The Real Deal

A Novel

De: Lauren Blakely

Narrado por: Erin Mallon, Zachary Webber

Get ready for your next favorite romantic comedy audiobook from Lauren Blakely, THE REAL DEAL!

April Hamilton wants you to know she hasn’t been on Craigslist since that time she sold her futon after college. She doesn’t even spend that much time online. And even if she did, she would not be looking up personal ads. But going home alone for her family's summer reunion is an invitation for every single relative to butt into her personal life. She simply can’t handle another blind date with the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker from her hometown. So when she finds the Craigslist ad for a boyfriend-for-hire, she’s ready to pay to play.

Heading Home and Need a Buffer? I’m the REAL DEAL.

Theo Banks has been running from the past for years. He’s this close to finally settling all his debts, and one more job as a boyfriend-for-hire will do the trick. He’s no gigolo. Please. He’s something of an actor, and he knows how to slip into any role, including pretending to be April’s new beau -- the bad boy with the heart of gold.

Even if it means sleeping in close quarters in that tiny little bed in her parents’ inn. Even if it means spinning tales of a romance that starts to feel all too true. What neither one of them counts on is that amid the egg toss, the arm wrestling, and a fierce game of Lawn Twister that has them tangled up together, they might be feeling the real deal.

She only wanted to show her family once and for all that she had no need to settle down.

He didn’t expect to have the time of his life at her parent’s home.

They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game.

But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?

Praise for The Real Deal:

"I loved everything about these characters, from their sparkling banter to their electric attraction. Witty, clever, and swoony." -Amy E. Reichert, New York Times bestselling author of The Coincidence of Coconut Cake

"A hilarious, hot slow burn. The Real Deal is full of witty banter and characters you'll fall head over heels in love with." -Helena Hunting, New York Times bestselling author of Shacking Up

The narration made it even better!

5 Crazy Ass Must Read Stars!!!!!

Lauren Blakely is on fire! She really knows how to write a great rom-com and this one was no different. This was funny, sweet, full of sexual tension, and sexy.
The basic trope of escort to family function is a common theme out there but Lauren Blakely totally made this her own. I could not put this down. I'm all about procrastination when it comes to a gorgeous summer day that leads to lounging by the pool kindle. That procrastination was pushed even further when I started reading this. Goodbye laundry and household chores and hello Theo.
Lauren Blakely does not disappoint and I look forward to her next release eagerly.

Audible Review: 5 I-Wish-I-Could-Give-More Stars!
I'm a sucker for Zachary Webber and even though I had just finished reading this book, I snatched up the audiobook with this months credit just because of him. Imagine my surprise once I started listening and my favorite female narrator, Erin Mallon was narrating as well. I was one happy book whore.
As evident from my review above, I loved the book without narration but these two made the story even better. They added a whole other dimension to it and really brought it all to life for me.
I wish I could give it more stars that what I have already because the narration was the bomb.

Loved this funny and unique, slow burn romance!

I absolutely loved everything about this story! It is a unique and funny, slow burn romance, between two fascinatingly flawed characters, who aren't looking for love. April hires Theo to be her fake boyfriend for a family reunion so she can avoid the dates her family will push on her. From their very first meeting, their clever banter weaves a fictitious, yet romantic tale of how they met and fell in love. It continues throughout the story until neither can tell what is the real deal or the fantasy. But before the weekend is over, the fake stories and all the secrets begin to weigh heavy on them both. I loved the chemistry between April and Theo, they connected instantly, really seeing and understanding each other. They had me totally swooning and rooting for their HEA! The quirky relatives and the wacky family contests, also added a lot of fun and entertaining moments.
The narration by Erin Mallon, and Zachary Webber is truly one to savor. Mallon's vivid portrayal of April and Theo was spectacular. She perfectly delivers the fun and passionate improvisation of April and Theos' love story. I also love her male voices, they are so distinct and convincing. I was impressed with how Webber made me feel Theo's conflicting emotions, and I also loved his accents.
Ms Blakely is a master at witty banter, and clever storylines with heart. When you pair her with Mallon and Webber, you get audio gold that is definitely the Real Deal!

A sweet arrangement! Zachary and Erin were great!!

So awesome!! Theo and April are too cute. April, needing to keep her family from setting her up when she goes to the family reunion, hires Theo to be her "plus one" for the event. And Theo, working as a boyfriend-for-hire to pay off a debt, jumps at the chance to get closer to ending past transgressions. There are sparks between them from the time they meet, and that complicates their uncomplicated arrangement. Zachary and Erin narrate this story beautifully.

I loved the layers in this story. April is trying to strike a balance between the career she adores with the family that really doesn't understand why she wants to live in the "big city," and not just come back home where everyone loves her and can help take care of her. Theo is trying to keep his past behind him, and he's determined to make a better life for himself. But first, he has to take care of one last thing.

This story was so sweet, so funny, and very heartwarming. And dirty...there is dirty! We all have family members sticking their noses in our business, but it's usually coming from a loving place. And we love them all the same.

The Real Deal

I liked this slow burn, funny romance. Both h and H have bad breakups that give them plenty of hangups moving forward. This read is funny, sexy and sweet romcom.

Fantastic RomCom!!

The best of the best narrators which made this one even that much better! I loved the whit and banter between April and Theo, I was a very enjoyable light read with no real angst or drama. The instant connection these two had and the ease at which they fell in tune with each other was awesome and felt very real. Loved everything about this book! All the feels <3