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First Comes Love #2
I Have Never
Twenty-nine-year-old Blair Walker is a girl with a plan, or more a girl with a list. A list of dos and don'ts to live the perfect life, land a dream career, and marry Mr. Right.
When Blair loses her job and gets dumped by her boyfriend all in one day, she starts to wonder if she's had it all wrong. And what better way to find out than experience everything the list forbade?
Never Lie
Never Pick a Fight
Never Make a Scene
Never Make the First Move
Never Make Impulse Decisions
Never Mix Business and Pleasure...
With hilarious consequences, Blair will discover some items are trickier to tick off than she'd thought...
A laugh out loud romantic comedy perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk, Sophie Kinsella, and Mhairi McFarlane.
When Blair loses her job and gets dumped by her boyfriend all in one day, she starts to wonder if she's had it all wrong. And what better way to find out than experience everything the list forbade?
Never Lie
Never Pick a Fight
Never Make a Scene
Never Make the First Move
Never Make Impulse Decisions
Never Mix Business and Pleasure...
With hilarious consequences, Blair will discover some items are trickier to tick off than she'd thought...
A laugh out loud romantic comedy perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk, Sophie Kinsella, and Mhairi McFarlane.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2017
403 people are currently reading
7244 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Isley
54 books2,926 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 315 reviews
May 11, 2023
4 stars. Yes! 🙌🏼 This quick & easy rom-com was just exactly the palate-cleanser I needed after a couple of long & dark reads! Loved that it was a “closed door” romance & I liked the idea of throwing away the rules (list). Add in a cutie doggo 🐶 = FUN!
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December 29, 2017What if being a bad girl was better? When her life falls apart, Blair sets out to tackle all the don'ts one her be-good list...
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iBooks
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I had so much fun writing this book... I hope you'll chuckle as much reading it.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
Amazon
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
I had so much fun writing this book... I hope you'll chuckle as much reading it.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
August 10, 2017
I've never tried to review an arc before because I thought it was an urban legend that you had to ALWAYS give them five stars. Still don't know if its true or not but I needed some motivation to get back to reviewing and I guess it's kind of working?
So about the book. It ss rather cute(plus points from me) until that thing happened. The main dude slept with my main girl's nemesis after they had started making googly eyes at each other. But still the rest of the book was so swoon worthy (another staple word of romance reviewers hashtag sarry nat sarry) that I honestly don't care. much.
Now i have told you before that this is some super cute stuff with a chicklit-y vibe to it. Have I right? Basically my girl gets dumped and fired on the same day. But don't worry eventually it'll all turns out okay, okay better than okay in the end.
The guy's name is Richard. Richards in books aren't supposed to be cute. The're the guys that get friend zoned in the end. Hats off to the author for making me like a character named Richard.
*arc received in exchange for an honest review* And I'm that honest I'll even tell my crush his haircut is bad.
July 22, 2017
Blair Walker is having one hell of a day, she has just been gazumped for the job she has been working hard towards for years, by someone who bought their way to the top. She is then fired from the job she was currently doing, and then her boyfriend of three years, takes her to dinner, and dumps her for another woman.
Down on her look she takes to the local bar, where after reading a list of 15 items she was told never to do, she decides it’s time to cross them off one by one, starting with ‘Never get Drunk’. Trouble is she wakes up in a stranger’s apartment, a man who promises that they didn’t sleep together, but does offer her a job.
With no money to cover her half of the rent for the flat she shares with her best friend Nikki, she agrees to the job of ‘Beauty and Fashion editor’ of an online magazine. The only problem is, her boss is quite hunky. Can she keep her hands to herself, and also get through the lists of things that she should never do?
I have read a few Camilla Isley novels, all have been imaginative, exciting and laugh out loud, this one is just the same.
Blair is extremely likeable. She thinks that it is time to let her hair down and stop being so mature about everything. When she didn’t get the editorial job that she had been working towards for years, something in her just clicked, enough was enough. She has tried to live by a set of rules, but they have gotten her nowhere. Now it was time to break them.
Richard runs the online magazine. He is tall, handsome and rubs shoulders with celebrities. He is smitten with Blair, but after a past love affair went sour, he doesn’t date, just more of a one night stand sort of guy. At least he can’t get hurt that way, or so he thinks.
This book is pure chick-lit from beginning to end. I loved everything about it, from the perfect New York scenery, to the amazing characters that have a lot of depth to them. The writing is faultless and the plot, including the subplots, are most certainly intriguing.
Each chapter is dedicated to an item on Blair’s List. Each new chapter had me eager to discover just what she would do to cross that item off. Plus for those romantics out there, the will they, won’t they, love action is ever present for you to enjoy.
