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Till There Was You
Culinary student Lexi Berman, 24, has one goal: to make her late mother proud by becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. And she isn’t going to let anything–or anyone–get in the way. But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician who charms her with show tunes, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule. After a steamy weekend together, Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, and Lexi never expects to see him again. And she definitely doesn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, with a breakout single that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancake recipe.
As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her coworker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi's matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumors swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.
Set both in the chaos of fame and the high stakes world of New York City restaurants, this novel sprinkles in a second chance at love and a dollop of celebrity drama to create a romantic romp that will make even the most jaded reader smile.
As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her coworker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi's matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumors swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.
Set both in the chaos of fame and the high stakes world of New York City restaurants, this novel sprinkles in a second chance at love and a dollop of celebrity drama to create a romantic romp that will make even the most jaded reader smile.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2024
About the author
Lindsay Hameroff
2 books304 followersLindsay Hameroff lives in Harrisburg, PA with her husband and two kids. Her work has been published in McSweeneys, Weekly Humorist, and other humor outlets. She also co-edits Frazzled, a parenting humor site on Medium. TILL THERE WAS YOU is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 978 reviews
February 20, 2024
Twenty Four year old, Lexi Berman, is a culinary student working hard towards her goal of becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant.
She doesn’t have time for romance.
But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule, and ends up spending a steamy weekend with him. When Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, Lexi never expects to see him again, which fits with her plans.
She definitely didn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, but a breakout single, “Blueberry” propels him to stardom. And, it’s a song that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancakes -the breakfast she prepared for him, after their first night.
Even though he has been linked to a mega pop star, is it possible that he and Lexi are actually the two who are meant to be together?
This sweet and spicy INSTA LOVE romance, is best suited for readers in their twenties. Unfortunately, since I am not even close to being in that demographic, it read much too YA for me.
The dialogue between Lexi and her two BFFs is quite juvenile, with the author’s word choices, trying too hard to be funny. There was plenty of references to snorting, giggling, and cackling, as they discussed the perils of dating and boning. (their word choice, not mine)
Jake on the other hand, seemed older than a guy in his twenties-and almost as perfect as his dimpled smile.(also referenced quite often).
I missed the more mature, witty and clever banter that I seek in my Rom-Coms.
It WAS an enjoyable enough peek into the culinary and pop star worlds, and this debut author definitely shows promise-but the book should have been listed in the YA category.
3.5 ⭐️
Available Now
Another buddy read with DeAnn-did she connect more with this one, than I did?! Be sure to watch for her review!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
She doesn’t have time for romance.
But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule, and ends up spending a steamy weekend with him. When Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, Lexi never expects to see him again, which fits with her plans.
She definitely didn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, but a breakout single, “Blueberry” propels him to stardom. And, it’s a song that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancakes -the breakfast she prepared for him, after their first night.
Even though he has been linked to a mega pop star, is it possible that he and Lexi are actually the two who are meant to be together?
This sweet and spicy INSTA LOVE romance, is best suited for readers in their twenties. Unfortunately, since I am not even close to being in that demographic, it read much too YA for me.
The dialogue between Lexi and her two BFFs is quite juvenile, with the author’s word choices, trying too hard to be funny. There was plenty of references to snorting, giggling, and cackling, as they discussed the perils of dating and boning. (their word choice, not mine)
Jake on the other hand, seemed older than a guy in his twenties-and almost as perfect as his dimpled smile.(also referenced quite often).
I missed the more mature, witty and clever banter that I seek in my Rom-Coms.
It WAS an enjoyable enough peek into the culinary and pop star worlds, and this debut author definitely shows promise-but the book should have been listed in the YA category.
3.5 ⭐️
Available Now
Another buddy read with DeAnn-did she connect more with this one, than I did?! Be sure to watch for her review!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
July 4, 2023
I wrote this book and I'm a pretty big fan of it. Then again, it's basically an amalgamation of all my favorite things (Sound of Music reference intended), so I guess it's sort of a given. I hope you'll enjoy reading it too!
January 21, 2024
Lexi is a culinary student and has sworn off dating, until one night she meets Jake, and they end up spending the whole weekend together. After, Jake heads off to LA to make it big in the music industry, which he ends up doing.
As Jake’s star rises, Lexi keeps it to herself, especially that his hit song is about her. A year after he left, Jake is back on her doorstep, wanting her back. Lexi isn’t sure that’s what she wants, but ultimately they end up dating and Lexi is catapulted into the tabloids, and risking her career in the meantime.
With Jakes upcoming tour approaching, Lexi must decide if Jake is really what she wants.
This book was rather interesting. I think that it is most definitely one of those that you will have to be in the right mindset for. It’s an insta-love, second chance romance, rom-com that is very light and fluffy. I think that it was a little too light and fluffy for even my tastes. I loved a good bubble gum piece but this one was just really light.
There is no depth to any of the characters at all and I really wish that there was. We only ever got to know the characters on the surface level. Getting some of the backstory on the characters, or building them up a little better would have increased my enjoyment with this book. I also felt that the characters acted exactly how we would expect them to act for a romance novel, not exactly the most realistic way
This leads me to my feelings that it felt almost like the author was trying too hard and it came across a little cringy. I did enjoy seeing the relationship between Jake and Lexi evolve, but it was a bit formulaic at times. I do think that this one is best for those looking for a NA book. All the would be spice scenes are pretty closed door and the characters are young and dealing with new adult problems.
I think that there is a lot of potential for this author, and they’re not going to be missed. I just hope in their next rom-com they have matured a little and their banter and wit are on point!
If you are looking for a sweet rom-com that will have you craving delicious food, then check this one out.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up
As Jake’s star rises, Lexi keeps it to herself, especially that his hit song is about her. A year after he left, Jake is back on her doorstep, wanting her back. Lexi isn’t sure that’s what she wants, but ultimately they end up dating and Lexi is catapulted into the tabloids, and risking her career in the meantime.
With Jakes upcoming tour approaching, Lexi must decide if Jake is really what she wants.
This book was rather interesting. I think that it is most definitely one of those that you will have to be in the right mindset for. It’s an insta-love, second chance romance, rom-com that is very light and fluffy. I think that it was a little too light and fluffy for even my tastes. I loved a good bubble gum piece but this one was just really light.
There is no depth to any of the characters at all and I really wish that there was. We only ever got to know the characters on the surface level. Getting some of the backstory on the characters, or building them up a little better would have increased my enjoyment with this book. I also felt that the characters acted exactly how we would expect them to act for a romance novel, not exactly the most realistic way
This leads me to my feelings that it felt almost like the author was trying too hard and it came across a little cringy. I did enjoy seeing the relationship between Jake and Lexi evolve, but it was a bit formulaic at times. I do think that this one is best for those looking for a NA book. All the would be spice scenes are pretty closed door and the characters are young and dealing with new adult problems.
I think that there is a lot of potential for this author, and they’re not going to be missed. I just hope in their next rom-com they have matured a little and their banter and wit are on point!
