Tell Me It's Real

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Michael Lesley

Length: 10 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's Summary

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Paul Auster doesn't. Paul doesn't believe in much at all. He's thirty, slightly overweight, and his best features are his acerbic wit and the color commentary he provides as life passes him by. His closest friends are a two-legged dog named Wheels and a quasibipolar drag queen named Helena Handbasket. He works a dead-end job in a soul-sucking cubicle, and if his grandmother's homophobic parrot insults him one more time, Paul is going to wring its stupid neck.

Enter Vince Taylor.

Vince is everything Paul isn't: Sexy, confident, and dumber than the proverbial box of rocks. And for some reason, Vince pursues Paul relentlessly. Vince must be messing with him, because there is no way Vince could want someone like Paul.

But when Paul hits Vince with his car - in a completely unintentional if-he-died-it'd-only-be-manslaughter kind of way - he's forced to see Vince in a whole new light. The only thing stopping Paul from believing in Vince is himself - and that is one obstacle Paul can't quite seem to overcome. But when tragedy strikes Vince's family, Paul must put aside any notions he has about himself and stand next to the man who thinks he's perfect the way he is.

©2013 TJ Klune (P)2014 Dreamspinner Press

Don't read on a plane!

Would you consider the audio edition of Tell Me It's Real to be better than the print version?

That is a toss up. Having read everything T.J. has written, I feel like I can hear his voice in my head, but saying that, he has wonderful narrators for his books.

What other book might you compare Tell Me It's Real to and why?

There is no other book to compare to the banter and diatribes that go on in this book, nothing like it....

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to choose, the hippo scene, the love scene, the johnny depp scene, the GPS scene, bike store.... on and on and on.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story about Sandy when they were in high school and he finds out his parents have been killed, and the scene where Paul tells of his father, and maybe the scene where Paul speaks to his mother, too many to count

Any additional comments?

Get this audio, book and audio, worth every penny. Just make sure you are not listening to this where it is not okay to bust out laughing at anytime, because you will, there is no stopping you!!! It will come out as a Snort, a gasp of laughing, hee hawing, it will not be pretty :0

An Outstanding Story...

I am a huge fan on TJ Klune, basically because he knows how to tell a story in such a way that every emotion is reached and the narration by Michael Lesley was beyond reproach. The vocal inflections were phenomenal and his voice brought each character to life in my mind. Initially, I was afraid that the protagonist was going to annoy me...but I laughed so hard, so many times...OUT LOUD...that people thought I was weird (which I am, but that's alright). Began the book on the treadmill and I seriously fell off the daw-gone thing from laughing so hard...a few of my favorites...the entire book...although a special tribute to the menstruating ghost and Johnny Depp...a definite must read!!!

Get ready for the tears of both joy and sadness

Cutting my review into two parts: first one's for the story/plot, the second's for the audiobook.

STORY RATING: 4

If you're feeling down, riddled with insecurities so much that you don't believe that someday your prince/princess will come, one who'll Freddie Prinze, Jr. you SO HARD (and in a good way, mind), and you think that you're nothing and you want to celebrate that fact by stuffing your face with a beef burrito while wrapping yourself up in a blanket burrito, this book is for you. On the other hand, if you want to read a book with a badass, awesome drag queen who won't take any of your BS and can rule fabulously over the world, and a lovely dog in his very own wheelchair, and you really, really wanted to be proven right that long-term relationships brought about by love at first sight aren't feasible, then I'm sorry, sister, this book ain't right for you. NOT. Seriously, just read this if you're in it for the laughter and tears, and you want to feel good about yourself. A few warnings though: the book (especially if the audiobook) may take up a lot of your time so you better not have something important else to do
because it's hard to do anything else once you've already started this. Trust me, I wanted to blow up RL so hard due to the interruptions it kept giving me. Please also keep in mind that the book is laden with swearing and a whole lot of bitchiness, so if you can't stomach these things, then uhm, do tread lightly.

The blurb says it all. Ordinary guy caught hot guy's attention, hot guy pursued ordinary guy, ordinary guy thought it's just a fluke but still fell in love with hot guy nonetheless. Hot guy's trying to convince ordinary guy that he's very much sincere, then ordinary guy's trying to fend off his feelings because he think's he's not good enough, and got reprimanded by his badass best friend and awesome family because of it. Then when ordinary guy finally got into a reluctant relationship with hot guy, BAM, a tragedy happened and ordinary guy had to conquer his fears in order to support hot guy. I am aware that my own summary sucks and it doesn't do these boys right by just calling them "ordinary" and "hot" when they're not just that, not really.

As I keep remembering this story, a quote entered my mind: "You get the love you think you deserve." And that pretty much says it all. Like Paul (and Vince), we get the feeling that we're not good enough to be loved--being told that we are loved no matter what we are is good and helpful but accepting that love is hard especially when you think you're nothing. So loving (and accepting) yourself first is the key in order to accept the love from others and love those people in return. I think the book served as a good reminder about this, and for that I truly am grateful that I came across this.

One more thing I liked about this book is how grief was portrayed. It wasn't overly dramatic, yet the feelings portrayed were raw, heavy, painful yet slightly optimistic. It felt realistic, so much so it made me remember how it felt when I lost a family member. It also emphasized the importance of a support group, of having people who can anchor you and make you find strength inside you.

Though I sympathized with Paul think we had a lot in common, I don't like him that much, partly because I can see myself in him (his internal monologue of him not being good enough? my monologue too). I loved his humor, how he can think of the most absurd things that really made sense to me, how he splutters (like I do all the time Oh God), his clumsiness (let me tell you someday about the bruises I get just by riding a bus or by simply existing). I love his worst-case scenarios (boy sure must be proud of his imagination). I can also relate with his shyness and his self-loathing. However, what I don't like is him calling his bouts of drama/sentiment/mushiness as having a vagina (a gaping one at that). That really bothered me while I was reading/listening especially since the women all around him (including Helena and the sassy Black nurse) are way more badass than him. That's really the reason I can't give this a five-star no matter how much my vagina and I liked the story. Blaming God at every single mishap didn't help either, but since I enjoyed everything else I can tolerate/slightly overlook these bits.

One more thing that I'd contest is that Vince isn't dumb! I was expecting that his character would be like Doug in The Epic Love Story of Doug and Stephen, and Vince isn't like that, really. To tell you the truth, the guys I know are pretty much like Vince. What I get from Vince's character is that he has his own set of priorities, a very different and refreshing mindset. Not knowing Asia is a continent and that thing you do to stop a person from choking is called Heimlich maneuver don't automatically make you dumb, methinks.

Moreover, I think what I would like more is a book about Sandy and Helena Handbasket. (S)he is such an interesting character, and Paul would surely be lost without him. I'd love it if I can see things from his perspective, and I am eager to see the interaction between him and his love interest.

Overall, this was way better than Bear, Otter and Kid for Me, and I am amazed at the difference of TJ Klune's writing between these two books.

AUDIOBOOK RATING: 4.5

This is the first audiobook I've ever listened to (if you don't consider podfics), especially one with a male narrator. And after listening to this, it made me realize two things: 1) I truly am a visual person. I love to read and listen to the book at the same time, and 2) Being a narrator of an audiobook is fucking hard! Especially if you have to do lots of voices.

Honestly, I was kinda weirded out during the first few moments because I imagined Paul's voice being a bit lower/gruffier, but that did not keep me from laughing (and crying) so hard at some scenes which means that he's truly an effective narrator. He has a clear and crisp enunciation of words, though he speaks a bit fast for my taste that it took me a couple of paragraphs to get his rhythm. But once I got past all of that, I enjoyed listening to this; I loved his other voices, especially Johnny Depp's! There were also sometimes that I was distracted and am not really that listening (this is why I need visuals sometimes) but because of his tone and delivery, I knew what Paul is feeling at the moment, which is really, truly helpful.

So yeah, I can say that Michael Lesley, is a lovely narrator and I would be happy to listen to his other works.

Laugh out loud funny!

What did you love best about Tell Me It's Real?

** I received this audiobook free for review from the narrator through the DBML (Don't Buy My Love) program in the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads.**

Let me start by saying that I had no idea that these were characters that I had read about before! Yes I was bursting with excitement when I figured out they were familiar characters. Paul and Vince are also in The Art of Breathing (Bear, Otter and the Kid #3) by T.J Klune

This is certainly not an audiobook that you want to be listening to with anyone else around you. Not just because of the content but because I guarantee you will be laughing out loud and heaven help you if you should be drinking while something funny happens! Yes I am speaking from experience here , drinking coffee while listening to this book was so not a good idea.

T.J Klune is an author that does not disappoint his readers. It was no surprise to me that I loved Paul an Vince's story. They are definitely opposites and they surely attracted. Vince and Paul both made some mistakes along the way but their story is oh so enjoyable, it is not one you will want to miss.

Michael Lesley is the narrator of this fantastic audiobook, and let me tell you he did an excellent job. I have listened to books that were totally awful for me, not because of the story line, but because of the narration. If a narrator just doesn't connect with the story it will throw the whole thing off. That being said Michael Lesley nailed this one! The inflection was amazing and he uses different tones for each character so there is no doubt who is speaking. I certainly hope he does many many more in the future as I would just snatch them up!

Love this book!

Do you know how hard it is for me to give a 5 star rating? It's really hard. Seriously. I read over 300 books a year. And maybe, 10? Maybe might get a 5 star rating.

This book delivers! On all fronts. Funny, fun, sexy, awesomeness. 

I honestly don't know how someone might not love this book. And, if you don't, I don't want to know you. Because you're probably evil.

Like, evil.

And Michael Lesley's narration for this is simply wonderful! He delivers such an awesome performance and makes a fantastic book even better. Love, love, love this!! ❤

Best read ever!

Would you listen to Tell Me It's Real again? Why?

A Truly fun emotional roller-coaster, you'll laugh and cry. this is a heartwarming story of true love, the kind we all yearn for.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tell Me It's Real?

" Tell him it Real..."

Which character – as performed by Michael Lesley – was your favorite?

Paul was written from my life, it's as if Klune knew me personnally, the only difference is i've never had anyone fall in love with me. But Paul could be me with only the name changed. every thing about him i can relate to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I've never laughed so hard or cried so deeply, the whole store is one of the best.

Any additional comments?

T.J. Klune has a new fan, and Michael Lesley is an outstanding narrator, I'm sure his voice, and feeling for the characters made the difference in bringing the audio version to life.
What a great read. Thank you! I was kind of sad to have it end.

Wonderful RomCom and the Perfect Narrator

This is a VERY funny M/M romcom listen from TJ Klune. The narrator was perfect and really brought all the characters to life, especially the MCs. He was fabulous!! My only warning is you will laugh out loud at this book, so be warned if you happen to be in public at the time. Also, I truly hope there is a sequel on the way and they can get this same narrator. There is a weird production error between chapters where there is a 7 - 12 sec pause and you feel like the narration stopped; it didn't, just a long pause between chapters. Other than that, this was a great listen. Definitely worth a credit.

Love, love, love

So much love for this book. Every single time I listen to it I laugh, I cry, I smile like crazy. Excellent story, so funny, so emotional. And the narrator? Outstanding!

So funny!

I love this book it's so funny I couldn't stop laughing! Best TJ Klune book I've read so far it's romantic and funny.

BRA-freakin-O to the Performer!!!!!!

Any additional comments?

Michael Lesley did a fantastic job with this performance! The way he was able to change his voice for each character was fabulous and I liked every voice he did.

This story was fun, witty, charming, romantic, and overall full of comedy! Mr. Lesley was able to bring this story to life for me. This is a definite recommend from me.

Laugh-out-loud funny, frustrating, heart-warming

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If it's the right sort of friend!! This book is not for everyone - some reviewers elsewhere have been slightly offended by some of the topics, and the language is not for the faint-hearted, or people who cannot easily comprehend high-speed speech, but listen to the preview and you will have a pretty good idea of what type of book you've selected. I really enjoyed it. It is very amusing in places - dangerous when you are listening in the car! The characters are well-defined, possibly a bit over-the-top, but real enough that you can feel what they are feeling themselves and with each other - especially when you really want to slap them and tell them what they are doing wrong! There are some really touching moments, and it left me with a nice warm feeling inside.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tell Me It's Real?

There are too many to mention really. Paul and Vince's first real meeting (rather than encounter), and the funeral are particular high-points for me, but there are very few dull moments in this story.

Which character – as performed by Michael Lesley – was your favourite?

Difficult to pick one. I especially liked Paul's father, who shouts "Language!" whenever somebody crosses his profanity threshold. The way in which Michael Lesley makes the two alter egos of Sandy and Helena different and yet the same is very impressive. Paul is a bit of a whiner but the incredibly fast rate at which he speaks was very well performed. I have even found myself reading things on my PC with the Paul style of delivery in my head!

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Love at first sight can happen - it is real.

Any additional comments?

T.J. Klune has a marvellous way with words, and with completely conveying the characters just by what they say. The narrator in this book definitely helped that become even more apparent, and both of them are to be congratulated.

There are one or two mis-speakings in the narration, but that is more than acceptable considering the rapid rate of delivery - you might even need to use the "play slower" function for this book! One phrase is repeated - presumably a re-take that didn't get edited out of the recording - but these are minor complaints. Overall I loved this book and will miss it now it has finished.

Very funny

Would you consider the audio edition of Tell Me It's Real to be better than the print version?

Yes really a great listening, Much better than the book, I got into this book very easily, one of the most enjoyable books I've listened too.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tell Me It's Real?

The Parents remembering the past. They don't understand discretion, also thinking that Paul Played the pony in his and Vince's relationship. Some many to tell.

What does Michael Lesley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Michael Lesley, really bought out the humor, his characters voices was outstanding. He done a brilliant job.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laughter almost all the way, there was some intense scenes, but mostly funny. Without being over the top.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book, as I read a lot I did get use to different words that we use in the UK, but easy to understand. This is the first book I have listen to by TJ Klune, it will not be my last. Highly recommend.

Amazing - Highly recommended

Michael Lesley is simply amazing as a narrator. The story dragged in parts as the main character's train of thought got derailed quite easily, but it added charm to the book itself.
It had moments that made me laugh out loud, choke and squirt coffee out of my nose, and parts that made it really difficult to read this in public due to the unladylike guphaws. But there were also moments that broke my heart and it was in these final parts of the book where the narrator really shone with his voice drenched in motion.
Will definitely listen to this again!

Fantastic characters and not the usual mainstream

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It is so nice and refreshing to read about characters that are different, Paul is slightly overweight and selfconscious about his size. He can't believe that someone like Vince would want him for a boyfriend. Sandy/Helena is a great supporting character and a great friend/brother to Paul. Vince on the otherhand has also being used in his past for how he looks and for not the person who he is. The supporting characters were great my favourite was Sandy/Helena. Paul's family were fantastic if not a little crazy. I would definitely recommend this book and also the second one The Queen & The Homo Jock King. You will laugh out loud, the narrator did a fantastic job with all the characters.

What other book might you compare Tell Me It's Real to, and why?

The Queen & The Homo Jock King, the sequel to tell me it's real

What about Michael Lesley’s performance did you like?

Absolutely fantastic the different voices he used for the characters was a great performance.

Brilliant

If you could sum up Tell Me It's Real in three words, what would they be?

Hilarious, touching, frantic.

What did you like best about this story?

The none stop energy. The humour. The frenetic use of words. The secondary characters are equally full of life. Johnny Depp. Paul and Vince.

What about Michael Lesley’s performance did you like?

Michael Lesley's Paul is inspired, but his portrayal of all the characters are acted so very well, it's addictive listening.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have definitely listened to this in one sitting, had I had that amount of time to myself.

Any additional comments?

I'm eagerly awaiting Sandy's tale, and getting back to chaotic world of Paul and Vince.

Well impressed with the book

Really good book. Was not expecting much from it as I bought it in a whim but had me laughing out loud all the way through. Got me some weird looks as a walked around cackling to myself like a mad man. Hilarious sad witty. Very good book not the usual gay romance book which don't float my boat. Loved it!

Well worth a listen

If you could sum up Tell Me It's Real in three words, what would they be?

Funny, lively, engaging

If you’ve listened to books by TJ Klune before, how does this one compare?

This is my first listen.

Have you listened to any of Michael Lesley’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is my first listen.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion and I found myself structuring my work day so that I could work on stuff that also enabled me to listen to more of the book as I worked.

Any additional comments?

The production isn't as perfect as some books I've bought - there's a couple of instances of repeated lines that were missed in the editing process and the dead time between scene or chapter changes were way too long - but this is definitely one of the most talented narrators I've ever listened too. Even though his Vince voice drops a little too low in register at times to be easily understandable as he switches between characters the narrator reads with ease and confidence that makes the whole book a delight from beginning to end. It was my first time with this author as well and, like the recording, the story itself could have done with an intense edit before final release, but on the whole it was well told, funny and I would consider buying something else from the author again. I am hopeful that a sequel featuring Sandy/Helena and Darren is in the works as I would love to read/hear their story and if the same narrator is used then I would definitely buy it as, for me, he was what made the whole story take off. I think that I might have given up on the book if I'd read it in the written format but in audio I really enjoyed it and will probably listen to it again more than once.

Loved it

Loved it. Laughed out loud a lot, nearly cried a couple times, well read (I can get really picky about that), great characters, great writing

Love it.

This is a love story but not just a romantic story. It's about family, friendship and everything in between. This book will make you laugh ,blush, cringe and cry but above all it will make you happy 🤍

amazing

One of the best LGBTQ authors paired with a great narrator. No matter how many times I listen to this series I'm laughing out loud one minute and filling up the next.