THE REAL THING is the first installment in Melissa Foster’s contemporary, adult SUGAR LAKE romance series focusing on the men and women of Sweetwater, New York.  This is Hollywood actor and former Sweetwater resident Zane Walker, and bakery owner Willow Dalton’s story line,

Told from dual third person perspectives (Willow and Zane) THE REAL THING is the ‘quadfecta or four-pack’ of romance tropes:  friends to lovers, second chances,  best friend’s younger sister, and fake fiancé. Zane Walker’s reputation as a ‘manwhore’ precedes our hero’s return to his childhood home of Sweetwater (Sugar Lake), New York. When his latest big budget movie is scheduled to begin filming in and around Sweetwater, our hero devises a plan to clean up his celebrity image using his best friend’s younger sister as the foil to his reputation- offer a two week, no-strings attached ‘fake fiance’ proposal to his best friend’s younger sister Willow Dalton, in return for an exclusive catering contract with the movie production company. What ensues is the building romance between Willow and Zane, and the potential fall out if the truth were revealed.

Willow has loved Zane Walker for as long as she can remember. Zane was Willow’s first ‘everything’ but Willow and Zane walked away from one another, towards their own independent futures, without looking back. Zane headed to Hollywood and broke Willow’s heart, and it is the ensuing, tempestuous, fake fiancé relationship that struggles with Willow’s inability to trust or to let go of the bad memories from the past.

The relationship between Zane and Willow is one of second chances but a relationship damaged by Zane’s Hollywood reputation, as well as his lack of contact with our story line heroine. Willow ‘gave’ Zane her virginity before escaping to college but Zane’s life as an actor took control, and everyone and everything in Sweetwater became a distant memory for our story line hero when fame and notoriety took hold. Yet, like many things in life, misunderstanding and a lack of communication prove that Zane never forgot about the only woman he would ever love but Sweetwater held too many bad memories about his own dysfunctional family. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Willow’s extended family: her sisters Piper, Talia and Bridgette, nephew Louie, brother Ben, and their parents Roxie and Dan. We are introduced to Zane’s co-star Remi Divine and her brother Aiden as well as Zane’s personal assistant Patch Carver, and Aurelia Stark-a woman who runs the local book store. There are some heated glances between many of the secondary characters. Bridgette and Bodhi Booker’s story line is next in ONLY FOR YOU (December 2017).

The world building focuses on the people and town of Sweetwater, New York: their lives, their families, their business, and their loves. 

THE REAL THING is a sweet and sexy story of second chances but I struggled with Willow’s early and misdirected emotions as it pertained to the ‘fake fiancé ‘ scenario. Our heroine knew going in that playing Zane‘s fiancé required a little bit of acting and physical contact yet she continued to push all of Zane’s buttons in regards to the entire fake fiancé trope. The premise is entertaining and fun; the romance is fun, sexy and provocative; the characters are numerous, colorful and very opinionated ;) .  THE REAL THING is an enjoyable but familiar story with a heartwarming couple and an energetic cast.

Copy supplied for review

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An unputdownable and unforgettable romance that is nothing but perfection…

Why am I giggling like a silly school girl? Why, oh why? It’s making it so difficult to focus on this review, but FML… Zane freaking Walker… I think I love you. Gaaaah! Just when i think Melissa Foster can’t possibly make fall heads over heels in love with another of her yummy guys. Seriously, Bear was like puddle material, but Zane? Zane has obliterated me into a mass of giggling, lusting, drooling woman. I have particular tastes, and this guy kicked them all up the butt and told them to do one. He is irresistable. Hot. Swoony. Hot. Christ.

Melissa Foster truly is the Nicholas Sparks of steamy adult romance. The Real Thing is real bonkbuster material. I cannot stop thinking about Zane and Willow for one second. This storyline is banging. Don’t get me wrong, the whole fake fiancé trope thing has been done lots of times, but Ms. Foster’s spin on things and her candid, sweet and dazzling take on it is just special. One thing I will say is that there are elements to this story that are on the same road as Louise Bay’s Hollywood Scandal, however Melissa has really made it her own and her spin is authentic and fresh and to be quite honest, it’s just her. There’s no other way I can put it— Melissa Foster has such a distinctive voice to her writing style that makes every single one of her storylines and characters unique. I’m a sucker for a second chance/ sweethearts romance and The Real Thing does not disappoint on that front. as far a Hollywood romances go, this is also one of the best I’ve read.

