-
The Real Deal
- A Novel
- Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Zachary Webber
- Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Women's Fiction
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Audible Premium Plus
$14.95 a month
Buy for $25.51
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Joy Delivered Duet
- By: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Sebastian York
- Length: 19 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Experience The Joy Delivered Duet narrated by Sebastian York! This is the first ever audio bundle of the two New York Times best-selling stand-alone novels Nights with Him and Forbidden Nights from number one NYT best-selling author Lauren Blakely....
-
-
✫✫ 5 Stars ✫✫
- By 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧 on 07-16-19
By: Lauren Blakely
-
The What If Guy
- By: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Andi Arndt, Santino Fontana, and others
- Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One night only - that was the deal we made. But one fantastic night had us both changing our minds in the morning. And making plans for another. Until I walked into the office to learn he just bought my company.
-
-
✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫
- By 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧 on 07-21-20
By: Lauren Blakely
-
The Two Week Arrangement
- By: Kendall Ryan
- Narrated by: Jacob Morgan, Andi Arndt
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dear Sexy AF Intern, I know you don't care that I'm the CEO of this company, and you're just an intern. I also know you're not impressed by my power or my wealth, and that's fine. You think you've got me all figured out from working alongside me for two weeks, but you don't know me. Not really. You don't know that I'm a single dad to twin toddlers, or that those two little girls matter more to me than this entire hotel chain. I'm not interested in starting something deep and meaningful, but what I am interested in is the way your body reacts to mine when we're in the same room.
-
-
This is a cliffhanger
- By kestergayle on 06-05-19
By: Kendall Ryan
-
Forget You, Ethan: An Enemies to Lovers Romance
- By: Whitney G.
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Erin Mallon
- Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I've hated Rachel Dawson since I was seven years old. My next-door neighbor and number-one sworn enemy - she's the reason why almost all of our childhood fights ended with me setting something of hers on fire. (Or, vice versa.) She snitched on me when I broke curfew. I snitched on her when she lied about having a boyfriend. We went back and forth like this throughout high school, both vowing to never talk to each other again when we went off to college. But that was until she showed up at my apartment during my senior year and asked me for a temporary place to stay.
-
-
Very well done!!
- By Captivated Listener!! on 01-16-19
By: Whitney G.
-
Nights with Him
- By: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Sebastian York
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack Sullivan is a sex toy mogul. An extremely eligible bachelor in New York, he's the full package, right down to his full package. Hell, this man could be the model for one of the toys his company, Joy Delivered, peddles. Instead, he's the powerful and successful CEO and he's got commitment issues a mile-long after the tragic way his relationship with his fiancée ended.
-
-
LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SERIES!!!
- By 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧 on 06-26-16
By: Lauren Blakely
-
Tangled
- The Tangled Series, Book 1
- By: Emma Chase
- Narrated by: Sebastian York
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Drew Evans is handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed? He’ll tell you he has the flu. But we all know that’s not really true. Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin.
-
-
And Now For Something Completely Different
- By Kathy on 02-17-14
By: Emma Chase
-
The Joy Delivered Duet
- By: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Sebastian York
- Length: 19 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Experience The Joy Delivered Duet narrated by Sebastian York! This is the first ever audio bundle of the two New York Times best-selling stand-alone novels Nights with Him and Forbidden Nights from number one NYT best-selling author Lauren Blakely....
-
-
✫✫ 5 Stars ✫✫
- By 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧 on 07-16-19
By: Lauren Blakely
-
The What If Guy
- By: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Andi Arndt, Santino Fontana, and others
- Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One night only - that was the deal we made. But one fantastic night had us both changing our minds in the morning. And making plans for another. Until I walked into the office to learn he just bought my company.
-
-
✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫
- By 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧 on 07-21-20
By: Lauren Blakely
-
The Two Week Arrangement
- By: Kendall Ryan
- Narrated by: Jacob Morgan, Andi Arndt
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Dear Sexy AF Intern, I know you don't care that I'm the CEO of this company, and you're just an intern. I also know you're not impressed by my power or my wealth, and that's fine. You think you've got me all figured out from working alongside me for two weeks, but you don't know me. Not really. You don't know that I'm a single dad to twin toddlers, or that those two little girls matter more to me than this entire hotel chain. I'm not interested in starting something deep and meaningful, but what I am interested in is the way your body reacts to mine when we're in the same room.
-
-
This is a cliffhanger
- By kestergayle on 06-05-19
By: Kendall Ryan
-
Forget You, Ethan: An Enemies to Lovers Romance
- By: Whitney G.
- Narrated by: Joe Arden, Erin Mallon
- Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I've hated Rachel Dawson since I was seven years old. My next-door neighbor and number-one sworn enemy - she's the reason why almost all of our childhood fights ended with me setting something of hers on fire. (Or, vice versa.) She snitched on me when I broke curfew. I snitched on her when she lied about having a boyfriend. We went back and forth like this throughout high school, both vowing to never talk to each other again when we went off to college. But that was until she showed up at my apartment during my senior year and asked me for a temporary place to stay.
-
-
Very well done!!
- By Captivated Listener!! on 01-16-19
By: Whitney G.
-
Nights with Him
- By: Lauren Blakely
- Narrated by: Sebastian York
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jack Sullivan is a sex toy mogul. An extremely eligible bachelor in New York, he's the full package, right down to his full package. Hell, this man could be the model for one of the toys his company, Joy Delivered, peddles. Instead, he's the powerful and successful CEO and he's got commitment issues a mile-long after the tragic way his relationship with his fiancée ended.
-
-
LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS SERIES!!!
- By 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧 on 06-26-16
By: Lauren Blakely
-
Tangled
- The Tangled Series, Book 1
- By: Emma Chase
- Narrated by: Sebastian York
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Drew Evans is handsome and arrogant, he makes multimillion dollar business deals and seduces New York’s most beautiful women with just a smile. So why has he been shuttered in his apartment for seven days, miserable and depressed? He’ll tell you he has the flu. But we all know that’s not really true. Katherine Brooks is brilliant, beautiful and ambitious. When Kate is hired as the new associate at Drew’s father’s investment banking firm, every aspect of the dashing playboy’s life is thrown into a tailspin.
-
-
And Now For Something Completely Different
- By Kathy on 02-17-14
By: Emma Chase
-
Kiss My Cupcake
- By: Helena Hunting
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Holly Warren
- Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn't plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. He may be super swoony, but Blaire hasn't spent years obsessing over buttercream and bourbon to have him ruin her chance at success. From axe throwing (his place) to frosting contests (hers), Blaire and Ronan are constantly trying to one-up each other in a battle to win new customers. But with every clash, there's also an undeniable chemistry.
-
-
Needed more Teddy Hamilton
- By DZM on 10-11-20
By: Helena Hunting
-
Fight for Me: The Complete Collection
- By: A.L. Jackson
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber, Joe Arden
- Length: 32 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Show Me the Way: Rex Gunner. A sexy single dad with a huge chip on his shoulder. Can Rynna show him he deserves to be loved? Follow Me Back: Dr. Kale Bryant is gorgeous, compelling, and married to his job. The only thing he has time for are one-night stands and short-lived flings. Until the day he meets Hope and his entire foundation is rocked. Lead Me Home: Bar owner, Oliver Preston, knew better than to get close to Nikki. He’s always wanted her, but she was the one thing he couldn’t allow himself to have.
-
-
Yes~
- By KLW on 03-16-20
By: A.L. Jackson
-
Mr. Mayfair
- By: Louise Bay
- Narrated by: Shane East, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It should be the most shocking news I’d ever gotten - my boyfriend is getting married. Okay, technically he’s my ex-boyfriend. Two months ago he decided he wanted a break. I still thought he was my happily-ever-after. On any other day, knowing he was gone for good would be the worst thing that could possibly happen. But not today. Because not only is my boyfriend getting married - his bride is my best friend. And they’ve sent me an invitation. There’s no way I’m going to attend. I don’t care if it’s in beautiful Scotland. Nothing and no one could convince me.
-
-
Pretty Good
- By Shelia B on 10-09-19
By: Louise Bay
-
A Lie for a Lie
- All In, Book 1
- By: Helena Hunting
- Narrated by: Stella Bloom, Jason Clarke
- Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sometimes I need an escape from the demands, the puck bunnies, and the notoriety that come with being an NHL team captain. I just want to be a normal guy for a few weeks. So when I leave Chicago for some peace and quiet, the last thing I expect is for a gorgeous woman to literally fall into my lap on a flight to Alaska. Even better, she has absolutely no idea who I am.
