Start With Me has been one of my most anticipated books this year and I'm glad to say that it was even better than I could have hoped for.
First off, this book kinda felt like two books in one, the outdoor part and the back-in-the-office type.
I found this book to be quite funny and I laughed a lot while reading it. It defiantly brightened up my day and I liked how each character was 100% unique.
My favorite part of this story was the fact that part of it, as I mentioned earlier, took place outside at Boundary Waters. This was the first time that I have seen a Christian fiction novel have a setting so unique.
The one thing that pulled me out of the story a bit was how political discussions became over guns and the Second Amendment. It seemed a bit out of place but it was nice to see two sides of the argument.
All and all, I would recommend this to anyone looking for an engrossing read.
Rating: 5/5
Language: n/a
Romance: a kiss, Victor is no saint
Spiritual: characters grow closer to God
Violence: MC shot rabid animal
Note: discussion involving girl products
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

Not feeling like you measure up is something that I think many of us can relate to, as well as family drama, and striving for perfection. It's all part of human nature, and in abundance in this novel, which is what makes Start With Me so relatable. I truly believe that everyone who reads this novel is going to find something of themselves within the pages, which I believe to be a wonderful and unique feature in a fiction.

The adventures and situations the characters find themselves in take the reader and the characters on quite the adventure, one that was fun to read and experience. I loved the vivid imagery, but what really shines off the pages are the characters, Lacy and Victor, their personalities, and the depth with which you get to know them. The character depth is incredible! Both Lacy and Victor have their own inward struggles, while trying to appear strong on the outside, and both are fighting to be better versions of themselves, while life continues to throw multiple punches, as it tends to do. You really grow to care for them both and hope for that happy ending.

There are twists in this book that caught me completely by surprise, which is normally hard to do, and kept the story fresh and interesting. The ending is gratifying, with each character luminous, showing the fact that even though life is messy, hard, and not always in the way you imagined, doesn't mean that there can't be a happy ending.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own. ( )

I was so excited to read another Kara Isaac novel and could hardly wait to get my hands on this one. Her books are witty, hilarious, touching, and always a treat to read. I love her sense of humor, her creative settings and characters, and the ability she has to run the reader through the gamut of emotions—from laughing out loud to heartache.

The two main characters in this story are very realistic, endearing, and relatable, and I quickly found myself rooting for Lacey and Victor. Their flaws and personal histories make them so human and lovable that the reader laughs and cries right along with them. Isaac’s quirky, sometimes snarky, but always fun sense of humor adds so much to the story and makes for some laugh-out-loud scenes and visual images.

There are also tender, uplifting messages of redemption, forgiveness of self and others, honesty, grace, and healing that add emotional depth to the story. I loved Victor’s determination to put his mistakes behind him and change his life for the better.

“Sometimes it’s hard to accept that others have changed.”
“. . . you gave me the gift of not throwing my past back in my face. Nobody has done that for me before. Not ever.”

This book is bound for my keeper shelf along with this author’s other books. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary romance with wit and heart. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own ( )

Start With Me by Kara Isaac gave me a book hangover. I absolutely loved the story and stayed up way too late reading it. The novel snagged my attention at the beginning and I just had to see the characters’ journeys through to the end. With the lovely balance of romantic tension and character development, I couldn’t put it down.

Start With Me had so much heart. While there were a handful of laugh-out-loud moments, the novel tackled serious issues. Lacey deals with a dysfunctional family and personal issues. Victor has a history of poor choices, alcoholism, and much more. The author didn’t skimp on his mistakes or give him a magical pass where everything works out. Making Victor struggle with the natural consequences of his actions added authenticity to the novel. Start With Me also takes on gender equality in the workplace. It makes no apology for women in leadership roles, asks hard questions, and doesn’t give male insensitivity or ignorance a pass.

Start With Me by Kara Isaac integrates several characters from the author’s previous books, but still works as a stand-alone novel. Lacey and Victor’s backstory is supplied and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything in regards to them. However, I clearly was missing information in Lacey’s relationship with her cousin and girlfriends. Sounds like a good reason to go pick up Kara Isaac’s other novels! I recommend Start With Me by Kara Isaac to readers who enjoy contemporary romances with gritty situations and inspirational themes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

If you have not yet read a novel written by Kara Isaac, run to your nearest bookstore (or the internet) and buy one now. You will not regret it.

Start With Me is a beautiful story of two broken people drawn together despite their pasts, their present, their expectations, or the threat of losing their jobs. Lacey and Victor are fighting for their jobs in two companies dealing with scandal—but they’re also fighting for acceptance and love from the important people in their lives, whether they realize it or not.

The rapport between Lacey and Victor is humorous at times and endearing at others. Isaac fans have met Victor before, and the man didn’t come off in a good light but he is redeemed in this book.

Witty dialogue, familiar characters from a couple of Isaac’s previous books, and the job scenarios make this book good. The journey Lacey and Victor take to digging up their painful pasts and the incidents that shaped who they are today and their overcoming those are what make this book great.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )