Camilla Isley’s “If The Ring Fits” Review – A Witty and Romantic Tale @camillaisley @BoldwoodBooks

In If The Ring Fits, a workaholic investment banker and a down-on-her-luck software engineer agree to a fake engagement, only to discover that pretending to be in love might just lead to something real.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

When Life Gives You Lemons, Fake an Engagement is a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com about Adrian, a multi-millionaire investment banker, and Rowena, a pregnant and newly unemployed software engineer, who find themselves in an unexpected fake engagement after a chaotic meet-cute. Adrian concocts the lie to impress his CEO, while Rowena, with few options and nothing to lose, reluctantly agrees. Their “rules of engagement”—pretend to be madly in love, keep their real lives separate, and absolutely not fall for each other—quickly crumble as close quarters and undeniable chemistry blur the line between fake and real. This laugh-out-loud, feel-good story is perfect for fans of Lynn Painter and Sarah Adams, proving that even the worst day can lead to the best mistake.

My Thoughts:

Sometimes, the worst day of your life can lead to something unexpectedly wonderful, and that’s exactly what happens in If The Ring Fits by Camilla Isley. This delightful rom-com follows Adrian, a workaholic investment banker, and Rowena, a software engineer whose life has just imploded, as they stumble into an unconventional fake engagement that’s as chaotic as it is entertaining.

The story kicks off with a hilarious meet-cute in a women’s bathroom—a perfect setup for a book packed with humour and heart. Adrian invents the engagement to impress his CEO, while Rowena, grappling with unemployment and an unplanned pregnancy, agrees to go along. From there, we’re treated to a classic mix of tropes, including the always entertaining “only one bed” scenario, as their charade begins to blur the lines between fake and real.

While the premise may be a bit outlandish, it’s impossible not to root for these two as they navigate their way through misunderstandings, growing feelings, and personal growth. Adrian’s journey from a work-driven life to someone willing to take a chance on love is particularly satisfying to watch, while Rowena’s guarded mistrust adds just the right amount of tension.

Though the ending is predictable—as it should be in a feel-good romance—it’s the journey that makes this book so enjoyable. Isley’s humour shines throughout, and the story is full of heartwarming moments that will leave you smiling.

Final Thoughts:

This is the second book in the “Funny Feelings” series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to dive into more of Camilla Isley’s work. If you’re a fan of fake relationship stories and laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, this one’s a must-read!

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