Sense & Irritability

by Emma Lee Jayne

When a down on her luck chef accepts a job working for a reclusive, grumpy tech genius, the last thing she needs is to fall in love with her enigmatic boss. This steamy, grumpy/sunshine romantic comedy brings the laughter, the heat, and all the feels from award-winning, USA Today Bestselling author, Emma Lee Jayne.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Forced Proximity

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2023

Reviews

[saffiyah✧ఌ · Rating 1 out of 5]

i should have dnf-ed this.

1 star.

jane austen is so disappointed right now

this is 249 pages yet i have 300 things i hate about it

lets play ... SIBLINGS OR DATING

currently reading updates:

Maybe it’s because I only just woke up and my brain is still foggy with theta brain waves and the wash of hormones that accompany morning wood.

I have the absurd urge to excuse myself to the bathroom so I can jerk off.

In my bathroom, I wash my hands, give my dick a squeeze, just to curb the ache, and splash some cold water on my face.

My cock is still hard as a fucking lead pipe

this smoothie is my new favorite flavor and I instantly want to pour it across her bare thighs and lick it off her skin.

this is all within ten minutes of meeting her ... austen is rolling over in her grave y'all this is insta-lust to the fucking max

he wants to fire her...because she's pretty

anddd they brought up the dramoine fancfics

That night, I have the strangest dream. I dream that I’m a house-elf at Malfoy manor, but I am also Hermione Granger. And when I’m ordered to bring food for Draco, it isn’t Draco at all. But Ian Donavon. What an absolute wanker.

You make me feel small and fragile. Delicate. Defenseless. But not in a bad way. i'm reading a fanfiction based off of an ali hazelwood book

-

ignore me currently reading ten books

why did i think they were siblings

[Irum · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really boring the amount of times he called her beautiful made me wanna DNF this book 💀

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'No me importa que estés llorando'.
Casi lo contrario. Se siente como un regalo. Como algo que ella no haría delante de cualquiera. Como si fuera una señal de que ella confía en mí lo suficiente como para ser vulnerable frente a mí. Eso no parece una molestia. Se siente como un honor.





•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




Sense & Irritability de Emma Lee Jayne Serie Austen en Austin Libro 1

Argumento:

Cuando una chef con mala suerte acepta un trabajo para un genio tecnológico solitario y gruñón, lo último que necesita es enamorarse de su enigmático jefe.

Esta comedia romántica apasionante, gruñona y alegre trae la risa, el calor y todos los sentimientos de la galardonada autora más vendida del USA Today, Emma Lee Jayne.



Mi humilde opinión:

Me pareció que este romance tenía un divertido giro inspirado en Sentido y Sensibilidad. Me gustó mucho la versión estilo comedia romántica de la autora. Me enganchó desde la primera página.

Amé de inmediato a Ian y Savannah. Son polos opuestos que se atraen, ella es alegre, extrovertida y soñadora, mientras que él es introvertido, gruñón y nerd. Tienen cualidades que los hacen singulares y queríbles. Sus interacciones eran imperdibles, me hicieron sonreír y reír. También tuvieron momentos de steamy para el sonrojo.

Me gustó que ella no lo vea como alguien extraño, el que viva recluso y se pierda en su cabeza pensativo de vez en cuando, encuentra en él cosas atractivas y entrañables a medida que lo va conociendo y se va enamorando de su verdadera personalidad.

Ian cae enamorado la primera vez que pone los ojos en Savannah. Me divertía verlo confundido y enojado por esa inesperada atracción y gustaba que le salieran todos los instintos protectores con ella. Sin darse cuenta estaba siendo la pareja atenta y dulce que su ex lo acusaba de no ser.

Los protagonistas tienen inseguridades que deben solucionar y es un proceso que se nota al final. Estuvo bien que no dieran vueltas dramáticas y terminara de una forma romántica y divertida.

Otro detalle que me encantó es que mostraba la amistad y la hermandad, con las conversaciones por mensajes de Savannah y su hermana Trinity y las de Ian con su mejor amigo Martin. Eran sus consejeros de una manera muy graciosa.

