YA isn't generally my go to read. Which is odd because they are always the ones that I end up loving the most. This was the absolute definition of a feel good young love story.


The whole storyline was really unique. Here you have Oakley, the son of mega movie stars. Pop star at a very young age essentially growing up in the spotlight. He has the world at his fingertips, and is surrounded by people 24/7. Yet he's lonely. He doesn't know who is in his life for the right reasons. I had a huge soft spot for him. There were times in the book when his inner jerk surfaced but it was never over the top.

Vaughn totally fit the bill for the girl next door. She's had some heartbreak in her past but it didn't stop her from doing what she needed to help her family. I think what I loved the most about her was her fears and insecurities. They were absolutely true to what a 17 year old girl would be struggling with. This is a time in a girls life where big life decisions are being made. So it was totally understandable as to what was going through her head.

The two together were such a fun dynamic. Vaughn wasn't easily dazzled by Oakley. She was constantly calling him on his bad behavior. Oakley really had to work hard to impress Vaughn, something he's not used to doing. There some childish back and forth behavior between these two, but certainly not in an obnoxious way. The age of the characters were 17 and 19 so it was fitting. There were also a lot of sweet moments between them as well. The two were showing each other what real friendship and love means.

When It's Real checks off all the boxes for us and is adding to what we now know we should expect from an Erin Watt book. It has fantastically snarky dialogue, lots of great tension, and two interesting teenage characters--Oakley and Vaughn. Let's start with those two, shall we? The writing duo Erin Watt has a way of making me strongly dislike their male protagonists only to turn the tables on me and have me totally loving them. When I first "met" Oakley he was so easy to dislike--so arrogant and spoiled and frustrating--but as the novel progressed, so did Oakley. He gradually became less douchey and more vulnerable and open, even as he held on to this sort of swaggering confidence; it was this combination of alpha vulnerability that turned things around for me and a large part of that had to do with Vaughn. Vaughn was more likeable than Oakley but she was not without her own flaws (as we all are); namely her weaselly boyfriend W (ugh, that guy was a loser with a capital L) and she also tened to use her snark as her armor when with Oakley. As she shed her armor and allowed herself to be open and more vulnerable with Oakley, she seemed to trigger him to want to do the same. I especially liked that the writers created her to be less than confident on her next steps after high school --I think it's great to see a main characters not have all the answers and are allowed the room and space to explore rather than make a hasty career/school decision. Oakley and Vaughn were a fun pairing to read.

Part of the fun was never knowing what one would say to antagonize the other; I liked how the tensions started with their first meeting and continued to simmer in the background as their feelings morphed into what we see at the end--that tension kept it interesting . the dialogue and texts and tweets weren't just what moved the plot along they enhanced the entire reading experience--there was a lot of laughing and swooning going on.

Not only were the main characters interesting, the secondary characters were too. The various conversations and situations with body guards, friends, and family members, and others helped round out Oakley and Vaughn and have me hoping that we may revisit them all in the future. I enjoyed them all so much that I'm already hoping they'll be a holiday short or a newsletter special or a cross over into the Royals so that I can see them all again--I miss them already.

Erin Watt fans--this isn't the high drama of the Royals (thank god, I barely made it out alive) and we think you're going to love When It's Real because it's not that high drama but something that is equally good and stands on its own.

Erin Watt has created yet another sweet and completely captivating romance in When It's Real, which takes place in the world of celebrities, fame, and fortune, where reality is harsh and love is impossible.

Oakley and Vaughn's characters were from completely different worlds, but I genuinely felt for them equally in where they were coming from in their lives. They were both so complex and had such difficult pasts to deal with ... Poor Oakley (I love the name by the way) was so damaged and had completely shut down his feelings and hope for real happiness. Being so successful and at such a young age, he should seemingly have everything he could ever want. However, he had constantly been let down in life. Only his music nurtured his soul, and when he lost the ability to create nothing was left but anger and resentment.

Vaughn was sweet, simple, and appreciative. She lived wrapped up in the warmth, support, and love of her younger brothers and older sister. Desperately holding on tight to her past and the unexpected loss of both of her parents, Vaughn is kind of stuck in a holding pattern of complacency, not really knowing or really particularly looking for her place and direction in life. She would do anything for her family and is only concerned about living up to what she perceives everyone’s expectations of her to be.

