I'm not usually one for cutesy romances but I do find something particularly intriguing about a forbidden romance. This is exactly what we get in The Real Thing with Willow and Zane. I was happy to be shown how cute can also be dramatic and entertaining...

Willow and Zane have history. Lots of it. Zane is Willow's older brother's lifelong best friend. Zane has always been considered part of the Dalton family and he wouldn't want to hurt her or upset his surrogate family. They've had a bit of an unusual relationship since she convinced him to take her virginity years ago. 

Zane is now a big time movie star but his reputation has taken a bit of a battering recently. If he's going to keep getting huge movie roles he needs to find a way to win over directors and the press. What he needs is a wholesome image and a serious relationship. Who better to help but Willow as he did help her out all those years ago? Zane somehow convinces Willow to play the part of his fake fiancee - genius plan, right?

The banter. The Real Thing has all the banter. I loved the constant back-and-forth between the two. They have an intense sort of frenemy slash could be lovers kinda chemistry vibe going on.

I have to admit I wasn't initially on board with the speed of how things progressed; they seemed to operate at warp speed at times, but this is largely due to their shared history, and, I hate to say it but the genre of the book.

Back to the cute. I have to admit Melissa Foster did manage to win me over with this sweet story. I liked learning more about their past and seeing them struggle with the future.

4 Stars in my Sky!

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

The Real Thing is a small town romance, fake engagement/second chance at love/ friends to lovers again story. It is funny, it has great chemistry between the main characters, it is both sweet and very sexy (combustible) and the dialogue was really entertaining. Zane and Willow will definitely keep readers on their toes with regards to the emotions between them. It also lays out the ground work for future books with the introduction of a lot of secondary characters. I liked it but it was also a bit dragging towards the end but not enough to bring the whole book down. It's perfect for readers who love small town romances and series books!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel by Melissa Foster. It’s the first book I’ve read by the author and I do have to warn you if you're not familiar with the author that it’s a sexy read with quite a bit of heat. If you like cleaner romances, I would suggest you check out a similar author, Addison Cole. Her novels have the same romance vibe minus the bedroom scenes.

The sexy scenes add a naughty element, but the overall story is about two people falling in love and figuring out how to make it work together. I loved all of the characters written into the story and I can’t wait to read more about each one, as I believe the author will have more novels in the series focusing on the different characters. Family bonds are an important theme in the novel with the realization that family doesn’t always have to be blood-related.

The first book in a new series and it begins with Willow Dalton, a local baker in a town named Sherwood. Along with her three sisters, and a brother, not to forget her nephew Louie this makes for a good story. Zane Walker has been in her life some way or another most of her life. Her parents took him in when his own parents were not taking care of him as a youngster. He was also her brother’s Ben best friend. Now ten years after high school he is a famous actor. He has come back to Sherwood for two things. One to make a movie in his home town that is not an action picture but a romantic one. Two to ask Willow to be his fiancé to help his rep in the press. After getting over the way he goes about it she still has issues about agreeing with helping him. The problem you say? She is and has been in love with him for most of her life. What she does not know is that Zane is in love with her, and has been in love with her since high school, but because of her rules that she had after one night they had in high school he has not told her. As the story goes on, and you are brought to their story and how they are in love you think that there must be something that will derail them. There is and it was something she did when she was younger for him in pictures but she never picked them up because at 19 she was not sure that he was in love with her. Now they are causing her to run home and apologize to her family. The problem is that they support her and want her to be with Zane and not to break up. When Zane shows up how he fixes it is priceless, along with the rest of the ending of the book. Overall this is a very good story and the scenes of love between these two are hot. A very good book and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

