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The Westmorelands #28

The Real Thing

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What happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? Find out in this Westmoreland novel from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson!

No red-blooded man turns down the chance to escort gorgeous Trinity Matthews—and Adrian Westmoreland is definitely red-blooded. For her, he'll pretend to be her man. But keeping his hands to himself? That is impossible. A Westmoreland always keeps his word, but how long before Adrian turns this fake affair into something real?

192 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

157 people are currently reading
1168 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Jackson

894 books3,580 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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5 stars
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357 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,824 reviews1,500 followers
February 15, 2014

Length: 192 pages
Style: African American Romance
Story: FAIRLY GOOD
Intimacy: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Series: Westmoreland (book #28)



So many Westmoreland men to choose from, however, my absolute favorite is still Thorn, had to throw that in. You have to admit, Brenda Jackson knows how to connect her characters, and although it seems repetitive, it never gets old. The concept of this story had a simplicity to it. It seems so simple, nothing that wowed me, but I still enjoyed the story and the coming together of both Trinity and Adrian.

Adrian was a package to unwrap. He was sexy in every way, caring and about family. He came to Trinity's rescue, from a co worker at work who doesn't understand the word, no. Their plan, pretend to be in a relationship in hopes that this co worker would stand down. But somewhere along this pretend relationship, everything became real, thus Trinity and Adrian's steamy affair. Trinity's character was ok, spicy when she needs to be, but ok. Her interactions with Adrian made her likeable and they both had a good chemistry. I enjoyed most of the scenes, but the ending, I think it could have been more.

This series has come a long way and I'm glad to see it still standing. If you've read the Westmoreland series on the Harlequin Desire line, then you know what to expect. I do have to admit though, that the first set of Westmoreland men, there was an intensity about those brothers that can never be replaced or duplicated, nor do I think that is what the author is trying to do.

Overall, a nice quick read, that is likeable and also at times will bring a smile to your face.

RNJ
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Profile Image for Arlena.
3,478 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2016
Title: The Real Thing
Author: Brenda Jackson
Publisher: Harlequin
Series: The Westmorelands # 28
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"The Real Thing" by Brenda Jackson was another one of this author great Westmoreland's series. It is simply amazing how this author is able to connect her characters so well with the said story. This series has come along so very well and it still giving the readers a splendid read. In this series we find that it of Adrian Westmoreland and Trinity Matthews. What will happen when Adrian pretends to be Trinity's man. Now to get it all you must pick up the author's "The Real Thing" to see just what this pretending will produce for this couple. Be ready for a read of romance and a sexual harassment case that will turn .....well you will simply have to read it for yourself.

I found this series a very enjoyable as well as entertaining that once you start reading you will have a hard time putting it down until the end. Now for us who love this author's series we will be waiting for her next series which involves Adrian's twin brother, Aiden. Would I recommend "The Real Thing?" YES!
Profile Image for Shauni.
1,061 reviews27 followers
February 21, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

I have been following Brenda Jackson for just the past few Westmoreland books.. but let me tell you these books are one sweet deal. I really enjoy the Westmoreland family, their commitment to each other is what a family should be. Sure this is the world of romance but I like to think real families could be this way as well.

The Real Thing is book 34 in this series and honestly, I am hoping for more. Each book has romance and family but it also highlights how things can keep a couple apart. These books are pure romance. There is no mystery or suspense, no things that go bump in the night (well except for said heroes and heroines) and no aliens from another planet/dimension. Just modern day men and women with modern day issues.

Trinity Matthews has a bit of a sexual harassment problem at the hospital where she is working and no one is taking her seriously. Consequently she told the Doctor who is bothering her she is already involved with someone else. He doubted her.. When asking her sister for advice, Tara recommended that Trinity go to one of the many Westmoreland family members who live in the Denver area and ask that he become her pretend boyfriend.. just until Dr sleazeball takes the hint. Only sparks start flying and they don't stay pretend for long.

Love em and Leave em Adrian Westmoreland has no problems "pretending" to be Trinity's boyfriend. She is family after all (her sister married his cousin) but he had no idea that the attraction he had for her would turn into something else. The more time he spends with her the more he wants her.. Aside from protecting her from Dr Sleaze.. he wants to just spend time with her. Before he realizes it this pretend relationship becomes the Real Thing.