Oakley and Vaughn were incredibly strong-willed and stubborn, and they struggled so much with their fears in life. Oakley, with his fear of never having a real life where someone could actually love the real person and not just the celebrity persona, and Vaughn, afraid to take a chance and live her life for herself and not the way she believed everyone thought she should. They both had almost completely shut out their feelings to future possibilities in order to protect themselves from their fears.

Oakley and Vaughn’s relationship transitioned quite naturally in the story and was certainly fun and entertaining to follow! Although it was understandable, due to being thrown into their fake relationship together, they were both just completely awful to each other in the beginning. Their dislike for both their situation and each other was certainly immense. However, their banter was really witty as the two battled and eventually began to understand each other, find common ground, and build a friendship. They really were a great balance for each other and their insecurities. The flow of their relationship grew so naturally and effortlessly, and the slow buildup of sexual tension between them was perfectly paced and certainly palpable. The only element that seemed a little off to me was regarding the timing of Vaughn giving Oakley the one thing she had never given ‘W'… I understood her feelings were totally different toward Oakley and he wasn’t pushy about it, but it just caught me off guard and seemed a little early in their relationship.

The story had many meaningful secondary characters who were very real, authentic, and true to their roles and whose presence definitely made an impact in the story. Vaughn's friends and family were so supportive, and I really enjoyed the warmth and fun banter they all shared. King’s character also stood out in particular to me as a necessary role model to Oakley, with his voice of wisdom and experience in the industry. He wasn't going to fluff feathers for anyone and called a spade a spade, and I really felt that Oakley needed someone like that in his life to look up to and show him some type of positive direction and support in his career.

The musician and celebrity lifestyle was conveyed so well in this story, and it was very interesting to know more about the inner workings of the industry, as well as the personal effects of it. Honestly, I haven’t ever really put much thought into how violating it could feel for celebrities when their fans overstep their personal boundaries. Seeing the flipside of it with the negative tweets from the fans and their overall behavior and criticism for their lives was incredibly sad, and I just can’t imagine that lifestyle. I felt so sympathetic to Oakley, in his lack of any kind of normalcy in his life, as well as Vaughn, in seeing how his celebrity status also affected her own. I think the social media included in the story with the tweets, Instagram, etc. also really helped to convey how out of hand fans can be with their character attacks and even with the simplest acts like getting ice cream.

This duo can certainly write! This suspenseful and unique storyline just pulled me in like a spider to its prey. The story wasn’t overly angsty, and it had just the right amount to remain light-hearted yet keep me wrapped up and engaged all the way through. The dual point of views really helped to submerge deeper into the true feelings and challenges that Oakley and Vaughn faced, and I just couldn’t resist turning page after page to see what would happen next with this complex couple. I also want to mention that I thought their marketing for this book was really good as well. I know this was in the Young Adult genre and maybe that's why, but I was especially happy to see a cover that was unique and not yet another half-naked hot guy!

I truly enjoyed and loved Oakley and Vaughn’s romantic journey. It was incredibly sweet and the conclusion really did leave me with the shivers. Although the story had a perfect ending, I honestly really didn’t want this one to end!

'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.'

*** 4.5 Stars for Me! ***

I absolutely love the Paper Princess series by Erin Watt, so I was excited when I heard about When It's Real. While I have been reading more NA and Adult romances lately, I couldn't wait to see how Erin Watt took on the world of YA.

Oakley Ford has it all, but what he doesn't have is inspiration to make an album that feels real and not the same teen pop he's already come out with. Oakley also finds himself in need of an image makeover if he has any chance of working with one of the best producers in the industry. Seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett has put off college for a year to help support her family after their parents died when she was fifteen. When Vaughn is offered the job to pose as Oakley Ford's wholesome girlfriend, she wants no part of it. But the money could help put her little brothers through college, so Vaughn says yes. Even though she knows Oakley is a self-centered, teenage popstar, Vaughn will always put her family first.

From the beginning of this book, it definitely felt much more YA than Paper Princess was. It was a little hard to get into because of how cliche Oakley's character was, but as we got further into the story and Vaughn was able to see more beneath Oakley's facade, I really started liking the characters. I do wish we got even more of Vaughn and her family since they were so important to her, but I did enjoy watching Vaughn and Oakley learn more about each other and rethink their preconceptions of one another.

