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The Brighton Family #4
Real Thing
I got cold feet and I ran, jilting America’s favorite bachelor at the altar. On national television.
No worries. Grumpy Nolan Brighton, to the rescue.
One middle-of-the-night phone call was all it took.
In my lowest moment, my grumpy boss pulled up in the getaway car, whisking me and my poofy wedding dress away from the train station. No questions asked.
He offered me a safe couch to crash on, a broad shoulder to lean on, a perfect pair of lips to dream about.
Now here I am, living under his roof. Working at his bar. Fitting seamlessly into the life he’s built for himself and his adorable daughter.
If I didn’t know better, I’d almost think this hot mess was romantic.
But I do know better.
The divorced single dad is all the things I know I shouldn’t want.
He’s way too serious. Way too grumpy. Way too handsome for his own good.
He says he’s overwhelmed from raising his daughter and running his bar on his own. He says there’s no space in his life for a relationship.
Meanwhile, I’m actively searching for love.
After the epic mistakes I’ve made, I want the real thing this time.
I want the ring, the babies, the fairytale.
I want my Prince Charming, dammit.
And Nolan is the last man who’d ever apply for the job.
So what happens when his house starts to feel like my home?
When I start to love his daughter like my own?
Against my better judgment, I’m falling more and more in love with this simple, little life every day. But I really can’t afford to get my heart broken again.
Giving Nolan my body would be a dumb move.
Giving him my heart would be an even bigger mistake.
But before I even realize what’s happening, I’m doing exactly that.
Real Thing is a steamy, laugh-out-loud, small town, single dad romance. It is set in small town Iowa and is book four in the Brighton Family series.
No worries. Grumpy Nolan Brighton, to the rescue.
One middle-of-the-night phone call was all it took.
In my lowest moment, my grumpy boss pulled up in the getaway car, whisking me and my poofy wedding dress away from the train station. No questions asked.
He offered me a safe couch to crash on, a broad shoulder to lean on, a perfect pair of lips to dream about.
Now here I am, living under his roof. Working at his bar. Fitting seamlessly into the life he’s built for himself and his adorable daughter.
If I didn’t know better, I’d almost think this hot mess was romantic.
But I do know better.
The divorced single dad is all the things I know I shouldn’t want.
He’s way too serious. Way too grumpy. Way too handsome for his own good.
He says he’s overwhelmed from raising his daughter and running his bar on his own. He says there’s no space in his life for a relationship.
Meanwhile, I’m actively searching for love.
After the epic mistakes I’ve made, I want the real thing this time.
I want the ring, the babies, the fairytale.
I want my Prince Charming, dammit.
And Nolan is the last man who’d ever apply for the job.
So what happens when his house starts to feel like my home?
When I start to love his daughter like my own?
Against my better judgment, I’m falling more and more in love with this simple, little life every day. But I really can’t afford to get my heart broken again.
Giving Nolan my body would be a dumb move.
Giving him my heart would be an even bigger mistake.
But before I even realize what’s happening, I’m doing exactly that.
Real Thing is a steamy, laugh-out-loud, small town, single dad romance. It is set in small town Iowa and is book four in the Brighton Family series.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2024
762 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 1, 2024
Nolan misses Inez who was his friend and his employee for six years who left to go on a reality show America Favorite Bachelor. He realizes that he is a mess without her, and she is going to marry the jerky bachelor. The night of her wedding he’s working at his bar when he gets a phone call it’s Inez at the train station and needs a ride. Nolan picks her up and brings her to his home to relax after her being a runaway bride. Nolan says she can stay and gives her old job. When she can’t find a place to live Nolan says she can stay until she gets herself back on track. The chemistry and attraction between them is heating up and they are both afraid to fall. Can they be together? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book I absolutely love Nolan and Inez and their dynamic and character development. Great supporting characters. This book has found family, sarcastic humor, and the spice is so good. I love this book and series so much
July 1, 2024
4.75🌟
I loved every pieces of this book. Single Dad, runaway bride.
Tension was there, love was there, swoon worthy!!!!!!
I might have not noticed it if Nolan had addressed it or not but something bugging at the back of my throat was when the ex wife, Lilian came into his bathroom hoping for some sexy time. I was hoping of him to be truthful and confess (even when nothing happened, because nothing happened)!