A light-hearted book that will hold you captive to the pages, and won’t let you go until the very last word.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Down on her look she takes to the local bar, where after reading a list of 15 items she was told never to do, she decides it’s time to cross them off one by one, starting with ‘Never get Drunk’. Trouble is she wakes up in a stranger’s apartment, a man who promises that they didn’t sleep together, but does offer her a job.
With no money to cover her half of the rent for the flat she shares with her best friend Nikki, she agrees to the job of ‘Beauty and Fashion editor’ of an online magazine. The only problem is, her boss is quite hunky. Can she keep her hands to herself, and also get through the lists of things that she should never do?
I have read a few Camilla Isley novels, all have been imaginative, exciting and laugh out loud, this one is just the same.
Blair is extremely likeable. She thinks that it is time to let her hair down and stop being so mature about everything. When she didn’t get the editorial job that she had been working towards for years, something in her just clicked, enough was enough. She has tried to live by a set of rules, but they have gotten her nowhere. Now it was time to break them.
Richard runs the online magazine. He is tall, handsome and rubs shoulders with celebrities. He is smitten with Blair, but after a past love affair went sour, he doesn’t date, just more of a one night stand sort of guy. At least he can’t get hurt that way, or so he thinks.
This book is pure chick-lit from beginning to end. I loved everything about it, from the perfect New York scenery, to the amazing characters that have a lot of depth to them. The writing is faultless and the plot, including the subplots, are most certainly intriguing.
Each chapter is dedicated to an item on Blair’s List. Each new chapter had me eager to discover just what she would do to cross that item off. Plus for those romantics out there, the will they, won’t they, love action is ever present for you to enjoy.
A light-hearted book that will hold you captive to the pages, and won’t let you go until the very last word.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
February 23, 2019
4 totally had me chuckling stars
Read my entire review here on my blog Readin' Under Street-Lamps.
Blair Walker’s carefully planned out life burns down to the ground when she loses her job, and her boyfriend of three years leaves her for his secretary, all on the same day. *cue eyeroll* Deciding to throw all her rules in the air, and finally enjoying life, her new plan of action is doing exactly opposite of what her list states.
And thus begins a really hilarious and heart-warming tale of a woman finding herself, adopting a puppy who understands english, and falling in love with the most unavailable man- her boss.
Because of course.
And like I said, the cliches are a bit obvious, but all the characters- and I’m not just talking about Blair and Richard (the boss) and Chevron (the pup), but even the side characters were just so much full of personality, that it was impossible to not be utterly charmed by this story.
And on top of that Blair was just such a likable character. Yeah she has to start her life from scratch at 29, but she never moans and groans and bitches about it. She just takes it as it is and sasses right through it. When she falls in love with Richard, who is a serious commitment-phobe, she doesn’t let it deter her, and she says it best— “I don’t quit. I don’t run away from the things that scare me. I run after what I want.”
In a nutshell, I could totally see myself as Blair. That is how relatable she was written. And for that I have to totally give it to Isley.
I have never read Camilla Isley’s works before, for obvious reasons. And I am very very happy that I actually found her, even if it was just due to my bored shenanigans on NetGalley— you know what I mean *wink wink*
I Have Never delivers exactly what it promises- a loud laughter with almost every chapter, and heart. It gives you so so much of heart that you can’t help but just feel good by the end. This is a book that is going to make you take your own “NO-NO List” and mutiny against it.
ARC provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read my entire review here on my blog Readin' Under Street-Lamps.
Blair Walker’s carefully planned out life burns down to the ground when she loses her job, and her boyfriend of three years leaves her for his secretary, all on the same day. *cue eyeroll* Deciding to throw all her rules in the air, and finally enjoying life, her new plan of action is doing exactly opposite of what her list states.
And thus begins a really hilarious and heart-warming tale of a woman finding herself, adopting a puppy who understands english, and falling in love with the most unavailable man- her boss.
Because of course.
And like I said, the cliches are a bit obvious, but all the characters- and I’m not just talking about Blair and Richard (the boss) and Chevron (the pup), but even the side characters were just so much full of personality, that it was impossible to not be utterly charmed by this story.
And on top of that Blair was just such a likable character. Yeah she has to start her life from scratch at 29, but she never moans and groans and bitches about it. She just takes it as it is and sasses right through it. When she falls in love with Richard, who is a serious commitment-phobe, she doesn’t let it deter her, and she says it best— “I don’t quit. I don’t run away from the things that scare me. I run after what I want.”
In a nutshell, I could totally see myself as Blair. That is how relatable she was written. And for that I have to totally give it to Isley.
I have never read Camilla Isley’s works before, for obvious reasons. And I am very very happy that I actually found her, even if it was just due to my bored shenanigans on NetGalley— you know what I mean *wink wink*
I Have Never delivers exactly what it promises- a loud laughter with almost every chapter, and heart. It gives you so so much of heart that you can’t help but just feel good by the end. This is a book that is going to make you take your own “NO-NO List” and mutiny against it.
