This was a great read, funny, romantic and lovely characters that were relatable. Easy read. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

Fate, daring to dream and so much more
All are key parts to what this couple have in store!
Returning to the city of her dreams
Star Mendoza loves life and all that it means.
Her boss is also her pal and adorable housemate,
She serves coffee and dreams of one special customer to date.

That man is Fin Hunter, a lawyer who does all he can
To get approval and love from his Dad, never his biggest fan.
He follows his parents plans but to no avail
In their eyes all he seems able to do is fail.
When at last he decides enough is enough
He sets out to prove he's independent and tough.

Get ready for surprise encounters, dramatic karaoke and more
As this unlikely pair new choices explore.
With new opportunities and heartwarming romance in the mix
Is this the chance to follow their dreams or will fate say nix?
It is a story of daring to dream and make the most of your chance
As well as a lovely, delightful romance.

There are characters to love and to adore
And others you hope you'll never see any more!
With contrasting parents, so different in style
I know which ones I'd prefer to meet for a while!
A story of family, friendships and aspirations, too,
I highly recommend this lovely read to you!

For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
A gorgeous read and this is my honest review.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable and varied, the plot is one that is engaging and medium paced. I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

This was the first Lisa Hobman book I'd read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's warm, joyful and emotional in all the right ways. If recommend it.

This is definitely one of the best romance book I have read this year! Lisa Hobman is one of my favorite author, she is always writing top books! The romance in this book is so well written, it's a step by step one where the main protagonists discover eachother and slowly build a beautiful relationship. This book is a page-turner! Once you have in your hands you can't put it back down! 5 stars out of 5 for me!!!

Oh wow I loved this book I don't want to give spoilers as I hate that myself but this book is amazing it's funny, loving, melts your heart, warm and fuzzy does make a person a bit angry but in the end it all comes together.
This story made me laugh and cry.
The only thing I'm going to spoil a bit is nigel the wonder dog needs extra treats
Thank you Lisa hobman for a brilliant book

Wow wow wow! If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would. I loved it so much.

I am a huge fan of this author and her ability to draw the reader into the lives of fictional characters. She has done it again with this story. The characters are so well written I almost feel as if I was reading about real people. The story was perfect from start to finish and I honest,y didn’t want it to end.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

I was waiting for this book to get good but it never did. I found myself not really liking either character. Star acted very immature throughout the entire story and Fin seemed pretty clueless. It just didn't work for me.

This was my first read back after a little bit of a hiatus!! It was a very easy read, was well able to keep my attention! I enjoyed getting to know the different characters and the plot was intriguing! This isn’t my first read by this author and it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed it and it was an easy four stars for me!!

Lisa Hobman’s It Started with a Kiss is a dreamy contemporary romance set in Edinburgh that is absolutely adorable.

American Star Mendoza has been an Anglophile for as long as she can remember. Having fallen in love with the UK and with Edinburgh by devouring every single book about the city she could find, quirky pink-haired Star had moved to the Scottish capital and made a new life for herself and she’s the happiest she has ever been. Working in a trendy city centre café allows Star to meet all kinds of people, but there is one gorgeous stranger she simply cannot stop herself from thinking about. But handsome Fin Hunter is totally out of her league…or is he?

When Fin stops coming to the café, Star is absolutely distraught. Fin has become the leading man in her romantic fantasies and it breaks her heart that she will never see him again. However, fate has got a very funny way of giving you what you want when you least expect it – as Star discovers when she runs into the man she has been infatuated with quite by chance. Is this the universe telling her that a future with Fin is possible? Or is Star destined for heartache and disappointment?

Fin Hunter has spent a lifetime trying – and failing – to win his father’s approval. Having spent every single second proving himself to his father and always coming up short, Fin has had enough, so he decides to stop trying to live up to his family’s ideal and to chase his own dream for a change. Romance is the last thing on his mind, but will meeting beautiful Star end up changing his mind?

