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 … 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?
more
Whoa! What a fantastic read!!! Start With Me by Kara Isaac is real and raw and heavy. But it’s also hilarious and hopeful and SO romantic. What I appreciate the most about this book is its realism. Lacey and Victor are excellent characters — characters who could be our next-door neighbors. They are sinners, they make mistakes, they have goals and dreams, they have regrets and griefs and sorrows. They work hard to do their best, but their best seems to always be a bit lacking. Lacey and Victor struggle with God and the world and what feels right and what looks wrong, and how to maneuver through it all. They are excellent representations of real humans living in a severely broken world. I felt like I could relate to both Lacey and Victor because like them I have regrets, I have struggles, I have doubts, I have worries, I have desires, and I’m trying so hard to figure out how to be me the woman God wants me to be. How outstanding that Kara Isaac can write a novel that’s so personal and so universal at the same time. Truly, a hallmark of a brilliant storyteller!
Start With Me forces the reader to consider things like personal grudges, judgments, and what it means to actually forgive. We are asked to consider the baggage we carry and why. Both Lacey and Victor carry ginormous suitcase loads of emotional, personal baggage and they have no idea how to fix anything. And, not only do they not know how to fix anything, no matter how hard they try, they don’t know how not to beat themselves up over it all. My heart absolutely broke for Victor especially. Time after time he does everything right, but because of the sins of his past, no one trusts him and everyone is waiting for him to fail again. The whole time I was reading I could feel the characters holding their breath every time Victor walked into a room asking themselves, “How’s he going to be the total screw-up this time?” Everyone said, “We forgive you for the past,” but no one actually does. This got me thinking about some of the people in my life. Have I said the words, “I forgive you,” but not really meant them? Am I just a judgmental, self-righteous girl? I have to say that after some soul searching, I definitely come up lacking. I am a Lacey and Victor no doubt. My suitcase of emotional/personal baggage is popping open at the seams. But if I’m truly honest with myself, I’m also a bit like the characters who say to Victor, “We forgive you,” and then wait for him to fail. This is a devastating thing to learn about myself, but I’m grateful because now I know one more thing I need to work on in order to be that woman God wants me to be!
To me, the true testament of a stellar novel is whether or not readers learn something about themselves and then feel a call to action to make themselves better people. Start With Me by Kara Isaac is an excellent story. The plot is so fast-paced I read this book in one 24-hour period. The characters are exquisite — they are relatable and endearing, and you just can’t help but want to cheer for them! The themes are timely and so, so necessary for readers to wrestle within today’s world. But what makes this story truly a must-read novel is how interactive it is. This book holds up a mirror to the reader, forces the reader the wrestle with his/her own demons, and then begs readers to reconcile with the past and make changes. Start With Me is a novel I won’t soon forget. I highly, highly recommend this amazing read!
I received a copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Kara Isaac, via JustRead Publicity in order to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
So much to like with this book! I loved that it went outside the normal setting of so many Christian Fiction titles (I do like books set in small towns but I love variety even more) and gave us a story set in a big corporation. And how the restructuring of said corporation comes about is all kinds of fun. Kara Isaac hits us with some great one-liners that added a layer of wit to some deeper issues at play with the characters. The romance was there in full swing and, if I may say, this author has knocked it out of the park with this one.
I had forgotten how much I love Kara Isaac’s writing style. I loved this book! I enjoyed seeing familiar characters in this book. I’m glad that we finally got to read more about Victor and that he was able to have a second chance. I also like how she’s able to write about characters that are flawed. That makes them feel even more real to me. Her stories are so original! This book made me want to go back and reread all of Kara Isaac’s other books! I definitely recommend her books!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
I was totally captivated by this book. The story, the characters, the twists and turns… everything about this book was simply amazing and wonderful.
I could literally feel what the characters were feeling; the pain, the loss, love…
I greatly admired how Victor tried to turn his life around. The efforts he made were profound and very touching. I loved how he showed the skeptic Lacey what true love was even though his relationship with God was still new.
Lacey was strong, determined, driven and a force to reckoned with. It was most spectacular to see how God and cared for her by placing Godly people in her path to always point her to Him.
My favorite part of this book was when Victor explained God’s love and forgiveness to Lacey.
My book pulled at my heartstrings bringing to mind real life struggles and how God helps one triumph.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Sweet!
