"I need you, Wills. This time for real."

I just have one word to say...LAWD!! *praise hands*
Oh my goodness! This book was so good!

I love everything Melissa Foster, but this one baked the cake (bakery pun totally intended;))

I fell so in love with Willow and Zane.
I'm a huge fan of friends-to-lovers and second chance romances.
This book was both those things and much more!!

"Z, I'm having trouble defining the line between real and fake."
"Then let's not define it."

Two people that have always loved each other, but they never once told the other their feelings.
Years of longing, and tension building, made this story what it was!

Zane needs a fake fiance and Willow is the only person to fill the shoes.
It didn't take long for their true feelings to come to surface, and when it does, wowza!! That was chemistry inferno!!

You get lost in their story and how much they have always cared for each other.
The little tidbits along the way that show they were simply meant to be.

"You're the sweetest thing."
"I'm your sweetest thing."

I can tell you that I got a tad emotional as the story unfolded. I was so immersed into their love story, that I felt everything.
The tension.
The emotion.
The heat.
The passion.
The friendship.
The love.
I felt every single thing!

I'm a huge fan of Melissa's and I think this book ranks as one of my top favorites of hers!
I absolutely enjoyed every moment!!

Can Zane be real?!
He made ME fall for him!! hahaha!
Willow is one lucky lady;)

Can't wait for more in this series because I have to know what happens with all her siblings!!!

"You love me."
"Always have. You're my best friend, Wills. My frosting queen."
"This is our moment, Z. Our forever moment."

This was a sweet story and the first in the new Sugar Lake series. While this centers around Zane and Willow, you are introduced to many characters whose tale will propel the series.

Zane is a successful actor who is in desperate need of a "character" makeover. It would appear that he does not like the playboy reputation and furthermore, it could hurt his career. He comes up with a plan to help soften his image but it will require the consent of a childhood friend. Enter Willow. She has had a crush on Zane since she was a little girl, and Zane is also responsible for being her first, but it was a one-time event. Her heart was broken.

Willow has since moved on and has worked hard running her own bakery. She has a potential new client that can help boost income but soon learns that the client is Zane. Zane pleads with her to help him and convinces her that the exposure can put her bakery on the map. She goes along with the plan and as they spend time together, the old feelings start coming back. What surprises her is that Zane, too, has feelings for her. Will they follow their heart or allow more time to pass them by?

This was a fun, quick read and the pace was pretty consistent throughout. If you are a fan of Ms. Fosters, this will not disappoint.

I haven't read anything with such a swoon worthy hero in a long time. Zane wasn't only swoon worthy he was also delectable and I totally understand why Willow named some of her pastries after him.

Zane is best friends with Ben, Willows brother, and since he practically grew up at their house Zane and Willow had a friendship of their own so when she wanted to loose her virginity before she left for college Zane was the man she chose. Things remained the same for Zane and Willow after their one night of passion but there were many clues that Willow never picked up on that would let her know that Zane had feelings for her.

Now, here we are about ten years later, Zane has to clean up his playboy reputation so he does the one thing that would help...get engaged to Willow. Fake Engagements is always a fun trope for me to read but throw in Friends to Lovers, and Second Chance at Love, and you have a really great read. I love the way Melissa Foster takes sweet romance stories and makes them a bit more steamy, the best of both worlds. I not only fell in love with Zane and Willow, I fell in love with Willows family as well, each one of them has a different personality that you have no idea who is going to say or do what next. I really hope we get to see more of the Dalton's as this series continues.

This was my first Melissa Foster read, so I didn't know what to expect other than thinking the synopsis sounded interesting.What I got was a sweet and sexy read with characters that from time to time frustrated me or had me laughing at their antics. As this is the beginning of the series it was also a great introductions to the secondary characters that will hopefully all get a chance to shine as well.

Willow has grown up in this small town that she has created her business in. She loves the town and it's people. Sure she hasn't had much success in the relationship department but hopes it will come some day. Working hard and baking up a storm is what keeps her going from day to day. Well that and her memories of that one time with Zane, probably the only man she has ever loved.