Both of these two are from loving families that believe in forever and yet both of them insist they want a no strings relationship.. *roles eyes* They really believe this. As the relationship develops we, see the handwriting on the wall well before either of these two characters do. But see it we do and then we get to sit back and enjoy the ride. I really enjoy how Ms Jackson turns everyday issues into romance. How she handled a serious situation (sexual harassment) and made sure to point out that someone had to take a stand.. Always..

You don't have to start at book one to enjoy this series.. I didn't (shh do not tell Carmen and Lisa and Jules). Each book tells it's own story but I will admit, I want to know about all the rest of that crazy clan.

Next up Adrian's twin brother Aidan coming this fall.

Shauni

This review is based on the ARC of The Real Thing, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2014
Profile Image for Sheri.
390 reviews74 followers
February 2, 2014
What happens when a pretend boyfriend wants more than make-believe? You get a fun, sexy story that keeps you hanging on until the last word.

This book was a pleasant surprise. I admit it; part of what drew me to this book was the cover. I mean, come on…just look at him. Throw on the cowboy hat, and I never stood a chance. And, while the pretend boyfriend thing that is going on here is not a new story, the author did an excellent job of individualizing this story and making it her own.

The characters, in my opinion, are what make or break a book. In this instance, I loved all of them. Trinity is goal-oriented woman who works hard for what she wants. She is not intimidated easily and doesn't back down when she knows she is right. Adrian is a successful, and incredibly sexy, businessman. He is a strong character, confident but not cocky, and he is more than willing to help out a family friend when the need arises. The chemistry between the two of them was undeniable, and their relationship sizzling. However, along with the romance, there was more to this story, which is the other reason I enjoyed it so much. I love a good romance, but throw in some drama, tension, and heartbreak, and I'm completely hooked.

This was my first Brenda Jackson book, and I will definitely be reading more. I loved that I could pick up this book, which was in the middle of a series, and not feel left out of anything. However, now that I know there is background to everyone I met in this book, I am going to go back and read their stories as well. The characters were all interesting, and brought to life through the author's words. The writing was clean and charming and makes for a lively, engaging story.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
26 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2014
When does pretend move to “The Real Thing”? It’s complicated and becomes like “blurred lines” and that’s what was going on in this new sensual story by Brenda Jackson. Adrian decided to help Trinity with a complicated situation at work by pretending to be an item to ward off unwanted advances from her superior. However, somewhere along the way things got blurry as to what they were really doing. Who’s supposed to be fooling who and who is the villain, the aggressor, the pretender and who and what is actually REAL?

Mrs. Jackson webs a great storyline in this passionate and dysfunctional tale. If you know anything about the Westmoreland men, they are handsome, protectors with strong family values. They defend and safeguard their women, family and friends and obliterate their foes. You have to read this story to understand when you mess with a Westmoreland it's repercussion to pay.

I really love the interaction between Trinity and Adrian they were very believable in the unusual situation they were involved in. The sexual tension between the two was hot and steamy. They had great chemistry that became this charming flirtation whenever they were together. This was a fun and sexy read.
Profile Image for Victoria Coleman.
10 reviews14 followers
July 29, 2016
The Real Thing

Westmorelands are known to do anything for family. So, when Tara Matthews-Westmoreland recruits Adrian Westmoreland to help her little sister Trinity deal with a creepy superior at work it sounds like the perfect plan. Pretend to be a couple so that Dr. Belvedere can catch the hint and leave her alone. What Adrian and Trinity don't count on are the very real feelings that arise while fake dating. Could this be the real thing for both of them?

I truly fell in love with Adrian and Trinity as a couple but more importantly as individuals. Adrian's chivalry and protectiveness was a great compliment to Trinity's sweet and determined spirit. As always, I enjoyed catching up with the rest of the Westmoreland family and look forward to reading about Aidan and Jillian's story next.
Profile Image for Natalia Reeder.
6 reviews
February 13, 2014
4 1/2 stars Get Ready!