ARC provided by the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2017
My smile didn't leave my face for the entirety of I Have Never, which is essentially Blair Walker attempting to do the opposite of all the rules she has lived behind for her life. However after one disastrous day where Blair loses both boyfriend and job, she starts to think she may need to change her life philosophies.
What follows is hilarious, especially the scene when she wakes up the next morning after her awful day. Every chapter is subtitles with a different item from Blair's list which is the item being illustrated or directly opposed in that chapter.
In amongst the book you will encounter an incredibly intelligent dog, that seems to understand human english far too well. There is an epic break up scene, a scene full of sexual tension, a plot line that shows how savvy Blair can be when she puts her mind to it, plus a whole lot more.
This may be the second book in the First Comes Love series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I can safely say this as I didn't even realise how this was connected to the first book (which I read around its release), to this one, until I read the note from the author at the end of the book!
This is a sparkling, fun, quick and easy to read story that I enjoyed every moment of.
Thank you so much to Camilla Isley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
What follows is hilarious, especially the scene when she wakes up the next morning after her awful day. Every chapter is subtitles with a different item from Blair's list which is the item being illustrated or directly opposed in that chapter.
In amongst the book you will encounter an incredibly intelligent dog, that seems to understand human english far too well. There is an epic break up scene, a scene full of sexual tension, a plot line that shows how savvy Blair can be when she puts her mind to it, plus a whole lot more.
This may be the second book in the First Comes Love series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I can safely say this as I didn't even realise how this was connected to the first book (which I read around its release), to this one, until I read the note from the author at the end of the book!
This is a sparkling, fun, quick and easy to read story that I enjoyed every moment of.
Thank you so much to Camilla Isley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 29, 2023
After reading Opposites Attract I was obviously very wary to start this book, but thank god I didn’t get discouraged and continued reading, this book was so much better.
There wasn’t a character I hated, so that helped a lot. I could concentrate more on the story, the writing and the characters.
The plot was interesting, I enjoyed reading more about the world of journalism and publishing. Blair was good at her job and following her being professional and working hard for her goals, even after the set back she had, was great. I liked her List as well and that she started to break her own rules to see what she missed. Thinking about it, I think we didn’t get to see a lot of Richard and his character, he’s still a little bland and very flat to me. I would have loved to see more of him and his character growth.
The story was sweet, quick and easy to read. The only thing that put me off a little was the insta-love but I can overlook it. Overall it was a perfectly fine book and I’m excited to read more about Nikki in the next book.
There wasn’t a character I hated, so that helped a lot. I could concentrate more on the story, the writing and the characters.
The plot was interesting, I enjoyed reading more about the world of journalism and publishing. Blair was good at her job and following her being professional and working hard for her goals, even after the set back she had, was great. I liked her List as well and that she started to break her own rules to see what she missed. Thinking about it, I think we didn’t get to see a lot of Richard and his character, he’s still a little bland and very flat to me. I would have loved to see more of him and his character growth.
The story was sweet, quick and easy to read. The only thing that put me off a little was the insta-love but I can overlook it. Overall it was a perfectly fine book and I’m excited to read more about Nikki in the next book.
September 20, 2018
Review posted at The Chaise and Lounge Blog
This audiobook was easy to follow and was a fun listen until I got the end. It was a happy ending but it reinforced that office romances can never remain secret and can make the workplace tense when there is a disharmony.
Blair Walker was a girl who followed all of society rules of how a refined lady should behave. Living by that good girl code led her to losing her dreams to another who was willing to use all in her arsenal to get what she wanted. So Blair decided that she will throw out her list and just live without those constraints.
Life as a rebel led her to entrepreneur Richard Stratton, who was looking for someone to help him grow his online business. Their professional relationship thrived and was smooth until they developed an attraction. That's when things got awkward. Should they risk it or play it safe?
I liked them together, but I am not a fan of office romances. They have a tendency to get messy when people have fights and/or break up. These sort of relationships are bad for business and it gets co-workers caught in the middle. There is workplace gossip as well as a resentment if there is a perception of favoritism.
I really liked the new Blair until she threw a couple of unprofessional fits at end of the book because of her feelings for her boss Richard. I was embarrassed for her and for Richard. The new Blair was empowered, likable and interesting. Her journey showed development and maturity even though she was likable even with the list too. Both Blair and Richard were fundamentally good people with a great work ethic.
Their relationship worked out in the end but I didn't like her doing the opposite of what her list would have told her to do. The list wasn't bad, I think she just needed to learn not to be so rigid. That is what life is about, having some flexibility in some things and being steadfast in others. Both Blair and Richard came to learn that in order to find true happiness, they had to be honest and true to themselves.
