L. J. Shen believes there is something truly magical about a small town, grumpy x sunshine romance where both characters are in different places in their lives who are not over one another. That was part of the inspiration behind "Truly Madly Deeply."

What was your inspiration behind “Truly Madly Deeply?”

I wanted to write a book that was a homage to the ‘90s era, where social media, cell phones and streaming networks weren’t a thing. A time when, if you wanted to see your crush, you had to brave walking over to their house and knock on their door (or, in my hero Ambrose’s case, call her to come down under her window).

I also think there’s something truly magical about a small town, grumpy x sunshine romance and I had a really good idea for a second-chance story where both characters are in a different place in their lives, but despite what they’ve been telling themselves, they are still not over one another.

What does Reading Rainbow mean to you? What makes you a proud reader and writer?

As an author, I understand my words have a meaning and weight, so I write with intention and awareness when I handle sensitive issues about identity and trauma. I think books are a great tool to open people up to ideas, opinions, and new cultures. It is an art where you have the chance to get into characters’ heads and really understand their motivations, passions and way of life. 

Reading Rainbow, to me, means reading without shame or embarrassment. Whether it is a spicy book, a LGBTQ+ love story (and there are so many good ones!) or a book that pushes the borders of your comfort, reading is expanding one’s knowledge, and we should always strive to read as many authors from all walks of life.  

Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?

I think the world has become a more polarized place in a lot of ways in recent years, but one thing that is happening more and more and is positive is we start seeing a variety of people being represented on TV, movies and books.

So many readers are a minority group or a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and they deserve to read about people they can relate to, about characters that inspire them and give them strength.

I actually think the romance book community is doing a great job at that.

Tell us a little more about “Truly Madly Deeply.” Did you expect the characters to take the direction that they did in the story?

I don’t think you can ever truly get to know a character until you flesh them out and sit down to write them. Even if you have a character sheet with all their traits, likes and dislikes, that’s the equivalent of a dating app profile. Nothing but dry details. So, yes. I didn’t think Calla, my heroine, would be quite as eccentric and fun! She refused to let her hangups define who she was, and leapt out of the pages for me.

Row was a grumpy grump of a man, but I initially expected him to be a lot more brutal and callous than he turned out. As I actually started writing the book, I realized a very alpha, domineering hero is not what Calla needed. So yes, the characters wrote themselves at some point. 

What can fans expect from your book?

Lots of laugh-out-loud moments, awkward, “real” moments, spicy scenes and angsty scenes galore, and, of course, plenty of banter. I love writing enemies to lovers and capturing the tension between two people who want to stay away from one another but cannot help themselves. I think this is where the book really shines.

Romance books are really popular right now and I love it! Why do you think this is happening right now in the publishing industry?

I think romance books have always been very popular. We read because we want our soul to be touched, and a good romance book does that. I believe the only difference is that now, it has become more socially acceptable to read spicy, highly dramatic love stories.

Back when I was a kid, it was frowned upon to read ripped bodice books. Now, it is celebrated, and I cannot be more proud of the book community for putting its foot down and saying, well, actually, there’s nothing wrong with reading these books.

What's up next for you in the bookish world that you can share with us?

“Truly Madly Deeply” was the first book in the Forbidden Love series. The second book is coming April 8, 2025, and will be in the same world. It is now up for preorder on Amazon, B&N and BAM.