Joao Nsita
- Sep 26
- 6 min read

Book Review: Truly, Madly, Deeply by LJ Shen – A Grumpy Sunshine Romance That Sizzles

Introduction

What happens when a fiery, conceited Michelin-starred chef meets his sister’s quirky best friend in a small town brimming with unresolved feelings? LJ Shen’s Truly Madly Deeply answers that question with delicious tension, slow-burn romance, and emotional intensity. The story of Ambrose Casablancas and Calla Litvin captivates from the very first page with its witty banter, angst-filled history, and the irresistible enemies-to-lovers dynamic. For romance lovers craving a blend of heart, heat, and humor, Truly Madly Deeply is a must-read that refuses to be put down.

Book Summary

Truly Madly Deeply kicks off with Calla Litvin, a bright, clumsy, and awkward heroine, returning to her small hometown after the loss of her father. Jobless, hopeless, and desperate for a fresh start, she finds herself seeking help from Ambrose Casablancas, her best friend's older brother and former crush. Ambrose, the surly, closed-off chef with a grudge, has built his life around avoiding complications—and Calla is nothing but a complication. When she reappears, looking for a job in his new restaurant, sparks fly, and not just in the kitchen.

Ambrose is a man of routine and ambition, and Calla disrupts that world in ways he never expected. Their shared past includes unresolved tension and hurt feelings, but working together brings that unresolved history to the surface. Calla, the sun to Ambrose’s stormy personality, forces him to confront feelings he’s buried for years. Amidst fiery chemistry, misunderstandings, and steamy encounters, both characters must navigate their emotional scars if they’re to have a second chance at love.

But it’s not all about romance—family pressures, personal growth, and even a mysterious stalker add layers to the story, making it more than just a lighthearted love tale. Calla’s immigrant background and Ambrose’s troubled past give this story depth, offering readers a story about more than just two people falling in love, but about healing and confronting old wounds.

Author’s Style and Craft

LJ Shen’s writing is magnetic, blending sharp humor with deeply emotional undertones. She excels at creating flawed, complex characters who leap off the page. Ambrose’s gruffness is balanced by moments of vulnerability, while Calla’s awkward charm and inner struggles make her easy to root for. Shen’s narrative technique of switching between perspectives allows readers to see both the emotional and intellectual sides of the characters, enhancing the depth of their relationship.

The pacing is expertly managed, with moments of tension and heartache followed by witty dialogue and emotional breakthroughs. Shen skillfully plays with the grumpy-sunshine trope, making their romance both believable and satisfying. The dialogue is another highlight, filled with banter and bite, capturing the essence of their complicated dynamic. Overall, Shen’s craft makes the story both emotionally engaging and laugh-out-loud funny.

Themes and Deeper Meaning

At its heart, Truly Madly Deeply explores themes of second chances, grief, and healing. Both Calla and Ambrose are haunted by their pasts—Calla by her father's death and her fears of inadequacy, and Ambrose by his difficult upbringing and the pressures he faces as a restaurateur and brother. Through their relationship, they both confront these internal struggles, learning that vulnerability and connection can lead to growth and healing.

Family is another major theme woven throughout the narrative. Calla’s immigrant background adds nuance to her character, highlighting the pressure she feels to meet cultural expectations. Similarly, Ambrose’s complicated relationship with his sister Dylan provides insight into his protective nature and emotional walls.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic isn’t just about romantic tension; it also reflects the broader theme of personal transformation. As Ambrose and Calla move from antagonism to intimacy, the reader witnesses a deeper exploration of forgiveness, trust, and self-acceptance.

Strengths

Shen’s ability to build tension is one of the novel’s standout features. From the unresolved tension between Ambrose and Calla to the chemistry that smolders just beneath the surface, every interaction crackles with intensity. The slow burn makes the eventual payoff that much more satisfying, and the buildup is handled with care and precision.

The characters themselves are another strength. Ambrose, with his brooding arrogance, and Calla, with her quirky, insecure charm, complement each other perfectly. Their banter is sharp and witty, but beneath it lies genuine emotional depth. Shen deftly handles Calla’s internal struggles, making her growth over the course of the novel feel authentic and rewarding.

Additionally, the novel’s structure—alternating perspectives—gives readers insight into both protagonists’ minds. This technique not only builds suspense but also deepens our understanding of their motivations, fears, and desires.

Areas for Improvement

While Truly Madly Deeply is a compelling read, some readers might find the inclusion of the stalker subplot a bit out of place. Though it adds tension and stakes to Ambrose’s storyline, it can feel somewhat disconnected from the main emotional arc of the novel. Some readers may prefer more focus on the central romance without the distraction of this external conflict.

Additionally, at times the pacing of the novel could feel uneven. The tension builds beautifully in the first half, but the resolution towards the end feels slightly rushed, particularly in terms of emotional closure for Ambrose’s internal struggles.

Comparative Analysis

Fans of romance novels will immediately draw comparisons between Truly Madly Deeply and Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game due to the witty banter and slow-burn romance. Both books feature a grumpy-sunshine dynamic, but Shen’s novel offers more emotional depth, particularly with its exploration of grief and trauma.

In terms of LJ Shen’s broader body of work, this book leans more into humor and vulnerability than some of her darker, angst-filled novels like Vicious or The Kiss Thief. However, it still delivers the same emotional intensity and well-drawn characters that Shen is known for, making it a strong addition to her catalog.

Target Audience

Truly Madly Deeply is perfect for readers who love contemporary romance with emotionally complex characters, sharp dialogue, and a dash of mystery. Fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope will appreciate the simmering tension between Ambrose and Calla, while readers who enjoy character-driven stories about healing and personal growth will find plenty to enjoy here.

This book will also appeal to fans of second-chance romance, particularly those who enjoy the added tension of best friend’s brother dynamics. With its steamy romance and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a perfect escape for romance readers looking for an emotional but fun read.

Personal Impact

As a fan of slow-burn romances, I found Truly Madly Deeply to be a thoroughly engaging experience. The dynamic between Ambrose and Calla kept me invested throughout, and their emotional growth felt authentic. It’s a book that lingers with you, not just because of the romance, but because of the exploration of grief and the healing power of love.

Conclusion

Truly Madly Deeply is more than just a romance—it’s a story of love, growth, and second chances. LJ Shen has crafted a compelling narrative with unforgettable characters, making this book a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. If you're ready for a heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, and emotionally charged journey, don’t miss this gem.

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FAQ Section

Is Truly Madly Deeply part of a series? Yes, this is the first book in LJ Shen’s Forbidden Love series.
What genre is this book? Truly Madly Deeply is a contemporary romance novel with elements of suspense.
What is the main trope of this book? The primary trope is enemies-to-lovers with a best friend’s brother twist.
Does the book deal with serious themes? Yes, it touches on grief, trauma, and healing alongside its romantic elements.
Is this book spicy? Yes, it features several steamy scenes that are integral to the emotional journey of the characters.
Can I read this as a standalone? Yes, while it’s part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Is there an audiobook available? Yes, Truly Madly Deeply is available in audiobook format.
What makes this romance unique? Shen’s incorporation of emotional depth, complex characters, and witty dialogue set it apart from typical romances.
Who would enjoy this book? Fans of slow-burn romances, grumpy-sunshine dynamics, and character-driven stories will love this book.
What content warnings should I be aware of? The book touches on themes of grief and trauma, which may be sensitive for some readers.

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