It was definitely more like womens fiction than romance but I liked it. I dont usually like reality tv but I surprisingly like reading about it in books so this was actually fun. The plot was good and I liked the characters and romance, but especially the journey the FMC went on.

I couldn’t connect to this one, I watched her season of the Bachelorette and wanted to support but it was just ok for me. I would probably skip.

I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate this book either. I honestly don't have much real background of Rachel Lindsay as I do not watch The Bachelorette. Still, this book was cute, and I feel like fans of the Bachelorette, and people who don't watch the reality show can like it. Unfortunately, for whatever reason it just fell flat for me.

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Real Love (eARC) — 1 ⭐️

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: I adored Rachel on The Bachelorette, so I was excited to read her first fiction book! It’s not very common for the franchise’s stars to write anything but memoirs, so the book intrigued me.

I tried reading this book twice, but it could not hold my interest. I didn’t like any of the characters, and I just felt bored. I finally DNF-ed the book at 32% on my second attempt.

To be honest, it was especially hard for me to relate to or root for the MFC. She was constantly judgy and somehow so oblivious to her dwindling ten-year dating relationship. With her ambition, I’m stunned she didn’t seem to care that an engagement wasn’t in sight.

Unfortunately, the book wasn’t for me, but I still have much respect for the author.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, for providing me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another cover pick for me, not surprising at all. But, I tried really hard to connect with this novel and could not. Thank you netgalley for the chance to check it out.

I love all things reality tv, but it’s not my favorite romance trope. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this cute read!

I love Rachel Lindsay and support her in her various ventures. Although this wasn't my favorite read, it was an enjoyable book with insights only a reality star could provide. The main character's journey was definitely the star of this story.

I was looking forward to reading this as I am a big fan of the bachelorette/bachelor franchise and was familiar with Rachel's story. I liked this more than I thought a would and was a super fun and quick read. I wished the ending wasn't as rushed!

Thank you NG for this ARC!

I loved Rachel from her time on Bachelor and Bachelorette, so I was excited to read this fiction novel she released. To me, the book was just okay, a very cute little love story, but nothing revolutionary. It was a slow build for me that didn't have much pay off. I think if I wasn't such a big Rachel fan it may have turned into a DNF book, but because I am a fan, I was determined to finish it. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I tried a few times to get into this book and I just don't think it was for me. I was able to listen to it through the PRHAudio Influencer program and that did help some. I was really excited to see the Rachel Lindsey wrote a romance book and I think I might have hyped it up too much in my head before starting it. It's a good book, I just don't think it was the book for me.

Summary
Maya turns down the opportunity to be on a reality dating show, and recommends they cast her best friend. She doesn't need the show; she has a 10-year relationship with her college boyfriend, she is successful in her job and is in line for a promotion. Then the show starts airing and Maya sees how happy Delilah is, and her younger sister comes to town and is the Maya's opposite, she begins questioning her life plan. When she meets Ella's friend, Kai, a handsome chef and artist, she begins to realize that everything she thought she wanted, may not be what she really needs.

Review
I was excited to read Rachel's fiction debut. I enjoyed her on the Bachelor and Bachelorette and respect her as a podcaster, and tv personality and her decision to separate herself from 'Bachelor Nation'. This was a fun read, I was expecting a little more 'behind the scenes' type info for the show, but the book takes place after the show is filmed. It was an enjoyable story about realizing that things may not always be what they seem and how to readjust when things don't go according to plan. Maya learns that she isn't living her life, rather following the life her mom told her she should have and she's slowly learning what it is she wants. It was a good debut novel, the ending was sort of open ended? I think I can guess what happened, there is just one clue that could possibly give the answer... so I wonder if it could lead to a sequel? It isn't so much a love story, but Maya learning who she is and what she wants out of life and allowing herself to make those decisions. I loved the relationship between Maya and Ella and the dynamics between them.

I went into this book blind. I don't watch The Bachelorette so I had no idea of Rachel Lindsay's claim to fame from it.I was gifted the audiobook & eArc by marketing agents & decided to give it a go.

I found the book enjoyable but slow-moving at times. I feel like fans of reality dating shows will really enjoy it. The characters are relatable, the premiss is fun, & the ending is unique. Overall a easy & fun read from a first time author

To be totally honest I only wanted to read this because of Rachel’s experience on The Bachelorette. Unfortunately it just wasn’t a super enjoyable for me.

After her friend becomes the lead on a reality dating show, Maya begins questioning everything about her life plan. Is her job fulfilling or all consuming? Is her relationship with her college boyfriend leading to marriage or going nowhere?

Let’s be honest - the only reason this was published was because Rachel Lindsay was The Bachelorette. And considering that, it’s kinda shocking that the only time I’ve seen anything about this book was on NetGalley. Why? Because it wasn’t good. Maya was not a likable main character, so why care about her journey? Skip this.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book. As a fan of Bachelor Nation, I am familiar and love Rachel Lindsay but was hesitant because obviously she's not a writer by trade. However, this charming little novel was a quick read that had me captivated from the very beginning. I appreciated the representation of different types of women so that everyone can find themselves in a character.

More than the love story, I loved the depiction of the friendship of the women and how they evolve over time but never truly waver. The women are supportive and kind and encouraging, despite having every reason to be envious of each other. I admired the two FMC and their relationship and hope to see them reflected in my relationships with my own friends as well.

Overall, this was a great and easy read with heartwarming stories of professional life, love life, and friendships alike!

I never thought I would find a book by one of my favorite Bachelorettes so good but Rachel Lindsay is just such a talent.

I wanted to love this. A reality tv romance by a contestant on the bachelor?? It had such potential. Unfortunately, it wasn't for me.

I enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Firstly, I think this is more women fiction than full on romance. Maya has her life planned out and she os on her way to checking each and every box with main her mom proud being at the very top of the list. She is so very determined and focused that in the moment when she is offered an exciting once in a lifetime opportunity that will have her veering off of her self designed path she turns it down and recommends that they contact her BFF Delilah. When she watches as Delilah’s life change in so many wonderful ways opening her heart to love and happiness she is starting to question her choices. Enter Ella, her sister who is not a list kind of person and lives life exactly as she wants to and more questions arise and she finds herself at a crossroad wondering which fork in the road will she travel. The “plan” or a life work balance that opens her heart to so much more. It was a nice listen. As someone who isn’t a fan of reality TV, particularly the dating kind I read on a whim as the blurb sounded adorable. It was enjoyable with nice narration, but still won’t have me tuning in to watching reality TV.

"Real Love" by Rachel Lindsay was a cute, swoon-worthy romance with all the insider's scoop courtesy of the Bachelorette alum. I found myself really rooting for these characters and their happy endings.