My rating is 3.5 stars
Though I had heard her name often, I had not read anything by Kara Isaac, so it was time to remedy that…
I admired the way Lacey was such a take-charge woman! The way she reacted to the last-minute challenge from her company’s owner was amazing. Maybe a little unrealistic but fun anyway! I admired the way she determined to make the right choices even when it threatened her job.
My heart went out to Victor as his family continued to treat him as the man he used to be. Before rehab. Before his life changed and he began to make wiser choices. Despite the time that had passed, they treated him poorly and expected only the worst from him, especially his brother, Peter. I appreciated how realistic this is. Despite Peter’s relationship with the Lord, he didn’t show any signs of forgiveness to Victor. Sadly, this is something all too many of us do.
I especially appreciated being able to like Victor despite the things I learned about his past. Similar stories have shown too much of the ugly before endearing me to the characters, making it harder to relate to them and enjoy their stories.
The tension between the attraction of Lacey and Victor and the newly minted no-fraternizing policy at their company added a complication to their already complicated non-relationship. The competition between them related to both aspiring to the same position added even more!
Regarding the faith element, Victor’s time in rehab led him to read the Bible and acknowledge that there is a God. Lacey started out cynical and mad at God and yet as the story progressed, she began to think about praying… The faith element is certainly there though it is not strong.
At one point in the story, (unsaved) Lacey was given tickets to “The Book of Mormon”, which I saw from Wikipedia is a musical satire about Mormon missionaries. Victor also explains to Lacey that when he was in rehab, reading material was limited to spiritual books. He started by requesting a copy of The Book of Mormon but quickly discarded that for the Bible.
There were several events alluded to that I imagine are from previous stories. While I appreciate when authors don’t find it necessary to retell details from earlier books, I hadn’t read them and felt I was missing things I should have known. How did Victor get that scar on his face? Secondary characters were not introduced at all if they had appeared in other books. It seemed the author assumed I already knew who they were. Another example was an allusion to Lacey being hurt by a relationship ending when she was 17 but it wasn’t really clear why. Yes, her unmarried sister got pregnant but how that tied in…???
I did drop the rating a half a star due to potty talk by the very young attendants at Victor’s brother’s wedding. I do not at all enjoy reading of bodily excrement and this soured the story for me. I know I tend to be pickier than others in this regard, so if it bothers you, too, be aware. Otherwise, pretend I marked it a full four stars. 🙂
I recommend that before reading Start with Me, you first read Can’t Help Falling and then One Thing I Know, which are about the secondary characters and should fill in the gaps.
Read my review of Start with Me by Kara Isaac at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
It took me a while to get into this book. I couldn’t relate to Lacey and I struggled to like her. I thought the “corporate challenge” seemed far-fetched, however after Lacey left this event, I liked the book much more. I really liked how Lacey stood up for what she believed was right at a corporate event and how that unfolded.
I liked Victor and felt for him as he was really trying to do the right thing in all circumstances. I felt frustrated for him because of how his family viewed him and couldn’t get over his past and see the new person he’d become. I also liked his take on forgiveness.
This was my first Kara Isaac book and I feel that I would have enjoyed it more if I had read previous books and had known these characters from those books.
I think fans of contemporary romance will enjoy this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Very intriguing story, jumping the globe from New York City to London, a complicated romance between a British noble and an American publicist raised in poverty to reach the heights of success by hard work. They both have majorly dysfunctional families that helped form who they are. Very unlikely pairing but once they reach their Happily Ever After … it’s a keeper!
I know that I haven’t really mentioned Kara Isaac’s books before and I am long overdue to. I am absolutely in love with her stories and her beautiful characters. Isaac writes some of the best contemporary clean/Christian novels out there. The characters are always interesting and engaging, real and relatable. Isaac’s story-lines are always well thought out and edited just about perfectly. They pull you in and don’t let go until the last page without being fast-paced. All of Isaac’s books connect through overlapping characters, making reading her books enjoyable on yet another level.
Starts With Me follows Lacey O’Connor and Victor Carlisle’s story. They are easily my favorite of Isaac’s characters. The two of them come from completely different backgrounds, Lacey’s family are struggling Americans from Minnesota and Victor is the heir of a British Viscount, who just happens to be his father.
