The Real Thing by Melissa Foster

The Real Thing (Sugar Lake, #1)

by Melissa Foster

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 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.

Reviewed by Lynn on

5 of 5 stars

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There is nothing like diving into a new novel. The Real Thing is the first book of a new series, especially when its one written by Melissa Foster!

Bad boy actor, Zane Walker needs to clean up his questionable reputation. A plan's hatched that should be the perfect material for the film studios PR reps to spin. Only he needs the co-operation of his friend Willow Dalton in his home town of Sweetwater to pull it off. He's confident she'll assist him, but forgets to inform her that his ulterior motive is far from temporary, as he sets his sights at a permanent future with the only woman he's ever loved.

Willow Dalton's bakery is thriving but ambition means she's looking to further build on her success. So when she's offered an opportunity to further expand her business, she jumps at it. Only the offer isn't what she expects and spins her life in an unexpected direction.

Devious, arrogant but with the best of intentions, Zane is a man on a mission as years of pent up feelings finally surface. Even though his actions are questionable, his objectives are well placed even though his approach is off. I love his strong determination to get the woman he wants and his admittance that rules Willow laid years earlier he adhered to because that's was she wanted...not him!

An independent, sassy woman, Willow will forever remember the man who changed her life forever. In the preceding years, she's built a thriving business but her heart has never forgotten Zane Walker. Now, he's back in Sweetwater with an agenda she never foresaw even in her wildest dreams.

Together, due to their complicated past, sparks fly instantly between the protagonists as deep buried feelings and desires surface. Their strong personalities clash in a positive way as they come to the realisation they belong together, although the path they follow is far from smooth. Melissa ensures the sexual tension is ever present and complimented with banter and entertaining conversations as the adorable pair fight their personal internal battles as well as their attraction for each other. To push, coerce and object to their inevitable coupling are an adorable assortment of family and friends who bring the small town setting of Sweetwater alive. Thus, creating a firm foundation for future novels in what promises to be a wonderful, romantic and sexy series.

5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 31 August, 2017: Finished reading
  • 31 August, 2017: Reviewed