Finding Our Reality: The Reality Duet Book Two

Reality Duet #2

by Halcie Dawn

** This is Book Two of a Duet. Do not read this novel without first reading Escaping Our The Reality Duet Book One.**

Ella
I’m back. Little did I know he’s back too. Apparently, I’m the only one who didn’t know.

Not only is he back in town, but he’s working my sister’s case. Declaring he’ll do anything to solve it. So why did he try to stop me all those years ago?

What the hell happened to him? I’ll tell you what happened. He ruined my life. He walked away and wrecked me. Made me turn into someone I hated. Made me turn to someone I hated. And while I was dragging myself through agony, he apparently was screwing half the women in Alabama.

I’ll never forgive him. And if he thinks he’s going to solve my sister’s case all by himself, he’s got another thing coming.

Because I’m the best there is.

Crutch
She’s back. And it’s pretty clear to see that everyone kept my secrets. They didn’t tell her about me.

Leaving her was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But she deserved more. I was nothing. A homeless, wayward mess of a guy. She wanted to save me, but I couldn’t let her derail her future. Not for me… because I was a nobody.

And I guess I made the right decision—because it sure didn’t take her long to turn to another. To turn back to the kind of life she claimed to despise.

And now, she wants to be a part of this investigation. Like I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. If she thinks she’s going to solve her sister’s case all by herself, she’s got another thing coming.

Because I’m the best there is.

Genres: Second Chance, Contemporary Romance, Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

About the author

Halcie Dawn is a happy and blessed wife and mother. She attended the University of Alabama where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. A lifelong avid reader, her love affair with books started with the original The Babysitter’s Club series when she was in the third grade and morphed into a love of all things romantic. After years of thought and countless dreams about the sexy men and strong women of the fictional Hill Family, she penned her first contemporary romance. The Reality Duet—Escaping Our Reality (Book One) and Finding Our Reality (Book Two) released in November 2024. The Skeptic’s Duet—The Skeptic’s Playbook (Book One) and The Believer’s Game (Book Two) released in April 2025. When not writing or reading by the swimming pool, she can be found watching true crime documentaries or Psych (for the millionth time). Halcie lives in Alabama with her amazingly wonderful, funny, kind, and handsome husband and son. And she lives next door to her parents, whose antics often have her laughing so hard she pees her pants. But without a doubt, the star of the home is the family morkiepoo, Princess Doodle Fluffybutt.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You plan on telling me what you mean by that comment?”
“No.”
“Well, I suggest you quickly modify your plans, then.”

And we are back! How's everyone feeling after that cliffhanger?
I know I yelled at my Kindle and pretty sure I said WTF!!! pretty loudly. Then proceeded to get book 2 ASAP because Ry has some explaining to do.
How dare he leave Lulu/us a disheleved mess of tears, longing, and lost love. EXPLAIN YOURSELF, RY!



I turned those pages like they were on fire! I saw the smoke from how quickly I was reading.
If there is one thing Ms. Dawn can do is bring the angst and the pull from such a magnetic couple.

Years may have passed by Lulu and Ry, but they for sure haven't missed a beat when it came to their love. Don't' get me wrong, I wanted to throttle Ry a few times when certain ladies of is past would pop up. I see you, sir! *squinty side eye* But Lulu was right there to give him sh*t and sass.



This was the duets of duets. Lulu and Ry became one of my favorite book couples of the reading world. They along with their close knit friends and family - Ridge, Raylee and Will, Aunt Teresa and Uncle Ray, Cullen, Holt, and Little Laura - all brought love and laughter to this story. It made it feel like I was part of there crazy gang.



So happy to know that the Reality characters will carry on into Holt's book. The sneak peek towards the end of this book has a certain FMC giving him little bit of quirky sass herself.

Oh, Little Laura. Can't wait to see you grow up and become the beautiful soul I know you will be:

“And I learned that you're special too, Miss Lulu.”
“Why am I special?”
“Because you call Uncle Ry 'Ry'. He told me that the only people who are allowed to call him 'Ry' are the girls he loves. He said that was me and someone else. He never told me who, but now I know. It's you. He loves you.”

