The Real

After reading Loving the White Liar, Kate Stewart quickly became an auto-buy author or me. I have described her books to others as emotional, angst filled, sultry, sweet, or funny. With The Real, she flexes her formidable writing muscles to produce a love story that embodies all these traits.

In a genre that frequently falls victim to fatal cases of insta-love, the creative setup of this story is especially endearing. Abbie and Cameron meet in a café, and throughout the course of many visits and countless lattes they establish a relationship by communicating strictly through instant messaging and furtive glances across the room. I love that they start to fall for each other long before exchanging words or touches. The setting of the eclectic coffee shop is über cute. The clever slogans on the coffee mugs had me laughing out loud. Some of my favorites are, “Sure Not Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting,” and “I Wish I Were Felicia. She’s Always Going Somewhere”. I’m totally getting a shirt made with that quote on it.

Cameron is definitely ultimate book boyfriend material. He’s patient, funny, and so romantic. “A kiss can be an introduction, statement, and a promise. I plan to make all three when you let me.” Is that drop dead sexy or what?

Abbie is cautious, smart, and independent. Her hesitancy creates a slow burn and intense attraction between her and Cameron. I appreciated Abbie’s amusing quirkiness, and I adored her friendship with her crazy no-filter best gal pal, Bree.

Although I enjoyed the characters, the steam, the drama, and the humor, I did find the storyline to be too predictable for my taste. Even so, The Real earns a strong four stars from me, and I think it will appeal to the true romantics at heart.

*I voluntarily read an early version of this story. This does not affect my opinion.

The Real was one of the most relatable portrayals of the growth and progression of a relationship that I have ever read. Abbie and Cameron make eye contact in a coffee shop and feel an immediate spark. They strike up a conversation over iChat and Cam tries to take it a step further by asking her to join him for a cup. Since she had a very difficult ending with her last boyfriend, Abbie is reluctant to say yes right away. So they continue to meet at the coffee shop, agreeing only to talk via chats and that their pasts are off limits. They both want to start fresh with no baggage weighing them down. As the relationship evolves, you become so invested that you feel like it is actually happening to you. The anticipation builds as they get comfortable with one another, and you are dying to know when one of them will break and actually speak. Or will they ever get close enough to kiss?! It is a slow burn that is so good you're not sure if you want it to continue or end. When they finally kiss, it is like sweet relief and joy rush through your body! The floodgates have opened, and they have hit the relationship jackpot. Happiness for everyone! But for Abbie, who still has scars from her past and questions things every now and again, accepting this isn't easy. Luckily Cam is patient and so loving that he supports her through these moments and reinforces that his feelings are genuine. Things progress and are fantastic on all levels, but they are both still holding something back. They decide it's finally time to talk about their histories, and then we get slammed with a twist I definitely could not have predicted! This book was so well written that you share all of the highs, lows, love, pain and heartbreak that the characters sustain. Be prepared for the roller coaster that The Real will take you on, because it's one of the most "real" experiences you will ever have.

After reading Cameron and Abbie’s journey, this title made so much sense to me. I don’t think I would have found a better one. REAL.

I’ve been swept off my feet with this story, from cloud nine to the freaking fall. I had to say that there was no a better feeling, the one that you could deeply feel, could wreck you and mostly that could make you believe in so many things.

Maybe this review would sound to the ones who haven’t read The Real a little odd, but I really encourage readers to take a chance and to step out their comfort zone like I did. There’s always two side of a story, sometimes you don't want to listen and make the choice not to, sometimes it's the other way round, and guess what I didn’t regret it at all. Hopelessly romantic, heartfelt, stirring emotions that I didn’t think I would experience.

It started in a coffee shop, ended a in a coffee shop and in between… some many feels, filled so much love and beyond. It was definitely my favorite book from this author.

In spite of the main characters‘ arrangement, to leave all the baggage behind, they definitely learn the truth would come out anyway, testing their relationship, and maybe ruining all the chances they might have for a better future. A chance to happiness.

