Camilla Isley is a must read author for me and her latest novel If the Ring Fits did not disappoint.

The trope of this novel is fake dating (or marriage in this case!) and it follows the main characters Adrian and Rowena.

It was a quick, easy read that I flew through. There is some good banter between the main characters that keeps the book lighthearted.

Rating 4.5/5

With most stories, there comes a moment where you have to suspend reality a little bit and with this one, it is pretty much when our two main characters meet for the first time. I feel like for some with this set of circumstances it will be too much of an ask but since I have read a lot of books by Camilla Isley and really enjoyed them I decided to trust her and buy into it, and I’m glad that I did because I loved this story.

I loved that we started with a flash forward to a crucial point in Rowena and Adrian’s relationship. It really set the tone of the story, added some nice tension, and made way for their kind of outlandish meeting. It made me eager to see what twists and turns the story would take, especially because I hadn’t looked at the blurb in a couple of months, so I was going in with a fairly clean slate.

The story was lovely and lighthearted, it explores how these two characters, who come together for convenience, spend most of their time trying hard not to fall for each other, and it was very entertaining watching the push and pull between them. I would say I don’t feel like we go too deep with this couple, but I didn’t mind that it was kept light, there was a more serious topic introduced towards the end of the book but it wasn’t explored too heavily.

I liked Rowena and Adrian, they had an easy and witty rapport which made their trying to stay separate from each other harder the more time they spent together. They also had very good chemistry which added some extra complications in the story. I was also happy to see some characters from a previous story show up in this one, especially my favourite fictional robot.

If The Rings Fits is a good fun romantic story with characters that I couldn’t help but care about, a delightful and entertaining read.

A software engineer has the worst day of her life by getting fired just hours after discovering she's pregnant to her toxic ex. Yet a chance meeting with a desperate fund manager may provide an avenue of temporary rescue with a fake engagement. Cute story that manages to take a tired trope and make it quite enjoyable.

I absolutely adored this book and these characters. Camilla Isley is one of the top queens for fun, emotional rom coms and I adore her stories! There a couple of different romance tropes in this: one bed, fake relationship, etc. But reading about these characters feelings and how much they end up growing closer is so heartwarming. Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for my digital ARC!

I like how Isley mapped the story line here. The beginning we get just enough info to know what’s going on then we go back to when Adrian and Rowena meet then we go back to present time. The ending is really good.

There was one thing that seemed weird to me. The “meet cute” they meet in a public restroom….to my knowledge I haven’t come across a unisex public bathroom unless it was a single room that was labeled unisex. I’m not saying they don’t exist but I just haven’t seen one. When I read this I was waiting for either Adrian or Rowena to mention that the other was lost or something like that.

While I appreciate that we have Liam as the “bad guy” and Adrian as the “good guy” I think we had two extreme cases. Adrian was a little more human meaning he has a few faults but they’re pretty minor but Liam was very far on the bad guy spectrum. I appreciate the contrast but I prefer more realistic characters.

My last note is the miscommunication. It’s not my favorite trope but I do have to say it was done well. It was still frustrating but I think the reason for some of it was valid.

Just a random side note- glad to see K2-P!

I’m rating If the Ring Fits 3.5/5. Not my favorite book by Isley but I was still able to enjoy it.

A sweet and spicy fake marriage romance that will have you both swooning and cheering! While I was a little concerned about the premise, once I got a few chapters in, I was sold! I loved the main characters and slow burn transition of their fake romance. Their growth and the end payoff was fantastic! My only critique is that the ending felt a bit rushed - I would have liked a deeper dive into the conflict and resolution rather than the single chapter it got.

4.25 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Rowena is having the worst day of her life. Shortly after finding out she's pregnant with her horrid ex's baby, she's unceremoniously fired from her job. As she's suffering from all that's happening, a person falls into her life with needs that align with her problems. Adrian is an investment banker who wants nothing more than to reach the top, so he lies to his CEO and invents a pregnant fiance. When the pressure from the lie gets to him, he accidentally runs into someone who just might be the answer he needs. A marriage of convenience will solve all their problems, but will they be able to keep their emotions out of it?