If you are looking for a sweet rom-com that will have you craving delicious food, then check this one out.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Griffin, St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars rounded up
November 2, 2023
2.5 stars
Till There Was You has a lovely premise, a few of my favourite tropes, and some genuinely hilarious moments, but at the end of the day it read like a debut novel. Again, I loved the premise of this story, but there were quite a few moments where I stepped back and questioned the writing. For one, I found the pacing to be very uneven. This severely affected the character and plot development, which led to some even bigger issues. For those of you who haven't read this novel yet, it follows Lexi, a chef, who meets Jake, a singer, and they spend a weekend together. He then ghosts her, becoming a famous musician. The rest of the novel follows them as they reconnect. I love second chance romances, but because the weekend Lexi and Jake initially spent together was rushed through, when they reunited and claimed to still have feelings for each other, it felt very forced, as we, the audience, hadn't actually seen them spend that much time together. Additionally, some of the conflicts in this story felt awkwardly written, particularly towards the end. Jake and Lexi clearly love each other, yet the second a side character made a snide comment, they gave up on the relationship entirely. It felt like the author knew there needed to be a third act conflict, and forced one in. Lastly, this book heavily discusses the themes of balancing work and time with the ones you love. I can tell that the message was supposed to be along the lines of "if you are doing the right job, balance can be found" and that "sometimes your dreams aren't what you think they are," but these themes weren't approached in the best way. To keep things simple and spoiler free, I'll just say that there were times when Lexi seemed like a downright bad employee, as well as times when it seemed like the book was implying you can either have a home life or a career, not both. Overall, I found that there was much to be refined in this book, but despite all that, I still had an earnestly good time with it. There is a ton of potential in Lindsay Hameroff's writing and ideas, and I'm excited to see what she writes next.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Till There Was You has a lovely premise, a few of my favourite tropes, and some genuinely hilarious moments, but at the end of the day it read like a debut novel. Again, I loved the premise of this story, but there were quite a few moments where I stepped back and questioned the writing. For one, I found the pacing to be very uneven. This severely affected the character and plot development, which led to some even bigger issues. For those of you who haven't read this novel yet, it follows Lexi, a chef, who meets Jake, a singer, and they spend a weekend together. He then ghosts her, becoming a famous musician. The rest of the novel follows them as they reconnect. I love second chance romances, but because the weekend Lexi and Jake initially spent together was rushed through, when they reunited and claimed to still have feelings for each other, it felt very forced, as we, the audience, hadn't actually seen them spend that much time together. Additionally, some of the conflicts in this story felt awkwardly written, particularly towards the end. Jake and Lexi clearly love each other, yet the second a side character made a snide comment, they gave up on the relationship entirely. It felt like the author knew there needed to be a third act conflict, and forced one in. Lastly, this book heavily discusses the themes of balancing work and time with the ones you love. I can tell that the message was supposed to be along the lines of "if you are doing the right job, balance can be found" and that "sometimes your dreams aren't what you think they are," but these themes weren't approached in the best way. To keep things simple and spoiler free, I'll just say that there were times when Lexi seemed like a downright bad employee, as well as times when it seemed like the book was implying you can either have a home life or a career, not both. Overall, I found that there was much to be refined in this book, but despite all that, I still had an earnestly good time with it. There is a ton of potential in Lindsay Hameroff's writing and ideas, and I'm excited to see what she writes next.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 30, 2024
Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff is a contemporary romance debut novel. Till There Was You starts off feeling a bit like an insta-love trope but it slowly grows into a second chance romance over the course of the story.
At twenty four Lexi Berman is well on the way to her dream job of one day becoming a Michelin-starred chef. For now though Lexi has to start somewhere and that somewhere is prepping in the back of the restaurant while she waits for her time to work her way to the top.
In Lexi’s plans to get to the top there just isn’t any room for romance and she’s sworn off dating and relationships. That is until one night at a bar she meets a guitar slinging crooner that ends up turning from one night to a magical weekend. Of course Lexi wants to see Jake Taylor again but little did she know he’d ghost her and she’d only see him on billboards when he becomes super famous after their time together.
Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff is one for the foodies and the music lovers out there who also enjoy a few laughs with their romance. Despite the whirlwind insta beginning I really enjoyed where this one went and diving into the drama that came with such an unexpected coupling. Since this was a debut novel I’ll have to wait to read more from this author but I’ll be looking forward to seeing what her future holds.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
At twenty four Lexi Berman is well on the way to her dream job of one day becoming a Michelin-starred chef. For now though Lexi has to start somewhere and that somewhere is prepping in the back of the restaurant while she waits for her time to work her way to the top.
In Lexi’s plans to get to the top there just isn’t any room for romance and she’s sworn off dating and relationships. That is until one night at a bar she meets a guitar slinging crooner that ends up turning from one night to a magical weekend. Of course Lexi wants to see Jake Taylor again but little did she know he’d ghost her and she’d only see him on billboards when he becomes super famous after their time together.
Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff is one for the foodies and the music lovers out there who also enjoy a few laughs with their romance. Despite the whirlwind insta beginning I really enjoyed where this one went and diving into the drama that came with such an unexpected coupling. Since this was a debut novel I’ll have to wait to read more from this author but I’ll be looking forward to seeing what her future holds.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 3, 2024
Till There Was You by Lindsay Hameroff
Contemporary romance. New adult or just past that age.
Lexi Berman is a culinary student in New York, living alone in her family’s owned apartment. Her goal in life is to make her late mother proud by becoming a chef with her own renowned restaurant and making people happy with her cooking. As the last to leave after a night out with friends, Lexi meets a local musician who makes her laugh and charms her writing a song about the blueberry pancakes she makes him that weekend. Jake’s life becomes a whirlwind shortly after their weekend together, and though they both fell a little in love at the time, he ends up ghosting her. A year later, he’s famous, she’s an in-training chef, and they try again for a relationship though hours and lifestyles are now worlds apart. Can they figure out what each wants in life? And will it be together?
Heartbreakingly star crossed beginning as they each must self assess. Is love enough to work around scheduling conflicts or must someone give up and change? This story asks that question. Fortunately we have enough input and background from both Lexi and Jake that the reader will see and cheer on the characters as they self assess.
It’s gooey and steamy and delightful as Lexi and Jake find their hea with each other and their careers.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance. New adult or just past that age.
Lexi Berman is a culinary student in New York, living alone in her family’s owned apartment. Her goal in life is to make her late mother proud by becoming a chef with her own renowned restaurant and making people happy with her cooking. As the last to leave after a night out with friends, Lexi meets a local musician who makes her laugh and charms her writing a song about the blueberry pancakes she makes him that weekend. Jake’s life becomes a whirlwind shortly after their weekend together, and though they both fell a little in love at the time, he ends up ghosting her. A year later, he’s famous, she’s an in-training chef, and they try again for a relationship though hours and lifestyles are now worlds apart. Can they figure out what each wants in life? And will it be together?
Heartbreakingly star crossed beginning as they each must self assess. Is love enough to work around scheduling conflicts or must someone give up and change? This story asks that question. Fortunately we have enough input and background from both Lexi and Jake that the reader will see and cheer on the characters as they self assess.
It’s gooey and steamy and delightful as Lexi and Jake find their hea with each other and their careers.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
March 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this contemporary romance! In addition to a romance, you get a look behind the scenes at two very different ways to make a living: a rock/pop celebrity and a professional chef in a restaurant. Lexi is a culinary student in New York City when she meets Jake at a bar, where he’s going to perform. They hit it off immediately and spend a fabulous weekend together. Unfortunately for their relationship, he is flying to LA right after the weekend to record a demo in the hope of getting a recording contract. Jake turns into an overnight success, with a hit single that he wrote about Lexi and her homemade blueberry pancakes. You might call this a second-chance romance because things fall apart right away, due to Jake’s success and the people who are managing him and his time. They do get a second chance to form a relationship but it’s incredibly hard, given their professional commitments and lives.
The scenes at the culinary school and at the restaurant seemed very realistic - the next time you go out to eat, be sure to spare a thought for the folks who work so hard to get that beautiful dish on your table! It’s a real contrast with the celebrity life. Jake can’t go anywhere without paparazzi dogging him.
