What happens when your dream fictional man comes to life? This unique and lighthearted novel by Camilla Isley dives into that very premise - with charming and humorous results! The sweet romance covers many common and beloved tropes - enemies to lovers, single bed, slow burn. I loved the original concept and the humor that went along with the slow burn.

My two main "notes" on this book - it felt too short, and as a result, the story lacked depth and development in parts, particularly around the "why" behind the book. There also could have been better development of supporting characters to help explain Leighton's motivations and actions.

Overall, it is a good addition to your "to read" list , and I look forward to reading more by Camilla Isley!

3.75 🌟 rounded up to 4.

I struggled to read this book unfortunately. Historically I have loved all of Camilla Isley's books, but they've all been set int he modern day with real life scenarios and I have truly enjoyed them for the witty banter, and the characters having relatable issues. This book dipped a toe into fantasy/Magical and it was a cute idea I think, however I felt a little lost with the lack of explanation. A book is somehow writing itself after you dream, you're falling in love with a book character to the point you may no longer interact with actual people, and then somehow said book character comes out of the book with you. I understood the main characters worry that he may just -POOF- disappear because it's not clear what caused him to leave his world for ours, or what caused it. and that is what confused me. I truly also disliked the pet name 'sugar spoon' I would be going along fine in the book and then they would say the pet name, and it would give me the ick. I really wanted to like this book as all of her other books for me have been 4 and 5 stars, but it didn't hit right with me. I do have 2 more books coming to me from her and I still have high hopes for them

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



✨ feel good romance, light, enemies to lovers.


✨ who doesn’t dream the fictional characters in the book you read!? No one🤣
This book feels like that, a moment of fictional wish came true to life.
A book full of humour and great mixture of romance for a great feel. This would be great for a movie and definitely will watch one if that happens.
Worth the read! Fast paced and light.



✨ Thankyou @boldwood book for the opportunity to read this book for a honest review.



❤️ Shaye.reads

I thoroughly enjoyed this book once I worked out what was going on, and realised that I basically had to suspend reality in my mind, to fully fall into the pages of this story.

I am not always a fan of reading dreams, or books within books but it was all vital, as Leighton starts dreaming of Killian the steamy cowboy of the book she found on her bookshelf, and then suddenly discovers him as a real person in her bed.

See what I mean about suspending realty, but once you get into it, it's a lovely story, I loved getting to know Leighton and Killian. He is a book boyfriend to end all book boyfriends, he knows tropes, he knows romance books, and he is incredibly hot and is willing to try to fit in with the real world too.

And it's just a really enjoyable story, and leaves me wondering whether I'll ever wake up to a strange man from a vivid dream, in my bed!

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I was looking for a pick me up with the other types of books that I read. I came across this one and glad that I did. It was a light quick read. The banter between Leighton and Killian have let me laughing out loud a few times. Killian is the book boyfriend that you may want to add to your list. He’s a cinnamon roll but also alpha. Leighton is tired of dating after some bad Tinder dates. She comes across a book that she soon was to realize that a lot more meaning.

This is a delightful and whimsical rom-com that blends reality and fantasy in a way that had an absolutely charming effect. Leighton’s story is hilarious and heartfelt, showcasing the true power of books, the allure of fictional heroes, and the messy, unpredictable nature of real-life romance.
Leighton character is relatable, especially for those of us who have turned to a favorite novel for comfort after a frustrating day (or in Leighton’s case, another disappointing Tinder date). She uses her romance novel to escape into the world of Lakeville Hills, and gets totally swept up in their world. Leighton is then thrown for a loop when her fantasy world becomes reality and the hero of the book, Killian, shows up in her real-world apartment. This provides a lot of hilarious yet enchanting moments and the story then takes a wildly entertaining turn.
Killian’s adjustment to the real world is laugh-out-loud funny, and his interactions with Leighton are as sweet as they are steamy. But what I really like about this whole scenario was how the "perfect book boyfriend" is revealed to be a complex, vulnerable man. The chemistry between Leighton and Killian absolutely sizzles, making their growing connection feel authentic and real despite the fantastical premise.
Filled with witty dialogue, endearing characters, and touching moments of self-discovery, this is a heartwarming and simply magical story that was an absolute pleasure to read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review

This is a cute light hearted romance that was just what I needed when I picked it up. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review
Thanks to net galley I have another to favorite author.

