Love love love!!!

One of my first books to read when I entered my romance loving world. This book had all the feels, it had me consuming every word, every detail, it was done in a way that I truly forgot I was even reading!

A must read!!!

Every once in a while, I get a craving for a mature YA and Erin Watt books fit the bill perfectly. After reading the Paper Princess series, I couldn't wait to see what they would come up with next. When It's Real is a light and heartwarming angst-fest with lots of feels, sweetness, and Hollywood-worthy romance. It's been a while since I have read a YA novel, so the teen angst felt a little over the top, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

4.5 stars

This story was so cute. This is the kind of YA romances that leave you smiling and feeling the warm fuzzy feeling of that youthful love. This is one of my favorite tropes, the fake relationships because they always lead to something sweet at the end.

Vaughn Bennett was offered some money to pretend to be in a relationship with rocker Oakley Ford. She was an everyday girl and a relationship will rehab his image which was taking a hit thanks to his drinking and drugged fueled antics. The deal was that they would get some pictures and manage the social media, and Vaughn would get money to help take care of her family.

The funny thing was that Vaughn wasn't impressed with Oakley. Her sister and many other female fans swooned at the mere mention of his name but not Vaughn. Oakley was disturbed by her lack of adoration so they bickered quite a bit which made this pairing so entertaining. Of course there is a slight problem of Vaughn having an actual boyfriend but she signed an NDAA to not tell anyone about this ruse with Oakley. This book had plenty of drama and angst to keep me reading into the night. While the story was predicatable, it still has a feel good element which made it okay.
Oakley just needed to connect with someone on a deeper lever and be seen as a person instead of celebrity. I really enjoyed all aspects of this book. I hope that Vaughn's sister is up next.

Very predictable story line and have read similar stories many times before but it was still cute. It starts out fake but turns to a real thing.

Vaughn Bennett & Oakley Ford

It was hard for me to wrap my head around that they are only 17 & 19 years old with all this drama.

I can't find my original review but here were my favorite quotes:

"Half the time when you open your mouth, you say something that makes me want to punch you." Vaughn gives me a rueful smile. But when you sing . . . you make it really hard to hate you."


Keeping an emotional distance from a guy you have to pretend to be dating is the realest struggle ever.


"The good ones put your character to the flame and burn away all the rest of the shit until you come out a better you. She's on of the good ones."

"You're beautiful. Every day I'm with you is brighter and more exciting than the last. And if we ever have sex, it'll be because you want it, not because I want it or because you think it's necessary to keep me."

"Yeah, wow. For the right guy, Vaughn, it's worth getting hurt. Would you trade all those years with Mom and Dad so you wouldn't have to have the pain of their loss?"

"Stop being afraid of life. Go out and let love take you on a journey.. . . "

"I know I'd be fine without you. I'd live a perfectly good life. I want a messy, exciting, happy, sad, emotion-filled, loud life with you."

"You're the one person in my life who wants nothing but me and it's terrifying and awesome at the same time. Don't ever leave me. I love you . You're my heart."

Another brilliant book by Erin Watt! At this point I don't think these authors can do any wrong! This book hit me right in the feels.

Erin Watt does it again. The duo behind Paper Princess is at it again with their new book When Its Real I just loved Vaughn and Oakley's story. While he could be a dick some of the time and she can be stubborn its a great combination and really works in this story.

Yay for Erin Watt's first standalone and as always...they knocked it out of the park! I love this story....a rocker and a regular girl falling in love? With a fake contract and such? I mean..what could go wrong right?! The dynamic duo's humor shines in When It's Real and their characters continue to make me swoon and grin from ear to ear. I think When It's Real is the perfect mix of Young Adult and Contemporary Romance genres and is the first great read of the summer!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this title. Unfortunately in this instance,I didn't connect to the story. As I didn't finish reading, I will not be reviewing this title. Many thanks and I do look forward to picking up another read from this author as we've loved previous titles from this collaboration of authors.

When it's Real was a typical Rock-Star romance. A girl who hates stardom gets hired to be a fake girlfriend for a popular, egomaniac rock star. Of course they both hate each other, but then realize that their relationship is different and can survive the "press". Which means everything works out and happily ever after.

I came across this book from Netgalley, and I love Erin Watt. She's one of my favorite Contemporary Adult Romance authors of all time. I'll read anything of hers, and love anything of hers, and this book was no exception. I wonder what Watt is writing next!

Never read or downloaded this one. My review partner reviewed it

http://smexybooks.com/2017/05/review-when-its-real-by-erin-watt.html

When It's Real is the latest novel by the sensational author duo, Erin Watt. I'm a huge fan of their Royals series, so there was no question as to whether or not I would be reading this. I can't even imagine them writing a bad book at this point, and for that reason, I went into this with the expectation that I was going to enjoy the hell out of it. I wasn't wrong. 

Vaughn Bennett recently graduated high school, but with no clear idea of what she wants to do with her life, she decides to take a year off before going to college. Not to mention, working instead of studying will also help her family out financially. Vaughn's parents died when she was only 15, and her sister, Paisley, has been their sole guardian ever since. Paisley works herself to the bone to keep her family together, and Vaughn chipping in will help to relieve some of the burden. 

Oakley Ford is the son of two movie stars and a famous popstar in his own right. He already has a couple of hit records under his belt, and he's not even twenty years old yet. The problem is he hasn't produced an album in 2 years which as Oak's manager reminds him is like a decade in the music industry. He needs to make some magic in the studio and fast. 

Oakley wants to create something different than anything else he's done before, and he thinks working with a renowned producer by the name of King is exactly the way to accomplish that. However, King wants nothing to do with Oakley at the moment, but his manager is confident he will in the future if Oakley does something to gain his attention. That something is him dating a "normal" girl. Of course, it would all be fake. His team plans out the whole pr stunt, and Oak reluctantly agrees after some convincing. He'll do whatever it takes to get to King.

Paisley works for the company that represents Oakley, and when his people see Vaughn's picture on her desk, they ask Paisley to offer Vaughn the job. Vaughn already has a boyfriend, and she could care less about Oakley Ford. Her gut reaction is to say no, but after some consideration, she agrees. The money she would recieve would do more for their family than Vaughn and Paisely's jobs combined. 

Pretending to date starts to feel a lot like actually dating. Though they have a rocky start, Vaugn and Oak begin to care about each other a lot. They both struggle with their feelings and vulnerabilities as everything becomes increasingly complicated and confusing. 

When you're in a "fake" relationship, how do you determine if any part of it is real? How hard would it be to admit you have feelings for someone who is just supposed to be using you to further his career? Could you fall in love with someone that is being paid to be with you? 

When It's Real is a light, sweet romance that's very different than what I expected it to be after reading the Royals. That being said, I still really enjoyed it! The writing style is amazing, the characters are likable, and the story is entertaining! If you're intrigued by the blurb, and/or you're a fan of the authors' writing, I wouldn't hesistate to one-click this one!

Loved this by erin watt so much I now own it in Paper back

Vaughn's new job should be easy- who wouldn't want to date THE Oakley Ford. He's the popstar of the moment and he needs a fake girlfriend to rehab his reputation. But he's not the easiest to be around, and his cockiness rubs everyone the wrong way, especially Vaughn. But when he finally shows the real Oakley, Vaughn can't shake the feeling that When it's real- it's really REAL!

I loved this book and couldn't wait to read EVERYTHING else by this amazing writing duo! MORE PLEASE!!!!

I didn't know what to expect from this one , since Erin's other series is one of my favorite and I was afraid this one will not reach my expectations.I'm happy to say that I have enjoyed this one.I enjoyed the storyline, the characters and the overall feel of the book. It was refreshing and fast paced.

It is no secret that I loved Erin Watt's Royals series. I was excited when I heard that they would be releasing another young adult novel about a teen pretending to date a pop star and what happens when they may not be faking it any longer. While this novel could not be more different than the Royals series in tone, it is the from 'hate-to-love' pop star romance of your dreams. Erin Watt offers up a fun read that hits all the right notes.

Erin Watt proved they can switch comfortably between genres with this novel. They can do twisted and dark (like the Royals series) and more rom-com fare with equal ease. It makes me eager for what else this author might branch out into in the future.

When we first meet Oakley he is egotistical, spoiled, and used to getting his own way. He is also incredibly driven and wants nothing more than to be taking seriously as an artist again. The Vaughn we first meet is used to dealing with some of life's hardest punches. She grew up quickly because she had to. Her story is filled with heartbreak and plenty of time spent worrying. The journey these characters take in this novel is woven into the romance in a believable way. It, surprisingly, makes the celebrity aspect of the novel feel more plausible and realistic. The more we get to know each of them, the more real the story becomes.

I love story in which the relationship goes from hate to love. Vaughn and Oakley don't exactly have the best first meeting, and it is most definitely not a love at first sight scenario between them. They each have preconceived ideas about the other, and those expectations ensure that this is a slower build romance. The pretend dating aspect of the plot ensures you get to the kissing and swoon worthy scenes quicker than this type of slow build would allow. It is the best of both worlds, and it really works in this instance. They bring out something in each other, and each of them grow as a result. Oakley's transformation is especially noticeable as he becomes more grounded. Vaughn's is less easy to spot, but is just as present. Oakley influences her to let go of some of the worries that plague her, and do something for herself occasionally.

I predict younger teens will especially love this novel. It's a little tamer than the Royals series, and the romance is the stuff of daydreams. It is perfect for anyone looking for a lighter summer read for a lazy day by the pool. It has romance, drama, and more. If you're looking for something fun, but with a little heart this is the book for you.

Erin Watt creates another fantastic YA/NA read that I loved.

Plot is unoriginal, characters are superficial, writing isn't strong enough to keep my attention. I chose not to finish this review copy.

Can I give this book 10 stars? Maybe even 20?
It was so so good.
And I have to give a huge thank you to Nina Bocci for sending out the ARC to this one originally. I can't tell you how much appreciate it.

So back to the book.
I honestly can't say anything bad about this one. I loved it to pieces and speed through the pages.

my only maybe one tiny complaint was the use of the name W. But it's not even a complaint. more like that name is just so ridiculous and it made me spend an obserd amount of time sniggering at the book. So I guess its a good thing really? it made me laugh after all right? hehe

But not only was the story just a warm, cute, and even funny one. It had such real believable characters. And totally made me have all the feels and warm fuzzies.
they were just plain out right funny at times. And so serious and candid at others.
And I'm such a sucker for the kinda conceded but in the joking way characters like Oakley was in this book.
the boy knows he's fine. knows he's a super star. And knows almost any girl wants him. And yes. He's conceded prick about it sometimes. But he also had a way of being lighthearted and fun about all that too. especially towards Voughn when he wasn't being a total tool bag.

And I liked that both of them actually were such complex characters. we got so many different sides. So many doffrent insecurities that teens their age go through. (heck I'll be 24 in 2 weeks and I still feel the way the 2 of them did at times in the book)
But that's going back to what I said about these characters being believable. I could easily picture these two popping up in my newsfeed any time with their story like it was some actual Hollywood romance.
But also o could see it being something that could happen to a friend.
And not the oh dating a superstar singer thing either.
the... I don't know what I want out of my life at only 17 years old. And the fear that people will only be your friend to use you for things (because it doesn't just happen to millionaire rockstars)
Or just everyday dealing with a broken family or a huge Los in your life. these are the things that normal every day people go though. And it's kinda refreshing to see a book dealing with it. Yes it still has that HEA we all wish we could get in real life. But i think books like this are food. especially for a 16-25 demographic. It shows you that theirs hope. And that's all we really need these days.
A book that can spin such a fun and adorable fictional story. But that styill reaches out to us and gives us a sense of hope that we can use later in life.

And let me just say. Its not just Voughn and Oakley's characters that make this so good either. Its Voughn's siblings, and Oakleys body guards. and even his mother, who just wrap the whole thing together and give it depth.

It's the spark of a new romance. the crushing of past heartache. the realization of something that you think is good and happy that can really be holding you back. Its all those things and more.

And just a good wholesome happy story. That will have you laughing, and ready to reach through the book at times and smack a character or two.
But also makes you smile and wince. And close the book at the last page with this pure happiness and satisfaction that only comes with the ending of a truly amazing book.

So if you had your doubts (not sure how you could though)
I loved this book. And I wholeheartedly give WHEN IT'S REAL *****5 STARS*****

The newish duo of Erin Watt never ceases to amaze me with the stories they spin. And while this is categorized as a YA book because of the ages of the characters, I'd definitely rate this as more of an NA due to the very mature content.

What teen girl doesn't dream of meeting a celebrity hottie and having them fall head over heels for them? That's exactly what happens when Vaughn and Oakley's worlds' collide. And while this is a storyline that has been done time and time again, Watt's fresh, new take is what kept me turning the pages.

I am always eagerly anticipating these authors' books, When It's Real just made me love them even more. If you're into books with massive amounts of angst, this is the one for you. I can't wait to see what is in store next.

~ A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia, 4.5 Stars