The plot is as predictable as one could imagine from the synopsis, but Isley manages to make it charming enough that you get pulled into Adrian and Rowena's story. They both know what they want and have personalities strong enough to make them reach for it, as long as they don't get in their own way. It's sweet to see them slowly fall in love, despite their best efforts, as they get to know more about each other.

Extra kudos for including the characters from the previous book in a way that's a lovely surprise for those who read it without making it difficult for new readers to follow what's happening. It also makes me hope we'll get a deeper look at another couple's story in a future volume because I want details on how they ended up getting together.

Overall, it's not genre-defining, but it's sweet, funny, and just the right level of spice. Plus, it's the most grossly memorable meet-cute I've ever read.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the romantic read!

IF THE RING FITS (Funny Feelings Book 2) by Camilla Isley is an age gap, marriage of convenience rom-com with a multi-millionaire MMC and a STEM FMC. It is perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams and Fallon Ballard. Read above for book description. I loved both of these characters, especially Rowena with her quirky humor and sharp mind. The couple had incredible chemistry in this closed door romcom, which does have a spicy epilogue for those that would miss the steam. Both characters had their own internal struggles and imperfections which gave them depth and increased my connection to them as a reader. It was a perfect example of the ideal that sometimes one has to meet their special person for everything to just fit and a truly unique meet-cute! I have definitely discovered another new to me author whose books I will be seeking more of in the future. I definitely recommend this funny book for readers who enjoy romantic comedies. This novel from Boldwood Books is available in the kindleunlimited program for those who subscribe.

I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was exactly the kind of story I needed after my last read broke my heart into my teeny pieces, wait I needed something completely uplifting, funny, adorable and cute after that story and If the ring fits was the perfect remedy to my aching heart.

This story was everything I needed, lighthearted , funny, so very funny, I think this is my favourite book by Camilla so far. It’s book 2 in the trilogy but can be read as a stand-alone, you wouldn't be lost or confused at all.

I loved the romance between Rowena and Adrian, it began in such a unique and humorous way, I loved watching them grow and the heartwarming nature of Camilla’s writing makes this hard to put down, can’t wait for book 3.

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

I absolutely loved If the Ring Fits. The way the characters meet. The mutual need for one another. The chemistry that's there but shouldn't be in a marriage-of-convenience.

Rowena and Adrian are perfectly written in a story that is sweet and tender, sexy and romantic, and full of laughter and love. The story is realistic and emotional.

I was intrigued by the synopsis. A quick meeting, an even quicker proposal, and you have the makings of If the Ring Fits. I was pulled in by the first chapter. Set in the present, you have to know how the characters got to be where they are and why. I was engaged by their meet-cute, fake-marriage.

I really enjoyed the first book, This is Not a Holiday Romance, so I was excited to read this one too. I really enjoyed this marriage of convenience story. The meet cute was a total NOT meet cute, in that both ended up puking in bathroom stalls right next to each other! But it was perfect to lead up to how the story was going to go.

There was so much of the usual miscommunication or not telling the other when the feelings got deeper, just as you would expect from a story like this. In fact it was a whole misunderstanding based on this type of issue that led to the 3rd act breakup. But that also played into the post-partum depression aspect of the story. It was nice how the two of them complemented each other in the relationship. And how Adrian really was trying to help her behind the scenes too.

Now, when we got to the end, I feel like it was a little rushed as well as removed from the situation with the break up and all that, but I wonder if the author was trying to make us feel like Rowena was feeling with her PPD?

In the end another good story from this author, and I think maybe there is a friends to lovers romance on the horizon with some of the characters left in the friend group?

If the Ring Fits 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 Life Gives You Lemons, Fake an Engagement

When investment banker Adrian and software engineer Rowena started the day, they didn’t expect to end it engaged! But Adrian has invented a fake fiancée to impress his CEO, regretting the lie almost immediately, and now he is in hot water. Meanwhile, Rowena's career has just gone up in flames, leaving her unemployed, unexpectedly expecting with no father in the picture, and short of options.

When fate throws these two hot messes into a meet-cute of epic proportions, it's a match made in rock-bottom heaven. They say love is blind, and with nothing to lose, Adrian gets down on one knee… and Rowena says yes!

The rules of engagement are simple:

Pretend to be madly in love

Keep their real lives separate

Absolutely, positively do NOT catch feelings

However, faking it is harder than they thought, especially when every overnight stay comes with only one bed and zero personal space—blurring that imaginary line between ‘just business’ and ‘definitely personal.’

My Opinion

Camilla Isley is back with another great read. Rowena is down on her luck and Adrian is in need of a family quickly – what can possibly go wrong? This was such a delightful read from the beginning. If The Ring Fits is the second book in the series and whilst I would recommend reading both books they can both be read as standalones.

Rating 4/5

Having thoroughly enjoyed 'The Love Algorithm,' I was eagerly anticipating Camilla Isley's novel, 'If the Ring Fits.' And once again, she delivers! Isley has a knack for crafting charming and witty romances that will leave readers giggling and blushing.

I particularly appreciated the pacing of the story. It cleverly begins in the present day before seamlessly transitioning to the past, offering dual perspectives that gradually unravel the complexities of their relationship.

’If the Ring Fits' is a delightful and quick read. With its focus on a STEM FMC, an age gap romance, and a marriage of convenience trope, it offers a cosy escape for readers who enjoy these elements. Also, the cameos for characters from one of her other novels literally made me so happy. The stakes may not be sky-high, but the story is engaging and ultimately heart-warming.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the dynamic between Adrian and Rowena. He's protective and dynamic, she's a mess but smart, so she's quick to figure out solutions for her problems. I wish they communicated a little better and boy they were sexy together.

#netgalley #IftheRingFits

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet, steamy and kept me reading. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.

I’m such a fan of Isley’s books! Another excellent addition to the Funny Feelings series and comedy gold… but also dealing with some very hard topics and heavy emotions as well. I loved revisiting a few beloved characters from previous books I really enjoyed, and a robot!

You brought some tears to my eyes that actually ran down my cheeks towards the end, my dear! - so prepare yourselves, other reader, friends! Her books are normally quite lighthearted comedic relief, but this does have quite a heavy section. I am not at all a book crier, but this one particularly part definitely got me in the feels!

Rowena’s extremely difficult day, and Adrian’s quick decision lie to his boss lead us to this beautiful fake engagement, marriage of convenience story that is, very much / for the most part, a RomCom, except for that bit towards the ending… if you’re not in a great mood or feeling low, maybe save reading the ending for a day your mood is high! My neutral to low mood wasn’t the right time for it, because it had me in tears (no, it’s not sad or devastating or anything, just an emotional mood, but enough to get an unemotional reader in tears).

Absolutely another recommendation from me, as is every single one of her books I’ve read so far - but I still need to go back to the earliest titles in her catalogue, though the last few years worth are amazing! Also, thanks for the bonus content, that steamy scene, since these are normally closed door.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early copy - this is my honest feedback.

Happy publication day!

Isn't this my favorite Swiftie author? I love how smoothly Camilla Isley mentions Taylor Swift in all her novels and I'm here for it.

Also, how slick was she to add several characters from previous novels? Don't think I didn't notice. Dr. John Raikes from Baby One More Time, pretty much the entire cast of This Is Not a Holiday Romance, and The Love Algothim's Reese and Thomas (and K-2P).

Let's back to the story. Camilla Isley and fake dating? Fake marriage? HELL YES.