One of the major themes of Start With Me is restoration. Specifically restoration of family and sibling relationships. Lacey and Victor both have sadly strained relationships with their siblings, although for very different reasons. It was satisfying to watch Victor fight to prove that he has changed and to see Lacey called out by her sister. Both Victor and Lacey grew as characters and were able to move forward with their lives, stronger and together.
Start With Me is a satisfying and enjoyable read. One I would absolutely recommend to my slightly older readers who enjoy clean contemporary fiction and relatable characters.
I’ve loved everything this author has written. Somehow her books just keep getting better and better This book does not disappoint.
Wow! I love all of Kara Isaac’s books but this one might just take the cake! But, really, there is depth to this story on so many levels. Complex characterizations does not even even begin to describe how we gradually see layers revealed – both to the reader and also to the characters themselves. I especially love Victor and his honesty and willingness to uncover the rawness of who he is, who he was, and the struggle to keep trying…yet acknowledging that even this is only through a reliance and belief in the forgiveness of God for his past mistakes. Lacey is a harder nut to crack. She has her walls firmly established — but as she begins to expose her own background, her fears, and her isolation, we see a fragile beginning of hope and trust, and eventually an awareness that some of the brokenness she has seen in others has only been a reflection of her own insecurities and fears, as well as misperceptions.
Even the supporting characters are multifaceted… Some we have met in previous stories by Kara Isaac which is always a delight…and others I hope we will meet again in stories yet to be revealed. I also sincerely hope that we will get another window into the lives of Victor and Lacey perhaps to see their faith and hope in love fulfilled.
One of the best books I’ve read all year! I fell in love with Victor and Lacey. Their struggles and temptations are so relatable. I found myself rooting for them through out their journeys. The raw emotions with their family mal functions also made them extra human.
This was my first book by Kara Isacc but I’m definitely going to check out her others. Her sense of humor kept me hooked until the very end. I literally Lauged out Loud on so many parts of the story. It’s so down earth and a must if you like contemporary stories.
Just had that satisfied sigh, finishing Kara Isaac’s newest novel I love seeing bad-boy Victor’s redemption! Such a sweet story! It’s better if you’ve read previous novels especially Can’t Help Falling.
Do you feel unworthy? Are you ashamed of past behavior? “Start With Me” is just for you!
Lacey O’Connor has been diligently working towards a promotion for the past five years. The company is reeling from scandal and Lacey is thrust onto a collision course with someone from her past she’s been trying to forget.
Victor Carlisle, a former bad boy, has been struggling to prove to his family that he’s reformed. His company will be merging with it’s US sister firm, Victor see this event as an opportunity to convince his family he’s changed.
The journey from brokenness to wholeness is one we are all invited to embark upon. Ms. Isaac authentically demonstrates the road to healing is raw at times. Wholeness is worth the cost.
Recommend to those who enjoy REAL redemption stories.
I borrowed a copy from Kindle Unlimited. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Wow, I so enjoyed Start with Me by Kara Isaac; released June 2020, this appears to be the authors sixth book. The name Kara Isaac is not new to me, I’ve noticed her books, read comments praising her storytelling abilities; but yet, for reasons now completely nonsense, I chose to ignore her books. Start with Me has shown me the fallacy of my thinking, and I have a bit catch up reading to do!
After working for years for an upper level corporate position, Lacey is sure she is next up when an opening occurs; but, before that can happen a scandal rocks the entire corporation. Even worse, the sister business across the pond is rocked by their own scandal.
He can’t mess this up; Victor Carlisle has spent the last three years cleaning up the disaster his life has become. Now, with stable job along with sobriety, he is determine to succeed, even if his younger brother is sitting on the sidelines just waiting for Victor to fail.
Suddenly, Lacey and Victor finding themselves competing for top executive positions in a company that has been shaken to its core; not only that the personal competition between them will either destroy one while the other succeeds, or destroy them both.
As both hide their true feelings for each other, Lacey and Vir find themselves learning things about themselves that goes to the heart of who they truly are, bringing healing and change.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours, and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
If you’ve read other books by this amazing author, you’ll be happy to know that this one focuses on Victor and Lacey’s stories, characters so real and relatable. Victor is carrying around a lot of baggage and this is a novel about the mighty lessons of forgiveness, mercy and love. Lacey, being the strong, driven woman she is, struggles with her professional career and numerous challenges. Lots of emotional baggage front and center in this well-written novel, balanced with Isaac’s humor and some quirky characters, with just the right amount of romance. It’s truly a tale of the power of redemption. I appreciate a novel that allows some personal introspection!