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second part and the conclusion of this phenomenal duet.
Ella and Crutch are unknowingly to each other, back in town. Crutch is working on Ella’s sister’s case, which he is determined to solve, My heart broke how much Ella endured while they were apart, and now being back she is determined that she is going to help with her sister’s investigation.
This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, challenges, mystery, suspense, intrigue, drama, complex issues, trust, and love, which leads to an entertaining, phenomenal, and powerful conclusion, which had me on tenterhooks throughout.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Becky Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duet is absolutely phenomenal. I couldn't wait to start reading Book Two. I started it the second I finished Book One. I had to find out what happens to Ella and Crutch. The time jump to them as mature adults with even more complex issues, banter, and love was amazing. I read for three days straight to finish this duet. Their love is so powerful. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I'll just say I laughed and cried multiple times! The end was perfection. The mystery was solved, and I can't wait until she releases more novels about this family. I wanna eat them up.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

not what I expected

After a gut wrenching breakup at the end of the first book, this picks up twelve years later and guess what? The hero has turned into an epic manwhore. In the just first 10%, his conquests have already been thrown in the heroines face left and right. I’m so sick of heroes that are madly in love the heroine, but easily sleep with endless women. He obviously had no problem living without her and moving on. Not my kind of hero.

[HannahMReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect conclusion to this duet. It picks up the story of Ella and Crutch 12 years after the first book ends. It provides answers to the questions from book one but still has new plot points to keep you interested and invested. Like in the first book, you’ll go on an emotional roller coaster but one that you don’t want to get off of. Definitely read Escaping Our Reality before this one!

[Jennifer Squillante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Our Reality is the second novel, and you HAVE to read Escaping Our Reality first.

I loved this duet with my whole heart. When Escaping Our Reality was through, I was literally yelling at my Kindle so I was excited to see how their story ended.

Finding Our Reality is set 12 years in the future from where book 1 leaves off. And in that time, both Ry (Crutch) and Lulu (Ella) have been through something. However, they have to put that aside or work through it because they are both working to solve the case of her sister's disappearance.

Lulu- Her strength is quite amazing when it is revealed what she has been through since the end of book one. I could not but be anything but amazed by her. And while she might have herself believing she hates Ry, that could not be further from the truth.

Ry- This man is, well, you be the judge, and while I greatly disliked him at the end of book 1, for making choices for Lulu, the man that returns is not the same as the boy who left, and I think for me his growth was my favorite part.

These two are soulmates and were destined to find their way back to each other.

Like the first book, I think Halcie does an amazing job at creating connections with the reader with her characters. The character development that she is able to create for each character individually and then how they come back together and work through their past.


I loved the secondary characters too; I think they are important when one of the tropes is Found Family and their development and interactions with both Lulu and Ry are authentic. They are necessarity to the development of the authenticity of the MCs.

I am excited to see what comes next from this author!

Thank you, Halcie Dawn and Grey's PR for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book as soon as I had finished the first book! I’m really happy that both books released on the same day because it meant I could grab the two of them at the same time! After reading, I can say that I actually enjoyed this book a bit more than the first book! This book took place twelve years after the end of the first book and the author did a great job of showing how far the characters had come and how their choices had shaped them! The plot held my attention and it only took me a few sittings to read! There was romance in the plot and I loved that the characters again had a lot of sexual tension! The romance allowed for some steamy scenes too! There was also a bit more action and suspense in the plot, but I do wish there had maybe been more as the plot developed as it was one big scene near the end! The characters were again amazing and made this book even better! Luella “Lulu” was again the main female character, and in this book had returned to her hometown for a sad reason! I loved Lulu in this book! She had grown a lot from the first book and she stood up for herself and had an impressive career! She had also been through a lot and my heart went out to her! Ryland “Ry” was again the main male character and love interest of Lulu! Ry’s changes from the first book were admirable and he now had a good job that he enjoyed and was good at! Ry had also been through a lot during his time away from Lulu and it had a big impact on him! He also still cared fiercely about Lulu and loved her a lot! This book was again written from both Lulu and Ry’s point of views! I was expecting it to be because the first book was written this way and the synopsis gives the impression that it’s going to be! I loved that it was because it helped me connect more with Lulu and Ry and see how much they still meant to each other after twelve years apart! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as the characters did go through some situations by themselves and they didn’t spend every second of the plot together! I’m really sad that this is the final book in the duet for Lulu and Ry, but I was very excited to get to the end of this book and find out that there’s going to be a prequel book focusing on a secondary character from this duet! I can’t wait to get inside this character’s head! The prequel book releases early 2025! I’ll definitely be anticipating its release and reading it as soon as it does! I also love the cover for this book! It suits the feel of the book and I love how well it matches the cover for the first book! It would draw me to the book as well if I saw it whilst scrolling Amazon!

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Our Reality) The Reality Duet Book 2 ) sometimes it takes distance to realize how much you truly love someone!!! Circumstances tore Ella and Crutch apart - something took an emotional toll on both emotionally and physically. Now fate has brought both back together, could this be their second chance at love . Their chance of a happily ever after together. Man I thought the first part of their story took a toll on my heart emotionally but the second half well there are no words just no perfect words to express all the feelings I felt while reading. All I can say is that it was the same feeling when you just about to get on the wildest ride at the amusement park . The feeling of being anxious , nervous and excited all at once . The anticipation of what’s about to come next . Found family , friendships, heartbreaks , mystery, suspense, intrigue, secrets , drama , love , passion, pain , second chances, phenomenal world building, characters you cannot stop yourself from falling in love with , and so much more . This duet is easily one of the most beautifully written and emotionally charged journeys I’ve read in a very long time

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a brilliant conclusion the Reality duet. My heart was on tenterhooks to see how events would unfold after the cliffhanger of Escaping Our Reality, and could not put the book down. The balance of mystery, threat, love story, friendship and found family, continues to unfold and develop with the well written text and the sustained character portrayal and events in their lives.
The time jump creates the opportunity for character development and the building of a wider world for our leads, Ella and Ry. The feel of a beautiful place, intertwined with a darker underbelly that has to be engaged with , adds to the sense of intersecting lives. This adds so well to the suspense and drama of the main storyline, the search for Carrie.
I loved both Ella and Ry. Their story is fraught with longing, frustration and strong, strong feelings. The reconnection of the couple sets off a firestorm, which I loved reading about and my heart was tested on many occasions. A very well deserved 5 stars for this duet. 💖💖💖💖💖

[Mira Gencheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had in mind that maybe the second one would be even better than the first one, but I never thought it would be so good!

This story continues to amaze me how beautifully is written, how much though the author put into the detail and into the characters and how much it made me attached to all of it. Again - there was a lot of laughing, crying here and there, trying to solve the mystery with the characters.

Ella and Crutch's story is so beautiful and at the same time so hard to go through, because of all the things they go through. But I couldn't turn away, I couldn't not read about them, because I had to know what would happen and where life and fate would take them.