-
-
Second Chances and Surprises
- By Book Bruin on 10-15-19
By: Helena Hunting
-
The Theory of Second Best
- Cake Series, Book 2
- By: J. Bengtsson
- Narrated by: Zachary Webber, Andi Arndt
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kyle McKallister has lived his life in the shadows. Younger brother to one of the world's most elusive and embattled celebrities, Kyle has carved out a comfortable existence touring with his famous brother and living in the lap of luxury with no commitments or plans of his own, only a deep, haunting loyalty to his brother. But his life is about to be shaken up when the opportunity comes to compete on a popular reality show.
-
-
Great series!!
- By jodiod on 05-01-17
By: J. Bengtsson
-
Getting Played
- By: Emma Chase
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber
- Length: 6 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A magnificent new romance by New York Times best-selling author Emma Chase - available in audio first! Dean Walker is all about keeping life simple. He’s effortlessly talented and intelligent - spending his summers playing drums in the local band and the rest of the year teaching high school in the same Jersey town where he grew up. He likes his love life simple too, enjoying the commitment-free hook-ups his good looks and sexy charm have always made oh so easy. Then he meets Lainey Burrows. And his simple, easy life gets turned upside down.
-
-
Andi and Zachary are fantastic! Dean is everything
- By Kara Hildebrand on 06-05-19
By: Emma Chase
-
Come Back for Me
- The Arrowood Brothers
- By: Corinne Michaels
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Zachary Webber
- Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the morning, she was gone and had taken my solace with her. I left for the military that day, vowing never to return to Pennsylvania. When my father dies, I’m forced to go home to bury him. At least I'll finally be rid of his farm, which is grown over and tangled with memories I've fought to forget. And that’s when I find her. She’s even more beautiful than I remember and has the most adorable kid I’ve ever seen. Years have passed, but my feelings are the same, and this time I refuse to let her go. They say you can't bury the past, and they're right.
-
-
As Always, Outstanding Performance
- By Cathyst on 01-21-20
By: Corinne Michaels
-
Meet Cute
- By: Helena Hunting
- Narrated by: Holly Warren, Teddy Hamilton
- Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kailyn Flowers was always calm, rational, and controlled - until she ended up sprawled all over Daxton Hughes, the former actor she totally crushed on as a teenager. Then she did the unthinkable: She became a mortifying fangirl in five seconds flat, which may or may not have included professing her undying love. And oddly, he didn't run away. In fact, their meet cute led to a friendship she never saw coming. Of course, she never saw his betrayal coming, either....
-
-
This audiobook checks all the boxes
- By TML on 04-27-19
By: Helena Hunting
-
Everywhere and Every Way
- The Billionaire Builders, Book 1
- By: Jennifer Probst
- Narrated by: Madeleine Maby, Sebastian York
- Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ever the responsible eldest brother, Caleb Pierce started working for his father's luxury contracting business at a young age, dreaming of one day sitting in the boss' chair. But his father's will throws a wrench in his plans by stipulating that Caleb share control of the family business with his two estranged brothers. Things only get more complicated when demanding high-end home designer Morgan hires Caleb to build her a customized dream house that matches her specifications to a T - or she'll use her powerful connections to poison the Pierce brothers' reputation.
-
-
perfect beach read
- By green ice cream garden on 06-07-16
By: Jennifer Probst
-
Repeat
- By: Kylie Scott
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt
- Length: 6 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a vicious attack leaves 25-year-old Clementine Johns with no memory, she’s forced to start over. Now she has figure out who she was and why she made the choices she did - which includes leaving the supposed love of her life, tattoo artist Ed Larsen, only a month before. Ed can hardly believe it when his ex shows up at his tattoo parlor with no memory of their past, asking about the breakup that nearly destroyed him. The last thing he needs is more heartache, but he can’t seem to let her go again. Should they walk away for good, or does their love deserve a repeat performance?
-
-
Loved
- By 🎧Pam Audio-Fanatic🎧 on 06-01-19
By: Kylie Scott
-
Cake
- A Love Story
- By: J. Bengtsson
- Narrated by: Andi Arndt, Joe Arden
- Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Quiet and aloof rock star Jake McKallister and outspoken, vivacious college student Casey Caldwell are polar opposites: Casey is bubbly and talkative; Jake is reclusive. Casey enjoyed a picturesque childhood; Jake’s childhood could only be described as a well-publicized nightmare. Jake’s life revolves around music, and Casey can’t carry a tune.
