Title: The Love Theorem
Author: Camilla Isley
Genre: Romance
Published on: June 13, 2023
(first published April 25, 2019)
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Source: digital
Pages: 266
Synopsis:
Are a rocket scientist and Hollywood’s brightest star a match made in heaven or is it a catastrophe headed for a crash landing?
Lana loves four things: science, her cats, her friends, and her books. She’s on her way to earning her professorship when she finds out her long-term boyfriend has been sleeping with her best friend! That discovery has her hiding in the broom closet at a posh hotel.
Only, it turns out broom closets are the place to be these days.
Christian Slade, America’s sexiest man alive (as voted by fans), in a desperate attempt to escape the paparazzi finds himself in a broom closet with one sobbing occupant. Unable to leave a damsel in distress, he offers help, only to realize she has no idea who he is! It’s like he’s been given a gift. A smart, beautiful woman, who isn’t after him for fame and fortune . . .
Soon Christian is buying a Tesla to impress his scientist with his eco credentials and taking her on dates where no one will recognize him.
But as Christian falls in love he worries what will happen when Lana finds out who he is?
A STEMinist romance with an unforgettable meet-cute perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood!
Please note that this title was originally published as To The Stars And Back.
My thoughts
(Spoiler free)
Camilla Isley’s The Love Theorem is a rom-com with a memorable meet-cute and a sweet HEA between Lana, an engineer, and Christian, a world-famous actor. The twist? Lana doesn’t own a television or watch movies so she has no idea who Christian is when they end up hiding in the same supply closet at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel.
“I hear footsteps outside the door and wonder if the clandestine occupation of a hotel broom closet is a crime punishable by law. Even if it were, no jury would have the heart to convict me after the morning I’ve had.”
Camilla Isley, The Love Theorem
Isley, an indie author—and engineer who left science to write romance—is an author I’ve read and enjoyed for several years. (Her holiday romances are some of my favorites.) She recently signed with a publisher, and several of her backlist books have been edited with new material and new covers. I jumped at the chance to read a few of her books I haven’t read yet, including this one, which was previously released with the title To The Stars and Back. Originally from the First Comes Love series, each book included characters who appeared in each other’s books, and I’d already read a few of the titles, but completely out of order. Thankfully, each one can be read as a standalone, so it didn’t alter my enjoyment. I’d already met Lana and Christian in a later book, so it was nice to finally read their origin story.
That being said, the celebrity trope is one of my least favorite tropes so I knew this was one that I might not love love. It also contains a bit of the miscommunication trope, which isn’t a favorite, either. I went into The Love Theorem with lower expectations and it worked well for me. While I was mostly right about my assumptions, I’m glad I read it. It gave me a more complete picture for all the characters, but most of all, I could see how the new publisher has helped Isley to smooth out her rough edges. I’m excited to read more of her books, especially her brand new releases coming soon under the publisher.
While I love the new cover, I’m not a big fan of the title change. I actually prefer the original title, which had more of a meaningful connection with the story.
I did adore the way these two meet. Isley is a pro at writing humor—one of the reasons I’ve loved her holiday rom-coms. And I found myself smiling and chuckling through the first chapter. She also knows how to write a satisfying and romantic ending. She never drags it out, and I never find her HEAs overly cheesy.
Isley’s romances are closed door, if that’s something you prefer, but personally, I do wish they had a little more spice. I do always appreciate that they are dual point of view, however. Getting the male and female perspective always helps the story for me.
I’m excited for Isley’s publishing future, happy I picked up The Love Theorem, and eager to dive into her next book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
(All quotes are taken from the advance copy and are subject to change in final print.)
My Rating:
Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Bookshop | Amazon
Levels inspired by The Well-Read Librarian from Sourcebooks
My previous Camilla Isley reviews:
- Falling For Her Best Friend
- Sweet Love and Country Roads (Being re-released soon as Love to Hate You)
- Home for Christmas
- A Christmas Caroline
- Fool Me Twice at Christmas
About the Author
Camilla Isley
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you’re a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
A Song For A Book
One song came to mind immediately for The Love Theorem, “City of Stars” by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone from the hit film La La Land. The lyrics work oh so nicely, too.
City of stars
Are you shining just for me?
City of stars
There’s so much that I can’t see
Who knows?
I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you
That now our dreams may finally come true…
Have you read The Love Theorem? Or did you add it to your tbr? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Wandering!
This sounds fun and sweet
Yes! Very low pressure. 🙂
That is fun that the heroine has not pop culture and is clueless as to who the hero is. I don’t mind celebrity romances, and I adore STEM heroines.
It was a fun twist! I think this is one you’d probably enjoy. 🙂
I was just thinking the title is too close to Hazelwood’s. It makes it feel like a copy when it probably isn’t. I liked the old title better. I’m glad the book was good. I like that she doesn’t know who he is.
Yeah… I thought the same thing. A little too close to Hazelwood’s. If this one hadn’t been written first, I would have really been worried. And it helps that Isley has a STEM background, too. The twist that the heroine didn’t know the hero was one of the best aspects!
I’m not a fan of that miscommunication trope either, but this does sound like a very cute read. I might have to give it a try. 😀
You should! I’ve definitely read books where the miscommunication trope was unbearable. This wasn’t one of those instances. 🙂