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 (enemies-to-lovers, insta-love, slowburn, fake dating, forced proximity, only one bed, don't-touch-her). Fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey will enjoy this.

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 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.

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.

There are so many things I like about this book. Camilla Isley uses the title of the book, at the beginning of Killian and Leighton’s meet-cute story. 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. The cover is really cute!

In terms of the plot and story itself, I loved the idea but some of it was executed poorly. A lot of the issues are from this story’s lack of depth and description. I felt Leighton's storyline with her parents was left incomplete as she never visits them again, Some may find it difficult to actually get into this story as it was slow-going at the start. 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.

It Started with a Book by Camilla Isley

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

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?

My Opinion

What reader doesn't sometimes imagine that they have a book boyfriend? In Leighton's case her book boyfriend actually materialises. This was a great concept and it was such an enjoyable read. A book about a book, this is going to make for a great book club book. I have read quite a few books by Camilla Isley as I feel the need to keep coming back for more, and this book certainly lived up to my expectations.

Rating 4/5

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.

A great story . Leighton has no luck with the men she meets . When she starts reading a book about a billionaire cowboy she ends up dreaming about him every night . He is the alpha male and she falls for him . When suddenly Killian St Clair appears in her apartment alive . She is afraid he will vanish and she id holding back . Will she give them a chance to be happy together ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

This was an interesting concept that was well executed. I really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the storyline was great. Killian is the ultimate book boyfriend come to life. Overall a really good read.

The story was something which every romance reader must have thought about at least once. But the whole setting of how things unfold is left unexplained which made the ending really ordinary.

Leighton, frustrated with her mundane life and tired of being ghosted on Tinder, swears off dating and escapes into her fantasy world. She discovers a magical book that allows her to travel to Lakeville Hills, a quaint community she visits every evening. One day, she inadvertently brings Killian, a character from Lakeville Hills, into her real life.

Leighton is a relatable and grounded heroine, dealing with loneliness amid her friends' marriages. Her cynicism, snark, and humor make her interactions with Killian highly anticipated. Killian is the perfect bookworm's dream: a sweet and handsome fictional boyfriend.

This book explores the intriguing idea of a fictional boyfriend appearing in the real world. It’s a captivating read, filled with the best romance tropes and clichés. The story is short, delightful, and perfect for romance fans. Highly recommended!

3.5 stars.

I quite enjoyed ‘It Started with a Book’ and read it fairly quickly. I’m slightly puzzled by it as it turned into a bit of a fantasy (to an extent) but it was fun and the characters quite funny at times. The main character had some good traits and is a positive role model in many ways, keeping the unnecessary aggressive ‘alphahole’ behaviours in check as part of this. The one thing I can’t get over is the use of ‘Spoon’ as a pet name; it just didn’t work at all and felt so awkward. A nice little dream-world of a book!

sooo, kinda underwhelming
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.
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.

Who doesn't wish that a book boy will come to life? Like honestly.... depending on who it is, it could be life-changing. Leighton is just trying to survive and wants to meet someone like everyone else in her life. This book has me laughing out loud and swooning as well. I was totally sucked in and couldn't wait to see what would happen next!

It’s official. Leighton’s last single friend is now coupled up. It’s just her. She’s a lonely outsider watching her put together friends take the next steps in life, when she feels anything but.

But that’s not her only problem. One lonely Friday night with nothing to do, she picks up a romance book off her shelf. One that she’s never seen before, but hey it’s a hot billionaire cowboy romance, so she’s reading it. Now during the day she’s living the sad lonely life of a broke grad student and at night she’s living in Lakeville Hills and is in an enemies to lovers situation with Killian St Clair. What’s the problem, you ask? Well, she’s falling for this fictional man.

But what happens when one day Killian St Clair is not so fictional and is a living breathing thing in Leighton’s bed!

I tried. I really tried. The premise, a book boyfriend comes to life, sounded so intriguing to me. I mean how many times have one of us wished for this. However the characters had no chemistry. I couldn’t root for them together or separately. There was no swoon factor. I couldn’t really get a grasp on any of the characters. You know how you almost feel what the character is feeling? None of that here for me. With that being said it was a cute story, and I really liked the plot of this romance character trying to fit into the reality of this world.

I couldn’t connect with the book but that’s not true for everyone. This is just my experience. The book definitely has potential, so I’d say give it a try.

I’ve enjoyed Ms. Isley’s previous books. I was excited about this one after reading the blurb. Who wouldn’t want to live a real romance novel life, amazing book boyfriend and all. It was an entire different story than I had imagined the way things would go. The story line didn’t flow. Just thrown together from their lives in the ever changing fictional book to trying to fit in current real life. I was all over the place in my thought process of how things would work out. Not quite what I was hoping for. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy . I’m leaving this review voluntarily

I would like to thank netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Compelling and enjoyable. Loved the unique premise.

Romance lovers, who among us hasn't at least once wished for a book boyfriend to come to life? I’m guessing it’s not just me. Well, friends, Camilla Isley has made that wish come true.

