The Real Deal: A Novel

The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely is a quick, funny read. Theo is a bartender and a boyfriend for hire; he can be your best friend, boy next door or bad boy. April is dreading her upcoming family reunion as all the women are trying to fix her up with someone in her hometown in hopes she will leave New York and move back there. She decides to hire Theo after her friend Xavier is unable to attend and suggests that Theo could help her. Will her family figure out that they are not really together? Will more develop between Theo and April as they spend five days together? Will they be able to keep what’s real and what is acting separate?
I liked the idea of the story and the characters are realistic and likeable. Some parts are very funny as they compete in games and try to keep up the pretense of being in love at the reunion. Personally, I could have done without the explicit sexual talk and scenes but I know some enjoy that. I give this book 4 of 5 stars. I think it will mostly appeal to 20-30 something readers.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In an effort to dissuade her family from setting her up with any more men, April begs her friend, Xavier, to play her boyfriend at her family's upcoming reunion. However, when Xavier is forced to cancel on her, she ends up having to hire his colleague, Theo, instead. Somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades, Theo is no stranger to weird jobs, nor is he unacquainted with difficult jobs. Although, after his instant attraction toward April, keeping his feelings in check may make this job his most difficult yet.

The Real Deal was a hilarious and adorable romantic comedy with two incredibly loveable characters. Theo and April were so perfect for each other, and I loved the banter between the two. I'll admit to wishing the romance was a bit more "slow-burn", but I still found myself enjoying their relationship. Any fan of romantic comedies will instantly fall in love with The Real Deal.

4.5/5

Funny, sexy, well written, great characters... there is so much to love about this story. First the whole concept of one-off acting jobs through craig's list as a date is such a modern idea and crazy yet entirely plausible. Theo is a very interesting character and I really enjoyed getting to know him and his family and their backstory. April's family on the other hand steals the show in the book. Again, her family is so over the top, yet could totally happen in real life. Between the antics and the chemistry this story is a really fun read and I recommend for anyone looking for a good summer romcom.

After reading the blurb for this book, I couldn’t wait to start this. The Real Deal has the perfect combination of laughter, some angst, romance, and fun. I enjoyed every moment of this story. The characters and the storyline were fantastic. Theo and April were great characters. I liked seeing how they grew as the story progressed-individually and together. Whenever they were together, it was always wonderful-they made sense as a couple and brought out the best in each other. What started out as just a boyfriend-for-hire gig turned into so much more. The chemistry between Theo and April was intense and seeing how they would navigate this and the onset of feelings was intriguing. I was excited to see how it would all play out. I also loved April’s family. They brought the entertainment for sure. It was the right amount of amusement to counteract the romance. Lauren always gives the best woo. The Real Deal is an awesome, swoony, and joyful read that will make you feel happy at the end.

The fake relationship or hired boyfriend/girlfriend trope is not uncommon in romance novels and films. In fact, I have read and greatly enjoyed several other recent variations on this theme, including The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory and The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang. In The Real Deal, Lauren Blakely has managed to put a fresh spin on a common trope and delivered a sweet, funny story that definitely lives up to its name.

April has mixed feelings when it comes to attending her annual family reunion. Though she deeply loves her family, she often finds herself at odds with them when it comes to her choices of career (she's a body painter) and residence (living in New York City instead of her small seaside home town). One of the drawbacks of spending time with her family is fending off their attempts to set April up with a man--preferably one who will lure her to leave the big city. This year, April decides to do an end-run around the setup attempts and bring a boyfriend to the gathering--in this case a boyfriend that she hired through a Craigslist ad.

Theo is not the sort of guy April would usually date. This bartender/actor is a bit rough around the edges, but April's friend recommends him and he IS a professional, so she decides to take the plunge. Despite their differences, April and Theo immediately hit it off and begin to feel an attraction--one that's both sweet and hot--for the other. This is definitely going to make the reunion more complicated and also a lot more interesting.

Blakely gets everything just right in this lovely romantic comedy. Her characters are well-developed, very likable and a little bit flawed. As the story progresses, more is revealed about Theo's past and how he came to be a boyfriend-for-hire, and April will need to decide how to reconcile things from his early life with the Theo she is growing to love. In the end, the question will be whether a relationship that started under false pretenses can end up being The Real Deal.

When April Hamilton’s plan for her family’s reunion falls through, she ends up hiring an unknown guy to play the part of her boyfriend in front of her family.
Theo Banks has always struggled to make ends meet and the boyfriend-for-hire gig comes when he needs it most. What he couldn’t foresee was the attraction to the witty, beautiful girl who hired him for the long weekend.
In the spirit of “The Wedding Date”, Ms. Blakely delivers another smart and sexy story about an unseemly couple falling in love during a weekend visit to a small eastern coastal town with the backdrop of close knit family, amusement park rides and silly games.
True to Ms. Blakely’s style The Real Deal is a fun, fast read, filled with laughter and romance. Whether you are already a fan or new to her books, you are sure to enjoy April and Theo’s story.

4 stars
*Received an ARC from the publisher via by NetGalley for which I voluntarily provided an honest review*

Lauren Blakely is one of my favorite authors. She always gives these fun, sexy and mostly lighthearted stories. You find yourself wanting to be the woman and be with the man.

The Real Deal is no different. The fake boyfriend trope is definitely entertaining. I enjoyed the characters and the connection that they had.

I rarely have any critical points for LB books but I just had a couple with this one.

Note: MY POINTS CONTAIN POSSIBLE SPOILERS

1. The fake boyfriend arc, while fun, doesn't lend itself to very much in the way of sexy times, at least not early on.

Which brings me to #2

2. While April and Theo have good chemistry, the trope forces a more platonic relationship for most of the story. It's tension-building but makes you antsy for more of the sexy times Lauren Blakely so adept at giving us.

Overall, The Real Deal is a fun, light read anyone can enjoy.

This was a sweet (and steamy) romantic comedy that I really enjoyed!

April is heading home for a family reunion, and to avoid all the matchmaking her family likes to do, she hires a fake boyfriend, Theo, from Craigslist. As you might imagine, they end up falling for each other for real. Obstacles stand in their way, of course, like Theo's bad boy past, and April's "dating diet." Love always finds its way though, doesn't it?

I thought this book was a lot of fun and that the chemistry between April and Theo was very realistic and believable. I loved Theo and his vulnerability the best, and loved watching them fight their connection at first, then let it slowly blossom. The dialogue was witty and lighthearted, and the family reunion that involved Olympic style games was great fun.

Cute, sexy, and fun are the best ways I can think of to describe this romance. I recommend it!

The Real Deal was a lighthearted,sweet and refreshing story!The romance was beautiful and both characters were likeable.Theo make me swoon and melt over him.April is such a cute and smart heroine.

It was fast paced and I enjoyed the story a lot.The plot was so good and the characters were well developed.April and Theo were a perfect couple, they fit so good together.I couldn't imagine them with someone else.I had a smile in my face with these two, they were flirty and funny.

If you are looking for a heartwarming,funny and romantic story this is perfect!

I just loved Theo and April. Theo was so perfectly swoony, and I loved the way he and April bounced off each other, making up their stories that sounded so perfect all while weaving their real feelings into the mix. Both had troubles in their past that made them cautious of what they felt happening between them, but the tension was amazing as it grew into a nice little fire. I’ve enjoyed every Lauren Blakely book I’ve read, but this is definitely one of my favorites. I never expected the bad boy Craigslist ad-poster to be as amazing as he turned out to be.

Premise:

After artist April Hamilton was betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, her family has been badgering her to 1) come home for family reunion and 2) set her up on blind dates. They mean well, but April is sick of relationships and wants to focus on her career. To combat her family's matchmaking, she hires a boyfriend for hire, Theo Banks, to fake a relationship.

What I enjoyed:

- Fake relationship trope. It's one of my favorites and it was executed so well here.
- The instant chemistry and sparks between April and Theo
- April's family. They're a bit overbearing, but well-intentioned and there's better than a nosy, meddling family clan.
- The love story. It was hard not to fall in love with how incredible each character way, and they fit do perfectly in the end.

What I didn't enjoy:
- Honestly, not much! I did think the book could have been slightly shorter, but I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I've read other books by Lauren Blakely (Big Rock, Mr. O), and found them all to be fun, sexy, and well-written...a trifecta that escapes so many authors in this genre, but that Blakely has mastered.

When I found out that I was approved to receive an an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I may have yelped in delight. I was so excited to get my hands on Blakely's newest, because I loved her others.

And I was not disappointed.
This trope (fake boyfriend/girlfriend) is one that is often used in romance novels, so it can get stale and contrived. HOWEVER, the way that Blakely brings her characters to life, makes the story anything but stale. And it was funny. And steamy.

I loved April and Theo. They were both well-developed characters that had realistic personalities. Theo was hilarious, sweet, and tough-- just how I like my leading man in a comedy-romance.

Blakely created an idyllic setting... a lakeside B&B, small town, summer-camp vibe. Perfect for summer love.

I also really appreciated that the characters were honest with each other. I can't stand when the characters of a romance hide their feelings and feel like they'll be rejected, so they make a mess of their chances, etc. etc.

There was none of that here. It was refreshing.

I devoured this book in less than two days, it was that good. Then I went on vacation, so my review had to wait. Sorry about that.

The Real Deal is THE perfect summer read.

5/5 stars. Can't wait for her next one!

Theo & April come from different backgrounds and grew up with different experiences.
Theo protects himself because he’s had a tough upbringing and the last person you told the truth to, left him. So now he guards himself and his heart.
April protects herself because she’s had some very bad experiences with guys and has put a vault on dating. She is 100% focused on her job and her carrier.

I love how his book has both of their point of view. You know exactly what they are felling and thinking when something major happens between them. I also like how it’s continues right where the last chapter ends and doesn’t skip.

I don’t want to reveal to much but Theo is amazing! He knew that there was something about April right when he saw her for the first time. I don’t think he knew how it would turn out and what he was feeling exactly, but he was fighting the feelings every second he was with her!

This was a great book and I give it 5 starts!

Theo and April have immediate chemistry when she hires him to pretend to be her boyfriend at a huge family reunion. The stories they make up about things that happened in their "relationship" eventually turn into things both of them wish really happened. Both of them have reasons for being guarded, and they each try to figure out what it would mean and whether it would work if their pretend relationship turned to something more. Such a fun read, and definitely a page-turner - I wanted to find out how things would end up!

This is The Real Deal written by Lauren Blakely. There are few things in this world that never let you down and Ms Blakely needs to be on your short list! This is the classic “fake boyfriend” tale....or maybe not exactly. April is going home to visit her family and feels the need for the protection provided by a fake relationship. Theo has lived his life by the skin of his teeth and he is hoping that this one last job will get him out of his debts and allow him to move forward. Secrets and half truths come to play as all of April’s family come to stay at the Inn. How long will April and Theo be able to continue the ruse? Will they crack quickly? When the lines between real and pretend become blurred, will they pull together or come apart? Don’t miss one minute of this great book!!

"The Real Deal" by Lauren Blakely
What a wild ride !! I usually steer clear of stories with steam heat... but... maybe because of the way it was presented... it was okay, and, I was not totally turned off. For me I just enjoyed the meeting of two people who .... well,,, learn that sometimes other people are safe and will take really good care of you in all the ways that count. By the way I give this a 5-star review and am very grateful that I was gifted a copy of this story via NetGalley.

2 Show more
Review Theo is often confused by his woman, "I knit my brow. “Franklins? Lopsided boobs? What are you talking about?” I love a sarcastic Theo, “it was very manly. Very macho. We took off our shirts, beat our chests, and spoke in cave grunts as we hauled in fish with our bare hands.” April is not a bashful woman, “I’ve been checking out your package since I met you.” I run my hand over his hard length." I enjoyed this book, I fell in love with Theo.

Well that was a sweet, steamy, fun ride! April and Theo meet in an unconventional way...she hires him to be her pretend boyfriend for a trip back home. But their make-believe quickly turns to reality when the anti-relationship pair immediately is attracted to one another and develops feelings that they can't deny.

I'll admit, I'm not always a fan of insta-love but this book had so much dialogue and interaction that it flowed for me and I felt like they really did fall for each other in the short time. Loved the sweet epilogue too. And I didn't miss the nod to Nick's late-night cartoon from Mister O too ;)

If you're looking for low angst, easy to read, and leaves you smiling then grab The Real Deal ❤️

Remember the Rom-Com movies of the 1990s/2000s? That’s what this novel reminded me of. There are attractive characters in their late 20s, fun repartee, and enough drama and comedy to move the plot at a good pace. There’s also great chemistry between the main characters which made me hope for a happily-ever-after. Who am I kidding? Books in this genre are nothing if not predictable – and I enjoyed it all. There are a few sexy scenes and some language that would earn an R rating if it was a film. The Real Deal is the first book by Lauren Blakely I’ve read. If the rest of her books are this much fun I would definitely read more.
Review copy courtesy of St. Martin's Griffin

Although it starts with a lie, when April hires Theo to be her fake boyfriend at a family reunion, it turns into a real romance for both of them soon enough. Although the story is cliché, the author has written a really cute story with hot sexual chemistry in between April and Theo. I really liked the side stories of April and Theo's siblings. It made the fabric of the novel even richer and fun to read. I didn’t think I would love this book so much and had picked it because I like the "fake boyfriend" trope but after reading it, I would highly recommend this book.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

This book was funny and romantic. I loved the chemistry and banter between Theo and April. April hires Theo to be her pretend boyfriend so her family won't pester her about her love life. Theo needs the money from the gig to finalize his plans. Will real love develop and interfere with the couple's plans? Another wonderful read from this author.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

RomCom is 100% my summer jam, and Lauren Blakely just so happens to be the queen of RomCom! Her books NEVER disappoint when you’re looking for something witty, light hearted, full of heat with guaranteed laugh out loud moments. But this one...this one is special. I wasn't really expecting it to be as deep and meaningful as it was. It had just enough angst and conflict (also my jam) to take it to the next level. The chemistry between these characters is palatable and this story had me caught up in my feelings but still managed to have me cracking up while turning pages hungry for more. Unputdownable!

This story was absolutely adorable! I fell in love with the characters and their story. I loved seeing how everything just hit them so fast and how they didn't see it coming. Such a sweet story. I swooned and laughed so much as I do at most Lauren Blakely stories. I love her work and it never fails to make me fall in love. I can't wait to read what she has in store for us next.

The Real Deal was a lighthearted,sweet and refreshing story!The romance was beautiful and both characters were likeable.Theo make me swoon and melt over him.April is such a cute and smart heroine.

It was fast paced and I enjoyed the story a lot.The plot was so good and the characters were well developed.April and Theo were a perfect couple, they fit so good together.I couldn't imagine them with someone else.I had a smile in my face with these two, they were flirty and funny.

If you are looking for a heartwarming,funny and romantic story this is perfect!

After reading Lauren Blakely novella Stud Finder, I knew that I had to read more of her books. When I read the synopsis for The Real Deal, I was intrigued and could not wait to read it.

April Hamilton loves her job as a body painter and loves living her NYC lifestyle. Unfortunately her family does not understand her job and why she has to live in the big city. So they are constantly playing matchmaker hoping that one of the local men will lure her back home to Wistful, Connecticut.

April knows her love life will be the talk of her family reunion, so she hires Theo Banks to be her pretend boyfriend. It’s just for a few days and all they have to do is pretend to be in love so her family can finally stop with the blind dates. How hard can it be?

It did take me awhile to get into the story and it was not until April and Theo was on their way to Wistful that I saw the chemistry that they had. I enjoyed getting to see their relationship progress throughout the story. They had never really put their hearts out on the line before and they were willing to try with each other.

April was a great heroine. She truly loved her job and just wanted her family to be proud of her. I adored her family and I had a lot of laugh out loud moments as they competed in the various games.

Theo’s past was so heart wrenching. He was such a genuine person always putting the people he loved before himself.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Real Deal. If you want a fun romantic comedy with a lot of heart, then definitely pick up The Real Deal.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

To ward off her family’s matchmaking schemes, April hires an actor to pretend to be her boyfriend.

What’s not to love about this book? The characters have instant chemistry. Their smoldering banter is sweet and sexy and smart, all at the same time. Plus, the small town setting is romantic. And, her family turns out to be awesome.

I couldn’t put this one down. Great book.

After asking a friend to pose as her boyfriend, he gets a dream job and can't do it. Knowing she needs someone for the family reunion and it's only five days he asks a friend. Theo really needs the money. Well, April is the one in for the big surprise. She falls for Theo, but he hasn't been totally honest with her about who he is. And after her last two boyfriends, she is not ready for more lies and more let down. Can April and Theo turn this into something special or will they go their separate ways when the job is done? I really like this story it was paced and humorous.

Another great book by Lauren. I loved Theo and April. The Real Deal was super sweet. I can be any man you need. I thought The Real Deal was really sweet, funny. There is this certain HOT SCENE that I loved!! You'll know it when you read it. I was really happy with the way the story went and definitely how it ended.

Theo is your next sweet, sexy book boyfriend! What a fun, steamy, heartwarming read--I loved the banter between April and Theo and the slightly different take on the "fake boyfriend" genre. There's very little angst in this story which makes for a nice enjoyable weekend read. If you like charming, witty and romantic reads, you can't go wrong with this author -- she pretty much nails it with every book she writes. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

April Hamilton is heading home to her family reunion on Wistful, Connecticut. But she needs a buffer to keep her matchmaking family from setting her up and attempting to woo her back home from Manhattan. She loves living in the city and pursuing her untraditional career that she has become successful at. When her male best friend bails on her, she has no choice but to hire a ringer.

Theo Banks comes recommended by her friend. He is a bartender and man-for-hire. He will gladly play any type of boyfriend she needs for a small fee. He has his reasons for needing to earn money and this job can certainly help him get free of his debts.

He is not a gigolo, and he has rules not to get involved with clients. And April is not in the market for a real boyfriend as she has her own trust issues and is on a "man break". But from the beginning they have a spark, a connection, and fun rapport. They can improv stories of their fake relationship, fantasies, and they get along well. And as they spend more time together, the physical attraction keeps growing. But they are in the middle of a reunion full of nosy family members.

As the group plays games, Theo and April's games become more serious and the stakes keep rising. April is sweet, smart, funny, feisty, and kind. Theo is charming, intelligent, resourceful, and caring. There is real attraction, real liking, and jealousy all mixed up in their fake dating story. Pretend kisses are turning real. Lines are getting blurred. I loved seeing them get pushed out of their comfort zones, and realize that they might be getting a bit too attached than they are supposed to.

But they are really from two different worlds where she is from a happy privileged family and he is not. Theo has a past that he is not proud of, and is afraid of being vulnerable and risking both the job and losing April. But her biggest issue is being lied to, so the longer he keeps his mouth shut, the more he risks looking bad.

It is all a bit confusing especially for April to determine what is real and what is fake. Theo is great at thinking on his feet and making her feel special. But he is holding back and eventually it is all going to come out. Will she just see him as another male liar or will he be able to convince her of his real intentions?

This is a humorous, sweet, and swoony fake-to-real-relationship story with quirky characters, secrets, and a bit of mystery. It is told in dual points of view which is critical since Theo is slower to reveal his secrets. Their banter is witty, fast-paced, and fun. This couple is easy to like and relate to. I enjoyed the time spent with her family and all the crazy reunion shenanigans. But at the heart of this story were two people who really needed to find a true connection, but were both afraid of looking for it and not sure how to keep it once they did.

Romance readers are quite familiar with the ‘pretend boyfriend’ or ‘boyfriend-for-hire’ trope, so the fact that April Hamilton and Theo Banks meet one another through a ‘Gigs for Hire’ personal ad because April wants her overbearing family to stop hounding her about her personal life is a predictable storyline, but Lauren Blakely brings freshness to a commonly used story line by infusing it with comical character interactions, a palpable attraction between the hero and heroine, and a first person perspective that provides April and Theo’s internal musings and diatribes as they start a connection based on a paid transaction and slowly moves to something they never anticipated but perhaps sorely needed.

Theo is definitely more of a mystery than April is, and as the story progresses and Theo’s past is carefully revealed, his hesitancy makes sense...his need to payoff his debt and all that that process entails is understandable, and while April’s reaction to the man Theo used to be is concerning, not showing April exactly who Theo was and is will only make things that are developing between them hit a roadblock that they might not be able to overcome.

April’s family adds so much hilarity and dramatics to April and Theo’s story because due to her relatives meddling, April and Theo find themselves in some rather precarious positions throughout all the family fun that’s had and the close quarters that are forced upon them as they begin to get to know one another and find that their attachment to each other is stronger than they could have ever imagined. Imagine the squirrelest and craziest bunch of relatives that someone could have and that’s April’s crew. But, the fact that they are all up in April and Theo’s lives and pull some crazy antics does provide a bit of comic relief when things get too tense or overwhelming for what’s developing between April and Theo, so this interesting bunch of people help to balance the stress and sexual tension that seems to surround this ‘pretend’/‘real’ couple.

The Real Deal is another fantastic romantic comedy from the hilarious and gifted mind of Lauren Blakely, but there’s also quite a bit of angst mixed in with the entertaining scenes, adding depth to the plot and allowing it to take an unpredictable course, which keeps readers’ interest until the very last page of April and Theo’s book.

4.5 Poison Apples

I always have high expectations for Lauren Blakely books, and The Real Deal does not disappoint! April and Theo's story is a charming mix of humor and drama, with meddlesome families and difficult pasts thrown in the mix. April may have hired Theo to be her platonic date for her family reunion, but their story plays a lot like a friends-to-lovers trope. A few side stories help fill out the rest of the Wistful, Connecticut world and really bring The Real Deal to life.

Loved this story! It was easy to embrace both April and Theo right from the start (although I've not met a LB character I dislike). The chemistry between Theo and April is crazy hot, and not just the sexual chemistry. The dialogue was smooth, the story moved at a good pace, the banter between April and Theo was sometimes funny, a bit of snark here and there, sweet and flirty. Ms. Blakely has given us another fun couple to just sit back and relax and enjoy their story!

This was an effervescent romantic comedy! I adored it!

"It should have been the easiest gig in my life. Instead, it was the hardest job I ever had, once she pulled the big con on me."

April needs a date for her family reunion, so her well-meaning relatives would stop trying to matchmake her with a local. She loves her life in the big city and has no plans to return to her little hometown. When her friend gives her a number for someone who could help her out, she takes the plunge.

"This isn't real. But the tingles everywhere tell me it is."

Theo does his boyfriend-for-hire thing for money. He desperately needs it to pay off his debts, and this gig with April would definitely make a dent in what he owes. However, he never expected to be so attracted to her, and the more time he spends with her, the more he realises that he's in trouble.

"Our fiction has spun into a bizarre and wonderful reality."

Oh, my! April and Theo were adorable!! They have fabulous chemistry and wonderful repartee - massively reminiscent of those old Doris Day/Rock Hudson romantic comedy films.

April keeps getting duds in the boyfriend department and needs to get her family off her back, as they constantly try to matchmake her to lure her home. Theo never wants to be in love. He's seen the damage that love can do and it's not for him. However, the natural and powerful connection between them is delightful and hard to ignore. They are absolutely on the same wavelength. I adored the little fantasies they wove and the sexiness that sprung up between them.

This was a lighthearted and amusing story with a touch of angst. Such a gorgeous read and I thoroughly, thoroughly recommend it!

This was a very charming and amusing book. The hero and heroine have unique professions. April paints people for a living - not the flowers on little kids’ cheeks at the fair kind of human painting, but for music videos, a Sports Illustrated sort of swimsuit edition. Google it - it’s really a big deal for some people. She’s good and she makes a decent living. However, she hasn’t had luck in love and she’s dreading going home for her family reunion without a guy because she knows that everyone will try to match her up with guys in their quaint little Connecticut town. So she ends up hiring Theo who is a bartender who moonlights as a date for hire. He has a Craigslist ad for his talents that will just crack you up. He also is just scraping by in New York City as he’s trying to earn enough money to pay off his older brother’s debt to a former girlfriend.

Of course April and Theo start falling for each other right away. Their conversation is witty, interesting, and sexy. I always enjoy authors who can write dialogue that help you to understand why two people would fall in love with each other.

April’s family is a hoot and their reunion family competition sounds like a lot of fun. Theo has only his brother and a pretty hard scrabble past after his parents both died when he was a young teenager. He and his brother were able to get along with grifting though both have gone straight now.

This book was a lot of fun. The characters were interesting, different, and entertaining. It was definitely the real deal.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

4.5 Sizzling Summer Stars ????.5

Lauren Blakely did it again! Another fabulous romantic comedy that doesn’t take its self too seriously... I know I can always count on Miss Blakely for some laughs and abs....

April is not going to her families summer reunion without a date! She is done with the family constantly trying to fix her up just to get her to come home... Theo is a bartender with a gig on the side.... he is a rent a boyfriend... i’m sure you can tell how this all starts out... April and Theo start out as a business arrangement completely platonic... but even from their very first meeting in the park you could feel the sparks between them...

April is a fabulous female MC... loved her she was strong, independent, sassy, kind, the kind of girl you would love to be friends with... Theo was a very typical Lauren Blakely mail MC... A little bad boy, a little arrogant, a lot gorgeous with a wonderful sense of humor... oh and we cannot forget about the ABS! Their relationship was a bit Insta, but it worked for me in this book, I felt it! Loved the banter between them and you could just tell they were both very caring people that deserve this....

A bonus in this book was the fabulous setting of the summer reunion... loved getting to know April‘s family better and I love the small town vibe... I wanted to jump in and join the fun and games at this reunion... twister... the hula hoop... a scavenger hunt.... this really is the perfect summer romantic comedy?

Absolutely recommend if you are a fan of this author, the romantic comedy, or a fun summer read...

*** many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my copy of this book ***

I enjoyed this immensely! Neither Theo nor April were looking for any type romantic relationship. And then, BAM! It smacks them upside the head in the best way. I adored seeing them try to navigate real life between the rules of their deal. Lauren Blakely is such a queen of the rom com!

5*
I loved this Fake Fiance Romance. The storyline is well-written, has plenty of drama and sizzle, and is surprisingly sweet. The characters are developed, opposites, have plenty of charisma and are likable and relatable. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.

April Hamilton is heading home for a family reunion, but she refuses to go alone. Ever since her fall from grace when she dated a married man who said he wasn’t married, her well-intentioned relatives have all banded together to set her up with someone nice. Unfortunately, their version of ‘nice’ means someone back home, taking April away from the city and away from her career. As well meaning as they are, they don’t understand her or her passion for her work. So going on this trip alone is a no-go. So what’s a girl to do?

Boyfriend-For-Hire

And that’s where Theo Banks comes in. Bartender by day, character actor by night (or day or afternoon, really any time you need him). His services come with a price and they are strictly platonic. A reformed grifter, he’s living his life on the straight and narrow. He’s got one debt left and he’s home free. And this gig with April is a win-win for both of them. He gives her the full fake boyfriend package, he gets paid. But what happens when the fake starts feeling more real than either of them have ever felt before?

I believe this was the cutest story I’ve ever read from Lauren Blakely. It was sweet and funny and heartwarming and romantic. These characters had instant chemistry and their banter and intimacy were both comfortable and natural. It was easy to like both of them and get on board with them finding their way to a real relationship. With a merry cast of side characters, this story was a delightful treat!

April has had some bright ideas before, but some may say they are a little zany, hairbrained or even down right plain batty - this time, she is hiring a boyfriend to take to her family's annual summer reunion. She is hoping to pass him off as the real deal. Nothing can go wrong, right?!!

I loved it, I just loved it with its wittiness and banter between April and Theo, it was delightful. But there is also a richness to the story with their backgrounds that takes this book to a higher level. Classic Blakely excellence.

Theo has a past that is hard for him to admit to and tries hard not to talk about it so he isn't lying. He is the wizard of impromptu and telling a tale along with accents! At times it is hard for April to know what is real and what is part of the act. He fits so well into her family dynamic and it astounds him that he can enjoy it too. He is fiercely loyal, especially to his brother, Heath. April had been burnt before with an ex boyfriend, so she had put herself in solitary confinement. Not sure how long that is going to last with Theo around. She is a very independent woman living and creating a life for herself in NYC. Even though she loves her family deeply, she still wants to pursue her career because she is damn good at it. These two had such instant chemistry and I was mesmerised from the start. This book is not just for the Blakely fans, it is one that would be loved by all rom-com and contemporary romance junkies like me.

The Real Deal was a lighthearted,sweet and refreshing story!The romance was beautiful and both characters were likeable.Theo make me swoon and melt over him.April is such a cute and smart heroine.

It was fast paced and I enjoyed the story a lot.The plot was so good and the characters were well developed.April and Theo were a perfect couple, they fit so good together.I couldn't imagine them with someone else.I had a smile in my face with these two, they were flirty and funny.

If you are looking for a heartwarming,funny and romantic story this is perfect!

After reading Lauren Blakely novella Stud Finder, I knew that I had to read more of her books. When I read the synopsis for The Real Deal, I was intrigued and could not wait to read it.

April Hamilton loves her job as a body painter and loves living her NYC lifestyle. Unfortunately her family does not understand her job and why she has to live in the big city. So they are constantly playing matchmaker hoping that one of the local men will lure her back home to Wistful, Connecticut.

April knows her love life will be the talk of her family reunion, so she hires Theo Banks to be her pretend boyfriend. It’s just for a few days and all they have to do is pretend to be in love so her family can finally stop with the blind dates. How hard can it be?

It did take me awhile to get into the story and it was not until April and Theo was on their way to Wistful that I saw the chemistry that they had. I enjoyed getting to see their relationship progress throughout the story. They had never really put their hearts out on the line before and they were willing to try with each other.

April was a great heroine. She truly loved her job and just wanted her family to be proud of her. I adored her family and I had a lot of laugh out loud moments as they competed in the various games.

Theo’s past was so heart wrenching. He was such a genuine person always putting the people he loved before himself.

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Real Deal. If you want a fun romantic comedy with a lot of heart, then definitely pick up The Real Deal.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

To ward off her family’s matchmaking schemes, April hires an actor to pretend to be her boyfriend.

What’s not to love about this book? The characters have instant chemistry. Their smoldering banter is sweet and sexy and smart, all at the same time. Plus, the small town setting is romantic. And, her family turns out to be awesome.

I couldn’t put this one down. Great book.

After asking a friend to pose as her boyfriend, he gets a dream job and can't do it. Knowing she needs someone for the family reunion and it's only five days he asks a friend. Theo really needs the money. Well, April is the one in for the big surprise. She falls for Theo, but he hasn't been totally honest with her about who he is. And after her last two boyfriends, she is not ready for more lies and more let down. Can April and Theo turn this into something special or will they go their separate ways when the job is done? I really like this story it was paced and humorous.

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!

Loved it! Theo is definitely a favorite now! I loved him! April is funny and sweet and I can't blame her for not wanting her family all over her about dating. I would do the same. This story was great. Sexy times abound with Lauren Blakely's flair! I love her books and will continue to read and love!

Another great book by Lauren. I loved Theo and April. The Real Deal was super sweet. I can be any man you need. I thought The Real Deal was really sweet, funny. There is this certain HOT SCENE that I loved!! You'll know it when you read it. I was really happy with the way the story went and definitely how it ended.

What more can I say about Lauren Blakely, except that she is FABULOUS!!! Once again delivering perfect characters, adorably sweet story line with lots of back and forth, and grab your tummy and shake it up emotions. The comedy is wonderful, the romance is one to make you swoon!!! 5 STARS for sure!!!

I loved this book and these characters! April needs a date to her hometown family reunion. Her family won't stop trying to fix her up with hometown guys to get her to move home. She had a date set up with a friend but when that falls through she is referred to Theo. His services are numerous, platonic, and hilarious. He can be anything you want but doesn't get romantically involved with his clients. Of course, over time they can't resist each other. Delicious, funny, sexy, sweet.

NO SPOILERS!

The Real Deal was a sweet, sexy, hilarious, and entertaining standalone romantic comedy, and I absolutely loved it! The storyline and characters were phenomenal, and I loved Lauren Blakely’s writing style and sense of humor. Ms. Blakely is one of my go-to authors when I’m looking for a feel-good and humorous romantic comedy, and she completely blew me away with The Real Deal. It has definitely been one of my favorite novels from her so far!

The storyline was incredible and even better than I imagined. The boyfriend-for-hire concept wasn’t necessarily new, but I loved the twist that the author put on it. The Real Deal had heart, humor, heat, as well as amazing characters, and I absolutely loved everything from beginning to end. There were several plot twists that I wasn’t expecting when I started this book, but I loved how everything came together. Lauren Blakely truly did a fantastic job with this story, and I can’t wait to read more from her.

The characters were phenomenal, and I loved all of them so much. Theo and April were especially close to my heart, and I loved them dearly. I loved their personalities and red-hot chemistry together, and how their relationship progressed throughout. I loved reading the book from both Theo and April’s point of view, and all of their banter and interactions with each other. The start of their “relationship” was certainly unconventional, but I loved how things worked out in the end. Lauren Blakely definitely didn’t disappoint with any of the characters in this book, and I really enjoyed Theo and April’s families. They were a little crazy every now and then, but their hearts were in the right place. There were plenty of funny and entertaining moments that made this book incredibly enjoyable, and I loved the romantic and steamy times as well. Theo and April’s story has been one of my favorites from this author so far, and I absolutely loved the conclusion. It was even better than I expected, and I couldn’t have been happier.

The Real Deal was another sweet, sexy, and entertaining standalone romantic comedy, and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Lauren Blakely always creates amazing, memorable, and laugh-out-loud stories, but she especially did an outstanding job with The Real Deal. I loved this book so much, and I was ecstatic with the outcome to Theo and April’s story. Lauren Blakely is definitely one of the queens of romantic comedy, and I can’t wait to devour more from her in the future!

Theo is your next sweet, sexy book boyfriend! What a fun, steamy, heartwarming read--I loved the banter between April and Theo and the slightly different take on the "fake boyfriend" genre. There's very little angst in this story which makes for a nice enjoyable weekend read. If you like charming, witty and romantic reads, you can't go wrong with this author -- she pretty much nails it with every book she writes. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

April Hamilton is heading home to her family reunion on Wistful, Connecticut. But she needs a buffer to keep her matchmaking family from setting her up and attempting to woo her back home from Manhattan. She loves living in the city and pursuing her untraditional career that she has become successful at. When her male best friend bails on her, she has no choice but to hire a ringer.

Theo Banks comes recommended by her friend. He is a bartender and man-for-hire. He will gladly play any type of boyfriend she needs for a small fee. He has his reasons for needing to earn money and this job can certainly help him get free of his debts.

He is not a gigolo, and he has rules not to get involved with clients. And April is not in the market for a real boyfriend as she has her own trust issues and is on a "man break". But from the beginning they have a spark, a connection, and fun rapport. They can improv stories of their fake relationship, fantasies, and they get along well. And as they spend more time together, the physical attraction keeps growing. But they are in the middle of a reunion full of nosy family members.

As the group plays games, Theo and April's games become more serious and the stakes keep rising. April is sweet, smart, funny, feisty, and kind. Theo is charming, intelligent, resourceful, and caring. There is real attraction, real liking, and jealousy all mixed up in their fake dating story. Pretend kisses are turning real. Lines are getting blurred. I loved seeing them get pushed out of their comfort zones, and realize that they might be getting a bit too attached than they are supposed to.

But they are really from two different worlds where she is from a happy privileged family and he is not. Theo has a past that he is not proud of, and is afraid of being vulnerable and risking both the job and losing April. But her biggest issue is being lied to, so the longer he keeps his mouth shut, the more he risks looking bad.

It is all a bit confusing especially for April to determine what is real and what is fake. Theo is great at thinking on his feet and making her feel special. But he is holding back and eventually it is all going to come out. Will she just see him as another male liar or will he be able to convince her of his real intentions?

This is a humorous, sweet, and swoony fake-to-real-relationship story with quirky characters, secrets, and a bit of mystery. It is told in dual points of view which is critical since Theo is slower to reveal his secrets. Their banter is witty, fast-paced, and fun. This couple is easy to like and relate to. I enjoyed the time spent with her family and all the crazy reunion shenanigans. But at the heart of this story were two people who really needed to find a true connection, but were both afraid of looking for it and not sure how to keep it once they did.

Romance readers are quite familiar with the ‘pretend boyfriend’ or ‘boyfriend-for-hire’ trope, so the fact that April Hamilton and Theo Banks meet one another through a ‘Gigs for Hire’ personal ad because April wants her overbearing family to stop hounding her about her personal life is a predictable storyline, but Lauren Blakely brings freshness to a commonly used story line by infusing it with comical character interactions, a palpable attraction between the hero and heroine, and a first person perspective that provides April and Theo’s internal musings and diatribes as they start a connection based on a paid transaction and slowly moves to something they never anticipated but perhaps sorely needed.

Theo is definitely more of a mystery than April is, and as the story progresses and Theo’s past is carefully revealed, his hesitancy makes sense...his need to payoff his debt and all that that process entails is understandable, and while April’s reaction to the man Theo used to be is concerning, not showing April exactly who Theo was and is will only make things that are developing between them hit a roadblock that they might not be able to overcome.

April’s family adds so much hilarity and dramatics to April and Theo’s story because due to her relatives meddling, April and Theo find themselves in some rather precarious positions throughout all the family fun that’s had and the close quarters that are forced upon them as they begin to get to know one another and find that their attachment to each other is stronger than they could have ever imagined. Imagine the squirrelest and craziest bunch of relatives that someone could have and that’s April’s crew. But, the fact that they are all up in April and Theo’s lives and pull some crazy antics does provide a bit of comic relief when things get too tense or overwhelming for what’s developing between April and Theo, so this interesting bunch of people help to balance the stress and sexual tension that seems to surround this ‘pretend’/‘real’ couple.

The Real Deal is another fantastic romantic comedy from the hilarious and gifted mind of Lauren Blakely, but there’s also quite a bit of angst mixed in with the entertaining scenes, adding depth to the plot and allowing it to take an unpredictable course, which keeps readers’ interest until the very last page of April and Theo’s book.

4.5 Poison Apples

I adore Lauren Blakely and everything about her books give me that happy, feel good kind of joy deep down to my soul. And coming off a week where a family friend was buried after losing her battle with cancer, losing a family friend and her daughter in an accident and a friends Uncle being hospitalized...I need to read about love, humor and some joyous happily ever after more than ever! Thank you Lauren for sharing your immense talent and beautiful words that in times like these are pure perfection. I usually read for an escape and entertainment. This week - it was more therapeutic than ever.

The Real Deal is a perfect fake relationship becomes more type of story. Filled with unique, relatable characters that I was head over heels for from the start. Perfect witty banter and humor. And my absolute favorite aspect of this particular book was the intense build up. The chemistry and attraction between Theo & April was immediate and undeniable. The banter and wittiness as they made their backstory up improv style is utterly brilliant! I loved loved loved the slow burn that sizzled. Starting on their train ride - whew I was panting and turned on like it was happening to me. All from reading this amazing authors words. Pure talent! And this pull continued to build and spark through their journey from fake to "The Real Deal". Gah such a perfect title to this great read.

Not only are Theo and April perfection in every way, we get a full cast of fantastic supporting characters. I kinda want to be a part of the Hamilton family myself. They are so fun. This storyline of a family reunion and games is inspiring. I am inspired to use some of these ideas at my own family reunion next summer.

I always have high expectations for Lauren Blakely books, and The Real Deal does not disappoint! April and Theo's story is a charming mix of humor and drama, with meddlesome families and difficult pasts thrown in the mix. April may have hired Theo to be her platonic date for her family reunion, but their story plays a lot like a friends-to-lovers trope. A few side stories help fill out the rest of the Wistful, Connecticut world and really bring The Real Deal to life.