Member Reviews
When I read this book, it gave me a strong 90s rom-com vibe, kind of like My Best Friend’s Wedding. The story follows Lori, who has a crush on her best friend Aiden, who’s about to get married. Lori teams up with Jace to fake a relationship leading up to the wedding. I loved the tension and chemistry between Lori and Jace—it really reminded me of those classic rom-com moments with some fun, lighthearted scenes.
However, I felt like the last half of the book was rushed, and it shifted into an "instant love" direction that didn’t quite work for me. Also, Taylor Swift was mentioned 11 times in 277 pages, which might just be something that bothered me personally. If you like closed-door romances, this might be right up your alley. It’s cute and fun, though it may not appeal to everyone.
The romance is definitely on the closed-door side, with a love triangle and frequent mentions of sex. The pacing felt off for me, and I’m generally not a fan of clean romances. I also think the story could’ve been smoother if there had been better communication between the characters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced copy for an honest review
I originally planned to review this book with another by the same author. But, I realised I was having a very different experience with the second entirely different story so decided to go ahead and keep this separate.
I must begin by saying that I am usually not a fan of triangles. There was something in the tone of the blurb and other reviews that encouraged me to try this one, and I must admit to enjoying it!
The core plot is pretty upfront. Lori, Aiden and Jace have been friends since college. They now work as Doctors in the same practice. Lori has always wanted to be Aiden’s one- and- only but he’s never been interested in her, or so she imagines. Jace actively has encouraged a no fraternising policy for a similar reason. He knows Lori’s heart is elsewhere but he still has been in love with her.
I know the plot when put in such plain words sounds boring or repetitive, but with the author’s writing style, it becomes very engaging and even funny at times. The overall fallout and patch ups are all very realistically done and although I knew how things will end, watching the events play out was never boring.
I would highly recommend this to fans of love triangles, since in my opinion only a few of them work!
I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.
This is the definition of a cute story.
Blinded by her infatuation with one of her best friends, Aiden, Lori doesn't realize that her other best friend, Jace loves her. In an effort to appear okay about Aiden's upcoming wedding, Lori talks Jace into fake dating her. What starts out fake, quickly turns into real feelings. Getting over one best friend with the help of the other, it's complicated.
This book is adorable. Lori, at times, seemed a little bit of a mess which I found to be super relatable (as a fellow Lori with a chaotic life).
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for gifting me this ARC. I enjoyed it.
This delightful rom-com had me kicking my feet from start to finish, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment! The premise of the book was fantastic and lived up to my expectations. Lori has been best friends with Jace and Aiden since college, but she's also been secretly in love with Aiden for just as long. When she gets an invitation to Aiden's wedding, she's devastated and ends up fake dating his best man, Jace. To her surprise, Jace has been harboring feelings for Lori since college. As they continue their charade, Lori starts to question if she was ever truly in love with Aiden. Lori's Bridget Jones-like antics, along with her house full of cats, chickens, and books, had me laughing out loud. The chemistry and banter between her and Jace were fantastic, making them easy to root for. Although I usually dislike the miscommunication trope, Camilla handled it well, without dragging it out unnecessarily. The ending felt a bit rushed and far-fetched, but it had the charm of an old rom-com, which I couldn't help but love.
this book is short and that definitely helped it feel more fun and quick than chaotic and stressful, although it nearly crossed the fine line.
love triangles are something i tend to hate, but i felt this one was well written and the friends to lovers plot helped it go down better.
overall, this was fun, the romance was sweet, characters were charming, and writing was funny and witty.
This book started off so strong! I loved the first half. The tension between Jace and Lori was perfection. Probably my favorite friends to lovers / fake dating plot in the first half. The second felt insanely rushed and very instant love. Like very instant. I did enjoy the Taylor swift mentions! I think if this would have been another 100 Pages it would have been a lot better!
Thank you netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review
I want to like isleys books, and I keep requesting them, and then am disappointed so I should blame this on myself. There just isn’t enough there, or enough heat or sex or banter or whatever,
I did like this book, although not as much as I have liked her previous books, I think possibly because in all previous books there has been far more witty banter and more characters in play as there is often a second or third book coming up the pipeline. The story was very cute, friends to lovers and the cover is honestly gorgeous in my opinion. I enjoyed the book enough, and it was a nice quick palate cleanser for me as I've just gotten off reading two books over 700 pgs each. I think there could have been a bit more fleshed out information about the ending, and them falling in love could have had more details in the dates that partook, but they were somewhat brushed over it felt like.