As a book lover, the idea of a fictional man coming to life is the ultimate dream, and It Started with a Book by Camilla Isley takes that premise and runs with it in a delightfully charming way. Leighton, the protagonist, is about to experience that very dream, and it’s a rollercoaster of emotions and humor from start to finish!

This is a light, warm read that is perfect for curling up with on a cozy afternoon. The premise of the story is fresh and intriguing, and Isley masterfully mixes romance with some magical realism. The humor is spot-on, with plenty of moments that had me chuckling—something I always appreciate in a romance.

The romantic hero, Killian, is the ultimate book boyfriend. He’s the perfect mix of an alpha male and a cinnamon roll—strong, protective, but also sweet and tender when it counts. He’s sexy without being overly steamy, which makes him even more endearing. His character is everything a book-loving girl could want, and his chemistry with Leighton is undeniable.

Overall, It Started with a Book is an entertaining and heartwarming read with just the right balance of humor, romance, and a little bit of fantasy. A fun and satisfying escape for anyone who loves stories that blur the line between reality and fiction!

I loved this, it was a nice fluffy fun read, perfect as a palette cleanser, I highly recommend to anyone and everyone go and read this

I thought this was just ok. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. I know I'll never read it again. It was all right for a one time read and then just sort of set it aside and not really ever think about again.

It Started with a Book is a super cute concept. Who wouldn't want a swoon worthy Alpha male full of romantic tropes book hero to jump off the pages of your romance novel and into real life?! Unfortunately, I did not find Killian St. Clair to be swoon worthy. I also wasn't a fan of the FMC, Leighton, to bemoan the fact that she was 24 and perpetually single while all of her friends doled out wise coupled up advice. I'm 10+ years older and still single. I don't need a child (even though she's just a book character!) complaining that she's a lonely old maid.

I have loved Camilla Isley's other books, but I just didn't devour this book like I have her others

What a wonderful read this was! I loved everything about this read, the characters, the pl0t, the romance.... perfection.

I tried so hard to finish reading this book because I really love Camilla Isley's works, but this one was a miss for me. The writing felt like I was reading a fan fiction story, all the details that would have made sense in the end weren't there. I wanted to love this book but it felt raw and undercooked for me.

I am never going to stop singing the praises of Camilla Isley I can guarantee if I read her books, I will love it and this was no different. This book was fantastic, perfectly plotted and utterly unique. It was a fast, funny and delightful read, if you want a book to escape with then this is perfect.
#ItStartedwithaBook #NetGalley.

I didn't know if I was going to like this one when I started... a boyfriend from a book comes to life? Not sure why I questioned it - Camilla Isley always writes a fun book! This one was cute and fun - a wonderful summer/beach read. Nothing too heavy - just some good banter!

When Leighton finds a book in her room that seems to appear out of nowhere she starts to find herself dreaming of being inside the story. Then one day she happens to pull the MMC out of the book.

I enjoyed this book but it never really explained how she got him to come to life.

Leighton is sick of dating after a bunch of bad Tinder dates. She escapes into a used book she found, and soon starts dreaming of the town. She brings the main character back from her dreams though, and hilarity and romance ensues! So cute!

This was a cute premise for a romance novel. It was a little outside of my usual genres because I'm not much into the fantasy aspect of novels. However the characters were cute and sweet storyline was well-paced.

Leighton, a bookworm who is tired of dating, finds herself transported into the world of a romance novel. She wakes up to find herself in Lakeville Hills, a small town where the heroine wears shorty-shorts and the men drink bourbon. And there, standing before her, is the fictional billionaire cowboy Killian St Clair.
Initially, Leighton is hesitant to believe that killian is real, but as she spends more time with him, she begins to realize that he is more than just a character in a book.
As She navigates this fantastical new world, she mist grapple with the reality of her situation. Is she dreaming? is this all just a figment of her imagination? or is it possible that she has found true love in the most unexpected of places?

This is such a lovely and happy book! I loved reading it and it made me happy and lighthearted.
I loved the characters and as a massive bookworm it would be a dream come true if one of my book boyfriends came to life. Killian is such a sweetheart and I like how Killian and Leighton build their relationship. It’s so mature and well thought out way.
The plot is comforting and surprising because things didn’t quite go as I expected.
Overall, this was a comfort read that simply make you happy. Nothing dark or heavy involved! I loved it!