Member Reviews
I LOVE Camilla Isley books and this was no exception. I was SO excited to see a cameo of Reese and Thomas. This was a sweet story of a fake romance turned real-- I couldn't exactly figure out what the conflict would be at the end, so it kept me guessing. I will continue to read all Isley puts out as soon as she does.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an invitation to read and review this eARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing this book, with my honest review below.
It’s no secret I love Camilla Isley’s books, and despite the fact that she somehow manages to write so many (thank you, please continue) they never go down in terms of quality of writing or the inventiveness of the story. Similarly, all characters stay wholly unique and yet I always adore each one. It’s a mystery, but here we are with If the Ring Fits and once again it’s another book that I loved reading.
Funny and squeeze your heart sweet, If the Ring Fits sees Rowena wrapping up a great day that sees her newly fired and deemed pregnant (won’t the father being her emotionally abusive king jerk ex) with some morning sickness in the afternoon in her ex employer’s building lobby. I’d be nauseous too if I knew I’d have to move back to Idaho away from my best friends due penguin and jobless due to the very real possibility of not making rent. Enter Adrian, similarly nauseous due to his lie to his boss that he has a pregnant finance. Why would he lie about that? Well Adrian is an investment banker who has a shot at being CEO of his firm, only he heard his boss say he’s going with the guy with the family as he’ll understand and care for the people of the firm due to this touchpoint with humanity.
Naturally the only solution here is for Adrian to proposition to Rowena in a little ‘pull the wool over everyone’s eyes’ which benefits her in that it keeps her in the city. I never said Camilla writes believable stories, but the fantasy of it works for me, as it does here. Blending lots of spice and lost of heart, this story was the sweetest escapism with absolutely lovely characters. I can’t wait for the next one!
4.75⭐
An amazing story with marriage of convenience, fake relationship, and very real feelings! The story started cliche enough, but the writing was so good that I was hooked. I loved how it did not follow the typical billionaire romance plot and had its own quirks and twists.
I loved Rowena and Adrian, the way they enhanced each other when they were together. I especially loved the fact that Adrian was NOT a typical grump who only scowled except when he was with the heroine. No, Adrian was a workaholic, a ruthless businessman, but not a grump - which made me love his character even more. Rowena felt so relatable and I loved how sass and compassion.
However, there were a few scenes when it was narrated what was happening instead of showing. For example, when Rowena says to her roommates/besties about her situation - that scene is just narrated, not really explained with dialogues and reactions of each character. Those kinda scenes made me feel disconnected from the story since it didn't show much about the other characters involved and how they feel. Also, it felt like I was not there in that scene, if you know what I mean. The story happens, which helps you visualize what is going on very clearly. But when there are scenes like this, it just informs you the story with much less details, which rather feels like a summary than a story.
Otherwise, it was a very funny and heart touching book. I'm surely gonna try out other books by this author.
I loved going on this delicious journey with Rowena Taylor as she navigates a journey of self discovery and finding love. Rowena’s life is quickly turned upside down when her boyfriend breaks up with her, she’s fired from her job and finds out she’s pregnant. She meets Adrian West and finds herself seriously considering a fake marriage proposal to secure some stability for herself and her unborn baby. Very quickly Rowena starts to fall for Adrian. Could this fake marriage actually be something real?
The story is far fetched but I actually loved that about it. It’s not everyday that we meet a sexy, rich financial banker that proposes marriage within the first twenty minutes of meeting. Rowena find herself in a tough situation and had to overcome the negative voices in her head. I was rooting for her when she started to find herself passion for her work again and not compromising herself to fit the mold of a working woman with a child. Adrian was supportive along the way, albeit not so great with the communication. He also grew along the way, realizing that he really could have it all if he learned to let love in. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy. It’s such an endearing story and I highly recommend it.
If the Ring Fits by Camilla Isley is a delightful, modern twist on the classic Cinderella tale that absolutely charmed me from start to finish. This enchanting story brings all the magic, humor, and swoon-worthy romance that Isley is known for, wrapped up in a witty, feel-good package.
I loved how Isley gave a contemporary flair to the fairy tale while keeping the heart of the story intact. The heroine, with her relatable quirks and endearing resilience, felt like someone you’d root for in real life. The hero? Total book boyfriend material—charismatic, kind, and perfectly imperfect. Their chemistry was sizzling yet sweet, making every interaction a treat to read.
What set this book apart for me was Isley’s clever humor and vibrant prose. The banter between the characters was pitch-perfect, and the emotional moments were just as impactful. The pacing was spot-on, keeping me hooked without ever feeling rushed. I also adored the side characters, who added depth and a touch of extra magic to the story.
