Call me a wishy washy hater because my last review was like oh it's cute and fun but nothing special, and then this one I'm like yes it's cute and fun and ALSO, I loved it. But really, I did. Best friend one is getting married, best friend two is in love with him and has been for 15 years, and best friend three is in love with best friend two but she has no idea and has been venting about her love for best friend number one this whole time.

I felt like this was a way better take on tropes (friends to lovers, fake dating) than most have been doing lately and the characters felt like real people.

THANK you Netgalley for the chance to read this early! I LOVE Camilla Isley: and this is no exception. I also love friends-to-lovers and a fake-dating trope, as well as a perfectly written dual POV.
This was such a cute fun read focused on a best friend triangle: Lori, Aiden, and Jace. Lori has always been in love with Aiden but, with only a month left until his wedding, she starts fake-dating Jace as a last ditch attempt to drive up some jealousy. Only problem is Jace has always been in love with her.
This was a relatively PG-13, closed door romance, but it really worked. The chemistry is sizzling. The banter is perfect. The romantic scenes are perfectly done. I thought Isley really nailed Jace's chapters in particular: it's a real balance to show him as pining but not weird, torn but not incapable of making decisions.
Without spoiling anything, I also really loved Aiden's reactions throughout this entire book. He could have gone a different way, but this was such a perfect, and very believable, 'love triangle'.
This was funny, adorable, and a perfect end of the year romance!

Okay, Lori, Jace, and Aiden – a trio of besties since college. Lori's crushing on Aiden, who's about to get married. Oh, and Jace secretly loves Lori for 15 years. Cue fake dating (between Lori and Jace) to stir up drama and reveal everyone’s true feelings.

Friends to lovers and fake dating in one book – sign me up (love those tropes, especially fake dating)! This book's a rollercoaster of unrequited love, heartache, and some white lies. Messy, but I love it.

No actually, scratch that, their situation (“love triangle”) isn’t exactly that messy it’s just frustratingly complicated, but not messy. It's like, “for fucks sake, just communicate!” but then again, they just value their friendship a lot – gotta take that in consideration. Plus, lots of sweet moments make up for the mess they create. Love it.

All in all, it's a wild ride of surprises and laugh-out-loud moments. The characters? Totally likable and relatable. Plus, it's not too predictable – keeps you hooked with a smile on your face.

Also, a perfect weekend read! Imagine a rainy winter day, a cup of hot chocolate, and this book – chef's kiss. Thanks for the arc, it was fun!

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @theboldbookclub for an early copy of It’s Complicated by @camillaisley. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Release date: February 23, 2024

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

It’s Complicated is a sweet and hilarious fake-dating/friends-to-lovers/love-triangle romance novel between Lori, Aiden and Jace, who have been best friends since college. Lori has liked Aiden ever since they first met, but has never admitted it to him, not has her interests been reciprocated by him. Her only confidant on the matter was Jace, who in turn has always been in love with her.

With Aiden getting married to another woman, Lori is devastated and has gotten Jace’s help in fake dating her to make Aiden jealous. But she’s having second thoughts and is suddenly having this new attraction to Jace. Lori is seeing him in a new light and is considering the possibility of them becoming more.

I couldn’t help but gush and feel swept off my feet with Lori and Jace’s romance. Their growing romantic relationship is so sweet despite being complete opposites, with Lori being used to an organized chaos and Jace being a neat freak, and everything else in-between. I enjoyed Jace being so sweet and caring with Lori, even knowing how much she liked Aiden, he’s still considering her overall happiness over his own (at a certain degree because of the pact he had with Aiden).

The conflict between Lori and Jace felt prolonged though, and the ending felt quite rushed (only because I wanted more of them!), but a fitting one to their romance.

Pick this one up when it releases for a sweet, romantic quick read!

I loved all the tropes . Unrequited love, best friends to lovers.he falls first, teddy bear MMC, lightbulb moments. A messy FMC with some Star Wars themed named cats ,chickens and old books hoarder finds her match in an OCD squishy tough guy. Some of the book was a little cheesy but everything ended nicely. A fun afternoon read. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily

Lori, Aiden and Jace have been a trio since college through owning a practice together. Aiden is getting married and Lori, secretly in love with Aiden, asks Jace to pretend to be with her. This was a cute story, had me laughing out loud at parts, and it’s a fast read. The only cons is the epilogue left much to be desired and the ending rushed for me!

I think for me Camilla Isley is becoming the queen of the romantic comedies with the most charming swoony heroes and relatable funny sassy heroines.
Its Complicated was a heartfelt heart warming love story with laugh out loud moments and amazing plotline.
Lori, Jace and Aiden are best friends since freshman year of college and now fifteen years later are successful doctors and run family practice together. Lori is in love with Aiden since last fifteen years and Jace is in love with Lori. Its a complicated love triangle but all changes when Aiden announces his wedding to someone else and Lori gets a bright idea to fake date Jace to make Aiden jealous. Soon Lori realizes Jace is the one who is making her heart skip beat and now everything is complicated again ❤️

I’m in love. I’m absolutely 100% in love with this book.

