The Real Thing has quickly become my favourite novel from Melissa Foster!!

Willow is so incredibly funny. She has these moments where no matter how serious she is trying to be, there will be a joke or pun attached to her words. I loved how she always had a soft spot for Zane, and no matter what happened between them, always wanted what was best for him.

Zane is certainly a dreamy book boyfriend. Yes, he does some stupid things, and some of his actions are slightly questionable, however, when you get to read about the true Zane, nothing else matters, and you could tell that his heart was always in the right place.

Let's not forget to mention how hot these two characters are when they come together!! They have some serious heat going on between them in the bedroom... and kitchen and just about every other place you can imagine!

The relationship between Zane and Willow was definitely an enjoyable one to read about. Not only were they able to maintain a certain level of friendship, but you were able to see just how much they truly cared about one another. You could tell that they would have done just about anything for each other, and therefore, their relationship was a heartwarming one.

I certainly enjoyed this novel, and I can't wait to read the second novel in the Sugar Lake series!!
5/5 Stars!

The Real Thing Is my very first book by Melissa Foster so when I got a chance to read this book early I was so excited because I have heard so many amazing things about this authors books. And I now know why they do says these things because I loved it this book! , it was exactly what I needed at the moment when I did read it, something sweet, sexy and fun. In this book we follow Willow and Zane, honestly I don't know where to start with these two they are just so perfect for each other, In this book they start out being in fake relationship, however as time goes by the relationship becomes more and more real than I think either of them ever expected .The romance between these two will just have you rapidly turning the pages needing to know what will happen next because you will be that invested in there story . I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was just like anything Willow would have had in her bakery , something fun and addicting that leaves you with a smile on your face when you are finish the story . The Real Thing was fantastic and Iam so excited to see what Melissa Foster has in story for us next in the Sugar Lake series.

How did I never read this author before?! And why?????
I loveeeed this story!
Willow and Zane have a history, both in the sense that he grew up in Willow's small town and specifically in her house, being her brother's best friend, and there's the tiny little fact about being her first.
Now, years later, he needs a fake fiancee and she is the one he wants..
But will they be able to keep up the pretenses or will their feelings get in the way?
I loved Willow..she is real, she is caring and she has a mouth on her lol. I love how sassy and how independent she is, yet she has a vulnerable side, plus I love how close she is to her family.
Zane totally captured my heart..by reading the blurb I was afraid he was going to be a bit of an a** but he is so far from that..he is honest, so so so sweet and has a dirty dirty mouth.
They both share a witty sense of humour and they are so amazing together!
At the end I was not only charmed, but now I can't wait for Willow's sisters books.
So excited cause each one of them is a character..and Willow's mom just cracks me up

I really was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately it Just wasn't my cup of tea. With Point of Views all chopping and changing, it got confusing at times who's point of view I was reading. The story plot could of been interesting however so much was happening at the one time. Just too much. If it was in one point of view I believe it would of been better

I loved this book. It was a great, sexy contemporary romance. I can’t wait fir the next book!

I had a hard time getting with the characters and their connection until about 1/3 of the way through. I thought the overall story was great and an interesting read. I am not sure why I didn't feel the connection right away or perhaps I wasn't suppose to but once I got through. I couldn't put the story down. I thought it had great laughs but thought it could be more in depth. Great summer read though and will definitely read again so I hope I can get the character connection sooner

This book was the start to Melissa Foster’s new series Sugar Lake. I have loves Foster’s books in the past, and this book did not disappoint! This book was about Willow and Zane, and what an interesting read it was! Willow is a baker looking to expand, and Zane is an actor who left Sugar Creek years ago. He comes home with an interesting proposition for Willow. Willow and Zane have some history, and there were times that I just wanted to scream at them! It made you fall in love with the small town, and has you already looking forward to the next books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

The friends to lovers trope is one of my most favourite tropes in the romance genre. It is a light-hearted read quick read that would leave you content at the end. It would be interesting to find out what's going to happen with the other characters in the book.

Review copy provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I had high hopes for this book because I have enjoyed this authors work in the past but this one just wasn't for me. I was bored and uninterested in the characters so I didn't really care about the plot either.

Two words
Oh My
What a great start to a new series. I can not wait for more. I am just wondering which of the fun and endearing characters will end up in the next one!
I loved this sweet little romance.
And not just because it was filled with sweet treats from the sweet shop!
It was just a fun and happy read.
The Real Thing was the Real Thing a great romance that just had this reader turning pages and hating that it was ending.

The is some sizzle. Not something I would want my teenager to read. However they were sweet bedroom scenes.

No language. But a little descriptive in the bedroom. My mother wouldn't read it. But would yous?

I loved the characters. All of them and there were alot! Willow has 4 sisters. I think! (To keep up with it all you can visit
Melissa website. She has all the series in order and the family
trees!)

Piper who didn't trust Zane.
Bridgette who was really hurt by Willow and Zane's little lie

and there's. . .
Single brother Ben. He's Zane's best friend, confidante and supporter.

All the characters including Zane's co-star Remi the girl he has to kiss. Not to give away the story but once Zane and Willow 'get together' he has a hard time kissing. She's not a typical Holleywood Startlet. She was sweet and became friends with Willow.

Zane's friend and business manager Patch is just another fun loving single guy not opposed to romancing Willow's sister.

The Real Thing was a really good read. I am looking forward to visiting the town of Sweet Water again and catching up with Willow and her family!

For me The Real Thing was a 5 star read. I don't give
5 stars often. Check it out to see what I mean.

I wasn't sure how Melissa Foster was going to pull this one off when Zane and Willow were already together together by the midpoint of the book. But, I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised at the end that it worked out perfectly. Zane was a horrible jerk in the beginning, like he got caught in his own mask and wasn't sure who he really was. But you come to find out throughout the story, that he wasn't really the cad he portrayed in Hollywood, and that his feelings for Willow were really real.

I've read other books by Melissa Foster but I must say that the new Sugar Lake series has me wanting more! The story of Zane and Willow felt so real and I found myself getting lost in the story.

Love love LOVE Melissa Fosters books and this is again another one that did not disappoint. Such a great read. Grabbed you from the beginning and could not put it down until you knew how it ends. Amazing

I love all of Melissa's books. She's got a great writing style.

This is my first book by this author, and overall I’m pretty impressed. The characters were all great, and I liked the dual POV quite a bit in this one. The voices have to be distinct, otherwise multiple POV really irks me. But it was nice that we got to see inside both of their minds, giving us a glance at where they were at mentally and emotionally. Thank you Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for a honest review. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.
 
It was a little slow sometimes, but then the romantic parts would kick into high gear and I was hooked again. And let me tell you, there was quite a bit of romance…and sex. I haven’t read a ton of second chance romances (send me your recs!), but I really love the trope. Plus the small town vibe is usually adorable in books, and this one was no exception. Small towns are not so cute in real life. At least not the ones I’ve lived in.
 
Zane is total book boyfriend material. Where can I find a guy like him? *sighs* He was so caring, thoughtful, etc. I’m not going to tell you all about the things, but he does a lot for Willow. I absolutely adored Willow for the most part, and her family is definitely up there in my favorites. There were so many cute moments, which I don’t want to share, because it would spoil the fun.
 
It’s a pretty short book (less than 300 pages), so if you like second chance romance, sweet treats, and super cuteness overload, read this ASAP. I can’t wait to read more from this author. I’m off to check when book two of this series comes out, and what it’s all about.

4.5 stars - Holy hotness! This was a steamy book that will have you requesting dessert! This book had a little more heat than I typically read, which you can skim and get the gist of the story. I enjoy reading stories about rekindling a past love and relationship. An enticing read for the beach that may leave you hotter than the sun!

Sometimes you just know that a book isn't going to be for you once you start reading it.  While I used to force myself to finish a book once I started it, this year I have stopped that practice.  With the state of the world today, I think all of us needs to allow ourselves to find enjoyment where we can.   No one book is for everyone, so if it's not for me that's ok.

I love the fake girlfriend, fiance, wife trope in romance.  Watching a couple who is faking a relationship fall for each other gradually in the midst of their efforts to con someone else rarely fails to delight me.  At least one of the characters is so sure that relationships aren't for them that it's entertaining to watch their life be turned upside down when they figure out they fell for someone when they weren't paying attention.

As excited as I was for a new fake relationship story, I knew very early on that The Real Thing wasn't going to be for me.  I found Zane's actions to get Willow to help him improve his image, regardless of whether she wanted to or not, to be extremely selfish and aggressive.  Why wouldn't he call her and ask for her help as opposed to tricking her into believing she had a catering job for her bakery and ambushing her?   The fact he went so far as to have a moment between them captured by a photographer before even giving her a chance to agree made me want to punch him in the face. And telling someone they owe you for you agreeing to take their virginity years ago just made him a douche in my book.  By the beginning of chapter 4 I knew that I wasn't going to connect with this storyline because as far as I was concerned, Zane needed to fall off the face of the earth.

On top of Zane being a jerk, I struggled with some of Willow's dialog when it came to other women.  I get that Zane is supposed to be a movie star player, but referring to what would happen when he was in town as a "Zane Hotter-Than-Hell Walker slutfest" was kind of gross.  It implies the women are the problem when Willow's real issue was with Zane's behavior.

I am sure that both characters evolve throughout the book and we get to see more than the surface level interactions that I experienced to understand them better and that there will be plenty of readers who love this book.  It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Really had a hard time trying to read and follow this book. This was my first book by this author. I hate I couldn’t get into this book. :( :(

This is Melissa Foster’s first book in her brand new series Sugar Lake and can be read as a standalone. What a great way to start it as well. I had so much fun reading this book. This book has her normal elements in it. Great leading characters and awesome chemistry, tight knit family and friends. She had the humor down with, drama and a great friendship. You get an awesome leading man, a woman that he knows better than she does. The writing was good, as well as the plot and pace. This one different for me though and I can’t put my finger on why, though it doesn't really matter as I enjoyed it nonetheless.

The book opens with Willow going to an interview of sorts for her bakery. She is wanting a catering job for a movie set. Zane and Willow have been friends since they were little, and Zane is friends with Willow’s brother Ben. He is considered family since his home life isn’t the best. Now not only are Willow and Zane friends, but they share secrets, he was her first.There is more though, but I shall not divulge. Their relationship is solid and they have been there for each on even when they are across the country from each other. Phone calls and text are their best friends. Though they did have rules set forth by Willow and Zane stuck to them. Willow has been crushing on Zane she was young and never thought she was a blip on his radar.

Willow is the best friend, great sister, owner of Sweetie Pie Bakery and the best Auntie ever. She is strong, sassy, fierce and confident. Oh and loves to skinny dip.

Zane is the big Hollywood heartthrob. Cocky and arrogant and has the reputation of a playboy. He is back in town for the next few weeks to film his movie. Not only that but Zane needs Willow and she just can’t turn him down, even though it is not something she wants to do. He needs to clean up his bad reputation and what way to do it, but with the town sweetheart.

God, I liked this family and Zane. They were like I said fun to read. The banter was great. It was hot and sexy, fun and flirty. The secondary people were great. The family dynamic is what anyone would wish for. You can escape for a time and feel like you are there in the thick of it. I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading Willow’s siblings books. I just continue to keep falling in love her Melissa's books.

This second chance romance was so much fun to read. It was Laugh out Loud fun, sweetly sexy, emotionally thrilling and filled with all the warm fuzzy small town family bounds you could crave.

Zane Walker is sexy, sweet, charming and a small town boy at the peck of his acting career. He just needs the help of the one woman he has ever loved to clean up his racy reputation. Willow Dalton grew up with Zane and has loved him forever. Question is can she help her best friend clean up his reputation with out losing her heart again? Loved every heart pounding twist and turn. Looking forward to more visits to Sugar Lake.