First of all, I had trouble understanding why Rowena, a newly unemployed, single, basically homeless person, wouldn't even consider an abortion. It made absolutely no sense and it was a stupid decision. Her ex was an abusive asshole who wanted absolutely nothing with her. She had no job, no opportunities, nothing. Except for Adrian's life-saving proposition.

It kind of made sense halfway through the story as Adrian finally got his shit together and wanted to change because of the baby but... seriously? It's the 21st century. 2025. An abortion could've avoided all her problems.

I know Isley mostly writes closed-door romances, but she does so well writing anticipatory scenes that usually end up with one of the two turning down everything, so when they finally do it, we get nothing.

To be honest, I loved the book, because Isley's writing is always so fun and easy to engage and understand the characters, but please. Let's get rid of the third-act breakup that makes no sense. In this case, Rowena freaked out over nothing. I get it, hormones, blah blah. But after he specifically told her he was "all in," she freaked out about what "all in" means. It was more than enough. No one can guarantee us forever. He specifically told her he wanted to be there for her in the moment, and that's all you can ask.

Real rating: 3.5 stars.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

Another gorgeous story that gets off to a flying start. It is not the most romantic of meetings, as their initial encounter is a result of using neighbouring bathroom stalls. Adrian is reeling after telling his boss that he has a pregnant fiancée, and he will bring her to the forthcoming weekend in the Hamptons. The problem is that he doesn’t even have a girlfriend, let alone a pregnant fiancée.
Meanwhile, heartbroken and cursed with morning sickness, Rowena is in the next stall and decidedly unwell. Faced with the daunting fact that she is jobless and soon to be homeless, she’s at a desperately low ebb. Bizarrely, the incredibly handsome investment banker, Adrian, makes her an offer that she simply cannot refuse.
From the opening pages, it was obvious that I would love this book. The scenario was impeccably set, and Adrian’s decent proposal was the lifeline that she needed. Following their relationship was a lot of fun, and seeing them each develop feelings that weren’t part of the original agreement was a delight.
My heart went out to Rowan, and I could have happily cried for her as her life began to comprehensively fall apart. As a Brit, the thought of being away from the safety of our NHS leaves me with cold sweats, as even the pre-natal appointments would financially cripple me. Rowena’s arrangement with Adrian meant that she had no financial worries for the first six months after her baby was born. Perhaps as well when we met the ‘father’.
Adrian was a machine with his career focus and fixation on making money and taking over the reins when his boss retires. Finding Rowena was a gift from the universe, and he was nothing but generous with her needs and made her feel welcome from the first instance. Rowena has a fabulously supportive group of friends, and I loved how easily Adrian settled into that group.
I’m going to leave it there for fear of including any spoilers that may encroach on your enjoyment of this book. It’s highly recommended, fabulously romantic, and decidedly sexy.

A not so marriage of convenience....

Adrian invented a fiancee out of thin air.
Rowena, a software engineer is suddenly unemployed, pregnant and no baby daddy in the picture.
These two agree to a no feels arrangement. Of course they are gonna catch feels.

When investment banker Adrian and software engineer Rowena started the day, they didn’t expect to end it engaged! Adrian has invented a fake fiancée to impress his CEO and immediately wonders how he will extract himself from a lie. When he meets Rowena in a interesting fashion, she has just found out that she is pregnant to an ex-boyfriend and has lost her job, leaving her in a dire financial situation. Adrian blindly suggests that they have a fake engagement, only to lead to a proposal and marriage. All they have to do is last six months in the relationship before going their separate ways, which proves quite difficult.
Another great Camilla Isley romance with plenty of sweet moments. Both characters are good people who manage to establish a strong relationship despite its beginnings. Their respect and care for each other is genuine and their romance unfolds quite naturally. I would have liked to have had more development at the later stages of Rowena’s pregnancy as I felt that there was a bit of a gap in the book’s progression.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.