Book Review: Not in a Billion Years by Camilla Isley

Please join me in welcoming Camilla Isley back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, 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?

*****

In ten years, Blake Avery has managed to turn making fitness videos in her bedroom for You Tube, into a very successful company. She is on the verge of taking it public and so has no time for distractions or spats. 

That doesn’t stop her from calling out billionaire, Gabriel Mercer and his claims that he is self made despite coming from an already rich family. As you can imagine, he doesn’t take it well. 

I loved Love Quest by Camilla Isley so I was so happy to be invited onto the tour for Not in a Billion Years. 

Right from the off, I adored Blake. She’s strong, feisty and has worked hard to get where she is. She doesn’t allow people to underestimate her. This doesn’t mean she hasn’t known fear and there’s one person from her past that has made her determined to not be out of control again. 

To begin with, I did think Gabriel could be the normal, wealthy entitled character. All I will say about it is my opinion of him changed. How and why is something I don’t want to give away. 

The further I got into this book, the more I wanted things to work out. There were twists and turns in the plot to make me want to read more. The supporting cast was great. I want to know what comes next for Thomas. He was also a fun character.

I also liked the character development in relation to Gabriel’s parents. In my opinion, the characters really are at the heart of Camilla Isley’s books. 

This was a fun read. I was entertained all the way through. There was a point where I was wondering what bad thing was going to happen and I felt so sad for both Blake and Gabriel. 

There was love, friendship, humour, betrayal, heat and a focus on what’s important in life. 

If you’re new to Camilla Isley’s novels, already a fan or looking for a fun escape for a while, I’d recommend this book. Loved it!  

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for a review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

About Camilla Isley –

Camilla Isley is an engineer who left science behind to write bestselling contemporary rom-coms set all around the world.

She lives in Italy.

Say hello to Camilla via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Not in a Billion Years was released by Boldwood Books on 6th September 2023. Click here to buy on Amazon UK, Amazon Italy, Amazon US and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.