As this story went on, I started liking it more and more. I loved the whole cast of characters and how Vaughn was so real and relatable. She was hired because she was so normal and she was. I liked the social media aspect that was used and how Vaughn was affected by what others were saying about her online. I also enjoyed how realistic the romance was between Vaughn and Oakley and how Oakley's character really did start to change because of Vaughn.

In the end, When It's Real surprised me. It was a fun romance that makes the cliched girlfriend-for-hire story unique. I enjoyed the main characters and appreciated how relatable our main character was. While it wasn't as angsty and addicting as Paper Princess, it was definitely a fun read!

What a fabulous 5 stars read! For a mature YA storyline it was one that got me captivated. It was filled with a bit of everything starting with my go-to type themes entailing musician(s). This time around it encompasses a fake boyfriend/girlfriend relationship that starts off as enemies to friends and hopes to turn into lovers. Although it started a bit slow and over the top and the end seemed a little rushed; as the story progressed and continued it lead to one that had my heart fluttering and giddy.

"Am I already the washed up pop star before I hit my twenties? "

Rockstar Oakley Ford is someone who has a reputation of getting into trouble. Privacy is hardly an option for him. He has been through so much personally and business wise that he is at a point where his career is at standstill. He is itching to do more with his music; however, his constant antics and prominence is holding him back from being a serious artist through the music industries' eyes particularly one he is wants to really work with. The solution per his PR team is to find and pay a down to earth good girl to be his girlfriend and keep him in check.

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

​The lucky girl...Vaughn Bennett.​ Her life is far from easy at such an early age and where she had to grow up quick due to a change in her family dynamic. She is a person who cares hard for her love ones and have made some sacrifices to her life. When an offer to pretend to be Ford's girlfriend is on the table it was one hard to pass up thanks to the financial opportunity that will help her and her household. It would be a win-win situation for both sides and the consequences be damned.

"This is as real as and awful and as wonderful as it gets. I'd hold her forever it she'd let me. "

This read takes you on inside perspectives of being in the public eye. It will make you wonder how much is actually true when it comes to pictures taken by the paparazzi and the stories that are created (fabricated or not) when it comes to being of celebrity status. People, especially the fans will decide what they believe. Feelings will definitely be tested and hearts will be either be broken or swooning. It was a journey that had me falling hard for the leading man and the average heroine.

Anyone that knows me KNOWS that NA is my jam. There is something about it that I adore. The excitement of first love and the angst and passion that comes right along with it. Just sign me up! So when I saw that Erin Watt was writing an Enemies to Lovers type NA/mature YA novel I kind of lost my mind! I absolutely adored their Paper Princess series so to say I was uber excited about When it's Real is an understatement. This novel was absolutely fabulous. Vaughn and Oakley had great chemistry and banter and I could not get enough. I absolutely loved this novel!

Vaughn Bennett is going through an (almost) quarter life crisis. At 17, she has no idea what she wants to do for the rest of her life and after graduating high school a year early, she's working a dead-end job to help support her family after the sudden death of her parents. But when she agrees to become a Pop Star's fake girlfriend to help revitalize his image and career, FIREWORKS happen. But when boundaries get crossed and emotional walls fall down, what happens when a fake relationship starts to feel more real everyday?

I absolutely loved this novel. I found this book to be funny, emotional, so riveting and very honest. Both characters were so relatable where they just wanted to be able to express themselves, be happy and to figure out their place in life. I also loved the twitter and social media references as it made the novel so so realistic. This is another fantastic read from Erin Watt and I can't wait to see what this amazing duo has in store for us in the future. Bravo! ~Ratula, 4 stars

4 Sweet Heartwarming Stars

To say I was looking forward to this read is an understatement, after reading The Royal Series by Erin Watt and completely devouring and loving them, I couldn't wait to get my hands on their newest release and a YA book to boot!
They certainly didn't disappoint, this book had it all, celebrity/small town girl, fake girlfriend/ fake boyfriend, enemies/ lovers and don't let that put you off either because it all worked so well together! You just want to devour this book as soon as you start just like I did.
I adored Oakley and Vaughn's story, they both had a few issues that they needed to get through and in becoming somewhat friends through their bizarre arrangement, they helped each other through it all and more. Oakley at first comes a cross as a spoilt brat, but he's not that at all, you soon find that he is the sweetest guy and begin to fall for him completely. Vaughn is not your typical small town girl either, she certainly doesn't take any attitude from Oakley even though the pair of them clash at first, but like I said before they end up building a strong friendship which turns to more. Vaughn does have a few fears that she has to work through but it's great to go through both of their issues and fears together and come out stronger in the end. This was a fantastic coming of age YA story that I highly recommend and I can't wait for more from Erin Watt in the future!