Will Fin and Star find the happiness that has long been denied to them? If you follow your heart and believe in magic, anything is possible…

It Started With a Kiss is a lovely read that is simply delightful. Lisa Hobman has got an easy and engaging writing style that welcomes you from the beginning and keeps you entertained until the last page. It Started with a Kiss is a heartfelt, emotional and witty romantic read with wonderful characters you will love. Fin and Star are simply perfect for each other and you will keep everything crossed that they manage to weather the storm and embrace this chance at happiness.

An enjoyable romantic tale from a gifted writer, Lisa Hobman’s It Started With a Kiss hits all the right notes.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun book. It would make a great book to read on vacation!

It Started With A Kiss by Lisa Hobman
American Star Mendoza lives 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 from 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 dream.
Star is bereft when her handsome stranger stops coming to her coffee shop. Still, a chance encounter in the most unlikely place 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?
Another wonderful story by this talented author. Lisa's books always leave you with a happy smile on your face, and this is no different. A well-written, easy read that I am pleased to recommend.

I have been a fan of Lisa’s books for a while now. I haven’t read everything that she has written to date but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for ‘It Started With A Kiss’ and it certainly sounded like the sort of fun and light hearted read I have come to expect from Lisa Hobman. I couldn’t wait to start reading and so without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for a fun afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘It Started With A Kiss’ but more about that in a bit.
I loved the characters of Fin and Star. I really felt for Fin. He does his best to please and impress his parents and make them proud but all they seem to do is criticise him and point out his ‘failings’. In that respect his parents certainly seem very passive aggressive in that they get their kicks from making him feel like rubbish. They also don’t show much positive emotion regarding Fin and focus on the negatives. He comes across as a nice lad with some flaws but none of us are perfect. Star is just lovely. She has dual British & American nationality and she loves all things Scottish. Star works in a coffee shop and Fin dropped in for his morning coffee on his way to work. There’s a definite spark between them and I kept everything crossed that they would get together and get the ‘happy ever after’ ending that they both so deserved. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
As soon as I started reading, I knew that I was going to become addicted to reading ‘It Started With A Kiss’ and that I wouldn’t be doing much other than reading for the rest of the day. Part of the reason why I enjoyed the story so much is to do with the fact that I took to the lead characters as well as I did. I ended up feeling as though they had become friends of mine and I felt protective of them both. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen and I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered off down the wrong path entirely. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘It Started With A Kiss’ and I had to say goodbye to Star and Fin. I found ‘It Started With A Kiss’ to be a joy to read from start to finish.
‘It Started With A Kiss’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Lisa Hobman. Lisa has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading one of her books feels more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Lisa certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. Lisa clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She describes her characters so well that they seem just as real as you and I. I love the way in which Lisa’s stories are full of fun, laughter and romance with the odd bit of drama in there for good measure. I love the way in which Lisa makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘It Started With A Kiss’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Lisa’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

Fin Hunter is working for his father in his law practice, exhausting himself trying to get his love and approval, but nothing seems to work. When his fiancée call of the wedding, his parents blame him. His dad eventually has a heart attack, and Fin works even harder trying to show his dad that he loves him and will work hard holding things together while his dad is recovering. American Star Mendoza is living her dream relocating to Edinburgh, to live with her grandmother. She is working at a trendy city centre coffee shop, fantasizing about the handsome businessman she serves daily. When they meet up after Fin's breakup, they begin a tentative relationship, but can two people from such different backgrounds and walks of life have a real relationship.

Star and Fin were both great characters. I love how developed they were. I felt like I really knew them, their pasts, their faults, and their personalities. Star was an independent person, with her pink hair, her photography, her quirky and honest personality, and her dreams. Fin was sacrificing everything to make his parents happy, something he will never be able to do. I loved that he put it out there doing karaoke and realized that he also loved to sing. His parents were the most selfish, narcissistic people, that my heart broke for Fin. Once Fin and Star got together, this story got so upbeat and fun. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other and the growth they both go through. Fin realizes he deserves to be happy, and Star begins to get over her insecurities. Star's best friend, boss and roommate, is such a hoot. He is a bit like a fairy godmother and I absolutely loved him. This is a book about finding what makes you happy, standing up for yourself and what you believe in, letting go of things that are holding you back, friendship, stepping out of your comfort zone, and of course, Romance! A fun story, I very much enjoyed and recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily.
This is the first book.I have read by this author, I was expecting a simple, pleasant romcom from the information and book cover. The setting of Edinburgh is described well, from the young, vibrant culture to the old buildings. The characters and early events are realistic. However by the time I had read 25% I didn't want to read any more, the language spoilt it for me. I know this is everyday language for a great many young people, it just wasn't for me.

This story drips with romance almosy from start to finish. The two central characters, Star and Fin, seem at first sight, to be opposite in personality and upbringing. However, as the story develops, you begin to see that they have much in common, nevertheless. Star and Fin come from very different worlds. Fin may have had a privileged and affluent upbringing but in many respects, he had a lonely, cold childhood as his parents showed him little affection. Star, on the other hand, has had a less rich life but been showered with affection and care.

I enjoyed how Fin's character developed as he discovered his hidden alter ego and talent. Both Star and Fin lack confidence in their talents and shy away from public praise. They have to learn to accept it. Friendship is equally important in the story. Both Fin and Star find people who offer support and a listening ear. Set in Edinburgh, the city is a fitting backdrop to their life and you get a real flavour of the place. This is a recommended read .

In short: Chemistry in spades but is it enough?

Opposites attract but insecurity and family interference cause many issues to surface.
From a rocky start this will they won't they romance will keep your turning the pages in anticipation of what comes next.

Enjoy I did

I thought this book is really good.

Fin always goes into the coffee shop where Star works they always pass pleasantries and Star thinks he is very handsome. Fin works as a lawyer in his Father’s firm and would like to have some praise from his Father but he isn’t a very nice person. Fin & Star end up together as they say they are from very different backgrounds but both of them lack self believe. Unfortunately forces are against them will they have a happy ever after only time will tell.

I enjoyed the main characters they were well suited and connected well.

Thank you #netgalley and #boldwoodbooks for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an Honest review.
Firstly, I really love Lisa Hobman books, they are feel good and emotional. This is an easy flowing read which had me rooting for both characters.
We meet Star and Fin and the story follows their individual perspectives.
I love that Star has bright pink hair just like Lisa often does. She fell in love with Scotland as a young girl and moves there as a young adult, she had been raised in the Midwest of the US. She works in a coffee shop, which is where she meets the soon to be married Fin. Fin is eager to please his very stern father who borders on being a bully with his expectations of Fin to fulfil the life he has mapped out for him. From the choice of future wife, career to the home he lives in, he had little to no say in them. Then he gets jilted at the alter and life takes a turn.
With a lot of pressure from his friend he ends up on Debasement a rock and indie Karaoke bar. Which is where he and Star meet again and a somewhat on again off again Pretty in Pink style Romance begins. Can they both make it with their styles and backgrounds being so different? You will have to read to find out. I do love that one minor character shares my name and the choice of music, from Linkin Park to Pearl Jam, The Darkness and even Kiss' I was made for loving you appear.

4.5 stars rounded up.

It Started With A Kiss by Lisa Hobman is a romance / womens fiction novel set in Edinburgh.

Star works in a coffee shop and serves Fin his morning coffee each day. When they meet outside the coffee shop sparks fly. But there are a lot of obstacles, and meddling people, they need to overcome to be together.

I really loved both main characters and their backstories, both are really well developed. Star is a perfect example of a free spirit and Fin is quiet and deep. They are definitely proof that opposites attract!

The storyline flows well, with a few twists and bumps in the road for Fin and Star that you expect from a romance novel. Both have very different relationships with their families and I enjoyed reading about those too.

I love the Edinburgh setting, as it is a city I've visited I liked that I know exactly where the author is describing.

I always love Lisa Hobmans books and It Started With A Kiss is no exception. It is a real feel good read, that makes you feel ALL the emotions and it is perfect for reading curled up on the sofa or laid on a beach or by the pool.