Truly Madly Deeply (Deluxe Edition) (Forbidden Love, 1)

I haven’t so far read a book written by LJ Shen that has left me unsatisfied; it’s either I want more or it feels just right. This book was a five course meal with just the right amount of food that left me satiated. I know I was because of the smile that was on my lips as I read “The End”

Cal and Row are the couples that you didn’t know you needed to know about. I love me a grumpy MC, his assholeness what to a whole other level and I loved it! 😝 His perseverance in his love for her but his willingness to cut all ties with her if she wasn’t all in, was a great demonstration of self love but also knowing your self worth.

Sometimes we need in life that one person who’s going to be your soundboard, the one who despite loving us with all their heart will not shy away from calling us out on our BS and Cal not only had one but two people like that for her, the Casablancas siblings, Dylan and Row.

There’s always a lesson to learn in an LJ Shen book, there’s no doubt about it. Regardless of the trope, throughout the story of those characters, you will come out with a bit more knowledge on a subject than what you started with.

The sarcasm between Row and Cal was definitely my cup of tea. 😏 I usually feel like I’ve been on a rollercoaster of emotions after reading an LJ Shen book, but this one although bumpy, I feel like I went through it in a bubble wrap. The care she puts into developing her characters and letting you get to know them throughout the storyline is one of the things I admire about her as an author. I can’t wait to read the next story within this series, whomever it might be on, Dylan and Keiran or Tate and Gia. Maybe Taylor or Rhy might find their partner next. Whomever is next, I’m here for it! 🙂

✨Thoughts✨ The story starts with a bang, quite literally, as our FMC, Cal, sets her sights on losing her v-card to her best friend's older brother. The situation takes a bitter turn, and Cal immediately relocates to NYC for college. However, years later, a personal tragedy forces her to return to her hometown.

♡︎ If you're familiar with LJ Shen's writing style, you'll know that she has an incredible ability to hold the readers' attention from the very first page. Personally, I couldn't put this book down, devouring it in a single day. I absolutely love it when characters have layers that unravel as the story progresses, and this book certainly delivers in that aspect.

♡︎ The intense and sometimes unpredictable attraction between Row and Cal had me hooked from the start. Their push-and-pull dynamic provided endless entertainment, enhanced by the angsty vibes that made this book utterly irresistible. Cal and Row shared incredible chemistry, along with some of the best banter I've ever read. I couldn't help but fall in love with both of them and all their flaws and quirks.

♡︎ While LJ Shen touches upon weighty themes that add depth to the story, overall, this book carries a lighter tone, brimming with swoon-worthy moments and a strong 90s vibe. I highly recommend listening to the suggested music for each chapter to fully embrace the experience.

✧ To sum it up, if you're a fan of stories about friends-turned-enemies-turned-lovers, featuring interesting characters, then this book is an absolute must-read.

♥︎𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝’𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 ♡︎𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐭𝐨-𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 ♥︎𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬/𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 ♡︎𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 ♥︎𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 ♡︎𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝟓⭐️ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝟑/𝟓🌶️

I couldn't love this book anymore, I've read it 3 times now. Obsessed with the main characters & every single character in this amazing book. It truly is a gem 💎

💖 Tropes 💖 I Hte Everyone But You Touch Her and You De Best Friend's Brother Mystery Small Town Slow Burn Forced Proximity Spicy Second Chance

A throwback to the 90's with the clothes, phrases, & playlist brings back so much nostalgia. The main characters have soo much qualities they feel real. Cal as know as Dot is a quirky, amazing fmc that saves herself is this fairytale. Row is dark, brooding doesn't care much for others besides his family & the lead fmc. This story has soo much angst it left me with anxiety about their endings..which I did not want to end. This has been 1 of my favorite reads of the year. L.J. Shen writes such emotional characters they seem so real, so true. These characters are very unique & different than the typical bad boy L.J. Shen alpha holes. Row will do anything for Cal...anything even if it means breaking his own heart for the 2nd time. He has become one of my new favorites bookboyfriends. Even the side characters have so much real qualities I can't wait to see who ends up in the 2nd book.  The conversations made me laugh so hard, & feel soo connected with them all. The uniqueness of all these characters really brought this amazing book together. I couldn't get enough. This book is all about true deep love, second chances, taking charge of your life. This book gave me all the feelings..happy, sad, anxiety,  hopefulness,  laugh, cry & much more. Had me on the edges of my seat. L.J. Shen has created such a new amazing world that I can't wait for more of.

“Everyone wants to shine bright like a diamond, but no one wants to get cut.” —Eric Thomas

This story is infused with so much heart, love, loss and deep human connection that it won’t leave even the coldest of hearts unmoved.

You haven’t experienced great BANTER until you’ve read this book! The tug and pull is an unstoppable force in this book!

The BURN IS REAL! You might have to call in firefighters! The desire is sharp, palpable and contagious! The longing is gentle and slow as it captures your heart. The passion is fierce, sharp and anything but timid! It’s all about that STEAM! All the YEARNING, all the delicious CRACKLING, SIZZLING CHEMISTRY and full-on steam in the kitchen!

Their hearts can’t resist, can’t exist peacefully in another’s presence - they soar, rebel and gain a momentary superhero courage to dare to dream. To take a leap of faith and grab their dream by his Michelin-rated shoulders.

There is always so much humanity, so much heart, so much wisdom that hides underneath the surface of an L.J.Shen love story. She means to expand your heart, to leave an imprint of inspiration and courage on a reader’s heart.

I'm not up for a lengthy detailed review but I just wanted to take a moment and share that I loved this book. The main female character is quirky and sweet and smart and awkward in the most endearing way. The main male character is grumbly and grouchy and ultimately a big old softy in the most endearing way. The cast of characters surrounding them were well fleshed out and I'm hoping to see some spinoff's down the line with a few of them in them. This story was an absolute pleasure to read. I smiled, I chuckled, I swooned. The spice was unique and fun as well.

LJ Shen has proven once again what a remarkable writer she is. From the first page of Truly, Madly, Deeply, I knew I was in for a heck of a ride. She completely presented us with two main characters who were so meant for each other—Cal and Row—but having emotional baggage made it hard to come by at first.

When I say that Row will be my one and only book boyfriend from now on, it is an understatement. He should be everyone’s book boyfriend! Yes, he can be an alpha hole at times, but then we wouldn’t be reading one of LJ’s books if we weren’t. He is everything that Cal needs and more!

This grumpy x sunshine, enemies-to-lovers story centers around Ambrose Casablancas (aka Row), a brilliant but conceited Michelin-starred chef, and Calla Litvin, his baby sister’s quirky best friend, who unexpectedly re-enters his life. Ambrose, with his sharp focus on his career and passion for food, has always kept women at a distance, seeing them as a distraction—especially Cal. But when she shows up at his restaurant, looking for a job after their tumultuous past, his carefully built walls start to crumble. Cal has always had a crush on the “bad boy,” but their reunion ignites a fiery tension between them, complicated by Cal’s compassionate nature and Ambrose’s tough exterior.

What makes this story truly shine is the depth of the characters. Cal is an endearing ball of sunshine, a character you can’t help but root for, but her internal struggles make her complex and endearing. The banter between them is sharp, humorous, and full of chemistry, pulling you deeper into their story. As the heat between them rises, so does the danger lurking in the background, making for a gripping page-turner.

Shen’s writing style is engaging and full of emotional depth. The tension between Ambrose and Cal keeps you on the edge of your seat, while the heartwarming moments will make you fall in love with both characters. Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope will adore the way this romance unfolds with a perfect blend of angst, passion, and charm.

Truly Madly Deeply can be read as a standalone, but it also kicks off LJ Shen’s exciting new Forbidden Love series. For fans of intense, fiery romances, this book is not to be missed.

Are you ready for delicious adventure that is spiced with love, angst and amazing friendship like cherry on top ? Truly Madly Deeply serves chefs kiss masterpiece that won my heart from the start!

Author delivers unique Story telling - it's almost 600 pages but I didn't feel that. I devoured it like a pro. Cal and Row brings slow burn but for sure tension and banter were amazing since the start - I couldn't get enough. This couple couldn't be more different but at the same moment they compelete each other perfectly - the way how they intereacted? Gosh- I'm surprised that my kindle hadn't turned into ashes lol. Their romance is the perfect example how author can SLAY opposite attract trope form the first pages. Also a little wink wink into way to side characters - that was one of the best background actions I've ever experienced in books.

With TMD author proves that romance is thriving and highlighting every single of our days.

Truly Madly Deeply is book one in L.J. Shen’s Forbidden Love series. This is my first read by Shen, and I was not disappointed.

The character development in this book is excellent. Calla is quirky, awkward, delightful, selfless, and lovable. Row is surly, angry, but also fiercely protective of those he loves. He also has a delightfully filthy mouth, and I love him for it.

These two frustrated me to no end, but when they both finally got out of their own way, it was an amazing thing to see. Row’s ability to accept Calla exactly as she is is refreshing. Calla’s determination to overcome past trauma is inspiring.

There are some heavier topics so please check the content warnings. Shen handles these topics with grace, care, and compassion.

🌶️🌶️ 2/5

“What if I fall again?” I choked out. “You won’t,” he barked out impatiently. “How do you know?” “Because I’ll always catch you.”

This was such a good read! If you're looking for a slow burn romance packed with hilarious banter, a ton of angst, and amazing spice; then pick this book up!

"Being in his arms felt good. No, not just good, divine. I could see myself getting addicted after that first hit."

💕 Billionaire Romance 💕 Best Friend's Brother 💕 Second Chance 💕 Slowburn 💕 Forced Proximity 💕 Enemies to lovers 💕 Boss/Employee 💕 Anxiety Rep 💕 Secret Pen Pals 💕 Banter & Angst 💕 He falls first 💕 He's a chef

"Once upon a time, I was in love with Calla Litvin. She had broken my heart in two. Whether she had done it knowingly or klutzily didn’t matter. I wasn’t letting her anywhere near that organ again."