I thought that Lexi needed to find a way to move on from the death of her mother (years before) and to fix her relationship with her father, and I was happy to see her personal growth by the end of the book. I loved Lexi’s best friends, Ali and Chloe, and I was glad to see she formed a new friendship with Mia, who she met at the restaurant where they both worked. The story is told from Lexi’s POV and so we don’t get inside Jake’s head. That’s one thing I would have liked - a couple of chapters from Jake’s POV. I enjoyed the low-key Jewish rep in the story: references to sitting shiva for Lexi’s mom, her making chicken matzah ball soup, and so forth.
The big ending was delightful, although you really had to suspend your disbelief at how it went down. I can’t say more without it being a spoiler, so you’ll just have to read it to see what I’m talking about!
I love music and I love good food, so this was a great combination for me. It was hard to believe that this is a debut novel and I’ll be looking for more books by Lindsay Hameroff, for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The scenes at the culinary school and at the restaurant seemed very realistic - the next time you go out to eat, be sure to spare a thought for the folks who work so hard to get that beautiful dish on your table! It’s a real contrast with the celebrity life. Jake can’t go anywhere without paparazzi dogging him.
I thought that Lexi needed to find a way to move on from the death of her mother (years before) and to fix her relationship with her father, and I was happy to see her personal growth by the end of the book. I loved Lexi’s best friends, Ali and Chloe, and I was glad to see she formed a new friendship with Mia, who she met at the restaurant where they both worked. The story is told from Lexi’s POV and so we don’t get inside Jake’s head. That’s one thing I would have liked - a couple of chapters from Jake’s POV. I enjoyed the low-key Jewish rep in the story: references to sitting shiva for Lexi’s mom, her making chicken matzah ball soup, and so forth.
The big ending was delightful, although you really had to suspend your disbelief at how it went down. I can’t say more without it being a spoiler, so you’ll just have to read it to see what I’m talking about!
I love music and I love good food, so this was a great combination for me. It was hard to believe that this is a debut novel and I’ll be looking for more books by Lindsay Hameroff, for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
August 1, 2024Thank you to the author Lindsay Hameroff, publishers St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of TILL THERE WAS YOU. All views are mine.
I'm definitely in my closed-door romance era and I have good reasons for that. I'm trying to make that no one's problem but mine, but it's largely impossible to choose a romance and be sure I'm not going to land eyeballs first in some characters' genitals. Of course I skip it when I find it. But the point is, I don't like being surprised by it.
I say this with all due respect to creators of this content. Right now, romance authors are very vocal about how readers should just skip what we don't want to read. But in books and in posts, skipping what's already whalloped me over the head doesn't do me much good.
Perhaps this doesn't sound much like a review, but it is. This book hit me with a sex scene I wasn't prepared for and woke up the twisted beast of trauma inside me that I am always working on. Will always be working on. Right now I can't tolerate sexual content. After the first sex scene in this book, I was too put off to connect with any of it. I had to put it down.
I should be given the chance to avoid a triggering book or prepare myself. One little note in the front matter can make a huge difference.
Three (or more) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I really hate that I never know if I'm getting a romance with elicit material or not. I saw no content or trigger warnings in the front matter. I don't like that kind of content right now. The community of authors who write it admonish critics of it to just avoid it, but they don't make that easy.
2. "Calm down, Lexi. I'm not going to fall apart in front of some guy I barely know," the fmc chastizes herself, the morning after sleeping with said "stranger."
3. The plot struggles logically when Lexi pushes Jake away. "Maybe we shouldn't ruin this," she says, because she "wasn't looking for a commitment to begin with"? This plot point is so weak, the author spends a whole eight tiny dialog-filled paragraphs on it. Any more and the bones would've shown.
4. Lexi gives Jake a parting gift of "a foil-wrapped package of leftover pancakes" ? Sounds gross.
5. The reader really doesn't need to know what happens every single minute. The author should use the transitions to naturally progress the story forward, because as it is, it is really slow, and who cares that Lexi is pals with the security guard in her dorm?
6. "You will spill this tea," Lexi's friend Ali says when she wants the details about Jake. Tea tends to refer not just to gossip, but dirt, or at least gossip of a sensitive nature. And use of this phrase in this context is appropriation, if I want to get snippy about it.
7. "dine alfresco in Central Park..." Dining alfresco or al fresco dining does not technically refer to picnicking in the park, but to eating a meal outdoors, such as at a restaurant or family patio table.
8. Why did the fmc and mmc go through the dramatic breakup if they were going to continue an emotional affair, just so he could bust her heart to pieces? That plotless mess is for real life, not fiction.
Rating: DNF @ 17%
Recommend? No
Finished: Feb 16 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
💖 romance
❤️🩹 second chance romance
👩🍳 foodie fmc
🎸 rock'n'roll mmc
🚪 open door romance
I'm definitely in my closed-door romance era and I have good reasons for that. I'm trying to make that no one's problem but mine, but it's largely impossible to choose a romance and be sure I'm not going to land eyeballs first in some characters' genitals. Of course I skip it when I find it. But the point is, I don't like being surprised by it.
I say this with all due respect to creators of this content. Right now, romance authors are very vocal about how readers should just skip what we don't want to read. But in books and in posts, skipping what's already whalloped me over the head doesn't do me much good.
Perhaps this doesn't sound much like a review, but it is. This book hit me with a sex scene I wasn't prepared for and woke up the twisted beast of trauma inside me that I am always working on. Will always be working on. Right now I can't tolerate sexual content. After the first sex scene in this book, I was too put off to connect with any of it. I had to put it down.
I should be given the chance to avoid a triggering book or prepare myself. One little note in the front matter can make a huge difference.
Three (or more) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I really hate that I never know if I'm getting a romance with elicit material or not. I saw no content or trigger warnings in the front matter. I don't like that kind of content right now. The community of authors who write it admonish critics of it to just avoid it, but they don't make that easy.
2. "Calm down, Lexi. I'm not going to fall apart in front of some guy I barely know," the fmc chastizes herself, the morning after sleeping with said "stranger."
3. The plot struggles logically when Lexi pushes Jake away. "Maybe we shouldn't ruin this," she says, because she "wasn't looking for a commitment to begin with"? This plot point is so weak, the author spends a whole eight tiny dialog-filled paragraphs on it. Any more and the bones would've shown.
4. Lexi gives Jake a parting gift of "a foil-wrapped package of leftover pancakes" ? Sounds gross.
5. The reader really doesn't need to know what happens every single minute. The author should use the transitions to naturally progress the story forward, because as it is, it is really slow, and who cares that Lexi is pals with the security guard in her dorm?
6. "You will spill this tea," Lexi's friend Ali says when she wants the details about Jake. Tea tends to refer not just to gossip, but dirt, or at least gossip of a sensitive nature. And use of this phrase in this context is appropriation, if I want to get snippy about it.
7. "dine alfresco in Central Park..." Dining alfresco or al fresco dining does not technically refer to picnicking in the park, but to eating a meal outdoors, such as at a restaurant or family patio table.
8. Why did the fmc and mmc go through the dramatic breakup if they were going to continue an emotional affair, just so he could bust her heart to pieces? That plotless mess is for real life, not fiction.
Rating: DNF @ 17%
Recommend? No
Finished: Feb 16 '24
Format: Digital arc, Kindle, NetGalley
Read this book if you like:
💖 romance
❤️🩹 second chance romance
👩🍳 foodie fmc
🎸 rock'n'roll mmc
🚪 open door romance
October 7, 2023
Maybe those blueberry lemon pancakes were nothing to write home about after all, much less hit song material. In any case they were definitely not sirupy enough to warm my cold jaded heart.