As someone who loves romance with a dash of fairy-tale whimsy, this book hit all the right notes. It’s the perfect escape for anyone who wants to believe in the power of love, second chances, and happily-ever-afters.
Highly recommend for fans of romantic comedies and lighthearted fairy-tale retellings. Camilla Isley has delivered yet another gem, and I can’t wait to read what she writes next!
Everything you could hope for all in one book!
Funny
Sexy
Too many variables to be totally predictable but assured of a HEA
Friends
Enemy/adversary
Brilliant minds
Marriage of convenience with an expiration date
Healthy pregnancy
End of contract trouble
Written by an author who isn't afraid to make her heroines smart and confident and the heroes smart and supportive, the results are always engaging but over too soon. I loved that there was additional content. As usual with this author, I had a difficult time finding a spot that I was willing to put the book down. Finally decided around 2 A.M. when I read the last page. :)
Special appreciation to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read and review this book. All comments are my opinions, and I hope they will encourage others to enjoy this terrific book!
To land the big promotion, Adrian West invented a pregnant fiancée, and now he’s just met someone who can perfectly play the part. Suddenly unemployed and expecting her ex’s baby, Rowena Taylor sees that a fake engagement may enable her to stay in NYC as a single mom. Living two separate lives during their agreement sounded easy on paper, but as the weeks unfold, Adrian and Rowena must face their shifting feelings and changing visions for what their marriage could become.
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While I typically avoid books that include pregnancy, I decided to give the topic another try and see how it would integrate with a marriage-of-convenience story line. I’m glad that I gave If the Ring Fits a chance, because it’s a lovely RomCom full of heart and laughter.
Adrian’s evolution from a work consumed CIO to an attentive family man was enjoyable to watch. I also appreciated Rowena shedding the echoes of her past relationship and embracing what a supportive partner means for both her family and her career. The narrative structure of a dual POV built delicious emotional and sexual tension leading up to the decision of whether they’re both all in. While it was a closed-door romance, there is an open-door epilogue for the interested reader (like me!).
I did find the ending a bit rushed. The chapters started to jump months at a time versus the earlier daily/weekly chapters. There were a few paragraphs that summarized those timeframes, but we only see them told from Rowena’s POV. Being told what happened instead of being shown made me feel less connected to the characters’ experiences at the end of the book.
Overall, I’m glad that I gave If the Ring Fits a chance. It was a lovely story of how love grows, families are formed, and that having a family and a career are not mutually exclusive.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book for my review.
Content Warnings: Vomit, Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression
if the ring fits is a very quick, fun and entertaining read for all of the romance readers, who enjoy tropes like fake marriage, unplanned pregnancy and a little bit of a small burn. It was written in a very easy and enjoyable language and is a perfect pallete cleanser or if you just want to have a quick read to get your mind off of the real mundane live.
3,5 stars!
3.5 stars
Tropes:
forced proximity
pretend dating/marriage
one bed
billionaire MMC
age gap (11 years)
Triggers: Postpartum depression, previous toxic relationship
Not a novel/unique concept, but was still a cute book. Adrian was seemingly very career-oriented and emotionally detached but actually has a heart of gold and very emotionally intelligent. I really liked Rowena's characters and liked how she was pursuing her dreams in a male-dominated field while she was pregnant. The book has dual POV, so you can see how they both pine and develop true feelings for each other throughout the book. They share a lot of great moments where Adrian becomes a source of comfort and support for Rowena, especially after her pregnancy. The ending was heartwarming, and there's also a bonus spicy chapter if that's your thing.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Awww this book is so sweet I loved it. So far my favorite read, I like how they didn’t just portray a picture perfect family but one with flaws. It was amazing
📖💍 If the Ring Fits by Camilla Isley 💍📖
You guys… STOP what you're doing and read If the Ring Fits! 😍 This book is EVERYTHING you didn’t know you needed—chaotic meet cute? ✅ Fake engagement gone hilariously wrong? ✅ Only one bed AND forced proximity? ✅ Adrian and Rowena are the definition of a hot mess express, and I loved every single second of it.
Adrian? Ultimate grumpy millionaire who makes bad decisions (like lying about a fiancée). Rowena? A STEM queen who's down on her luck and isn't afraid to roll with the punches. Together? Sparks fly. Chaos ensues. Feelings are definitely caught.
