Bakery owner Willow Dalton’s friendship with Zane Walker has always been a bit complicated. Now a scrumptiously hot A-list actor, Zane’s always had a reputation as a player. He’s arrogant, and he’s definitely not boyfriend material. Sure, he did Willow a favor by agreeing to take her virginity before college, but is that reason enough for her to go along with a fake engagement a decade later—even … later—even if it comes with a real diamond ring?
Zane should have known better. Nothing involving Willow has ever been easy. Still, he knows her better than anyone, and becoming America’s hottest new leading man means cleaning up his reputation. An “engagement” to curvy, sass-mouthed Willow is the perfect PR move…provided no one gets hurt.
Now Zane and Willow’s little white lie has turned into an irresistible recipe for sweet temptation. And soon no one will be able to tell the difference between their fake engagement and the real thing—including them.
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This book just had me from page one till the end…
This is the first book I read from this author and I’m hooked!
This was such a sweet, uplifting romance. Lighthearted, yet emotional but not over the top. I enjoyed the characters and their journey as they maneuver through a second chance at expanding on their young love. Willow and Zane were just adorable.
So good and a light easy read combo of second chance romance and fake fiancé romance that was just so romantic. The funniest thing I learned in this book had no5hing to do with either main character – both of whom I loved. But when Remi explained to Willow what a fluffed was? OMG. I cracked up and I was on an airplane at the time. Talk about learning something new when reading a romance novel!
***Originally read the ebook 04 March 18****
I love Melissa Foster’s books. I always feel so good after reading one. But, and it is a but that I am sad to have to state, I could not get into this book. There was really nothing about it that made me want to see it through other than I hate to give up on a book.
I just didn’t feel it. I didn’t feel any chemistry between Zane and Willow. Willow seemed really whiny to me. It was a real struggle for me to get through this book, and it was an experience I have never had with this writer’s work. It was boring!
I would recommend you read it. It could have just been me. I will read book two because I have found that sometimes in a series the 2nd book is better than the 1st.
Update 27 May 20 ****Audiobook****
I did not realize I had read this book already. Had no memory of the storyline. I discovered I had read it when I went to write my rev about the audio version. SMH!
I did like the narrator. I thought he did a great job. The story still did nothing for me. I am so tired of whiny women who think no one could possibly love me with all of my “flaws”. So irritating.
I have steered clear of revisited loves, but this one I tried and loved! It was different! Looking forward to reading more! Thanks Melissa! You are one of my faves!
Zane has come home and he has come back for Willow. He needs to do some work on his reputation but he really wants Willow, now he has to convince her he really wants her to keep and not just for show. I have to tell you all, I have read other books in this series and now going back and catching up. Yeah, this series is good! That’s all I’m going to say because you have to grab these and read them for yourselves.
This was exactly the sweet, fluffy distraction I needed to read. The characters and situation were interesting enough that I flew through the story. I liked the history between Zane and Willow; seeing them grapple with what it means for them in the here and now was a nice juxtaposition. And knowing it’s a series, I found myself wondering which of Willow’s siblings would wind up with their own stories. I’d even consider reading some of them (Bridgette and Ben, in particular).
I feel like this could have earned more stars from me if it had had more substance to it. The potential was there but it mostly felt like the plot existed to carry the reader from one romantic escapade to the next. Fluff is good and has its place but I hate seeing plots and characters that have the potential and don’t capitalize on it. It’s a bit of a waste. And I would have loved to have seen more of Willow and her baking but that’s me being nit-picky.
I’d recommend this to anyone who:
– needs something quick and light
– wants an entertaining beach read
– is well-versed in the romance genre and wants to discover a new voice
This book was so good! This was my first Melissa Foster book and it was everything I was hoping for! It was so sweet, funny and completely HOT with a phenomenal HEA! There’s definitely more of her books in my near future! I’m completely addicted!
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This was my first book by author Melissa Foster and certainly will not be my last. I can’t wait to read more of this series because I loved every aspect of this world Melissa created.
Everything about Zane and Willow’s story was sweet. Sure it had its hotter-than-hell scenes (and I mean H O T), but it just warmed you up from the inside out like a sweet and delicious cup of hot cocoa. I very much enjoyed watching their friendship grow into this relationship that anyone would envy. They are such a special couple and have definitely made it as one of my favorite book couples.
I highly recommend this story and look forward to diving into more from this author.
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Review by Antonette u2063
Trouble Maker’s Library Book Blogu2063
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first Melissa Foster book, and it definitely won’t be my last. I absolutely loved it! I feel in love instantly with both Zane and Willow and their story was so much fun!
The banter and the way they clicked was so well written and I particularly loved how things progressed for them, and once they got into the grit of things, there was really honesty between them.
The secondary characters in this book were also great, Willows family and some of Zane’s co-stars.
There was also little to no angst in this book, which is really refreshing sometimes. Sometimes its great, and other times no angst is just what you need. A funny and romantic book thats perfect in all the right ways.
Friends to lovers stories and fake relationship stories are both faves of mine, so I absolutely devoured this book.
I can’t wait to read more of this series, this was so much fun! I highly recommend.
Foster delivers sweet and hot with The Real Thing. Lots of “bedroom” scenes. I recommend this book to fans of the steamy contemporary romance genre.
Zane and Willow’s relationship seemed like a distant friendship for the last several years until Zane returns to town asking her to be his fake fiancé to help redeem his reputation. Even though Willow thinks Zane is a playboy, she decides to take one for the team since she’s harbored feelings for him her entire childhood anyway. Now, we get to find out how Zane really feels about Willow as well. Will this movie star and town bakery owner make a real go of it or keep this casual? You’ll have to listen to find out! Great narrator as well. I enjoyed this story and the audiobook narration.
Loved Zane and Wills in this great second chance romance story. The Real Thing is Book 1 in the Sugar Lake Book Series, and I can’t wait to read more about Wills’ siblings in the other books!
Entertaining, easy to read
I absolutely adore Melissa Foster’s writing. When I saw this was available in Kindle Unlimited I immediately downloaded it!
And I am not disappointed. I just wanted more, more, more of Z and Willow. I couldn’t stop listening!
Friends-to-lovers, Best-friend’s-little-sister, brother’s-best-friend….you name it, and it’s here. Movie star and small town girl? Yep. That’s here too.
It’s perfection. It’s sweet. It’s sexy. It’s The Real Thing.
What an amazing first book in the series. I listened to the audio version and I laughed – a lot. Wonderful story and character building. Great friends to lovers romance with an HEA. I couldn’t stop listening and cannot wait to listen to the stories of the rest of the family.
I LOVED this book! Humorous characters, nosy family, and a small town full of wonderful people! You can’t help but love the community of Sweetwater. Do you believe in dreams coming true? Willow and Zane slowly let their guards down and are surprised to discover how each other has felt over the years. Full of steamy chemistry, yet very tender, “The Real Thing” is a wonderful story to begin the Sugar Lake series.
Sometimes your first is also meant to your last!
This is my second read of this story in prep for book 3. Zane is so charming, sexy, and just delicious! I love Willow’s determination, independence, and joy. They’re both so sweet! I love her family and Sweetwater, as well as the other players in their bookiverse. Just as fantastic the 2nd time around!!
Really enjoyed this well written story and characters. Looking forward to next book in this series and more from Melissa Foster!