Growing up Zane only ever wanted one thing, to get out of Sweetwater and be more than his parents ever desired to be. The Dalton family was the only piece that kept him in contact with Sweetwater once he found his was in LA as an actor. When he finds himself in a bind and needing to clean up his playboy ways he finds himself back in Sweetwater with a proposition for Willow. He has kept in close contact with her over the past 10 years, well as close as she would let him. Certain that she will go along with this "Fake Engagement" for him.

The last thing Willow expected when she started this fake arrangement was for old feelings to come back. Was this Zane's plan all along? Was he hoping that this fake arrangement would become more? Could it be more? But they live worlds away, how would that work? Will they find their HEA in each other?

I have marked my calendar and look forward to Only For You and reading more of Ms. Foster's work.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Zane Walker and Willow Dalton have been friends since they were kids. He is her brother’s best friend. Zane is also the man she gave her virginity to, he was 20, and she was 18. Willow went on to college and Zane went on to Hollywood and became a famous actor. They continue a strange, quirky, texting friendship. It’s 10 years later and Zane finds himself in a position where he needs to improve his playboy image. He tricks Willow into meeting him, otherwise, she never would have shown up, and convinces her to play his fake fiancé.

I had so many issues with this book.

Zane convinces Willow to be his fake fiancé but immediately leers at a buxom leggy blonde when they step off the elevator together.

He convinces her to lie to her family who practically raised him, encouraged him and whose house he spent more time at than his own growing up.

Saccharine sweet romance. They fell back together rather seamlessly. There’s no conflict or drama anywhere or with anyone, no working for it. I struggled to finish, not sure I would because there just wasn’t anything to keep my attention.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher

Sexy and steamy, with some laugh out loud moments, this is a classic love store with a modern internet twist. I really enjoyed watching Willow and Zane find each other and take risks to recapture the love they'd ignited as children.

Oh boy am I glad that I read this one! This is the first in a new series . I love how Foster mixed up the sweet romance with the heat/sexy and even added in a dash of humor! I really enjoyed this story and watching them come together. I’m a sucker for the second chance love story and this is one that is really well done. I love how Foster made Zane so relatable despite his being a movie star and Willow was a very spunky and interesting character. Them together was magic! Really liked this and definitely recommend!

3.5 Stars
The Real Thing is the first in a new series and features a cute friends to lover/second chances story. Zane and Willow grew up together. He was her first, but their relationship never had a chance to get off the ground. Now he is a big time movie star and needs her to help him clean up his image.

For the most part, I enjoyed the book. The characters were fun. I especially loved all of Willow's family and how they rallies around her. Their stories will be fun to read. I loved Zane. It was fun watching him woo Willow into believing he loved her and had for a long time. The one thing I didn't really like about the story was the speed that they went from being fake engaged to admitting feelings for each other. I almost wanted more angst or complications. It was just a little too easy for me. While there was nothing completely new here, it's still a fun and quick read. I look forward to more in the future.

A great start to a new series by Melissa Foster.
It's hard to believe, as I know that Melissa Foster is a very popular author, but I've never read any of her books before.
The Real Thing was the first book by Melissa Foster that I have read and I now plan on finding all of her other books and reading them because I enjoyed this book so much.
I'm a big fan of the fake engagement trope especially when it involves two characters who share a romantic past or connection.
This was a thoroughly good contemporary romance read and I look forward to reading more books in this series in the future.

An arc of this book was generously provided to me by Montlake Romance and Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review

Zane and Willow have been friends for a long time and Zane has been part of Willow's family as well. When each of them needs the other for something they are there in a heart beat, even if it takes some convincing. This is the first book in this series and I must say I thought it was good. I loved the family connection in the story with Willow's siblings and I can't wait to read the other books in this series. I have read many books by Melissa Foster and each time the author has disappointed me.

This tender, yet steamy, friends-to-lovers, and first loves romance had me smiling and oohing and ahhing. I’m not surprised. Foster is an expert when it comes to writing magical romances. For those of you who didn’t know, I’ll let you in on a not-so-big, not-really a secret. I’m her biggest fan, and Willow and Zane’s story added some more cement to my status.

They’ve loved each other since they were teenagers, but neither was aware of the other’s feelings. Despite their miscommunication after their first time together (and they were each other’s first), they stayed in touch. Their friendship continued to flourish, despite the heartbreak they both felt, and that my dear readers, is true love. They could forgive each other anything, and didn’t really make any pretenses about whether or not they could. Even though their relationship was introduced to each other as hidden pretense, they really belonged to each other. The transformation was smooth, believable, and memorable. Foster did a great job showing the differences between their lives. She shows the difficulty the small-town Willow has adapting to Zane’s fame- especially the paparazzi. Although they have a great relationship, the struggles are there, and even though there’s a second – just a split second – of doubt from Willow on whether or not she could deal with such a public life, there was never a moment when she actually thought about giving up on their relationship. And Zane was definitely not having it.

I enjoyed their openness, loyalty, and the way they always made time for and enjoyed each other. Willow’s family members are very loving, and each in their own way, very charming. They’re all close, but they all have very different personalities. I just know this will be another great series. Kudos to Foster!

When you love someone your whole life and you never told her. That is the premise of this book. Zae has been a part of Willows life for as long as he can remember. He can't imagine being without her. so he devises a plan to get her to spend time with him. Little by little her reflexes go down and she has to make the decision that is right for her.

I loved this book it was an easy read.

** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

4 Real Love Stars
* * * *
Melissa Foster is someone who knows what she is doing... she creates situations that warm our hearts as we watch them unfold. She is the Queen of Heartwarming Series and every time I crack open one of her books, I know I will be taken to place I won't want to leave.


The Real Thing is a new series that focuses on a hidden love that becomes front and center when movie star long time "friend", Zane Walker, needs a "Cover Fiancee." He needs this to clean up his reputation. The only person he can truly trust is a girl who came to him... asking for a favor of a lifetime long ago.


Willow Dalton has always had a soft spot for Zane... yet sometimes his arrogance and confidence has driven her nuts. They have this friend/enemy thing happening... which actually hides the true/real feelings they both have.


When Willow drives at breakneck speed to a resort thinking she is about to have the interview of her career, she has no idea how life changing it actually will be. She has been working so hard to make her bakery a success and closing a contract with the resort would take her to the next level.


With all her hopes tied up with this opportunity, she is in no mood for anything to go wrong...


Of course, they do...and the icing on the cake... Zane is responsible for her being there in the first place! When he comes clean as to why she is really at the resort, he presents her with a proposal... She will get the exposure her bakery needs and he will have a trusted friend helping him "clean up his act" as his pretend fiancee.


After all...She owes him....


This is a sweet story done well by Melissa Foster. We get all the yummy bits of two people who have cared for each other all along.


A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

I LOVE Zane! Absolutely freaking LOVE him!!! Yes he's a big movie star heartthrob but he still comes back to town to persuade Willow, his best friend, to be his pretend fiancee and give him the credibility that he needs as a settled down actor for this role. Willow is the only person he can imagine in the fake fiancee role and so no one but Willow will do. She's one of his best friends and one of the only people who doesn't treat him as the Hollywood star he has become.

Willow was in love with Zane as a child but over 10 years has gotten over him. Except he was her first and held her heart for so long, even if he never realized it.

Another amazing series by Melissa Foster that just makes me want to read this series even more! Definitely keep an eye on this series. I can't wait to see how Willow's sisters get their HEAs.

The Real Thing kicks off a brand new series for Melissa Foster called the Sugar Lake series. As with all of her books, Melissa gives you a romance that is sugary sweet yet hot with some humor mixed in as well. She has easily become one of my top go-to authors for romance that is low on angst but can still give you all the feels. 

Willow has known Zane since childhood since he was her brother's best friend. Before she left for college, she asked Zane to take her virginity and they both buried that night afterwards. It's been ten years and a lot has changed; Willow owns a bakery and Zane is an actor. He asks Willow to pretend to be his fiance to help him land a role and she can't tell him no. Both of them are afraid the other will break their heart. Will they finally tell each other their true feelings? 

I loved these characters and this story. I can't wait to read the next book! 
Rating: 4.5 stars

There is nothing like diving into a new novel. The Real Thing is the first book of a new series, especially when its one written by Melissa Foster!

Bad boy actor, Zane Walker needs to clean up his questionable reputation. A plan's hatched that should be the perfect material for the film studios PR reps to spin. Only he needs the co-operation of his friend Willow Dalton in his home town of Sweetwater to pull it off. He's confident she'll assist him, but forgets to inform her that his ulterior motive is far from temporary, as he sets his sights at a permanent future with the only woman he's ever loved.

Willow Dalton's bakery is thriving but ambition means she's looking to further build on her success. So when she's offered an opportunity to further expand her business, she jumps at it. Only the offer isn't what she expects and spins her life in an unexpected direction.

Devious, arrogant but with the best of intentions, Zane is a man on a mission as years of pent up feelings finally surface. Even though his actions are questionable, his objectives are well placed even though his approach is off. I love his strong determination to get the woman he wants and his admittance that rules Willow laid years earlier he adhered to because that's was she wanted...not him!

An independent, sassy woman, Willow will forever remember the man who changed her life forever. In the preceding years, she's built a thriving business but her heart has never forgotten Zane Walker. Now, he's back in Sweetwater with an agenda she never foresaw even in her wildest dreams.

Together, due to their complicated past, sparks fly instantly between the protagonists as deep buried feelings and desires surface. Their strong personalities clash in a positive way as they come to the realisation they belong together, although the path they follow is far from smooth. Melissa ensures the sexual tension is ever present and complimented with banter and entertaining conversations as the adorable pair fight their personal internal battles as well as their attraction for each other. To push, coerce and object to their inevitable coupling are an adorable assortment of family and friends who bring the small town setting of Sweetwater alive. Thus, creating a firm foundation for future novels in what promises to be a wonderful, romantic and sexy series.

5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

You can’t go wrong with a story by Ms Foster.
The Real Thing is the first book of her new series that promises to be one full of fun and interesting characters.
This first one centers around Willow Dillon and Zane Walker. Willow is a happy and successful bakery owner in their hometown, and Zane town left and is now a Hollywood star with a not very stellar reputation. They have known each other for what seems like forever and when Zane needs to clean up his public persona, he seeks a fake fiancee. Of course , Willow is the perfect choice. But, will make believe be just that , or will the true feelings be revealed and become “the real thing” ?
Both characters were well developed , and very likable. Family , friendships and love shine throughout the story and the plot kept you engaged.
Another well written story by Ms Foster. Looking forward to more stories in this series.
I was gifted this copy by Netgalley and Montlake Romance. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

Willow Dalton loves her happy and uncomplicated life in the small town she grew up in. But, the one big missing thing that she has always wanted is Zane Walker, her brother's best friend and one mega successful and living-in-LA movie star... who is in one word... complicated.

Zane Walker needs help with his image, and he knows just the person who owes him a favor. The best part is that if he gets Willow to agree to his big scheme, they get to spend a lot of time together... something he has been missing for years.

Now that Willow and Zane are spending real time with each other, the feelings that have always been close to the surface are having a rough time staying hidden. Are the deeper feelings the same for the both of them... and is life in their two very different worlds something they will ever be able to figure out...

This was a light and enjoyable book! Zane is one sexy and adorable movie star. He has this vulnerability while still being confident and assertive with what he wants. Willow loves her job, her town and her family... but she also loves Zane. While she is happy in her life, when Zane approaches her with his scheme it doesn't take long for her to see what she has been missing.

With an amazing cast of characters in this new Sugar Lake series, we are definitely in for an amazing succession of their individual stories to come...

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3LY54IP3LWPRT/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv