Name: The Real
ISBN: 9781987593419

Kate Stewart

They say it happens when you least expect it. It did for me. It started the moment I saw the simple message pop up on my computer screen: Cameron's Mac: Hi. And when I met the eyes of the gorgeous man messaging me from across the coffee shop, I never thought my reply would lead to the most intense, sexual, and passionate relationship of my life. We both agreed to check our bags at the door and put our future hopes and aspirations on the table. It worked. I fell in love with his no holds barred attitude, sexy smirk, and undeniably good heart . . . and for a while we forgot about our baggage. We happily tripped over it to get to the other, neither of us willing to show the contents of our pasts in the off chance it could ruin us. We built our love on a foundation of gray. It was life in black and white that threatened to tear us apart

The Real

Megan Lowe

I liked this book. It was raw, and emotional, and the things we’ve come to expect from Kate’s writing. Cameron was... whoa! King of Woo indeed.
Abbie was cute. She’s quirky and that’s always interesting.
But there was something keeping me from loving this book. I wanted to love it. Drive blew me away and I expected and hoped this would be similar. I don’t know, maybe it was the twist that threw me, maybe too far.
Still, it was a great book, you should get on it, if for no other reason than Cameron.

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  kimberlyfaye reads.


While I've only read a couple of Kate Stewart's books, I've come to realize reading them is an experience. And it's one that consumes me. From her words to her characters to their stories, I find her books all encompassing and they take over my world until I've finished reading. And, often well after when I still can't get her characters out of my head. The Real was no exception.

I love a good epistolary novel and The Real took it to another level with the messaging via their computers, when they were face to face. I've read plenty of books where the main characters communicate using letters, emails or text messages, but this was a first. It was fun and quirky and a great way for Cameron and Abbie to meet. I adored these characters, too, even though I suspected Cameron was keeping secrets. (A secret which, by the way, I totally guessed before reveal.) No, I won't tell you what it was. What I will say is that it's in that moment where the book moves from a cute and sexy romance into something a whole lot more. I was 1000% invested in Cameron and Abbie as a couple and, while I was a bit mad at him, I still hoped they could find a way to make things work. (Even when things looked pretty bleak.) 

I'm not going to say anything more because I don't want to spoil anything for you. Just know you're in for a bit of a ride with The Real. It's worth all of it in the end, though. The character development, the story and ALL THE FEELS made this one one of my favorites of 2018 so far. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

FAVORITE QUOTES

"Your bitch face reads 'Abandon all hope. You can't stick your penis here.'"

"She likes caramel lattes, men who know the clitoris isn't a fictional character, and real Christmas trees."

"You're a wonderful kind of crazy. You're all fire, you know that? And you look fucking beautiful."

"A kiss can be an introduction, statement, and a promise. I plan to make all three when you let me."

It was his name that wrote itself across my heart; it was his eyes that spoke to my soul.