IT STARTED WITH A BOOK is a romance that started between the covers of a magical book found by our protagonist. Leighton is a graduate student whose status as a single woman has her feeling left behind as her friends all seem to be finding their perfect partners. Things begin to change when she meets the dashing cowboy, Killian St. Clair. There is only one problem - Killian only exists on the pages of the book - until he doesn’t. What started as a fictional romance plays out in real life, but can it continue?

Ms. Isley has fun with this book; playing with favorite romance tropes and character archetypes. It’s lighthearted and entirely entertaining. You’ll be rooting for Leighton and Killian!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The lead lady in this book is a booktokker, and loves all things book so how could you not read this one!

Leighton is single and all her coupled wise friends keep trying to set her up with their friends/family/whoever which isn’t something she really enjoys. So her spare time (not that she has much) is spent with her books - rom coms, and whatever other romance troupes she can get her hands on. One night, she finds an old worn book on her shelf that she’s not seen before so starts reading, what follows is pure madness! One minute, she’s dreaming that she’s in the book then the book becomes her life! Killian is there - in her bed and she has no idea what’s going on.

It’s a fab read, if you like books and book boyfriends this is definitely for you. Leighton is a fab MC, you’ll relate to her in one or more aspects of her life and love every minute of it. And of course, everyone will fall for Killian!!

It Started With a Book by Camilla Isley is a very interesting blend of fantasy and romance. Leighton Witherspoon is so tired of the dating scene. Now even her best friend Ivy is coupled up with George. Dating sites, blind dates, and meet-cutes just haven’t panned out for her and she is ready to give up!

After yet another disappointment, Leigh cannot sleep and grabs an old looking book off her TBR stack. The book is so old the cover is worn such that the picture is barely visible. Leigh begins the novel about a young woman and an arrogant, wealthy cowboy. After several chapters, Leigh discovers nothing but blank pages, but when she falls asleep she has the most vivid dreams about said cowboy and finds new chapters added to the book the next day. Repeating this scenario for days to come is making it so Leigh would rather be in her dream state than be in reality. But when the two worlds collide it’s a whole new story!

I have read and enjoyed most everything written by this author and this tale is truly one of a kind! With interesting characters and well described settings, this story takes several unusual turns. Suspend disbelief and join Leigh on this journey to create her new reality. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.

I loved this book, like many people I have fantasised about book boyfriends and to have one come to life is next level exciting,

It Started with a Book is a sweet charming fantasy romance. Leighton is a grad student who is living paycheck by paycheck and is accepting that she is very single while all her friends are finding love and getting married. With no luck in love, she decides to delete her dating apps and focus on her studies. One day she finds a billionaire cowboy book and after reading through it she finds herself dreaming if the fictional world and a fictional billionaire Killian. She finds herself wanting to go back to the world where she can live a steamy fictional romance. Until one day, she finds a very real Killian in bed next to her, in the real world. They try to naviagte what this means for them and their relationship and if Killian can exist in this world.

The sweet romance was a fresh take on a fictional romance that turns real in the real world. There is great humor in bringing a fictional character from a romance book with a bunch of typical bookish tropes worked in. However, the longer Killian remains in the real world the more real he becomes. Leighton can't help but worry that at any time he could disappear and break her heart.

There are sweet tropes such as fake dating, forced proximity, and all the best book boyfriend moves. The chemistry and tension between Killian and Leight9n was so sweet. There were many times I found myself with a grin on my face from the sweetness of the story. If you want a sweet and easy romance with a fresh take, then I highly recommend.

Another great and unique release from Camilla Isley! I love how all of her novels can be counted on to be different than every other romance on the shelves (we have book boyfriends coming to life, AI robots ruling over the office, treks through the jungle fighting for our lives, twin magic, movie sets unlike any others, airport meet-cutes that aren’t typical)…

It Started With a Book is probably the most interesting plot I’ve read in ages - the concept of basically writing a storyline by osmosis and a dream is really interesting, and then accidentally bringing the book boyfriend into the real world? Chef’s kiss! Isley has a beautiful way with her prose and I love getting lost in her words, worlds and characters.

Leigh (Leighton), with her boring, dead-end job falls asleep reading a strange second-hand book she finds on her bookshelf that is mostly blank pages, and dreams up new chapters, to wake up and discover her dream has now been added into the book…. Killian, the hero of her dream, is now written in as well. She keeps dreaming about the book world and the book keeps writing her dreams. A strange incident ends up with Killian following her as she wakes up, and he begins living in her reality. You have to read it to believe it! I wish all book boyfriends could truly come to life!

Another great read from Isley and anyone who’s read her books before will definitely want to grab this one. Anyone new to her will love it! It’s closed door but probably her spiciest yet, though still great for all audiences.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books, and this is my honest feedback.

“I’m trying to tell you that 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” Killian and Leigh’s in full of funny, sweet, deep and wholesome moments. He a real book boyfriend but she is afraid of losing him with the blink of an eye because he is not real. Or is he? A really great fairy tale. Camilla Isley are her best.