The blurb LIED. This won't make it to my #RomancePancakes list, sadly. (But I'm 100% keeping the cover!)
On paper, the menu read very promising though and it seemed like I would be in for a treat : one night stand between a student cook dreaming of Michelin starred kitchens and a dive bar musician on the verge of recording his first demo. He goes away, ghosts her and basically becomes a music sensation overnight with a hit song about the pancakes she made him over breakfast.
It started good, I enjoyed the uncertain beginning, their first meeting, the easy going chemistry and banter from their first night/weekend was undeniably cute. I could have read an extremely slow burn about their never-ending weekend, their insta-connection and their happenstance reunion but the chemistry between those two was unfortunately short lived.
Anything else felt... stale, I'm sorry to say. Boring and contrived, really. The conflict created about Jake disappearing act was very flimsy and poorly explained. Although the vague explanation Jake offered after over a year of radio silence (excuse the pun!) was somehow more than enough for Lexi to ask him to move in with her. My dudette, NO.
I also never got from Jake the "celebrity" vibe; he was surrounded by a bunch of staff from his label and complained a lot about the restrictions he had to endure in the months following his newfound celebrity status but still acted like a complete clueless and naive youngling. Very odd.
It could be I've read tons of celebrity romance and this one didn't convince me. In conclusion, I've had better pancakes, is all.
Thank you St Martin's via Netgalley for the advanced review copy.
The blurb LIED. This won't make it to my #RomancePancakes list, sadly. (But I'm 100% keeping the cover!)
On paper, the menu read very promising though and it seemed like I would be in for a treat : one night stand between a student cook dreaming of Michelin starred kitchens and a dive bar musician on the verge of recording his first demo. He goes away, ghosts her and basically becomes a music sensation overnight with a hit song about the pancakes she made him over breakfast.
It started good, I enjoyed the uncertain beginning, their first meeting, the easy going chemistry and banter from their first night/weekend was undeniably cute. I could have read an extremely slow burn about their never-ending weekend, their insta-connection and their happenstance reunion but the chemistry between those two was unfortunately short lived.
Anything else felt... stale, I'm sorry to say. Boring and contrived, really. The conflict created about Jake disappearing act was very flimsy and poorly explained. Although the vague explanation Jake offered after over a year of radio silence (excuse the pun!) was somehow more than enough for Lexi to ask him to move in with her. My dudette, NO.
I also never got from Jake the "celebrity" vibe; he was surrounded by a bunch of staff from his label and complained a lot about the restrictions he had to endure in the months following his newfound celebrity status but still acted like a complete clueless and naive youngling. Very odd.
It could be I've read tons of celebrity romance and this one didn't convince me. In conclusion, I've had better pancakes, is all.
Thank you St Martin's via Netgalley for the advanced review copy.
June 14, 2023
While I enjoyed the book, it was hard for me connect with the story. I thought the romance was lots of insta-love, not much depth. Safe to say, this book was just not for me.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 7, 2024
I was really hoping to love this one but it ended up being just okay for me. I love books about celebrity/fame so that aspect was right up my alley. I also love books about food/cooking so this combination should have been the perfect recipe, pun intended.
Ultimately I didn’t really love the romance and the rest of the plot lines didn’t do enough to support the mediocre romantic storyline. The romance definitely felt like instalove to me and I didn’t feel connected enough to the couple to really root for their second chance. The plot felt slow and the conversations and conflicts got repetitive.
This was cute but a bit boring. It was a nice story and I enjoyed the NYC setting. I do think this author has some promise and, knowing that this is only her debut novel, I’d be interested in trying out a future novel of hers.
Ultimately I didn’t really love the romance and the rest of the plot lines didn’t do enough to support the mediocre romantic storyline. The romance definitely felt like instalove to me and I didn’t feel connected enough to the couple to really root for their second chance. The plot felt slow and the conversations and conflicts got repetitive.
This was cute but a bit boring. It was a nice story and I enjoyed the NYC setting. I do think this author has some promise and, knowing that this is only her debut novel, I’d be interested in trying out a future novel of hers.
January 17, 2024
It turns out that I am an absolute sucker for rom coms in which the source of conflict is not a miscommunication or characters making assumptions. I absolutely love stories where the love interests are up front with each other from start to finish that they like each other and want it to work but there are external complications that need to be addressed.
Till There Was You is roughly 85% of that. There is a little bit of “people just not talking to each other.” But it feels way more organic than the common “I am consciously not telling them this because I don’t want to hurt them instead of allowing them to make an informed choice.”
At the start of the book, Lexi is a culinary student in New York whose focus on her career leads her to avoid dating. She goes out with friends one Friday night and has a flirtation with Jake, a musician who just happens to be performing in the bar that night. They end up spending the entire weekend with each other before he has to fly to LA for his own career opportunity. Lexi goes into this knowing this has an expiration date, but she likes him. A lot. And so they continue to text with the idea that he’ll be back in NYC before long and they can see what happens.
But then he doesn’t come back to NYC right away. His career blows up and he quickly becomes so busy that their text communication falls by the wayside. Lexi’s hurt but she does her best to move on.
A year and a half later, she’s finished with school and has procured an entry level job in a restaurant. She’s even thinking about dating one of her new coworkers who clearly has a huge crush on her. Everything seems to be turning up Lexi, as long as she doesn’t pay attention to the fact that Jake is now a huge pop star whose music – and face – is everywhere.
Then one day, Jake turns up at her apartment. It’s his first time back in NYC for an extended period of time. He’s missed Lexi and he knows he owes her some kind of explanation. Lexi still has feelings for Jake but she’s understandably wary so she they agree to just be friends. .
I thought the romance between Lexi and Jake was really sweet, if a little on the insta-lovey side, and I obviously appreciated how natural the conflict and its resolution felt. I did feel like the possibility of a love triangle with Lexi's coworker felt too brushed aside too quickly - justice for Ethan! - but that wasn't enough to dampen my overall enjoyment. I’m definitely excited for Hamerhoff’s next book!
Till There Was You is roughly 85% of that. There is a little bit of “people just not talking to each other.” But it feels way more organic than the common “I am consciously not telling them this because I don’t want to hurt them instead of allowing them to make an informed choice.”
At the start of the book, Lexi is a culinary student in New York whose focus on her career leads her to avoid dating. She goes out with friends one Friday night and has a flirtation with Jake, a musician who just happens to be performing in the bar that night. They end up spending the entire weekend with each other before he has to fly to LA for his own career opportunity. Lexi goes into this knowing this has an expiration date, but she likes him. A lot. And so they continue to text with the idea that he’ll be back in NYC before long and they can see what happens.
But then he doesn’t come back to NYC right away. His career blows up and he quickly becomes so busy that their text communication falls by the wayside. Lexi’s hurt but she does her best to move on.
A year and a half later, she’s finished with school and has procured an entry level job in a restaurant. She’s even thinking about dating one of her new coworkers who clearly has a huge crush on her. Everything seems to be turning up Lexi, as long as she doesn’t pay attention to the fact that Jake is now a huge pop star whose music – and face – is everywhere.
Then one day, Jake turns up at her apartment. It’s his first time back in NYC for an extended period of time. He’s missed Lexi and he knows he owes her some kind of explanation. Lexi still has feelings for Jake but she’s understandably wary so she they agree to just be friends. .
I thought the romance between Lexi and Jake was really sweet, if a little on the insta-lovey side, and I obviously appreciated how natural the conflict and its resolution felt. I did feel like the possibility of a love triangle with Lexi's coworker felt too brushed aside too quickly - justice for Ethan! - but that wasn't enough to dampen my overall enjoyment. I’m definitely excited for Hamerhoff’s next book!
