From the blurb:
Lori has been in love with her best friend Aiden since college. Now Aiden (handsome, fair, All-American dream doctor) is getting married, and Lori desperately needs a date to the wedding.
So she asks the best man, Jace (tall, dark, and brooding), to pretend their platonic friendship is something more not to have to face the worst day of her life alone.
Fake dating one best friend to forget the other should be easy… Plot twist—it’s not. When Jace starts acting like the sweetest, most attentive boyfriend, Lori begins to wonder if she’s been seeing him wrong all this time?
They've been an inseparable trio since freshman year, but now everything is changing — and that's not even bringing Jace's feelings into the mix.
Basically? It’s complicated.

I love the close friendship of these three from their college graduation in the same field to their shared medical practice and volunteer clinical work. Seeing this slow burn romance from both perspectives of Jace and Lori in alternating chapters added even more emotion and enjoyment to the story. I felt that the last 10% of the book was rushed and a little awkward but I still enjoyed the story.
Thanks to Boldwood through Netgalley for the advance copy of this book. The opinions in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

First, I want to thank Camilla Isley, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and. NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Dang!! Camilla Isley’s latest Rom Com sure is complicated!! Infact, she will put an everlasting smile on your face, love in your heart, however It’s Complicated getting to that point!

Well now I need to listen to The Way I Loved You by the iconic Taylor Swift. Camila dedicates this book to us if it feels like this song is the soundtrack of our lives.

It’s Complicated is a book I didn’t know I needed! This book cracked me up left and right!! It is such a fun and easy read that can be devoured in one sitting!

Jace, Lori and Aiden’s story was a unique one that I totally loved! I don’t think I ever have read a book that was so complicated but yet so good!

I really enjoyed Its complicated and since have gone on to read several more of Camilla Isleys books.
This was a fun, fast paced, easy to read rom-com novel. I really enjoyed the characters especially Jace who was the perfect not so bad-bad boy! I found this the perfect escapism and think it would be a great beach read

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Ms. Isley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

This was a cute, fluffy, easy-reading contemporary romance. I can see quite a few readers liking this. It just.... wasn't for me.

I had some smaller issues with the story (I don't love closed-door romance, I also didn't resonate with the strong quirky cat-lady vibe (never mind the rescue chickens), and I like Taylor Swift just fine but I think as a theme Taylor's music and general zeitgeist is/was overused). Furthermore I found the "rescue books" perplexing: if you want to save books so much, why don't you BUY the ones you want instead of purchasing digital copies? Why bring home physical copies of books you don't actually want to read...? I ... don't get it.

But my main problem with the story is that Lori has been in love with Aiden for 15 YEARS and suddenly after one kiss from "fake boyfriend"/real best friend Jace, she is falling out of love with Aiden and catches some serious feelings for Jace. I don't buy it. I felt like Lori's quick pivot to Jace made her seem like a weak, wishy-washy character and made her feelings seem insincere. I didn't buy poor Jace as a "bad boy" either. Dating a few different women in 15 years does not a bad boy make. The ending seemed very rushed as well. I was not on board with Lori and Jace's impulsive decision at the end. It seemed out of character for a pair of people who took 15+ years to figure out their relationship.

Don't get me wrong, it's a cute story, and I'm sure it will hit the spot for a lot of readers. It just wasn't for me.

Just finished "It's Complicated" by @camillaisley, my first from her collection, and I'm already eager to explore her backlist! 📚 This fast-paced, fun read kept me hooked with its clever plot twists, leading to a well-deserved happily ever after. 🎉 Perfect for romantic comedy fans, it seamlessly blends laughter with heartfelt emotions. 😄 Totally surprised by how much I enjoyed it; a quick, entertaining gem with My Best Friend's Wedding vibes minus the over-the-topness. Can't wait to dive into more from this author soon! 👏📖 Also, Swifties, rejoice – it's filled with delightful song references! 🎶

"It's Complicated" by Camilla Isley delivers a delightful romantic comedy that skillfully navigates the complexities of friendship, unrequited love, and the unexpected twists of fake dating. Lori's long-standing crush on best friend Aiden, coupled with Jace's hidden feelings for her, creates a captivating love triangle within their inseparable trio. As Aiden's wedding approaches, Lori turns to Jace for solace, sparking a fake dating plan that sets the stage for hilarity and heartwarming moments. Isley's writing is engaging, filled with humor, and captures the essence of the characters' relationships. The dynamics between the trio, forged through college and medical school, add depth to the narrative. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers hooked until the well-deserved happily ever after. "It's Complicated" is a charming and entertaining read, perfect for fans of romantic comedies that blend laughter with heartfelt emotions.

