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True Love #1
Not in a Billion Years
She's a self-made fitness sensation. He's a billionaire mogul. They're sworn enemies and rivals... aren't they?
Blake Avery knows all about hard work. She’s gone from making videos in her teenage bedroom to founding a booming fitness business and opening a state-of-the-art Manhattan gym. Now she’s on the cusp of realizing her wildest dreams, and she’s not going to let anyone stand in her way. Certainly not man-of-the-hour Gabriel Mercer.
He might be one of the biggest names in the fitness world and set women’s pulses soaring more than a grueling HIIT workout, but he grew up in a billionaire dynasty and had everything handed to him – or so Blake thinks.
But when Blake publicly criticizes Gabriel, she sparks a feud that neither entrepreneur is willing to back down from. And in an industry that seems determined to keep pushing them together, can Blake hold on to her grudge? Or will she finally warm up to Gabriel's charm?
Blake Avery knows all about hard work. She’s gone from making videos in her teenage bedroom to founding a booming fitness business and opening a state-of-the-art Manhattan gym. Now she’s on the cusp of realizing her wildest dreams, and she’s not going to let anyone stand in her way. Certainly not man-of-the-hour Gabriel Mercer.
He might be one of the biggest names in the fitness world and set women’s pulses soaring more than a grueling HIIT workout, but he grew up in a billionaire dynasty and had everything handed to him – or so Blake thinks.
But when Blake publicly criticizes Gabriel, she sparks a feud that neither entrepreneur is willing to back down from. And in an industry that seems determined to keep pushing them together, can Blake hold on to her grudge? Or will she finally warm up to Gabriel's charm?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2023
918 people are currently reading
25682 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Isley
54 books2,921 followers
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you're a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 487 reviews
September 7, 2023
3.5 stars
Blake Avery is a fitness sensation, committed to health and wellness. She worked her way to the top through hard work, dedication, exercise videos, social media, and word of mouth. Gabriel Mercer is a billionaire mogul. He believes in real estate and knows how to make money. He grew up enjoying a life of privilege but after college worked hard to make a name for himself in the fitness world.
When they meet, both make assumptions about the other. Both will find that there is more to the other than meets the eye!
This was an engaging and fun book about first impressions, hard work, rivalry, healthy competition and being vulnerable. Both main characters are likeable as are the supporting characters. From their meetcute to the very last page, this was an enjoyable and fun read.
I loved their banter, their phone messages, their rivalry, and their drive to be their best. I also enjoyed that there are chapters dedicated to each character making it easy for readers to know each character's POV.
Well written, engaging, witty and cute.
#NotInABillionYears #NetGalley #Boldwoodbooks
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 15, 2023
on the importance of plastic free packaging... how poor shopping choices need not linger beyond the repayment installments
May 2, 2024
A super cute and easy to read rom-com, start of a new series.
September 1, 2024
Pros:
-- rivalry done well (considering it's about competing gym owners, that's saying a lot!)
-- really fun banter
-- nice chemistry
-- interesting secondary characters
-- aspirational lifestyle/business smarts/social media portrayed believably, among the best examples I've come across in contemporary romance
-- she is smart, determined, and sticks to her principles FOR REAL, not the half-hearted way some heroines do
-- he respects her and is the one who commits first
Cons:
-- it loses momentum about halfway through. They're at a conference, it's done well, and then a bunch of overused tropes get thrown in without conviction (forced proximity, mildly stalkery/controlling behavior, etc.) and it sorta drags from there.
-- some noticeable typos
-- weirdly square language. Like I haven't experienced this many "gosh" "darn" and "hecks" like...ever. Not in 1950s children's books, not in 70s/80s YA, not in fade-to black romances, not in a weekend’s Leave it to Beaver marathon.
I have to admit, that last con became really distracting to me--at first, it was mildly amusing, maybe even a touch charming, but there is so much of it, and it is so weirdly old-fashioned and mannered, that every time it happened, it really took me out of the story. This won't bother everyone, but it did chafe for me.
I have zero problems with books that are not explicit or show characters who are more reserved, formal, whatever, but I do tend to stay away from books specifically labeled "clean" because there's usually a whole host of other issues that come along with that. I dug a little after all those folksy non-swears and found that the author has referred to her books as "clean," but I'm glad I didn't know that ahead of time, since this one manages to be modern, feminist, fun, and sex-positive despite that. I just found the language got under my skin.