El próximo libro es un romance de enemigos a amantes con Martin y Trinity. Me muero por saber la razón por la que estos dos se llevan pésimo!

[M! (I think I’m giving up on reading) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to dnf so many times, there was barely chemistry the whole thing was basically just lust
It was fast paced though ill give it that all in all not worth the all nighter I pulled

[Ankita Gogoi · Rating 1 out of 5]

It could have been ok without the female dragging female and the problematic gender stereotypes.

[Deja Gallant · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I accidentally downloaded this but still gave it a try. It was a very predictable and cheesy romcom. Quite short too with about ~200 pages. Very fluffy and moderate cringe. Will I be reading the next installment? Yes.

[Rebecca Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Lee Jayne wrote one of my favorite romcoms ("Heart Smart") and I always enjoy her neuro-diverse representation, so I was excited to read her latest offering.

Let me tell you....I am STINGY when it comes to passing out five stars, and this book earned every one of them!

This was a high emotion but low angst balm for my irrationally romantic little soul.
Instalove/lust is not at all my thing usually, but this came at it from an entirely unique angle, and I was ALL.ABOUT.IT.

I wish I even knew what to call this trope. Maybe a cross between "I Hate Everyone in the World But You"
and "No One Understands Me But You"??

It's very much "You're the Only One in the World For Me";
that's probably the best way to describe it.
And if you love a good care-giving scenario, OOOOOOH, this has such a sweet one!!!

I adored Ian, with all of his "on the spectrum" prickliness and (sometimes) sweet cluelessness....and Savannah with all her down-to-earth, quirky "realness" really was perfect for him. I don't know if their immediate connection/understanding of each other was realistic, but it WAS just the yummiest kind of gentle pining, with such a satisfactory sexy payoff!

I'm not always able to visualize characters in my head, but with just a few descriptions the author managed to paint a very clear picture of them (and of the third "main character" in the story, Mr. Sniggles, a giant Maine Coon cat!)

I love the delicious tension of a good "Enemies to Lovers" story as much as anyone, but there was something so SOOTHING about the contrast between how potentially difficult this love match was, and how easily they actually fell together. Heck, even Ian and Mr. Sniggles were instant buddies!

I read this book at a time when I was experiencing a lot of drama and heartbreak in my real life, and it was actually so refreshing and to read a romance about two unique people who met and were immediately happier and more complete together than they were apart.

As simple and direct as this little love story was, this book comes in under the wire as a top contender for my "best read of 2023".

[allie_rambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚

Sense & Irritability 🍳
12-04-23✨

5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Can you we just take a moment to look at this cover? Everything about it is absolutely perfect. 💚

I don't know what Emma put in this book but I couldn't put it down. I told myself let me read a chapter during work (3pm) and that turned into watching the clock and reading at work hours then not cooking dinner until i finished it at 7pm.

It has some of my fave tropes;

✨Grumpy/Sunshine
💚Hurt/Sick
✨Workplace
💚Close Proximity


To say I loved this book is kind of an understatement. It was fun, short and I loved how being on the spectrum was showcased here.

Savannah was great and I loved her inner monologue. This girl was hilarious! She was stubborn and outspoken and that made me like her all the more. One thing that stood out about her character was the way she really paid attention to things around her.

Ian, oh I absolutely loved Ian!
He was such a sweetheart, god i love him!
Also I will say that he was so well written, you know sometimes male leads tend to have very unrealistic inner monologues. With flowery language that don't get me wrong I'm a total sucker for but Ian felt realistic.

I'm tentative to call this instalove, there was a few moments of instalust but the development of the characters feelings and emotions created this slowburn effect.

Martin and Trinity were great and I can wait for their story💛

Overall this was just what I needed!
I'm calling this a total book hangover cure!
I absolutely love Emma's writing so this was such a treat!

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I love Emma Lee Jayne! I’ve love every book of hers that I have read, and I sped my way through Sense & Irritability - and now I need to re-read it (because I read so fast and loved it so much)!

