What do you think?
Rate this book
Reality Lesbian
Lucy Marshall can’t believe it when her gay best friend, Henry, tells her that he applied for her to be on a lesbian dating show. First of all, she’s straight. Second of all, she’s straight. (And third of all, she’s straight!) When the show expresses interest in casting Lucy, Henry urges her to shove aside her guilt and misgivings. She needs the vacation. She needs the job connections. No one goes on reality TV to find true love, so what is the harm if she pretends to be gay?
Dr. Zara Winters is the lead on “Will You Marry Me?” She’s dark, brooding and sexy as hell. Their immediate and intense attraction brings out Lucy’s competitive nature, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself. Can Lucy tell Zara the truth? How will Zara react? What about Zara’s connections with the other contestants, who include a gorgeous international model and a hot twenty-three-year-old with whom Zara has obvious physical attraction?
Tune in to your e-reader to find out!
Dr. Zara Winters is the lead on “Will You Marry Me?” She’s dark, brooding and sexy as hell. Their immediate and intense attraction brings out Lucy’s competitive nature, and she questions everything she thought she knew about herself. Can Lucy tell Zara the truth? How will Zara react? What about Zara’s connections with the other contestants, who include a gorgeous international model and a hot twenty-three-year-old with whom Zara has obvious physical attraction?
Tune in to your e-reader to find out!
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
21 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Q. Kelly
47 books74 followersI live in Virginia, where I am a writer and an editor. I also have a master's degree in deaf education. In my free time, I hike and savor frappuccinos.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 18, 2020
There hasn't been a single Q, Kelly book so far that I read but didn't like. I just love her writing style and quirky sense of humour.
As always the couple here had incredible chemistry even with the big secret looming over their heads(also love that it wasn't revealed the cliché way).
As always the couple here had incredible chemistry even with the big secret looming over their heads(also love that it wasn't revealed the cliché way).
February 2, 2018
This is a romance but it's fairly atypical for this genre.
The story is told from two points of view: Zara, the lead on the reality show whom everyone is vying for and, Lucy, one of twenty contestants. Because Zara splits her time equally among the twenty women and she actually shows interest in many of them, we're not exactly getting the typical 1 to 1 love formula.
As books go, though, it was entertaining and the chemistry between Zara and Lucy felt real. Q. Kelly absolutely nailed the behind the scenes making of a reality show, which is interesting in itself, and the story unfolded in such a way that it felt I was actually watching a reality tv series instead of reading a book about one. It also takes some skill to have that many women in a narrative and still have each one be unique with their own dynamics with the main love interest.
The read started off feeling a little clunky (not sure why) but it smoothed out very quickly and kept that for the rest of the narrative. The overall vibe is a cute, fluffy, and entertaining narrative.
For dynamics of the leads, Zara is lesbian while Lucy goes on the show as a closet straight woman pretending to be lesbian. This ends up throwing in some angst about "the lie", questioning one's sexuality, and some prejudice from other characters against bisexual/questioning women comes into play but the author addressed and handled it all well, I think. And, though the chemistry is strong between our two leads, the only sex that exists is fade to black.
Strangely, the gender diversity of the twenty women was good, from ultra-femme to non-binary and everything in between, but the ethnic diversity was, wow, I think it was nil. Darn.
If you want a romance that is less serious but has good chemistry and fun, this is a good choice.
The story is told from two points of view: Zara, the lead on the reality show whom everyone is vying for and, Lucy, one of twenty contestants. Because Zara splits her time equally among the twenty women and she actually shows interest in many of them, we're not exactly getting the typical 1 to 1 love formula.
As books go, though, it was entertaining and the chemistry between Zara and Lucy felt real. Q. Kelly absolutely nailed the behind the scenes making of a reality show, which is interesting in itself, and the story unfolded in such a way that it felt I was actually watching a reality tv series instead of reading a book about one. It also takes some skill to have that many women in a narrative and still have each one be unique with their own dynamics with the main love interest.
The read started off feeling a little clunky (not sure why) but it smoothed out very quickly and kept that for the rest of the narrative. The overall vibe is a cute, fluffy, and entertaining narrative.
For dynamics of the leads, Zara is lesbian while Lucy goes on the show as a closet straight woman pretending to be lesbian. This ends up throwing in some angst about "the lie", questioning one's sexuality, and some prejudice from other characters against bisexual/questioning women comes into play but the author addressed and handled it all well, I think. And, though the chemistry is strong between our two leads, the only sex that exists is fade to black.
Strangely, the gender diversity of the twenty women was good, from ultra-femme to non-binary and everything in between, but the ethnic diversity was, wow, I think it was nil. Darn.
If you want a romance that is less serious but has good chemistry and fun, this is a good choice.
October 28, 2016
This book is very fun indeed... I cannot believe I'm going to say this, but it would've been 5 stars had it had at least one sex scene in it.
November 26, 2018
Enjoyable read!
Great read! I loved everything about the book! Kept me interested from the beginning until the end! Thanks Q. Kelly! 😊💖💖💖
Great read! I loved everything about the book! Kept me interested from the beginning until the end! Thanks Q. Kelly! 😊💖💖💖
January 26, 2018
I'm a big fan of Q Kelly's writing. This book was fun and light and kept my attention until the last page (which has been rare lately).
I think there might be a book 2? I'll read it if there is.
I think there might be a book 2? I'll read it if there is.
November 10, 2021
Oof. 2.5ish stars for me. I wanted this to be goofy and fun and kinda bonkers, like reality tv can be, but unfortunately it is just kinda shallow and boring. I didn’t connect with any of the characters and I didn’t care about the relationship. We just didn’t get to see much genuine interaction. At least for my personal taste. Bummer because the concept is actually fun.
(Also, the biphobia near the ending rlly rubbed me the wrong way. I get being pissed about being lied to, but the way everyone reacted to Lucy figuring herself out in her own time was shitty).
(Also, the biphobia near the ending rlly rubbed me the wrong way. I get being pissed about being lied to, but the way everyone reacted to Lucy figuring herself out in her own time was shitty).
July 23, 2019
OK, OK, don't get all tooty-fruity with me and I won't pretend for a moment this is War and Peace or that this reduced me to tears, but as the summer heat wave hits us poor Brits (32 degrees - how do we survive?) this is the perfect book with an ice cream and an open heart.
August 6, 2018
True love on TV?
How would you feel if you were one of 15 women on a reality TV dating show? Competitive, conniving, considerate, or convincing? For one straight girl, going on a lesbian dating show will show her all these traits & more! But along the way can she fall in love, with the female lead? Read this story & find out! I think you'll enjoy this one, as much as I did!
How would you feel if you were one of 15 women on a reality TV dating show? Competitive, conniving, considerate, or convincing? For one straight girl, going on a lesbian dating show will show her all these traits & more! But along the way can she fall in love, with the female lead? Read this story & find out! I think you'll enjoy this one, as much as I did!
January 4, 2016
This book was really cute. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. I think I'll be checking out others by the author.
August 5, 2024
Love the reality dating show setting of this book.
December 12, 2013
This is an entertaining and addictive romance, and even if you hate Reality TV you'll enjoy seeing here how it's faked and glamourised.
Lucy Marshall, straight, single, out of work, is signed up by a friend to take part in Reality TV show Will You Marry Me?, a dating show where 15 lesbians compete, the winner getting to marry beautiful veterinarian Zara Winters. Lucy is accepted onto the show, excusing her deception on the grounds that Reality TV and reality itself have nothing to do with each other.
There's only really one complaint I have about the story, and that's the whole straight-girl-becomes-lesbian trope which isn't, in my opinion, handled well here.
Despite once having had sex with a woman, once upon a drunken night, Lucy is emphatically straight. 'I like men,' she says. 'Their voices. Their rippled chests. Their big hands.' When she meets Nate Samuels, the show's host, she wishes he were straight. And she has been in love before - although her taste in men is questionable. All in all, Lucy is likely either bi-curious straight or a bisexual in denial of her attraction to women.
And then she falls for Zara, so it looks like Lucy is bisexual after all - and she does consider this possibility, but discards it quickly. Indeed, having discovered she's attracted to women, she realises she isn't attracted to men at all - only to women. No, bisexuality isn't an option, she must be a lesbian. Zara echoes this plot theme: 'I have nothing against bisexuals or bi-curious women. Or fluid women.' But she doesn't want to marry one. Doesn't want to deal with a sexual identity crisis.
I can't help reading this as a very negative statement about bisexual women. The romantic plot would have worked just as well - better - if Lucy were portrayed as a woman coming to terms with her bisexuality. Making her to be lesbian is illogical and unconvincing. The only logical alternative to bisexuality would be fluid sexuality, but it's difficult to end a romance on a note of, 'I will love you forever, provided my orientation doesn't switch back again.'
Lucy Marshall, straight, single, out of work, is signed up by a friend to take part in Reality TV show Will You Marry Me?, a dating show where 15 lesbians compete, the winner getting to marry beautiful veterinarian Zara Winters. Lucy is accepted onto the show, excusing her deception on the grounds that Reality TV and reality itself have nothing to do with each other.
There's only really one complaint I have about the story, and that's the whole straight-girl-becomes-lesbian trope which isn't, in my opinion, handled well here.
Despite once having had sex with a woman, once upon a drunken night, Lucy is emphatically straight. 'I like men,' she says. 'Their voices. Their rippled chests. Their big hands.' When she meets Nate Samuels, the show's host, she wishes he were straight. And she has been in love before - although her taste in men is questionable. All in all, Lucy is likely either bi-curious straight or a bisexual in denial of her attraction to women.
And then she falls for Zara, so it looks like Lucy is bisexual after all - and she does consider this possibility, but discards it quickly. Indeed, having discovered she's attracted to women, she realises she isn't attracted to men at all - only to women. No, bisexuality isn't an option, she must be a lesbian. Zara echoes this plot theme: 'I have nothing against bisexuals or bi-curious women. Or fluid women.' But she doesn't want to marry one. Doesn't want to deal with a sexual identity crisis.
I can't help reading this as a very negative statement about bisexual women. The romantic plot would have worked just as well - better - if Lucy were portrayed as a woman coming to terms with her bisexuality. Making her to be lesbian is illogical and unconvincing. The only logical alternative to bisexuality would be fluid sexuality, but it's difficult to end a romance on a note of, 'I will love you forever, provided my orientation doesn't switch back again.'
December 28, 2018
Creative & Engaging
“You probably want me to say love is pure and radiant. It’s not. It’s messy and terrible and horrible. It warps people. It turns normal people into obsessives. It causes people to question themselves. It makes people lonely. Love makes people scared. That’s what love means to me.”
“That’s what love is. It’s wondrous. It’s the light of your life. It’s supernatural. You can’t touch it, you can’t taste it, you can’t smell it, but you can feel it.” Lucy tapped her forehead. “Here.” She lowered her hand to her heart. “And here.” She moved her arm in an expansive semi-circle. “And everywhere. Love dwells in all of us.”
A unique storyline made this a very entertaining book. Very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters made it an easy read. I recommend this book.
“You probably want me to say love is pure and radiant. It’s not. It’s messy and terrible and horrible. It warps people. It turns normal people into obsessives. It causes people to question themselves. It makes people lonely. Love makes people scared. That’s what love means to me.”
“That’s what love is. It’s wondrous. It’s the light of your life. It’s supernatural. You can’t touch it, you can’t taste it, you can’t smell it, but you can feel it.” Lucy tapped her forehead. “Here.” She lowered her hand to her heart. “And here.” She moved her arm in an expansive semi-circle. “And everywhere. Love dwells in all of us.”
A unique storyline made this a very entertaining book. Very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters made it an easy read. I recommend this book.
December 13, 2016
I have no idea what to rate this book. It was a beautiful train wreck. I loved it. It was terrible. I can't believe someone actually decided to publish it, but I'm delighted they did.
February 2, 2020
I have to say, this was a surprisingly good read!! The book revolves around Lucy, a straight girl, who’s best friend signs her up on a lesbian dating show. There we meet Zara, a hot and compassionate vet. Zara is the lead of what is basically the wonderfully super queer bachelorette we are all missing from our lives. Seriously, I need that show.
Now Zara has to balance her time with Lucy and the other contestants, which was quite interesting to see. It wasn’t at all the usual one-on-one I’m used to seeing in books since Zara was essentially dating twenty girls at the same time. However, the author still managed to capture the chemistry between the mains beautifully, while also keeping it realistic for a setting like that. The other contestants where from all walks in life from an army vet to a literal clown, and did drag many snorts and a few laughs from me. I enjoyed seeing their different personalities, and how different they appeared to Zara and Lucy, as well as the input the producers had on, well essentially everything.
Kelly really had me holding my breath up until the last page with all the twists and turns. When I finished the book I couldn’t help but want more!! More of the characters, more of the ridiculous setting and more of the Kelly’s delightful writing!! Lucy for me there’s two more books in the series, and they’re all available on Scribd
If you haven’t already, you better stop what you’re doing and start reading this one. It’ll bring a smile to your face, I have no doubt.
Final rating: 4,5* rounded up cause you can’t help but be in a good mood after a story like that
Now Zara has to balance her time with Lucy and the other contestants, which was quite interesting to see. It wasn’t at all the usual one-on-one I’m used to seeing in books since Zara was essentially dating twenty girls at the same time. However, the author still managed to capture the chemistry between the mains beautifully, while also keeping it realistic for a setting like that. The other contestants where from all walks in life from an army vet to a literal clown, and did drag many snorts and a few laughs from me. I enjoyed seeing their different personalities, and how different they appeared to Zara and Lucy, as well as the input the producers had on, well essentially everything.
Kelly really had me holding my breath up until the last page with all the twists and turns. When I finished the book I couldn’t help but want more!! More of the characters, more of the ridiculous setting and more of the Kelly’s delightful writing!! Lucy for me there’s two more books in the series, and they’re all available on Scribd
If you haven’t already, you better stop what you’re doing and start reading this one. It’ll bring a smile to your face, I have no doubt.
Final rating: 4,5* rounded up cause you can’t help but be in a good mood after a story like that
July 14, 2022
Witty, unconventional romance!
A journalist, Lucy is laid off from the Washington Post when the newspaper downsizes their entire staff. She's also the straight girl whose roommate signed her up for a "Bachelorette" type reality tv show for lesbian women, but she hasn't been able to find a job so she figures she can network. She doesn't know what hit her when she is instantly drawn to Zara, the lead of the show. Zara is a veterinarian, beautiful, sexy, kind and fun to be around, but Lucy is straight so what gives? How does she tell Zara and her family?
This book was very well written from dual POVs which allowed the reader inside the thoughts of both women. One appears to be full of confidence while the other is struggling with who she is. It also felt very realistic about the way in which reality tv is scripted. Not everything is how it seems. I felt like I was right on the set listening to the director say "cut!" Informative and engaging with very likable characters, this book was quite enjoyable!
A journalist, Lucy is laid off from the Washington Post when the newspaper downsizes their entire staff. She's also the straight girl whose roommate signed her up for a "Bachelorette" type reality tv show for lesbian women, but she hasn't been able to find a job so she figures she can network. She doesn't know what hit her when she is instantly drawn to Zara, the lead of the show. Zara is a veterinarian, beautiful, sexy, kind and fun to be around, but Lucy is straight so what gives? How does she tell Zara and her family?
This book was very well written from dual POVs which allowed the reader inside the thoughts of both women. One appears to be full of confidence while the other is struggling with who she is. It also felt very realistic about the way in which reality tv is scripted. Not everything is how it seems. I felt like I was right on the set listening to the director say "cut!" Informative and engaging with very likable characters, this book was quite enjoyable!
Read
November 15, 2024I can't rate this book.
It was filled with blatant biphobia and lgbt characters who discredited someone's coming out with extremely homophobic claims.
It was very triggering and I didn't see it coming. I enjoyed most of the book, and loved other stories by Q. Kelly, but now I'm not sure I should support it anymore.
It's well written and very interesting but the problematic side is too fundamental and ruined it completely.
Many sapphic romances have the 'coming out later in life' or 'gay for you' tropes. None of the others went the phobia rabbit hole though, or it was called out and dealt with in a way that let the reader know biphobic or homophobic rhetorics are not ok even and more so when pushed by lgbt people.
I really hope it wasn't intentional and if the author will see this review, please think about it. It was very triggering and a terrible experience especially when coming from LGBTQ fiction.
It was filled with blatant biphobia and lgbt characters who discredited someone's coming out with extremely homophobic claims.
It was very triggering and I didn't see it coming. I enjoyed most of the book, and loved other stories by Q. Kelly, but now I'm not sure I should support it anymore.
It's well written and very interesting but the problematic side is too fundamental and ruined it completely.
Many sapphic romances have the 'coming out later in life' or 'gay for you' tropes. None of the others went the phobia rabbit hole though, or it was called out and dealt with in a way that let the reader know biphobic or homophobic rhetorics are not ok even and more so when pushed by lgbt people.
I really hope it wasn't intentional and if the author will see this review, please think about it. It was very triggering and a terrible experience especially when coming from LGBTQ fiction.
July 8, 2022
Sweet Story
I have to admit, I wasn't sure I really wanted to read a story about a straight woman pretending to be gay. But the way Q Kelly told the story pulled me in and held me.
Coming out can be difficult and emotional. Not everyone is as sure about their sexuality as Zara is in the story. Life is not black and white for all of us but a vast array of grays for many of us.
I think the author handled this in a pretty reasonable way. It made sense how much time Zara took to accept certain things, as it was shocking and hurtful. But sometimes when you find "the one", you have to be willing to bend.
I had not read this author before but I look forward to reading more. Well done!
I have to admit, I wasn't sure I really wanted to read a story about a straight woman pretending to be gay. But the way Q Kelly told the story pulled me in and held me.
Coming out can be difficult and emotional. Not everyone is as sure about their sexuality as Zara is in the story. Life is not black and white for all of us but a vast array of grays for many of us.
I think the author handled this in a pretty reasonable way. It made sense how much time Zara took to accept certain things, as it was shocking and hurtful. But sometimes when you find "the one", you have to be willing to bend.
I had not read this author before but I look forward to reading more. Well done!
March 2, 2018
The premise of this book — a straight woman ends up redefining her sexuality after her gay male friend signs her up to participate in a lesbian romantic reality show — seems more than a bit unlikely. Still, if you read it as romantic fluff, it's well-written, and the author does try to show how little reality is involved with so-called reality shows.
October 10, 2017
I'm not even sure the author realizes how biphobic this is. Not to mention racist.
January 29, 2018
Fun story
I can't imagine going on a show like that especially if I wasn't interested in main person but I enjoyed reading about it. The next book should be interesting.
I can't imagine going on a show like that especially if I wasn't interested in main person but I enjoyed reading about it. The next book should be interesting.
April 24, 2018
Good read
I really love this book, became I'm a sucker for true love, can't wait to read the second book in the series.
I really love this book, became I'm a sucker for true love, can't wait to read the second book in the series.
July 25, 2018
For the first time i rated it ... A good book, i like.. is funny and romance.
June 25, 2013
For the sake of disclosure, I was a beta reader for Q. Kelly’s most recent book, Reality Lesbian. I have not read all of her books, but this one is my favorite to date. It is not my habit to give spoilers or tell the story, but merely to give my impression and recommendation.
Reality Lesbian is based on the premise of the popular reality TV shows, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but with a lesbian lead. Q. Kelly managed to develop the various contestants well enough for them to have different voices and personalities complete with the expected amount of infighting and backstabbing. Admittedly I have never watched these TV shows, but given a lesbian lead, I found the book very fun and entertaining.
The lead characters are really what you would want them to be despite the given situation of reality (meaning unreal) on camera orchestrated events. Zara plays the lead on the show, and really hopes that she might find someone among the many contestants. Lucy is straight, and her friend set her up to be in the show. She has her reasons for following through, but it certainly is not because she expects to marry a woman. Toss in a spectrum of beautiful women as femme, butch, and everything in between. Zara has her work cut out for her to narrow the field, and the women become more competitive as time progresses. Of course the producers are there to mix things up a bit as well.