Throughout Cameron and Abbie’s journey, I was transported into their world, showing love in all its forms, shapes, but mostly how this is not something to be taken for granted, never easy.

I really appreciated the author’s vision, making the readers experience love at its best but also at its worse. The magic was working so beautifully, making my heart burst so many times, giving life to such a magnificent story.

The Real wooed me from the beginning! This story was just that - REAL. The story of Cameron and Abbie dealt with real people that had real problems and lead a life full of real issues. This was a beautiful story of believing in yourself and the people who treat you right. When we first meet Abbie, she is leading a sheltered life after her ex-boyfriend took her sense of security from her. She has poured herself into her career and cut herself off from meeting new people. She is caught off guard when a gorgeous man catches her eye and her attention across her favorite café. When Cameron messages Abbie, she is quick to dismiss him. But when she runs into him once again, with the encouragement of her best friend, she decides to give into to temptation. With a few ground rules set into place, they begin a sweet, fun and witty courtship. And so the slow burn begins. Cameron is so giving and patient and accepts the rule to keep their past baggage at the door. They begin to learn about each other, but they never go to deep into their pasts. When the ground rules are pushed to the side, their physical connection is off the charts HOT! They begin to fall and soon their pasts and their fears cannot be ignored. This book takes on some hard, but real life issues that usually are not discussed. The author did an amazing job of bringing the nasty issue to life and how we all deal with the issues differently. I loved how Abbie was able to stand her ground and helped Cameron come to terms with his past and the hurt and anger that has been festering. I am a huge fan of Kate Stewart and I highly recommend The Real.

Kate Stewart can normally write the ‘the feels” into her books. However, this time, she missed her mark by a long shot. This time she BLEW THE MARK RIGHT OUT OF THE FREAKING WATER!!! O! M! G! This is my absolute favorite type of book!! Funny, Check. Sad, check. Anger, check. Angst, check. Sad tears, check. Happy tears, check.
I LOVED every single word of this phenomenal, emotional story.
Abbie an Cameron the emotional baggage these two carried…. Wow! The damage that previous partners wreaked. I wanted to do some severe damage to these people. There was another part that made me even angrier, and I almost threw my reader across the room. Kat and Abbie were walking out of the building and……. NOOOOOOO!!!!!! Sorry ladies, I cannot give anything away. No spoilers.
I do not usually do this in a review, but there are a few lines in this book that I just must quote. They tell the story of ANY romance. The first: “Love by its definition is a lie, its true definition is work and a eff lot of it. It also means so much more than that one syllable. It’s a one-word representation of everything that can make or break a person. Love is only meant for the brave.” The second: “And real love is a effing miracle.” Ms. Stewart, you are a genius!!
I won a copy of The Reals when I entered a contest. I was SOOOO excited when I won because I have become a huge fan of Ms. Stewart’s amazing talents as a writer after reading The Brave Line and Drive. I just knew that The Real would be phenomenal. I was not wrong!!
Thank you for reading my review.

Kate Stewart can normally write the ‘the feels” into her books. However, this time, she missed her mark by a long shot. This time she BLEW THE MARK RIGHT OUT OF THE FREAKING WATER!!! O! M! G! This is my absolute favorite type of book!! Funny, Check. Sad, check. Anger, check. Angst, check. Sad tears, check. Happy tears, check.
I LOVED every single word of this phenomenal, emotional story.
Abbie an Cameron the emotional baggage these two carried…. Wow! The damage that previous partners wreaked. I wanted to do some severe damage to these people. There was another part that made me even angrier, and I almost threw my reader across the room. Kat and Abbie were walking out of the building and……. NOOOOOOO!!!!!! Sorry ladies, I cannot give anything away. No spoilers.
I do not usually do this in a review, but there are a few lines in this book that I just must quote. They tell the story of ANY romance. The first: “Love by its definition is a lie, its true definition is work and a eff lot of it. It also means so much more than that one syllable. It’s a one-word representation of everything that can make or break a person. Love is only meant for the brave.” The second: “And real love is a effing miracle.” Ms. Stewart, you are a genius!!
I won a copy of The Reals when I entered a contest. I was SOOOO excited when I won because I have become a huge fan of Ms. Stewart’s amazing talents as a writer after reading The Brave Line and Drive. I just knew that The Real would be phenomenal. I was not wrong!!
Thank you for reading my review.

