Cover Image: It's Complicated

It's Complicated

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Member Reviews

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Absolutely loved this book. One of my favourites this year. Apologies for late review. I reviewed on Amazon on release date. Camilla Isley is fast becoming a favourite of mine!! This was perfect!

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Absolutely loved this, it reminded me a bit of my Best Friends Wedding with Julia Roberts or at least the plot did, but it did also hold a kind of classic romantic comedy heyday feel for me, you know the really good ones with Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan or Julia, absolutely wonderful feel goood films, just like this book is.

Just like those films I love so much this book is closed door , plenty of tension and romance but rest is up to the imagination. It’s a lighthearted read, full of fun and heart, I loved the dual POV so we get to see both perspectives, I’m a big fan of dual POV Im always a little disappointed if I only get one aspect in a romance, because I’m always desperate to know how the other party feels too. I know I’m a greedy reader.

I love Camilla’s writing and this isn’t my first read by the author and it’s a long way from being my last (I don’t think I’ll get there unless she stops writing) The perfect read for fans of friends to lovers and fake dating, this is sure to be a fantastic read for any lovers of romance, I know it was for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

General Thoughts: I have read Camilla Isley enough to know that I'm going to get a fun, enjoyable, lighthearted, funny closed-door fade-to-black romance, and that's exactly what I got. Most of her novels also include STEM themes. Here the main characters were all doctors. This one was a fun "Speak Now" song and "My Best Friend's Wedding coded book. The main character loved Taylor Swift, so there were many Taylor Swift references. If that's not your thing and that will annoy you, keep it moving. I thought it may have been just a tinge heavy-handed, but I didn't mind.

I thought the ending conflict could have been executed better, but I really did enjoy this one. It was a great quick, cute read. Glad to have read it, and I can't wait to see what the author does next.

Steam Meter: 🪵 Fade to black, closed door, sweet romance.

Romantic Tropes
-contemporary
-romcom
-Swiftie coded
-"My Best Friend's Wedding" Julia Roberts coded
-fake dating
-in love with my best friend
-I love her, she loves him, he loves somebody else

You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.

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I am quite sure I say this every time I finish one of Camilla Isley’s books, but… I think this might now be favourite of hers! Lori, Jace and Aiden have been best friends since college and now they all work together. Lori has always been in love with Aiden but he totally friend zones her. Jace has always known this and is her shoulder to cry on when Aiden is getting married. However, in a last ditch attempt to make Aiden jealous, Lori forces Jace to go along with a fake dating scheme. Little does she know that this is torture for him, because he’s always been in love with her.

I thought this would be your standard love triangle, but I was wrong! And let me tell you, when I turned to chapter two after Lori’s POV establishing the friendships and her love for Aiden, to find that Jace was totally gone for her I was ALL IN. I mean this is pure escapism, and romance at its finest, because it is a fantasy - this idea that you could have this attractive friend who is so utterly and secretly in love with you just as you are. Swoon. And I love that Aiden didn’t become a villain in it all - very refreshing. From about three quarters in, it started to remind me of The Cheat Sheet a bit?! In a good way.

What to expect:

- friends to lovers
- fake dating
- he falls first
- love triangle
- closed door but still 🔥

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✔️friends to lovers
✔️fake dating
✔️ love triangle
✔️ dual pov
✔️ fade to black
✔️ he falls first

3.25

Reading a book by Camilla Isley is always fun. Her books are so addictive that putting them down is impossible because the story simply flows without you even noticing. I usually stay away from love triangles; it's not a trope I typically enjoy. But this one wasn't painful to read at all.

The characters were fun to read and get to know. I have always loved a great friendship, and I love that element here. Jace, our MMC, won me over rather quickly. He was sweet, so caring and really a great friend. He loves fiercely, and I love that. Lori, our FMC, was fun but a bit annoying at times, especially in the beginning. The I'm-not-like-the-other-girls thing was too forceful, and it came across as arrogant, obnoxious and even mean at times. But it got better as the story progressed. However, I lacked depth for both of them. We learn a bit about their history but only a little about their families or a bit more context, especially Lori's. Also, I felt the second half of the book was a bit rushed and insta-love from Lori's side.

Despite all of that, I enjoyed this one a lot. It was super fun and sweet. If you're looking for a romcom with a super sweet romance and happy ending, this is the book for you.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Camilla Isley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Lori, Aiden and Jace have been friends since college. .When Aiden decides to get married Lori needs a date. Someone to support her on what she thinks will be the worst day of her life, as she has secretly been in love with him forever. She asks Jace, friend and best man to pretend their friendship has turned into something more. Both men couldn't be more difference. Aiden is a dashing doctor, but Jace gives off the bad boy vibe.