February 27, 2024
Till There Was You is a delightful second-chance romance with a dollop of celebrity drama about a musician on the edge of fame and the aspiring chef who becomes the inspiration for his hit single. It’s about 24-year-old Lexi Berman, who dreams of becoming a chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. To stay focused, she decides not to date. But, one day, she meets Jake, a musician playing at a bar. After a weekend-long fling, he heads to LA to record his demo album, and Lexi assumes she'll never see him again. When he reappears a year later as a pop star, they're both confronted with the challenges of achieving their goals and wondering if they could have a future together.
This book was so funny. In the bar scene where Lexi and Jake meet, Lexi talks to Jake and tells him how much she doesn't like musicians. It turns out he's a musician. He asks her what's on her playlist, and she tells him only Broadway. So, of course, he gets up and plays “Till There Was You” for her. I loved that his breakout single was about the blueberry pancakes Lexi made him the morning after they hooked up. Everyone thought the song was so sexy and wondered what and who it was about. And Lexi knew, but she had her eye on the prize. The book is equal parts charming, funny, and romantic. Set in the chaos of fame and the high-stakes world of New York City restaurants, Till There Was You is the perfect recipe for love—a book that will make even the most jaded reader smile.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
This book was so funny. In the bar scene where Lexi and Jake meet, Lexi talks to Jake and tells him how much she doesn't like musicians. It turns out he's a musician. He asks her what's on her playlist, and she tells him only Broadway. So, of course, he gets up and plays “Till There Was You” for her. I loved that his breakout single was about the blueberry pancakes Lexi made him the morning after they hooked up. Everyone thought the song was so sexy and wondered what and who it was about. And Lexi knew, but she had her eye on the prize. The book is equal parts charming, funny, and romantic. Set in the chaos of fame and the high-stakes world of New York City restaurants, Till There Was You is the perfect recipe for love—a book that will make even the most jaded reader smile.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
January 22, 2024
4.5/5 stars
This is a contemporary romance that takes place in NYC.
The narrator is Alexa/Lexi (1st person POV). She is in her early twenties. She is a chef, which is one of my favorite jobs in books.
The book is a lot about her thinking about her dead mom, which I found hard to read. However her mom, and everything that happened with her dad after her mom died, was important to the story.
Lexi is Jewish. There are a few mentions about her family being Jewish, sitting shiva, her making matzah ball soup…but not a ton of Jewish rep.
The romance was good. I liked that he was a rockstar. And the whole celebrity aspect was very interesting.
The last few chapters were really good. There was a lot happening and I really liked that. I did like the ending. Although I would definitely like to know what happened next. But overall I definitely enjoyed this read.
Thanks to netgalley and SMP Romance for allowing me to read this book.
This is a contemporary romance that takes place in NYC.
The narrator is Alexa/Lexi (1st person POV). She is in her early twenties. She is a chef, which is one of my favorite jobs in books.
The book is a lot about her thinking about her dead mom, which I found hard to read. However her mom, and everything that happened with her dad after her mom died, was important to the story.
Lexi is Jewish. There are a few mentions about her family being Jewish, sitting shiva, her making matzah ball soup…but not a ton of Jewish rep.
The romance was good. I liked that he was a rockstar. And the whole celebrity aspect was very interesting.
The last few chapters were really good. There was a lot happening and I really liked that. I did like the ending. Although I would definitely like to know what happened next. But overall I definitely enjoyed this read.
Thanks to netgalley and SMP Romance for allowing me to read this book.
July 20, 2023
I loved everything about this book. Hameroff is hilarious and her comedic timing is on point. The love story between Lexi and Jake is believable and incredibly sweet. This is a hugely enjoyable romcom from a talented debut!
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
June 17, 2024This was perfectly nice but I got about 40% in and was just bored. I have too many library books for boredom.
May 25, 2023
Loved this swoon-worthy rom-com so much! Lexi is a delightfully relatable heroine, a young chef searching for authenticity in Manhattan . . . while accidentally falling for an overnight sensation, musician Jake Taylor. Hameroff does a stellar job exploring the emotional ups and downs of a hot-and-heavy romance between a normie and a celebrity. Both Lexi and the reader are pulled into a swirl of glittery lights and intense scrutiny—a world turned upside down thanks to the fragility of first love and the wow-factor of dating music’s newest heartthrob. This book was impossible to put down, with a rom-com grand gesture that left me grinning from ear-to-ear.
October 23, 2023
I've always been a sucker for "foodie fiction" and add a romance and Jewish FMC to the mix and you've got the 'recipe' for a 5 star novel for me (ignore my bad dad humor...)
I'm amazed that Till There Was You was a debut for Hameroff, the characters were so well fleshed out and the story grabbed me immediately. I loved watching the relationship between Lexi & Jake unfold and was completely invested in their story.
An easy 5 stars for me!
Thank you to St. Martins Press for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I'm amazed that Till There Was You was a debut for Hameroff, the characters were so well fleshed out and the story grabbed me immediately. I loved watching the relationship between Lexi & Jake unfold and was completely invested in their story.
An easy 5 stars for me!
Thank you to St. Martins Press for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2024
Thank you SMP Romance for my #gifted advance copy of Till There Was You!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐟
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my heart! I loved everything about this debut novel by Lindsay Hameroff. Till There Was You was pure perfection and I can’t wait to read whatever Hameroff writes next!
Nearing the end of culinary school, Lexi Berman has one goal in mind: become an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant to make her late mother proud. After a happy hour with some friends, Lexi decides to stay or one more drink and meets Jake Taylor, the handsome and charming man who ends up being the scheduled musician at the bar. Despite her commitment to her education and future career, Lexi decides to make an exception to her no-dating rule and she spends an amazing weekend with Jake, only to find out he will soon be leaving to record a demo in LA. The two fall out of contact, but it’s not long before Lexi hears Jake and his new single on the radio, a song about her famous blueberry pancakes. Lexi does everything she can to get Jake out of her mind, and focuses on her new position in a restaurant with long hours. Eventually, Jake reappears in Lexi’s life. Can the two find a way to be together despite their demanding careers? Will dating Jake and being in the spotlight derail her career and everything she has worked so hard to achieve?
I found both Lexi and Jake to be so likable and well-developed and it was so easy to fall in love with their story. This book had so many amazing elements and I loved all of the banter amongst various characters.
🥞Rockstar x Chef
🥞Celebrity Romance
🥞Opposites Attract
🥞NYC Setting
🥞Single POV
🥞Second Chances
🥞Grand Gestures
🥞His Songs Are About Her
I highly recommend Till There Was You if you are looking for a sweet rom-com with characters you can’t help but root for until the very end!
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐟
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my heart! I loved everything about this debut novel by Lindsay Hameroff. Till There Was You was pure perfection and I can’t wait to read whatever Hameroff writes next!
Nearing the end of culinary school, Lexi Berman has one goal in mind: become an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant to make her late mother proud. After a happy hour with some friends, Lexi decides to stay or one more drink and meets Jake Taylor, the handsome and charming man who ends up being the scheduled musician at the bar. Despite her commitment to her education and future career, Lexi decides to make an exception to her no-dating rule and she spends an amazing weekend with Jake, only to find out he will soon be leaving to record a demo in LA. The two fall out of contact, but it’s not long before Lexi hears Jake and his new single on the radio, a song about her famous blueberry pancakes. Lexi does everything she can to get Jake out of her mind, and focuses on her new position in a restaurant with long hours. Eventually, Jake reappears in Lexi’s life. Can the two find a way to be together despite their demanding careers? Will dating Jake and being in the spotlight derail her career and everything she has worked so hard to achieve?
I found both Lexi and Jake to be so likable and well-developed and it was so easy to fall in love with their story. This book had so many amazing elements and I loved all of the banter amongst various characters.
🥞Rockstar x Chef
🥞Celebrity Romance
🥞Opposites Attract
🥞NYC Setting
🥞Single POV
🥞Second Chances
🥞Grand Gestures
🥞His Songs Are About Her
I highly recommend Till There Was You if you are looking for a sweet rom-com with characters you can’t help but root for until the very end!
February 7, 2024
A celebrity and chef romance based in New York. Lexi and Jake meet one night and end up spending a whirlwind weekend together. Jake is hoping to become an up and coming musician while Lexi is finishing culinary school with dreams to become a chef. After their weekend Lexi doesn’t hear from Jake until he shows up at her door nearly a year later. They attempt friendship but quickly realize there’s too much there to only be friends.
This was one I was loving at the beginning and then kinda fell flat as I got further. Jake was adorable - a man who wears a backwards hat will get me every time. Lexi was a very relatable character with trying to figure out if she was really happy in her career and life or if she was doing what she felt she was supposed to do. As I got to know the characters more I kinda lost interest. Not that it was bad in away way, maybe it just felt too surface level for me.
Each time there was a bit of conflict and I would get worried there would be some larger conflict, they chatted through it which was refreshing to read. These two had a bunch of ups and downs which felt very real given their situation. There’s still a dreaded third act breakup and then a pretty public gesture at the end. Plus no epilogue when I really felt there needed to be one! I needed just a bit more closure for them. Regardless, I do plan to read more from the author in the future.
“When I’m with you, I feel like who I am is enough.”
🎤 he’s a rockstar
👩🏼🍳 she’s a chef
🤭 one weekend stand turned more
💕 second chance
single POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
This was one I was loving at the beginning and then kinda fell flat as I got further. Jake was adorable - a man who wears a backwards hat will get me every time. Lexi was a very relatable character with trying to figure out if she was really happy in her career and life or if she was doing what she felt she was supposed to do. As I got to know the characters more I kinda lost interest. Not that it was bad in away way, maybe it just felt too surface level for me.
Each time there was a bit of conflict and I would get worried there would be some larger conflict, they chatted through it which was refreshing to read. These two had a bunch of ups and downs which felt very real given their situation. There’s still a dreaded third act breakup and then a pretty public gesture at the end. Plus no epilogue when I really felt there needed to be one! I needed just a bit more closure for them. Regardless, I do plan to read more from the author in the future.
“When I’m with you, I feel like who I am is enough.”
🎤 he’s a rockstar
👩🏼🍳 she’s a chef
🤭 one weekend stand turned more
💕 second chance
single POV
3.5/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
August 4, 2024
I had problems with this book from chapter 1. She’s a culinary student but didn’t TASTE what she cooked before presenting it to her teacher??? I would never serve something I didn’t taste first.
Then she threw me off by saying she wasn’t much of a ‘music type of person’. Ok???
The dialogues between the FMC and her girlfriends were sooooo cringy. They’re 24 and they talk like they’re 15.
And the insta love 😶🌫️ the sex happens at page 24. I was actually really thrown off by this 😂
Then she threw me off by saying she wasn’t much of a ‘music type of person’. Ok???
The dialogues between the FMC and her girlfriends were sooooo cringy. They’re 24 and they talk like they’re 15.
And the insta love 😶🌫️ the sex happens at page 24. I was actually really thrown off by this 😂
February 11, 2024
stopppp this was SO CUTE!!! i’m obsessed🥺🥺
March 24, 2024
3.5. Cute and fun but really nothing to write home about. Jake sounds hot and Lexi sounds cool but that’s really it. The moments when they were super happy and goofy together were really fun but I didn’t really need 2 breakups
April 17, 2024
I absolutely adored Till There Was You! Lexi had me as soon as she mentioned her love for Broadway early into the novel, but she was relatable even before that.
This is a delicious treat from beginning to end. And I am not only referring to the food descriptions. There's even some steam that is not coming from a boiling pot of matzo ball soup, if you know what I mean. ;) I've seen both seasons of The Bear and the restaurant scenes reminded me so much of that show. I felt stressed out from them and I wasn't even in the kitchen! (It did remind me of past restaurant jobs in some ways.)
I loved the connection that Lexi and Jake had together and was frustrated for them when his fame was threatening any chance they had of a future together. While it's fun to idealize being a celebrity, I also do not envy the lack of privacy they have. (In other words, if I want to drive to the bus stop in my pajamas, I don't have to worry about anyone taking pictures!)
I mentioned the food descriptions earlier. Just thinking about them makes me hungry again. I would not suggest reading this during the week of Passover. I have a feeling matzo meal pancakes will not compare to the ones Lexi makes...
I just had a great time reading this rom com and I definitely recommend it! While it will definitely appeal to fans of The Bear and anyone who loves Broadway, pop music, and the celebrity/normal person trope, it's also perfect for fans of What You Do to Me by Rochelle Weinstein.
This was the March pick for The Jewish Joy Book Club and there was a wonderful author discussion with Lindsay at Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books on Facebook. (You need to be a member of the group to see it.)
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
This is a delicious treat from beginning to end. And I am not only referring to the food descriptions. There's even some steam that is not coming from a boiling pot of matzo ball soup, if you know what I mean. ;) I've seen both seasons of The Bear and the restaurant scenes reminded me so much of that show. I felt stressed out from them and I wasn't even in the kitchen! (It did remind me of past restaurant jobs in some ways.)
I loved the connection that Lexi and Jake had together and was frustrated for them when his fame was threatening any chance they had of a future together. While it's fun to idealize being a celebrity, I also do not envy the lack of privacy they have. (In other words, if I want to drive to the bus stop in my pajamas, I don't have to worry about anyone taking pictures!)
I mentioned the food descriptions earlier. Just thinking about them makes me hungry again. I would not suggest reading this during the week of Passover. I have a feeling matzo meal pancakes will not compare to the ones Lexi makes...
I just had a great time reading this rom com and I definitely recommend it! While it will definitely appeal to fans of The Bear and anyone who loves Broadway, pop music, and the celebrity/normal person trope, it's also perfect for fans of What You Do to Me by Rochelle Weinstein.
This was the March pick for The Jewish Joy Book Club and there was a wonderful author discussion with Lindsay at Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books on Facebook. (You need to be a member of the group to see it.)
(Trigger warning below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Lexi: Madison Iseman
Jake: Derek Klena
Ali: Caylee Cowan
Chloe: Lili Reinhart
Mia: Midori Francis
Madison: Madelaine Petsch
Vinny: Steve Howey
November 18, 2023
Jake & Lexi are both highly ambitious creatives, a musician and chef respectively, who meet at the beginning of their careers. After spending a whirlwind weekend together laying the foundation for a great love, the two abruptly lose touch due to career pressures. They are both quietly devastated but have no choice but to continue on.
A year (give or take,) later the two reconnect after reaching their goals as a hot new star & kitchen cook. Jake is back in town to record a new album and wants to rekindle their friendship. But of course, that quickly escalates. The two are inexplicably drawn to each other like moths to a flame.
But can Lexi forgive Jake for ghosting her? Is he back just to use her for inspiration for his music again? Is her normal life a deal breaker for a celebrity?
Can Lexi break free from her self oppression and let herself go off of her 10 year plan for once? Is their love enough for her?
———
What an adorable, banter-y, kick your feet with the giggles rom com! I was genuinely smiling and laughing throughout this book between the antics and banter, which is the ultimate goal for me when reading romance. The main and supporting characters were very well written and developed, each with unique personalities and purposeful interactions.
