Synopsis:~

Lacey O’Connor is finally a sure thing for the promotion she’s spent ten years working for. But when a scandal rocks her firm she finds herself on a collision course with the one person she has spent five years trying to forget. Only to discover he doesn’t even remember her…

Victor Carlisle has spent the last three years trying to convince his family he’s no longer the playboy alcoholic who tore their life apart. When a company merger is announced with a US sister firm, he’s presented with the perfect opportunity to prove he’s changed. Only to find himself falling for his competition and the one woman his family will never accept.

As the competition intensifies the choice looms between the professional and the personal. Can they find a way beyond their past decisions and present aspirations to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?

My take:~

If you are looking for a premiere voice in inspirational contemporary romance, look no further than the supremely talented, Kara Isaac. Whether she’s writing smart and witty rom-coms, or more drama-laden love stories, her gift with words, emotions, and voice shines bright. Start with Me is  Victor Carlisle’s story, and what a story it is. Readers will remember him as the unlikeable and self-destructive brother of rower Peter Carlisle in the most excellent, Can’t Help Falling.

I love the authenticity in Isaac’s stories. Bad boys in inspirational fiction are most commonly mildly misbehaved, but Kara doesn’t shy away from Victor’s carelessness with his family, women, and the destructive habits that changed his life and the lives of those who loved him. In Start with Me, Victor has been seeking redemption, but no one is listening, keeping him in box of his past making. Prepare to be challenged and heart-broken as Victor fights a losing battle against prejudice and assumptions, including those from his new work colleague, Lacey O’ Connor, who remembers Victor all too well, even though he has no recollection of their previous encounter and she plans to keep it that way.

Raw and real, Start with Me is a highlight of my reading year. I was captivated by Victor’s journey, the slow burn romance, and the family dynamics, as secrets are revealed and the Carlisle brothers face hard truths about their past.

I purchased my own copy but was provided with an advance reader copy from the publisher.  All opinions remain my own.

Kara Isaac writes contemporary romance in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. She is the author of four novels including the Romance Writers’ of America RITA award-winning Then There Was You, Close to You, a RITA Award Double Finalist, and Can’t Help Falling, an RT Review Top Pick. When she’s not chasing three small people, she spends her time writing horribly bad first drafts and wishing you could get Double Stuf Oreos in New Zealand. She loves to connect with readers on her website karaisaac.com, on Facebook at Kara Isaac – Author, Twitter @KaraIsaac and Instagram @kara.isaac.author

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Isaac @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Kara’s website
Buy at Amazon: Start with Me or Koorong