If you want an enjoyable and easy read, then I recommend this office romance to satisfy that need.
This audiobook was easy to follow and was a fun listen until I got the end. It was a happy ending but it reinforced that office romances can never remain secret and can make the workplace tense when there is a disharmony.
Blair Walker was a girl who followed all of society rules of how a refined lady should behave. Living by that good girl code led her to losing her dreams to another who was willing to use all in her arsenal to get what she wanted. So Blair decided that she will throw out her list and just live without those constraints.
Life as a rebel led her to entrepreneur Richard Stratton, who was looking for someone to help him grow his online business. Their professional relationship thrived and was smooth until they developed an attraction. That's when things got awkward. Should they risk it or play it safe?
I liked them together, but I am not a fan of office romances. They have a tendency to get messy when people have fights and/or break up. These sort of relationships are bad for business and it gets co-workers caught in the middle. There is workplace gossip as well as a resentment if there is a perception of favoritism.
I really liked the new Blair until she threw a couple of unprofessional fits at end of the book because of her feelings for her boss Richard. I was embarrassed for her and for Richard. The new Blair was empowered, likable and interesting. Her journey showed development and maturity even though she was likable even with the list too. Both Blair and Richard were fundamentally good people with a great work ethic.
Their relationship worked out in the end but I didn't like her doing the opposite of what her list would have told her to do. The list wasn't bad, I think she just needed to learn not to be so rigid. That is what life is about, having some flexibility in some things and being steadfast in others. Both Blair and Richard came to learn that in order to find true happiness, they had to be honest and true to themselves.
If you want an enjoyable and easy read, then I recommend this office romance to satisfy that need.
July 21, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
4.5/5
Last year I read the first book in this series, Love Connection and I adored it! While you can easily read I Have Never as a standalone, there are characters from the first book in this one as well. Plus, Isley has the unique ability to come up with a totally fresh premise for her books that is always so much fun, why would you wanna miss out?!
Blair is the ideal chick lit heroine, she's sweet, a little sassy and hilarious. When her perfectly planned life starts to fall apart she decides to deviate from her list. What's on her list? Her rules for life, things like don't move in before you get a ring and don't get drunk. Instead of a bucket list it's basically the antithesis and the results were so funny! Richard from the first book is back, which totally made my day, I loved his character the first time around and catching up with him was a treat.
One of my favorite things about reading an Isley book is that I find myself smiling the entire time. There is so much humor and warmth in her books and her lead characters are always super relatable and down to earth. Her writing style is as witty and charming as the characters she creates, if you're a fan of this genre and haven't read one of her books you're missing out! I hear book three in this series is a Christmas read which just makes me even more excited!
4.5/5
Last year I read the first book in this series, Love Connection and I adored it! While you can easily read I Have Never as a standalone, there are characters from the first book in this one as well. Plus, Isley has the unique ability to come up with a totally fresh premise for her books that is always so much fun, why would you wanna miss out?!
Blair is the ideal chick lit heroine, she's sweet, a little sassy and hilarious. When her perfectly planned life starts to fall apart she decides to deviate from her list. What's on her list? Her rules for life, things like don't move in before you get a ring and don't get drunk. Instead of a bucket list it's basically the antithesis and the results were so funny! Richard from the first book is back, which totally made my day, I loved his character the first time around and catching up with him was a treat.
One of my favorite things about reading an Isley book is that I find myself smiling the entire time. There is so much humor and warmth in her books and her lead characters are always super relatable and down to earth. Her writing style is as witty and charming as the characters she creates, if you're a fan of this genre and haven't read one of her books you're missing out! I hear book three in this series is a Christmas read which just makes me even more excited!
July 29, 2019
This girl has the emotional intelligence of a potato. So many cringeworthy moments! She misreads every situation. I think the author was aiming for comedy but it just made the heroine look like an imbecile. Her obsession with her boss was the worst. She decided she loved him about 5 minutes after meeting him. And after they slept together once she yelled at him in public (in their office) that she loved him and called him a coward for not immediately responding in kind.
I realise this book is meant to be light hearted fluffy entertainment but this one definitely wasn't my cup of tea. The highlight was the dog.
I realise this book is meant to be light hearted fluffy entertainment but this one definitely wasn't my cup of tea. The highlight was the dog.
January 30, 2020
I realized that this book was not for me about a third of the way through. As a result, I ended up skimming most of it. Characters are one note and plot is way too predictable. Lacked the emotional depth I need in a contemporary romance. Reminded me of a B rated chick flick that works if you’re half asleep.
February 28, 2019
I Have Never is the story of Blaire. This is a woman who has always lived by a set of rules. But, even the rules can't stop her life from falling apart. When everything goes wrong, Blaire decides no more rules. She tries new and different things. The results are funny and charming. The story is a great romcom style read. It's well written and engaging. Blaire is intelligent, strong and independent. The lesson here is to just live. Don't worry about rules because, whatever happens, the rules won't save you from the pitfalls of life. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2019
I'm reading the series backward, but it doesn't really matter as each story is self-contained and focuses on a different couple.