I also really enjoyed the plot itself. It combined my love for celebs & cooking; truly a match made in heaven! You get a glimpse into both realities, and it added an interesting subplot to the larger romance story.
My only gripe with an otherwise perfect fluffy romance: the smut was not great. Yes there are multiple scenes in various places/ways, but they largely lacked detail and felt a little juvenile. I feel like most romance writers must feel pressured to include smut because “that’s what sells,” but for me it has to be well written to feel purposeful. In this instance I think I would have preferred closed door/fade to black.
4.5 ⭐️ this was an incredibly fun romcom but I think fell victim to the debut novel must-check-all-boxes romance checklist.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A year (give or take,) later the two reconnect after reaching their goals as a hot new star & kitchen cook. Jake is back in town to record a new album and wants to rekindle their friendship. But of course, that quickly escalates. The two are inexplicably drawn to each other like moths to a flame.
But can Lexi forgive Jake for ghosting her? Is he back just to use her for inspiration for his music again? Is her normal life a deal breaker for a celebrity?
Can Lexi break free from her self oppression and let herself go off of her 10 year plan for once? Is their love enough for her?
———
What an adorable, banter-y, kick your feet with the giggles rom com! I was genuinely smiling and laughing throughout this book between the antics and banter, which is the ultimate goal for me when reading romance. The main and supporting characters were very well written and developed, each with unique personalities and purposeful interactions.
I also really enjoyed the plot itself. It combined my love for celebs & cooking; truly a match made in heaven! You get a glimpse into both realities, and it added an interesting subplot to the larger romance story.
My only gripe with an otherwise perfect fluffy romance: the smut was not great. Yes there are multiple scenes in various places/ways, but they largely lacked detail and felt a little juvenile. I feel like most romance writers must feel pressured to include smut because “that’s what sells,” but for me it has to be well written to feel purposeful. In this instance I think I would have preferred closed door/fade to black.
4.5 ⭐️ this was an incredibly fun romcom but I think fell victim to the debut novel must-check-all-boxes romance checklist.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 23, 2024
I adored this book. In addition to being witty, sweet, and relatable, it also touches on some heavy life events.
Through the course of the book, both the characters as individuals and as partners developed greatly. There was something precious and frustrating about their love for each other at the same time.
I really enjoyed the character that was Jake. His charm and down-to-earth attitude made him stand out even after he had quickly risen to stardom. He was fun to read and had a lot of great humour written in.
In the beginning, Lexi, our FMC, appeared a little bland. The way she lived seemed fairly safe, and she didn't seem to take many risks. In the story, I noticed she was stepping out of her comfort zone and adding depth to her character. Ultimately, I enjoyed her character as well.
🫐 Strangers-lovers
🥞 Second chance
🫐 Insta-love
Till There Was You was thoroughly enjoyable, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is a debut. Easy 4.5 stars out of 5 for me. If you are looking for a meet-cute rom-com that will put a smile on your face at least once, I highly recommend it.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Through the course of the book, both the characters as individuals and as partners developed greatly. There was something precious and frustrating about their love for each other at the same time.
I really enjoyed the character that was Jake. His charm and down-to-earth attitude made him stand out even after he had quickly risen to stardom. He was fun to read and had a lot of great humour written in.
In the beginning, Lexi, our FMC, appeared a little bland. The way she lived seemed fairly safe, and she didn't seem to take many risks. In the story, I noticed she was stepping out of her comfort zone and adding depth to her character. Ultimately, I enjoyed her character as well.
🫐 Strangers-lovers
🥞 Second chance
🫐 Insta-love
Till There Was You was thoroughly enjoyable, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it is a debut. Easy 4.5 stars out of 5 for me. If you are looking for a meet-cute rom-com that will put a smile on your face at least once, I highly recommend it.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2023
Oh. My. Sweet. Southern. Heart.
I picked this one up on a whim when St. Martin’s Press sent me an email for NetGalley access. It has pancakes on the cover….PANCAKES y’all. I didn’t read the synopsis, just snatched it up out of the email and immediately began to read.
So at first I thought, we’ll shit, this is an insta-love rockstar-ish romance. To my surprise this was NOT that. After a few chapters it became clear this was going to be a shifting will they-won’t they tug on my heart.
Lexi and Jake are both chasing dreams, big, big dreams and eventually fall apart. They weren’t anything serious to begin with, but that singular weekend they spent together really packed a punch. I was worried at first that the emotion wouldn’t make an impact, but holy smokes it does.
When they get a second chance life happens and everything the experience felt genuine and real. It’s hard to explain honestly. The balance of stardom and normality was executed splendidly.
I enjoyed this book so much, it was exactly what I needed. A mix between southern comfort and celebrity drama. Thank you again St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy! My review was written voluntarily, all opinions are my own.
I picked this one up on a whim when St. Martin’s Press sent me an email for NetGalley access. It has pancakes on the cover….PANCAKES y’all. I didn’t read the synopsis, just snatched it up out of the email and immediately began to read.
So at first I thought, we’ll shit, this is an insta-love rockstar-ish romance. To my surprise this was NOT that. After a few chapters it became clear this was going to be a shifting will they-won’t they tug on my heart.
Lexi and Jake are both chasing dreams, big, big dreams and eventually fall apart. They weren’t anything serious to begin with, but that singular weekend they spent together really packed a punch. I was worried at first that the emotion wouldn’t make an impact, but holy smokes it does.
When they get a second chance life happens and everything the experience felt genuine and real. It’s hard to explain honestly. The balance of stardom and normality was executed splendidly.
I enjoyed this book so much, it was exactly what I needed. A mix between southern comfort and celebrity drama. Thank you again St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy! My review was written voluntarily, all opinions are my own.
February 8, 2024
I’m so incredibly disappointed. I’ve never read of more outrageously naive and selfish characters than what I’ve encountered with this book.
Also, these tropes are so tired. I feel like this book was really unnecessary for an oversaturated market. If you’re going to write a celebrity romance, it needs to be fresh and interesting and this was not that.
Thanks, I guess, to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Also, these tropes are so tired. I feel like this book was really unnecessary for an oversaturated market. If you’re going to write a celebrity romance, it needs to be fresh and interesting and this was not that.
Thanks, I guess, to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2024
Till There Was You
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lindsay Hameroff
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Culinary student Lexi Berman, 24, has one goal: to make her late mother proud by becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. And she isn’t going to let anything–or anyone–get in the way. But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician who charms her with show tunes, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule. After a steamy weekend together, Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, and Lexi never expects to see him again. And she definitely doesn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, with a breakout single that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancake recipe.
As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her coworker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi's matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumors swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.
My Thoughts: This was a cute, fun romcom that I enjoyed very much. Lexi is a culinary student working at her first restaurant job with one goal, to become an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant to make her mother proud, who has passed. She is out one night for a drink and meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician, they hit it off right away. They spend a steamy, magical weekend together. Jake leaves to make his demo and becomes an overnight celebrity, with a song about her. Jake then shows up at her doorstep, at first they begin friendship but rather quickly, things steam up again. She has to be able to handle the pressure of dating a celebrity without losing her footing at her restaurant. Will she be able to balance both? Or can she walk away from her career or the love of her life? This follows the tropes of celebrity romance, friends to lovers, second chance romance, and insta-love. There is a third-act breakup, but I think for this novel, it was necessary and enriched the storyline.