-
-
good listen - great narration
- By Maggie on 12-19-16
By: J. Bengtsson
-
Pretend You're Mine
- A Small Town Love Story
- By: Lucy Score
- Narrated by: Melissa Moran
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Luke Garrison is a hometown hero, a member of the National Guard ready to deploy again. Strong, sweet, and sexy, he doesn't have a girlfriend and doesn't want one. When the wildly beautiful Harper stumbles into his life, though, he realizes that she's the perfect decoy. A fake girlfriend to keep his family off his back until he's out on another mission.
-
-
Different from my expectations but good
- By Danni on 01-17-17
By: Lucy Score
Publisher's Summary
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 parents' home. They didn’t plan on loving every single second of the game. But can a masterful game of pretend result in true love?
Critic Reviews
"I loved everything about these characters, from their sparkling banter to their electric attraction. Witty, clever, and swoony." (Amy E. Reichert, New York Times best-selling 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 best-selling author of Shacking Up)
More from the same
What listeners say about The Real Deal
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- CDBW
- 07-12-18
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.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Wendy
- 07-22-18
Good story, however...
I really do like this book so far and the story. I have 2 hours left to listen to. The only thing I do not like is the female narrator. She drags out her words. Instead of April, it's Aprilllllll. Instead of Chapter thirty three, it's chapter thirty threeee. Exactlyyyyy. Dayyyyy. Sevennnn. Reflectionnnnn. Reallllll. Delightfullllll. I have noticed many times and I find it annoying. I like this book very much though.
30 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Laura from Houston
- 07-19-18
Nice story!
I liked the story and Zachary Webber does a great job with his narration. The way Erin Mallon reads a little too breathy and puts so much emphasis on the ends of words is a little off putting, but not enough to ruin the story. It’s like I kept wishing she’d just talk in a normal voice.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- CAROLYN 🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹🔹
- 07-13-18
A FANTASTIC FICTIONAL FAIRYTALE FLAWLESSLY TOLD
Now that’s how to write an absolutely flawless story that has you smiling with each addictive chapter, has you swooning at each romantic scene, has you drooling with the perfect - yet real with baggage - fake boyfriend and has you totally entertained by the close family antics as they all happily compete in their yearly games. It was an instant connection April and Theo felt for each other.. but both had a past that burned them.. so they fought the attraction hard.. however, the heart wants what the heart wants and these two were lost to each other from the get go.
This could have been Lauren’s best book.. but I say that each and every time with her books.. and what made this stand out above the sea of so many in this genre was the brilliantly executed dual POV narration by Erin and Zachary whose voices captured each character perfectly, whose tones and tempos were just right and whose range and pace made this book come alive.
Worth a credit? A ten star feel-good chick/lit rom/com that had a great balance of everything I love.. and YES it’s so so so creditworthy.
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- 🎧 Cyndi Marie 🎧
- 07-10-18
🌟🌟 5 Stars 🌟🌟
Another great book by Lauren Blakely! She is always my go to author for a fun, feel good, and sexy Rom-Com. This was a really entertaining boyfriend for hire story line.
April is a real witty, fun loving character, she had me giggling many times during this audiobook! She is over the whole dating thing and needs to bring a date to her family reunion otherwise she'll have to deal with her whole family trying to set her up. He family might be a little overly invasive, they are a very stable and caring family. Theo is also a very quick witted and fun character but he has a little bit of a past and is trying to get out from under it. What better way to make money than be a boyfriend for hire! He was a little cocky & still a little vulnerable which made his character completely swoon worthy! These two together were seriously cute! I loved how they got each others clever comebacks and every quip without skipping a beat. They has chemistry before they even met in person. I loved this couple, they truly were perfect for each other. I don't know if I have ever listened to a book with two characters had my from chapter 1! I love Lauren's writing style and how she always adds some fun facts and/or hidden secrets to her stories (maybe not secrets but something you will only know if you read her other books). At the end of this book I was laughing out loud!
