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!