This RomCom book has everything you need for a great love triangle with fake dating, In love with your best friend and so much more this is a cute romance book that was a easy fun book to read on a nice summer day
Another enjoyable read from Camilla Isley. Loved the characters and how the story developed. Just a happy, uplifting story to make you smile
I truly enjoyed reading this book!!! I loved the storyline and the characters! It was very well written and such an easy read!!
This cover is FIRE and would have drawn me in on its own if I didn't already know I wanted it since it's Camilla Isley. I love all her books and this one definitely did not disappoint!
Three friends and two secret crushes - what a lovely friends to more story this makes! Lori has secretly been in love with her friend Aidan since college, but alas he is all set to marry someone else. Now Lori has to face this event with a broken heart and she conspires with her other best friend, Jace, to start a fake dating relationship so she can get through the wedding and watch her love marry someone else. The fake dating was supposed to be the easy part. But when Lori begins to see Jace in a new light and un-platonic feelings start creeping up, things become a little complicated.
The story was delightfully charming and light and easily had me smiling and laughing all the way through. The characters were well-developed and endearing and I found myself rooting for them from the beginning. I enjoyed following their journey as they navigated through insecurities and misunderstandings and finally reached their happy ending. The characters had wonderful chemistry which evident and I could clearly feel throughout the story. Overall, a lovely and heartwarming read! Glad to have had the opportunity to read this!
I received a complimentary copy from Boldwood Books and NetGalley and this is my voluntary review.
Camilla Isley's "It's Complicated" is a delightful and charming read, following the fake dating antics of best friends Lori, Jace, and Aiden. With likable characters, witty banter, and genuine friendships, the story unfolds swiftly in under 300 pages, leaving readers smiling throughout. While exploring messy relationships and vulnerabilities, the book's light and enjoyable tone make for a pleasant journey, despite a slightly rushed ending.
Overall, a well-written friends-to-lovers tale that promises a heartwarming experience. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide this honest review.
Thank you to netgalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me access to this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This was my first book by this author and I must say this book didnt disappoint. I enjoyed the plot and getting to know the characters.
I absolutely adored this book the premise was so good three friends (love triangle) fake dating trope (chefs kiss) the banter was hilarious and the overall read was so fun!
Loved this! Its Complicated based on the cover looks like a love triangle but its more than that, its about friendship and love and learning what it means to truly be in love. I absolutely loved the main characters particularly Jace and I loved to see the friendship between the three, the banter and the way the story played out. The only thing that was a little off to me was the ending, it was so rushed to the ultimate finish line and could have probably been saved for a few months later epilogue.
Another amazing book by Camilla Isley
I have only recently came across her as an author, but it has not stopped me picking up her books, whenever I see them as I know I'm getting a brilliant book full of fantastic characters
Got it! Here's a draft review based on your thoughts:
"Complicated" by Camilla Isley intricately weaves a tale of love, friendship, and the complexities of relationships. Set against a backdrop of witty banter and endearing characters, Isley takes readers on a delightful journey through the lives of Lori, Aiden, and Jace.
The strength of "Complicated" lies in its engaging storyline and well-developed characters. Isley masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish, blending humor with heartfelt moments seamlessly. The dynamics between Lori, Aiden, and Jace are particularly compelling, showcasing the bonds of friendship and the intricacies of romantic entanglements.
However, while the main story captivates with its charm and depth, the epilogue left something to be desired. The rushed conclusion, where Lori and Jace's wedding coincides with Aiden's, feels somewhat forced and detracts from the otherwise satisfying resolution of their individual journeys.
Overall, "Complicated" is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of contemporary romance. Isley's talent for crafting engaging narratives shines through, making this a book worth diving into despite its minor flaws.
When you are in love with your best friend and you find out he is getting married (to someone else), you are crushed. When this happens to Lori and the best friend in question finds her at their other best friend's house in the early morning, Aiden jumps to conclusions and Lori is quick to agree to them saying that she and Jace are dating. The whole problem with this is that for as long as Lori has been in love with Aiden, Jace has been in love with Lori.
Opinion
Gotta say that this was a pretty good book. I wanted to root for Aiden and Lori but Jace stole my heart. I did find it a bit odd that there were two male and one female in the best friend group but I guess it is done IRL. I found myself rooting for Jace most of the book.
This book kept me entertained and was a quick read. It would be perfect to keep in your purse or car for when you have just a few minutes as the chapters are fairly short (my kind of book!). This book will quickly take your heart.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC of this book.