It’s laugh out loud funny, sweet enough to melt your heart, and has just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. Plus, the age gap dynamic gives it that extra spice we all love! 🌶️
If you’re obsessed with Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams, or Fallon Ballard, this is your next binge worthy read. Get ready for giggles, swoons, and a romance that’s equal parts messy and magical. 💕
✨Rating: 4/5 stars
✨Tropes: Fake relationship, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, STEM FMC, multi-millionaire MMC
✨Vibe: Rom com chaos meets heartfelt feels
Thank you to NetGalley, Camilla Isley, and Boldwood Books for the eARC of this book.
A great book . Adrian and Rowena meet at the most strange place but they end up agreeing to fake marry . Rowena in the same day she learn that she is pregnant from from her ex boyfriend and she get fired from her job . Adrian is a successful investment banker but when he discover that his boss consider when he retires to make his rival the next CEO because he is having a family he tells him that he is engaged and that they expecting a baby . When they both end up at the public bathrooms of their building throwing up at the next stalls and sharing their problems they agree to marry . They will be married for six months until he can get the position . Living together brings them closer and while he tries no to be attacted he falls for her and her baby .
I received this book from netgalley , the author and the publicer as an ARC . Thank you . All thoughts and opinions are my own .
Another great book from the fabulous Camilla Isley!
In this novel we follow FMC Rowena and MMC Adrian. On the same day, Rowena is fired and finds out she is pregnant with her verbally abusive ex boyfriend’s baby. Meanwhile, Adrian finds out he is in the running to take over as CEO but probably won’t win because he is not a family man. The two main characters meet in the bathroom while spewing up their lunches. Adrian quickly concocts a plan for Rowena to play his fake pregnant fiancée to show his boss he truly is committed to work and a family. In exchange, Rowena has a place to stay and the promise of future help monetarily. Neither expects to fall in love, but the heart wants what the heart wants.
I literally devoured this novel. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. I was also so happy to see some of her other characters make a reappearance. This makes me want to reread all my Isley books!
I thought Rowena was a strong female character. I appreciated that while she was strong she wasn’t afraid to ask for help. Adrian was a great male lead. I was hesitant about the 11-year age gap (her 28 and him 39), but it didn’t seem to be an issue.
What I didn’t like about this novel (and what caused me to knock off one star) are the time jumps at the end. There are 44 chapters in this book. Chapters 2-39 take place through weeks 7-22 of her pregnancy. Then all of a sudden we jump 4 months ahead in chapter 40. Then another 3 months a chapter or two later. It was just too much. There was a ton of miscommunication in those chapters between those characters (which we don’t see), and I think it would be better to understand if we were shown what was happening. Instead they get married, then they are suddenly married for 4 months and Rowena gives birth, and then we are 3 Months into Soleil’s life and Rowena is struggling…it’s just rough when it is Telling us rather than Showing us what is going on.
One thing I didn’t like at first was the lack of chemistry on Adrian’s end, but this does pick up at the 50% mark and I found it believable. So if about one started this and thinks “where is the spicy and attraction on his part” just give it some time. I didn’t take any stars for this.
I honestly loved this book. Isley’s writing gets better and better with each book. I’m crossing my fingers that Hunter and Dylan are the next couple in line for a novel!!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
This was a unusual but nonetheless very sweet romance. The book starts with Rowena and Adrian at a lawyer‘s office in the midst of getting a divorce. BAM! Then it tells the story of how those two became a couple, a fake one at first but then of course real feelings develop.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The main characters were both likable from the start and I for one am a real fan of the fake-dating-turns-real-trope. I especially enjoyed „meeting“ the characters from „The Love Algorithm“ again and I cannot wait to read Hunter‘s and Dylan‘s story next.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC of If the Ring Fits in exchange for an honest and independent review.
Let me just come right out and yell from the rooftops, "I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!!" I loved this book so so much, which is not a surprise considering I absolutely loved the first book in this series as well, This is Not a Holiday Romance. That being said, you do not need to have read the first book to absolutely fall in love with this book or have complete understanding how the characters connect, but in all honestly, I'm telling you to read the first book because they are both wonderful!
Who doesn't love a millionaire, fake engagement, forced proximity, one bed love story for the ages? Also, I loved the little plot twist of our FMC, Rowena, being pregnant prior to meeting Adrian, which makes Adrian's feelings and protectiveness towards Rowena all that much more adorable and swoon-worthy. (This is NOT a spoiler, you find this out almost immediately so don't freak out!).
Right off the bat, you find yourself relating with Rowena's emotions on a very deep level. Not only is she pregnant with her asshole ex-boyfriends child, but she has lost her job and is facing the very real possibility of needing to leave New York because it's a lifestyle she can no longer afford. She walks the reader through her thoughts and emotions so well that you almost feel as if you are in our FMC's exact same position, instead of just being an observer looking in from the outside. You also cannot help but fall for Adrian's character as well. He is such a stand up guy who honestly just wants to do right by Rowena. Even though their arrangement does benefit him as well, I honestly feel that he's taken every measure to first and foremost protect Rowena, which officially puts him in the very top percentile of my favorite book boyfriends.
I would be remiss if I also didn't point out that I want to give Camilla a standing ovation for addressing Post Partum Depression through her work and normalizing it instead of assigning a stigma to it. As a mom who has experienced PPD with one out of my three pregnancies, one of my biggest charges in life is to normalize the conversation surrounding it so we can help lift each other up. PPD is real, it's down right terrifying, it feels hopeless, but it's more common that anyone even knows because so many moms don't feel comfortable talking about it. There is a way out and the first step to that is talking about it and normalizing it so more moms are encouraged to seek help early on and form a strong support system around them. *Steps off soapbox*
At the end of the day, I didn't want to put this book down. I read it over the course of about 24 hours and it was exactly what I needed to lift my spirits. Camilla Isley is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors of 2024 and I sincerely hope she will grace us with a third installment in this series. Mark you calendars! If the Ring Fits hits shelves Jan 25th, 2025!
I must have been living under a rock for not having read anything by Camilla Isley before. This book was exactly what I needed. 😌
Rowena and Adrian have their meet cute while puking in neighboring stalls in a public restroom. How romantic 🥰. Rowena just found out that she’s pregnant and then she lost her job. As luck would have it, Adrian desperately needs a fake pregnant fiancée, so they struck a deal.
This book had all the right tropes,
- single mom
- fake dating
- marriage of convenience,
and they were executed beautifully. Even the eleven years age gap didn’t irk me, maybe because 28 and 39 hits differently than, say 18 and 29. Rowena and Adrian had great chemistry and I loved them together. I have a soft spot for guys who think they’re not relationship material and then they excel at it. I also loved that Rowena still pursued her career even though Adrian was very wealthy and they had a baby.
Not sure what I should say about the spice, this was closed door, but there’s a spicy bonus chapter, so I guess it’s a Schrödinger's door. It makes sense since it’s about a woman in STEM.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
TW postpartum depression
Thank you so so much to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this arc! I was just thinking of Camilla Isley a few days ago because I was wondering if she had any new releases and to my delight I received an email with this arc. Anytime I read anything from this author, I'm always like "spectacular, give me 14 of them right now". This book did not disappoint at all! Adrian was so sweet and thoughtful. I just simply could not put this down. Reading about Rowena and Adrian falling in love made me jealous cause when is it my turn?! I was so happy to also see some characters from "The Love Algorithm" including the very charming K-2P.. If you love the arranged marriage with an age gap trope then this is for you!
Rowana acaba de ser despedida justo cuando se entera de su embarazo, y para colmo, el padre del niño no quiere hacerse responsable, por lo que se encuentra en una situación complicada. Por suerte, conoce a Adrián en un elevador, quien necesita una prometida embarazada porque quiere un ascenso. Como el CEO es un hombre de familia, Adrián pensó que le prestaría más atención si estuviera casado. Así que, cuando la situación se complica, él ve esto como la solución a sus problemas: él podrá obtener ese ascenso y ella no tendrá que preocuparse por el dinero.
Disfruté del libro y me gustó que su relación se desarrollara de forma lenta. Eso sí, hay mucha falta de comunicación, al punto de querer cachetearlos por no hablar.
Espero que, en el libro de Hunter y Dylan, ella salga con alguien más, lo haga sufrir un poco y le dé celos. Otra cosa que espero es que él no esté interesado en ella hasta después, porque se vería mal que estuviera de novio con otra, que la llevara a su casa (que comparte con Hunter) y estuviera enamorado de ella; eso sería un gran no.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book 2 in the series and another home run! This is Rowena and Adrian’s story. Honestly, Adrian has to be one of my favorite rich MMC - he didn’t annoy me with his money and I didn’t feel it took “too long” for him to have any revelations. They marry in a marriage of convenience (she lost her job and is pregnant and he needs to convince his boss he is human enough to be CEO). Honestly, I need a third book on Hunter/Dylan!
Another fun and quick read from Camilla Isley - but don't think that this doesn't mean that this story doesn't have heart and depth. This story has some of my favorite tropes with fake marriage, forced proximity, slowburn, and the classic only one bed. Rowena is a plucky heroine trying to do right by her future child while navigating her own personal and professional dreams and Adrian is the swoonworthy supporting Rowena in every way while chasing his own dreams and navigating how his surprise new relationship could completely alter his priorities. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.