***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
Can two strangers dreams lead to their destiny? American Star Mendoza is living in her dream location, Edinburgh, a place she discovered in British novels while growing up. Employed at a trendy city centre coffee shop, quirky, pink-haired Star spends her days fantasising about a handsome businessman she serves daily. He's totally out of her league but a girl can dream, right? Fin Hunter is exhausted from striving for his father's elusive love and approval, and of following a life path of his family’s making. When things go drastically wrong Fin decides it’s time to stand on his own two feet and follow his own dream. Star is bereft when her handsome stranger stops coming to her coffee shop, but a chance encounter in the most unlikely of places leaves her wondering if her fantasy could now become a reality? Can opposites attract over their love of a city and music or is their story simply doomed to fail?
It Started With a Kiss by Lisa Hobman is a lovely romance with opposites attract, all set in Edinburgh, Scotland. I said this is opposites attract, but as the book moves on, I realized they are not opposites at all, as they are very similar deep down.
Star, an American living in Edinburgh, is a free spirit and works in a coffee shop. She loves her adopted city and enjoys taking photos of the historic area. She meets Finn, a local lawyer who comes into her coffee shop most mornings. He works in his father’s firm and has known he would work there his entire life.
Finn has always known what he was going to do in life. Not because it’s something he wants to do, but because being a lawyer at his father’s firm is what was always expected of him. He doesn’t mind his life, much, but when he’s around Star, he learns he wants a lot more out of life.
I loved the setting of this story. Although Finn has lived in Edinburgh his entire life, he, and the reader, get to see the city through the eyes of Star, who loves to explore the city and finds so much beauty everywhere she goes.
Finn and Star are opposites, she’s fun and quirky and works in a coffee shop, and he is rich, formal, and works for a prestigious law firm. But, at heart, they are so much alike. Star and Finn grabbed my attention from the very beginning of the book, and never let me go. Star is such an optimistic character and her love of life is infectious. Finn is a bit formal at the beginning, but when he’s around Star, he’s able to let loose and enjoy life too. They are such a great match and they have real chemistry.
I highly recommend It Started With a Kiss to anyone who loves a good romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Lisa Hobman
Author Bio
Lisa Hobman has written many brilliantly reviewed women’s fiction titles the first of which was shortlisted by the RNA for their debut novel award. In 2012 Lisa relocated her family from Yorkshire to a village in Scotland and this beautiful backdrop now inspires her uplifting and romantic stories
I also enjoyed this story and loved Star. I visited Edinburgh a few years ago, so I loved hearing about some of the places I visited. Another wonderful romance for 2022. Great review, Wendy.
This one didn’t work for me unfortunately. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I could see a lot of potential in it! Great review! https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/
I bet it was fun reading a romance in this setting. I love “traveling” through books. Sounds like the romance was great, too. Even if they were more alike than originally thought. Great review!
They sound like the perfect balance. I love how fun and quirky Star is. I’d probably adore her instantly. You know who this couple kind of reminds me of? Dharma and Greg 🤣. Excellent review!
I also enjoyed this story and loved Star. I visited Edinburgh a few years ago, so I loved hearing about some of the places I visited. Another wonderful romance for 2022. Great review, Wendy.
This one didn’t work for me unfortunately. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I could see a lot of potential in it! Great review!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/
Great review! This sounds like a very cozy read, and I love the setting. I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Scotland.
I’d love to visit Scotland someday. This sounds lovely.
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More: thebashfulbookworm.com/book-review-and-book-tour-it-started-with-a-kiss-by-lisa-hobman/ […]
Edinburgh sounds like a great setting for a romance and your review has me definitely intrigued Wendy! Wonderful review! Thanks for sharing.
Edinburgh is one of my favorite places! Can’t wait to read this one. 🙂
I hope you enjoy it, Lark!
Edinburgh- nice setting!
Hope you have a great weekend!
It was fun to visit Edinburgh in the book!
This sounds sweet and fun. Great review, Wendy!
Thank you, Linda. It really was sweet and fun.
Great setting.
Thank you, Rosie
I do love a romance read, sounds great 😊
Thank you, Jenny
I love the cover and it sound like a fun read!
That cover is beautiful.
Oh this sounds like a fun read! I love the bright colors.
Ash @ Essentially Ash
It sure was fun!
I bet it was fun reading a romance in this setting. I love “traveling” through books. Sounds like the romance was great, too. Even if they were more alike than originally thought. Great review!
Thanks, It was so much fun to visit Edinburgh through this book!
They sound like the perfect balance. I love how fun and quirky Star is. I’d probably adore her instantly. You know who this couple kind of reminds me of? Dharma and Greg 🤣. Excellent review!
Wow! Dharma and Greg! Yes, that’s a perfect comparison.
I love a book with fun and quirky characters. Great review!
Thank you, Cindy!