I loved the cover, the name, the plot, and the fact that the author actually had physical descriptions for both of the main characters which astonishingly is rare these days. This book had all the ingredients to be a great read but was unfortunately very bland. I felt absolutely nothing. This book didn't make me happy, laugh, angry, or cry. I didn't even feel heat during the love scenes.  Even the drama fell flat. Like when Willow was angry that Zane didn't tell her she was his first as well or finding out he had her picture in his house. I couldn't connect to her feelings of hurt and anger because it felt like a silly thing to be upset over. It was just dull and forgettable. Everybody loves a fake fiance turn real love story but the author never made it her own. There was nothing to make this story "pop". Nothing to make it stand out among the other fake fiance love stories. I feel like in the beginning the author rushed to begin the story and never took the time to ensure her audience developed emotional ties to the characters. This created a disconnect and it was never established so the whole thing felt monotonous like I was reading it on autopilot. I actually think I fell asleep towards the end while reading it i was so zoned out. By the time I got to the halfway point it was difficult to push through it was so mediocre. It felt more like work to finish it and like work i found other things to do to keep putting it off. It took me close to a week to push through instead of my normal day or two. The most exciting thing about the book were the side stories because at least there was a little mystery there. Not enough to interest me into reading the sibling stories I'm sure will come next. The best thing the author can do to save this emotionless book is have Sebastian York as a reader for the audio version to help evoke something into it. It's never a good thing when your reader drifts off to what books they can read next while reading your book. This might seem harsh or mean but it's honest. Art should evoke some kind of feeling. If you don't cry while you're writing it, feel your heart speed up during the love scenes, laugh when the character says something humorous, or find your face scrunched up in anger because of something done to one of the characters it's back to the drawing board.

THE REAL THING is book one in Melissa Foster's Sugar Lake series and is a brother's best friend/friends to lovers/second chance/swoon worthy contemporary romance (whew). If you're looking for any of these tropes, I can't recommend Melissa Foster enough! What should I say about Zane? Is he the perfect character? NOPE! He's kind of arrogant and definitely a flirt but he's also sticky sweet, funny, loving and dreamy. Willow is no push over, she's spunky and smart with a soft spot for Zane's brand of charm. Together, Willow and Zane are gooey globs of deliciousness (and sexy too). Not only are the characters awesome, but the storyline is flirty and romantic, light and amusing. Plus, Ms. Foster's vibrant words created a delightful world that made me want to jump into the book and live there (sounds cheesy, I know)! This is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet and I can't wait for book two in the series. Told from dual POVs with a happy ever after. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Once again, Melissa Foster has woven the perfect characters in to the perfect setting for a new series. Sugar Lake stars Zane, an action-hero actor and Willow, a small town baker who grew up together. Willow was Zane's best friends little sister, but she was so much more to him and he never let her know. After one magical night together as teenagers, Zane left town to pursue his acting career and Willow was left to mend a broken heart. Although they stayed in touch over the years, they never let their feelings for each other be know. When Zane needs to clean up his bad-boy rep in Hollywood, he comes up with a plan to have a fake engagement....with Willow. Little did either of them know that spending so much time together would reveal their true feelings and start a life neither of them knew they wanted or needed.

Zane and Willow's characters are well-developed and fun to read. There's not a lot of angst or wishy-washy feelings. They know what they want and they go for it.

5 stars to this first in a new series!

Willow owns a bakery in her small hometown, Sweetwater, where she lives a mostly quiet life running the bakery and spending time with her family. Zane and Willow grew up together and generously taught her about sex before she went away to college. They’ve kept in touch over the years but when she arrives for an appointment about catering event, she gets the surprise of her life when she is greeted by Zane who needs her to pretend they are engaged to improve his public image. 

Typical of Melissa Foster’s novels, I immediately fell for Zane. He appeared as if he was some cocky playboy but Foster slowly revealed the true Zane throughout the novel and he just better and better. I also loved Willow, don’t get me wrong, but Zane completely stole the show in this one. Willow had a great personality, was creative, driven, etc. However, the two characters together just set this book on fire with their sparks and chemistry. 

Although the story was based on Zane being an actor and crazy famous, I love that Melissa Foster still kept this novel to a realistic tone that was believable, had plenty of conflict, but more than enough romance and steamy scenes. There were several fantastic characters between Willow’s sisters, brother, parents, and Zane’s friends and co-workers. There were a lot of different personalities and lifestyles, but everyone came together perfectly making this book truly seem like it was about one big family. I have nothing but the highest praise for The Real Thing and remain in awe of Melissa Foster and her ability to pull me in and surprise me with one fabulous novel after the other. I cannot wait for the second in the series about Bridgette and Bodhi!!!

Contemporary romance fans – grab The Real Thing today and get ready to love this new series!

Melissa Foster has done it again and absolutely blown me away. This story is poignant and sweet with a little spice. Mixed signals, fear of broken promises, a tangled past, and paparazzi all combine to make an unforgettable romance that will have your heart aching for Zane and Willow as they try to weave their way through the maze of life and find each other's hearts.

"I need you, Wills. This time for real."

I just have one word to say...LAWD!! *praise hands*
Oh my goodness! This book was so good!

I love everything Melissa Foster, but this one baked the cake (bakery pun totally intended;))

I fell so in love with Willow and Zane.
I'm a huge fan of friends-to-lovers and second chance romances.
This book was both those things and much more!!

"Z, I'm having trouble defining the line between real and fake."
"Then let's not define it."

Two people that have always loved each other, but they never once told the other their feelings.
Years of longing, and tension building, made this story what it was!

Zane needs a fake fiance and Willow is the only person to fill the shoes.
It didn't take long for their true feelings to come to surface, and when it does, wowza!! That was chemistry inferno!!

You get lost in their story and how much they have always cared for each other. 
The little tidbits along the way that show they were simply meant to be.

"You're the sweetest thing."
"I'm your sweetest thing."

I can tell you that I got a tad emotional as the story unfolded. I was so immersed into their love story, that I felt everything. 
The tension.
The emotion.
The heat.
The passion.
The friendship.
The love.
I felt every single thing!

I'm a huge fan of Melissa's and I think this book ranks as one of my top favorites of hers!
I absolutely enjoyed every moment!!

Can Zane be real?!
He made ME fall for him!! hahaha!
Willow is one lucky lady;)

Can't wait for more in this series because I have to know what happens with all her siblings!!!

"You love me."
"Always have. You're my best friend, Wills. My frosting queen."
"This is our moment, Z. Our forever moment."

This was a sweet story and the first in the new Sugar Lake series. While this centers around Zane and Willow, you are introduced to many characters whose tale will propel the series. 

Zane is a successful actor who is in desperate need of a "character" makeover. It would appear that he does not like the playboy reputation and furthermore, it could hurt his career. He comes up with a plan to help soften his image but it will require the consent of a childhood friend. Enter Willow. She has had a crush on Zane since she was a little girl, and Zane is also responsible for being her first, but it was a one-time event. Her heart was broken. 

Willow has since moved on and has worked hard running her own bakery. She has a potential new client that can help boost income but soon learns that the client is Zane. Zane pleads with her to help him and convinces her that the exposure can put her bakery on the map. She goes along with the plan and as they spend time together, the old feelings start coming back. What surprises her is that Zane, too, has feelings for her. Will they follow their heart or allow more time to pass them by?

This was a fun, quick read and the pace was pretty consistent throughout. If you are a fan of Ms. Fosters, this will not disappoint.

Fantastic start to a new series i really enjoyed getting to know Zane and Willow they were just so great together a  super read that you won't be able to put down.Another well written book by Melissa and i cannot wait for the next one i just loved it.

This book was fun, sexy, sweet, and seriously hot. Zane is utterly swoon worthy, and Willow is the strong, sassy, and funny woman I love to read about. If you're a fan of romance, this is a must read!

Willow and Zane have officially become one of my favorite couples. This book was a friends to lovers, second chance, and fake fiancée all rolled into a sweet, seductive package that I ravenously devoured. I couldn't put it down for needing them to find their happiness. My favorite thing about this book was the depth and history that Melissa gave these characters. The way she tied in Willow and Zane's past was essential to understanding their love and the heartbreak they endured all the years they were apart.

The closeness between Willow and Zane was undeniable. Their chemistry was explosive, but I could also sense more than that in regard to how truly connected they were. No matter how much time had gone by, they seemed to just fall into the ease of their life-long friendship. But there was always that undercurrent of passion and love. I felt it in every look, word, and touch. I'm glad we didn't have to wait too long for Willow and Zane to finally admit their long buried feelings and give in. Little did we know just how deep those feeling went. I loved everything about their story and how adorably sweet Zane was once he bared his soul. 

Now I'm excited to get to know all of Willow's siblings in the coming books! They added so much personality to this story. I can't wait for them to have their own happily ever afters.