There are plenty of entertaining twists and turns in Reality Lesbian, and the personalities lend themselves to great humor and drama. Q. Kelly delivers on this one, and I highly recommend it as a fun summer read. Let the games begin.
Reality Lesbian is based on the premise of the popular reality TV shows, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, but with a lesbian lead. Q. Kelly managed to develop the various contestants well enough for them to have different voices and personalities complete with the expected amount of infighting and backstabbing. Admittedly I have never watched these TV shows, but given a lesbian lead, I found the book very fun and entertaining.
The lead characters are really what you would want them to be despite the given situation of reality (meaning unreal) on camera orchestrated events. Zara plays the lead on the show, and really hopes that she might find someone among the many contestants. Lucy is straight, and her friend set her up to be in the show. She has her reasons for following through, but it certainly is not because she expects to marry a woman. Toss in a spectrum of beautiful women as femme, butch, and everything in between. Zara has her work cut out for her to narrow the field, and the women become more competitive as time progresses. Of course the producers are there to mix things up a bit as well.
There are plenty of entertaining twists and turns in Reality Lesbian, and the personalities lend themselves to great humor and drama. Q. Kelly delivers on this one, and I highly recommend it as a fun summer read. Let the games begin.
November 13, 2019
I found this book via the “Popular Fade to Black Sex” book shelf, trying to find a romance with passion, but without the usual, predictable, repetitive and boring explicit sex.
The only sex taking place is each time implied via maybe a single sentence, and I suppose the only stuff that is really described is intense kissing between Zara, the lead on the “Will You Marry Me?” show, and some of the twenty beautiful contestants.
The novel really delivers on passion and romance. Will I read it again? Probably not, I must confess it was a bit too hot for my taste.
Update: I did read it again, but this time, I was somewhat less enthusiastic. The passion was great, but I could have done without all the stuff about proposing at the end.
The only sex taking place is each time implied via maybe a single sentence, and I suppose the only stuff that is really described is intense kissing between Zara, the lead on the “Will You Marry Me?” show, and some of the twenty beautiful contestants.
The novel really delivers on passion and romance. Will I read it again? Probably not, I must confess it was a bit too hot for my taste.
Update: I did read it again, but this time, I was somewhat less enthusiastic. The passion was great, but I could have done without all the stuff about proposing at the end.
June 22, 2013
Never been on a reality show and won't ever be. . . .but Q. Kelly has taken a seemingly improbable plot and infused it with very realistic elements. The doubts experienced by both main characters give weight to the storyline. As a L.I.L lesbian myself, I can relate to the responses as described in the story and I felt drawn into the drama, finishing the story in one sitting. A great tale, a fun romance and super summer read!
June 27, 2016
2.5 stars
I'm sorry to those who truly enjoyed this book, but the whole thing felt contrived. The whole reality dating is already contrived, but I felt that with Lucy and Zara as well. Or maybe it just didn't feel real. I felt like they were just starting to get to know each other and then... BAM! Ending. I probably won't read the 2nd book. However, I did appreciate the author's writing style. It was easy to read.
I'm sorry to those who truly enjoyed this book, but the whole thing felt contrived. The whole reality dating is already contrived, but I felt that with Lucy and Zara as well. Or maybe it just didn't feel real. I felt like they were just starting to get to know each other and then... BAM! Ending. I probably won't read the 2nd book. However, I did appreciate the author's writing style. It was easy to read.
September 22, 2016
I like this book, for the most part, but I had a hard time connecting with Lucy and getting a feel of her. Maybe the issue could have been solved with more internal dialogue. idk. But it seemed like Lucy's thoughts where either "i have to leave i'm straight" or "i like zara and want to be with her" and there was just... very sudden jerks between the two.
February 27, 2019
Best book i ever read. If Q.kelly has more books i would definitely read them.
September 17, 2015
Exactly what the title describes: reality show with lesbians. Perfect.
October 8, 2017
Although the ending was obvious from the very beginning, I was surprised at how it was reached. Also provided an interesting insight into the world of reality television. My only concerns were that there was a lack of sexual tension and suspense; once you reached a certain point in the book, you could guess what would happen next. An amusing story, but light reading. Not enough complexity to the plot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews