The chemistry between the two main characters in this book is simply stunning – it was a gorgeous love story, and I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment. Star is the embodiment of a free spirit – an American who chose to live in Edinburgh after a family visit, with her pink hair and multiple tattoos, working in the coffee shop owned by her gay flatmate Alec, wandering the city with her camera bag capturing images of the city she now loves. Fin is a sharply dressed lawyer working for the family firm, about to marry the woman approved by his controlling parents who have never shown him any love or appreciation. Star looks forward to his visits to the coffee shop, but when he tells her about his impending marriage it looks as if any chance of a relationship between them is over before it starts – until she runs into him in an unlikely setting one night, discovering that he has another side to him when he gets on the stage to sing.

These were two individuals I fell for immediately – the unlikely romance between them was entirely convincing, filled with warmth but also with a satisfying sizzle, despite their very different backgrounds and lifestyles, each encouraging the other to pursue their secret passions, their support for each other increasing the confidence they both lack and building the belief that anything might be possible. And, for a while, it looks as if there’s not going to be any tension and conflict – while they both hold back from telling each other how they feel, they really hardly need to. Until one night when everything comes crashing down – Star’s worries about not being good enough are realised, Fin faces a difficult choice between love and family loyalty, and their happy ending looks increasingly impossible.

I really loved the whole story – the author builds the emotional engagement with both Star and Fin quite perfectly, telling the story through both their voices, getting inside their thoughts and feelings, helping you understand their insecurities, really making you feel the joy of their developing romance and the freedom and release afforded by her photography and his moments on the stage. The supporting cast is really excellent too – Star’s flatmate Alec is kind and caring and the man everyone needs watching their back, Fin has his brother, gallery owner friend Tom and his new lawyer boss, and they’re sharply contrasted with his horrendously cold and manipulative parents. I also so enjoyed discovering Edinburgh (the descriptions are wonderful – this is somewhere the author clearly loves) – and I really loved the music (always a feature of her books), only breaking off from reading the wonderful story to search for some the perfectly chosen tracks on Spotify.

I read this book from cover to cover in one glorious sitting – entirely caught up in the very special relationship, following every twist and turn, desperately wanting everything to work out for them both – and have to say there was absolutely nothing about it that remotely disappointed me. It’s just a perfect – and beautifully written – love story. And you can’t ask for much more than that, can you? Highly recommended by me.

This was a sweet, chatty novel that I fell into immediately. Having read a couple of books by Hobman, I knew I was in for a good romance!

Unlike the other books I have read, Hobman spends the first few chapters going into a lot of detail about Star and Fin. I was surprised by this technique but it did get all the background ‘out of the way’ from the beginning. I thought I would find this a bit tedious but it actually made me feel closer to the characters as a result. I appreciated the open, honest nature of their narrative voice and made Fin and Star rather realistic.

Quickly establishing an attraction between Fin and Star, their backgrounds becomes an issue for Star, who believes she is not good enough for rich, successful lawyer, Fin. On the other hand, Fin regards Star as his saviour who made him realise he shouldn’t have to be unhappy if it means making others satisfied. As their relationship grows, so does their self-esteem and I liked seeing the positive impact each had on the other. For Star, it is a realisation about her photography, gradually increasing in confidence to appreciate that her work is worthy of being displayed.

However, it was Fin that was the most surprising of all. Lawyer by day… hunky rock god by night! I loved Hobman’s descriptions of Fin’s transformation when he takes to the stage and could vividly imagine his captivating stage presence. I could understand why Star swoons over Fin’s performances and I enjoyed seeing Fin express himself through his music. It was an outlet for him that was definitely required.

Juxtaposing the sweet relationship between Star and Fin, aka Twinkle and Mr McYummy, is the connection that Fin has with his parents. It is made clear very early in the story that Fin’s actions have been simply to gain approval from his mother and father, even down to his fiancée choice. As Fin grows to realise that this is not a healthy way of living, he behaves more independently, acting for himself rather than others. Yet, this estranged relationship always hovers over the novel, making me desperate to see how Hobman would instigate a reconciliation between the two.

As a result, I found the closing of the story not only unforeseeable, but also a little bit saddening. It was not what I anticipated from the romance genre and I wonder if this means there is a sequel on the horizon for Fin and Star? I for one, would be really keen to see what happens to the couple next, especially as it seems there is a little bit of unfinished business at the end of the book.

A great read, I was so pleased to get my hands on this book and lift me out of a bit of a reading slump I had been experiencing! I loved the setting and it has definitely added Edinburgh to my ‘bucket list’ of destinations I would like to visit. This is a sweet love story with musical undertones and surprising character developments along the way. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first thing I noticed (well, apart from this gorgeous book cover) was how readable the book is. Lisa Hobman's writing style makes it very easy to get into the story and follow the events. It is also very sweet and romantic, given the differences in the background of the two protagonists Fin and Star- and yet, they are also perfect for each other.

Fin has been trying to be a perfect son all his life, but nothing makes his demanding parents happy or proud of him. He even agrees to something that can only be called an arranged marriage to please his father and promote his business interests. But then things go spectacularly wrong...

Star is An American who is in love with all things Scottish (can't blame her!). When she gets a chance to move to Edinburgh, she can finally move to the city of her dreams. A talented photographer, Star also works in a coffee shop, where she meets Fin. Sparks fly, but the road to true happiness isn't easy.

Fabulous setting and lots of great characters, both main and supporting, plus, Lisa Hobman's lovely, warm writing style - the book has so much going on for it! Recommended to all readers looking for a sweet, enjoyable story with a bit of family drama and a happily-ever-after in the end.

A gorgeous tale of love which will touch your soul.

Star Mendoza is an American who knows that the right place in the world for her to be is Edinburgh, Scotland. She works in a coffee shop, has fabulous pink hair and her interest is piqued each morning when a certain businessman pops in for his daily caffeine fix; not only is he handsome but his accent does it for her every time. Fin Hunter has spent his whole live striving for his father’s approval. He is now a lawyer, not so much through choice as expectation and, same scenario, is about to get married. Love doesn’t even come into it – his parents have set the bar, and it’s set high. When Fin and Star meet, sparks fly – but do they have a future?

Everything about this novel is just yummy! The characters, the setting, and the wonderful storyline all come together under an expert eye and a fabulously crafted tale is the result. With twists and turns – and a few villains along the way – it’s the kind of book you just sink into and, although you want the right conclusion, you don’t want it to end. Absolutely delightful from beginning to end, and one that will leave you with a lightness of heart. Thoroughly enjoyable, and easily worth all five sparkling stars! Highly recommended.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is – as always – my honest, original and unbiased review.

It Started with a Kiss by Lisa Hobman oozed romance! This book was genius! I fell in love with Fin from the start. I mean who could resist a gorgeous Scottish rock singer? Star is her own individual with a great outlook on life.
This was such a sweet story and set in a wonderful place. A pleasure to read from start to finish! I've never not liked a book from Lisa Hobman and look forward to reading more.

Such a brilliant book! Completely fell in love with Fin, who could resist a gorgeous Scottish rock singer?
Actually both characters were adorable, Star especially caught my attention, I loved her individuality and outlook on life.
Such a sweet story and set in a wonderful place. A pleasure to read from start to finish!

I've read and thoroughly enjoyed a lot of Lisa Hobman's previous books. In my opinion, and for my tastes, this was not her best one.

It's definitely an easy and enjoyable book, sweet and full of warmth, but something about the characters didn't work for me and spoilt the enjoyment a little bit. It might be because they were a bit too young and naive for me, but nothing that would bother a younger reader for example.

I would in any case recommend Lisa Hobman as an author, so have a look also at her other titles, they are all brilliant!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Published at the below link on 24th April.

It Started With a Kiss differs from many romantic fiction books, in that we know pretty early on that our star-crossed lovers get together – the hook in this book is wondering whether, in the face of outside pressure, they will be able to stay together. The conflict here is not will-they-won’t-they and I think the book is the stronger for that.

Star and Fin are great characters – Fin’s back story is quite sad, as he seems to come from parents who never should have had children! Fin and his brother seem only to exist to further the prestige of the parents and, when Fin makes moves against this and realises that his family is definitely not typical, it’s great to see him blossom in his personal and professional life.

Star is blessed to come from a supportive family who provide real love and affection and she is able to show Fin that family love can be given freely, rather than ‘earned’ as he had thought in the past.

Aside from the romantic storyline – which is pretty good itself – at the heart of this story is Fin’s blossoming from dutiful, son and buttoned-up lawyer to a braver man, following his own path. Whether his new future includes Star, you’ll have to wait and see!

A very enjoyable book, with a perfect, picturesque setting – highly recommended.

The story of Star and Fin. A case of opposites attract, but with his family trying to interfere, combined with how he treated her after their first night together, will Fin have a chance at his happy ever after?

A classic tale of opposites attract. And how in spite of this and plenty of family opposition, Fin and Star find themselves not only drawn to each other, but inspiring one another to achieve their dreams and live their best lives. Charmingly written.

