Not in a Billion Years – Camilla Isley

Bestselling Camilla Isley returns with this gorgeously funny enemies-to-lovers rom com, perfect for fans of Sarah Adams, Lynn Painter and Jo Watson. 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?

This book contains:

References to sick parents
Manipulative, controlling and gaslighting ex
Actual and perceived stock market and business manipulation and control
Staged events to force proximity together.

Avery is a young woman from an “everyday” background who worked hard to create her business. She’s proud of everything she’s achieved and critical of those who come from money, especially when it comes to how they’ve continued to make money.

Gabriel is the oldest son of a billionaire but chose not to follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he chose to start his own business going through the same start-up process as everyone else. Except not everyone believes that he’s done it on his own merits, not that he’s really aware of this though since he’s not on any social media.

In a ground-breaking interview for Avery, she makes a comment about her competition Gabriel that triggers him storming Avery’s office to find out what she has against him. After their initial meeting, Gabriel is enamoured by her and devises ways to entice Avery to date him. Despite her determination to avoid relationships, especially those with rich men who come from money.

While there are some light stalker vibes at times, their relationship gave me a heap of laughs while also enjoying the character development of both our main characters. I was even really invested in Marrisa’s side story because she seemed so funny!

As the story develops and we learn more about each character, there were definitely times where I felt Avery was over-reacting and needed to remember that each person is an individual. Meanwhile, I also thought Gabriel should maybe have been a little less strong with how he was coming onto Avery, especially his choice of HOW he tried to win her over.

While I personally think a strong man who’s willing to show his affections and try and win a woman over is a good thing, there’s a point where it gets questionable as to whether they’re heading into stalking or not. And at times it felt like Gabriel MAY be slipping into that zone.

In the end though, we finished with some sweetness mixed in with some hilarity that gave the whole story the perfect finish.

Continue to read further down to find out about the author.