Perfect story, perfect characters, perfect writing style and PERFECT NARRATION!! Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber are both amazing narrators! They were cast perfectly for these characters and did an awesome job bringing them to life! No one would have been better in my opinion!
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- julie
- 09-25-18
Good story
I like the story, but the female narrative is very irritating. She draws out every last word in her sentences and somewhat monotone. Makes her sound like a robot voice.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ariadna B.
- 07-16-18
⭐️5 Star Narration & RomCom! ⭐️
The Real Deal was hilarious, sweet, and absolutely romantic! Basically everything I’ve come to expect and love from Lauren Blakely novels.
I loved April and Theo! The girlfriend/boyfriend for hire trope is one of my favorites because it tends to be so fun and The Real Deal didn’t disappoint. Ms. Blakely blends the perfect amounts of fun, witty as hell banter, and delicious steam. And dear baby Jesus that chemistry between April and Theo was scorching! The build up between them was just as hot and had me constantly reaching for some chapstick because of all the lip bitting it induced. Even better than that was their friendship. Their anecdotes kept me smiling and made my heart happy while their banter kept me laughing out loud. The combination of everything made me lose myself in the story and didn’t want it to end. One of my favorite romantic comedies this year!
Narration by Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber was freaking fantastic! Both narrator embodied the characters perfectly! Erin Mallon once again blew me away with her damn near magical ability to perform a male voice. I’d have her male voice’s baby, it’s that good! Zachary Webber’s narration is delicious as always. His transitions between sweet and sexy are flawless and had me in a constant state of swoon and fit perfectly for Theo. I loved this narration duo, this book, and Lauren Blakely for making it all come to life. 5 Stars.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Book Bruin
- 07-11-18
Perfect Narrators for this Romcom!
I completely loved this sweet and hilarious romantic comedy! Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber were absolutely PERFECT as April and Theo! I don't think any other duo could have pulled off this story as well as these two. Both narrators perform male and female voices so well and they brought just the right amount of sweet and sexy to this story. I just love their voices together!
The Real Deal was exactly what I was looking for and I couldn't get enough of April and Theo! The fake boyfriend/boyfriend for hire trope is always fun and Lauren Blakely executed it perfectly! The backdrop of the Hamilton family reunion and games kept the story light and fun and really gave April and Theo time to connect and shine without the drama of their every day lives. They had incredible chemistry (Gah! The build up was delicious!) and I couldn't help but have a huge grin on my face while reading this book. Their banter and witty comebacks were fantastic and I loved each and every one of their "Do you remember..." stories.
One of the best parts of the book though was the Hamilton clan! I especially loved all of April's female relatives! They had me laughing out loud with their good intentioned meddling and it brought some great comic relief when things got a little heavier. I really appreciated that though there is some drama and angst, it didn't overrun the story and created just the right amount of push and pull. The epilogue was wonderfully sweet and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending! Even if you've read the book, I definitely recommend listening to the audio as well!
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jan M
- 07-16-18
Fantastic!!!
I love how good I feel listening to Lauren Blakely books. This book features the main characters of April and Theo, and is totally original. Lauren knows how to write endearing characters, incredible imagery, humorous banter, clever dialogue, a well plotted story, and weave it all into one incredible book. I also love how the book had the hope, redemption, starting over, and finding one's way. The idea of hiring a boyfriend to turn off the matchmakers was brilliant. April and Theo had such wonderful chemistry and I was laughing out loud so many times. Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber performed this book flawlessly. I love their banter, inner musings, and distinguishable voices for various characters. Both narrators are truly gifted performers and delightful to listen to. I especially loved the ending of this book, as it was so well done.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- PATRICIA
- 07-13-18
RomCom at it's best!
I was in the mood for something witty and fun, and Lauren Blakely's The Real Deal fit the bill! This book from the very start had me engaged in the lives of the characters and at times even laughing out loud. April is going home for her family reunion and hires Theo as her fake boyfriend to keep her family's matchmaking at bay. Neither is looking for love, but as they weave their backstory, the sparks begin to fly, and temptation steps in. I loved their banter, their chemistry, but I think the most fun in this book was the stories they made up. I love that each gave a line, the stories flowing with heat and love even before they realized how perfect they were together. Put the two in the Hamilton Family Reunion on top of it, with all of April's zany family members and crazy antics and it's a fun-filled, eventful 5 days that I enjoyed living through with them!
Throw in narration by the talents of Erin Mallon and Zachary Webber, and this romcom takes on a life of it's own. Their comedic timing, and expressive performance breathe life into the characters. It's a listen you do not want to miss!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Book addict
- 07-21-18
Good book
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book as I’ve listened to the author in the past and found the characters and stories a bit lacklustre. This book was much better though! The pretend boyfriend to real boyfriend plot line has been done many times before, but this is a good example of it. Definitely worth a listen!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- V_Nerdbooks
- 07-15-18
5 "Just Friends" Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Just Friends" stars
Well well well, why am i not surprised that Ms Blakely has done it again!!
No matter how many books this lady releases, she always manages to knock it out of the park, and this one was no exception.
April has been invited to stay with her parents for the annual summer reunion.
Unfortunatley whenever she goes home for any time, her friends and family always try and set her up with someone, mainly so that she will stay in the town where she was born.
April doesn't want to stay in the sleepy town, she has a brilliant job and is doing really well, much to her parents dismay, New York is her home now.
Whats a girl to do, how can she stop her parents from trying to shack her up with someone??
Trent is a bit of a bad boy, he has been in trouble a few times, but is now trying to get himself on the straight and narrow, pay off his debts, and live a happy life.
He does this by being a Dial-a-Boyfriend, for those people in need of a plus one, advertising on Craigslist, he manages to make quite good money from it.
After placing her order, April sets the ground-rules to Trent and they toddle off together to the reunion as pretend Boyfriend and Girlfriend..........but things don't always play by the rules, and rules are there to be broken after all 😜
🎧🎧 Narration was perfect with this one, with Zachary "sex voice" Webber and Erin Mallon #ErinMallonsManVoiceMakesMeSexuallyConfused
These 2 together are like a kettle waiting to boil, the witty banter that you expect and love from Blakely's books is there in spades, and the fact that these 2 narrators have the hottest voices around doesn't hurt either 😇
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Helen Williams (All Booked Out)
- 02-17-21
Flirty, fun & charming,
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this, it was such a light, fun, flirty listen.
Family fun, frolics and trying to matchmake leads to a hiring of a fake boyfriend and plenty of natural chemistry that money can't buy!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Happy Reader
- 08-23-18
good story, but one narrator irritating
Nice story. it starts really really well and loved the unusual characters. Past the midway point it slowed down and became a bit predictable and the male lead went form strong bad boy to a bit helpless and clueless. But Zachary Webber read the part really well which made up for it. He's a great audio narrator
Sadly the same cannot be said of Erin Mallon. She reads well, but has a sing-song way of reading that gets annoying after a while. She also puts a breathy stress on her words as if she's reading a children's book. by the end I started skipping her chapters because it just got on my nerves. That's a shame, the book would have been better with another reader
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Stephanie
- 08-13-18
Couldn't stop listening
Loved ask of this book.
Voice artists did a really good job of bringing the characters alive.
Well written and enjoyed.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kibbit
- 07-11-18
A REALLY Good Read!
This was a funny, sexy easy read story. I love both these narrators!!!! They made the story come to life. Didn't put it down. Great read!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cas
- 09-24-20
Wow
Just loved this story of what started out as a fill in boyfriend for her, once they met their souls just connected. He had a few truths to tell her and that didn’t go well. She had a great friend who talked her through the truths. Then everything fell into place.
Narration was superb.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tracey Hann
- 07-26-20
Enjoyed it but...
I enjoyed listening to this story but found myself pausing it at times as the female narrator irritated in parts as it sounded like words were being drawn out. Zachary Webber was brilliant as always. He has such a great voice. All in all, not one of her best books but still good.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Olympia
- 07-30-19
Really Sweet
Very enjoyable book (audiobook). As always Erin Mallon Zachary Webber make the characters realist. Highly recommend a listen to those who into romance and a little humor.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 10-15-18
Didn't finish this.
The narrators both tried to sound savvy and sexy but failed in both. Such a turn off. And they really need to brush-up on their 'other character' voices that all sounded so similar I couldn't tell who was talking. A mediocre story, with a predictable but foolproof plot, that may have been bearable by other narrators.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Diana Thompson
- 08-04-18
Dragged out
Found it had a good storyline, but a lot was boring. Think it needs different narrators