Oh boy, this is a fabulous story that ticks a few of my favourite boxes. I’ve recently discovered that I have a real soft spot for romantic fiction that works more on the will they make it angle than the will they ever get together angle. I grant you, this leads to me spending the entire book expecting things to go wrong, and on that front, this is a corker!
Star and Fin are perfect lead characters. Born in Edinburgh but raised in America, Star had never lost her love for everything Scottish and had moved back as soon as she graduated from college. A keen photographer with an accomplished eye for composition, she supported herself by working in a coffee shop and sharing the flat above with her best friend and coffee shop owner, Alec. Having defied his parents by failing to marry fiancée Elise, Finn finds himself both jobless and homeless as his parents try to manipulate him to follow their wishes. No longer working as a solicitor in the family practice, he explores his secret passion for singing. Two things that Star and Fin share are natural talent and zero self-confidence.
Lisa Hobman has wonderful skills when it comes to creating well developed, engaging characters. I felt like Fin and Star were friends and I felt fully engaged in their stories. Of course, there’s a lot more to this fabulous book than just a love story. There’s a legal wrangle as Fin is asked to give his thoughts on a compulsory purchase scheme and huge opportunities if they can just take a risk and believe in their abilities.
There’s a wonderful supporting cast, but for me, Alec stole the show. He was the perfect mix of protective guardian and gay best friend. Whilst he was completely fabulous, Lisa wrote him so perfectly that he didn’t simply slot into the preconceived stereotypes of a gay man.
This is another book from Lisa that I read in a single sitting; a complete page-turner that had me yearning for a night in Edinburgh.

American Star Mendoza has always been determined to be herself, pink hair, tattoos, and all. She's always had a love for Edinburgh, where she was born and her grandmother still lives. After coming to visit, she decides to stay, finding a job at a coffee shop that her best friend/roommate owns and photographing her favorite city in her downtime. The highlight of her day is when the well dressed businessman she has a crush on comes in for his daily coffee. But when she finally works up the courage to ask about his weekend plans, she's crushed to discover he's getting married the next day. But only a few days later, he's rocking an angry karaoke song at her favorite bar when he should be on his honeymoon.
Finn Hunter grew up wealthy and privileged, but always seeking love and approval from his father. He became a lawyer to work in the family firm, even proposed to a woman his parents chose for him even though he doesn't love her. And now, when he's left at the altar, his parents are somehow blaming him! Frustrated and angry, he takes the stage and becomes a different man... a confident, sexy rock god. It's there that he and Star finally connect, and after one kiss, everything changes. Together they'll finally find the courage to follow their dreams.
It shouldn't work, the two are so different, but they're perfect together! I just wish they would talk things out instead of assuming what the other is feeling and always getting upset. Finn's parents were truly horrible and it's a wonder that he didn't give up on them long before. I couldn't believe the lengths they went to to control his life! And Alec, the gay boss, best friend, protector, advisor, hero...every girl should have an Alec in their life! It's a sweet story, frustrating at times, but I loved it.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end.

The Campbell family, a very powerful and rich family, and are very well known in the city. Finlay, their son had always tried to do everything he can to please his father, even going as far as an arranged marriage.

But when the marriage doesn’t go ahead, he has to make a stand. On his way to work, he’s always gone into a coffee shop where, Star, a colourful haired lady works and always notices him.

After what happened with his fiancé, Finlay is still feeling hurt. But, it seems meeting Star has changed things, he now has a new job, working for a rival company to his father, things seem to be looking up.

Both different people Finlay and Star slowly start to encourage the other, Star makes him pursue his singing and he makes Star realise her talent for art.

But, everything changes for them both when Finlay’s parents decide to bring their son back to them. Will Finlay and Star be able realise this and find their way back to each other before what’s done can never be undone?

Definitely worth the 5⭐️

Highly recommend this book.

Quirky pink hair, tattooed American Star Mendoza is living her dream life in Edinburgh. She works I a coffee shop and this is where she meets Fin, a man who is trying to fit into the mould that his family have created for him. But, Fin has had enough of living other people’s dreams and decides it’s time to follow his own.

This was a delightful page turner that hooked me from the very start.

I was pulled into this story early on and loved the characters and setting.

First of all, it's set in Edinburgh, a place I've visited a few times so I know some of the places the author talks about and with the descriptions, I was almost there again!

Fin, what's not to like, he's an all-around good guy, yes he is a successful lawyer that comes from money, but he has many layers that you'll love discovering.