I never got into this book and I gave up a little more than 50% through.  I was unable to read it for a couple of days and when I had time to read again I was not interested in picking it back up.  The main characters and the way their current relationship started didn't come off as authentic.  I don't understand why there were the smoke and mirrors to get her to the hotel with the promise of a job just to ask her to marry him.  Couldn't he have just shown up on her doorstep and asked her to do him this favor?  Then there were the referrals to their past relationship and how their 'encounter' was treated at her direction.  Plus the years sandwiched in between with random text messages.  They seemed to be more of an annoyance and not an extension of the actual relationship. Urgh!  ((facepalm)). I just can't finish this book.  I know how it ends, I'm just not interested in finding out how they get there.  This is my first Melissa Foster book.  I won't be in a hurry to try to read another of her books.

I haven't read anything with such a swoon worthy hero in a long time. Zane wasn't only swoon worthy he was also delectable and I totally understand why Willow named some of her pastries after him. 

Zane is best friends with Ben, Willows brother, and since he practically grew up at their house Zane and Willow had a friendship of their own so when she wanted to loose her virginity before she left for college Zane was the man she chose.  Things remained the same for Zane and Willow after their one night of passion but there were many clues that Willow never picked up on that would let her know that Zane had feelings for her.

Now, here we are about ten years later, Zane has to clean up his playboy reputation so he does the one thing that would help...get engaged to Willow. Fake Engagements is always a fun trope for me to read but throw in Friends to Lovers, and Second Chance at Love, and you have a really great read. I love the way Melissa Foster takes sweet romance stories and makes them a bit more steamy, the best of both worlds. I not only fell in love with Zane and Willow, I fell in love with Willows family as well, each one of them has a different personality that you have no idea who is going to say or do what next. I really hope we get to see more of the Dalton's as this series continues.

This was my first Melissa Foster read, so I didn't know what to expect other than thinking the synopsis sounded interesting.What I got was a sweet and sexy read with characters that from time to time frustrated me or had me laughing at their antics. As this is the beginning of the series it was also a great introductions to the secondary characters that will hopefully all get a chance to shine as well.

Willow has grown up in this small town that she has created her business in. She loves the town and it's people. Sure she hasn't had much success in the relationship department but hopes it will come some day. Working hard and baking up a storm is what keeps her going from day to day. Well that and her memories of that one time with Zane, probably the only man she has ever loved.

Growing up Zane only ever wanted one thing, to get out of Sweetwater and be more than his parents ever desired to be. The Dalton family was the only piece that kept him in contact with Sweetwater once he found his was in LA as an actor. When he finds himself in a bind and needing to clean up his playboy ways he finds himself back in Sweetwater with a proposition for Willow. He has kept in close contact with her over the past 10 years, well as close as she would let him. Certain that she will go along with this "Fake Engagement" for him.

The last thing Willow expected when she started this fake arrangement was for old feelings to come back. Was this Zane's plan all along? Was he hoping that this fake arrangement would become more? Could it be more? But they live worlds away, how would that work? Will they find their HEA in each other?

I have marked my calendar and look forward to Only For You and reading more of Ms. Foster's work.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

Cute story, quick read. It's not on my top ten list, but was entertaining enough to keep me interested. It was well written and I'm interested in reading about what happens to Willows siblings in the up coming books.

Zane Walker and Willow Dalton have been friends since they were kids. He is her brother’s best friend. Zane is also the man she gave her virginity to, he was 20, and she was 18. Willow went on to college and Zane went on to Hollywood and became a famous actor. They continue a strange, quirky, texting friendship. It’s 10 years later and Zane finds himself in a position where he needs to improve his playboy image. He tricks Willow into meeting him, otherwise, she never would have shown up, and convinces her to play his fake fiancé. 

I had so many issues with this book. 

Zane convinces Willow to be his fake fiancé but immediately leers at a buxom leggy blonde when they step off the elevator together. 

He convinces her to lie to her family who practically raised him, encouraged him and whose house he spent more time at than his own growing up. 

Saccharine sweet romance. They fell back together rather seamlessly. There’s no conflict or drama anywhere or with anyone, no working for it. I struggled to finish, not sure I would because there just wasn’t anything to keep my attention. 

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher

Sexy and steamy, with some laugh out loud moments, this is a classic love store with a modern internet twist. I really enjoyed watching Willow and Zane find each other and take risks to recapture the love they'd ignited as children.