Very grateful to the publisher for this copy, opinions are my own.

It’s Complicated was such a good time! I loved the history and friendship between Aiden and Jace and Lori and the romance between Jace and Lori absolutely sizzled. Their chemistry was great and I felt like I was in on their friend group from the jump. The antics from the fake dating and real feelings against the backdrop of the impending wedding were so fun! I loved this and if you’re looking for a more feminist but equally swoony take on my best friend’s wedding, you’ll probably love this too!

Romance au cœur d'un trio amical.

Lori est amoureuse de son meilleur ami Aiden depuis l'université. Maintenant qu'Aiden va se marier, Lori a désespérément besoin d'un date pour le mariage. Elle demande donc au témoin, Jace, de prétendre que leur amitié platonique n'est pas si platonique pour ne pas avoir à affronter seule le pire jour de sa vie. Faire semblant de sortir avec un meilleur ami pour oublier l'autre devrait être facile… Ce n’est pas le cas. Lorsque Jace commence à se comporter comme le petit ami parfait, Lori se demande si elle ne l'a pas mal jugé durant toutes ces années. En résumé, c'est compliqué.

Je m'attendais à un vrai triangle amoureux, mais je n'ai pas été déçue que cela n'en soit pas un. Les trois personnages principaux sont très attachants et leur complicité est touchante. J'apprécie les fausses relations dans les romances, mais je n'ai pas adhéré à la manière avec laquelle Jace et Lori se lancent dans celle-ci, cela m'a paru puéril. Le manque de communication qui prend une place importante dans le récit détonne avec leur profonde amitié et leur affection les uns pour les autres. Et, la fin de l'histoire semble trop précipitée.

Une romance légère et agréable, qui manque un peu de justesse. Toutefois, j'en ai apprécié l'humour. Il m'en faudra plus pour me décourager de lire les prochains romans de Camilla Isley.

Merci à Netgalley, à l'autrice et aux éditeurs pour cette lecture.

This was an easy light-hearted romance - one that can be read in a day. It definitely had some complicated relationships at play - a fake romance and almost-love triangle - among three long time friends - Lori, Aiden, and Jace.

I thought the star of the story was Jace who loves Lori but can’t get her to really see him. He’s hot, sexy, really gets Lori, knows just how to talk with her, is open about what he wants with her. And he only gets better and better as the story progresses. A BBF.

I would have given this book a higher rating but thought the writing needed more work. Less tell and more show, more energy/action, less repetition/going in circles among the three, and please no OTT elements. Nevertheless, Isley spread little writing gems here and there throughout that give it spark and make you really pay attention.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Camilla Isley NEVER disappoints. It's Complicated is a fast, emotional-filled, love triangle to satisfy any rom-com lover. This was exactly the type of book I needed today. Quick, fun, full of heart, and that will-they-won't-they. I'd definitely recommend this beach read for anyone taking a nice island or beach day read!

It’s Complicated

3.5 stars

I received an ARC copy of this novel for an honest review.

Overall I think this was a cute friends to lovers story. The unrequited love triangle is usually a good shout for an easy read, and this book was just that.

There are definitely some sweet moments - Jace’s vows to Lori/Lola (not sure why she has different names throughout though!) for example are particularly sweet - if a bit dramatic.

I think my main issue with this book was that everything felt rushed. She fell out of “love” with one friend and into love with the other quickly. There was no real impact on the trios friendship - their friend accepted the new relationship very quickly despite his initial reaction. The ending in particular felt rushed - the resolution could have been a bit slower and a real in-depth consideration of the characters and their relationship but this was rushed into a HEA tied with up in a bow.

I’m definitely interested in reading more from this author in the future.

5 ⭐️

Camilla Isley’s books are a breath of fresh air!!!

This book follows three best friends: Lori, Jace and Aiden— entangled in a love triangle. Lori is in love with Aiden who is getting married, so she asks Jace to pretend to be her boyfriend for the wedding. But things get confusing when Jace starts acting like a real boyfriend, and Lori isn't sure how to feel about it.

So, this might be my new favourite book by this author? This was so good, I couldn’t put it down! The tension between both main characters was out of this world— you could feel it from the very beginning. The banter, the drama and the rom-com aspects… everything was absolutely amazing. This author never disappoints —having a great time is guaranteed.

If you’re looking for a quick, short and delightful read with a lot of Taylor Swift references, this one’s for you!