I loved this story so much, it had everything: A bucket list,but done in reverse (meaning Blair had a list of things not to do and suddenly decides to break bad and do them all), an office romance with a dishy boss, a cute puppy, a wonderful protagonist, and the best friends--and enemies. Also I love the game never have I ever and the way it was used as base narrative structure for this novel was so clever.
Romantic, fun, hands-down one of my favorite chicklit books ever.
I loved this story so much, it had everything: A bucket list,but done in reverse (meaning Blair had a list of things not to do and suddenly decides to break bad and do them all), an office romance with a dishy boss, a cute puppy, a wonderful protagonist, and the best friends--and enemies. Also I love the game never have I ever and the way it was used as base narrative structure for this novel was so clever.
Romantic, fun, hands-down one of my favorite chicklit books ever.
November 10, 2024
Subpar audiobook narrator for a boringly redundant, chick-lit romance
The female voice talent for the audiobook version of this novel has a plodding, unnatural narration style that is painful to listen to. Her narration of male characters is especially bad, and she is apparently incapable of performing a British accent, because she doesn't even attempt it for the British love interest of the FMC, 29-year-old, emotionally immature Blair.
The story is focused almost entirely on hair, makeup, fashion and stilettos, a hallmark of chick lit novels. In addition, the romance doesn't even begin, other than Blair's endlessly sighing over the male love interest's handsome face, until over 55% of the book, which is also typical of chick lit. Since Blair's job is as a fashion and beauty editor for a small, online, pop-culture blog (which illogically has seven or eight employees, even though none of them are earning a salary, only commissions for advertising they bring in), there are endless descriptions of Blair's every change of clothing, including her jogging clothes when she goes running every morning at 5:00 a.m.
Because I am not personally a fan of high fashion, I started skimming this book around the 25% mark. I found that listening to the first few sentences of every chapter was adequate for me to keep pace with what little plot there is in this story.
The female voice talent for the audiobook version of this novel has a plodding, unnatural narration style that is painful to listen to. Her narration of male characters is especially bad, and she is apparently incapable of performing a British accent, because she doesn't even attempt it for the British love interest of the FMC, 29-year-old, emotionally immature Blair.
The story is focused almost entirely on hair, makeup, fashion and stilettos, a hallmark of chick lit novels. In addition, the romance doesn't even begin, other than Blair's endlessly sighing over the male love interest's handsome face, until over 55% of the book, which is also typical of chick lit. Since Blair's job is as a fashion and beauty editor for a small, online, pop-culture blog (which illogically has seven or eight employees, even though none of them are earning a salary, only commissions for advertising they bring in), there are endless descriptions of Blair's every change of clothing, including her jogging clothes when she goes running every morning at 5:00 a.m.
Because I am not personally a fan of high fashion, I started skimming this book around the 25% mark. I found that listening to the first few sentences of every chapter was adequate for me to keep pace with what little plot there is in this story.
Read
December 7, 2017What if being a bad girl was better? When her life falls apart, Blair sets out to tackle all the don'ts one her be-good list...
Amazon
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
I had so much fun writing this book... I hope you'll chuckle as much reading it.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
Amazon
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
I had so much fun writing this book... I hope you'll chuckle as much reading it.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
February 18, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this eBook from the author, publisher, and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Blair Walker loses her boyfriend and job all in the same day, things don't turn out too well. It is only when her Never do list turns out to become her good luck charm giving her a new job and more. Is it all too good to be true or will she find love from it too? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good romantic comedy women's fiction book. I laughed, smiled and enjoyed reading about Blair's crazy escapades. If you enjoy funny romance books like this, I recommend you check this book out on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
When Blair Walker loses her boyfriend and job all in the same day, things don't turn out too well. It is only when her Never do list turns out to become her good luck charm giving her a new job and more. Is it all too good to be true or will she find love from it too? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good romantic comedy women's fiction book. I laughed, smiled and enjoyed reading about Blair's crazy escapades. If you enjoy funny romance books like this, I recommend you check this book out on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
April 7, 2024
Loved this! The characters in the first book were mentioned in this book but you dont necessarily HAVE to read the first in the series! It was a very cute, easy and hilarious read for me. I was giggling throughout half of this. I loved Blair’s list of things she’d never do. Her friend Nikki giving her the push she needed and slowly crossing them off one by one. And Richard! Thank the lord he finally came around! This man had me wanting to come through the book and give him a knuckle sandwich 😂
“So what’s your plan for the weekend?”
I shrug. “Survive without embarrassing myself too much?”
“That sounds like an awful plan.”
“You have a better suggestion?”
“Live and embarrass yourself the most you can.”
“So what’s your plan for the weekend?”
I shrug. “Survive without embarrassing myself too much?”
“That sounds like an awful plan.”
“You have a better suggestion?”
“Live and embarrass yourself the most you can.”
January 4, 2023
I Have Never is the second book in First Comes Love Series by Camilla Isley.
Although these books can be read as a standalone, it was pleasant to find out that the events of the first book Opposites Attract were talking place simultaneously with the events of this one. I really loved that detail.
Blair and Richard were as good with each other as any two people attracted to each other but I didn't really find anything special in the connection these two shared with each other. Sure it was fun to be a part of them glam life with them for a while but there was no depth to it or anything. I only really enjoyed the part where they play never have I ever with each other and the blatant truths that come out as a result and the straightforward answers really made my day. I was happy that it kickstarted their relationship.
Also the ending was really great as well. I am glad that the author didn't rush them into marriage because that would have become a little difficult to digest given Richard's past and his reservations to commitment. I also liked that he realised where he went wrong in the previous relationship rather than purely blaming his ex for jilting him.
2.5 stars.
Although these books can be read as a standalone, it was pleasant to find out that the events of the first book Opposites Attract were talking place simultaneously with the events of this one. I really loved that detail.
Blair and Richard were as good with each other as any two people attracted to each other but I didn't really find anything special in the connection these two shared with each other. Sure it was fun to be a part of them glam life with them for a while but there was no depth to it or anything. I only really enjoyed the part where they play never have I ever with each other and the blatant truths that come out as a result and the straightforward answers really made my day. I was happy that it kickstarted their relationship.
Also the ending was really great as well. I am glad that the author didn't rush them into marriage because that would have become a little difficult to digest given Richard's past and his reservations to commitment. I also liked that he realised where he went wrong in the previous relationship rather than purely blaming his ex for jilting him.
2.5 stars.
May 31, 2023
3.5 rounded to 4...
I enjoyed this cute story, look forward to more by this author. Nice read for after some heavy books.
I enjoyed this cute story, look forward to more by this author. Nice read for after some heavy books.
February 13, 2019
This was a super quick, cute read that I really liked. I laughed out loud so many times in this book! This was my first read by the author and will not be my last. It is the second book in the First Comes Love series, but it’s a standalone. I haven’t read the first one and still enjoyed this one.
I would probably qualify this more as a chick lit book. It’s not my usual genre and I haven’t read one in a few years, so I don’t remember if this is normal but, there was not a lot of descriptions or details about anything, unless it was talking about shoes or clothes (btw I would love to have her amazing wardrobe!). I really couldn’t tell you much about Blair, the main character. I loved Richard, the hero, but I had a lot of trouble with their lack of chemistry.
I enjoyed many of the supporting characters: Indira, Christian, Nikki and of course, Chevron, the dog! The ending was so cute. I think Nikki and Christian are separately getting the next books in the series and I will definitely be reading those. I would recommend this especially if you're looking for a quick read and a good laugh!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I would probably qualify this more as a chick lit book. It’s not my usual genre and I haven’t read one in a few years, so I don’t remember if this is normal but, there was not a lot of descriptions or details about anything, unless it was talking about shoes or clothes (btw I would love to have her amazing wardrobe!). I really couldn’t tell you much about Blair, the main character. I loved Richard, the hero, but I had a lot of trouble with their lack of chemistry.
I enjoyed many of the supporting characters: Indira, Christian, Nikki and of course, Chevron, the dog! The ending was so cute. I think Nikki and Christian are separately getting the next books in the series and I will definitely be reading those. I would recommend this especially if you're looking for a quick read and a good laugh!
* ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 22, 2017
I've read I Have Never in one sitting,it's the perfect story for a lazy Sunday.
Camilla Isley did it again,she quickly became one of my favorite chick lits authors.I enjoy her writing,the effortless flow of her words,the interesting plot and the lovely characters.
I loved our heroine,Blair,she could appear as a "princess" but she is also strong enough to take her life in her hands and try to be happy even if this means to go against everything she has ever thought.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
October 3, 2023
I really enjoy Camilla's books. This is the third book by her that I have listened too. The narrator does a great job. The storyline is nice, short, and a cute rom com!
July 14, 2017
Read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
What I particularly loved was that this book was a "Bucket List" in reverse. Imagine you have a list of things you know you shouldn't be doing... and then all of a sudden you don't care anymore about what's proper and do everything you shouldn't. LOL the results were hilarious.
Blair was fantastic! She was full of heart and sass...
I want to adopt a puppy right away (and also a Richard, please!)
Friendship, love, Hollywood celebrities, corporate fraud... This Book has everything!