I received this book from JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to write a positive review; all opinions are my own.
This was real and exciting to read. Loved both Lacey and Victor. They were flawed, lost and in need of redemption, struggling to get over past mistakes and just be themselves. Especially Victor, seemed like every time he thought he had made progress, his past seemed to come back to haunt him but I love that he didn’t give up, he let his actions speak for themselves to show that he was redeemed. I loved how he showed grace and explained God’s love to Lacey through her skepticism.
I also enjoyed the slow build up of their relationship, it was fun to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Just read tours. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
Start With Me has some characters and situations from other books that this author has written, however, it stands on its own nicely, as well.
Victor is a character who was definitely unlikable in Can’t Help Falling. I never thought I could see a believable redemption story for him, but I was wrong! The author wrote him an amazingly believable redemption story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Victor is a man living with huge regrets, has really turned himself around, yet still can’t seem to prove to his brother that he has changed. I ended up really connecting with this character and wanting him to get that second chance that feels so elusive.
Lacey was an interesting character, too. It was enlightening to watch as she allowed Victor to see layers of herself and her background that she usually kept hidden and controlled from the rest of the world. She was a dependable and competent person, whose emotional wounds kept her from trusting in love or in believing that there was a God.
These two characters worked so well together. There was great banter, great chemistry, and plenty of angst to work through in this engaging novel.
(4.5 stars)
I read a copy of this book through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own.
In this book, Lacey and Victor Carmichael have to survive a wilderness challenge in order to keep their jobs. And you know this is Kara Isaac’s crazy ideas that work and guarantee a fun read. Most importantly though, this is Kara Isaac book and you can be sure it will be relevant. It will tug your heart, creep in and make a mess inside you and you won’t even know where that came from. But it will be worth it 😉
I will always hope Kara Isaac will write another book and that we get to catch up with these dear characters. Moreover, I will ever be thankful one day she chose to start writing and share her stories with us 🙂
4.5 Stars
START WITH ME is one of those books that stays with you after you’ve turned the last page. It’s about the messiness of life, forgiveness, redemption, faith, and letting someone else really see you. It’s about complex families, career goals, friendship and romance. And in the end, it’s a story that will pull on readers’ emotions and tug on their hearts. Highly recommended to Christian contemporary romance readers, as well as main-stream romance readers who don’t mind a light inspirational element!
Surprisingly, this was the first book that I’ve read by Isaac, although it’s the second on my shelves. I had heard really good things and been meaning to give her a try for quite a while. I’m quite happy that I did! These characters were deep and complex, with pasts that they were still trying to recover from, but who were amazing people. They were both really easy to connect with, and I think that, in part, was due to how vulnerable they come across the page. They had walls that were always up, but then somehow they started to let each other in. I also loved that they’re acquaintances and then friends before they decide they can’t stop thinking about each other. There were all these obstacles though and things they were still dealing with that they had to figure out before there could be any type of happily-ever-after. The romance is super sweet, but also definitely swoon-worthy. *sigh*
Then there were the relationships. I loved Lacey’s friends! There obviously was a lot of history there, and I think I need to go back and read a previous book, but I could still keep up with everything. The family dynamics were quite interesting as well and I enjoyed seeing those develop as the story progressed. There were also co-worker and boss relationships. Jen was a definite favorite. I also liked how this posed the question of what you would do if you had worked years for a promotion and it meant giving up love, which I think is something many can relate to.
My one complaint is that there was a bit too much back and forth with the romance. Plus both felt they weren’t worthy of the other, which I get, but they both felt like they were in the same situation and I wanted there to be a bit more contrast there. I also would have liked a bit more added on at the end. I was still trying to figure out how they would exactly make it work.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed this story and will definitely be reading more from this author! A story with great characters, a plot that was relatable in so many ways, an element of faith that was woven lightly throughout, and a romance that made for a delightful read as it tugged my heart back and forth.
Content: Some innuendo, drinking, references to past mistakes (including drugs and sleeping around), but nothing too detailed.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustReadTours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
My favorite of Kara’s books and one of my top reads of 2020!!!