Read if you like:
🌼 friends to lovers.
🌼 fake dating.
🌼 he falls first.
🌼 love triangle.
🌼 closed-door romance.

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s Complicated by Camilla Isley will be coming out on February 23rd.

I enjoyed this one a lot! I wasn’t sure what to expect with a love triangle storyline, something that always makes me a bit cautious, but the way that Isley writes everything it all came out perfectly in the end! If you’re reading the blurb and also concerned, don’t panic - she does it exactly right.

We have three besties from college, Lori, Aiden and Jace, who also went through med school together and opened a medical practice together - they’re as close as three besties can be. However… Lori has always had a crush on Aiden, and Jace has always had a crush on Lori. One night at school, Lori told Jace about her crush and he told her that Aiden wasn’t into her. He made a pact with Aiden that neither of them could make a move on her… thus she has lived with her unrequited crush all these years.

When Aiden’s wedding invitation arrives, she runs to Jace for comfort, never believing it would happen. Spending the night, Aiden finds them together the next day, and thus the fake dating plan hatches - and the complicated love triangle friendship cycle begins … or, continues!

It sounds like a mess and it totally is - and with it being a Camilla Isley book, you know it’s going to be absolutely fantastic. I loved it, with so much banter, great drama and the crazy romcom mess of the love triangle that was not a dramatic mess (I know I mentioned drama but it was hilarious drama, not angsty). Definitely a recommendation from me! Finding out how it all plays out is so perfect!

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

Oh the joys of secret crushes, especially when the person is your best bud. The dynamic duo of Jace and Aiden have been friends since grade school. Their freshman year in college, Aiden and Jace meet Lori, in a meeting that will leave you in stitches. Suddenly the dynamic duo is a trio. They are immediately drawn together as best friends times three. The only issue with this friendship is that Lori has a crush on Aiden, but she knows she cannot act on her feelings. Fast forward to the future and the three are still best buds. Their friendship is so deep that they actually own a medical practice together.

Lori still crushes on Aiden, but he is getting married. She is devastated. This is when she comes up with the grand plan to fake date Jace so that Aiden will be jealous. This plan has disaster written all over it. As Jace and Lori pretend to date, feelings start bubbling to the surface, and as the title states - It's Complicated. I am not sure that complicated is even a good enough word to describe this situation.

I adored this book. I did not read the blurb before I started reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized the plot line of this story. My first thought was My Best Friend's Wedding, as I am sure others that read this will see.

I love this long time dynamic of friends. This is true friendship. They have been best friends since college and are now in business together. The comedy in this romcom was top notch. I snickered and laughed out loud at so many scenes in this book. Lori's personality is enough to make you laugh. She wants to save everything. She has four rescue cats with Star Wars names, several hens, and she also rescues books that are bound for the grinder. I have visions of an episode of Hoarders. Jace, on the other hand, is almost obsessive compulsive. Everything has its place. He would go into full panic mode at Lori's house. These characters were just so much fun to read about. I could write a book about my thoughts on this book. I enjoyed it that much. I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It's Complicated is a book about being in love with a friend and fake dating, and so good. Lori is in love with her long time friend, and fake dates while figuring her life out. I enjoyed the characters and their personality differences. Also the way it ends is lovely, Camilla Isley did a great job with this one!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of It's Complicated by Camilla Isley

This was a cute, fun and funny RomCom that was definitely headed towards 5 adorable bright stars. There is so much to love about this book... I'm looking at you, Jace! If you like reading about love triangles, fake dating, and friends-to-lovers, this closed door romance is sure to hit the spot. Unfortunately however, the ending veered into rather cheesy and unrealistic territory for me. But overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. A big thank you to Camilla Isley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the most cosy, warm, fuzzy love story I've read in a long time, Lori and Jace have finally found each other in the most wonderful way and I hope they continue their love story forever

Lori is in love with Adien, he is getting married, so she asks his best man to pretend they are together. can a fake relationship lead to a real one? very cute story.

A fun rom com read wrought with angst that takes a hard look at love vs infatuation. She thinks she is in love with Aiden and has since they met in college, Jace is in love with her and has been since college and Aiden is in love with his fiancée. Witty banter, wild hijinks to avoid looking like she is in love with the friend about to be married and ample miscommunication to lead to ample conflicts make this a fun read that is a sweet rom com read! If you love a friends to lovers, close proximity, fake dating rom com then this book is right up your alley!

Loved, loved, loved It's Complicated from Ms. Isley. I took a chance and branched out with this read. The author is new to me. That being said, I am looking forward to other reads. This was a LOL, endearing read about lifetime friendships and true love. :)