The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely

August 23rd, 2018 Kimberly Review 22 Comments

23rd Aug
The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely
The Real Deal
by Lauren Blakely
Narrator: Erin Mallon, Zachary Webber
Length: 9 hours and 6 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne FlameOne Flame
Narration: 5 cups

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?

RomCom hot smartfunny SWOON

I can always count on Lauren Blakely for swoons, feels and laughter. The Real Deal narrated by Erin Mallon and Zackary Webber, this arrangement trope romance delivered all the elements I love in a feel good romance.

Caffeinated reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to The Real Deal

  • What’s a girl to do when she wants to avoid the dreaded parental unit talks about her still being single at their upcoming family reunion? Why hire a boyfriend of course! I love arrangement tropes and Blakely had me when April Hamilton hires Theo Banks through his GigsforHire  Ad I was all in!
  • Told in dual POVs and narrated by the sexy and talented Zachary Webber and equally talented Erin Mallon. Blakley’s witty humor and charm popped as we got to know April and Theos.
  • April is a talented artist, hoping to land a contract that she hopes will launch her career. She already talented and successful, but her parents just don’t get her career choice.
  • Theo is loveable but not without flaws. He isn’t really an actor, he’s a bartender who pretends to rents himself out. He’s not a gigolo, he is simply trying to get himself out from a debt that hanging around his neck.
  • The banter..oh how I loved the back and forth exchanges between April and Theo. The two have this genuine rightness about them when they are together and I liked watching the buzzing chemistry between them sizzle.
  • The family reunion was a hoot, and made me want to plan one, from the games, to April’s old prom date.
  • While the romance developed quickly, it never felt like insta-love and I easily rooted for them. Drama was kept low, but gave enough of an edge to keep me listening.
  • If you are looking for a feel good, fun, sexy listen that will leave you smiling like a fool, The Real Deal should be your next romantic listen.
Love the arrangement trope? You'll want to snag The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely on audio. Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber deliver the laughs, swoons and heat. #loveaudiobooks Share on X

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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22 Responses to “The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely”

  3. Jennifer

    I love Lauren and I have this one on my phone to listen to plus two more of her recent releases. I need to play catch up.

  10. Anne

    I love smart & funny and this author seems to do it well. I like 2 narrators when there are 2 POVs. Thanks for the review! Anne – Books of My Heart

  11. Rowena

    I read and enjoyed this book but the romance never felt fake to me. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I’m listening to my second Blakely book now. Great review, Kim!

  14. Lorna

    I have this one, but it’s sitting in my tbr along with about six others by her. I’ve listened to quite a few of hers and really liked them. I’ll have to try and get to this one sooner than later! Thanks

  16. Sophia Rose

    Ha! I was just saying on another blog that I need to try her books. I like Erin Mallon’s narration and I do love the arrangement trope so maybe it will be this one. 🙂

  18. Ethan

    I really like when audiobooks feature multiple narrators to each character. It really enhances the reality of what you’re listening to. And lets me honest, I definitely am imagining different voices when I’m reading the words. It makes sense for audiobooks to do the same.

    Ethan recently posted: Rules of Prey by John Sandford

  21. Ailyn Koay

    I am sure there is nothing wrong with the knaves of three, but I do it get, those matchmaking schemes are a bore!