Get ready for a fake relationship that will have you laughing, swooning and cheering for them. April and Theo are thrown together by a mutual friend. April needs a date and Theo makes a side living on playing the part ! The moment they lay eyes on one another they both realize that the attraction is there the more time they spend together they soon realize that they are falling . April is not sure if Theo is a really good actor or is he that much into her and Theo is so afraid to let the real him show that he is now holding back! Loved them ! They are going to take you on crazy, steamy ride filled with amazing witty banter and so much sexual chemistry that you will need to fan yourself!
~~Michele McMullen ~~

This is my first book by Lauren Blakely, and i absolutely loved it! April and Theo were perfect! They just worked as a couple. My swooned for them through the entire novel. While I did expect the ending, it didn't take away from how much i loved this novel. 

This on click read was stunning and written so beautifully. I loved how competitive they were during the family's game and how they both built each other up. I found myself laughing a lot and really enjoying this book as a whole.

Both characters had sad background sin the love department and you could see each one falling so hard but at the same time staying so guarded. And then little by little that armor wore off till they saw only each other. Super swoon worthy read!

5/5 Stars

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I think it all comes down to the fact that I couldn’t connect with the characters. It really sucks because I love the fake romance trope! While I did like April and Theo, I just didn’t feel the spark there.

However, I did enjoy the humor and the premise of the book. It also had just enough drama here without going overboard.

All in all, it was a good story but it didn’t hook me like I wanted it to.

Is this the type of story that is full of surprises? Not really. From the first couple of chaptesr you can pretty much map out how this story will play out. Still, Blakely manages to make the journey so charming that you just don't mind. You have the heroine who is over secrets and the hero is keeping quite a few which sounds like an overdone conflict in the world of romance (not to mention the whole pretend boyfriend for hire thing) but Blakely really delves into their pasts and makes you understand what has brought them to be the people who they are today. She also makes their connection undeniable. Plus I am a sucker for big families and I loved April's. They added so much to the story.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I am so glad I did as I might have missed this great book otherwise.

The Real Deal
By: Lauren Blakely

📚💕⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕📚

I loved the concept of the book. What I liked even more is the amazing character development and the way April and Theo were truly likable. Well let me start by saying I have become a huge fan of this author. She writes with so much intensity and emotion pulled from each book it’s felt page after page. Some are quick witted story lines are so perfect and lets you believe you have a front row seat. So being able to read this love story didn’t disappoint. The authors ability to have two separate individuals struggling in their everyday life and try to navigate someone else’s thoughts, needs and desires was intense and gives all the fills.

Authors Blurb: April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on GigsForHire since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family's summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the GigsforHire ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.
Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.

Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau -- the bad boy with the heart of gold.
Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.
She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.
He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.
They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.
But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

This book has everything I love in a book. Then you add that it's beautifully written and believable. It is easily a five star read. Written in dual POV my personal favorite this story flows so incredibly well that the next thing you know your 80% into the book and loving every second of it. The believable way the characters interact is perfect. Run, Hop, Jump or use your (1 click) finger to do whatever you have to do and get this amazing book. It'll break your heart, you'll want to scream with frustration and it'll let you discover that love just might conquer all. The chemistry is steamy and sweet and oh so romantic.

Thanks Netgally for letting me read and review.📚💕

If you're in the mood for a light and fun romance novel, this is a great choice. It starts with that tried and true premise -- girl needs pretend boyfriend -- but this one's got enough twists to make it fresh. I loved Theo and how he was an interesting combination and emotionally bruised and yet able to be the alpha male when needed. If I had any issues, it was with April. She seemed a little one note at times and I had a hard time making a connection with her as a main character. The plot moved quickly and I didn't have much trouble with it except the ending was a little abrupt and too neat and tidy. It was a nice, summer type of read. Definitely recommend if you're a romance fan.

Such a sweet love story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just love this story! It’s a twist on a familiar theme where you rent a fake friend for an event. However, this one is a bit different because it’s the female renting the boyfriend for a long weekend at the parents. Why bring your own date? Because everyone is relentless about hooking April up with someone from home.

So April has a friend who knows a guy that rents himself out for events. From the time April and Theo meet you can just feel the connection. The wit, humor, and playful banter is so refreshing and made for a perfect story. They understand each other and Ms. Blakely brought in the intense attraction and getting to know you phase just perfectly. Heck, even the parents liked him!

However, Theo's not perfect and I love the fact that the author built in those reservations and imperfect parts of his life so that we could see that, even with imperfection, he still perfect for her.

This story is funny, sexy, and even a bit serious at times, but I love the wonderful feeling story gave me. Ms. Blakely crafted a story that is everything a rom-com should be and more. Amazing characters, smart and witty banter, and intense connections you won't forget. The Real Deal left me with a smile o my face and that’s the mark of a wonderful writer.

The Real Deal was adorable. I don't think I've read a Lauren Blakely book quite like it before. It had her sassy humor, witty dialog, and amazing characters, but it felt much sweeter. I liked how surprisingly low drama it was. 

The fake relationship in The Real Deal stood out from others I've read. Theo was hired through a Craigslist ad. He wasn't someone April already knew. Normally, fake relationships tend to fall in the friends to lovers category and I liked that this one was different. I didn't feel like I was re-reading a book I've already read. (I hate to say it, but that happens sometimes!)

Theo and April were fun characters. Theo was a reformed bad boy with a shady past who was trying to stay afloat. April was a sweet, almost innocent, woman trying to avoid her family's meddling. Their agreement to pose as boyfriend and girlfriend helped them each reach a certain goal. They wanted to keep their relationship professional, but their attraction to each other took over.

I absolutely adored the getting to know each other part of this book. Theo and April's real and fake stories of how they met and fell in love were perfect! They made me laugh and smile so much! I couldn't get enough of how they fed off each other and bonded. It made their falling for each other seem destined and utterly perfect.

Another thing I loved about this book were all the side characters. There were so many of them with the whole family reunion thing going on. It gave the book such a fun, loving feel to have all of these family members play a part in Theo and April's love story. Plus, they added a ton of entertainment. 

Obviously, I couldn't get enough of this book. It was just so dang sweet and fun to read. It's the perfect summer romance to escape in. I hope Lauren Blakely will write more books set in the town of Wistful. I would not mind returning to it.

This book was so good.

April lives in New York and is a body painter. She was heading home for a family reunion but needed a boyfriend to ward off her family from the guys the pick for her to date. She finds an ad on Craigslist’s and that’s when she meets Theo. Theo is a bartender and does the boyfriend for hire ad. Their role was to be real with one another but play fake boyfriend to her family. They come to realize they have stronger feelings for one another. In the end they love one another.

I love this book. I love happy endings and how they work out their issues with one another. She didn’t turn on him and judge him for his past and that she loved him no matter what. He wanted a better future and learn from his past. Just in an all around good book. ARC provided by netgalley

The Real Deal is a Fresh and Edgy Take on the modern day romance. I felt like I was watching a love story unfold on the screen of my mind. Elizabeth @ White Hot Reads

April and Theo's story is sexy, sweet and funny. Theo has secret's that he shares with no one, but after a few days with her, he wants to share them all with April. She feels like the Real Deal for him. Through his relationship with her and the friendships he makes upon meeting her, he finds his true calling in life and the future he wants is now in plain sight... with her beside him.

You will enjoy this story for all the layers of new developments that keep unfolding and fun writing the author shows.

**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher**

Lauren Blakely is always a one-click author for me. Her books are always fun, sexy and the story is always engaging. The Real Deal is no exception to that!

April Hamilton is not thrilled that she has to head to her hometown for her family reunion. Ironically, it has nothing to do with not wanting to see her family or wanting to go to the reunion, she just doesn't want to put up with the matchmaking that her family seems to be so keen on lately. She decides to take matters into her own hands and basically rent-a-boyfriend from Craigslist.

Theo Banks is a guy who is just trying to put his past to rest so he can move on with his future. In order to do that, he has some debts to pay and to earn some additional money, he has started his side business of being a boyfriend-for-hire. When he gets the request from April, he expects this will be just like all of the other jobs he's done, but will it really?

It's clear from their first meeting that sparks are there between April and Theo. Their fake relationship begins to blossom at the reunion as they play the games and they are able to step away from the grind of their daily lives. The flirty banter and interactions were fantastic and they definitely added a layer to this story that made me as a reader grin throughout. While there was some drama and a bit of angst, it was the perfect amount in my opinion and the epilogue just tied this story up absolutely perfectly.

If you are looking for a great summer read, I highly recommend picking this book up. It will definitely make you smile!

light rom com

Though I had a little trouble getting into Lauren Blakely's The Real Deal I ended finding the story cute. It was a light read for a sunny day.
I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley.

I completely loved this sweet and hilarious romantic comedy! It was exactly what I was looking for and I couldn't get enough of April and Theo! The fake boyfriend/boyfriend for hire trope is always fun and Lauren Blakely executed it perfectly! The backdrop of the Hamilton family reunion and games kept the story light and fun and really gave April and Theo time to connect and shine without the drama of their every day lives. They had incredible chemistry (Gah! The build up was delicious!) and I couldn't help but have a huge grin on my face while reading this book. Their banter and witty comebacks were fantastic and I loved each and every one of their "Do you remember..." stories.

One of the best parts of the book though was the Hamilton clan! I especially loved all of April's female relatives! They had me laughing out loud with their good intentioned meddling and it brought some great comic relief when things got a little heavier. I really appreciated that though there is some drama and angst, it didn't overrun the story and created just the right amount of push and pull. The epilogue was wonderfully sweet and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending! Definitely recommend this sexy and lighthearted read!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book*

This book was as the title says, The Real Deal, as hilarious and adorable story from the Queen of rom/coms. It was super sweet, very sexy once Theo Banks and April Hamilton got it together. Loved that treehouse scene- can I just say, HOT and not only because of the weather lol.
April has a family reunion she has to attend, one where her nearest and dearest will try yet again to hook her up with someone from the quaint town of Wistful where she grew up. Everyone wants to bring her back home, but as a specialist body painter, April’s work and life is in New York and she’s more than happy for it to stay that way.
But, in order to survive her family’s machinations, she needs a buffer. A pretend boyfriend for the long weekend getaway. Her BFF, Xavier was meant to be the one to save her bacon, but he had to cancel at the last minute and set her up with bartender/ craiglister Theo.
Theo has played the pretend lover before, and is more than happy to step into Xavier’s false shoes. And even more so when he met April. These two had an instant and undeniable chemistry… even before they’d so much as puckered up. They were simply divine, the banter, the wicked stories of ‘how they met’, the getting to know you period spent on a train journey, and even though they had completely different lives now and growing up, the were the yin to the other’s yang.
Watching them navigate, not just pretending for her family while taking part in the Hamilton Olympics, but their growing ‘real’ feelings was quite an aphrodisiac, and so easy to get lost in.
Even though this was Theo and April’s story, the secondary characters got to have quite a say, they featured heavily, but didn’t overshadow the blossoming romance.
All was going well until the ‘other shoe’ dropped and the angsty part of the story took over.
Will Theo and April get over the hump?
Will they get to ride off into the sunset like they might have talked about during their ‘remember whens?
Come on, this is a Lauren Blakely book, you KNOW she’d never let you down like that. But, if you want to find out, then One-Click this little diamond today and get ready to SMILE!!

I received a copy of The Real Deal from St Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

April has a family reunion to go to. The only problem is that she doesn't have a date and if she doesn't come with one her family is going to try to set her up. Her friend tells her about a guy that pretends to be people's date. She contacts Theo and he agrees to be her date. The more the two get to know each other the more the realize that they want to make this pretend relationship the real deal. Thanks Netgalley and St. Martins Press for a copy of this book! Can't wait to read more by Lauren Blakely!

April hires Theo to be her fake boyfriend when she travels home to Wistful for her family reunion, a.ka. the Quadrennial Hamilton and Moore Summer Lawn Olympics and Games, to act as a much needed buffer against all of her family’s match-making attempts. The only problem? You’re not supposed to fall for your fake boyfriend and you’re not supposed to fall for your client.

“But even though we started as a made-up couple, concocting fables and telling tales, that spark between us was always real. And then, as I got to know you, it turned into something more. It turned into the real deal. That’s what you are to me, and that’s what I want to be for you. Maybe that’s why this job has been the hardest one of all—because I had to pretend the whole time that I wasn’t falling in love with you.”

The Real Deal is a laugh-out-loud tale of how to fall in love in an “incredibly, nontraditionally, bizarrely romantic” way. After all who thought you could find love hiring a fake boyfriend? Only in romance novels. Filled with a fun cast of characters, witty dialogue, great chemistry, and an oh-so-sweet and swoon-worthy HEA The Real Deal is a perfect light-hearted romantic comedy.

4.5 stars

Theo and April felt too unreal. Their banter just didn’t work for me, it felt forced and not easy going, sexy and funny as it was meant to be.

another great book by ms blakley, April and theo are just so funny, swoony and made me lol alot!
I loved aprils mum and family they made this story.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.