I got frustrated towards the end of the book, wished it wasn’t a few chapters of them unnecessarily beating around the bush just because they are miles apart. Inez’s insecurity towards the ex wife was not needed when she knew every bits of Nolan’s life and the kind of person Nolan was. Sis, you stood up for them in public!! Why are u so afraid for?
The character growth for Nolan was 💯! He knew he had a chance, bottled it up in the beginning, push and pull and the tension between Inez was Nolan was *chefs kiss*. I wanted to pull his hair when has his own inner battles with himself but the change i saw, from him slowly taking care of his own life, changed his lifestyle for the better, the whole buying a car thing was so sweet. Behind every grump, there’s a garden in their heart.
Still think the last couple of chapters was not needed though. But i read this in one sitting for 3 hours straight and i was not distracted once, so that’s a plus point for someone with ADHD like me!
I loved every pieces of this book. Single Dad, runaway bride.
Tension was there, love was there, swoon worthy!!!!!!
I might have not noticed it if Nolan had addressed it or not but something bugging at the back of my throat was when the ex wife, Lilian came into his bathroom hoping for some sexy time. I was hoping of him to be truthful and confess (even when nothing happened, because nothing happened)!
I got frustrated towards the end of the book, wished it wasn’t a few chapters of them unnecessarily beating around the bush just because they are miles apart. Inez’s insecurity towards the ex wife was not needed when she knew every bits of Nolan’s life and the kind of person Nolan was. Sis, you stood up for them in public!! Why are u so afraid for?
The character growth for Nolan was 💯! He knew he had a chance, bottled it up in the beginning, push and pull and the tension between Inez was Nolan was *chefs kiss*. I wanted to pull his hair when has his own inner battles with himself but the change i saw, from him slowly taking care of his own life, changed his lifestyle for the better, the whole buying a car thing was so sweet. Behind every grump, there’s a garden in their heart.
Still think the last couple of chapters was not needed though. But i read this in one sitting for 3 hours straight and i was not distracted once, so that’s a plus point for someone with ADHD like me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2024
✨️Street Team Review✨️
4.75/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶
*Real Thing is book 4 in The Brighton Family series and is an interconnected standlone. While not necessary to read books 1-3, characters/history may make more sense*
Inez leaves her small town of Starlight Falls, Iowa for a reality TV show looking for love and her prince charming. When it comes time for the wedding, she runs back to Starlight Falls and calls Nolan, her grumpy, single dad boss from her old job. She knows she shouldn't fall for her boss who can't give her the commitment she wants but as she's working for him, living with him and taking care of his daughter, she's fitting into his life perfectly. While Nolan thinks he's not good enough for Inez and only wants to focus on his daughter, he also knows he can't see her walk away again.
Every time a book in this series releases, I get a new favorite MMC. Nolan is a lot different from the MMCs in the previous books. He's very serious and grumpy, but he has his reasons why. Inez is perfect for him and Stella in so many ways. Once they're able to communicate that to each other and stop holding back, everything falls into place, even if they still have some bumps to work through. Inez finally gets the family & love she deserves and has been searching for. She's such a great female role model to others in the book! I love the tight knit group of friends/family in this series and can't wait for the next 2 books for the final 2 single brothers!
Tropes:
✔️ Small Town Romance
✔️ Coworkers to Lovers
✔️ Grumpy Single Dad
✔️ Roomates
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Runaway Bride
✔️ He Falls Hard
July 8, 2024
🤎 What to Expect 🤎:
✨Single dad
✨Runaway bride
✨Workplace romance
✨Roommates
✨Bartenders
✨Small town
✨Mutual pining
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thoughts 💭:
THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING GOOD!! I’ve been waiting for this book to release so desperately and couldn’t wait to start reading ASAP!
Real Things is the fourth book in the interconnected standalone series. So each book could be read as standalone without needing to read previous books in series.
This book had EVERYTHING I needed: Small town romance, Grumpy single dad, Runaway bride, He falls first and HARDER…!!! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I must say I’m quite impressed by her writing style. It felts very easy, faced paced and super entertaining!
Nolan and Inez were both great couples and characters and bought so much this story. Inez is a runaway bride. She’s running from America’s best bachelor and that’s how Inez meets her ex (Nolan) who rescued her and gave her a place in his house.
Nolan who a total mess when he finds out that Inez was getting married and I loved watching him grow throughout the story. His character development was so good and I was so happy for him to finally take control of his life!
The chemistry, the tension between them was chef’s kisses! I was rooting for them from the very beginning of this book and couldn’t get enough of them! I loved them as a couple as well as an individual characters!
Overall, it’s was really good book!! Each character was very interesting and well written. I’d definitely recommend people to read this book!
✨Single dad
✨Runaway bride
✨Workplace romance
✨Roommates
✨Bartenders
✨Small town
✨Mutual pining
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Thoughts 💭:
THIS BOOK WAS SO FREAKING GOOD!! I’ve been waiting for this book to release so desperately and couldn’t wait to start reading ASAP!
Real Things is the fourth book in the interconnected standalone series. So each book could be read as standalone without needing to read previous books in series.
This book had EVERYTHING I needed: Small town romance, Grumpy single dad, Runaway bride, He falls first and HARDER…!!! This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I must say I’m quite impressed by her writing style. It felts very easy, faced paced and super entertaining!
Nolan and Inez were both great couples and characters and bought so much this story. Inez is a runaway bride. She’s running from America’s best bachelor and that’s how Inez meets her ex (Nolan) who rescued her and gave her a place in his house.
Nolan who a total mess when he finds out that Inez was getting married and I loved watching him grow throughout the story. His character development was so good and I was so happy for him to finally take control of his life!
The chemistry, the tension between them was chef’s kisses! I was rooting for them from the very beginning of this book and couldn’t get enough of them! I loved them as a couple as well as an individual characters!
Overall, it’s was really good book!! Each character was very interesting and well written. I’d definitely recommend people to read this book!
September 11, 2025
I am so glad to see how Nolan finally pulled his head out of his ass and got the girl. My biggest issue, though, is that he barely learned anything when he almost lost her. It was clear they bith wanted different things, and yet it just felt like they ended up together without addressing it.
Don't get me wrong, I did love seeing their story, but both of them just needed to speak up slightly more and either give some sort of indication to the other about what they are wanting, and they could have avoided years of not being together.
Nolan didn't want to get involved with anyone because his time and energy was supposedly to be used for his business and daughter. He ultimately didn't follow this plan, and ended up with Inez. Inez just wanted someone to fight for her, which she also didn't get. Nolan finally actually let her know that he wanted her, but that was barely fighting for her. It was him finally communicating that he wanted her.
I suppose being willing to do a long distance relationship could be construed as fighting for her?
I will keep reading through this series to finish it out. I want to see how the others end up.
Don't get me wrong, I did love seeing their story, but both of them just needed to speak up slightly more and either give some sort of indication to the other about what they are wanting, and they could have avoided years of not being together.
Nolan didn't want to get involved with anyone because his time and energy was supposedly to be used for his business and daughter. He ultimately didn't follow this plan, and ended up with Inez. Inez just wanted someone to fight for her, which she also didn't get. Nolan finally actually let her know that he wanted her, but that was barely fighting for her. It was him finally communicating that he wanted her.
I suppose being willing to do a long distance relationship could be construed as fighting for her?
I will keep reading through this series to finish it out. I want to see how the others end up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
I freaking loved Nolan and Inez’s story. All Inez has ever wanted was someone to love her and take care of her and want her for her and she took off to Hollywood to find love, only to recognize at the eleventh hour he wasn’t the man or the life she wanted. Now a runaway bride calls the only man she’s ever crushed on to pick her up. Nolan has watched Inez on the reality show to find love knowing he let her walk out of his life because he was too scared to speak up. He keeps his feelings close and focuses on Stella, his sweet girl. These two have so many insecurities about relationships and stuff from their pasts they keep letting get in the way of something amazing. Will these two get out of their own way and come together to be the family Nolan and Inez want and need or will they keep coming up with excuses as to why it will never work? Such a great read and I can't wait for the next brother to find his happily ever after
July 6, 2024
This sneaks in as a 3 star. Overall I like the story but it’s about 50 pages too long. IMO, fast romance books shouldn’t be longer than 350ish pages. Anything longer than that and you’re just dragging on the story for no reason. Also, I’m so tired of long-distance being used as a reason for not being together. Come on! This is 2024! There is no reason anyone would break up solely based on distance without even trying to make the relationship work. It’s miscommunication at its finest.
I felt like the whole Vance and Suzy storylines were not developed and there wasn’t great closure. For a book that is 400+ pages, I would expect attention to detail on some of these storylines.
The story is fine. I’ll read the next book in the series. And can’t wait to meet back up with Ziggy. She was quite the character in the other series. Feel free to read this book but also know you won’t miss much if you skip it.
I felt like the whole Vance and Suzy storylines were not developed and there wasn’t great closure. For a book that is 400+ pages, I would expect attention to detail on some of these storylines.
The story is fine. I’ll read the next book in the series. And can’t wait to meet back up with Ziggy. She was quite the character in the other series. Feel free to read this book but also know you won’t miss much if you skip it.
October 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
I just finished "The Real Thing" by Cassie-Ann L. Miller, and I can’t stop thinking about it! This book is perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers and second chance romance tropes.
The story revolves around Nolan, a single dad, and Inez, his longtime friend. Their connection is so relatable, and watching them navigate their feelings while dealing with Nolan’s adorable daughter, Stella, added so much heart to the story. I loved seeing how their friendship evolves into something deeper and how they support each other through challenges.
Miller's writing is engaging and heartfelt, making it impossible to put down. I laughed, cried, and felt all the emotions. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with genuine characters and a touch of family, this book is a must-read! Highly recommend it for your next cozy night in!
I just finished "The Real Thing" by Cassie-Ann L. Miller, and I can’t stop thinking about it! This book is perfect for fans of friends-to-lovers and second chance romance tropes.
The story revolves around Nolan, a single dad, and Inez, his longtime friend. Their connection is so relatable, and watching them navigate their feelings while dealing with Nolan’s adorable daughter, Stella, added so much heart to the story. I loved seeing how their friendship evolves into something deeper and how they support each other through challenges.
Miller's writing is engaging and heartfelt, making it impossible to put down. I laughed, cried, and felt all the emotions. If you’re looking for a sweet romance with genuine characters and a touch of family, this book is a must-read! Highly recommend it for your next cozy night in!
June 28, 2024
Fabulously funny! Inez does the runaway bride routine after running away from America ´s favorite bachelor and coming back to Nolan’s. Nolan’s life is held together with grey duck tape and he is scared to go get what he wants most, which is Inez ! For the last six years they have been yearning for each other without either one of them is willing to make a move. Will they? If you are looking for a funny, dirty talking, the world best father to Stella, small town bar keeper and bartender/actress, this is the book for you! Who’s next of the Brighton brood to fall? This heartwarming story brings the foster care system into the light with every insecurity it may bring to a child in this situation. A great story. Thank You Cassi-Ann for another great entertaining story.
November 15, 2024
love love love
Of all of the siblings so far, I think this was my most favorite. I loved Karli and Mason, Felix and Daphne,Rolan and Nicky were amazing, but Noles and Inez is beautiful. My heart broke for them both, and all of their insecurities, their love for Stella, and their beautiful friendship before lovers.
I love the way all of the story time lines lap over and if you read them in succession you will know exactly when the feature relationship starts based on the context clues.
This series is so great!! I laughed out loud, and cried and was hit in the feels the whole way through. If you haven’t, start from the beginning with Wild Thing!! Reading about The Brightons makes me want to read about The Westbrooks!!
Of all of the siblings so far, I think this was my most favorite. I loved Karli and Mason, Felix and Daphne,Rolan and Nicky were amazing, but Noles and Inez is beautiful. My heart broke for them both, and all of their insecurities, their love for Stella, and their beautiful friendship before lovers.
I love the way all of the story time lines lap over and if you read them in succession you will know exactly when the feature relationship starts based on the context clues.
This series is so great!! I laughed out loud, and cried and was hit in the feels the whole way through. If you haven’t, start from the beginning with Wild Thing!! Reading about The Brightons makes me want to read about The Westbrooks!!
July 5, 2024
2.5 stars
I love family dramas. Small towns. Brothers’ stories.
I picked this one up not realizing it was not a standalone or part of a series. That didn’t cause much loss of story though.
But this is such a slow burn between two characters who feel worthless and unlovable.
And I sympathize with Inez and her foster kid background. And I sympathize with Nolan whose ex won’t stick and feels like he’s stuck in small town, small work, small house life.
But bless their hearts, I had to skim and skim because it took so very very long for either/both to come to terms with their love for each other and their self worth. Ugh.
I love family dramas. Small towns. Brothers’ stories.
I picked this one up not realizing it was not a standalone or part of a series. That didn’t cause much loss of story though.
But this is such a slow burn between two characters who feel worthless and unlovable.
And I sympathize with Inez and her foster kid background. And I sympathize with Nolan whose ex won’t stick and feels like he’s stuck in small town, small work, small house life.
But bless their hearts, I had to skim and skim because it took so very very long for either/both to come to terms with their love for each other and their self worth. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2024
I seriously love this series so much! Every time we get a new book it feels like coming home! We finally got Nolan and Inez's story which felt like a long time coming! I am so happy that Nolan finally got his head out of his butt and realized his feelings for Inez!!!
Their banter has always been amazing and hilarious. I loved every interaction between Nolan, Inez and Stella (Nolan's daughter). It was a great story!!
You will love this book if you like:
Single dad
Grumpy x sunshine
Small town
Workplace (boss x employee)
Runaway bride
Up next we will have Darius and Ziggy's story and I can't wait!
Their banter has always been amazing and hilarious. I loved every interaction between Nolan, Inez and Stella (Nolan's daughter). It was a great story!!
You will love this book if you like:
Single dad
Grumpy x sunshine
Small town
Workplace (boss x employee)
Runaway bride
Up next we will have Darius and Ziggy's story and I can't wait!
April 20, 2025
Liked Inez until the final chapter.
Inez wants to have it all. Nolan is only too happy to be a pushover daddy again. Sorry, but I hate this forthcoming
scenario - family consists of Stella, foster daughter, and soon a new baby. Inez has opted for a year off acting. Big deal! So what happens when that year is over and she goes back to acting? Will she still be only 2 hours from home or will her job take her across the country? Daddy gets to hold down the home fort, work and take care of all the kids. Nope, doesn’t do much for this reader. Really liked the story until the future scenario appeared. Hence my very low rating.
Inez wants to have it all. Nolan is only too happy to be a pushover daddy again. Sorry, but I hate this forthcoming
scenario - family consists of Stella, foster daughter, and soon a new baby. Inez has opted for a year off acting. Big deal! So what happens when that year is over and she goes back to acting? Will she still be only 2 hours from home or will her job take her across the country? Daddy gets to hold down the home fort, work and take care of all the kids. Nope, doesn’t do much for this reader. Really liked the story until the future scenario appeared. Hence my very low rating.
July 2, 2024
Mr. Grumpy & Stargirl! 👩🏻🍳🤌🏼💋Muah Chefs Kiss!!
Grumpy Nolan Brighton finally gets his HEA with love of his life Inez! This story had it all: excellent banter, sugar & spice & everything 🥵🔥🌶️, great storyline, fun twists & turns, and YOU need to read this book NOW….GO, ASAP, RUN 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
That leaves Archer & Darius….wonder who’ll be next: Archer & Layla or Darius & mystery person?
Cassie-Ann L Miller did it again & hit it outta the park! I enjoy all her series & especially her Easter eggs!! Can’t wait for the next installment of the Brighton Family Saga!
Grumpy Nolan Brighton finally gets his HEA with love of his life Inez! This story had it all: excellent banter, sugar & spice & everything 🥵🔥🌶️, great storyline, fun twists & turns, and YOU need to read this book NOW….GO, ASAP, RUN 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
That leaves Archer & Darius….wonder who’ll be next: Archer & Layla or Darius & mystery person?
Cassie-Ann L Miller did it again & hit it outta the park! I enjoy all her series & especially her Easter eggs!! Can’t wait for the next installment of the Brighton Family Saga!
July 2, 2024
"I left this town, put myself out there, went on a reality show looking for love....only to realize that the real thing was right in front of me all along."
OMG! I just loved this book. Nolan has had a thing for Inez for a long time and he was devastated when she left for Hollywood to find true love. The next thing he knows he gets an anonymous phone call and Inez is on the end of the line asking for a ride from the train station in town. What? Maybe this is Nolan's second chance?
Oh Cassie! You always make me fall head over heels in love with your characters. Thank you!
OMG! I just loved this book. Nolan has had a thing for Inez for a long time and he was devastated when she left for Hollywood to find true love. The next thing he knows he gets an anonymous phone call and Inez is on the end of the line asking for a ride from the train station in town. What? Maybe this is Nolan's second chance?
Oh Cassie! You always make me fall head over heels in love with your characters. Thank you!
July 8, 2024
Real Thing is Nolan Brighton’s story and it is one I’ve anxiously been waiting for! Hes the grumpy single dad and he is quite swoonworthy once common sense has kicked in! LOL!
He owns the bar in town and being a dad also limits his chance at a happy fulfilling life. However, when his bar manager Inez leaves town for a reality show, life is exponentially harder. Does Nolan have feelings for Inez, is she the one that got away?
Its not till Inez returns as a runaway bride, that things return to a new normal for Nolan.
He offers her a place to stay and the way the storyline goes is entertaining as well as heartwarming.
I felt so many emotions throughout this book and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Definitely one of my favourite books of the series.
He owns the bar in town and being a dad also limits his chance at a happy fulfilling life. However, when his bar manager Inez leaves town for a reality show, life is exponentially harder. Does Nolan have feelings for Inez, is she the one that got away?
Its not till Inez returns as a runaway bride, that things return to a new normal for Nolan.
He offers her a place to stay and the way the storyline goes is entertaining as well as heartwarming.
I felt so many emotions throughout this book and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Definitely one of my favourite books of the series.
July 17, 2024
Finally
Inez comes back to town after leaving a celebrity at the alter. She knew something was wrong and trusted her gut. She called her former boss and man that she has been in love with for years to come pick her us from the train station. When he picks her up, she has no answer to go so she stays with him and his daughter for a while. They fall into a routine and enjoy each other's company. They each realize that they love each other and even though it won't be easy, they want yo make their relationship work. Nolan and Inez are my favorite couple in starlight falls.
Inez comes back to town after leaving a celebrity at the alter. She knew something was wrong and trusted her gut. She called her former boss and man that she has been in love with for years to come pick her us from the train station. When he picks her up, she has no answer to go so she stays with him and his daughter for a while. They fall into a routine and enjoy each other's company. They each realize that they love each other and even though it won't be easy, they want yo make their relationship work. Nolan and Inez are my favorite couple in starlight falls.
July 24, 2024
Nolan and Inez
I totally love this series and this installment is no exception!!!
Nolan is a single dad who owns the town bar - Inez is his employee but they both harbor secret feelings for each other.
A whole mess of drama happens between Inez' s crazy ride on a reality show where she is supposed to marry Americas Heartthrob to Nolan's flighty ex wife who likes to show up at random times.
Their journey to discovering that they can have it all is definitely an emotional one.
I totally love this series and this installment is no exception!!!
Nolan is a single dad who owns the town bar - Inez is his employee but they both harbor secret feelings for each other.
A whole mess of drama happens between Inez' s crazy ride on a reality show where she is supposed to marry Americas Heartthrob to Nolan's flighty ex wife who likes to show up at random times.
Their journey to discovering that they can have it all is definitely an emotional one.
March 15, 2025
Nolan is a divorced single dad operating a bar in his small hometown. Inez is a product of the foster care system and is employed at Nolan's bar. Nolan and Inez have always been secretly attracted to each other but have never made any moves to jump on the relationship path. Inez gets a chance to be on a reality TV show that is all about finding true love. Things backfire on the show, and Inez calls Nolan to pick her up from the train station when she returns to town. Will their mutual attraction plant a seed? Likeable characters and hot sex scenes.
July 5, 2025
wow
Wow, just wow! Nolan and Inez Had feelings for each other for years. Neither one ever spoke up. Each thought the other was too good for them. Fate finally takes over and throws them living together. Their feelings sizzle. Throw in Stella, the most adorable six year old, and the story just blossoms. Each finally digs the head from their tail to own up to their feelings. Add in a few twists and turns, and you have the perfect book. I love the way all of the characters from your other books in this series intertwine. Can’t wait to see what happens with Darius.
Wow, just wow! Nolan and Inez Had feelings for each other for years. Neither one ever spoke up. Each thought the other was too good for them. Fate finally takes over and throws them living together. Their feelings sizzle. Throw in Stella, the most adorable six year old, and the story just blossoms. Each finally digs the head from their tail to own up to their feelings. Add in a few twists and turns, and you have the perfect book. I love the way all of the characters from your other books in this series intertwine. Can’t wait to see what happens with Darius.
July 2, 2024
This could have been a 4, if not 5, star read, but the words used to describe every sex scene actually made me shudder in disgust. Word choice and the unnecessary separation because long-distance relationships are a real thing in the last 15% of the book are why this went from a solid 4 to a 2. I'm so intrigued about one of the characters that I might pick up another book from Miller but I'm hesitant.
July 20, 2024
A book full of A book full of insecurities that turn into strong Relationships
This book has so many ups and downs in it With With the insecurities that people in the book were feeling. I love the characters they were real, And you felt like you're really new. I like the way the ending came about it was perfect for this story I have my doubts a couple times along the way But it did turn out.
This book has so many ups and downs in it With With the insecurities that people in the book were feeling. I love the characters they were real, And you felt like you're really new. I like the way the ending came about it was perfect for this story I have my doubts a couple times along the way But it did turn out.
August 4, 2024
10% in and I was highlighting the F out of my kindle.
Inez was bold and knew what she wanted.
Nolan didn’t think he was worthy. But so many swoon worthy quotes out of his mouth.
— runaway bride
— single dad
— she works at his bar
— roommates
The ending dragged on for me so that’s why it didn’t hit that five star for me. There were just a few parts about the ending that I thought were overly complicated or unnecessary.
Inez was bold and knew what she wanted.
Nolan didn’t think he was worthy. But so many swoon worthy quotes out of his mouth.
— runaway bride
— single dad
— she works at his bar
— roommates
The ending dragged on for me so that’s why it didn’t hit that five star for me. There were just a few parts about the ending that I thought were overly complicated or unnecessary.
June 28, 2024
This series is one of my favorites there's always plenty of love and support to go around. Nolan and Inez are attracted to each other, but neither one wants to act on it afraid it will ruin their friendship. Throwing caution to the wind they embark on a journey of love, heartache, steaminess and family.
July 5, 2024
The best of the series so far!
Book four in Cassie-Anne Miller’s Brighton Family Series, Real Thing, is delightful from start to finish.
I love how grumpy/sweet Nolan is and how sunshiny/determined Inez is. This book has the heat, the love, the feels, the sighs, and the swoons. It’s all my fave tropes in one book, so I couldn’t have asked for more!
Book four in Cassie-Anne Miller’s Brighton Family Series, Real Thing, is delightful from start to finish.
I love how grumpy/sweet Nolan is and how sunshiny/determined Inez is. This book has the heat, the love, the feels, the sighs, and the swoons. It’s all my fave tropes in one book, so I couldn’t have asked for more!
July 8, 2024
The best Brighton Family book yet!
This book was so good!! It was great seeing the amount of anxiety played out in both main characters and how accurately displayed of being swept by thoughts in one’s own head. Also, some of the most aphrodisiac-like spice scenes can be found in this book and boy they are just perfect!
This book was so good!! It was great seeing the amount of anxiety played out in both main characters and how accurately displayed of being swept by thoughts in one’s own head. Also, some of the most aphrodisiac-like spice scenes can be found in this book and boy they are just perfect!
July 20, 2024
depth upon depth upon depth!
This book is definitely a must read!!! It had real, relatable characters with surprising depth and complexities that felt like people you knew in real life. The more pages I read, the more invested I became at the outcome. I couldn’t put this book down!
This book is definitely a must read!!! It had real, relatable characters with surprising depth and complexities that felt like people you knew in real life. The more pages I read, the more invested I became at the outcome. I couldn’t put this book down!
January 6, 2025
Dirty Grumpy Dad
He really isn’t a grumpy dad…but he is a naughty steamy grumpy bar owner that should have told Inez how he felt so many years ago but than she wouldn’t have met the skeeze guy from reality TV and never found her new career…but these two made for a fun and steamy and a total HEA story.
He really isn’t a grumpy dad…but he is a naughty steamy grumpy bar owner that should have told Inez how he felt so many years ago but than she wouldn’t have met the skeeze guy from reality TV and never found her new career…but these two made for a fun and steamy and a total HEA story.
January 8, 2025
Good Hallmark movie type books
So I do really enjoy this hole series. I think they are all great love able happily ever after Hallmark movie type books. I will say this is the only one in the series that was boring me a little. It just seemed very repetitive and I thought more was going to happen with the Vance character. All in all still a good easy quick read.
So I do really enjoy this hole series. I think they are all great love able happily ever after Hallmark movie type books. I will say this is the only one in the series that was boring me a little. It just seemed very repetitive and I thought more was going to happen with the Vance character. All in all still a good easy quick read.
June 29, 2024
Cassie-Ann L. Miller sure knows how to give us a romance full of doubts, insecurities, angst and passion, and yet fill it with fun, laughter and love hidden under those insecurities! Grab Nolan, Inez and Stella’s emotional journey and enjoy! Loved it!
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