I thought picking up the book this might be a lover triangle sort of book but it isnt that at all. It kind of reminded me of 'My Best Friends Wedding' staring Julia Roberts without the gay BBF. It is a clean romance with lots of build up but no action.

The book is fun and very easy to read in one sitting. Not sure what it is about books lately but I am totally over the whole Taylor Swift thing. She was mentioned in the book far too much for my liking. I did enjoy the book but I just didn't love it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - It was just okay

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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It's Complicated was the perfect palate cleanser. Lighthearted and full of tension and chemistry, I really enjoyed the whole story. Jace is an amazing book boyfriend, having been pining for Lori as long as she had been pining for Aiden, and I loved seeing him do all he can to woo her and realize they were the ones meant to be together. With fake dating, unrequited love (times 2), friends to lovers and Dual POV, this book had some of my favorite tropes. Highly recommend.

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This was my first book by Camilla Isley and I really enjoyed it! I can’t believe I hadn’t read her books before but I’m excited to read through her backlog.

This had some of my favorite tropes. That along with the characters and their relationships, it was a great read. Jace and Lori’s friendship was so sweet and when it started to become something more the tension between them had me eagerly reading for more.

Read for:
🤫 Fake Dating
🩵 Friends to Lovers
🔼 Love Triangle
⛔️ Miscommunication
🧬 Dual POV
🚪 Closed Door Romance

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice Level: 🧼 Squeaky Clean

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It's Complicated
By: Camilla Isley
Pub date: Feb 23, 2024

Three friends, since the first day they met in freshman year, they have been inseparable ever since. Finishing up college to opening a private practice together. A complicated love triangle ensues with Lori being in love with Aiden and Jace being in love with Lori.
BFF's and a love triangle, what's a girl to do? When Aiden's wedding invitation came in the mail, Lori goes to Jace's apartment so that they may open the invitation together. Distressed and unsure what to do, Lori ends up spending the night at Jace's. When Aiden comes over 1st thing in the morning Lori decides the only thing left to do is to make him jealous by telling him that her and Jace are a couple!

The whole situation becomes entirely complicated. Even more so when Lori begins developing feelings for Jace and has Jace been harbouring feelings for Lori, unbeknownst to her for all these years?

Full of interesting mishaps and laugh out lout moments, this was a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

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OMG! This book was SO much fun! We've got fake dating, unrequited love, a love triangle, and friends to lovers with a happily ever after twist you're simply going to love!

Lori had a crush on Aiden, Jace had a crush on Lori, and Aiden never really had a chance to understand what feelings he might have had for Lori thanks to a secret pact... which I will not be going into so I don't spoil the details. Anywho, one wedding announcement later, and Lori and Jace are presenting an unexpected, but united front to face the music... and falling in love along the way. It's sweet, funny, heartfelt with just the perfect amount of spice, you'll be laughing as much as you're sighing with every turn of the page.

By book's end, there's a happy surprise you won't see coming, but, trust me, you'll gladly be a witness to the events that unfold. A wonderful pick for romcom fans and Romance readers alike, and a great addition to this author's growing body of works!

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Ahhhhhh omg I loved it!! 🥰

Lori, Jace & Aiden have been friends for 15 years, after stealing garden gnomes together.
Today the three are inseparable and work together in their own doctors surgery! Yeah! Go Team Best Friends!

But, Lori has a secret. She loves Aiden.
But Aiden is getting married to *Kirsten* 🙄
So, to make Aiden jealous Lori blurts out she and Jace are kicking boots…. Yes, her words. Not mine.

And Jace goes along with it… because he really does have a secret…. HES in love with LORI!

I KNOW!!!!

Throw in a month until Aidens wedding, a brides sister who wants Jace, a trip to New Orleans, six chickens, four cats and a thousand or more rescue books.. and you have, well, it’s complicated.

———

I loved it.
No other words needed.

I fell in love with Lori straight away. She’s so scatty & loveable… but maybe because I too have near enough 1,000 rescued books from charity shops…and book stores… THEY WERE JUST THERE CRYING FOR ME TO RESCUE THEM!!!

I will say, I did hate the “miscommunication trope” thrown in there. They’re what? Nearing on (or in their) 30s?? No. Too old for not just talking things out, no matter how long you’ve been pining for a woman. Just bloody talk!!

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