THE REAL DEAL by Lauren Blakely is a standalone contemporary romance. This book is a must-read for readers, like me, who adore the pretend romance-turned-real trope. April Hamilton is a mature and intelligent woman, but she's still reluctant to tell her family to buzz off when it comes to her love life. In a moment of weakness, April confessed to having a love affair that went incredibly wrong and, ever since, her family has been trying to push single men from her hometown onto her by the dozens. The hope is that one of the bachelors might lure April home to stay. Her family's intentions come from a good place, but they are persistent. Enter Theo Banks. Theo is April's paid fake boyfriend for her trip back home. Neither of them foresees the fireworks that will develop between them.

This book is so much fun from beginning to end. Theo's advertisement listing his services as a fake boyfriend is a hoot. The flirtatious and witty banter between Theo and April that develops at their first meeting, and continues throughout the book, is marvelous and increases the sexual tension. I like that THE REAL DEAL is told from alternating perspectives, allowing the readers to better understand the two main characters. Family plays a central role in THE REAL DEAL , and April's experience with family is completely alien to Theo. April has what Theo wishes he had. April's family is quirky without being oppressive and obnoxious. The vignettes involving a few family members and zany competition add humor and depth to this story.

Lauren Blakely makes the pressure Theo is under, and his reasons for making his money the way he does, very understandable and he is a highly sympathetic character. Even though he makes his living acting and lying to people for money, he's refreshingly honest about the important stuff in life. Theo's a good guy who you can't help but root for as the story progresses. April is an equally sympathetic and flawed, yet charming, character. The chemistry between April and Theo is amazeballs and creates some incredibly sensual and sensational scenes. The luxurious languid kisses will knock your socks off.

THE REAL DEAL is a sublime and seriously sexy tale of a fake romance turned breathtakingly real. As the story progressed, the image of this hero in my mind went from some big biker badass to Ryan Gosling. Wistful, CT seems like a cute small town and I wouldn't mind reading more stories in that setting. I can't wait to read Lauren Blakely's next romance!

Book Summary

April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on GigsForHire since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family's summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the GigsforHire ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.

Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau -- the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.

He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.

They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?