If you weren't in the mood for Valentine's and love this story will jump start the cupid in you! We all love a strong woman, smart, pretty and goal oriented (like our selves). A tall, handsome man to save the day...not because we need him but because we want him, oooh yeah! This story is fun, family driven, intense and smokingly sexy hot. Adrian and Trinity are an amazing couple, not really looking for love but life is what happens while you are planning. This story wraps you in romance while reiterating it is always best to do the right thing, not go along to get along. Happy reading :-)
Profile Image for Tanya Mayes.
710 reviews23 followers
March 4, 2014
Loved it!!! A must read book. Adrian and Trinity make a great couple. I love Adrian he might be a little arrogant but he can back up what he says. I like the storyline it made for a great read. I love that Adrian had to take it there just a reminder that he don't play, he still a bad boy. I like that Trinity stood her ground with the sexual harassment. This made for a strong heroine which I liked. I also love the Twin Thing with Adrian and Aiden. It was too cool and fun. Looking forward to Aiden and Jillian's story September is to far away.
Profile Image for Whit.
3,626 reviews51 followers
July 31, 2019
Usually when a young woman asks a friend to pretend to be her boyfriend, its to keep her family out of her business or some sort of revenge. This time it was for the purpose of stopping sexual harassment by a colleague. I felt so sorry for Trinity but Adrian Westmoreland knew exactly how to handle the sleazy creep! As usual, it was so much fun to catch up with the other Westmoreland cousins.
Profile Image for Michelle.
254 reviews4 followers
November 18, 2024
This one veered away from reality more than the others with an obsessed doctor that won’t take no for an answer as well as the familiar trope of just keeping it physical. I was glad when the author left one or two sexual romps to the imagination because when you do such a detailed and thorough job explaining once or twice, more details is overkill. I'm still a fan no matter what because I enjoy the escape.
Profile Image for KBeautiful1.
690 reviews67 followers
July 25, 2014
The one thing I know is that a story written by Author Brenda Jackson will always leave you breathless, ecstatic, excited and believing that man really exists.

The Westmorelands, those wonderful, gorgeous, loving and sexy men are back with another story. You can never get enough of them, this time it's Adrian's story and Trinity (she is the sister of Tara who is married to Thorn Westmoreland). Trinity Matthews is a doctor like her dad and siblings, she is doing her residency in Denver. Unfortunately for the past couple of months she has been sexually harassed by another doctor and because his family has money, nothing is being done about it. A plan has been hatched for Adrian to pretend to be Trinity's beau to get rid of the doctor which only seems to caused the demon to rev up his nonsense even more.

Through the act of playing pretend lovers, they cross over the line one evening and as they say, once you open that door it is not so easy to shut. And man oh man do things heat up "Westmoreland Style" the kind of loving that makes you know that you are truly being made love to by a real man. The Westmoreland man will always honor and take care of his woman and that is what Adrian does but they both believe it is still only pretending on their parts. But once the enemy crosses a line that he should have never crossed, The wrath of a Westmoreland is something even the devil himself does not ever want to face.

Of course where there is one Westmoreland you will see others, as you know they stick together, if you mess with one then you must take on them all. It was good seeing them all together and you get a nice surprise from one particular Westmoreland that hasn't been seen since Dillon's story which was the first of the Denver Westmoreland introduction.

Adrian Westmoreland story was redemption for him because he was part of the terrible 4. They were the youngest when their parents died and Dillon and Ramsey took on the responsibility of raising the Denver Westmoreland clan and fighting that government when they tried to take away Adrian, Aidan, Bailey and Bane. And although everyone is grown and have made remarkable lives for themselves, they always want to show Dillon and Ramsey that their efforts were not in vain with the four of them.

Trinity Matthews never faced those kind of challenges growing up being the youngest and all she ever wanted to be was a doctor. Although their young lives were so different they were still the same. These two coming together will not be easy and can their different ideologies about career life and relationship life be a blessing or will it be a curse? You will have to read their story and find out.

September 2014 will be Adrian's twin brother Aidan's story "The Secret Affair" and I can't wait for his story too.

Until My Next Review Ciao Bellas!
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews634 followers
January 2, 2014
Resenha em português e inglês.

blog: http://bookwhorebr.blogspot.com.br/20...

Cópia recebida do NetGalley para resenha.

Eu gosto muito desta autora e acompanho esta série desde o primeiro livro. Infelizmente nem todos foram publicados no Brasil.
As histórias contam a vida da família Westmoreland e os personagens são todos muito fortes e interessantes.
Aqui nós conhecemos Adrian Westmoreland e Trinity Matthews.
Trinity está enfrentando uma série de problemas no trabalho. Ela está concluindo a residência médica e um dos cirurgiões está assediando sexualmente ela e atrapalhando o trabalho dela.
A irmã dela é a Tara que nós conhecemos no livro Thorn's Challenge (The Westmorelands 3). Tara sugere que ela arranje um namorado falso para tentar conter os avanços do cirurgião.
Aí entra Adrian, ele é um dos poucos solteiros da família Westmoreland que restam e aceita ajudar a Trinity.
É bem legal acompanhar o relacionamento deles passando de falso para algo mais.
A maneira que eles enfrentam o assédio sexual também é ótimo e mais uma vez o apoio da família Westmoreland se fez presente.
A história é bem legal e as cenas de sexo são muito quentes.
Fiquei curiosa em conhecer a história do irmão do Adrian!
Recomendo a leitura!

---------------------------------

Review in Portuguese and English.

Copy received from NetGalley to review.

I really like this author and I follow this series since the first book. Unfortunately not all of them were published in Brazil.
The stories tell the Westmoreland family life and the characters are all very strong and interesting.
Here we met Adrian Westmoreland and Trinity Matthews.
Trinity is facing a series of problems at work. She is completing a medical residency and one of the surgeons is sexually harassing her and interrupting her work.
Her sister is Tara who we met at the book Thorns Challenge (The Westmorelands 3). Tara suggests that she get a fake boyfriend to try and contain the advances of the surgeon.
Enter Adrian, he is one of the few singles Westmoreland family left and accepts help Trinity.
It's kind of cool accompanied their relationship from false to something more.
The way they face sexual harassment is also great and once again the support of the Westmoreland family was present.
The story is pretty cool and the sex scenes are very hot.
I was curious to know the history of Adrian's brother!
I recommend reading!
Profile Image for DivasoftheSerengeti_Lioness.
568 reviews
February 27, 2014
Another Westmoreland bites the dust (in a good way). This is the story of Adrian Westmoreland and Trinity Matthews (Tara’s sister from ‘Thorn’s Challenge’). Adrian and Trinity start off agreeing to a fake relationship due to the the harassment she is receiving from one of her co-workers. Of course, typical Westmoreland style, the men take on the initial role of the protector but it turns into love. On a side note, we see a little of Bane Westmoreland in this book (YES).

This book is awesome. The story is very well written with a great plot, well developed characters that are easy to fall in love with and an amazing flow from beginning to end. It is definitely a captivating read examining protection, love, family dynamics and the destructiveness of harassment. This read is well worth it. I of course became wrapped up in another Westmoreland tale and look forward to reading much more. We highly recommend this book, it is a 5 star plus read.

Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,807 followers
Read
January 12, 2016
Miniseries: The Westmorelands

"This book is awesome. The story is very well written with a great plot, well developed characters that are easy to fall in love with and an amazing flow from beginning to end. It is definitely a captivating read examining protection, love, family dynamics and the destructiveness of harassment. This read is well worth it. I of course became wrapped up in another Westmoreland tale and look forward to reading much more. We highly recommend this book, it is a 5 star plus read." from a review by an Harlequin.com member. To read more reviews, go HERE>
Profile Image for Toni.
710 reviews
March 7, 2014
I love those Westmoreland men! What starts out as a pretend affair between Adrian Westmoreland and Trinity Matthews (Thorn's sister in law) turns into the real thing. Trinity is doing her residency at a hospital in Denver where she's being sexually harassed by a surgeon there. Her sister Tara (Thorn's wife) has an idea for Adrian to pretend to be her lover. It doesn't seem to stop the surgeon and the pretend affair becomes a real affair.

In the end Trinity has to decide whether she wants to transfer her residency and leave the man she has fallen in love with; or stand up to the man harassing her, and possibly others.
Profile Image for Monica .
64 reviews6 followers
March 3, 2014
This was indeed a great read, I didn't expect anything less from Brenda Jackson.... It was a joy to get up close and personal with one of the younger Westmoreland's and I truly enjoyed Adrian and Trinity's characters and the layout of this story line, the sexual chemistry between them was fire. I also LOVED seeing Bane walk into the pages of this story, although brief it let me know that his story is not too far away. This was a page turner I could not put it down, last night until the end of the story. Another great job!!
Profile Image for Shone.
1,334 reviews29 followers
March 2, 2014
WOW. WOW, and WOW. Another Westmoreland man bites the dust. Adrian is a goner the minutes he takes on the task of helping Trinity Matthews to rid herself of unwanted suitors. Trinity's goal is to become the best doctor she can,return to her roots giving back to the community. Fighting with his self Adrian vow to let Trinity go praying she will come back to him.













Profile Image for Brenda.
369 reviews
December 18, 2014
Another great read!"The Real Thing" is just what the title says. Adrian Westmoreland is THE REAL THING! This book was captivating from page one.Full of sparkling chemistry and great romance.I just love me a Westmoreland! Can't wait for Aidan's story. Mrs. Jackson, you've done it again!!
Profile Image for Leslie.
504 reviews16 followers
July 9, 2016
Loved that not only did Trinity take care of the problems at work, she realized she had found true love! And she didn't want to let it go! Love Brenda's writing! Doesn't get old or nor am I ever feeling like I need to skip a couple paragraphs or pages!
Profile Image for Glenda.
52 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2014
Another great Westmoreland romance!
3 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2014
Love the Westmoreland



I love the Westmorelands. I love every story line for this family. If you love Brenda Jackson books...you will love this one too.
.


Profile Image for Nene.
1,782 reviews25 followers
March 6, 2014
I just love the Westmoreland men. Can't wait for the next story. Loved it
Profile Image for Tracy.
130 reviews11 followers
March 10, 2014
Another fantastic Westmoreland story. Adrain and Trinity were amazing. Fantastic job Ms Brenda.
Profile Image for Dirdre.
26 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2014
So good I'm reading it again!!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,167 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2022
Book 28! In the series. It’s a Harlequin Desire. Adrian, has a twin brother named Aidan and they can feel each other’s feelings. There are 100’s of Westmorelands. Trinity, a pediatric resident, is being sexually harassed by another doctor. She knows Adrian through her sister (married to another Westmoreland cousin?). The book starts off right away with Trinity & Adrian at dinner talking about a plan to fake date, or “fake lovers”, hoping that will get scum bag doctor to leave her alone.

Of course, they are attracted to each other and pretty quickly start sleeping together. I don’t like Adrian here. Trinity is being sexually harassed, but Adrian comes on so strong and even when she says she’s not interested, Adrian assumes it’s inevitable. In one scene he’s done a nice, but strong arm move, by taking her to his house to sleep undisturbed after working 10 days. But when she asks to be driven to her car, he says no, it’s too late. She says she’ll get an Uber, he says no again. It’s a bully dick move that if she wasn’t attracted to him, would be harassment too.

They do wrap things up right with scum bag doctor and set up for book 29.
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews8 followers
May 19, 2023
The Real Thing. A great read. Trinity Matthews is Thorn's sister-in-law and is in need of help. Her sister Tara asked Thorn if one of his cousins would help Trinity in Denver to keep her safe. One of Trinity's coworkers is harassing her at the hospital and she is tire of it. Adrian accepts the job. He decides to be her fake boyfriend and try to get Dr. Casey Belvedere off of Trinity. Adrian comes up with some ideas to prevent the doctor from bothering Trinity. Belvedere doesn't take the bait and continues to harass her until Adrian took over with his brothers helping in the background. Belvedere threaten to take funding from the hospital but found out that wouldn't work because the Westmoreland family has money as well and can step in and destroy the Belvedere's plan. He also came into trouble when other women came and accused him of harassment to them as well. So life changed for the doctor in a bad way, but changed for Adrian and Trinity in a good way because they found they were falling in love with each other. A great read!
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