This is narrated by Lexi in her POV. Lexi is independent, strong, but needs more confidence in her cooking abilities. Jake is a brilliant song writer that needs a break from a producer, that ends becoming an overnight celebrity sensation. While I would like to have had a deeper dive into the characters, I think we got good character development, even on a surface level, that had witty banter, chemistry, and were intriguing. Lexi’s character did have a good amount of personal growth throughout the story. The author’s writing style was closed door, steamy, heartfelt, and creative. The characters were built up (I would have like to seen a deeper character enrichment) and the plot was developed with the right flow, the pacing was a little slow. The supporting characters of Ali, Chloe, and Mia were fantastic and really elevated the story to another level. There is a tad bit of belief suspension required, but it is well worth it.
For a debut novel, this was stellar and I cannot wait to see what else this author does. This sweet romcom will melt your heart. While this read a little on the New Adult / Young Adult spectrum, more geared towards readers in their twenties, I still enjoyed it. The only cons for me is I would loved to have seen Jake’s POV mixed in and a deeper dive of the characters. I love the message that the author was conveying, you can balance your career and love life and sometimes your dream changes. This was a great debut novel that I would recommend to other readers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Lindsay Hameroff
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Culinary student Lexi Berman, 24, has one goal: to make her late mother proud by becoming an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant. And she isn’t going to let anything–or anyone–get in the way. But when she meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician who charms her with show tunes, she makes a rare exception to her no-dating rule. After a steamy weekend together, Jake leaves for L.A. to record his demo, and Lexi never expects to see him again. And she definitely doesn’t expect him to become an overnight celebrity, with a breakout single that’s almost certainly about her famous blueberry pancake recipe.
As Jake’s star rises and the world speculates about the subject of his song, Lexi keeps the affair to herself. After all, she’s finally found her footing at her new restaurant job, and even has a prospective romance with her coworker. But when a distraught Jake turns up on her doorstep late one night, her carefully-laid plans are thrown for a loop. Though she and Jake try to be friends, things between them soon reheat faster than a bowl of Lexi's matzah ball soup. But a relationship with Jake means risking her face in tabloids, withstanding cruel internet comments, and worst of all, jeopardizing her career. As Jake’s upcoming tour approaches, and rumors swirl about him and another pop star, Lexi has to decide if holding onto her meticulously-planned future is worth walking away from what could be the perfect recipe for love.
My Thoughts: This was a cute, fun romcom that I enjoyed very much. Lexi is a culinary student working at her first restaurant job with one goal, to become an executive chef in a Michelin-star restaurant to make her mother proud, who has passed. She is out one night for a drink and meets Jake Taylor, a dive bar musician, they hit it off right away. They spend a steamy, magical weekend together. Jake leaves to make his demo and becomes an overnight celebrity, with a song about her. Jake then shows up at her doorstep, at first they begin friendship but rather quickly, things steam up again. She has to be able to handle the pressure of dating a celebrity without losing her footing at her restaurant. Will she be able to balance both? Or can she walk away from her career or the love of her life? This follows the tropes of celebrity romance, friends to lovers, second chance romance, and insta-love. There is a third-act breakup, but I think for this novel, it was necessary and enriched the storyline.
This is narrated by Lexi in her POV. Lexi is independent, strong, but needs more confidence in her cooking abilities. Jake is a brilliant song writer that needs a break from a producer, that ends becoming an overnight celebrity sensation. While I would like to have had a deeper dive into the characters, I think we got good character development, even on a surface level, that had witty banter, chemistry, and were intriguing. Lexi’s character did have a good amount of personal growth throughout the story. The author’s writing style was closed door, steamy, heartfelt, and creative. The characters were built up (I would have like to seen a deeper character enrichment) and the plot was developed with the right flow, the pacing was a little slow. The supporting characters of Ali, Chloe, and Mia were fantastic and really elevated the story to another level. There is a tad bit of belief suspension required, but it is well worth it.
For a debut novel, this was stellar and I cannot wait to see what else this author does. This sweet romcom will melt your heart. While this read a little on the New Adult / Young Adult spectrum, more geared towards readers in their twenties, I still enjoyed it. The only cons for me is I would loved to have seen Jake’s POV mixed in and a deeper dive of the characters. I love the message that the author was conveying, you can balance your career and love life and sometimes your dream changes. This was a great debut novel that I would recommend to other readers.
February 18, 2024
3 stars.
"Till There Was You" by Lindsay Hameroff starts so strong! I loved the connection between the main characters, Lexi and Jake. I am not the biggest fan of insta-love as a trope, but Hameroff truly does it justice here. I really swooned hard for their romance in the beginning, and even rooted for them to get their second-chance romance. Unfortunately, the insta-love chemistry only lasts so long as the book's first half is better than the second half, where it all falls apart and becomes quite lackluster. Lexi devolves into a needy pick-me girl. She abandons her work, ethics, personality, friends, and wants for Jake. All of this happens... and for what? Jake doesn't speak up or advocate for Lexi or their relationship, he doesn't defend her/the two of them in any way, and I felt like he used Madison and the situation they were put in to garner more attention for himself (despite adamantly denying doing so). Let me be clear: Lexi is not innocent here. She abandons all of her principles while simultaneously sabotaging their courtship at every single turn. I feel like most authors have a hard time doing anything other than turning every single rock star romance with a "normal person" (aka non-famous person) into exactly the mess that happens here. It's quite cliched. Jake gets too big for his britches and puts his relationship on the back burner. Lexi questions everything they have ever had and needs constant reassurance that he's with her. Jake becomes more and more distracted by fame, performing, and living the high life that he loses himself entirely, and Lexi gives it all up for him, only to be ignored, so it ends in fiery chaos. While this was a fast read, I wish it had been more interesting. I didn't really believe that Lexi or Jake were happy at the end of the book, more that they tripped and fell into what happens to them in the end. Still, the chemistry between Jake and Lexi in the beginning might be enough to sustain most readers, it just wasn't enough for me. Also, the song "Blueberry"? It would never be a hit in real life and is cringe and not sweet. #sorrynotsorry
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay Hameroff, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Till There Was You" by Lindsay Hameroff starts so strong! I loved the connection between the main characters, Lexi and Jake. I am not the biggest fan of insta-love as a trope, but Hameroff truly does it justice here. I really swooned hard for their romance in the beginning, and even rooted for them to get their second-chance romance. Unfortunately, the insta-love chemistry only lasts so long as the book's first half is better than the second half, where it all falls apart and becomes quite lackluster. Lexi devolves into a needy pick-me girl. She abandons her work, ethics, personality, friends, and wants for Jake. All of this happens... and for what? Jake doesn't speak up or advocate for Lexi or their relationship, he doesn't defend her/the two of them in any way, and I felt like he used Madison and the situation they were put in to garner more attention for himself (despite adamantly denying doing so). Let me be clear: Lexi is not innocent here. She abandons all of her principles while simultaneously sabotaging their courtship at every single turn. I feel like most authors have a hard time doing anything other than turning every single rock star romance with a "normal person" (aka non-famous person) into exactly the mess that happens here. It's quite cliched. Jake gets too big for his britches and puts his relationship on the back burner. Lexi questions everything they have ever had and needs constant reassurance that he's with her. Jake becomes more and more distracted by fame, performing, and living the high life that he loses himself entirely, and Lexi gives it all up for him, only to be ignored, so it ends in fiery chaos. While this was a fast read, I wish it had been more interesting. I didn't really believe that Lexi or Jake were happy at the end of the book, more that they tripped and fell into what happens to them in the end. Still, the chemistry between Jake and Lexi in the beginning might be enough to sustain most readers, it just wasn't enough for me. Also, the song "Blueberry"? It would never be a hit in real life and is cringe and not sweet. #sorrynotsorry
Thank you to NetGalley, Lindsay Hameroff, St. Martin's Press, and St. Martin's Griffin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
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