Some people say they are hooked from the first page or line. Not me. I was hooked at the dedication! That’s The Way I Loved You is one of my favorites T-Swift songs, and I just knew I was in for a fun ride if that was how this was going to start out. There are a few Taylor references, so Swifties rejoice!

I’ve only read one Isley book before this one, but I loved Baby One More Time so much I knew I found a new favorite author.

Told in dual POV, I knew I would love Jace the minute we got in his head. He is just the sweetest! Without giving anything away, it’s clear he is willing to do anything for Lori (or as he calls her: Lola).

Lori was a strong character with maybe a slight obsession problem (but not in a bad way). In a way that makes the plot that much more interesting.

Jace and Lori really compliment each other, and the chemistry is off the charts. This novel is filled with sweet and spicy moments that will have you wishing you were secretly in love with your best friend.

If you’re looking for a cute rom-com, you need this book in your life. It was such an easy read, I devoured it in less than 24 hours. I was super disappointed when it ended.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

3,5/5

Thanks to NegGalley, the publisher and author for letting me read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have conflicting emotions about this novel. I always appreciate a refreshing romantic story to take a break from my usual fantasy reads, and this one fit the bill perfectly. However, I was anticipating a love triangle that never materialized.

Let's dive into what I enjoyed: The friends-to-lovers trope, which I typically dislike, surprisingly worked well here (kudos to the author). The fake dating scenario, one of my favorites, was expertly woven in, along with the wedding trope. I admired how the author skillfully handled these tropes, and their writing style was lively and dynamic, creating an enjoyable reading experience.

Nevertheless, there were aspects that didn't resonate with me as much. Initially, while the first part of the novel was entertaining, I felt the pacing was rushed. Although I appreciated the conclusion, the development felt hurried. And here's a spoiler alert: While the male main character (MMC) has harbored feelings for the female main character (FMC) for 15 years, it felt somewhat implausible that she reciprocated those feelings after such a short period. Call me skeptical, but it didn't strike me as entirely believable.

In summary, I did find enjoyment in this novel. It's perfect for a lighthearted and laid-back afternoon read.

Lori has been in love with her best friend Aiden since they met in college, but he’s marrying someone else. What better way to make him jealous and realize his love her than to fake date their other best friend, Jace?!
Seeing Lori gain confidence to stand up for herself and realize what’s always been right in front of her was such a heart-warming plot in this book!
There were so many sweet romantic parts to this story with so many funny moments mixed in! Chicken-gate had me laughing out loud 🤣

If you love a good HEA, love triangle then this is the perfect book for you!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

It's Complicated is a friends to lovers, fake dating, romantic comedy was just as good the second time around! This book is a re-release of Camilla Isley's Falling For Her Best Friend with a new cover (love the colour) and title. I loved it the first time, and despite realizing I had read it before within the first few pages, I got roped in again and reread it. This is a definite recommended read for anyone looking for a fake dating romcom.
Thank you to NetGalley, Camilla Isley and Boldwood books for the ARC of this splendid read.

This friends-to-lovers/fake dating/unrequited love/love triangle romance book is such a fun read, without it being too predictable. The characters are likeable and relatable and as the story progresses there are a few surprises, along with a couple of laugh-out-loud moments, which will keep you invested in the story and a smile on your face. If you are looking for a quick, lighthearted read, then this would be an ideal choice when it is out on February 23, 2024 (shame it’s not out for Valentine Day - that would have been awesome, based on the date in the book!). Thanks to NetGallery and Boldwood Books for allowing me to get a copy of the book. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It's Complicated covered one of my favorite tropes - fake dating. While I loved the chemistry between Lori and Jace, I felt like everything was a little too rushed, particularly the set up. It was a fun, quick read for a rainy day.

I love myself a good friends to lovers! Sprinkle in a good fake dating scheme and I’m in.

Spice: 0.35 (HOWEVER. The chemistry was sizzling!)

Read this book for…
- Friends to lovers
- Doctor x doctor
- Fake dating
- Unrequited love
- Love triangle (with a twist! Do not let this deter you!!)

Thoughts:
This was such a great take on one of my absolute favorite tropes -- fake dating. You meet Lori and Jace. They are 2/3 of a college bestie trio and somewhat of a love triangle -- with a great twist. I typically dislike love triangles but this felt...non threatening for some reason.

Lori is your free spirited loving big-hearted soul. She’s the sweetheart who will provide a safe haven within her home for otherwise unwanted cats and chickens. She’s a book salvager. She’s messy (in a good way) and a phenomenal friend. Jace is our resident warm caring hero who dislikes mess. He also has never allowed anyone to get too close to him. And yet it is different with Lori.

Y’all the pining for Lori on Jace’s part was done beautifully. His longing and love for her was so palpable. Their journey to one another was *chefs kiss.* There was tension, fabulous banter, and sizzling kisses. *fans face*
The way this fake dating panned out was pure gold rom com. I will not spoil it too much but I will say it was so fun to read. All in all, this was an amazing story.

"Jace is my rock. My safe place. The person I could always be myself with. The one I could tell all my secrets. And lately, I’ve felt like we’ve lost that. And I want it back -- with a vengeance."

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Camilla Isley, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to review this ARC!

Lori, Jace, and Aiden have been best friends since college. And that's about the same amount of time that Lori has had a crush on Aiden. The problem? Aiden is getting married and doesn't know about Lori's feelings. Jace is in love with Lori, and has been for 15 years. When the option of Jace and Lori to fake date presents itself to make Aiden jealous it results in some truths coming out including Jace's true feelings for Lori. As things play out she Lori starts to lose feelings for Aiden and gain feelings for Jace.

This story was super cute with no spice, and the idea of friends to lovers is so sweetly played out. I'm not a super big fan of fake dating trope but it really worked in this story. I couldn't put this book down and it was a quick, romance read. If you are a fan of Abby Jimenez this would be for you!

I am a huge Camilla Isley fan and her newest, It’s Complicated, didn’t disappoint.

Lori, Aiden, and Jace are three best friends who met in college and now have a medical practice. It’s sounds perfect, except Lori has been in love with Aiden since they met and Jace has been in love with Lori. Things come to a head when Aiden gets engaged and Lori asks Jace to pretend to be her lover in an effort to make Aiden jealous and potentially see her.

Things change when Lori really she actually has feelings for Jace and then Jace confesses his love to Lori. It gets messy after that, but hang around for a satisfying ending.

Their journey to each other is fun, sweet, and it has a great ending.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are mine.

An amazing story . I couldn't put it down for a single moment . It was the perfect Sunday winter read for me .
Lori has two best friends since she started college and they both are guys . Jace is the dark and brooding and Aiden the blond and her sweet . She is love with Aiden for the last 15 years but now that he is getting married she is devastated . The only person who knows about her feelings is Jace who happens to be in love with her for the past years but never had the chance to tell her about his feelings because she told him first about hers for Aiden . After a night she spent at Jace's place she opens his door and Aiden comes in he think that they are a couple and she doesn't correct him . So she makes Jace pretent they are dating so that Aiden will be jealous and won't want to get married but instead be with Lori . Jace at first he tries to be good boyfriend but after a while he can't pretent to date her and tell her about his feelings . They will date with not naughty thoughts unless she is sure about her love for him . What will happen when Lori finds about a pact Jace and Aiden made 15 years ago about never dating her . Will now have the chance to be the man she loved all those years or her heart is stolen by someone new ?
I received this book from netgalley and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .

The whole thing really is complicated. The title isn’t lying. But it’s got a lot of sweet moments that make up for all the pining, heartache and lies. In classic Camilla Isley fashion, this book’s very easy to follow. The first time I sat down to read this, I got through to 51% without stopping. The words and events just flowed, and my brain shut off and went on a holiday. I was pulled in and entertained.

I wouldn’t classify Lori, Aiden and Jace’s situation as a mess, but I do find it frustrating. Mainly because none of them are problematic to begin with. They actually value their friendship with each other a lot, which is something I like in the story. They just suck at expressing themselves and communicating.

Lori made this book exhausting for me because she’s very unclear about what she wants for the majority of the story, and at one point, I was dangerously close to believing she’s only stringing Jace along. I get why Aiden is the man of Lori’s dreams but boy is Jace swoony as hell. And I’m not saying Jace is perfect, because there are some things he did that annoyed me, but Aiden’s just so boring. I don’t see the appeal in Aiden at all. I did, however, like how he handled the truth when he found out about it.

For people in their thirties, they kind of act younger to me. If it weren’t for the constant reminders in the book that they’re successful doctors and had been friends for already 15 years, I would have thought of them as twenty-somethings.

It’s Complicated by Camilla Isley was such an incredible read!

I love a good love triangle that is for sure and the twist in this was just perfection.

The story is about Lori and her two best friends Aiden and Jace who she meets in college. They are inseparable… the issue… Lori is head over heels in love with Aiden. And boy does the sh*t hit the fan when his wedding invitation arrives! Now with the upcoming wedding, Lori literally stumbles into a plan of fake dating Jace to make Aiden jealous in hopes he will not go through with the wedding. But why does Lori enjoy Jace’s touch so much? What could that mean? As they continue this facade, feelings become complicated and Lori isn’t sure how she feels anymore.

This book is perfect for lovers of Dawson’s Creek, My Best Friends Wedding and The Wedding Date.

A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Three friends, two crushes, one wedding, let the games begin as three good friends sort their feelings on a rollercoaster of love and friendship, doubts and insecurities, and discovering what's real may be different than they thought. A fun read for weekend or vacation.