mangia deal. Ellie doesn’t trust him (after all, if Theo Taylor wants it, how can it be good for her?) but seeing no other option, she reluctantly agrees.

And miraculously, the fake engagement seems to be working—even Ted, Theo’s shrewd, cold father seems convinced—that is, until Sam, Theo’s ex-fiancée, reappears on the scene. Not only does she see through their ruse, but she proposes an arrangement of her own, forcing Ellie to decide between a blossoming friendship, her family legacy, and the burgeoning romance she frankly never asked for.

©2024 Jilly Gagnon (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Beautifully written, brilliant, and perfectly salty, Love You, Mean It is a total dream of a rom-com—an instant favorite to savor on every reread. Ellie and Theo’s sizzling chemistry leaps off the page, and Jilly Gagnon’s hilarious subversion of the amnesia trope only adds to the deep tenderness of their slow-burn romance. I adored every moment.”—Lana Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Payback’s a Witch

Unique’ish storyline

I’m not a romance girl… but rom coms are good only if the plot is good. This fit the bill!

I loved this book

Mini Synopsis:

Ellie has discovered that her family's deli, which has been operating for years, is in danger of going out of business. She intends to speak with the son of the local landlord to persuade him to stop his father from bringing in a major business that could potentially put hers out of business.


🍕💖Book Review💖🍕

My thoughts:

I enjoyed the mischievousness and chemistry between Theo and Ellie. When the situation required it, they were both able to put their feelings aside and be there for each other. The side characters were funny and relatable, and I particularly appreciated the authenticity of Ellie's family and their willingness to express their strong opinions. Although they held their tongues for Ellie's sake, their love for her was remarkable. I also felt the Italian family dynamic was well-portrayed for Ellie's family. Although Ellie and Theo carried the weight of their losses, I appreciated how they ultimately found solace in each other as well as love.

🎧My Narration Thoughts🎧

I absolutely loved listening to this audiobook, and Amanda Ronconi's narration was just amazing! She brought each character to life in a unique way that made them feel so real. I particularly enjoyed the way she voiced Ellie's Mimi - it was delightful.

This book is for you if you like:
Small Town Romances, Fake Engagements, Rivals to Lovers, Amnesia, Opposites attract, and Low spice.

Love Always, Catherine