Star is a unique character, with pink hair, and tattoos but surprisingly quite reserved.

I found the two of them together a wonderful cocktail, they really had a pull.

One to add to your TBR if you like a hot Scots Man and opposites attract.

4.5 rocking stars

💘Lovely romance & tribute to a great Scottish city😍

Opposites (at least on the surface) attract in Scotland's premiere city and I couldn't be more delighted by the result!
Lisa Hobman's recent romances have focused on the dramatically picturesque Scottish Isle of Skye and now, here, she's turned to Edinburgh as her main setting.

It's a clever idea to have the twenty-something American transplant, coffee shop worker Star Mendoza, teach a born and bred Edinburgh man the sights and neglected crannies of his hometown. Star loves exploring and photographing and, with her artistic eye, she teaches Hunter to really see and appreciate Edinburgh, right down to its neglected cemeteries!

But their story is also one of quick attraction, instant connection and helping each other to step out of their routine to reach for the things that give them joy. Yes, there's some serious conflict, largely brought on by Hunter's stuck-up parents, but I always think the hard times make the good times even better by contrast. And Hobman brings in plenty of supportive secondary characters (but not too many) to help them over the rough patches. The romance has heat and intimacy but it's not steamy (personally, I got to the cutaway before the bedroom scenes could develop steam and thought "Hallelujah! An author who knows how to build a romance without total exposure of the saucy bits!") Plus, a really delightful end🤗

If you love this author's books, the main characters are younger than typical in Hobman's recent works but you won't be disappointed because it's quality romance. If you have yet to try one of her novels I recommend It Started With a Kiss as a good introduction to her work.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

It Started With a Kiss by Lisa Hobman is a sweet and fun opposites-attract romance, and I loved the messages about believing in yourself and following your dreams.

Star and Fin are both well-developed, believable characters, and I enjoyed their opposites-attract romance. Star is a free spirit who works in a coffee shop that Fin, a lawyer working at his father’s company, frequents. Star often daydreams about Fin but feels he is out of her league. I love her independent spirit and her gregarious and positive personality. Fin is not as independent and free spirited as Star and is very much defined by family expectations. With relentlessly demanding parents, Fin has trouble standing up for himself, and he never feels like he is good enough.

Though they are quite different, Star and Fin complement each other well, and I love how they encourage each other to follow their passions and secret hobbies. They also help each other work through their fears and insecurities and gain self-confidence, especially when it comes to their hobbies. Star and Fin have great chemistry, and though his parents (they’re the worst!!), fears and misgivings, and a bit of miscommunication and misunderstandings prove difficult obstacles for them, I so rooted for them to find happiness together.

In addition to the well-rounded protagonists, I also really enjoyed the descriptive writing, especially when it came to the setting. Scotland sounds so lush and beautiful, and the author’s writing creates such wonderful and vivid images of the country. It pulls you right into the story, and it makes me want to visit Scotland even more!

I enjoyed this heartwarming and charming contemporary romance. It has great characters and messages, and the love story is so sweet. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Rachels Random Resources for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I absolutely love books like this. It’s a very sweet romantic predictable read but kept me hooked all the way through.
The main characters Star and Fin are totally engaging and believable. Star finds herself daydreaming about Fin who frequents the coffee shop she works in. She believes he is totally out of her league but it doesn’t stop her daydreaming. I knew just how the story was going to go but it did not detract from the enjoyment.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I’m off now to read more of Lisa Hobman.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advance read of this title.
Having read a few of Lisa Hobmans books, I have enjoyed each of them and this was no different. I enjoyed the setting of this book and I loved the plot of this rom com. The two main characters are the perfect match despite their differences and insecurities. There was a nice ending to this book making it overall an easy and enjoyable read, perfect to curl up with.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have mixed reactions about this book.. I read it a few times before finally giving the feedback...

First thoughts (after reading the ARC the first time):

The story was lovely and I did enjoy reading it... However it felt a bit predictable and dragged in few places -  so I did not get the page-turner/ unputdownable effect (I read this over 2 days)...

The MCs:

I liked Star - she was this strong person yet having some inner doubts...
I had mixed feelings about Fin...  He felt a bit immature at times... He has his own issues to deal with.

So when these two characters fall in love amidst all the doubts and problems,  we get a good story..

Other points:

Fin's parents behavior was shocking yet believable.. but I still was expexting them to  come around or that some earth breaking secret might be revealed as a reason for such behavior.

The dramatic ending and the epilogue were written well.

Overall, 3.5 stars for an enjoyable read...