Such a huge fan of this author duo Erin Watt! I loved their Royal Series and was so excited for a new book from them. They have quickly become a must read author for me. I devoured this book once I started. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Oakley is in a band and needs to make his image better. He is a huge hit with the younger crowd and wants to transition his sound now that he’s older. The best way to do that is to date a nice average girl. He needs someone who will help him to be taken more seriously.


Vaughn has had a rough couple of years after her parents died. When an opportunity lands in her hands she can’t pass it up. Vaughn and Oak don’t get along so well and continuously butt heads. I loved the pace of their relationship.

I loved the banter and sexual tension between these two. The flow of the story was perfect and pulls you in. This was a fun, fast and easy read that once you start you won’t want to put down. If you’re in the mood for a YA book I recommend this one!

4.5 "Shivers" Stars!

"When you were at the club singing, every person in there thought you sang to them. It doesn’t matter what your sound is. People are always going to want to hear you."

Oakley Ford is a rock star. He is the son of famous movie star parents. You might think he has it all, so far-from-it. He is in need of an image makeover. His troubling ways are starting to catch-up with him and the tabloids are eating it all up. Oak's team want to reinvent his image and that includes him having a fake girlfriend. They want the public to see he's changed his ways and has settled down with his troublemaking ways.

Vaughn Bennett is the quintessential girl-next-door. Especially being the "normal" girl other than the other girls that have been involved with Oak. She's the perfect girl for the job. Vaughn wouldn't be caught dead in taking the job, but financial circumstances have her saying yes.

Vaughn and Oak's first meeting is anything but peachy. They're ice cold to each other, you can cut the tension with a knife. Vaughn is regretting her decision in being Oak's fake girlfriend. But, she knows her family needs the money, so she'll take one for the team.

"I think I might be crushing on Oakley Ford…and it freaks me out."

Vaughn starts seeing Oak in a different light. She starts to realize that he isn't that guy the tabloids have pegged him to be. Feelings for Oak start surfacing and there isn't anything fake about them.

"I want to kiss her forever. We should stay like this forever. Generations from now, they’ll find us in the rubble, two lovers who died kissing."

Oak and Vaughn were so cute together. The progression of their relationship from not liking each other, and then to becoming friends and then more than friends was such a joy to read. Really really really liked Oak and Vaughn as a couple, so adorable.

"I know I’d be fine without you. I’d live a perfectly good life. But I don’t want a perfectly good life. I want a messy, exciting, happy, sad, emotion-filled, loud life with you."

This was my first Erin Watt book I've read, and it most certainly won't be my last. I've heard amazing things about 'The Royals' series and I can't wait to devour all of those books!!!

Make sure to add 'When It's Real' to your TBR stack, you won't be disappointed.

What can I say about Erin Watt that I haven't already said? I LOVE them! Erin Watt is DOMINATING the Young Adult Romance genre right now! When it's Real was a great follow-up to the Royal series.

Do you remember when you were a young girl, fantasizing that your favorite pop star was going to show up at your door, profess his undying love for you, and then you'd live happily ever after in your mansion by the sea, taking week long Mediterranean cruises on his private yacht? No? That was just me then? Well, in When it's Real, I felt like one of my childhood fantasies was coming true! (Substitute Oakley for Justin Timberlake, of course.) But as with any Erin Watt series, there is always a twist...

I was sucked in from the first page, and found myself chuckling out loud at a few parts. I spent most of the day, and it was the weekend I was supposed to be moving, sneaking in parts of the book on my phone, because I couldn't get the story out of my head! I needed to see what would happen next!

Oakley stole my heart. While he had a hard exterior, he had a soft core, and I loved when he exposed that side of him. Vaughn has led a hard life the last few years, and I definitely admired her strength. The chemistry was real between the two, and I loved the antagonistic relationship between the two. The relationship was relatable (except the whole celebrity piece of it) and realistic. Some times, you want a good "love at first sight" type of story, but there is something magical and relatable about a slow burn romance, one that follows realistic timelines. Put those two pieces together, and you can see two of the many reasons I loved this book!

The storyline was multi-dimensional, with many of the secondary characters having an integral part of the storyline, and their relationships with the main characters were complicated. During the book, you can see these relationships evolve and grow, and I was just as anxious to see what direction those relationships would as the main characters!