This is a very well paced plot and although there is a build-up to the romance and well… the dirty bit(s)… the chemistry between Zane and Willow is there from the offset. Quite frankly, their chemistry is all fireworks and raging forest fires from the off, and it only builds in intensity. I had my thighs clenched together from beginning to end, and even then— Basically, what I’m trying to say is that this book is HOT. AS. HELL. Panty melting, heart palpitating, drooliscious… 

As if the plot wasn’t enough to keep me absolutely entranced with this book, the characters are just divine. I’ve made it pretty clear that Zane Walker is H.A.F. but, he is also so much more than looks and sex. He’s so grounded and sweet, and then he has these moments of pure humour and fun that make him perfection with a heartbeat… then you get him naked and boy, oh boy— the man is a naughty sex god! What else can I say except that he is dream man material and if he were a real flesh and bone man, the entire female population would be so fracking screwed! #justsaying

Now, I’ve kind of gone off about Zane, but Willow? Willow is not far behind him. In fact if I were that way inclined— she would totally be my dream girl. She’s got this brilliantly funny side that had me laughing my tits off, but then she has this incredible depth to her that completely beguiles you. Not to mention that she’s dirty as all hell and that she completely matches Zane’s dirty with her naughtiness. If they made a sex tape—I’d pay to watch it. They’re just so great together. Phenomenally balanced. I really cannot get enough of them, and she is serious girl goals!

If it isn’t glaringly obvious, I’ll spell it out— I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. So fracking much. It had the most beautiful romance that made my toes curl and my stomach fill with butterflies… my heart melt. I… This book is just perfection. In true Foster style, Melissa has swept me completely off my feet and I feel like I need more of Zanillow in my life. Yes, I did just mash their names together. That’s what this book did to me. It’s made me a love crazy fool that cannot stop drooling, swooning… dreaming of The Real Thing.

I really really loved and enjoyed this book. Really an awesome story line with wonderful characters. I could not get enough of Zane and his charming ways. This is the first book that I have ever read by Melissa Foster and I will be definitely adding more of her books to my TBR. I could not get enough of her writing, was hooked right away with this story.

Stars: 4.5

Well of course it's another great book by Melissa Foster, would we expect anything else...No

The Real Thing is Willow and Zane's story.  Willow has know Zane forever, he of course is her brothers best friend.  She has had a crush on him forever and he of course helped her out before college.  Now he needs her help.  He wants her to pretend and of course she does, but of course things never really go how it's intended.
Melissa knows how to twist words and sentences that pull you in and keep you reading.  It was a nice sweet read and I loved it.  Of course we get the happily ever after and that's what makes her books so wonderful.  It removes you from your everyday life and let's you get lost in someone else's sweet life.  So I thank you Melissa for another great second chance love story.

I recommend you go and one click!!!
Happy reading and enjoy.

Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit 3.5 / 5
Story 4.5 / 5
Overall: 4 / 5
Review: Another Melissa Foster winner. Sexy Zane and Willow work through a 'fake' engagement misleading family and Zane's fans. Lying to everyone including themselves. Lovely story of how nice people find each other in a Hollywood atmosphere rekindling their first and only love.
Hometown family and friends add to the warmth of the story. I just wish I knew how they all ate all those fabulous bakery confections and still had killer bodies. Not fair.
** Voluntarily reviewed from an advanced copy **

This was my first book by Melissa Foster, and I didn't really know what to expect. I liked her writing, especially how she handles the sexy times. I love reading the romance genre, but I don't always like how the author writes the sexy scenes. Melissa Foster does just the right amount of sweet & sexy.

My favorite stories are the ones where the main characters have a history, and boy do Willow and Zane have a history! I wasn't sure if I liked Zane at first, although now that I think about it, it's not that I didn't LIKE him, it was that I wasn't sure if I could TRUST him. I think Willow was feeling the same way, since she knew him before he was an actor, and now she has to figure out if the things he is saying to her/promising her are true, or if he's just acting. I liked that there was not a lot of drama in this book, but a few bumps in the road that the couple had to work through to get the HEA that we wanted them to have.

I like that The Real Thing the start of a new series, because there were several characters who definitely need their own stories told!

This is another fantastic read by Melissa Foster. This book follows the story of Bakery Owner Willow Dalton and Hot, Sexy AList Actor Zane Walker. They have known each other for years and they have always had a bit of a complicated relationship. Zane did Willow a favour before she went to college by taking her virginity and now he’s after a favour from her, but will she be willing to go along with a fake engagement? It does come with a real diamond ring. Zane knows that an engagement to Willow will be tough but he needs to clean up his reputation and this is the perfect PR move for him, he just hope that no one gets hurt. Will this little lie be easy for them to pull off???? Will the “fake” engagement become a “real” engagement????? What other dramas will happen???? This was another fantastic read and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

I have to say that The Real Thing was an adorable read. I mean we have a big Hollywood actor who needed to clean up his act, and figures asking his best friend sister to play his fake fiancee would be the perfect way to go. Seriously, what could go wrong. 

So, we have Zane Walker who is hunky and a big Hollywood actor who would like to branch out to more romantic movies, but his playboy lifestyle is hampering his aspirations. Like most guys he figures the simplest way to get this would go after Willow Dalton. Willow is a small town girl through and through. She's willing to do anything for for Zane, because he's the first love of her life. However, she needs to protect herself from Zane's life, so there has to be boundaries and rules. Yeah, we all know how well that goes. As we watch the story progress they have to decided if what they are sharing is worth going after for reals. 

Like most of Melissa's character is Zane is hunky guy, and has to realize what he wants in life. One of the parts of the story I liked was when he has to decides what his purpose is, what he wants to do. After all he's young and hunky the sky is the limit. Then we have Willow who is über adorable. She has a little self conscious about her appearance. She's with Zane and she feels like she doesn't match up well with him. However, Zane sees her as perfect. Aww. 

Like a said The Real Thing was an adorable read. Zane has me eating out of his palm of his hands, because he's so sweet and caring towards Willow. Willow made me want to bake, after all she would talk about all those sweets. I looking forward to more of this series. If you are in need of a cute read, The Real Thing might be what you are looking for. 

Copy provided by Montlake via NetGalley

The Real Thing is the first book in a new series Sugar Lake by Melissa Foster. I have recently came to love Melissa's work. If you haven't picked up her books Do it now!! This book has it all sex, love, friendship, and laughter! It's a second chance romance. I absolutely adore it!! I can't wait till the next one comes out.

Willow is a baker. She has been in love with her brother's best friend and she has been in love with him her entire life. Willow tries to deny the feelings at every chance she gets but anyone who can look at her and Zane can tell they are made for each other. 

Zane is an all that movie star. He has always been in love with his best friends kid sister but somethings must be ignored unless in secret. He has became a man whore over the years to try and now he needs a fiancé in order to turn his image around. So why not Willow the only woman who has every had his attention.

An arrangement with her best friend who just happens to be a famous actor and is in need of a favor has Willow pretending to be Zane's fiance.  

The Real Thing is a love story that will have your heart melting an leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling.  Willow and Zane are so cute together and I love the relationships that come out with the members of her family

In general I really enjoyed this book – it had all the things I’ve come to expect from Melissa Foster.  The characters were detailed and interesting, their interactions popped and kept me entertained, and the story flowed so well that the book was over before I knew it.

But I did have a couple of smallish things.  I really wished that we’d gotten a bit more of their history first hand.  Foster makes sure that you get that there is a lot between them – they’ve known each other since they were kids, were (unbeknownst to each other) their first love, and have kept a connection to each other throughout the years.  I just wish we’d gotten to experience it a little more, instead of through conversations and memories, because I think that it would have helped deepen their relationship.

The other thing is a personal preference … Zane is a bit of a manwhore.  He’s a big time Hollywood actor with women throwing them at him and he doesn’t necessarily turn them down.  I know that rakes make for great SOs once they find The One (at least in romance novels) but it just kinda squicks me out.  We’re supposed to feel this thing between them (see above) and while I understand that they aren’t supposed to necessarily be acknowledging it to anyone, even themselves, the sleeping around just isn’t my personal favorite.  Maybe I’m too old fashioned but it just didn’t sit all that right.

Buuuut, not enough for me to dislike the book because they really are cute together and once he makes a commitment Zane is definitely all in.  And it is a joy to behold 🙂

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! I cannot say this enough! This book was so much more than I thought it would be! I was so much fun, steamy, and so worth the read!

Zane & Willow were two of the best characters I have read all year! Not only were they long time friends but also in love with each other and just never said anything! 

I absolutely love stories like this! I married my high school sweetheart bit I absolutely love reading these tropes. There are always those people who love each other madly and never say anything because they don't wanna get hurt. But who is to say what would really happen if you told them?

Zane was the man to stage a fake engagement in order to not only help his image but also to be close to Willow. Little did Willow know what all Zane had in store for them!

Zane was willing to do anything and everything to make sure that Willow knew how he felt, even if she had trouble with how she thought he was. Even if she knew who Zane truly was. The unknown for so many is a hard thing to tackle, but she was willing to make that choice and take a chance.

I absolutely couldn't get enough of this book was so sad when I was finished! I cannot wait to see what else Melissa comes out with next!!!

Another great read by the talented Melissa Foster. Whenever I am looking for a sweet romance than I know I can count on Melissa Foster to deliver. Don't get me wrong because in between the sheets they are as hot as ever and their road to each other hasn't been easy but when these two finally open their hearts and their minds it is a sweet story.

These two have known each other since they were kids. Things happen between them and after that things get complicated. They have stayed in touch with text messages all this time and have gone to each other for opinions but it isn't what it was. He know has to clean up his rep and asks her. Things get aired out and they have the chance for more but will they be able to? Can they get over past hurts? Can they be able to find a middle ground? They live on opposites sides of the country, how will that work? He is famous and she is the small town baker. He is a playboy and she is not looking to share.

I highly recommend this read and think that if you are looking for a romance that is light with a bit of angst and heartbreak, then this is for you.

I've never read Ms. Foster before.

I don't know or can't say why as many of her titles have typically appealed to me for one reason or another - they sound/look great. Plus she has LOTS and I mean LOTS of fans. 

I've blogged for her titles in the past and did buy the "clean" version of one of her title for the cover alone repackaged and sold under her other name Addison Cole (Read, Write, Love at Seaside).

After reading The Real Thing, I will move the above listed book higher up on my to be read mountain.

The Real Thing kicks off the new Sugar Lake Series and it's just about perfect. From the setting, tone, and characters - there really is a sense of "The Real Thing".  Meaning, I found the book to be real- not always an easy thing for an author to accomplish, especially in a "second chance" type story line; which by the way I typically despise . But here in Ms. Foster's hands, it;s real and fresh. 

I really loved Willow and Zane. Their chemistry was off the charts and authentic and the banter and humor between the two had me laughing. 

There was plenty to like about this sweet with heat romance. Overall it was well developed with likable characters and I plan to read on in this series as well.

Whoa. I fell hard for Willow and Zane from the very first pages of The Real Thing. Seriously, the pictures Melissa Foster painted in my mind through her words were vivid and completely cracked me up!

I love a second-chance, best-friend’s-little-sister romance. And add in the quirkiness of a small town and I am all in. I so enjoyed watching Zane and Willow work through their issues—their perceived feeling and their real feelings. 

I loved all the time I spent with Zane and Willow and Willow’s awesome family. I couldn’t read fast enough to know what happened and how they finally figured everything all out. I loved their give and take relationship. Loved their banter and their oh-so-sexy times. And I finished The Real Thing with a big ol’ smile on my face. I can’t wait for Bridgette’s story in Only for You.

Melissa Foster's new series gets off to a great start.  Fun and sexy story that kept me intrigued.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

Arc sent via Netgalley.

This is the first ever read by Melissa Foster that I have ever read. 

I totally loved it. 

Willow Dalton is a owner of Sweetie Pie Bakery and a long time Sweetwater residence. 

Zane Walker is a A listed actor and a long time friend of Willows family after having grown up together.
One Night Willow approaches Zane to help her lose her virginity. But there was rules.

It's real, my love for this book is very real. Melissa Fosters' track record is already spotless and I am already a die hard fan, but there is just something about this story that left me with all the happy feels. The Real Thing has landed on my 2017 favorites list. I simply can't recommend this feel great romance enough. This story has ALL my favorite tropes; unrequited love, friends to lovers, and second chances.

Zane Walker hit the BBF of 2017 list. My love for him wasn't immediate and I love that the story was plotted to slowly show us the truth behind what motivates Zane. When the story opens, Zane has returned home as big time movie star filming in his hometown for two short weeks. Zane's been told to clean up his image for the PR sake of the movie. His ploy is to ask his childhood friend "Wills" to play his fiance and with her agreement, the story takes flight.

Willow is absolutely delightful. I loved being in her head. She's witty, loyal , and self assured. I love that she's a strong character and any fretting she might do over Zane is not over the top. It's all within reason. In Zane Foster gives us the quintessential romantic lead and is an absolute dream. Forster created a wonderful connection between Zane and Willow and conveyed it perfectly. Their adventures and the way they have each other's backs servers to solidify the feeling that they are going to make it.

Melissa Fosters' The Real Thing is a swooney heartwarming love story that took me straight to feeling the buzz of love and kept me there throughout the read. I felt the promise of Willow and Zane and Foster delivered. 5 Stars and a #mustread #2017favorite recommendation!

Review by Amber for Love Romance Books Blog

Willow has lived in small town Sweetwater for her entire life. She is happy there, with her family, friends, and bakery business,and one day hopes to combine her business with a bookstore. She has her dreams, modest as they may be, but when a potential job opportunity comes up she sees it as her chance to make her dreams come true. When she shows up for the job interview, though, she finds out that it is not at all what she expected. 

Zane has been her brother's best friend since childhood. He also was her first love, and they have stayed in touch over the years in a quirky love-hate relationship. When Zane needs help clearing up his image, Willow is the one he goes to for help. She has a hard time saying no to his plea, and soon she finds herself as Zane's (fake) fiancée. The only thing is that the more they hang around each other, the less it feels fake.

I would give this book 3.5 stars. I enjoyed both the story of the main characters, and the setup for future stories with Willow's sisters.
I was asked by the author for an honest review.