5 Stars for Wicker Park!*

The Real is just another book by Kate Stewart that shows her ability to flat out write. From erotica to rom-com, she seems to shine in any genre. This book was a risk for her as many may perceive this kind of romance to be done before, however the way in which this author delivers her story, you just cannot help but be pulled into something new. The Real is a love story where two characters meet and find a slow burning passion that makes you turn each page cautiously as if you were in the story. I found myself laughing out loud, feeling giddy, desperately wanting more, and nervously waiting for the big moment...the oh-no or oh-yes to happen. I was captivated by two beautifully fun people who made coffee and instant messaging seem so sexy as normal as it is!

While I would love to give a summary and tid-bits of this and that, I feel like this is a book that a reader should just dive into. Abbie and Cameron had no idea how a friendly yet sexy smile in a coffee shop would create one of my favorite love stories filled with slow burning desire, witty charm, and unexpected heartbreak.

Kudos to Kate Stewart for upping the ante or continuing to set the bar high. With unforgettable characters she keeps developing complex plots and then delivers the just right amount of passion, angst and charm to make the story stay on the mind hours upon hours after reading.

I’ve read several books by Kate Stewart and her writing is fantastic but what I love about her work the most, is with each new story she tells, she gets remarkably better at it. It’s quite amazing to feel that progression, because without a single doubt, I feel each and every one of her words.

Kate has a gift for writing stories that’ll make your heart swoon, characters that’ll make you feel everything they’re feeling, well placed humor and lifts of spirit just when you need it; The Real encapsulates all of this and so much more.

Cameron and Abbie are the embodiment of Kate’s magical story telling and once I started, I had to finish in near one sitting. The emotions are strong in this one and the issues are so very real. I refuse to give too much away but I will say Kate’s approach in the tough subject matters were done with such finesse but more importantly she calls to light what often goes unrecognized. I respect her so much for going at it from the opposite side of the fence and giving voice to an all to often overlooked topic. Kudos, Kate!

The Real is all heart and soul with gorgeous romance at its very core. You will feel the connection, the undeniable spark of attraction and the foundation of solid ground being built that both Abbie and Cameron so desperately need. And I’m just putting it out there; I wouldn’t kick Max or Oliver’s story out of my bed ;)

I did really enjoy this book. I love contemporary novels that are unique in their own way as this one was. The romance in The Real is enchanting! I loved it so much because it made me giddy. I wanted nothing more than for Cameron and Abbie to have their happily ever after and throughout the whole book, I rooted for them, even through the shakiness. Their chemistry is instant, their passion undeniable. The writing is compelling and incredibly delectable. The author writes her characters so wonderfully you literally feel like you know them. I didn't have one moment where I felt bored with the storyline. Highly recommended for those who like reads about real love and accepting each other, no matter what.

In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 4/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 3/5 | Romance 5/5 | Angst-Suspense 3/5 | Darkness 0/5 | Humor 2/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 2/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pace Steady | Action 2/5

Advance reader copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐?
I must admit, it took me some time to get into the story. The main characters and the romance brewing between them didn't quite captivate my interest. I found the pacing slow in the first quarter, and I set the book aside to come back to a few times.

Cameron and Abbie both had some very true to life baggage and insecurities. They had great conversation, spent time with one another, and I felt they shared some sweet moments together. As their relationship developed, the sexual tension continued to build until they needed to let go and give into their desires. I could definitely feel the heat between them, it was obvious how attracted they were to each other, I just never fully connected with them individually or became completely invested in their romance.

This was my first dive into a Kate Stewart novel, and while I wasn't in love with the story, I did like it. I would still be interested in reading the authors past novels, or taking a chance on future releases.

This is the year my favorite authors blow me away with their unique stories. So yeah, I am a Kate Stewart fan...and The Real was definitely unique. I will admit, I was a bit nervous, I wasn’t sure that I was going to like Abbie...maybe it was her past...but that changed when she and Cameron started doing coffee. She’s quirky, she’s funny and Cameron is...the Woo King and oh so sweet. Ms. Stewart pulls us in, we are happy enjoying the ride (chuckling at the Seinfeld references to Elaine’s dancing and the ear worm of the Eagles singing Witchy Woman) and then....(did you feel that? That’s the rug being pulled from under your feet!). The Real is a slow burn, emotionally packed with a topic not addressed in any other book I have read to date and the way it’s addressed is just spot on in my opinion. Now whenever I see a quirky saying on a coffe mug, it’s Abbie and Cameron I will think of...thank you Kate Stewart!!

What if you started a relationship with someone where you checked your relationship baggage at the door and just learned who they were/dated them by sitting in the same coffee shop week after week typing to them on your computer? What if you fell in love and that same person had a secret that they tried to tell you, but you didn't allow them to voice the secret that they had been harboring? And, what if that secret broke your heart and left you feeling betrayed and heartbroken?

All this and more can be read in The Real. The author does an amazing job in the writing of the story of Cameron and Abbie. Both are broken in their own way, and both are needing the comfort and love that they find in each other.

This story was well written and an angst-filled escape from reality.

WOW! Drive was my first kate Stewart book! It blew me away like no other. So when the real was released, I was like nothing can top drive! Can I say I was so fricking wrong??!! This book was everything! And even though I predicted a lot it still caught me by surprise! Cameron and Abby are it for me. They touched my soul and I honestly don’t think ANYTHING or ANYONE can top it! I mean I kept thinking when is she going to destroy me only so she can put my heart back together again?! And that she did! I love the banter, the sexual tension, among a couple of other topics that were touched on. That I’m quite familiar with. Seriously...y’all! You have to meet the king of woo and his witchy witch! I laughed, I cried, I laughed some more!! It’s THAT good!!

There are many parts of this story that I loved - the cover, the build-up, the romance...then the book dragged a bit for me and the angst didn't grip me like I thought it would. But overall, Kate Stewart is a beautiful writer and this story seemed very REAL.

And oh what a twist that takes the story in a direction that you so didn't want it to go.

Abbie and Cameron decide to leave their relationship baggage at the door and really get to know each other first and foremost. That's all well and good until real life decides to knock you down when you least expect it.

This was sweet, heartbreaking, a little maudlin, but overall a real romance with all its flaws.

I voluntarily requested and reviewed an advance reader copy.

Always love Kate’s books! They all have their own theme to them & this one was rough. Abuse in any form is wrong but for two people who went through it to find each other & love themselves as much as each other is a blessing in disguise. Cameron needed to find himself again & Abbie needed to get out of her own head. Together they are able to find themselves with the rules set. The rules truly helped them to move on & find true love. Relationships should not be only physical & with them taking the time to get to know each other first they were able to see what the other was really like & remember that when the shit hit the fan. I hope that Max can get his happily ever after now as well because he truly deserves it.

5 “Take It Slow” Stars

An emotional slow burn with an important message, a swoonworthy hero that melted my heart, a bleeding heart heroine that was completely relatable and totally unique story. The Real is a love story for modern times and I loved it from start to finish.

The Woo King and his Witchy Woman had me swooning from the very beginning.

When Kate Stewart writes a novel, you can rest assured you are in for a love story like no other. The Real does not disappoint. The slow burn will keep you simmering until you can no longer resist the inferno that erupts.

It's best to go into this book with no idea what's about to happen and just enjoy the ride. The experience is worth the roller coaster of emotions... and opens your eyes to things you may have been blind to in the past.

Do yourself a favor and one click this book. The Real is not to be missed!

I loved the blurb and the concept behind this story. Kate Stewart took me on an emotional ride. I wasn’t expecting everything that happened and was pleasantly surprised.

Abbie and Cameron first met at a coffee shop. They both can’t seem to stop thinking about the other. They decided to meet there and have a rule. This rule works for a while but only here and now can rule can only last for so long.