Overall, I really liked this story, and I hope they continue this on as a series, featuring other characters!

Erin Watt continues to realistically capture teenage angst in all its varying degrees as well as the overwhelming and contradictory emotions that are attributed to growing up in their newest mature YA romance release, When It’s Real.

Let’s be honest…teenagers are over the top when it comes to dealing with almost any situation…their hormones are all over the place and who they are and what they stand for are just being developed. In the simplest terms, teenagers are a work-in-progress, so when their lives become more than they can handle, whether it be due to a loss or instant fame at a young age like our hero and heroine experience, there are bound to be issues where they don’t think things through or do what’s expected or safe quite simply because they don’t take the time to look at the big picture and understand the complications of their actions.

Oakley Ford became a household name at an extremely young age, indulging in all that comes with stardom, and while boys will be boys, especially when they’re left to their own devices, Oak’s image has taken a hit, causing his label as well as his manager to get creative in rehabbing how the public views him.

Enter Vaughn Bennett

Vaughn fits the “normal” girl persona that Oakley’s team wants as his fake girlfriend, and while Vaughn has a number of reasons why she shouldn’t take on this role, the only one that matters is what motivates her to follow through with their farcical relationship.

But in a place where everything is already fake and masks are worn to conceal who everyone truly is, how does an ordinary teen separate what’s fake and what’s real, especially when she doesn’t even know who she is or what she wants out of life?

Erin Watt does a fantastic job of illustrating the contradictory nature of Hollywood as well as the price that’s paid for choosing to live in its fishbowl environment. Oakley Ford appears to have everything he’s always wanted, but none of it’s real…none of it has a lasting impact; in fact, all it does is make him appear even more self-absorbed and screwed up than he already was. It’s a “plastic existence” until Oak realizes what’s important, which only happens once he gets over himself and truly sees the new kind of normal that Vaughn can offer him, even in their fake relationship.

Both Oakley and Vaughn are imperfect characters and that’s why they will resonate with readers…even those who are way passed their own teenage years. There is such transformation and awareness that comes with growing up and when extreme situations become part of the picture, things are bound to get shaken up, leaving these young adults with a whole lot of food for thought as well as a reason to self-assess and figure out a way to change for the better because they want to…not just because they have to.

The one overpowering idea that teenagers want to grasp and truly feel is that they belong…what that looks like and who or what they belong to is not universal, but being aware of the fact that they have a say in their own lives and the direction it takes gives them control, which is what Oakley and Vaughn desperately need, and even though their desire for it stems from two very different situations, together, they seem able to face the reality of things…to exist in a life and a society that clearly want something from them, but they get to decide what that is as long as it’s real!

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

4.5 stars
I'm in love, absolutely in love with Erin Watt.
This amazing duo has managed to give us a fantastic story about a young, famous music star and a normal girl who catches his heart.

Honestly, I haven't read a YA book in a long time, so I was a little worried when I started reading this book. But I shouldn't have been, because I absolutely love it!

The banter between Oakley and Vaughn is like fireworks, especially at the beginning when they can't stand each other. I wish I had been in the same room to be a witness of their dialogues!
I had a great time reading about the PR stunts they had to pull up, some of them where really out of the world! And I almost died laughing about the "why" paragraph (if you read the book, you will understand!).

I liked that this book saw a character growth for both Oakley and Vaughn. Oakley was for sure the character who changed the most: at the beginning of the book he appeared like a lost boy, cynic, without a guide in a world full of opportunists and gold-diggers. Thanks to Vaughn, he starts to find his way and his voice, and finds again a purpose in his life.
Vaughn's change is more subtle, but she learns to let go of her past, take control of her life and do not let fears drive her actions.

So yes, it was a great great read, and I strongly recommend everyone to read this book!

​
**4.5 Stars**
Oh how I love everything Erin Watt gives to us readers, te dynamic duo that makes up Erin Watt has a gift and oh did they deliver. When It's Real is no different. Oakley and Vaughan are two of my favorite characters of 2017. Don't expect this story to be anything like The Royals because it's so different, which I think is why I loved it even more. There is just something about Vaughan and Oakley that you love from the first page. I seriously couldn't get over how awesome this book was and how much I loved it. The slow burn romance between these two is something I so needed when I read this and it was perfect.
At first you can't get over how spoiled Oakley is and how much of a jerk he is. But when you start seeing the many layers being pulled back, you start to see why he is the way he is and you hurt for him. He might be a rock star but his life seems empty. So when his PR team throws someone normal like Vaughan at him to be his fake girlfriend for year, you kind of hurt for them both. Vaughan hasn't had an easy life recently either, but when this opportunity comes up, she does it for the money. But, does she keep doing it for the money or does she end up really having feelings for him?
I LOVED Oakley and Vaughan. I seriously can't say that enough. Their story was unique to them. It shows them each grow up in different ways. Vaughan has to learn to trust the playboy and Oakley has to learn to think more of himself. Erin Watt gave us this story of a normal girl falling in love with a rockstar guy. But in the end, Vaughan gave Oakley the chance to do "normal" things as well. Which made their story even better.
**I submitted a request to the publisher/author to read and voluntarily review an uncorrected advance reader's copy of this book**

ory line in When It's Real.

Oakley is a teen pop star on the edge of losing the limelight. He has hasn't written new music in years and is popping up in the tabloid for all the wrong reasons. He's team want to overhaul he image. Oakley is kind of cocky but he's also funny.

I loved Vaughn. She is a normal girl that gets pulled into being Oakley's fake girlfriend.
Vaughn hasn't had an easy life. She definitely is a family person and put them first.

The banter between Vuaghn and Oakley was pretty funny at times. They start off not really liking each other but slowing the start to like each other. As the get softer with each other they are also finding themselves.

I really enjoyed this one.

I love Erin Watt and everything they have written so far, and this brand new standalone from them is no exception! As soon as I knew they were releasing it, I just knew I needed to get my grabby hands a hold of a copy... And they didn't let me down! They had a hard bar to meet following the brilliant 'The Royals' series, and this was just as brilliant. It was totally different and a book I simply could not put down.

The word flowed from the pages and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole story line, the characters and all of the little twists and surprises which added to a small amount of drama and angst (and it really is a small amount!!). It wasn't Over the Top, but personally I think it all worked pretty perfectly.

Vaughn is a great female lead character. I loved her sassiness, and the fact she wasn't totally starstruck and glassy eyed at Oakley, She gave him grief and treated him no differently to anyone else. Oakley is a super famous singer, going through a bit of a rough patch, releasing no new music and lacking a lot of inspiration. He's been in the press but for all the wrong reasons.

His PR team decide it's time to take some drastic measures to improve his image. And this is where Vaughn comes in! Oak really doesn't come across as particularly likeable at the beginning, but he really did grow on me throughout the book. And by the end he certainly redeemed himself!

This was a super slow burn romance, put I think considering the circumstances it worked well. Told in dual PoV from both 'him' and 'her', there was great flow. The characters had a great connection and I loved their banter at times, with some very funny moments, but also some incredibly sweet (sometimes a little cheesy) times too.... Yes, there was an element of predictability in the story, but that did not take away from my overall enjoyment.

Lisa's Review: 4 Stars

When it comes to picking books to read and review, YA isn't usually my first choice. Y-not you ask? Well, let me just say I am a grown ass woman that's been married for 15 years and has three kids—one of which is a teenager herself—who finds it hard to relate to many of the characters in YA stories.

When I heard that the Erin Watt colab were coming out with a new book, I couldn't wait to read it. They turned my world completely upside down with their Royals Series and I was ready to read more of their magic.

When It’s Real is just that. Magic. It's got all the standard elements that YA tends to have and then some. First we're introduced to Vaughn—a girl who’s perfectly happy lining her life the way she has for the past year...working hard to help support her orphaned family—an older sister and twin little brothers (yes you heard that right, both parents have passed). And then, without warning, Vaughn is presented with an opportunity that she, nor her family, can refuse.

“This is as real and as awful and as wonderful as it gets.”

Que Oakley 'Oak' Ford. Oak is teen celebrity musician. He made it very big very young and is now ready to transition from teen heartthrob to respected musician. He knows who to work with to make it happen but there's a small problem...the Producer will only work with him if he grows up. How will he accomplish this task? well, he'll follow his PR advice and FAKE date the girl next door—Vaughn. At least that's what his management team says.

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

What happens next is a whirlwind of teenage drama, angst, and the type of grown-up love that I enjoy reading no matter what the genre. I don't know how they manage to do it, but Erin Watt writes in a way that sucks you so far into the story you feel like you’re actually a supporting character. When It's Real is not only entertaining, it's also an amazing love story. I highly recommend it.

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Paola's Review: 4 Stars

When It’s Real is a standalone young adult romance.

Oakley 'Oak' Ford is a teen star, very young and famous, and now that he's getting older and becoming an adult, he wants to be taken seriously, and with his manager guidance he is willing to do almost anything in order to work with the best producer, he is advised to show he had become a responsible grown man that can have a committed relationship with an average Girl, Vaughn.

Vaughn's not a normal seventeen years old girl, after her parents died years ago, she needs to keep his family functioning and the money that pretend to be Oak's girl will provide her this help.

Oakley and Vaughn's journey is adorable, I loved to read their banter and the sexual tension building between them. The characters in this story are well developed, the family side-stories and the media involvement ( because he is in the show business) were inserted to the plot flawlessly.

This tale of enemies-to-friends-to-lovers is one of my favorite kind of romances to read, where a fake relationship turns into something real.

received in exchange for a honest review.

this is a different style of writing for Erin Watt and it is delish. If you read the royals you get that dark broody male. the dark books in general but here that is not the case. here we get a sweet book with a little angst nothing dramatic and one that isn’t dark but fun. We get the POV of both Vaugn and Oakley and I do have to say Oakley is my favorite. I know it shouldn’t be but it is. I love how he changes but not only that I loved reading his thoughts. Sometimes he was an idiot, sometimes he had an ego the size of Texas but it was refreshing. It was refreshing to see the male view and not have it be anything but what you see is what you get. He doesn’t hide he is just ignorant at times. His upbringing wasn’t exactly one that made him warm and fuzzy. Oakley fought in his own way for what he has and has a passion for music. That shines through in every thing he does. Overall he isn’t a bad guy just needing to grow up and we see this happen to the very end.

Vaughn I started out liking her. I loved how she wasn’t enthralled by Oakley and let him have it. She put him in his place and got him thinking about his actions. He began to see those around him and appreciate things more because of her. Over time though she did get on my nerves. She would second guess every little thing and her thing for W. Seriously give him up he was selfish. I mean really really selfish. Glad when the true colors of W came out. Vaughn though did learn from Oakley as well. she saw that he isn’t what he seems. That his life isn’t roses like she thought. She learned he works hard and hasn’t had it easy like one believes.

I love how they start out as not standing each other and the snark and attitude showed this. Overtime as they saw one another as people we see them change. Oakley takes more control of things and finds himself thinking of others. He begins to see things from Vaughn’s perspective. He starts to gain a conscience but he also starts to grow up and own up to his actions. How Vaughn starts to grow on him and him on her. they learn to open up with one another and trust one another. They start to feel things but for Oakley it’s hard because he is afraid she won’t like him or walk away. For vaughn she irritatingly sometimes goes to far with her this is just a job and I have W deal but Oakley slowly gets her out of this.They change one another.

The writing is fun and light. We have some moments where we see the family dynamic and how Vaughn and Oakley became who they are but mainly the book is just adorable and sweet. It is lighthearted and a great snuggle up book where the characters go from not standing one another to like to love.

A heartwarming story of first love. Erin Watt writes truth and love in the most captivating way! ~ Heather, White Hot Reads

"Stop being afraid of life. Go out and let love take you on a journey." <---- This is the perfect quote for the way I felt when I read When It's Real. This read was a journey about love and life. It was exactly what I needed when it hit my Kindle.

Los Angeles is the city dreams are made of but Oakley and Vaughn have very different dreams. That doesn't stop them from both working to figure out their dreams, find their way and ultimately... make it all work.

From the very beginning I fell in love with Vaughn. Which says so much because I don't really like the female leads in books. They don't make me swoon or want to be them. They are intrinsic part of the story and very often I find parts of myself in them. As such, I identify with them but don't really like them. I found myself both relating to Vaughn and loving her. She's sassy, pulls no punches and is honest.

Oakley is well... other than being a bit young for me, sexy. He is! I can't imagine what it would be like if I was twenty years younger! I would probably fall at his feet! He's dreamy, hunky, and the kind of guy every chick would love to nab. But he does have a couple of folks on his team I'd get rid of mostly because I just don't like them.

Oakley and Vaughn grow together. They have chemistry that flies off the pages. This is a fun, fast and electric read. I was captivated from the very beginning! I'm hoping for more of the secondary characters just to answer a couple lingering questions I have...