3.5 stars If the momentum of the first excellent half had been sustained, and if the down-home exclamations had just been cut out altogether, this would have been rated higher. Willing to try some of her others, though, there are a lot of smarts and sparks in this despite my issues.
-- rivalry done well (considering it's about competing gym owners, that's saying a lot!)
-- really fun banter
-- nice chemistry
-- interesting secondary characters
-- aspirational lifestyle/business smarts/social media portrayed believably, among the best examples I've come across in contemporary romance
-- she is smart, determined, and sticks to her principles FOR REAL, not the half-hearted way some heroines do
-- he respects her and is the one who commits first
Cons:
-- it loses momentum about halfway through. They're at a conference, it's done well, and then a bunch of overused tropes get thrown in without conviction (forced proximity, mildly stalkery/controlling behavior, etc.) and it sorta drags from there.
-- some noticeable typos
-- weirdly square language. Like I haven't experienced this many "gosh" "darn" and "hecks" like...ever. Not in 1950s children's books, not in 70s/80s YA, not in fade-to black romances, not in a weekend’s Leave it to Beaver marathon.
I have to admit, that last con became really distracting to me--at first, it was mildly amusing, maybe even a touch charming, but there is so much of it, and it is so weirdly old-fashioned and mannered, that every time it happened, it really took me out of the story. This won't bother everyone, but it did chafe for me.
I have zero problems with books that are not explicit or show characters who are more reserved, formal, whatever, but I do tend to stay away from books specifically labeled "clean" because there's usually a whole host of other issues that come along with that. I dug a little after all those folksy non-swears and found that the author has referred to her books as "clean," but I'm glad I didn't know that ahead of time, since this one manages to be modern, feminist, fun, and sex-positive despite that. I just found the language got under my skin.
3.5 stars If the momentum of the first excellent half had been sustained, and if the down-home exclamations had just been cut out altogether, this would have been rated higher. Willing to try some of her others, though, there are a lot of smarts and sparks in this despite my issues.
August 29, 2025
Nothing really new or interesting, feels like I’ve read it all before.
September 6, 2023
Not In A Billion Years was such a delight to read, I flew through it and finished it in one sitting.
Blake Avery is a self made entrepeuner, she faught to reach the peack. She is a lot judgemental towards the wealthy people who come from rich families that have a smoothed road to become even richer. When she says some not flattering things about a business competitor, Gabriel Mercer, in an interview, they have an interesting first face to face meeting. Will Gabriel make Blake change her mind about him?
You have to absolutely meet Blake and Gabriel. At the first glance she might appear overcritical and fussy, and he seems arrogant and conceited, actually they are two strong, witty and independent persons.
I liked the characters' dynamics, their relationship is so much fun and romantic. It's nice to see how they bring the best out of each other.
Camilla Isley wrote a very good story, with lively characters and humorous situations that keep the readers entertained and put a big smile on their faces.
I highly recommend to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
September 5, 2023
I liked the premise of the story and I really liked the banter between the two MCs, but there was no chemistry. This made the 180 from enemies-to-lovers feel very quick and rather unbelievable to me.
My favourite character was Thomas, the brother of the MMC.
My favourite character was Thomas, the brother of the MMC.
Read
September 6, 2023Not in a Billion Years is out now at all wide bookstores and also in Kindle Unlimited:
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookstores and audiobook links
Do you enjoy banter between characters?
For me, it's one of my favorite aspects of a novel to read and write, especially when it's in an enemies to lovers setting.
This novel has a lot of banter. In this slow burn rom-com the tension is palpable ... Just to give you a sneak peak:
Gabriel: She walks right up to me, getting too close for anyone’s comfort, and neatly attaches the Post-it note to my jacket’s pocket. Not content with the already too intimate gesture, she smooths a finger over the glued section, making sure it perfectly sticks to the fabric. A slow current flows from where she’s touching my chest to the organ behind my ribcage. I’m not sure what her game is, but I can’t shake the sensation she’d rather give me a heart attack than seduce me.
Blake: Nothing could prepare me for the appearance of Gabriel in a black tux. His hair is swept back tonight, his chiseled jaw shaved clean. Dark eyes on me. Full lips curled up in a cocky grin. The man is a work of art, and if he were to be assigned a label like the rest of the pieces exposed in the museum, his would read: Alpha board member specimen of the twenty-first century, known for his power to melt the underwear off women with a single stare. Believed not to be used to hearing the word no.
And another final tidbit of dialog:
Blake
Gabriel makes a mock-hurt face. “Don’t my vulnerabilities make me more attractive?” He accompanies the question with a waggling of his eyebrows.
“No.” I chuckle. “Just more risky.”
He smirks. “I might be human and therefore undatable?”
I point a finger at him. “You have heartbreak written all over those cute dimples, so thanks, but no, thanks.”
“Ah, I see.”
“See what?”
“You feel the attraction, but are too scared to put yourself out there. What is it, fear of getting hurt, of not being in control?”
“How about you choose whatever explanation you prefer as long as you leave me alone?” I ask, all fake sweetness. “It’s late and I still have stuff to do.”
“My job here is done. You’re fed.”
He grabs his suit jacket. I take in the wrinkled fabric again, how normal it makes him look, and I’m surer than ever that I’m making the right call. If I discovered this man’s vulnerabilities, saw his bed hair, or heard his still-groggy-with-sleep voice, I don’t think I’d come out the other side alive if he ever ended things with me.
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookstores and audiobook links
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookstores and audiobook links
Do you enjoy banter between characters?
For me, it's one of my favorite aspects of a novel to read and write, especially when it's in an enemies to lovers setting.
This novel has a lot of banter. In this slow burn rom-com the tension is palpable ... Just to give you a sneak peak:
Gabriel: She walks right up to me, getting too close for anyone’s comfort, and neatly attaches the Post-it note to my jacket’s pocket. Not content with the already too intimate gesture, she smooths a finger over the glued section, making sure it perfectly sticks to the fabric. A slow current flows from where she’s touching my chest to the organ behind my ribcage. I’m not sure what her game is, but I can’t shake the sensation she’d rather give me a heart attack than seduce me.
Blake: Nothing could prepare me for the appearance of Gabriel in a black tux. His hair is swept back tonight, his chiseled jaw shaved clean. Dark eyes on me. Full lips curled up in a cocky grin. The man is a work of art, and if he were to be assigned a label like the rest of the pieces exposed in the museum, his would read: Alpha board member specimen of the twenty-first century, known for his power to melt the underwear off women with a single stare. Believed not to be used to hearing the word no.
And another final tidbit of dialog:
Blake
Gabriel makes a mock-hurt face. “Don’t my vulnerabilities make me more attractive?” He accompanies the question with a waggling of his eyebrows.
“No.” I chuckle. “Just more risky.”
He smirks. “I might be human and therefore undatable?”
I point a finger at him. “You have heartbreak written all over those cute dimples, so thanks, but no, thanks.”
“Ah, I see.”
“See what?”
“You feel the attraction, but are too scared to put yourself out there. What is it, fear of getting hurt, of not being in control?”
“How about you choose whatever explanation you prefer as long as you leave me alone?” I ask, all fake sweetness. “It’s late and I still have stuff to do.”
“My job here is done. You’re fed.”
He grabs his suit jacket. I take in the wrinkled fabric again, how normal it makes him look, and I’m surer than ever that I’m making the right call. If I discovered this man’s vulnerabilities, saw his bed hair, or heard his still-groggy-with-sleep voice, I don’t think I’d come out the other side alive if he ever ended things with me.
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookstores and audiobook links
June 10, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Honestly nothing special, it was a typical romance that I borrowed from Amazon Prime!
Loved the spunky, hard ass attitude of the FMC, Blake!
We love a slow burn and when the man falls first 😍
Honestly nothing special, it was a typical romance that I borrowed from Amazon Prime!
Loved the spunky, hard ass attitude of the FMC, Blake!
We love a slow burn and when the man falls first 😍
September 9, 2023
Started off well, dropped off 50% of the way through and got a bit flat from there. Hated the epilogue, sorry.
Read
May 16, 2024I really loved writing the enemies to lovers, slow-burn of this couple... the book is available in Kindle Unlimited and also at all other online bookstores:
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookstores and audiobook links
Do you enjoy banter between characters?
For me, it's one of my favorite aspects of a novel to read and write, especially when it's in an enemies to lovers setting.
This novel has a lot of banter. And the enemies to lovers tension is one of my sizzliest ... Just to give you a sneak peak:
Gabriel: She walks right up to me, getting too close for anyone’s comfort, and neatly attaches the Post-it note to my jacket’s pocket. Not content with the already too intimate gesture, she smooths a finger over the glued section, making sure it perfectly sticks to the fabric. A slow current flows from where she’s touching my chest to the organ behind my ribcage. I’m not sure what her game is, but I can’t shake the sensation she’d rather give me a heart attack than seduce me.
Blake: Nothing could prepare me for the appearance of Gabriel in a black tux. His hair is swept back tonight, his chiseled jaw shaved clean. Dark eyes on me. Full lips curled up in a cocky grin. The man is a work of art, and if he were to be assigned a label like the rest of the pieces exposed in the museum, his would read: Alpha board member specimen of the twenty-first century, known for his power to melt the underwear off women with a single stare. Believed not to be used to hearing the word no.
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookstores and audiobook links
Do you enjoy banter between characters?
For me, it's one of my favorite aspects of a novel to read and write, especially when it's in an enemies to lovers setting.
This novel has a lot of banter. And the enemies to lovers tension is one of my sizzliest ... Just to give you a sneak peak:
Gabriel: She walks right up to me, getting too close for anyone’s comfort, and neatly attaches the Post-it note to my jacket’s pocket. Not content with the already too intimate gesture, she smooths a finger over the glued section, making sure it perfectly sticks to the fabric. A slow current flows from where she’s touching my chest to the organ behind my ribcage. I’m not sure what her game is, but I can’t shake the sensation she’d rather give me a heart attack than seduce me.
Blake: Nothing could prepare me for the appearance of Gabriel in a black tux. His hair is swept back tonight, his chiseled jaw shaved clean. Dark eyes on me. Full lips curled up in a cocky grin. The man is a work of art, and if he were to be assigned a label like the rest of the pieces exposed in the museum, his would read: Alpha board member specimen of the twenty-first century, known for his power to melt the underwear off women with a single stare. Believed not to be used to hearing the word no.
September 6, 2023
"Not In A Billion Years" by Camilla Isley offers readers a delightful enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy that defies expectations. The story revolves around Blake Avery, a self-made fitness sensation, and Gabriel Mercer, a billionaire mogul, who initially come across as sworn enemies and rivals. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes evident that there's more to their dynamic than meets the eye.
What makes this book stand out is the slow-burn romance that develops between Blake and Gabriel. Contrary to the initial impression of Gabriel being a grumpy character, the story paints a more nuanced picture of their relationship, filled with witty and engaging dialogues. This slow-burn aspect adds depth to their connection, making the eventual romance all the more satisfying.
While the book offers a captivating exploration of Blake and Gabriel's evolving relationship, some readers might find the extensive focus on job details a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, it's a minor setback in an otherwise quick and enjoyable read.
Overall, "Not In A Billion Years" is a charming romantic comedy that keeps you engaged with its engaging characters and the intriguing evolution of their relationship. Camilla Isley's storytelling prowess shines through in this entertaining tale of love, rivalry, and personal growth.
What makes this book stand out is the slow-burn romance that develops between Blake and Gabriel. Contrary to the initial impression of Gabriel being a grumpy character, the story paints a more nuanced picture of their relationship, filled with witty and engaging dialogues. This slow-burn aspect adds depth to their connection, making the eventual romance all the more satisfying.
While the book offers a captivating exploration of Blake and Gabriel's evolving relationship, some readers might find the extensive focus on job details a bit overwhelming. Nevertheless, it's a minor setback in an otherwise quick and enjoyable read.
Overall, "Not In A Billion Years" is a charming romantic comedy that keeps you engaged with its engaging characters and the intriguing evolution of their relationship. Camilla Isley's storytelling prowess shines through in this entertaining tale of love, rivalry, and personal growth.
October 25, 2023
The premise was good. The writing fell a bit flat.
All in all this book was not so great. I almost quit when Gabriel made the bullet proof vest comment because it was just ridiculous. But I’ve never done a hate-read, so I went with it. While I didn’t totally hate it, so much of it was just silly.
Way too many “Gabriel blah blah blah Mercer” nicknames. Way too many MGM references.