What I particularly loved was that this book was a "Bucket List" in reverse. Imagine you have a list of things you know you shouldn't be doing... and then all of a sudden you don't care anymore about what's proper and do everything you shouldn't. LOL the results were hilarious.
Blair was fantastic! She was full of heart and sass...
I want to adopt a puppy right away (and also a Richard, please!)
Friendship, love, Hollywood celebrities, corporate fraud... This Book has everything!
Read
December 7, 2017What if being a bad girl was better? When her life falls apart, Blair sets out to tackle all the don'ts one her be-good list...
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I had so much fun writing this book... I hope you'll chuckle as much reading it.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
Amazon
iBooks
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Kobo
I had so much fun writing this book... I hope you'll chuckle as much reading it.
Happy Reading!
Love,
Camilla
October 11, 2019
I'm too old for this $***.
July 22, 2017
Confession time: I totally grabbed this book because of the cover. I love the style, the colors, the whimsy. It makes me smile just looking at it. Yes, it seems that I’m suffering from an extreme case of cover love!
But the inside is just as delightful. I grinned through most of the story, except for those moments when I was holding my breath to see what Richard was going to do. Blair’s narrative voice is hilarious, snarky, and relatable. And let’s just talk about the romantical tension for a second. HOLY KISSINGBOOKS, BATMAN! Keep a fan handy for this read. The electricity between Richard and Blair could light up New York all on its own. I appreciated that Isley kept all the sexy times behind closed doors – just some kissing that will make you search for the nearest freezer and then fade to black. Blair sums it up for us later (which means you’ll be chuckling even as you fan yourself) but it’s still appropriate and classy. Isley does a fantastic job of conveying desire and emotion with a look… with a tight voice … with a text from an intrigued observer.
Woven throughout these great characters and the off-the-charts chemistry is Blair’s reverse bucket list. Cleverly incorporated into the chapter titles, the items on Blair’s ‘never do’ list find her rather than vice versa. While she might think she’s setting out to check them off one-by-one, she rather stumbles into most of them, realizing many times after the fact that she could make this work for her list. It helped Blair – and the plot – seem even more engaging and likable.
Bottom Line: I Have Never made me grin and fan and laugh out loud. I also cried, not gonna lie, because Isley is a master of charged emotions and tension. It’s a light chick lit read but it’s also sweet, sexy and lots of fun. You’ll fall in love with Blair, Chevron, and of course Richard and his brooding British-accented self. It’s rare for me to find a romcom that I go back and re-read right away, but I did go back and find some of my favorite snippets to swoon over again.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
**Readers may want to be aware that there is cursing in this novel**
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
But the inside is just as delightful. I grinned through most of the story, except for those moments when I was holding my breath to see what Richard was going to do. Blair’s narrative voice is hilarious, snarky, and relatable. And let’s just talk about the romantical tension for a second. HOLY KISSINGBOOKS, BATMAN! Keep a fan handy for this read. The electricity between Richard and Blair could light up New York all on its own. I appreciated that Isley kept all the sexy times behind closed doors – just some kissing that will make you search for the nearest freezer and then fade to black. Blair sums it up for us later (which means you’ll be chuckling even as you fan yourself) but it’s still appropriate and classy. Isley does a fantastic job of conveying desire and emotion with a look… with a tight voice … with a text from an intrigued observer.
Woven throughout these great characters and the off-the-charts chemistry is Blair’s reverse bucket list. Cleverly incorporated into the chapter titles, the items on Blair’s ‘never do’ list find her rather than vice versa. While she might think she’s setting out to check them off one-by-one, she rather stumbles into most of them, realizing many times after the fact that she could make this work for her list. It helped Blair – and the plot – seem even more engaging and likable.
Bottom Line: I Have Never made me grin and fan and laugh out loud. I also cried, not gonna lie, because Isley is a master of charged emotions and tension. It’s a light chick lit read but it’s also sweet, sexy and lots of fun. You’ll fall in love with Blair, Chevron, and of course Richard and his brooding British-accented self. It’s rare for me to find a romcom that I go back and re-read right away, but I did go back and find some of my favorite snippets to swoon over again.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
**Readers may want to be aware that there is cursing in this novel**
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
January 26, 2019
Ok... The first thing I need to say and the thing that caught my eye the most was that this was not a story that circled only on the romance and "insta-love" thing. I really liked that Blair was really focused on her career and loved what she did.
The first chapters are full of her getting back on her feet and snatching successful jobs and ideas for the new magazine. This was really awesome. She was determined and focused on creating a magazine department from the ground up.
The romance was built right along with her career, and that was so good to read. One of the best aspects of this book, for me.
Anyway... I love Camilla's books. Her writing is great and I find myself always laughing with her stories.
This one was no different.
Blair had everything planned for her life but one day everything went crumbling down.