4 I Want Real CROWNS

Erin Watt has nailed another mature YA romance! It has the heart and the angst that goes with teen love, but still has that maturity in an authentic way.

Oakley longs for real. In a world riddled with people looking to get something from him, he feels alone and isolated. Only when he pays for a girlfriend, does he find something real, and in this real relationship, readers get to see the real Oak shine through! They see the boy who has grown up in the spotlight and longs to be loved, to be valued for more than what he can do for another person and to be seen for who he is behind the public persona. The reason for the evolution of his character is the introduction of Vaughn. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders, which has resulted in her life being stagnant. Oak, however, gets her thinking and moving forward, asking her to consider what she wants, what are her passions, and what would make her happy. Through their relationship, she becomes braver and lives life harder and fuller.

Because this is a YA novel, it is low on the physical intimacy aspect, but Erin Watt delivers the emotional connection. The banter and "hate" when they meet develops their chemistry, and as the two begin to make themselves emotionally vulnerable to each other, the chemistry only begins to smolder. This is a physical pay-off, but it is low-steam and happens latter in the book, but yet again it is YA, and it completely fits the tone of the novel and the character development of Oak and Vaughn.

The plot of When It's Real is well paced. Readers will not feel rushed or like the story is dragging. The story flows naturally in a way that allows readers to like the characters, fall in love them as they fall in love with each other, and root for them to get that HEA. Readers will also like the conflict. It wasn't what I expected, but I liked it. And while I enjoyed the final chapter, hello swoon-factor, I wish the epilogue would have been a little bit more. I like the updates and the information readers are given, but it wasn't enough for me (I guess that is a sign of loving the characters).

I've been in love with Erin Watt since the Royals, and I don't see my love affair ending. Not a general lover of YA, these two write Young Adult novels that captivate me. Their characters hold the attributes of teens, but are written in a way that makes them relatable, and their stories, while angsty, ring true for the teen world. I absolutely love it, and will surely read anything the publish.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the authors / publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Nineteen year old heartthrob singer Oakley Ford is on a two year hiatus in the music industry. He’s a successful, talented musician and worked hard to reach it aside from being the son of famous movie stars. Having a strained relationship with his parents makes him rebellious giving him a bad reputation. His lack of inspiration becomes a hindrance creating a new music and has a difficult time convincing Donovan King, a renowned music producer, to work with him unless he sees the drive, seriousness and maturity.

As a solution, his team got an idea. He’ll have a fake relationship with an ordinary girl, Vaughn Bennett to clean up his reputation. Vaughn is the second eldest child of four children. She helps her older sister Paisley providing their family’s needs since their parents died in a car accident. Though she has a boyfriend (who is a piece of crap by the way), taking the job acting as Oakley’s “girlfriend” for a year will help them financially. She signed the contract and hopefully this fake relationship lasts.

Everything was on the rocks when they first met. Vaughn never thought that the person she used to idolize was a rude, conceited brat. Honestly, I can’t stand Oakley too. The progression from fake to real is adorable and heartwarming. What they have isn’t an insta-love. These two warmed up when they got to know each other and their relationship is wonderfully developed. They also made me smile whenever they flirt and throw witty comebacks.

I really love the main characters despite of their flaws. Vaughn is simple, hardworking, responsible, and kind. Unlike other girls around, she doesn’t try hard to impress to get attention and she’s exhibits patience in all the things she does. She’s beautiful inside and out. Oakley is a jerk at first but I grew to love him in the end. He’s attractive, charming, sweet and affectionate. It saddens me how his parents treated him, particularly his father. I’m glad Vaughn is there to support him and Oakley is grateful to her as she inspires him to be a better person. No wonder these two fell in love with each other and they’re both happy in the end.
Shoutout to my favourite side characters: Paisley and Tyrese. Is it selfish of me I want them to have their own book? They also made me giddy aside from Oakley and Vaughn. Also a special mention to the characters I want to throw to the Piranhas: W, Luke, Dustin, Claudia and Jim. They really got me on my nerves.

When It's Real is an enjoyable and winsome story filled with sweet romance, tension, angst and little drama. With Erin Watt's writing style, it will surely hook you from start to finish and this duo knew how to stir their readers' emotions. Praises to Elle Kennedy and Jen Frederick! I recommend this book to everyone.