April thinks Theo is the perfect solution to her family’s constant meddling in her love-life. Fake a boyfriend, keep everyone off her back.
She wasn’t prepared for real feelings she would have for Theo. But he has secrets. Ones that he thinks will tear them apart. Can he trust her with his past?
5 stars!

5 Real, Real Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
First, understand this is a Terrific Rom/Com. However, I have some thoughts first of what this story brings to the table...

Each of us are unique. We are products of our genetics, how we are nurtured and what we experience in our formative years. That doesn't say whatever happened is set in stone or people have no control of their lives. It is how we react and the challenges we have to handle allow us to make changes and grow.

In Lauren Blakely's The Real Deal, she takes all of those ideas and makes them relatable. We are able to see many of the challenges these characters go through and remember possible situations we went through, too. I mean, how many times have you had to explain to your parents exactly what your career is...how just because it may not fit into the standard configuration of Lawyer, Doctor or Teacher...it is just as rewarding and fulfilling.

Or what about those who had life deal them a heartbreaking hand... where families are not picture perfect and children end up having to raise themselves. Where trying to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies shape more than what society deemed fit...

Some of these circumstances may not seem to be equally important... but then again, people can only judge from their own lives... so when presented with individual challenges...each has weight and we dig in to figure out how we handle them.

So with that being said, picture the woman who has taken the road less traveled. April Hamilton came from one of those families that was close knit, financially more than solid, was invested in what their children did with their lives and if that wasn't enough....lived in a small community.

Her family loved her unconditionally yet truly didn't understand how successful April was in her chosen profession. She was a sought after body painter... the one who made models look as if they were wearing clothes when they were naked... or created them into snarling animals. She had paid her dues in the toughest market, New York City, but to them she was still the teen who painted butterflies on kids cheeks at the town fairs. All they wanted was her to settle down and move back home.

And on April's last visit, she made a critical error; she got a little drunk and shared how she had been done wrong by the last guy she was with. An Asshat had played her good. He was juggling her and a WIFE! So when she lamented about the situation, others heard her and decided to step up.

Yup, that small community was the kind that was in Everyone's Business so when the annual family reunion approaches, April starts receiving emails about different men who are available to meet for coffee, walks or any number of other things...

Gahhh, April knew her family loved her but she was not moving back to her hometown and did not want to be the object of fix ups during this visit. She reached out to her good friend and lined him up to pretend to be in a relationship with her. Unfortunately, at the last minute, he got a professional offer for the same time he couldn't refuse.

He did have an idea, though. He told April about Theo Banks who does these type of pretend dates for a living. He is the guy you can hire to be the Break Up Guy, the Sh!t Disturber for an In Your Face Family Event, or the Best Boyfriend Ever...April is really stuck, trusts her friend as he vouches for Theo, so she reaches out.

Theo does this business of Pretend Guy and does it well. Presenting a different persona or acting has been something he has done from a very young age. He and his brother had to figure out how to keep a roof over their heads...and slowly came into understanding what they could do...As they developed into men, choices were made, lessons learned and Theo is close to making his final obligation from those years be done.

When April reaches out to Theo for this week visit, she hasn't decided yet if this is happening. They both chat a bit and from the very first moment, there is this connection. It is as if they start this dance... one comment is met with a another and soon a story is formed of how they met, their attraction and when they knew...It is banter, laughs and thrilling in the speed they connect. April decides this is happening, lays out the needs and Theo makes sure April understands the rules... He is a pretend boyfriend, not a Lay. Both are on board.

Over the course of a few days, they text... with fast responses feeding into each other... smart, funny, sarcastic, quick. Both are a bit intrigued and taken with each other...and both keep remembering no hanky-panky.

The day arrives for the train ride to the town, April is nervous because this is it, she is meeting him for the first time...Theo comes towards her and she has to just relax. They talk on the ride...and then April drops the bomb... this reunion is going to be a bit more then expected. People she does not wish to see may be there and then there is her competitive family. Theo looks deeply into April's eyes and tells her he's got it.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. The level of layers and concern for the characters is just right. The swoon worthy moments are there. The respect and consideration for April by Theo is there. April learns to appreciate being cared for...and Theo is the one to show her how wonderful she is outside of her career.

Their chemistry is off the charts and everything you could want. There is more then just fun and games, though. We do have complications which add challenges for Theo. He has some reckoning to handle and learn from.

Lauren Blakely's writing works in so many ways for so many readers. There is a reason; She just gets how to rope you in from the start, gets you to care for both of the main characters and gives you a romance to make your heart sing. What more could you want...whatever it could be... She's got that covered to!