That's when she snaps and see that her plan for life, based on being always the nice person and always remain calm, she see that it was all for nothing.
And that's when she really starts living.
Her new job at a new magazine brings her everything she didn't know was missing. The great atmosphere, great friends, and the most important having fun doing something she loves.
Indira was the best! I loved her and laughed so much with her antics!
I just loved this romantic comedy. It's warm and light, it left me with a warm feeling inside and I kind of wish to experience some of those situations some day.
The first chapters are full of her getting back on her feet and snatching successful jobs and ideas for the new magazine. This was really awesome. She was determined and focused on creating a magazine department from the ground up.
The romance was built right along with her career, and that was so good to read. One of the best aspects of this book, for me.
Anyway... I love Camilla's books. Her writing is great and I find myself always laughing with her stories.
This one was no different.
Blair had everything planned for her life but one day everything went crumbling down.
That's when she snaps and see that her plan for life, based on being always the nice person and always remain calm, she see that it was all for nothing.
It’s all been for nothing. All the sacrifices I made. All the times I said, “No,” to anything even remotely fun. All the lost opportunities… to live rather than just behave.
(...)
Not being in control is great. Not holding back is fantastic. I should’ve done it a long time ago. I should’ve done so many things. All my life, I’ve had it backward. I’ve spent years caged behind the bars of the list, never allowing myself a moment of fun. That’s over. The list’s regime ends now.
And that's when she really starts living.
Her new job at a new magazine brings her everything she didn't know was missing. The great atmosphere, great friends, and the most important having fun doing something she loves.
Indira was the best! I loved her and laughed so much with her antics!
I just loved this romantic comedy. It's warm and light, it left me with a warm feeling inside and I kind of wish to experience some of those situations some day.
July 17, 2017
Camilla Isley has quickly become one of my favourite Chick Lit writers. Her style, her plots, her fabulous characters, they all add up to pretty fantastic reads - and quick ones, too! I didn't plan to devour I Have Never in pretty much one sitting, but I did and I don't regret it. I loved Blair, and Richard, and Chevron the dog (oh, did I love Chevron the dog!) and I loved that after her firing (redundancy?) and her break-up, Blair decided to tear up her old list, of ways a lady should act at all times (not making a scene, don't go skinny dipping, don't get arrested) and do the exact opposites of all those don'ts on her list. And it's brilliant.
Blair was such a brilliant character - I loved her from the word go, and it's pretty hard NOT to like somebody who throws a plate of spaghetti onto someone else's head. That immediately gets hero status from me. That's the kind of stuff I dream of being brave enough to do, but I could never do, because it would be so out of character for me, so I love to live vicariously through my MCs in books. To then tear up her list of rules for being proper and ladylike, made the book even better (obviously), leading to many hilarious scenes including (but not limited to): acquiring a dog at a petrol station, getting arrested and spending a few hours in jail, and waking up in a strange man's bed and finding out he's the hottest man, ever. It was thoroughly entertaining.
The banter between Richard and Blair was pretty off the charts. It was frustrating, because you could tell Richard was holding back, but it was also exciting. I love when a romance makes me excited, when I'm ready for them to kiss, and even that ridiculous Aurora subplot didn't dampen my excitement (especially because Blair got to explode like a firecracker). I just loved everything about I Have Never, *especially* the game of Never Have I Ever near to the end. I got all those swooshy feelings and UGH it was incredible. I'm such a sucker for these types of books, and I loved rooting for Blair on every page. It was just a brilliant, brilliant read and I can't wait to read more from Camilla Isley, she's a cracking writer.
October 22, 2018
Reading it again, the last few chapters still give me goosebumps. The chemistry and the swoon factor at a high, like always with Camilla's books!
Wonderful book - warm characters with heart! Having read the first two books in the series back to back, I felt terrible for Richard in the first and was so glad he met his match in this one
I loved that there were no unnecessary obstacles and Blair was a true no-nonsense heroine with her head always in the game. I loved this one more than the first! Camilla, seeing as the next book is about Nikki, hoping Chevron makes an appearance
Wonderful book - warm characters with heart! Having read the first two books in the series back to back, I felt terrible for Richard in the first and was so glad he met his match in this one
I loved that there were no unnecessary obstacles and Blair was a true no-nonsense heroine with her head always in the game. I loved this one more than the first! Camilla, seeing as the next book is about Nikki, hoping Chevron makes an appearance
May 28, 2024
⭐️ 1 star.
it’s been a while that i went in blindly when reading a book and i regret. i can’t stand romance books where we see the MC hooking up with other people after meeting their love interest.
Blair is a doormat and Richard is boring as fuck. 0/10
it’s been a while that i went in blindly when reading a book and i regret. i can’t stand romance books where we see the MC hooking up with other people after meeting their love interest.
Blair is a doormat and Richard is boring as fuck. 0/10
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