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The Reality Of It All
Rising author Calla is struggling to move on after a tragic event completely destroyed her world. Her sister, desperate to help, convinces her to sign up for a reality TV show, The Next Great American Classic.
But upon arrival, Calla's expectations are upended. The show isn’t about writing at all—it’s about finding love. How is she supposed to get through this when she still can’t sleep at night after what happened?
And then there’s Eli, a washed-up actor with a notoriously bad reputation. His charm is undeniable, and although Calla senses trouble, she can’t help but let her guard down each time he opens up or flashes one of his dimpled smiles.
Unfortunately for Calla, Eli might just be the perfect candidate to break her already fragile heart.
But upon arrival, Calla's expectations are upended. The show isn’t about writing at all—it’s about finding love. How is she supposed to get through this when she still can’t sleep at night after what happened?
And then there’s Eli, a washed-up actor with a notoriously bad reputation. His charm is undeniable, and although Calla senses trouble, she can’t help but let her guard down each time he opens up or flashes one of his dimpled smiles.
Unfortunately for Calla, Eli might just be the perfect candidate to break her already fragile heart.
358 pages, Paperback
Published July 25, 2024
276 people are currently reading
2003 people want to read
About the author
Allison Speka
12 books551 followersAllison Speka's stories are light on the spice and heavy on the banter. She delivers realistic characters that you'll instantly root for, taking you on a roller coaster of emotions. With moments of passion, humor, and a fast-paced plot, her books will keep you hooked from start to finish, making it impossible to put them down.
Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka
Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.
Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop
Follow her journey.
TikTok and Instagram: @AllisonSpeka
Visit her website AllisonSpeka.com for free bonus content and news on upcoming releases.
Signed Copies: https://www.allisonspeka.com/shop
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
July 31, 2024
this was so cute and i loved it so much. super fast paced and good story if you love reality tv!! i love eli and calla so much!!
July 25, 2024
4.5/5
Thank you to Allison Speka for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review.
Unsurprisingly, I absolutely loved this book. I would read Allison's grocery list if I could. I love everything she writes.
I thought it was neat that this book took place on a reality tv show set. It was my first time reading something like that and I thought it was a lot of fun!
I liked Calla as the FMC. You really see her grow from the beginning of the book until the end. I think Allison did a good job of touching on the difficulties of finding love after losing someone. While it wasn't an easy journey for them, I think Calla and Eli are great together.
I definitely recommend reading this book and all other Allison Speka books.
The Reality of it All releases on 07/25!
Thank you to Allison Speka for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a review.
Unsurprisingly, I absolutely loved this book. I would read Allison's grocery list if I could. I love everything she writes.
I thought it was neat that this book took place on a reality tv show set. It was my first time reading something like that and I thought it was a lot of fun!
I liked Calla as the FMC. You really see her grow from the beginning of the book until the end. I think Allison did a good job of touching on the difficulties of finding love after losing someone. While it wasn't an easy journey for them, I think Calla and Eli are great together.
I definitely recommend reading this book and all other Allison Speka books.
The Reality of it All releases on 07/25!
July 11, 2024
ARC read: This is the third book I’ve read of Allison’s and WOW was I blown away. This combines two of my favorite things: romance and reality tv. This book made me laugh and tear up, and has the best love story. Eli and Calla had a rocky start to their relationship but fate (and reality tv) had other plans for them. I HIGHLY recommend reading this when it comes out on July 25!
July 25, 2024
Another great book from Allison, she is such a great writer and I love her books. I loved watching the love story between Calla and Eli unfold, while they both found each other on this crazy reality dating show, they found themselves too and I think that watching them both grow throughout the book was amazing. I loved every minute of this book and couldn’t put it down. 10/10 recommend snatching this books up when it releases on 7/25
September 16, 2025
3 Stars
For most of this book, I was convinced this couldn't be better than a 2 star. The characters acted like cartoons and not real people and the FMC was (is?) very annoying to read through. The hyperfixation on Eli's reputation was ridiculous. Calla had never heard of Eli before the show and actually had no clue what his reputation was yet she harped on it so much. Eventually she learns he's known to be a playboy but is given no details yet starts to think it will surely ruin their relationship. So many of her insecurities could've been solved with simple communication. And this wasn't a miscommunication trope or anything, more like lack of communication. These people are supposed to be adults in their late 20s / early 30s but they act like high schoolers. When the show part ended I was surprised to see there was still a decent amount of book left. The ending dragged out for so long and it wasn't really necessary.
BUT... something caught a hold of me. I did find myself compelled to read after sledging through the first 60%. I did end up having fun reading about the show antics, so it's what pushed me to go up a star rating and give a respectable 3. I understand Allison Speka is an independent author, so that's to be considered, too. A harsher editor needs to go through and point out where the writing could be improved. I don't see myself reaching for something else by this author anytime soon, but a fun time was had.
For most of this book, I was convinced this couldn't be better than a 2 star. The characters acted like cartoons and not real people and the FMC was (is?) very annoying to read through. The hyperfixation on Eli's reputation was ridiculous. Calla had never heard of Eli before the show and actually had no clue what his reputation was yet she harped on it so much. Eventually she learns he's known to be a playboy but is given no details yet starts to think it will surely ruin their relationship. So many of her insecurities could've been solved with simple communication. And this wasn't a miscommunication trope or anything, more like lack of communication. These people are supposed to be adults in their late 20s / early 30s but they act like high schoolers. When the show part ended I was surprised to see there was still a decent amount of book left. The ending dragged out for so long and it wasn't really necessary.
BUT... something caught a hold of me. I did find myself compelled to read after sledging through the first 60%. I did end up having fun reading about the show antics, so it's what pushed me to go up a star rating and give a respectable 3. I understand Allison Speka is an independent author, so that's to be considered, too. A harsher editor needs to go through and point out where the writing could be improved. I don't see myself reaching for something else by this author anytime soon, but a fun time was had.
July 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed this being my very first ARC read. I love the character Development with both Calla and Eli. I seriously could not put this down. I tried for maybe 5 minutes to go to sleep, and picked it right back up and finished it. This book was very fast pace and the story kept you invested wanting to know how the next challenge will play out and who they would pick as their partner. This helps with over coming grief which I had a connection to as my brother was killed in a motorcycle accident in January of 2023 and this help with not feeling guilty about what didn’t happen before he passed. I kinda hope to see maybe a spin off with Piper and Grant. I forever love reading Allison’s books and I will continue to read every one she puts out.
July 9, 2024
Read this as an ARC reader and was completely hooked. Loved the characters and it really felt like I was watching a reality show on TV. Team Calla all the way!
May 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ — Such a strong start! The initial chapters had me cracking. The plot was interesting and cute. However, the FMC could be quite frustrating. She was always worried about being hurt, making it look as if her last partner was toxic but in reality she just felt guilty for what she was about to do. She literally made it look like as if her fiancé left her on purpose — where she got the fear abandonment from, why she felt fear of being hurt. and honestly, it got boring around the 60% mark. I find her unreasonable during some scenes that it had me stressing for real. I think it would have been better if this was a slow burn instead. Nonetheless, it was cute at first. I really liked how the intro went.
July 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Book release is July 25, 2024 | 🌶️ 0.5 - adding a spoiller review just in case; I think the description of the setting might be concidered spoillery so to be better safe than sorry read the rest at your own risk. I also recieved this as an ARC (which I am greatly appreciative of)
The Reality of it All is set on location in Montana for a Reality TV show called Tough Love. The reality show kind of reminds me of the Real World / Road Rules Challenge (for all my 90's and early 20's peeps who remember that show on MTV). I was a little unsure how the setting was going to play out but I actually found it enjoyable, it was different and unique. I found myself flying through the chapters with the "show's" challenges and I liked how the reality show and the romance were inner-connected. Again reminding me of the Real World and Road Rules shows (with couples)
The cast of characters is a fun group (minus one - cough Sofia); the lead female character Calla was endearing, and I feel like everyone has to know or be friends with someone like Calla. As stated already by the Author this book is not a duel POV, and while at times I wished there were more duel POVs in this book, because I love reading other character perspectives as it adds additional context to the story; I did actually enjoy just Calla's POV. At first I was unsure about her, but as the book progressed I did end up enjoying her journey. For the male characters, I initially gravitated towards Arnie who was also endearing and goofy, but who am I kidding I also love a good misunderstood bad boy.
Like any other RomCom, the story is predictable, but even though these stories are predictable and at times corney (like romcom movies) I still love them because they add a level of light heartedness to this sometimes ugly world. I also find they are also a great pallet cleanse.
If you are looking for spice and those are the types of romance books you prefer this one might not be it for you. But if you are looking for an interesting premise with character building, banter, a unique setting, and a cast of different personalities give this book a try. Times like these I wish goodreads offered half stars because I really could use those right about now.
The Reality of it All is set on location in Montana for a Reality TV show called Tough Love. The reality show kind of reminds me of the Real World / Road Rules Challenge (for all my 90's and early 20's peeps who remember that show on MTV). I was a little unsure how the setting was going to play out but I actually found it enjoyable, it was different and unique. I found myself flying through the chapters with the "show's" challenges and I liked how the reality show and the romance were inner-connected. Again reminding me of the Real World and Road Rules shows (with couples)
The cast of characters is a fun group (minus one - cough Sofia); the lead female character Calla was endearing, and I feel like everyone has to know or be friends with someone like Calla. As stated already by the Author this book is not a duel POV, and while at times I wished there were more duel POVs in this book, because I love reading other character perspectives as it adds additional context to the story; I did actually enjoy just Calla's POV. At first I was unsure about her, but as the book progressed I did end up enjoying her journey. For the male characters, I initially gravitated towards Arnie who was also endearing and goofy, but who am I kidding I also love a good misunderstood bad boy.
Like any other RomCom, the story is predictable, but even though these stories are predictable and at times corney (like romcom movies) I still love them because they add a level of light heartedness to this sometimes ugly world. I also find they are also a great pallet cleanse.
If you are looking for spice and those are the types of romance books you prefer this one might not be it for you. But if you are looking for an interesting premise with character building, banter, a unique setting, and a cast of different personalities give this book a try. Times like these I wish goodreads offered half stars because I really could use those right about now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
I’m not sure how I got lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this novel but I want to thank Allison Speka so much for this opportunity.
This book was everything a romance novel should be; it had heart, soul and absolute real moments. Calla was not the perfect heroine at all and I think I loved her more for the flaws she had because it made her more relatable. Towards the end I was frustrated with her for being so stubborn but I sympathized and understood where she was coming from.
It’s rare to see in modern romances a single POV (at least in the books I read) but this absolutely worked for this story because we were on a journey with Calla to find out if Eli was a genuine good guy or not and what his intentions actually were. If we had his thoughts the whole time that would have ruined the whole experience!
I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future and catching up on her previously published novels, she is one talented lady!
This book was everything a romance novel should be; it had heart, soul and absolute real moments. Calla was not the perfect heroine at all and I think I loved her more for the flaws she had because it made her more relatable. Towards the end I was frustrated with her for being so stubborn but I sympathized and understood where she was coming from.
It’s rare to see in modern romances a single POV (at least in the books I read) but this absolutely worked for this story because we were on a journey with Calla to find out if Eli was a genuine good guy or not and what his intentions actually were. If we had his thoughts the whole time that would have ruined the whole experience!
I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future and catching up on her previously published novels, she is one talented lady!
July 14, 2024
I found Allison’s books back in February and read them all in a month so I was very excited to be an ARC reader on her newest book. I think this one may overtake Settle Up as my new favorite. I loved how the book not only focused on the love story and the growth of the main characters but also on the other cast members as well. As a fan of reality TV this book was a fun read. I highly recommend all of Allison’s books to anyone looking for a fun romance with just a little sprinkle of spice.
July 10, 2024
I was in one giant reading slump when this ARC arrived in my inbox. I ALMOST didn’t download it fearful of fallout and failure - but I’m so glad I did !
This book follows Calla, a writer ,who lost her fiancé 2 years ago. In a desperate attempt to get Calla to move on in life her sister signs her up for a reality TELEVISION show that was set to be a writing competition. But she gets quite the shock when she arrives on set and things are not as they seem.
Pick up this book on July 25 and follow Calla through the show-and watch her live - learn - and grow.
Wonderful set of supporting characters- can’t wait to read her other books !
This book follows Calla, a writer ,who lost her fiancé 2 years ago. In a desperate attempt to get Calla to move on in life her sister signs her up for a reality TELEVISION show that was set to be a writing competition. But she gets quite the shock when she arrives on set and things are not as they seem.
Pick up this book on July 25 and follow Calla through the show-and watch her live - learn - and grow.
Wonderful set of supporting characters- can’t wait to read her other books !
August 11, 2024
It was a bit difficult for me to keep up with which character was who… but in the end I did get it and I enjoyed the storyline and closing/epilogue. Pretty realistic IMO!
July 18, 2024
Thank you to Allison Speka for letting me be an ARC reader for your book. I truly enjoyed reading your latest novel!
The Reality of It All is a great romance novel about finding love in an unexpected place. It has amazing character growth, unexpected twists, and an ending to make you shed a tear. Allison is a wonderful storyteller and I just adore how she writes characters that are just so easy to love.
This story takes place on the set of a reality show where contestants try to find matches for themselves while also competing in endurance competitions with their partners. I think Allison really captures the essence of what it would be like to be part of a reality TV show, with producers always in your face and trying to run the show and influence feelings.
Allison has a way of writing love stories that are real and deep. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!
The Reality of It All is a great romance novel about finding love in an unexpected place. It has amazing character growth, unexpected twists, and an ending to make you shed a tear. Allison is a wonderful storyteller and I just adore how she writes characters that are just so easy to love.
This story takes place on the set of a reality show where contestants try to find matches for themselves while also competing in endurance competitions with their partners. I think Allison really captures the essence of what it would be like to be part of a reality TV show, with producers always in your face and trying to run the show and influence feelings.
Allison has a way of writing love stories that are real and deep. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone!
May 19, 2025
Typically contemporary romance is not my preferred genre but this book SUCKED ME IN and I finished it in a day. The concept itself was unique and intriguing but the characters themselves were also complicated and dynamic. I was invested in everyone’s well being and had people I loved and people I loved to hate. My only complaint was that I wish it was longer and more fleshed out. This book did a great job of exploring complicated emotions, especially grief. I’m looking forward to reading other work by this author in the future.
August 7, 2024
I found this book from her tiktok self promos and it was cute. As much as I don’t love reality tv somehow a book about it was quite enjoyable and I was thoroughly entertained
April 19, 2025
4.7 stars! Loved it and wish I could read it for the first time all over again!! Well paced and well developed characters! Sweet and funny, and an original story line. Immediately re-reading.
July 13, 2024
I was given the privilege of reading this book as an ARC reader and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I devoured this read in one sitting and could not put it down! The writing was fun and easy to digest, flirty and fitting, and all around amazing. As a reality TV show girl, I felt like my two worlds collided in this book. It felt like I dived into my own reality TV show and found little pieces of myself within many of the characters. I formed a deep personal connection with some of the things our FMC Calla went through and her thought processes spoke to me. Despite this being a slow burn, it was anything but a slow read. I definitely recommend this book especially if you’re looking for a fun romance with a little spice!
July 15, 2024
I fell in love with this book so fast. It was so easy to connect with all the characters. The story felt real and refreshing, making it hard to put down. I would love to watch it on TV; it’s a great mix between The Bachelor/Bachelorette and Big Brother!
I was rooting for Calla and Eli from the beginning. You could tell how much he loved her, and their chemistry was undeniable. The author did a fantastic job of developing their relationship, making it feel genuine and heartfelt. The twists and turns in their journey kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself emotionally invested in their story.
While it has the typical bumps and a little spice along the way, the unique setting and dynamic interactions among the characters added depth to the narrative. The supporting characters were also well-crafted, each bringing something special to the story. Their personalities and backstories enriched the overall plot, creating a well-rounded and immersive reading experience.
It was my first ARC read, and I’m so happy I was chosen! This book exceeded my expectations and has set a high bar for future reads. I can’t wait to dive into more of Allison’s books and see what other captivating stories she has in store. If you enjoy reality TV drama with a heartfelt romance, this book is a must-read!
I was rooting for Calla and Eli from the beginning. You could tell how much he loved her, and their chemistry was undeniable. The author did a fantastic job of developing their relationship, making it feel genuine and heartfelt. The twists and turns in their journey kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself emotionally invested in their story.
While it has the typical bumps and a little spice along the way, the unique setting and dynamic interactions among the characters added depth to the narrative. The supporting characters were also well-crafted, each bringing something special to the story. Their personalities and backstories enriched the overall plot, creating a well-rounded and immersive reading experience.
It was my first ARC read, and I’m so happy I was chosen! This book exceeded my expectations and has set a high bar for future reads. I can’t wait to dive into more of Allison’s books and see what other captivating stories she has in store. If you enjoy reality TV drama with a heartfelt romance, this book is a must-read!
August 25, 2024
This ARC came at the perfect time for someone who had been struggling to pick up a book. It took me, admittedly, too long to crack this open, but once I had it open I couldn’t put it down.
As a lover of romance reality shows, I thought this book did an incredible job showcasing the behind the scenes while not sacrificing the storyline— I laughed, cried, and want these characters back for a sequel ASAP!
I’ve read all of Allison’s books, and this is by and far my absolute favorite. Can’t wait to recommend it to others!
As a lover of romance reality shows, I thought this book did an incredible job showcasing the behind the scenes while not sacrificing the storyline— I laughed, cried, and want these characters back for a sequel ASAP!
I’ve read all of Allison’s books, and this is by and far my absolute favorite. Can’t wait to recommend it to others!
July 16, 2024
4.75 ⭐️
Thank you Allison Speka for an arc of this book!
Oh my gosh this book was SO good. It has love island vibes except it’s at a remote mountain lodge in Montana and all of the contestants were tricked into being there for various reasons. I am obsessed with the premise of this book and I think Allison did an incredible job at executing it. I love how there’s challenges, couplings/recouplings, and drama, it was so much fun to read. I could not put this book down, I’m pretty sure I read it in less than 24 hours. It’s easy to read and digest but it’s also so real and raw and deep in parts.
I also just absolutely fell in love with the main characters, Calla and Eli. Calla is shy and reserved and she had something happen a few years ago that really altered the way she thinks about things and the way she lives her life. And Eli is the exact opposite lol, he is always living life to the fullest, getting in trouble and definitely has a reputation. They are definitely opposites but the dynamic that they have together is just perfect and is everything to me. I love them individually and as a couple, and I think the healing throughout this book was just so beautiful.
I really loved watching Calla come out of her shell and just become her own person, and also just find the closure that she needed. And I really enjoyed watching Eli grow as a person and be able to settle down and find the love that he deserves. He is so sweet, gentle and patient with her and I loved every second of it. And their banter and tension was SO good.
Highlyyy recommend this book!! Especially if you’re wanting some love island vibes, I thought it was done really really well!
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- opposites attract
- he falls first
- protective mmc
- single pov
Thank you Allison Speka for an arc of this book!
Oh my gosh this book was SO good. It has love island vibes except it’s at a remote mountain lodge in Montana and all of the contestants were tricked into being there for various reasons. I am obsessed with the premise of this book and I think Allison did an incredible job at executing it. I love how there’s challenges, couplings/recouplings, and drama, it was so much fun to read. I could not put this book down, I’m pretty sure I read it in less than 24 hours. It’s easy to read and digest but it’s also so real and raw and deep in parts.
I also just absolutely fell in love with the main characters, Calla and Eli. Calla is shy and reserved and she had something happen a few years ago that really altered the way she thinks about things and the way she lives her life. And Eli is the exact opposite lol, he is always living life to the fullest, getting in trouble and definitely has a reputation. They are definitely opposites but the dynamic that they have together is just perfect and is everything to me. I love them individually and as a couple, and I think the healing throughout this book was just so beautiful.
I really loved watching Calla come out of her shell and just become her own person, and also just find the closure that she needed. And I really enjoyed watching Eli grow as a person and be able to settle down and find the love that he deserves. He is so sweet, gentle and patient with her and I loved every second of it. And their banter and tension was SO good.
Highlyyy recommend this book!! Especially if you’re wanting some love island vibes, I thought it was done really really well!
- forced proximity
- slow burn
- opposites attract
- he falls first
- protective mmc
- single pov
June 4, 2025
3.5⭐️
I'm actually surprised at how cute this book was.
I picked it up as a free download, and couldn't decide what I wanted to read next, so thought I'd read a bit of a "throwaway" book. However, it was much better than expected!!
I love that this was set on reality TV, different vibe, but I enjoyed it! Calla's character development was great, and Eli was such a good MMC.
I wish we had seen more of the "show", interviews, the other characters etc. or maybe some more jealousy and meddling from Sophia!
I wish the ending was longer. I'd have liked to see more of Eli's plans to win Calla back in action.
I'd also have been interested to see who each other's "matches" were, the producers of the show said they had done compatability testing for all the contestants but then it didn't appear to be mentioned again - and if so, why didn't Sophia and Grant end up together? Were they not compatible? If not, who SHOULD they have been with???
I'm actually surprised at how cute this book was.
I picked it up as a free download, and couldn't decide what I wanted to read next, so thought I'd read a bit of a "throwaway" book. However, it was much better than expected!!
I love that this was set on reality TV, different vibe, but I enjoyed it! Calla's character development was great, and Eli was such a good MMC.
I wish we had seen more of the "show", interviews, the other characters etc. or maybe some more jealousy and meddling from Sophia!
I wish the ending was longer. I'd have liked to see more of Eli's plans to win Calla back in action.
I'd also have been interested to see who each other's "matches" were, the producers of the show said they had done compatability testing for all the contestants but then it didn't appear to be mentioned again - and if so, why didn't Sophia and Grant end up together? Were they not compatible? If not, who SHOULD they have been with???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2024
Easy 5 stars 🌟
This book had me engrossed so quickly it’s not even real!
Calla and Eli have really gone through so much!
This whole book was not at all what I was expecting in the MOST amazing way!
I have been on a Love Island kick this summer and reading this book made me feel like I was in the dang show!
I typically go for spicy reads and while there was one spicy scene the rest was all about character building and I was HAPPILY along for the ride!
Allison Speka did an extraordinary job creating this story and bringing these characters to life!
•I felt scared for Calla at times.
•I felt so overjoyed with the characters and their personal development throughout the book.
•I found myself tearing up 🥹 a few times
•I felt incredibly angry at some points
I feel like I was on an emotional rollercoaster🎢 that I didn’t want to stop!
A definite must-read!
This book had me engrossed so quickly it’s not even real!
Calla and Eli have really gone through so much!
This whole book was not at all what I was expecting in the MOST amazing way!
I have been on a Love Island kick this summer and reading this book made me feel like I was in the dang show!
I typically go for spicy reads and while there was one spicy scene the rest was all about character building and I was HAPPILY along for the ride!
Allison Speka did an extraordinary job creating this story and bringing these characters to life!
•I felt scared for Calla at times.
•I felt so overjoyed with the characters and their personal development throughout the book.
•I found myself tearing up 🥹 a few times
•I felt incredibly angry at some points
I feel like I was on an emotional rollercoaster🎢 that I didn’t want to stop!
A definite must-read!
October 22, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ A reality dating show romance novel was such a cool concept, especially since I am a huge fan of those types of shows! This book is perfect for you if you enjoy shows like Love Island, the Bachelor, and Big Brother.
This was an easy read. There is some spice, but it’s only one scene & isnt overly drawn out. I enjoyed this book a lot! Only reason it isn’t 4 or 5 stars is because I didn’t feel invested in the romance. I wasn’t truly rooting for the two main characters & I didn’t have those swoon-worthy moments that I like in romances. The “games” in the reality show could also have been a bit more exciting to really get me engaged in the story. Keep in mind that this book also deals with heavier topics like grief.
Definitely give this a read if you’re interested & support an indie author! It’s also on kindle unlimited!!
This was an easy read. There is some spice, but it’s only one scene & isnt overly drawn out. I enjoyed this book a lot! Only reason it isn’t 4 or 5 stars is because I didn’t feel invested in the romance. I wasn’t truly rooting for the two main characters & I didn’t have those swoon-worthy moments that I like in romances. The “games” in the reality show could also have been a bit more exciting to really get me engaged in the story. Keep in mind that this book also deals with heavier topics like grief.
Definitely give this a read if you’re interested & support an indie author! It’s also on kindle unlimited!!
July 19, 2024
4.25⭐️ I was totally charmed by this book and hooked from the start. I am not a huge reality show girl but it provided a really unique and fun setting for the book and I got really into it. I am going to need a follow up on each of these contestants!
Calla and Eli are total opposites on paper but their connections felt so real from the start. I love how insistent and how protective Eli was. And you can’t help but root for Calla so hard. I loved seeing her growth throughout the book.
Minimal spice and third act breakup but this book really worked for me. Thank you Allison Speka for providing me with an ARC copy, my opinions are my own.
Calla and Eli are total opposites on paper but their connections felt so real from the start. I love how insistent and how protective Eli was. And you can’t help but root for Calla so hard. I loved seeing her growth throughout the book.
Minimal spice and third act breakup but this book really worked for me. Thank you Allison Speka for providing me with an ARC copy, my opinions are my own.
March 9, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
Imagine The Bachelor & Love Island created a reality tv show baby - that’s this book! So cute, fast paced, light hearted. The challenges that the show puts the characters through are so unique and I wish we saw more of that in actual reality tv. The 2 main characters are adorable and I truly enjoyed getting to know them.
This is my 2nd Allison Speka book, and I really enjoyed this one! On a separate note, I like how her physical copies are formatted in the sense that the words are separated away from the binding
Imagine The Bachelor & Love Island created a reality tv show baby - that’s this book! So cute, fast paced, light hearted. The challenges that the show puts the characters through are so unique and I wish we saw more of that in actual reality tv. The 2 main characters are adorable and I truly enjoyed getting to know them.
This is my 2nd Allison Speka book, and I really enjoyed this one! On a separate note, I like how her physical copies are formatted in the sense that the words are separated away from the binding
August 23, 2024
I squealed my little heart out reading this. There were so many moments where I was kicking my feet and squealing. This is actually the first book I felt like I wanted to highlight quotes. It is written so well and the characters feel fully developed and I could really connect to them which made the reading experience 10000x better. I loved Calla and Eli and their journey. I loved how the book was fast paced but didn’t skip over the details. Everything just felt so thought out.
I LOVED this book and the characters so much.
This is my first Allison Speka book, and definitely not my last!
I LOVED this book and the characters so much.
This is my first Allison Speka book, and definitely not my last!
April 8, 2025
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 🌶️
This was such a fun book!
Listen, when you combine two of my favorite things, trashy reality tv and romances, I’m going to read it. This did not disappoint! I thought the writing was very good, and the author kept my interest the entire time. What I loved was the emotional depth and maturity of Calla. I also fell in love with Eli. I was suspicious of him at first, but I really grew to love him. It’s not too often when a twist in the story has my stomach drop, but this did. So good!
Spice Rating: 🌶️
This was such a fun book!
Listen, when you combine two of my favorite things, trashy reality tv and romances, I’m going to read it. This did not disappoint! I thought the writing was very good, and the author kept my interest the entire time. What I loved was the emotional depth and maturity of Calla. I also fell in love with Eli. I was suspicious of him at first, but I really grew to love him. It’s not too often when a twist in the story has my stomach drop, but this did. So good!
July 17, 2024
I truly enjoyed this latest book by this up and coming author. The description and details of each character, scenery and story drew me in from the first chapter. When you think you have the storyline figured out it takes an unexpected turn. This book had everything you expect in a romance. I could have easily read it in a day if time had permitted. I have read her other books and they never disappoint. The Reality of it All follows suit and will not disappoint either. I look forward to the next book.
August 5, 2024
ARC Reader: I appreciate the author sending me a digital ARC of this book! Allison Speka has quickly become one of my favorite rom-com writers! This one had me hooked from the get-go and I loved reading about all of the challenges, they were so funny and relatable. Especially if you are an accident prone book girly 🤣
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