Chemistry read like a high school Junior wrote it. And what is a fish-eating grin? And “a rock and a hard chest”? I was wondering if this book was translated from another language because some verbiage was just weird.
The premise was really good. But I kept thinking “is this a YA novel?” And if it is, way to create extremely unrealistic expectations for young readers. The cheese factor was like a cheddar factory.
I also kept thinking “this author is obsessed with ‘50 Shades’ and ‘Succession’” and lo and behold, there were 16 references to 50 Shades. Almost like a 50 Shades rewrite with a heroine who wasn’t a numb skull.
Don’t recommend and probably will not read a book from this author in the future.
All in all this book was not so great. I almost quit when Gabriel made the bullet proof vest comment because it was just ridiculous. But I’ve never done a hate-read, so I went with it. While I didn’t totally hate it, so much of it was just silly.
Way too many “Gabriel blah blah blah Mercer” nicknames. Way too many MGM references.
Chemistry read like a high school Junior wrote it. And what is a fish-eating grin? And “a rock and a hard chest”? I was wondering if this book was translated from another language because some verbiage was just weird.
The premise was really good. But I kept thinking “is this a YA novel?” And if it is, way to create extremely unrealistic expectations for young readers. The cheese factor was like a cheddar factory.
I also kept thinking “this author is obsessed with ‘50 Shades’ and ‘Succession’” and lo and behold, there were 16 references to 50 Shades. Almost like a 50 Shades rewrite with a heroine who wasn’t a numb skull.
Don’t recommend and probably will not read a book from this author in the future.
September 5, 2023
This was an afternoon's reading, because with the exclusion of the last 15 percent, the story, though predictable and full of stereotypes, was extremely entertaining because of the banter full of sarcasm and humor between the two main characters.
Questa é stata la lettura di un pomeriggio, perché con l'esclusione dell'ultimo 15%, la storia, per quanto prevedibile e piena di stereotipi, era estremamente divertente per via dei battibecchi pieni di sarcasmo ed umorismo tra i due protagonisti.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Questa é stata la lettura di un pomeriggio, perché con l'esclusione dell'ultimo 15%, la storia, per quanto prevedibile e piena di stereotipi, era estremamente divertente per via dei battibecchi pieni di sarcasmo ed umorismo tra i due protagonisti.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
August 2, 2023
Camilla has done it again, a lighthearted romantic comedy with enemies to lovers, slow burn romance and hilarious banter.
'And if I got caught in a blaze with MGM, all that'd remain of me afterward would be ashes'.
Synopsis
Blake and Gabriel are both in the fitness industry, Blake is self-made, while Gabriel comes from money. When Blake makes a comment to an article about Gabriel coming from money - Gabriel sees red.
Venturing to confront Blake at her newly opened gym - he assumes 'Blake' is a man and asks to speak to her father. Low and behold, after a little game, Gabriel realises the woman he met was actually the Blake he was looking for.
But Gabriel can't think of anything or anyone else but her. He makes romantic gestures to try and capture her heart, even attending an advanced ballet class she teaches. But with two people at the top of their industry, will this work out in the long run, or will Blake be burned for letting her guard down.
Thoughts
I loved this book, just what you need as a lighthearted pick-me-up. I am always a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope, and the chemistry between Blake and Gabriel was sizzling.
You not only get invested in their story, but also the side characters stories - like Gabriel's brother, Thomas, and Blake's best friend, Marissa. I'm so excited to see their stories and follow their journey after this book!
This book is told in both Blake and Gabriel's POV which I always love - seeing inside the minds of both of them and what they're thinking. The texting between them was done really well too.
And the banter! So much good stuff in here that will have you smiling...
'There's still hope of making a proper Christian Grey out of you.'... 'Should I show you my playroom now, or do you want to wait until after dinner'.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this copy. This review is voluntary.
'And if I got caught in a blaze with MGM, all that'd remain of me afterward would be ashes'.
Synopsis
Blake and Gabriel are both in the fitness industry, Blake is self-made, while Gabriel comes from money. When Blake makes a comment to an article about Gabriel coming from money - Gabriel sees red.
Venturing to confront Blake at her newly opened gym - he assumes 'Blake' is a man and asks to speak to her father. Low and behold, after a little game, Gabriel realises the woman he met was actually the Blake he was looking for.
