The Real Deal

The Real Deal is my very first book by Lauren Blakely. She’s the author that I have bunches of her books on my tbr list, but I just never get to them. So when the opportunity came up to read this one, I grabbed it, and I’m so glad I did!<br><br>April Hamilton lives in New York and has built a successful career as a body painter. She’s an artist that prefers her canvas to be human. She loves what she does. What she hasn’t been as successful at is dating. Her previous boyfriend, the one she thought she might be falling in love with, said he was divorced. But he lied. Now April is on a man diet, concentrating on her career. She actually has a big job she hopes to get, one that could really do things for her reputation. <br><br>Every year the entire Hamilton clan descends to April’s family home in Wistful, Connecticut for a huge family reunion. This isn’t the traditional family reunion, though. This includes a week long competition with her father’s partner’s family in all sorts of games. April’s family loves her. She’s the youngest. Ever since she spilled the truth about her ex-boyfriend, they have been trying to fix her up with eligible men in Wistful in hopes of getting her to move home. They don’t understand her career choice and think their daughter would be happier at home. Rather than continue to fight them on the blind dates, April has decided to hire a boyfriend for hire from Craigslist. Actually, her close friend recommended him but she saw his ad and it was hilarious. <br><br><img alt="boyfriend for hire" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1526415608i/25545800.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Theo Banks works as a bartender. Theo has a past, one he’s not particularly proud of. But he’s legit now, everything is on the straight and narrow, including trying to pay off an old debt of his brother’s. He’s so close to having enough. That’s why he came up with the boyfriend for hire gig. Theo has a talent for being a sort of a chameleon. He can talk in any accent, he can be suave and business like, he can be a bad boy, he can be loving, he can be rude. He can be anything his client’s need. But the gigs are strictly platonic. Hand holding, kiss on the cheek, an arm over the shoulders is as far as it goes.<br><br><img alt="lawn twister" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1526415608i/25545802._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>When Theo and April meet, the sparks immediately fly. These two have instant chemistry. But it’s more than that. They have the same dry sense of humor. They seem like they never stop talking. Things just click. On the train ride to Wistful, they use the time to get to know each other, to construct their back story. <br><br><b> <i>“Keeping it platonic has never been an issue since I’ve never been attracted to a customer. Until now. Looks like I’ll be getting familiar with how to resist temptation.”</i> </b><br><br><img alt="kiss" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1508464777i/24216503._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>Theo isn’t prepared for April’s overbearing family. But somehow, he just slides right in and wins them over. He actually enjoys being a part of them. He is even more surprised when he discovers the reunion is actually a competition. He can do this, he loves a good contest. He and April slide right into their roles as a couple. It doesn’t take long, though, for the line between real and make believe to become blurred. For real feelings to begin to form. Can they cross that line, enjoy their time in Wistful, then walk away when it’s time to go home? Or do they even want to walk away from what is growing between them? <br><br><b> <i>“There’s a part of me that’s starting to think bits and pieces of us seem real. And the real thing is far too dangerous. Maybe this started as a ruse, but it’s turning into something else.”</i> </b><br><br><img alt="sexy" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1526415608ra/25545801.gif" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br>This story was just adorable. Theo and April were perfect. They fell hard and fast. But Theo has to deal with his past. April has never wanted for anything and he feels like she deserves so much more than him. How will she react when she finds out all the details? Will she walk away like his last girlfriend did? I loved the way these two bantered back and forth, the way they invented their history as a couple. I think I smiled most of the way through this book. And it had a perfect epilogue. <br><br>I’ve waited so long to finally read one of Lauren Blakely’s books and now I’m kicking myself. This book had every one of the things that make reading for me so enjoyable. I hope it does the same for you.<br><br><img alt=" " src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1502304251i/23548582.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">

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!<br><br>Check out my new blog: <br><br><a href="https://bookcravers.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1536530967i/26279368.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a><br>

I received a copy of The Real Deal from St Martin's Press and Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!<br /><br />5 stars! The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely was read in one sitting. Fantastic characters, great story line and overall funny!!! If you are looking for an entertaining, funny and steamy summer read, this book is it!

I loved this book! Absolutely adored it. <br /><br />This is one of those romances that just makes you swoon. I found myself falling in love with Theo right along with April. He was the absolute most perfect book boyfriend. Even though he was supposed to be "acting" you could tell that he really wasn't. The chemistry between the two characters was just off the charts. They both complimented each other really well and their witty banter was hilarious. I loved their little "remember when" stories, they were so fun to read. <br /><br />April's family dynamic was great, as well. They had a blast with each other and I loved their idea of Lawn Olympics. All of the secondary characters had something to offer and there was some sort of interaction with each. I don't know if this is a series, but I could see at least one spin off from it. <br /><br />The story line itself flowed really well and was well thought out. Everything happened organically and while the climax was completely expected, it was still done in a way that made me swoon and made me sad, simultaneously. <br /><br />I can't express how good this book was. If you're looking for just an all over funny, romantic read then look no further. You have found it. Lauren Blakely has proven to be a really great author and I look forward to reading future books by her.<br /><br /><i> ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>

<b>5 Stars.....</b><br><br>Oh how I loved this book! All of Lauren Blakely's books, in fact. <i>The Real Deal</i> is a "hired boyfriend/date trope. Although this trope is high in predictability, the entertainment factor is always a plus. Especially when the book is written with the romantic comedy genre. And being written by Lauren Blakely always adds more fun.<br><br>April and Theo were a perfect couple. I felt this strongly even before they met. Each perspective gave me the perfect amount of insight to come to this conclusion. When they actually met, they "clicked." It wasn't only physical attraction between them that was instant. They were both good people. Theo had a past he wasn't proud of however when you learn the details, you will love him even more. April comes from a wealthy family and grew up with a life full of love and happiness. But April had her own issues due to her family's high expectations of her relationship status, or lack of. <br><br>April lives in NYC, a couple of hours away from her family's Connecticut hometown. She has no desire to move back home even though her family persists that she should. They have in mind that if they match-make her with a man from their hometown, she'll want to stay. For the most part, April is able to avoid her overbearing family. However, that reprieve is short-lived because she must now prepare to travel back home for the family fun reunion. If April has to go back, she will not go alone. Since April has been burned in the romance department, she is decidedly single. Now April needs a fake boyfriend. And fast.<br><br>Theo is a lot of things these days. He is a full time bartender and part time date/boyfriend for hire. Theo has a financial debt he is desperately trying to satisfy. He is so close to being debt free. As I said earlier, Theo has a couple of secrets. They are revealed to the reader as the book goes on. However, Theo's secrets are kept tightly hidden, locked up away from April. I will say Theo is not completely dishonest with April. In fact, he surprisingly finds himself revealing bits and pieces of his past to April. And as their fake relationship turns to something more, Theo is desperate to find the right moment to confess it all before she finds out. You can probably infer what will happen and I'll leave it at that. I would hate to spoil this book for you. <br><br><i>The Real Deal</i> is a fun and flirty read. In addition, there is some angst and sexy, intimate moments that are off the charts, scorching hot. I loved every minute of this fast paced read and as always look forward to more from this author.<br><br><i>The Real Deal</i> is a standalone novel written in first-person perspective from both Theo and April's POV.<br><br>This is my honest and unbiased opinion. That you for taking the time to read it. :)<br><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1527345882i/25601174._SX540_.jpg" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy">

Story ????<br />This was so freakin fluffy and so steamy, wow! <br /><br />April loves her family like crazy, every four years they make this huge family reunion in her mother’s B&amp;B. They do a lot of games and the winner gets to choose to which Organisation he or she wants to donate the money they win. <br />But since an idiot broke April’s heart something changed. Now her family consists of matchmakers who want to couple her with all the amazing (haha) men in her hometown. <br />But April does not want to be matched with a hometown boy. She wants to stay in New York and do what she loves - be a body painter. <br />So her friend shows her an ad she instantly loves - a boyfriend you can book for a weekend - or for a couple of days. An arm candy she can show to her parents, so they stop pushing her into the dating life. <br />But life is never like you plan it and so April and Theo connect with their first message and with that a home town trip with confusing feelings, funny moments, family events and love starts. <br /><br />God, i loved this so much. I had so much fun reading this book - it was so cute and fluffy and I was grinning like an idiot the whole time. <br />If you want something cute but steamy, you should definitely pick this book up! <br /><br />Character ?????<br />Oh. My. God. April was like the most heartwarming person I have ever read about. She was so friendly and pure but in some way also extremely naughty and also 100% funny. <br />She was just my favorite kind of girl. <br />And Theo - our wonderful broken boy - with the wicked grin and the mysterious past. <br />He was kind, friendly, politely and such a wonderful human being ♥️ He was an adorable cinnamon roll you wanted to hug all the time. <br />And April’s family - oh my god. Like, that could be my family 100%. A bunch of crazy people who want to win but also to have fun. <br />I loved her family so much - especially her parents. They were so cute and protective. <br />Also I loved Theos family - His Brother and his brothers love of his life. They were perfect in a different way, but I loved them either way. <br /><br />Relationships ?????<br />This book was so freakin cute, I thought I would die. They were so sweet and caring to each other but then there was also this crazy sexual tension between them. <br />I actually screamed in delight when they kissed. <br />Next to being the absolute cutest little things in the world, those two were also extremely funny, supportive of each other and they talked about everything. (Hm, not <b>everything</b> I guess) <br />This was a relationship I could look forward too! But also there was drama and all. <br />I loved it. <br />And the relationship between Heath and Theo - so heartwarming and absolutely beautiful. Those two are the definition of family. <br />And April and her whole bunch of relatives were the messiest but also cutest thing I have read in a while. <br /><br />Writing style ????<br />Man. That’s was awesome. It was funny, entertaining, a little drama, fast paced and really lovely. <br />I flew through it and would’ve finished it in one day if I didn’t need sleep so much (Silly, ill me ?). <br /><br />All in all I recommend this to anyone who needs a cute break from reality.

I received a surprise ARC of this book and am happy to say I loved it! I'm a huge fan of Lauren Blakely, and The Real Deal made me giggle all the way through. Spicy enough to arrest my attention with a genuinely likable pair of main characters, The Real Deal is a fast and enjoyable read and can be read as a stand-alone.<br />April is desperately in need of a boyfriend to keep the matchmakers at bay during her family's reunion, but when her best friend, Xavier, has to go away at the last minute, she's certain she's doomed. When Xavier advises April to look no further than the Craigslist ad for his friend, Theo, he assures her she'll be all set.<br />Theo has been trying to put his past behind him and one more boyfriend-for-hire gig might do the trick. <br />This has "bad plan" written all over it, but April &amp; Theo click from the minute they meet, spending more time trying to "pretend" that they are pretending with each than faking off her family.<br />Lauren Blakely's ability to voice each of her characters, and to make them a little off-beat without crossing into total unreality, is one of the things I like best about her books. I loved April's devotion to her career of body painting, and I loved Theo's dedication to cleaning up past obligations, protecting April in the process.<br />Expect many giggles, maybe a few tears, and Lauren Blakely's usual steamy shenanigans, and sit back and enjoy The Real Deal!!<br />#BlindDateWithABook #HeroesandHeartbreakers @Heroesandheartbreakers

What a fantastic story this is. I loved it. An easy read that starts with April dreading going home for her family reunion weekend because her family is seriously into matchmaking. Obnoxiously so. April is a well known body painter, she makes a great living and is up for a coveted opportunity and is excited about that. Her family is clueless really as to what she does and all they panther to do is move back home. Not gonna happen. Her friend Xavier was her fill in arm candy for the reunion,when he's offered a chance of a lifetime and has to bow out of his commitment to her, he sets her up with a friend. A friend who is a bartender and rents himself out as a platonic boy friend. He is the master actor. She's a lot reluctant but when she responds to his ad on Craigs list and they meet it's perfect. They hit it off and she brings along her friends who are protective to make sure he's not a serial killer, and they make plans to get to know each other before and while she fails to warn him the intensity of her family and how seriously they take their reunions, these two really are so suited for each other. I loved the flow between them and how easy they seemed to fit. While Theo isn't fully honest with her about his past history it's more of an omission. But they talk easily and freely and it takes them a while to make the final leap but the tension between them is palpable. The author does a great job showing us the emotional connection between them.<br />Theo's brother is a problem for Theo at times. Theo feels the need to take care of him and one of the reasons he's hiring himself out is paying off a debt that was his brother's. A debt that shouldn't have been owed, I digress. Theo is well received by her family and things just take off. April takes it upon herself to call Heath, Theo's brother and invite him for the last day of the family festivities. When she overhears a conversation in part... she flips a switch. Rightfully so, although I will hand it to her, she did stop and listen to what Theo had to say. She said she needed space and he gave her that. No more than that because I'd give too much of the storyline away.<br />For a couple that was only supposed to be not for real, they could not have been more real. Loved the book, the characters, all of it. Stellar read.<br /><br />*arc from NetGalley and St Martins for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.**

He is cocky and vulnerable at the same time. His skills know no end! He is a chameleon at changing personalities, voices, and improv to suit your needs. He is the boyfriend-for-hire April hires to accompany her to the family reunion.<br /><br />If you think this is a run of a mill boyfriend-for-hire story, think again! Theo is just lost in this world like a rolling stone looking for a place he belongs. He has scraped his way through life since he was fourteen and his parents died. All he knows is the con game and grift life in order to survive. Now is the time to finally pay off all his debts and look for where his heart belongs.<br /><br />April is just a girl who has sworn off men in lieu for her career and keeping her heart from being hurt again. All she wants is honesty in her life. She cannot deal with any more lying men! Rather than fight all the matchmaking efforts her family will drop on her, she would rather pay a "boyfriend" to accompany her and make this weekend stress free.<br /><br />This story has two uniquely gifted characters that can improv their way through fantasies of their "relationship" on the spot. They talk with the same rhythm, like the same things, and light each other's hearts on fire. Amusing, thrilling, emotional, and it will make you smile all the way. It is a spa for the mind!<br /><br />I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Thanks to the author for sharing her book with me.

**I received a copy of The Real Deal from Net Galley and St. Martins Press in exchange for a honest and voluntary review**<br /><br />The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely really makes you think...what would you do if everyone from your home town wants to set you up with their pick of a perfect husband for you? They also don't understand why she can't do her job, Body Painting, there vs. New York City. It's made April Hamilton not want to return home but this time for the annual family reunion games she's asked her BFF Xavier to come posing as her boyfriend. When he gets a job of a lifetime he recommends Theo Banks a boyfriend for hire on with the most awesome ad on how he could be just what you needed him to be on Craigslist.<br /><br />Theo Banks has secrets though he's an ex-con, former con artist but now is walking the straight and narrow and this next job with April Hamilton will allow him to pay off his brother's debt to a former partner in crime. But can he convince not only April's mother and father but the whole town that he loves April without falling in love with her for real? <br /><br />April Hamilton loves her body painting job and get through the next four days of her families reunion and games while convincing everyone that Theo is the love of her heart and soul. But when feelings become real and she catches Theo in a lie will she be able to forgive him? <br /><br />This book is totally worth 4.5 stars and I highly recommend reading it.