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It Started with a Book
When she’s ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears off dating for life. Who needs apps and blind dates when she has the perfect-in-every-way (apart from being fictional) heroes of her beloved romance novels?
That night Leigh finds a second-hand book on her TBR pile, which transports her to the small-town of Lakeville Hills, where the heroines wear shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And as Leigh drifts off to sleep, she dreams of billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, who could win a gold medal for smouldering and bicep flexing.
For a while, Leigh finds it easier to stomach misogynistic supervisors, newly coupled friends, and extravagant bridesmaid duties knowing she can return to Lakeville Hills each evening. Until one day, she wakes up to find she’s brought a bit of Lakeville Hills back with the impossible sexy and entirely implausible Killian St Clair is in her apartment.
Now Leigh must help Killian navigate the real world. But as she gets to know the man behind the trope, can she keep her heart safe, or does she risk falling in love with her book boyfriend in real life?
That night Leigh finds a second-hand book on her TBR pile, which transports her to the small-town of Lakeville Hills, where the heroines wear shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And as Leigh drifts off to sleep, she dreams of billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, who could win a gold medal for smouldering and bicep flexing.
For a while, Leigh finds it easier to stomach misogynistic supervisors, newly coupled friends, and extravagant bridesmaid duties knowing she can return to Lakeville Hills each evening. Until one day, she wakes up to find she’s brought a bit of Lakeville Hills back with the impossible sexy and entirely implausible Killian St Clair is in her apartment.
Now Leigh must help Killian navigate the real world. But as she gets to know the man behind the trope, can she keep her heart safe, or does she risk falling in love with her book boyfriend in real life?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2024
337 people are currently reading
6198 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Isley
40 books2,857 followers
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you're a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 315 reviews
July 7, 2024
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Go with the flow and enjoy!
Leighton is frustrated when she is ghosted by yet another Tinder date. With no real-life plans for the weekend, she grabs a random book from the shelf and starts reading. Soon, Leigh begins to dream of Lakeville Hills and the super hot billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair.
This becomes a routine for Leigh, a wonderful escape for a few hours. However, one day she brings Killian to her apartment. Real life and dream worlds collide. So what will Leigh do? How can she find a way out?
The story comes in Leigh’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the kind of book where you have to go with the flow and forget logic. Its premise makes it clear. I was willing, and quite enjoyed the ride.
Humor is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making this a light-hearted read even when the scenes deal with misogyny, etc. The couples’ wisdom quotes are hilarious.
Not sure if it is a new trend, but many romcoms seem to be ‘talking’ about the tropes in the plot. Love Story and The Love of My Afterlife had the same. This book also has the characters discussing and jokes about the tropes in their lives. It makes sense given the character arcs, so it was fun.
The book is sexy but not that steamy. When it comes to the scenes, it goes fade to black. Since it has quite a few dream sequences, we get enough time to see the main characters connect and know more about each other.
Though we get only Leigh’s POV, it is easy to see Killian’s side. He is open about his feelings most of the time. Though he is the alpha male, he is also a cinnamon roll. A nice package by all means!
The beginning is slow (until about 30%) but it picks up a steady pace afterward. There really isn’t a third-act breakup, though there is a small fight and a patch-up real soon.
Given the premise, there are a few missing (logical) details. But answering those would be risky and could mess up the whole plot, so things are left the way they are. In short, this needs the suspension of belief.
To summarize, It Started with a Book is a light and funny read about dreams coming true and book boyfriends becoming real. Well, I sure wouldn’t mind this happening (are you listening, guardian angels).
Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ItStartedWithABook
One Liner: Go with the flow and enjoy!
Leighton is frustrated when she is ghosted by yet another Tinder date. With no real-life plans for the weekend, she grabs a random book from the shelf and starts reading. Soon, Leigh begins to dream of Lakeville Hills and the super hot billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair.
This becomes a routine for Leigh, a wonderful escape for a few hours. However, one day she brings Killian to her apartment. Real life and dream worlds collide. So what will Leigh do? How can she find a way out?
The story comes in Leigh’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the kind of book where you have to go with the flow and forget logic. Its premise makes it clear. I was willing, and quite enjoyed the ride.
Humor is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making this a light-hearted read even when the scenes deal with misogyny, etc. The couples’ wisdom quotes are hilarious.
Not sure if it is a new trend, but many romcoms seem to be ‘talking’ about the tropes in the plot. Love Story and The Love of My Afterlife had the same. This book also has the characters discussing and jokes about the tropes in their lives. It makes sense given the character arcs, so it was fun.
The book is sexy but not that steamy. When it comes to the scenes, it goes fade to black. Since it has quite a few dream sequences, we get enough time to see the main characters connect and know more about each other.
Though we get only Leigh’s POV, it is easy to see Killian’s side. He is open about his feelings most of the time. Though he is the alpha male, he is also a cinnamon roll. A nice package by all means!
The beginning is slow (until about 30%) but it picks up a steady pace afterward. There really isn’t a third-act breakup, though there is a small fight and a patch-up real soon.
Given the premise, there are a few missing (logical) details. But answering those would be risky and could mess up the whole plot, so things are left the way they are. In short, this needs the suspension of belief.
To summarize, It Started with a Book is a light and funny read about dreams coming true and book boyfriends becoming real. Well, I sure wouldn’t mind this happening (are you listening, guardian angels).
Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ItStartedWithABook
July 5, 2024
We all get that moment where we wish a fictional man were real. But what happens when that character comes to life? Will it be everything we wanted it to be? This delightful light hearted and humorous enemies-to-lovers clean rom-com might be the thing for you! It also features magical realism and many beloved romance tropes. Fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey will enjoy this.
PLOT SUMMARY
In Illinois, 24-year-old Leighton Witherspoon (no, With-her-books, ba dum tss!) has been ghosted on dating apps, again, and is tired of being the only one in her friend groups still single, third-wheeling everyone else. Aside from being a broke grad student studying a masters degree in Computer Science with specialisation in AI under a misogynistic advisor, Leighton adores books and owns a BookTok account where she posts reviews.
As she is rummaging through her shelves on what to read next, she encounters a book with a damaged cover and missing front pages so the author and book name is unknown. There is only one chapter which contains the epitome of a perfect fictional boyfriend, a 6ft 4, 27-year-old billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, and an aspiring baker who also has the name Leighton in Lakeville Hills. Every time Leighton falls asleep, she dreams about visiting Lakeville Hills and Killian, and when she wakes up, the events from her dream are mysteriously recorded in the book.
The more she cannot stand Killian, the more they are drawn to each other. When an accident in the dream causes Leighton to wake up, she finds Killian in the real world in bed next to her! Stuck with helping him navigate the real world, fake-dating him and trying to work out what on earth is happening with the book, real feelings are caught. But what if Killian suddenly disappears? What if none of it is real? What if he has been lying to her?
This is told from the first-person past-tense narrative of Leighton.
OVERALL OPINIONS
This was an excellent light read! It’s a unique concept and super adorable! I loved that there was a lot of witty banter and general humour from various films/books and pop culture references. Some of my favourite funny moments were: firstly, when Leighton is so annoyed with Killian that she grabs a pinch of flour and throws it at him “The shocked expression on his face and consequent sneeze are priceless”; secondly, when her spicy dream gets interrupted and she wakes up (which reminded me of that film called Isn’t It Romantic?), and she say “Is this a closed-door romance? Because in that case, I want out.” ; thirdly, when Leighton predicts the “only one bed” situation, which Killian says will not happen but of course it does; fourthly, when she wakes up and discovers Killian is real; finally, when he leans against the wall and knows what he is doing:
Indeed, I like that this book covers a lot of relatable things for someone in their early 20s. Having turned 25 myself recently, therefore around the same age as our protagonist, and both reads books and has a master’s degree in Computer Systems Development (a nerd and geek, exactly like her), and also now the single pringle in my friend groups, hates the dating apps, just want a good man to show himself – let’s just say, everything and I mean everything about this book was super relatable to me. This is the age when everyone is either dating or married or having children or you are single and sit by watching this, wishing and waiting it was your turn. That alone is deserving of a high rating because it was done very well. Regardless of whether you read this or not, you should see this quote (girls supporting girls):
I think everyone can also relate to wanting a fictional boyfriend IRL, so this was a great take on the idea, and I adore that this is who the book is dedicated to at the start.
In terms of the plot and story itself, I loved the idea but some of it was executed poorly, which I will explain in more detail below. The scenarios in her dreams were interesting, but the jump between moments ruined the charm and added unanswered questions like “why is Lakeville Hills Leighton so different from normal Leighton?”. The mysterious book left me with many questions and none of it got answered. Characters like Killian and Leighton’s parents were not fleshed out enough.
<< Positives >>
🠚Very unique story concept. Reminds me a little bit of my favourite series of books I read as a kid, “Inkheart” except Maggie and Moe could read characters out of books by telling the story.
🠚There are many readers’ favourite tropes to find in this story: enemies-to-lovers, insta-love, slowburn, fake dating, forced proximity, only one bed, touch-her-and-you-die. There is something for everyone here.
🠚Camilla Isley uses the title of the book, at the beginning of Killian and Leighton’s meet-cute story.
🠚The cover is so cute!
🠚The romance is lovely! It is sweet how many things Killian does for Leighton, from making meals for her to buying her outfits to defending her in front of her advisor to teaching her things.
🠚I liked the “In a romance novel…” this would happen or that would happen “But this is the real life” moments in this book because they can resonate with so many people.
🠚I like that eventually there is this moment where she is like “what if because he is a book character he has been programmed to like me, how will we ever know?”
🠚Gay representation.
<< Negatives >>
A lot of the issues are from this story’s lack of depth and description.
🠚Leighton’s parents are hardly in the book, and there could have been more explored about Leighton hiding the fact she is broke and not doing well from them. This just felt like a missed opportunity to have a “why didn’t you tell us” moment, and left the storyline between her and her parents incomplete as she never visits them again. I am sure her parents would have helped financially in any way they could. Also, Killian never gets introduced to them.
🠚The mysteries of the book are never solved. You would have thought there would be an explanation as to why the book chose her, how the words appear on the page, what exactly about that moment in the dream where Leighton and Killian argue caused them to fall in the lake and wake up in the real world. Was it solely his declaration of love for her and her rejecting him because he was not real, that caused the universe to be like “say less, let’s make him real”? I know it is because of magic and magic is the answer, but I would have liked more of an explanation to the book’s behaviour.
🠚Some may find it difficult to actually get into this story as it was slow-going at the start. The pacing quickens once Killian is IRL.
🠚This is a clean book and when *the moment* finally happens it feels rather anti-climactic. I think I would have preferred it happening earlier because then that would have added to the conflict.
🠚The only real conflict is “this man is not real, even though he is real right now, how long will he stay real,” and the vibe just got too repetitive. And then the later-on conflict where she discovers he lied to her did not feel like such a big deal? I liked the idea that the book makes her question the whole relationship and she relies on what it says so much it becomes an obstacle, but there was not enough of it.
🠚Killian is very accepting of the sudden turn of events leaving him stuck in the real world. I think what would have made a better concept would have been if he had struggled to adapt more, and had homesick vibes – imagine in their arugument he says “What is real is I got dragged into this world because of you! If you do not want to be with me, fine, I will have to find my own way to live here now.”
🠚We never find out if Killian “restores” his memories, or if he instead makes up stories to fill in the gaps in his knowledge: about his parents, the name of his first horse, etc.
🠚The stealing the mascot was hilarious but a little too random for my liking.
🠚The jokes about dead wives, dogs, etc. which did not exist were in poor taste (which, I mean, Leighton does tell Killian off about but still).
🠚Did not gel with any of the side characters, really. Oliver is an exception, he is lovely!
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Leighton꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ She definitely plays the song “Fictional” by Khloe Rose on loop all day every day, belting out the lyrics ♫ “I fall in love with boys I see on a TV screen / The ones in books who are as perfect as they can be / I spend all of my time imagining / What it would be like if they existed” ♫
🠚I do like her. As I’ve mentioned previously, I relate so much to her from her studies to her third-wheeling issues, to feeling lonely. I love her humour. It’s annoying the extent to which she doubts how much he loves her.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Killian꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Save a horse, ride a billionaire cowboy! I love him! He is really sweet, cinnamon roll boyfriend indeed. I love how dedicated he is to making Leighton happy.
🠚HIM READING JANE AUSTEN IS UTTER GREEN FLAG! And he cooks. “Spoon” is lowkey a cute nickname.
🠚I hope he stops dog-earing the books, that is the biggest crime I have ever seen haha. But I like that it shows even fictional boyfriends are not perfect.
PLAYLIST
Fictional - Khloe Rose | Dancing with your Ghost - Sasha Alex Sloan | Dear Reader - Peggy | Fictional Men - Peggy | L.O.V.E.D.A.R.C.Y - Emmy The Great | What Up - Emmy The Great | Sweeter than Fiction - Taylor Swift | Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift | Guilty as Sin? - Taylor Swift | Belong Together - Mark Ambor | Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur | You Are The Reason - Calum Scott | Surrender - Natalie Taylor | i’m yours - Isabel Larosa | Someone to Stay - Vancouver Sleep Clinic | Fine Line - Harry Styles
FAV QUOTES
• I glare at him. “Is this just a game for you?” | “No games, only business, sweetheart.” His voice is low and smooth as he reins in the horse. “And maybe a sprinkle of fun.”
• Today, he’s wearing a black suit. Black shirt, black leather shoes. No tie. He looks like the dark angel of smut incarnated.
• I look over at my supposed enemy, who’s driving me away into the sunset. I take in his strong profile and firm jaw. The perfect line of his mouth, and the way his sun-kissed hair falls in gentle waves over his forehead. He’s dangerously, infuriatingly handsome.
• “What do I have to do to make you stay?” Killian asks. | “Tell me something real,” I whisper, bracing my arms backward onto the piling for support. | Killian reaches out and unties the bow of the hair tie on top of my head. My curls tumble loose. “Right at this moment, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
• he didn’t come with a misogynistic warning sticker—I had to find out the hard way.
• My pulse quickens, and I realize that this isn’t just a dance anymore. Or even a fantasy. Because the way I feel about him right now is anything but fictional.
• I surrender to the now, to the dream of being wrapped in the arms of my personal book boyfriend, a living, breathing embodiment of every fictional romance hero I’ve ever swooned over.
• “You’d better stop this little game of yours, Sugar Spoon.” The words are so soft-spoken even I strain to hear them. “Or I might decide to come out and play for real.”
• Of course he had some noble reason to be a jackass.
• “Morning, Sugar,” he rumbles, his voice still gravelly with sleep. It sounds like a secret shared in the dark. It’s a voice that suggests late nights and whispered confessions. The kind that makes the heart trip over on itself and cuts rational thinking off at the knees.
• I’m in the mood for a steamy romantasy novel with dragons. But what if I get too immersed in the story and a fire-breathing dragon pops into my apartment uninvited? One book character to contend with is more than enough.
• Killian winks at me. “That’ll be perfect, won’t it, Sugar?” | “Yep! Just great, Bun.” | Killian raises an eyebrow at the new nickname, prompting a viciously sweet smile from me.
• Our story speaks of evenings spent in comfortable silence, the easy exchanges that come when you truly know someone. This progression of us, from nemeses to lovers back to strangers and then to being the core of each other’s days, it’s written in the spaces between our words, the looks we share.
• We’re together because we want it. We want each other despite our flaws and insecurities. We’re the same people we were when we first met and at the same time we’re completely different.
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Camilla Isley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
His smile is barely there, just the hint of something more playing at the corners of his lips. “Why do you look at me like that?” I ask on a breath.[ Contains some spoilers ]
“Because I can,” he whispers back, his voice low and husky. “Because you want me to.” He leans closer now, his lips grazing the shell of my ear. “Because you look at me the same.”
PLOT SUMMARY
In Illinois, 24-year-old Leighton Witherspoon (no, With-her-books, ba dum tss!) has been ghosted on dating apps, again, and is tired of being the only one in her friend groups still single, third-wheeling everyone else. Aside from being a broke grad student studying a masters degree in Computer Science with specialisation in AI under a misogynistic advisor, Leighton adores books and owns a BookTok account where she posts reviews.
As she is rummaging through her shelves on what to read next, she encounters a book with a damaged cover and missing front pages so the author and book name is unknown. There is only one chapter which contains the epitome of a perfect fictional boyfriend, a 6ft 4, 27-year-old billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair, and an aspiring baker who also has the name Leighton in Lakeville Hills. Every time Leighton falls asleep, she dreams about visiting Lakeville Hills and Killian, and when she wakes up, the events from her dream are mysteriously recorded in the book.
The more she cannot stand Killian, the more they are drawn to each other. When an accident in the dream causes Leighton to wake up, she finds Killian in the real world in bed next to her! Stuck with helping him navigate the real world, fake-dating him and trying to work out what on earth is happening with the book, real feelings are caught. But what if Killian suddenly disappears? What if none of it is real? What if he has been lying to her?
This is told from the first-person past-tense narrative of Leighton.
To all book lovers who have ever wished to be able to talk to a favorite character or meet them—or kiss them—in real life this book is for us.
OVERALL OPINIONS
This was an excellent light read! It’s a unique concept and super adorable! I loved that there was a lot of witty banter and general humour from various films/books and pop culture references. Some of my favourite funny moments were: firstly, when Leighton is so annoyed with Killian that she grabs a pinch of flour and throws it at him “The shocked expression on his face and consequent sneeze are priceless”; secondly, when her spicy dream gets interrupted and she wakes up (which reminded me of that film called Isn’t It Romantic?), and she say “Is this a closed-door romance? Because in that case, I want out.” ; thirdly, when Leighton predicts the “only one bed” situation, which Killian says will not happen but of course it does; fourthly, when she wakes up and discovers Killian is real; finally, when he leans against the wall and knows what he is doing:
He beams at me, raising both eyebrows in an impossibly cute frown. “I’m leaning against a wall.”Some of the vibes, particularly the Computer Science tech aspect, reminded me of Ali Hazelwood novels depicting the problems women in STEM face, which is always an important issue and I am glad it is once again being addressed in a book.
If I snapped a picture and posted it on BookTok, I’m pretty sure it’d go viral. He’s the epitome of every hot book boyfriend ever leaning on random surfaces.
Indeed, I like that this book covers a lot of relatable things for someone in their early 20s. Having turned 25 myself recently, therefore around the same age as our protagonist, and both reads books and has a master’s degree in Computer Systems Development (a nerd and geek, exactly like her), and also now the single pringle in my friend groups, hates the dating apps, just want a good man to show himself – let’s just say, everything and I mean everything about this book was super relatable to me. This is the age when everyone is either dating or married or having children or you are single and sit by watching this, wishing and waiting it was your turn. That alone is deserving of a high rating because it was done very well. Regardless of whether you read this or not, you should see this quote (girls supporting girls):
“You’re a wonderful person,” I say, squeezing on for emphasis. “Having a man in your life or not isn’t a definition of your worth. Meeting someone you can fall in love with is just dumb luck and doesn’t reflect on your character in any way whatsoever. You rock, girl, and don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.”
I think everyone can also relate to wanting a fictional boyfriend IRL, so this was a great take on the idea, and I adore that this is who the book is dedicated to at the start.
In terms of the plot and story itself, I loved the idea but some of it was executed poorly, which I will explain in more detail below. The scenarios in her dreams were interesting, but the jump between moments ruined the charm and added unanswered questions like “why is Lakeville Hills Leighton so different from normal Leighton?”. The mysterious book left me with many questions and none of it got answered. Characters like Killian and Leighton’s parents were not fleshed out enough.
<< Positives >>
🠚Very unique story concept. Reminds me a little bit of my favourite series of books I read as a kid, “Inkheart” except Maggie and Moe could read characters out of books by telling the story.
🠚There are many readers’ favourite tropes to find in this story: enemies-to-lovers, insta-love, slowburn, fake dating, forced proximity, only one bed, touch-her-and-you-die. There is something for everyone here.
🠚Camilla Isley uses the title of the book, at the beginning of Killian and Leighton’s meet-cute story.
🠚The cover is so cute!
🠚The romance is lovely! It is sweet how many things Killian does for Leighton, from making meals for her to buying her outfits to defending her in front of her advisor to teaching her things.
🠚I liked the “In a romance novel…” this would happen or that would happen “But this is the real life” moments in this book because they can resonate with so many people.
🠚I like that eventually there is this moment where she is like “what if because he is a book character he has been programmed to like me, how will we ever know?”
🠚Gay representation.
<< Negatives >>
A lot of the issues are from this story’s lack of depth and description.
🠚Leighton’s parents are hardly in the book, and there could have been more explored about Leighton hiding the fact she is broke and not doing well from them. This just felt like a missed opportunity to have a “why didn’t you tell us” moment, and left the storyline between her and her parents incomplete as she never visits them again. I am sure her parents would have helped financially in any way they could. Also, Killian never gets introduced to them.
🠚The mysteries of the book are never solved. You would have thought there would be an explanation as to why the book chose her, how the words appear on the page, what exactly about that moment in the dream where Leighton and Killian argue caused them to fall in the lake and wake up in the real world. Was it solely his declaration of love for her and her rejecting him because he was not real, that caused the universe to be like “say less, let’s make him real”? I know it is because of magic and magic is the answer, but I would have liked more of an explanation to the book’s behaviour.
🠚Some may find it difficult to actually get into this story as it was slow-going at the start. The pacing quickens once Killian is IRL.
🠚This is a clean book and when *the moment* finally happens it feels rather anti-climactic. I think I would have preferred it happening earlier because then that would have added to the conflict.
🠚The only real conflict is “this man is not real, even though he is real right now, how long will he stay real,” and the vibe just got too repetitive. And then the later-on conflict where she discovers he lied to her did not feel like such a big deal? I liked the idea that the book makes her question the whole relationship and she relies on what it says so much it becomes an obstacle, but there was not enough of it.
🠚Killian is very accepting of the sudden turn of events leaving him stuck in the real world. I think what would have made a better concept would have been if he had struggled to adapt more, and had homesick vibes – imagine in their arugument he says “What is real is I got dragged into this world because of you! If you do not want to be with me, fine, I will have to find my own way to live here now.”
🠚We never find out if Killian “restores” his memories, or if he instead makes up stories to fill in the gaps in his knowledge: about his parents, the name of his first horse, etc.
🠚The stealing the mascot was hilarious but a little too random for my liking.
🠚The jokes about dead wives, dogs, etc. which did not exist were in poor taste (which, I mean, Leighton does tell Killian off about but still).
🠚Did not gel with any of the side characters, really. Oliver is an exception, he is lovely!
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Leighton꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ She definitely plays the song “Fictional” by Khloe Rose on loop all day every day, belting out the lyrics ♫ “I fall in love with boys I see on a TV screen / The ones in books who are as perfect as they can be / I spend all of my time imagining / What it would be like if they existed” ♫
🠚I do like her. As I’ve mentioned previously, I relate so much to her from her studies to her third-wheeling issues, to feeling lonely. I love her humour. It’s annoying the extent to which she doubts how much he loves her.
Life has turned infinitely more interesting since he stepped out of the pages of that book and into my world. And as scary as it might be to admit it, I’m not ready for this story to end just yet.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Killian꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ Save a horse, ride a billionaire cowboy! I love him! He is really sweet, cinnamon roll boyfriend indeed. I love how dedicated he is to making Leighton happy.
🠚HIM READING JANE AUSTEN IS UTTER GREEN FLAG! And he cooks. “Spoon” is lowkey a cute nickname.
🠚I hope he stops dog-earing the books, that is the biggest crime I have ever seen haha. But I like that it shows even fictional boyfriends are not perfect.
“I would love any version of you in any world or dimension that existed. Because I’m in love with you, with your beautiful soul.”
PLAYLIST
Fictional - Khloe Rose | Dancing with your Ghost - Sasha Alex Sloan | Dear Reader - Peggy | Fictional Men - Peggy | L.O.V.E.D.A.R.C.Y - Emmy The Great | What Up - Emmy The Great | Sweeter than Fiction - Taylor Swift | Wildest Dreams - Taylor Swift | Guilty as Sin? - Taylor Swift | Belong Together - Mark Ambor | Say You Won’t Let Go - James Arthur | You Are The Reason - Calum Scott | Surrender - Natalie Taylor | i’m yours - Isabel Larosa | Someone to Stay - Vancouver Sleep Clinic | Fine Line - Harry Styles
FAV QUOTES
• I glare at him. “Is this just a game for you?” | “No games, only business, sweetheart.” His voice is low and smooth as he reins in the horse. “And maybe a sprinkle of fun.”
• Today, he’s wearing a black suit. Black shirt, black leather shoes. No tie. He looks like the dark angel of smut incarnated.
• I look over at my supposed enemy, who’s driving me away into the sunset. I take in his strong profile and firm jaw. The perfect line of his mouth, and the way his sun-kissed hair falls in gentle waves over his forehead. He’s dangerously, infuriatingly handsome.
• “What do I have to do to make you stay?” Killian asks. | “Tell me something real,” I whisper, bracing my arms backward onto the piling for support. | Killian reaches out and unties the bow of the hair tie on top of my head. My curls tumble loose. “Right at this moment, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
• he didn’t come with a misogynistic warning sticker—I had to find out the hard way.
• My pulse quickens, and I realize that this isn’t just a dance anymore. Or even a fantasy. Because the way I feel about him right now is anything but fictional.
• I surrender to the now, to the dream of being wrapped in the arms of my personal book boyfriend, a living, breathing embodiment of every fictional romance hero I’ve ever swooned over.
• “You’d better stop this little game of yours, Sugar Spoon.” The words are so soft-spoken even I strain to hear them. “Or I might decide to come out and play for real.”
• Of course he had some noble reason to be a jackass.
• “Morning, Sugar,” he rumbles, his voice still gravelly with sleep. It sounds like a secret shared in the dark. It’s a voice that suggests late nights and whispered confessions. The kind that makes the heart trip over on itself and cuts rational thinking off at the knees.
• I’m in the mood for a steamy romantasy novel with dragons. But what if I get too immersed in the story and a fire-breathing dragon pops into my apartment uninvited? One book character to contend with is more than enough.
• Killian winks at me. “That’ll be perfect, won’t it, Sugar?” | “Yep! Just great, Bun.” | Killian raises an eyebrow at the new nickname, prompting a viciously sweet smile from me.
• Our story speaks of evenings spent in comfortable silence, the easy exchanges that come when you truly know someone. This progression of us, from nemeses to lovers back to strangers and then to being the core of each other’s days, it’s written in the spaces between our words, the looks we share.
• We’re together because we want it. We want each other despite our flaws and insecurities. We’re the same people we were when we first met and at the same time we’re completely different.
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review and I’d like to thank Camilla Isley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
June 18, 2024
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your fictional boyfriend suddenly appeared out of nowhere in the real world? If so, you should definitely read this book! From the moment I started reading it, I couldn't put it down!
Leighton is tired of living her everyday life. When she is ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears she will never date again. She prefers losing herself in her fantasy world. One day she discovers a magical book that allows her to travel to Lakeville Hills, a little community. And she now visits there every evening. Until one day she wakes up and discovers that she unintentionally brought Killian back into her actual life.
Leigh is such a fantastic, grounded heroine. I identify a lot of common ground with her, including the bitter loneliness of being single in the face of your friends' marriages. Her cynicism, snark, and humor are all things I adore. I eagerly anticipated her next interaction with Killian.
And Killian is, well, the manifestation of every bookworm's dream. A gorgeous boyfriend who is also so very sweet. I simply adored him!
This was a great book about books that included all of the best tropes and clichés from romance. This was a short and delightful read from an author who never fails to impress! Highly recommended for all romance fans!
Leighton is tired of living her everyday life. When she is ghosted by yet another Tinder match, Leighton swears she will never date again. She prefers losing herself in her fantasy world. One day she discovers a magical book that allows her to travel to Lakeville Hills, a little community. And she now visits there every evening. Until one day she wakes up and discovers that she unintentionally brought Killian back into her actual life.
Leigh is such a fantastic, grounded heroine. I identify a lot of common ground with her, including the bitter loneliness of being single in the face of your friends' marriages. Her cynicism, snark, and humor are all things I adore. I eagerly anticipated her next interaction with Killian.
And Killian is, well, the manifestation of every bookworm's dream. A gorgeous boyfriend who is also so very sweet. I simply adored him!
This was a great book about books that included all of the best tropes and clichés from romance. This was a short and delightful read from an author who never fails to impress! Highly recommended for all romance fans!
January 4, 2025
4.5 stars - I LOVED this, couldn't put it down!! A struggling grad student whose western rom-com becomes very, very real - first when she ventures into the mysterious book as a lead character & then when the MMC cowboy ends up in her bed for reals! It’s quite a “meta” concept. Really enjoyed how they became a real couple. Fun & also rather different - I personally like a little magic realism in my rom-coms, and I hope the author does another like this!
July 29, 2025
3.25⭐
I felt the deja Vu during the whole book, and suddenly “Yeahhh, it's so Extraordinary you (Korean drama) vibes!”
I know completely in my mind that's the story is not original, it have been done many times in different shows and books also in a way better than that. But my stupid heart couldn't stop clenching all the way in this book.
I really love Killian.
This sassy flirty motherfucker,
He's perfection. The author successed very well to made a super divine fictional man that no sane woman could resists.
The banter between him and Leighton was incredible. I was giggling, smiling, kicking my feet.
And they surely have chemistry.
The tension.. excuse me! It's a closed door romance but I could feel the sexual tension in the air. And this absolutely my cup of tea.
Cute fast fun read. Done it's job perfectly.
I judged a book by it's cover well this time.
***
The cover is so cute, and a dreamy cutie romcom is exactly what I need right now.
I felt the deja Vu during the whole book, and suddenly “Yeahhh, it's so Extraordinary you (Korean drama) vibes!”
I know completely in my mind that's the story is not original, it have been done many times in different shows and books also in a way better than that. But my stupid heart couldn't stop clenching all the way in this book.
I really love Killian.
This sassy flirty motherfucker,
He's perfection. The author successed very well to made a super divine fictional man that no sane woman could resists.
The banter between him and Leighton was incredible. I was giggling, smiling, kicking my feet.
And they surely have chemistry.
The tension.. excuse me! It's a closed door romance but I could feel the sexual tension in the air. And this absolutely my cup of tea.
Cute fast fun read. Done it's job perfectly.
I judged a book by it's cover well this time.
***
The cover is so cute, and a dreamy cutie romcom is exactly what I need right now.
May 10, 2024
What a cute concept! It Started With A Book by Camilla Isley is a unique, light- hearted, and fun romantic comedy. I enjoyed the concept, as it was way different than anything I've read previously, and the witty banter kept me giggling. The main character, Leighton, is a realistic and a bit of a skeptic, which is perfect for this story. It was fun to watch her relationship with Killian unfold... along with the story.
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books (I've had serveral great books from Boldwood, so thank you!) for a copy of It Started With a Book by Camilla Isley in an exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it and look forward to more Camilla Isley and Boldwood gems!
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books (I've had serveral great books from Boldwood, so thank you!) for a copy of It Started With a Book by Camilla Isley in an exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it and look forward to more Camilla Isley and Boldwood gems!
July 5, 2024
4.5stars.
My first Camilla Isley book and let me tell you I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I was instantly addicted and made me feel the feels.
For all you romance book lovers out there, if you like a touch of magical realism then this is definitely the book to read!
Do you ever find yourself swooning for the male lead in a romance novel? Ever wish you could pop into the book you're reading? Well that is exactly what happens to Leigh. She single and in a bad way. Everyone around her is happy coupled up and she can't get a guy to commit to her past the 3rd date! When she starts reading a mysterious romance book that seems to have just appeared on her bookshelf she find herself dreaming she is in the cowboy romance book. The male lead a 'beautiful bastard' named Killian. Full of romance tropes (on purpose) you will find enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, cinnamon rolls and something totally unexpected that will have you gasping and turning those pages.
Let me say for me the first 40% of the book was pure 5stars, I was literally addicted. The hot swooniness of Killian and the chemistry between then was unreal however I was a little disappointed by the lack of serious drama past real life mundane problems (although totally understandable) once the unnexpected thing happens. Although the banter was amazing and I loved the use of bookish language, it was just the lack of a real struggle, a real pining for which just dropped the ball slightly. Otherwise a fantastic read and I highly recommended it!
Thanks to Boldeorld books who provided me with a copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
My first Camilla Isley book and let me tell you I thoroughly enjoyed this one! I was instantly addicted and made me feel the feels.
For all you romance book lovers out there, if you like a touch of magical realism then this is definitely the book to read!
Do you ever find yourself swooning for the male lead in a romance novel? Ever wish you could pop into the book you're reading? Well that is exactly what happens to Leigh. She single and in a bad way. Everyone around her is happy coupled up and she can't get a guy to commit to her past the 3rd date! When she starts reading a mysterious romance book that seems to have just appeared on her bookshelf she find herself dreaming she is in the cowboy romance book. The male lead a 'beautiful bastard' named Killian. Full of romance tropes (on purpose) you will find enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, cinnamon rolls and something totally unexpected that will have you gasping and turning those pages.
Let me say for me the first 40% of the book was pure 5stars, I was literally addicted. The hot swooniness of Killian and the chemistry between then was unreal however I was a little disappointed by the lack of serious drama past real life mundane problems (although totally understandable) once the unnexpected thing happens. Although the banter was amazing and I loved the use of bookish language, it was just the lack of a real struggle, a real pining for which just dropped the ball slightly. Otherwise a fantastic read and I highly recommended it!
Thanks to Boldeorld books who provided me with a copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2024
3.5/5
This book was slow to start but did get good.
I think the book missed out on some plot building about Killian
Overall, a cute read! I did like Camilla Isleys other books better than this one. The True Love series was amazing
This book was slow to start but did get good.
I think the book missed out on some plot building about Killian
Overall, a cute read! I did like Camilla Isleys other books better than this one. The True Love series was amazing
September 29, 2024
Not my cup of tea
For me, personally, this story had a slow start. And once it got going with its fantasy premise, a romance novel MMC who magically manifests in the real world, unfortunately, I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to accept the magic. Not to mention that, even if I could, I'm not a fan of cowboy romance.
For me, personally, this story had a slow start. And once it got going with its fantasy premise, a romance novel MMC who magically manifests in the real world, unfortunately, I couldn't suspend disbelief enough to accept the magic. Not to mention that, even if I could, I'm not a fan of cowboy romance.
July 15, 2024
This was a fun book and I really enjoyed the romantic escapism. The idea of your romantic hero following you out of a book? Well, that was the sort of plot I was looking for! Fun, original and entertaining, we follow Leigh and Killian’s relationship develop from fictional to reality. Can Leigh trust what she thought was a figment of her imagination?
Isley certainly appeals to book lovers with Leigh’s character: not only does she have a towering book stack (a bit like me); she runs a social media channel with her reviews (hello!); she also has a book stamp-embosser that she uses on the front pages of her books (oooh, better start looking online)… So when it comes to imaginary romances, Leigh has vivid ideas about what she likes and dislikes – which might explain why she is still single. Discovering an old book on her bookshelf, Leigh falls asleep dreaming of the hunky hero, Killian, where her dreams take her to Lakeville Hills as a modern cowgirl love interest.
Waking up back to reality, Leigh feels despondent about her lack of a love life, especially as all of her friends are coupled up and imparting supposedly useful advice, trying to set Leigh up with dates. When her dream lover follows her to reality, it is time for Leigh to write her own romantic story. I loved how unexpected this plot twist was and this led me to wonder whether Leigh and Killian would have a happy ever after. The dark, thriller reader in me was expecting something a bit more tragic than what Isley presents. If you are after a sweetness read then never fear with this one, there is no sadness at the end!
I enjoyed the concept of a book character coming to life, especially as Killian seems so perfect. Isley takes some romance genre cliches and applies these to the story, such as Leigh’s ridiculous clothes she wears in Lakeville as a baker. Killian is presented as a complete dream boat and I enjoyed how he had such appeal both in the fictional and real world. He is also a bit of a bookworm, a hero and one who wants to defend his love interest. With a “hot bod” and a desire to keep Leigh happy, what is there to dislike?
This is a pacy story and I liked the romance of Leigh’s tale. However, it was a bit far-fetched in places and the mascot/identity scenes were ones I really enjoyed the least. Whilst I understood Isley’s necessity of establishing Killian in the real world, I thought this could have been executed a little better. On the other hand, the idea of a character coming to life is beyond realistic, so you do have to go with the flow a bit!
A sweet romance where the hero is hunky and the heroine has more grit and determination than typical characters, it is a thought-provoking novel which leads to heavy debates: which hero would you like to see come alive from a book??
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Isley certainly appeals to book lovers with Leigh’s character: not only does she have a towering book stack (a bit like me); she runs a social media channel with her reviews (hello!); she also has a book stamp-embosser that she uses on the front pages of her books (oooh, better start looking online)… So when it comes to imaginary romances, Leigh has vivid ideas about what she likes and dislikes – which might explain why she is still single. Discovering an old book on her bookshelf, Leigh falls asleep dreaming of the hunky hero, Killian, where her dreams take her to Lakeville Hills as a modern cowgirl love interest.
Waking up back to reality, Leigh feels despondent about her lack of a love life, especially as all of her friends are coupled up and imparting supposedly useful advice, trying to set Leigh up with dates. When her dream lover follows her to reality, it is time for Leigh to write her own romantic story. I loved how unexpected this plot twist was and this led me to wonder whether Leigh and Killian would have a happy ever after. The dark, thriller reader in me was expecting something a bit more tragic than what Isley presents. If you are after a sweetness read then never fear with this one, there is no sadness at the end!
I enjoyed the concept of a book character coming to life, especially as Killian seems so perfect. Isley takes some romance genre cliches and applies these to the story, such as Leigh’s ridiculous clothes she wears in Lakeville as a baker. Killian is presented as a complete dream boat and I enjoyed how he had such appeal both in the fictional and real world. He is also a bit of a bookworm, a hero and one who wants to defend his love interest. With a “hot bod” and a desire to keep Leigh happy, what is there to dislike?
This is a pacy story and I liked the romance of Leigh’s tale. However, it was a bit far-fetched in places and the mascot/identity scenes were ones I really enjoyed the least. Whilst I understood Isley’s necessity of establishing Killian in the real world, I thought this could have been executed a little better. On the other hand, the idea of a character coming to life is beyond realistic, so you do have to go with the flow a bit!
A sweet romance where the hero is hunky and the heroine has more grit and determination than typical characters, it is a thought-provoking novel which leads to heavy debates: which hero would you like to see come alive from a book??
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
This was so disappointing. The book started off weird, the transition for finding a random book that came to life was just random. I understand what the author was trying to do with the misogyny in the workforce but it did not land at all (seemed so forced) and the whole “woe is me I’m single and everyone in pestering me to be in a relationship” was just so 2010s I couldn’t even deal. This one really wasn’t for me.
July 5, 2024
For me the perfect man lies between the pages of a book. One that I can happily take to bed but also pick up and put down as I choose. They also don’t make a mess or hog the duvet.
I loved the premise of actually being transported to the book you are reading as you fall asleep. With cowboys being very on trend book boyfriend Killian St Clair was great on paper but how would that translate to real life when the tables are turned and he ends up in her real life. I have to say the coffee shop scene was pure perfection and put the com in the romcom.
Killian was believable for a fictional character but Leighton I struggled to connect with. The subplot of her misogynistic supervisor felt a little tacked on and I felt this book could have left the STEM behind and been better for it. Cowboy book yes, STEM book yes, Cowboys and STEM possibly not.
That being said, this book was still a really good read and the author remains one of my go to authors for romcoms. Her character banter is always sharp, the funny is guaranteed and I look forward to seeing where she goes next.
I loved the premise of actually being transported to the book you are reading as you fall asleep. With cowboys being very on trend book boyfriend Killian St Clair was great on paper but how would that translate to real life when the tables are turned and he ends up in her real life. I have to say the coffee shop scene was pure perfection and put the com in the romcom.
Killian was believable for a fictional character but Leighton I struggled to connect with. The subplot of her misogynistic supervisor felt a little tacked on and I felt this book could have left the STEM behind and been better for it. Cowboy book yes, STEM book yes, Cowboys and STEM possibly not.
That being said, this book was still a really good read and the author remains one of my go to authors for romcoms. Her character banter is always sharp, the funny is guaranteed and I look forward to seeing where she goes next.
July 6, 2024
I have really enjoyed all of this author’s books, so I was immediately intrigued with the synopsis of this one! I mean, as a single woman who is pretty sure she is always going to be single, what could be better than the book boyfriend of my dreams popping out of the current book I’m reading or me being able to pop into the book to fill out the rest of the story?
So much of this was a single romance reader’s dream come true story. But what made this even more fun was when Killian actually showed up in Leigh’s world outside the book, in her bed even! Suddenly this billionaire enemies to lovers romantic interest from her book must figure out how to go about his new life in the real world. Figuring out if he was real, or if he was a figment of her imagination took some time to decide as well.
As much as I adored this story, and totally got the direction the author took it in the end, I did have a few things that didn’t quite work for me. For instance, the fact that Leigh’s work had to do with AI made me think maybe there was going to be some kind of connection to Killian coming out of the book. But there was not. And honestly, we never really got a reason for how he came out of the book, and my brain needed just a little bit more about that. What they did about the book later in the story, well, again, it was a bit anti-climactic for me.
Besides those things though, it was a fun read, and I did really enjoy this fun little foray into a world where a book boyfriend comes to life. Now I’m off to bed, hoping to dream about one of my own many favorite book boyfriends, even I don’t get them appearing in real life out of my dream when I wake up in the morning.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
So much of this was a single romance reader’s dream come true story. But what made this even more fun was when Killian actually showed up in Leigh’s world outside the book, in her bed even! Suddenly this billionaire enemies to lovers romantic interest from her book must figure out how to go about his new life in the real world. Figuring out if he was real, or if he was a figment of her imagination took some time to decide as well.
As much as I adored this story, and totally got the direction the author took it in the end, I did have a few things that didn’t quite work for me. For instance, the fact that Leigh’s work had to do with AI made me think maybe there was going to be some kind of connection to Killian coming out of the book. But there was not. And honestly, we never really got a reason for how he came out of the book, and my brain needed just a little bit more about that. What they did about the book later in the story, well, again, it was a bit anti-climactic for me.
Besides those things though, it was a fun read, and I did really enjoy this fun little foray into a world where a book boyfriend comes to life. Now I’m off to bed, hoping to dream about one of my own many favorite book boyfriends, even I don’t get them appearing in real life out of my dream when I wake up in the morning.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
July 5, 2024
This is already the second contemporary romance that I read within 48 hours about a romance book. It must be the newest trend and I didn't know it. Other than that, the characters are interesting, but throughout the novel I shared the same dread as the main character and I don't think I'm over it yet....
Questo é già il secondo contemporary romance che leggo nel giro di 48 ore e che parla di un libro d'amore. Deve essere il trend piú recente e io non lo sapevo. A parte questo i personaggi sono interessanti, ma per tutto il libro ho condiviso la stessa paura della protagonista e non credo mi sia ancora passata....
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Questo é già il secondo contemporary romance che leggo nel giro di 48 ore e che parla di un libro d'amore. Deve essere il trend piú recente e io non lo sapevo. A parte questo i personaggi sono interessanti, ma per tutto il libro ho condiviso la stessa paura della protagonista e non credo mi sia ancora passata....
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
November 25, 2024
I’m sorry, nothing against the author, but I have to give this two stars mainly for the plot. I’m alllll for fiction, but it’s gotta take place in the real world. NONE of that was realistic except for the misogyny from her professor. I feel like I missed a few steps of the love story like when/why/how AND THEN waiting 88% of the book for smut and then we don’t even get any????? Nope not for me
July 28, 2024
3.5
I love Camilla's books.
The scenarios, the spice, the banter.
This one had great banter, a cinnamon roll, good characters ....
But it felt a little boring. The story progresses slowly & I did not feel fulfilled with the way it played out.
I love Camilla's books.
The scenarios, the spice, the banter.
This one had great banter, a cinnamon roll, good characters ....
But it felt a little boring. The story progresses slowly & I did not feel fulfilled with the way it played out.
June 12, 2024
A bookworm main character goes to sleep every night dreaming she is actually part of the book she is reading (a cowboy romance) until one day she actually wakes up next to her book boyfriend in her real life.
~plz lord I’ve seen what you’ve done for others~🙏
Fun idea but was overall just a simple, anticlimactic read. Rounding up from like a 2.5
~plz lord I’ve seen what you’ve done for others~🙏
Fun idea but was overall just a simple, anticlimactic read. Rounding up from like a 2.5
June 24, 2024
This was a fun romcom that attempted to tick all of the trope boxes between the two main characters in a very lighthearted manner. For me, this wasn’t my favourite by this author unfortunately. I couldn’t overly connect with either character and found the storyline was lacking something for me personally. But it was a fun read and an interesting take on romance novels!
Read
August 12, 2025cute, but there were questions un answered
July 31, 2024
Den var verkligen så mysig
July 4, 2024
In her latest romantic comedy, "It Started with a Book" by Camilla Isley is a delightful escape into the whimsical world of Lakeville Hills. It’s here that the lines between fiction and reality blur in the most enchanting way. Isley has crafted a story that is both enchanting and relatable, with characters readers will fall in love with. Whether you're a fan of romance novels or just looking for a feel-good read, this book is sure to delight.
Meet Leighton. She’s a woman who has had her fill of disappointing dates and decides to swear off dating altogether after being ghosted by yet another Tinder match. Instead, she finds solace in her beloved romance novels, where the heroes are perfect and the endings are always happy. One night, she picks up a second-hand book that transports her to the small town of Lakeville Hills, a place where the heroines are bold and the men are ruggedly handsome.
As Leighton drifts off to sleep, she dreams of Killian St Clair, a billionaire cowboy who seems too good to be true. But when she wakes up, she finds that Killian has somehow crossed over from the pages of her book into her real life. Now, Leighton must help Killian navigate the real world while trying to keep her heart safe from falling for a man who is literally too good to be true.
Leighton is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her frustrations with modern dating and her love for romance novels make her a character that many readers will see themselves in. Her journey from a disillusioned single woman to someone who finds love in the most unexpected place is both heartwarming and inspiring.
Killian St Clair is the epitome of a book boyfriend. He is charming, handsome, and has a heart of gold. His struggles to adapt to the real world add a layer of humour to the story, and his growing feelings for Leighton make for a compelling romance. The chemistry between Leighton and Killian is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and tender moments.
The supporting characters in Lakeville Hills add depth to the story. From Leighton's friends who are navigating their own romantic entanglements to the quirky residents of the town, each character brings something unique to the table. They help to create a vibrant and engaging world that readers will want to return to again and again.
"It Started with a Book" explores several themes that will resonate with readers. One of the central themes is the idea of finding love in unexpected places. Leighton had given up on finding love in the real world, only to discover it in the most fantastical way. This theme is a reminder that love can come when we least expect it and that sometimes, we need to open our hearts to the possibilities around us.
Another theme is the power of books and storytelling. Leighton's love for romance novels is what ultimately leads her to Killian, and the story highlights how books can provide comfort, escape, and even inspiration. For anyone who has ever found solace in the pages of a book, this theme will be particularly meaningful.
The novel also touches on the idea of self-discovery and personal growth. Both Leighton and Killian go through significant transformations over the course of the story. Leighton learns to open her heart again and to believe in the possibility of love, while Killian discovers what it means to be truly human and to live in the real world. Their journeys are a testament to the idea that love can help us grow and become better versions of ourselves.
Isley's writing is engaging and full of charm. Her ability to blend humour, romance, and a touch of magic makes for a captivating read. The dialogue is witty and natural, and the descriptions of Lakeville Hills are so vivid that readers will feel as though they are walking the streets of the town themselves.
Isley's pacing is spot on, with just the right balance of romantic tension and plot development. The story moves along at a brisk pace, but never feels rushed. Each scene is carefully crafted to build the romance between Leighton and Killian, while also advancing the overall plot.
This is a five-star read that will leave readers with a smile on their face and a warm feeling in their heart. In a world where dating can often feel like a series of disappointments, "It Started with a Book" is a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places. It's a celebration of the power of books, the magic of storytelling, and the transformative power of love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Meet Leighton. She’s a woman who has had her fill of disappointing dates and decides to swear off dating altogether after being ghosted by yet another Tinder match. Instead, she finds solace in her beloved romance novels, where the heroes are perfect and the endings are always happy. One night, she picks up a second-hand book that transports her to the small town of Lakeville Hills, a place where the heroines are bold and the men are ruggedly handsome.
As Leighton drifts off to sleep, she dreams of Killian St Clair, a billionaire cowboy who seems too good to be true. But when she wakes up, she finds that Killian has somehow crossed over from the pages of her book into her real life. Now, Leighton must help Killian navigate the real world while trying to keep her heart safe from falling for a man who is literally too good to be true.
Leighton is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her frustrations with modern dating and her love for romance novels make her a character that many readers will see themselves in. Her journey from a disillusioned single woman to someone who finds love in the most unexpected place is both heartwarming and inspiring.
Killian St Clair is the epitome of a book boyfriend. He is charming, handsome, and has a heart of gold. His struggles to adapt to the real world add a layer of humour to the story, and his growing feelings for Leighton make for a compelling romance. The chemistry between Leighton and Killian is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and tender moments.
The supporting characters in Lakeville Hills add depth to the story. From Leighton's friends who are navigating their own romantic entanglements to the quirky residents of the town, each character brings something unique to the table. They help to create a vibrant and engaging world that readers will want to return to again and again.
"It Started with a Book" explores several themes that will resonate with readers. One of the central themes is the idea of finding love in unexpected places. Leighton had given up on finding love in the real world, only to discover it in the most fantastical way. This theme is a reminder that love can come when we least expect it and that sometimes, we need to open our hearts to the possibilities around us.
Another theme is the power of books and storytelling. Leighton's love for romance novels is what ultimately leads her to Killian, and the story highlights how books can provide comfort, escape, and even inspiration. For anyone who has ever found solace in the pages of a book, this theme will be particularly meaningful.
The novel also touches on the idea of self-discovery and personal growth. Both Leighton and Killian go through significant transformations over the course of the story. Leighton learns to open her heart again and to believe in the possibility of love, while Killian discovers what it means to be truly human and to live in the real world. Their journeys are a testament to the idea that love can help us grow and become better versions of ourselves.
Isley's writing is engaging and full of charm. Her ability to blend humour, romance, and a touch of magic makes for a captivating read. The dialogue is witty and natural, and the descriptions of Lakeville Hills are so vivid that readers will feel as though they are walking the streets of the town themselves.
Isley's pacing is spot on, with just the right balance of romantic tension and plot development. The story moves along at a brisk pace, but never feels rushed. Each scene is carefully crafted to build the romance between Leighton and Killian, while also advancing the overall plot.
This is a five-star read that will leave readers with a smile on their face and a warm feeling in their heart. In a world where dating can often feel like a series of disappointments, "It Started with a Book" is a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places. It's a celebration of the power of books, the magic of storytelling, and the transformative power of love.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2024
⭐️2.5/5 🌶️2/5 🐚6/20 📚158/240
🇺🇸"It Started with a Book" by Camilla Isley is undeniably cute and even has a touch of originality. The premise of a magic book and the adventures that ensue was intriguing at first. However, as a fellow bookworm, I found that the book leaned too heavily into every bookworm cliché imaginable. While some readers might find this endearing, it felt a bit overdone to me.
Another aspect that left me unsatisfied was the unresolved mystery surrounding the magical book itself. I was hoping for more answers or at least some deeper exploration of its origins and powers. Instead, the mystery remained just that—mysterious, which left me feeling a bit let down by the end.
Overall, while the book had its charming moments, the overuse of clichés and the lack of resolution for the central mystery prevented it from being a standout read for me.
🇫🇷 "It Started with a Book" de Camilla Isley est indéniablement mignon et même un peu original. Le concept d'un livre magique et les aventures qui s'ensuivent étaient intrigants au début. Cependant, en tant que passionnée de livres, j'ai trouvé que le livre s'appuyait trop sur tous les clichés possibles et imaginables sur les amoureux des livres. Bien que certains lecteurs puissent trouver cela charmant, cela m'a semblé un peu trop exagéré.
Un autre aspect qui m'a laissée insatisfaite était le mystère non résolu entourant le livre magique. J'espérais obtenir plus de réponses ou au moins une exploration plus approfondie de ses origines et de ses pouvoirs. Au lieu de cela, le mystère est resté entier, ce qui m'a un peu déçue à la fin.
Dans l'ensemble, bien que le livre ait eu ses moments charmants, l'utilisation excessive des clichés et le manque de résolution du mystère central l'ont empêché de devenir une lecture marquante pour moi.
🇺🇸"It Started with a Book" by Camilla Isley is undeniably cute and even has a touch of originality. The premise of a magic book and the adventures that ensue was intriguing at first. However, as a fellow bookworm, I found that the book leaned too heavily into every bookworm cliché imaginable. While some readers might find this endearing, it felt a bit overdone to me.
Another aspect that left me unsatisfied was the unresolved mystery surrounding the magical book itself. I was hoping for more answers or at least some deeper exploration of its origins and powers. Instead, the mystery remained just that—mysterious, which left me feeling a bit let down by the end.
Overall, while the book had its charming moments, the overuse of clichés and the lack of resolution for the central mystery prevented it from being a standout read for me.
🇫🇷 "It Started with a Book" de Camilla Isley est indéniablement mignon et même un peu original. Le concept d'un livre magique et les aventures qui s'ensuivent étaient intrigants au début. Cependant, en tant que passionnée de livres, j'ai trouvé que le livre s'appuyait trop sur tous les clichés possibles et imaginables sur les amoureux des livres. Bien que certains lecteurs puissent trouver cela charmant, cela m'a semblé un peu trop exagéré.
Un autre aspect qui m'a laissée insatisfaite était le mystère non résolu entourant le livre magique. J'espérais obtenir plus de réponses ou au moins une exploration plus approfondie de ses origines et de ses pouvoirs. Au lieu de cela, le mystère est resté entier, ce qui m'a un peu déçue à la fin.
Dans l'ensemble, bien que le livre ait eu ses moments charmants, l'utilisation excessive des clichés et le manque de résolution du mystère central l'ont empêché de devenir une lecture marquante pour moi.
June 25, 2024
So this was…. different. Leighton has tried dating. Her tinder dates either don’t go anywhere, or they ghost her. So one night, she settles into bed, and pulls out a billionaire cowboy romance book to read. She starts to read it, and when she goes to turn the page, the next page is empty. So she falls asleep and dreams about herself in this cowboy romance book with none other than the hottest cowboy, Killian St. Clair. She keeps dreaming of him, until one day she wakes up, and he’s in her apartment with her. As she helps him navigate the real world, she has to wonder, is this book boyfriend worth falling for in real life?
I REALLY wanted to like this book. But for me, it was so bizarre. It was a bit slow in the beginning, and I was waiting for something to happen. Then Killian appears in her apartment and while they both seem a little freaked out by it, her more than him, it just wasn’t enough of a freak out. They accepted it too easily.
Because they “met” in her dreams when she dreamed she was inside the book, the real Leighton and book boyfriend Killian in the real world felt like they had no buildup or back story. This instalove had no chemistry between the two of them. Part of the problem is that he had no past because he was written. So there really wasn’t anything for them to connect on.
Leighton was a bit annoying because all she did was whine about being single and about being set up on blind dates. It was really hard to like her. Killian went from book boyfriend to real life boyfriend, but had no substance, again, because he was written.
Overall, it is an easy read that some will find fun. It just didn’t work for me.
I REALLY wanted to like this book. But for me, it was so bizarre. It was a bit slow in the beginning, and I was waiting for something to happen. Then Killian appears in her apartment and while they both seem a little freaked out by it, her more than him, it just wasn’t enough of a freak out. They accepted it too easily.
Because they “met” in her dreams when she dreamed she was inside the book, the real Leighton and book boyfriend Killian in the real world felt like they had no buildup or back story. This instalove had no chemistry between the two of them. Part of the problem is that he had no past because he was written. So there really wasn’t anything for them to connect on.
Leighton was a bit annoying because all she did was whine about being single and about being set up on blind dates. It was really hard to like her. Killian went from book boyfriend to real life boyfriend, but had no substance, again, because he was written.
Overall, it is an easy read that some will find fun. It just didn’t work for me.
June 5, 2024
Leighton is the last single girl standing amongst her friends and family and is tired of the dating scene. She picks up a battered, used romance book to distract her. The story spills over into her dreams where it continues to play out until one day she wakes up, and the billionaire cowboy in her book is real and in her apartment.
Thoughts 💭
I love anything, Camilla Isley. She's an auto request author for me! Her stories are cute, sweet, romances that tug at your heart strings. I flew through this book in a day and have zero regrets. Killian is an actual book boyfriend come to life, and I love his transition from story character to real life guy. Leighton is a tough woman in grad school who can't seem to find the right guy and is surrounded by couples. She makes it very clear how annoying they all are with their "couples wisdom." It was starting to get a little repetitive until I realized it was just a reflection of how unhappy Leighton was, not a reflection on people in relationships. She definitely changed her tune by the end! My only complaint is I wish we found out more about this magical book that brought Killian to life! I would've loved to know where it came from. This is a simple romance low on the spice meter and the perfect beach read for the summer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thoughts 💭
I love anything, Camilla Isley. She's an auto request author for me! Her stories are cute, sweet, romances that tug at your heart strings. I flew through this book in a day and have zero regrets. Killian is an actual book boyfriend come to life, and I love his transition from story character to real life guy. Leighton is a tough woman in grad school who can't seem to find the right guy and is surrounded by couples. She makes it very clear how annoying they all are with their "couples wisdom." It was starting to get a little repetitive until I realized it was just a reflection of how unhappy Leighton was, not a reflection on people in relationships. She definitely changed her tune by the end! My only complaint is I wish we found out more about this magical book that brought Killian to life! I would've loved to know where it came from. This is a simple romance low on the spice meter and the perfect beach read for the summer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 18, 2024
This was a really fun read-- the premise is original and refreshing. I immediately gravitated to it. It reminds me of isekai manwha where the heroine is transported into a new world, except those tend to have the heroine reincarnated or inhabiting a new body, whereas in this book our heroine is safely still her and her new world is only in her dreams, where all her fantasies come true.
Until the man in said fantasies makes it into her real world.
I related tremendously to Leighton, she was such a wonderful heroine to follow and to root for her as well. I would have enjoyed more layers to Killian, nevertheless he's so fabulously swoony and I wholly enjoyed his interaction with Leighton, both in his world and in hers.
Overall, I had a good time reading through this one-- it was very much a comfort read; a story that saw the growth of courage, of love, and of endless possibilities.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this complimentary arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
Until the man in said fantasies makes it into her real world.
I related tremendously to Leighton, she was such a wonderful heroine to follow and to root for her as well. I would have enjoyed more layers to Killian, nevertheless he's so fabulously swoony and I wholly enjoyed his interaction with Leighton, both in his world and in hers.
Overall, I had a good time reading through this one-- it was very much a comfort read; a story that saw the growth of courage, of love, and of endless possibilities.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this complimentary arc, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
August 28, 2024
This book was adorable and honestly super fun to read. I loved the cliche "romance trope" moments and the fact that the main male lead wants to be a cinnamon roll lead had me cheesing so hard. He was adorable and honestly I just wanted more back story on him. While this book was rather easy to read it was because it lacked the depth and descriptions that make up a good romance. While it's fun to imagine our book boyfriends come to life I would have liked an explanation on how the heck Killian came to life. Yes it was obvious the book was "magic" but it never explained why it chose the main female lead or why Killian was allowed to cross over from fiction to real life. A simple explanation would have been nice but none was provided. Leaving lots of questions and confusion. I was right there with Lehigh is he gonna disappear? If not why? I need answers dammit!! Other than that this book was super cute with lots of swoon worthy moments and it made me happy to escape for awhile into the cute but simple story.
May 22, 2024
2.8⭐️
Leighton esta estudiando un posgrado, su vida amorosa está muerta. Un dia se encuentra un libro que sólo está escrito el principio y el final, esa noche empieza a tener sueños con el protagonista del libro, Killian, y conforme sueña con él se va enamorando.
Killian es un personaje de un libro que de alguna manera logra salir de el y va al mundo real. En el libro era un multimillonario, pero en el mundo real tiene que empezar desde cero.
Ninguno de los dos sabe como es que fue posible salir del libro y en que momento tendrá que regresar.
Faltó que Killian tuviera povs para verlo como algo más ... como una persona real y no un personaje de libro porque todo lo que le pasó lo tomó muy bien y jamás se vio que estuviera desconcertado por el cambio de su vida, ni siquiera al enterarse que estaba viviendo en un libro.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Leighton esta estudiando un posgrado, su vida amorosa está muerta. Un dia se encuentra un libro que sólo está escrito el principio y el final, esa noche empieza a tener sueños con el protagonista del libro, Killian, y conforme sueña con él se va enamorando.
Killian es un personaje de un libro que de alguna manera logra salir de el y va al mundo real. En el libro era un multimillonario, pero en el mundo real tiene que empezar desde cero.
Ninguno de los dos sabe como es que fue posible salir del libro y en que momento tendrá que regresar.
Faltó que Killian tuviera povs para verlo como algo más ... como una persona real y no un personaje de libro porque todo lo que le pasó lo tomó muy bien y jamás se vio que estuviera desconcertado por el cambio de su vida, ni siquiera al enterarse que estaba viviendo en un libro.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2024
sooo, kinda underwhelming
makes me nervous about not liking a novel love story (from what ive seen, they sound similar)
it was a really cool premise which kinda made the book a little ridiculous (but i'm not going to take that away from the rating, because that was the point and i knew what i was getting into)
i didn't ever really feel connected with the characters and because of that, i wasn't all too engaged with the story in general. I feel like killian and leigh's romance moved super quickly and i didn't really see that connection.
(its also really cringe that he calls her sugar spoon...)
for me, its kinda weird how leigh would dream about him but you do you, that just not sojmething that happens with my fav fictional characters
i do wish there was more explanation about the book and how he actually "came to life" but in general, this was a very interesting and fun book to read despite all of my complaints.
published july 5, so check it out then!!
makes me nervous about not liking a novel love story (from what ive seen, they sound similar)
it was a really cool premise which kinda made the book a little ridiculous (but i'm not going to take that away from the rating, because that was the point and i knew what i was getting into)
i didn't ever really feel connected with the characters and because of that, i wasn't all too engaged with the story in general. I feel like killian and leigh's romance moved super quickly and i didn't really see that connection.
(its also really cringe that he calls her sugar spoon...)
for me, its kinda weird how leigh would dream about him but you do you, that just not sojmething that happens with my fav fictional characters
i do wish there was more explanation about the book and how he actually "came to life" but in general, this was a very interesting and fun book to read despite all of my complaints.
published july 5, so check it out then!!
Read
July 6, 2024I love the concept of this book so much! It's every reader's dream to have their book boyfriend come to life and this book explores that fictional possibility. I read this right after "The Love Algorithm" by the same author, and I'm kinda disappointed. The idea was brilliant and obviously hooked me. I've always loved Camilla's writing style and that's what got me through the story, but I don't think the plotting and detailing on the characters was deep enough on this. There characters feel so incomplete and add that to the fact that there's so many random scenes thrown everywhere, it makes no sense. There was repetition of the same sentiment which I got quickly tired of. I'd also appreciate an explanation to how the magical realism in the book came to be. Also, it's crazy how easily Killian faked his social security, especially after reading "Wish I Were Here".
PS: I think Killian not having all of his memories was a super cool idea.
PS: I think Killian not having all of his memories was a super cool idea.
May 22, 2024
It Started With a Book is creative, funny, outlandish but in a good way and entertaining. This is definitely different than what I’ve previously read but it worked!
This books premise involves a character in a romance book coming to real life! It kind of reminded me of that Tyra Banks movie about a Barbie coming to real life lol but of course this book is way better than that movie since the MMC is swoon worthy & absolute perfection!
The FMC was a bit frustrating due to her history with dating. I did wish there was more depth to the characters but it was fine.
Overall, I didn’t love or hate the book, it was creative & entertaining.
✨Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books & of course the author, Camilla Isley for the ARC! ✨
This books premise involves a character in a romance book coming to real life! It kind of reminded me of that Tyra Banks movie about a Barbie coming to real life lol but of course this book is way better than that movie since the MMC is swoon worthy & absolute perfection!
The FMC was a bit frustrating due to her history with dating. I did wish there was more depth to the characters but it was fine.
Overall, I didn’t love or hate the book, it was creative & entertaining.
✨Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Boldwood Books & of course the author, Camilla Isley for the ARC! ✨
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