She’s such a brilliant and talented writer and I do need to work through her entire catalogue - I’ve mostly only read her Smartypants Romance titles but have intended to pick up the rest forever - and so glad I picked up this Austen-esque book now. I knew I needed this book in my life as soon as it was announced and picked it up the second it was available.

I loved every word and it was such a unique plot with a personal chef living in the home of a reclusive guy, not even seeing or knowing anything about him for ages, having contact only by a couple of texts for weeks, and most communication through their mutual lawyer (his best friend and how she got the job). How everything goes from there is such a beautiful boss employee, close proximity, caretaker (someone gets sick) love story - everyone has to read this book! And … a loveable cat! Ian and Savannah are #couplegoals.

Can’t wait for Martin and Trinity in book 2 coming soon!!

I 1000% recommend this to all! Emma Lee Jayne is one of my favorite authors, and all romance readers need to have her incredible words in their heads and hearts. This is a beautiful book!

I received an early copy from Booksprout and this is my honest feedback.

[Lisa Benison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow-Burn, Fun and Different Read That I Couldn't and Didn't Put Down and then was Sad it Ended!

This book was completely different from what I had expected and I loved it! Savannah thinks Ian is an older gentleman who is physically limited, rather than someone young and reclusive and since she doesn't meet him until a third of the way through the book the reader gets both of their impressions of each other through their inner dialogs and text conversations with each other, friends and family - which are often hysterically funny. And when they finally do meet the fun begins. I liked that while Ian was "on the spectrum", Savannah did not see that as a "problem", she just saw it as "the way he preferred things to be around him", and the way "he communicated" - which he seemed to do quite well with her. And he was so caring and supportive of both her and her cat it was often comical. The book was well written, the dialog witty, and the so characters well developed that I read it in one sitting and was sorry when it ended. I am looking forward to the sequel - her sister and his best friend - Enjoy!

I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Marjorie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off i had to start this review before i‘ve even finished the book, there’s so many quotes or parts i love, i was getting afraid I’d forget stuff!!! And so many lines- i can vividly hear my friends saying or someone saying with an accent! Like I totally love this book-I’m honestly slightly mad i was so sick over the holidays and haven’t read it sooner! It’s so Flipping good!
The chats between Ian and Martin- remind me of how me and my friends talk to each other when they are typically right and I don’t like it! *rolling eyes* like i even called my bestie and told her about them and she LOL’d at me cause she could totally hear us talking to each other like it!
The chats between Savannah and her sister same way! Totally relate my friend and I send gif’s back nonstop instead of saying it! It’s so good!
I finished it and it was so good. The characters left me wanting too read more spicy scenes, the characters were just that fun to read- i wanted more bedroom scenes too. But the story and characters were so good i couldn’t stop reading. I’m looking forward to reading Trinity and Martin’s story in May!

I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read Smart Mouth and Heart Smart and this book by Emma Lee Jayne. All three are great rom-coms featuring neurodiverse characters who Ms. Jayne has a knack for writing especially well. She's become one of my favorite rom-com writers and has a tender touch reminiscent of Emily Henry.

Ms. Jayne is wonderfully comedic and her characters interact a lot which is fun for the reader, and this dialogue is really funny—spoken dialogue, internal and texting. You can get a lot of insight into a character's quirkiness through their text exchanges. Ian is said to be “on the spectrum” which accounts for some of his disconnected behaviors, but Savannah has her eccentricities too, like her wild imagination for one. Both are really endearing.

If you're looking for a romance that entertains with comedy, complex characters, low angst and just the right pacing this is a good one. It was exactly what I was looking for and what I needed and I'm really looking forward to reading more of her books.

[Meg (thyme.for.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah takes a job as a personal chef to a wealthy recluse after leaving her restaurant job and long term boyfriend. Weeks go by with little to no contact. When she finally meets her new boss Ian, he is nothing like she expects.

Sense and Irritability is a contemporary romance. It is mildly “Austen inspired”. Do not start reading this expecting a full retelling. This is not that! It is, however, delightful. I had a hard time putting this one down. At about 250 pages, I probably could have read it in one sitting but alas I needed sleep. The book is told from dual POVs and the chapters are sprinkled with texts between all of the characters.

This one is a little bit of a slow burn but it works within the parameters of the MCs. Both have spent their lives dedicated to their work and their most recent serious relationships were both lackluster. While this is a grumpy/sunshine romance, these two are definitely less opposites than would be expected.

Overall, Sense and Irritability was a fun read. I can’t wait for Trinity’s (Savannah’s sister) story next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lot of fun to read. She is a down on her luck chef who is hired to be a personal chef for a recluse. She believes that said recluse is elderly and in questionable health. She also can't believe all of the paperwork that she had to sign to take the job for a year. He is a quirky multi-millionaire who likes things a certain way and because he takes lousy care of himself his attorney hires him a personal chef. They exchange text messages and then one day they meet in person and things get interesting from there. He has his attorney/friend and a controlling ex-girlfriend. She has a caring younger sister who likes to spiral out of control and a Maine-Coon cat. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to the next one involving the lawyer and the sister.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This is a loose modern reimagining of Sense & Sensibility. While readers familiar with the original will notice the basic framework and some details, the author has woven her own version. Savannah, her life in shambles, took a job as a private chef for reclusive tech millionaire, Ian. Over time, food, illness, and exes, their initial minimal contact and irritability morphed into more contact and more feelings. There were funny moments. The text exchanges were great. There were also some sweet moments as the relationship developed. I enjoyed the story. There is some neurodivergent representation in this story. The story also deals with the death of a parent. This is a detailed open door romance with frequent strong harsh language.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elly is in financial trouble and accepts a job as the personal chef of a reclusive tech millionaire. Ian is on the spectrum and social relationships are awkward for him, especially after an ex girlfriend gave an embarrassing interview. At first Elly never sees him and assumes that he's an elderly hermit. But it turns out that he is about her age and pretty hot to boot. A lot of texting ensues.

The blurb says it is Austen inspired but I probably wouldn't have realised that unless told. The resemblance to Sense and Sensibility is fairly superficial. Elly has a sister she's close to, her father has recently died, and her stepbrother is an ass. But these people are just wallpaper, most of the time Ian and Elly are in a two-person bubble of their own. Otherwise the plot owes little to Austen and I'd be just fine to call it an original story.

Steam level: Some sexual content.

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, fast-paced rom-com, where I adored all the texting bits, so much fun you can have with just those small little snippets of conversation between two people. Both characters had their own issues and special aspects that were unique and made the story so real! I loved how Savannah assumed that her new boss was an elderly recluse, it made when he first found her in his kitchen even more hilarious.

The story actually went pretty quickly, which is nice, I enjoy when things aren’t crazy and drama filled just for drama’s sake. All the family and friends were also great additions to the story, making me eager for Savannah’s sister’s story next. Savannah had dealt with so much in her past that it was understandable why she was as reluctant to give more a chance. But Ian, oh how I loved hearing how Ian’s mother had tried to help him, and how he figured things out based on his own way of seeing and dealing with the world around him.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so delightful, charming and funny. From the first page you will be engaged in a book that you will not want to put down (I binge read in one sitting).

Savannah is a down on her luck baker who needs to find a job to pay off some big debt. She is strong, determined and isn’t afraid to speak her mind…she’s quite hilarious.

Ian…sweet Ian just needs a hug. He had amazing friends that are concerned about him since he’s become a recluse…so they send a cook his way. He’s caring, sweet and kind man who’s had some tough life experiences.

These two are so funny together…between the sass, banter and tension they will have you laughing out loud. Emma gives us a fantastic, light story that will make your heart happy and will have you smiling while reading.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah was hired to be the private chef to a reclusive wealthy guy that she at first worked for but did not meet. She had been burned by her half-brother was in debt and in need of a good job to help her get out of the financial hole. Ian has gone into seclusion to get away from some bad press and a bad break up that left him feeling unsure. It takes them a while to actually meet in person and when they do they are attracted to one another. That is the start of a lovely getting to know you that leads them to realize they are it for one another. This was such a lovely read I could not put it down. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NB Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Emma Lee Jayne and she did not let me down with this one.

Savannah and Ian are an unlikely pair. Really a recluse is an unlikely pair for anyone but you can’t help but fall in love with Ian. He is just trying to come to terms with himself and still has a lot more to do after the novel ends but I really like the way his personality was portrayed.

Savannah got the short end of the stick and needs to start anew and what better way than in the middle of no where Texas.

I loved this book and loved the epilogue even more when people really got what they had coming.

I can’t wait for Martin and Trinity!

[Ulli Zaiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah is a down-on-her-luck chef who gets hired as a personal chef for reclusive Ian. The money is too good to turn down even if it comes with some strange rules, communication via text messages and a NDA. So when Savannah and Ian finally meet both are very surprised but there is instant attraction. And so the romance starts.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was entertaining and both main characters are really lovable. I especially enjoyed reading about a neurodivergent MMC.
I finished the book in one day and am already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayne writes my favorite neurodiverse, grumpy heroes!! Savannah is a down on her luck chef who is hired as a personal chef for a very hot, but reclusive tech guru, Ian.

There is a lot of internal dialogue in this book, as these two don’t interact beyond text messages for the first third of the book. But it really allows you to get to know the inner workings of the characters. Thank goodness this is dual POV book or you would never know any of Ian’s feelings.

I love how we get to see his reluctance to act on his feelings for Savannah, not just because she works for him, but because he cannot trust his ability to interpret others’ feelings. Ian is the sweetest thing when forced to deal with a sick Savannah. Clearly he is able to tap into all of his empathy as her caretaker. It just takes the right person to bring all the feelings out in him. This one is not super spicy, just the right amount for these two.

This is a fun twist on the passion and practicality of Sense and Sensibility! We also get introduced to a Savannah’s sister and Ian’s lawyer best friend. These two definitely have some history that I can’t wait to find out about in book two!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Emma Lee Jayne's Austen in Austin series. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I can't wait to read more. I was hooked on the romcom distinction, and I was not disappointed. I was completely captivated by these characters and got all the feels. Low angst but completely captivating. I loved this book - it was different than I expected but amazing all the same. I can't wait for more from Emma Lee Jayne and from this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic grumpy sunshine romance. It was a really well written story with a great pace. I loved the structure of the story, the way the story was sometimes just plain dual POV storytelling and then the parts that were purely text exchange. I felt it worked really well. Savannah and Ian had an instant attraction but it took them time to take it further and that seemed perfect for the story. I really loved the story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sense & Irritability by Emma Lee Jayne is a good, and enjoyable billionaire boss employee forced proximity grumpy sunshine romantic comedy read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining slow burn romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah and Ian's grumpy/sunshine romance is a fun, quick read. I loved the way the author brought Savannah and Ian together and how they had an instant attraction. Great writing, a fun storyline, and a sweet happily ever after make this a great read. Sense & Irritability is book one in the Austen in Austin series and I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[BookReadingJenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Funny, Steamy

I loved this book so much! It was fun, funny, quirky and oh so steamy. The characters are amazing. I want to read more about them! And the cat is definitely a star of the story. I’m really hoping for a story about the sister and the best friend. Please Emma Lee?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and sweet

This is first for me with this author but not the last. The story is beautiful in how it presents the main character's insecurities and growth. Also, it is really funny! The scene with the spatula as a "weapon" brought tears to my eyes from laughing so hard!!! Excellent quick read - I encourage all to read 📚 😀 👍

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sense & Irritability is Savannah and Ian's grumpy/sunshine,boss/employee HEA. Savannah is in debt...deep deep debt. So she takes a job as a personal chef to a reclusive genius who lives in the woods. His people skills aren't the best, but with her he's determined to learn.
It was sweet. I really enjoyed it.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in a day

Emma Lee Jayne has become one of my favorite and auto buy authors. I started this book in the morning & only stopped when my iPad needed charging. This book was a complete delight to read. I loved discovering the main character’s backstory and how they discovered they loved one another. Highly anticipating next book in series.