But Gabriel can't think of anything or anyone else but her. He makes romantic gestures to try and capture her heart, even attending an advanced ballet class she teaches. But with two people at the top of their industry, will this work out in the long run, or will Blake be burned for letting her guard down.
Thoughts
I loved this book, just what you need as a lighthearted pick-me-up. I am always a huge fan of the enemies to lovers trope, and the chemistry between Blake and Gabriel was sizzling.
You not only get invested in their story, but also the side characters stories - like Gabriel's brother, Thomas, and Blake's best friend, Marissa. I'm so excited to see their stories and follow their journey after this book!
This book is told in both Blake and Gabriel's POV which I always love - seeing inside the minds of both of them and what they're thinking. The texting between them was done really well too.
And the banter! So much good stuff in here that will have you smiling...
'There's still hope of making a proper Christian Grey out of you.'... 'Should I show you my playroom now, or do you want to wait until after dinner'.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this copy. This review is voluntary.
July 18, 2023
I love this cover and the enemies to lovers trope
September 1, 2023
A cute read! I was invested in Blake & Gabriel’s story 🥰
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Blake Avery is a self-made, super successful entrepreneur, taking the fitness space by storm online, and now opening her own gym. Her biggest rival - Gabriel Mercer. He’s a real estate billionaire set out to purchase all the prime locations, and open gyms there.
After an article is published with Blake publicly criticizing Gabriel, they finally meet. Sparks fly immediately, but Blake isn’t so willing to give in to that attraction - she’s got a business to focus on! That doesn’t stop Gabriel from doing everything in his power to get her to give him a chance.
I call this rivals/enemies-ish to lovers because it’s one-sided, and once they actually meet everything changes.
It was interesting to see the owner side of start-up companies, how they get their funding and how they get to be where they are.
Gabriel is persistent (at times a little TOO much), though it all comes from good intentions. Blake is a strong woman, holding her ground, until she just can’t deny the growing attraction any longer.
What you’ll find in Not in a Billion Years:
⭐️ Rivals/Enemies-ish to Lovers
⭐️ Insta-Lust
⭐️ Both entrepreneurs
⭐️ Both billionaires
⭐️ He falls first
⭐️ Different worlds (growing up)
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Slow burn
⭐️ Dual POV/first person
Looking forward to both Marissa & Thomas' stories! They were both super strong side characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced readers copy. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Blake Avery is a self-made, super successful entrepreneur, taking the fitness space by storm online, and now opening her own gym. Her biggest rival - Gabriel Mercer. He’s a real estate billionaire set out to purchase all the prime locations, and open gyms there.
After an article is published with Blake publicly criticizing Gabriel, they finally meet. Sparks fly immediately, but Blake isn’t so willing to give in to that attraction - she’s got a business to focus on! That doesn’t stop Gabriel from doing everything in his power to get her to give him a chance.
I call this rivals/enemies-ish to lovers because it’s one-sided, and once they actually meet everything changes.
It was interesting to see the owner side of start-up companies, how they get their funding and how they get to be where they are.
Gabriel is persistent (at times a little TOO much), though it all comes from good intentions. Blake is a strong woman, holding her ground, until she just can’t deny the growing attraction any longer.
What you’ll find in Not in a Billion Years:
⭐️ Rivals/Enemies-ish to Lovers
⭐️ Insta-Lust
⭐️ Both entrepreneurs
⭐️ Both billionaires
⭐️ He falls first
⭐️ Different worlds (growing up)
⭐️ Forced proximity
⭐️ Slow burn
⭐️ Dual POV/first person
Looking forward to both Marissa & Thomas' stories! They were both super strong side characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced readers copy. All opinions are my own.
September 9, 2023
I have loved every single book I’ve read by this author and this one was no different. I love how her women are strong minded and always front and centre as opposed to being a damsel in distress.
Blake Avery is a brilliant character to get behind and while Gabriel did have a few red flags with his behaviour, it was all for good reason, well in his eyes at least. Blake certainly doesn’t let him get away with any of it either and one scene really made me chuckle. If you know you know!
An enemies to lovers trope with two people who think they are the complete opposites but actually have more in common than they think. The business side of things makes this a smart but fun read packed with humour and just the right amount of sizzle and spice. If I wasn’t such a lazy queen Gabriel might even make me consider joining his gym, sorry Blake.