I am not going to say a lot about this book. Cameron is swoon worthy and I just loved him. This story was sweet and highly recommend it.

This was such a beautiful read, aside from the obvious. I loved both Cameron and Abby. The eventual "twist" which always makes a story a great one... I was thinking "oopsie" failed to mention something important but its definitely a reality these types of things do happen to anyone and their own emotional reaction/behavior is unique for every single individual and decisions they make. Yes, I know... what the heck am I talking about? It's just me as usual, being cryptic as to not give a story away ;D

Beautiful! Stunning! Phenomenal! What I love about Kate Stewart is that she is so versatile in writing. I love the feeling I get when I start diving into one of her books because I'm never going to know what's going to happen.

The Real was exactly that...Real. It was honest and it was tough with just the right amount of sweet and sexy. I knew from that first 'Hi' I was going on an adventure with Cameron and Abbie that would open my eyes and it sure did. I was never expecting that, I was shocked. I can't wait to see what's next!

This one is a great read. Cameron and Abbie meet at a coffee shop. Cameron is very flirty. Abbie is a little jaded on relationship and letting people in then she meets Cameron. These two have some great fun banter and funny coffee mugs. They take the time to get to know each other slowly. I thought everything was going good then bam it happens and I totally didn't see it coming. It's an emotional read that sort of just creeps but on you. I hadn't real realized how national involved in Cameron and Abbie until I finished reading.

I hate single POV. and except only a few chapters, this was from Abby' s POV.

It started decently enough but got annoying very fast. One of the things that was stupid was sitting in front of each other and text messaging. And not just one time, they kept at it and it was ludicrous.

I can't believe this book got so many high reviews. Seriously.

Another beautifully written story by this wonderful author who leaves me in awe of her talent after each and every book she writes. I don’t want to say too much as I feel it’s best to go in ‘blind’, not knowing what the book is really about before reading. I love the element of surprise, and just knowing that the story will have all the feels is all I need to know. I was smiling one moment and crying the next. So what I’m trying to say is please, read this book and you will be guaranteed all The Real feels.

I liked this book. It was raw, and emotional, and the things we’ve come to expect from Kate’s writing. Cameron was... whoa! King of Woo indeed.
Abbie was cute. She’s quirky and that’s always interesting.
But there was something keeping me from loving this book. I wanted to love it. Drive blew me away and I expected and hoped this would be similar. I don’t know, maybe it was the twist that threw me, maybe too far.
Still, it was a great book, you should get on it, if for no other reason than Cameron.

This wasn't your typical romance novel but boy was it so so good! I loved their story even all the heartbeat they had to go through to get to the HEA! It made it so much more real and worth it. Nothing worth having ever comes easy and they were totally worth it! They had so much love for each other and it was so beautiful to read about and watch develop. This has been one of my favorite reads this year and I highly recommend to readers! FIVE AMAZING STARS!

Kate Stewart’s writing never disappoints. She always has solid characters with great quirks! That alone makes this story a fun read. HOWEVER, Kate also has a beautiful skill for writing heartfelt emotions that the reader can absolutely feel. Therefore the story of Cameron and Abbie was sweet, sad, funny, and sexy mixed with some serious heartfelt emotions. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and was genuinely surprised by the twist. I did not see it coming and the pages started turning very quickly!
Lastly, I will read it again just to quote all the coffee mugs!

"THE REAL" by Kate Stewart, is an incredibly angsty and heart-achingly fabulous contemporary romance.
It will take you on a wild roller coaster ride of emotions and by the time you get to the last page, it will leave you breathless.
Cameron and Abbie's love story is captivating!!

Kate Stewart has delivered yet another fabulous story that is bound to become her next in a long line of Best Selling novels!!

This book! Gah! It begins as such a charming, sweet love story and BAM turns into much much more! The ride was fabulous and so different from anything else I've ever read. It was so unique and I was consumed with the story and characters. Cameron and Abbie had amazing chemistry and such great conversations- it was all so real. I was completely wrapped up in their journey and found this book to be absolutely enchanting. A must-read!

Kate Stewart is an automatic one click for me. Her writing style is unique and her character development is spot on. I really enjoyed The Real. Cameron and Abbie meet in an unusual way. Sparks fly immediately and they decide to take things slow with no questions about their pasts. This ends up becoming a problem down the road. I loved their back and forth banter. They are ridiculously sweet together. This was a great read!!

True romance, slow build and burn. Funny, charming, absolutely wonderful. She also addresses two very serious issues that usually don’t make into these books. The author takes you through this journey and you just FEEL everything. The definition of love and how you go about in life for it. It is truly a beautiful book. Very different than your run of the mill romance novels

Five Stars

I was completely surprised by this book.

I don’t want to spoil it for anyone.

Go in blind, know that you are reading a love story that will make you swoon, laugh, cry big emotional tears and put you back together again.

I am very happy I picked up The Real even though I have one of those “holding back the tears” headaches now.

I enjoyed this read. I can definitely relate to the heroine. I had some difficulty with the timing and character's actions but I still enjoyed it. Parts made me smile wide (I'm now obsessed with finding cheeky coffee cups)and others broke my heart. I highly recommend the accompanying play list. I also appreciate (even if it was perhaps a little too careful) that difficult subject matter was handled with such care. It is truly a safe read with some steam.

It started with an innocent encounter at a coffee shop. Many life demons follow our two main characters. The slow journey of Abbie and Cameron to what all of us yearn for makes the accomplishments so much better. One secret can destroy this, yet I enjoyed the walk through their lives. Some violence, some heartbreak, family, and sexual situations accompany this tale of life.

Books like this make my standards for love so high, that I'm constantly reaching for that high The Real gives. I long to get lost in the pages and Kate Stewart is the author to do that. My house suffers while I tear through page after page so I can devour more of her stories. Cameron and Abbie have a connection, but are also real and fail and learn and grow. Happy endings aren’t always real life but I’m rooting for them at every page I turn. I see myself and others in them and their lives. They make me laugh and cringe and cry but most of all believe in love and life after loss. I can't wait to see what she writes next. Read them ALL

Kate Stewart is amazing. I'd been looking forward to this book for a long time, and it lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed the characters and their interactions. I was shocked by the twist I didn't see coming. I wish we'd gone more in depth with what happened to Abbie. I didn't think it was that big of a deal? But that wasn't enough to detract from the book for me.

This story left me breathless. Cameron’s honestly, ability to love despite abuse left me in awe. Abbie and her own experience with heartbreak and have endured a stalker relationship only made her more love able. I love a book that makes me and this book did but I love the fact it addressed two very real problems in life. This book is worth the time to read.

Kate Stewart, please never stop writing. Like, ever.

Not too angsty, and not too many tears, and i loved the build up and originality. Best of all, I really loved both main characters.

(I literally LOL’d at work while reading the part where Oliver is messing with her face while she’s FaceTiming Cameron. Hilarious!)

Can’t wait for the next one!

I wish that we could gift more stars than available when we review books by authors like this, such as the book here by Kate Stewart !!! Please! Get this book as read an unbelievable story written by a woman who can hold herself well up against other author s like LJ Shen, Samantha Christy, Adrianna Locke and Jewel E Ann . She is phenomenal

Abbie and Cameron met at a coffee shop. They agreed on taking things slow, and leaving their past baggage behind as they ventured into their blossoming relationship. They fell in love, but their past is what threatened to tear them apart.
I went into this book without any expectations. This book was a slow-building romance. It was cute, and sweet, and sexy, and had me intrigued about Abbie the Witchy Woman And Cameron the King of Woo. And I related to Abbie's and even Cameron's past. This book was different to anything else I normally read. And rven though I didn't fall madly in love with this book, i was still glad to have read it, and be apart of Cameron & Abbie's relationship. 3.5⭐ out of 5⭐. I was left feeling like there could have been more to to story, and the characters, but was still a great slow-read.