Some brilliant supporting characters with Blake’s best friend Marissa, Gabriel’s assistant Mila and my personal favourite his brother Thomas. So I’m over the moon that there are more books to come.
Blake Avery is a brilliant character to get behind and while Gabriel did have a few red flags with his behaviour, it was all for good reason, well in his eyes at least. Blake certainly doesn’t let him get away with any of it either and one scene really made me chuckle. If you know you know!
An enemies to lovers trope with two people who think they are the complete opposites but actually have more in common than they think. The business side of things makes this a smart but fun read packed with humour and just the right amount of sizzle and spice. If I wasn’t such a lazy queen Gabriel might even make me consider joining his gym, sorry Blake.
Some brilliant supporting characters with Blake’s best friend Marissa, Gabriel’s assistant Mila and my personal favourite his brother Thomas. So I’m over the moon that there are more books to come.
October 16, 2023
why do so many books have cute covers but really bad writing inside
June 17, 2024
wish i could say it got better as it progressed but why did it feel like this whole book took place in the time span of a week and like just why in general....
May 27, 2024
This was really bad. I only finished it because I hate dnf-Ing books and I was skimming in the later half. Pregnancy trope? Really? ??? After she explicitly said she doesn’t wanna have kids right now and yet 9 months later here we are? It’s just lazy. Aghhh, never again.
January 21, 2024
3-3.5 stars. This was okay enough, the story was fine although the whole billionaire aspect was rather unrealistic. Narrators weren't really top notch, some voices were extremely weird.
September 5, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This book started out great and was very well written. We have a strong female lead who is frankly kickass, starting her own business and absolutely killing it. And then there's our dark and broody billionaire. I loved the banter and the sexual tension between the MCs. The character development was great. But towards the end of the book it felt like their relationship was rushed. They just barely started being friendly with each other, and suddenly Gabriel is declaring his love for Blake. Plus, it was cringey how he had dated views and made assumptions about what Blake would want and then acted on it without seeking her input, such as when he had his assistant buy clothes for Blake to keep at his place or planned to trap her at his cabin. Otherwise I enjoyed it!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book started out great and was very well written. We have a strong female lead who is frankly kickass, starting her own business and absolutely killing it. And then there's our dark and broody billionaire. I loved the banter and the sexual tension between the MCs. The character development was great. But towards the end of the book it felt like their relationship was rushed. They just barely started being friendly with each other, and suddenly Gabriel is declaring his love for Blake. Plus, it was cringey how he had dated views and made assumptions about what Blake would want and then acted on it without seeking her input, such as when he had his assistant buy clothes for Blake to keep at his place or planned to trap her at his cabin. Otherwise I enjoyed it!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2025
This book had me cringing at every page. There are no words to describe the cheesiness of it. The mc’s act like 4th graders, certainly not like they’re in their mid twenties. She asked if she should call him ‘daddy’, when he said this is what he’s always wanted even when he thought she was too young for him 😭. Pedophile? The book ending was weird too, I mean it’s great they decided to have kids at the end, but having the last word as ‘push’? Nope. Please no. In all there was maybe one or two good moments,(I won’t even mention the times he tried to hold her hostage) and it was clean with little to no spice.
September 10, 2023
Cute book. Really enjoyed it. Ending was just right in my opinion
January 30, 2024
The idea is new and different I love it some parts are okay. I did enjoy both characters!
December 15, 2024
Sometimes real life is so tiring that you need a predictable, light, easy read. This was that. It was the book version of a hallmark movie. But it served its purpose!
November 3, 2024
3.5 good tie into the other books
August 10, 2023
This was such a fun and emotional read <3
💫 Two billionares (but one's totally self made and the other's not totally self made and that leads to so much snark and banter and the funniest meet cute 😭)
💫 Forced proximity ish?
💫 A lot of meddling by family and friends, it's so funny
TWs - professional sabotage, toxic former relationship
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
💫 Two billionares (but one's totally self made and the other's not totally self made and that leads to so much snark and banter and the funniest meet cute 😭)
💫 Forced proximity ish?
💫 A lot of meddling by family and friends, it's so funny
TWs - professional sabotage, toxic former relationship
-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!
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