"Finding Out Reality" is a perfect conclusion of "The Reality Duet" and I'm so glad I got to read both of the books. I think those two would be hard to forget.

~~~This book was provided to me by Grey's Promo for my honest opinion.~~~

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m utterly in love. Ry and Lulu have stolen my heart! From their tender young love in book one to rediscovering and reigniting their connection in their 30s, their journey captivated me completely.

These books have everything: love, angst, found family, growth, devastation—and a mystery that hooks you right from the start as they search for Lulu’s sister. The conclusion? It brought all the feels rushing to the surface, and I battled tears the whole way through.


**Start the 2nd book right when you finish the 1st... I don't think that's a recommendation, I think it's just a fact... You'll see when you read it, unless you want to stay heartbroken forever.

Anyways, If you’re craving a story that will sweep you off your feet and consume your every thought, do yourself a favor and pick up this beautiful duet. It's a ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ for me.

[Ali (bookishalireads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second part of the reality duet. I couldn't wait to get back into the book. I needed to know what would happen to these two. Twelve years later, I wasn't sure how it would go. Could old wounds heal? Could the past be let go? Ry and Ella were destined from the first time they laid eyes on one another, and seeing their journey from friends, lovers, and strangers was so well done. At times, it gave me that The Notebook feel. The suspense will have you questioning everybody and on the edge of your seat. Ella was so strong-willed; I loved that most about her character, and Ry never changed his ways—he only became a better version of himself. It's not a quick fix; it was raw, and seeing them battle through it all only made this story more beautiful. Im so happy I got the chance to read it. Im telling you if you are an fan of Catherine cowles, halcie should be on your radar.

[books.with.emily13 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started it as soon as I finished the first book. This book, different from the first one, had a perfect balance of their love story and mystery. I loved how in the second book Ella and Crutch were shown as more mature over the time jump than they were in the first book. It was a beautiful story showing how they got back together but also at the same time my heart broke for Ella and what had happened to her over the time she and Crutch weren't together. There was a lot of what she went through that made me cry, but also what happened with her shows that she became a strong woman. Book two ending was perfect, with how they really got together and how Ella's sister's case finally got solved after that long time.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Our Reality is the conclusion to the duet and it is better than the first part. Ella and Crutch are both back in town after over a decade at the same time. They are both determined to solve her sister's case. Ella endured a lot while she was away and it was heartbreaking. When they were torn apart it took an emotional and physical toll on the both of them and now they get a second chance at love. This part of the story keeps you on the edge of your seat and excited for what comes next. Elle and Crutch are so well written that you can't help but fall in love with them. I am happy with how their story ended and I am looking forward to see what this author has in store for us next.

Received ARC in exchange for voluntary honest review from Halcie Dawn and Grey's Promotions.

[Nickie Sale · Rating 5 out of 5]

After that cliffy in the first part of this duet, I dived straight into this second part and I have to say I was not disappointed. Time has moved on and over 10 years later both Ella and Crutch have changed and matured. The way they were torn apart affected them both in so many ways and thier time apart Ella has been through so much, it really doestug at your heart.

But now, unknown to each other, they are both back in town, determined to solve the mystery behind Ella's sisters disappearance. Ella and Crutch's journey is not an easy one, they face many challenges, hurdles, secrets, heartbreak and plenty of drama. But true love finds a way and along with family, friends, love, trust and solving the mystery of Ella's sisters disappearance is the perfect end to this duet.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so sad this duet is over 😭 I spent so much time with cruch and Ella that I genuinely feel like part of their little circle. Crutch has grown up and been medically discharged from the Marines. Once back in town, he is assigned to Carries missing person case. Right next to Ella 😎

These two have been through hell and back. Finally getting to see them modern day work through what they have gone through was so rewarding. Ella is so independently strong, but without Crutch, i don’t know how she would have gotten through revisiting Carries case.

Don’t even get me started on Crutch coming back and specifically REQUESTING to be put on her case. I was so irritated with him at the end of Escaping our Reality, that i really thought i was going to have a hard time being won over. Nope. He walked into the room as the lead detective and I was immediately forgiving him with puppy dog eyes. At least Ella was a little stronger than me.

[CM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella & Crutch
4 🌟


She was his Lulu and he was her Ry. 12 years later and they are finding their way back to each other. Heartbreaking secrets revealed. The only problem I had with this story-dropping it a full 🌟- was that he was a manwh0r3 while they were apart. I absolutely hate when authors do that. Especially with his repetitive “never before, never after” when he talks about her being the love of his life. I’m not saying he couldn’t have been with others while apart because it was 12 years. But so many makes it worse.

This was my first time reading this author. If you are a fan of Kate Stewart you will like this duet. . The great building of the relationship makes the reader fall in love with this couple then breaks your heart then puts it all back together again.

[Jenna Crumpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read this duet, I suggest you have the second book on hand so you can immediately start it after the first one! I wasn’t able to start the second one right after the first one, but I thought about the first book until I could!

This duet was phenomenal! Ry and Ella’s story had me completely in my feels throughout this entire book! The way they reconnected in this book had me completely falling in love with both Ry and Ella all over again! This book is full of reconnection, mystery, found family and a love story that is amazing down to the very last page!

I’m so thankful to the author for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review!

[Kimberly Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved Finding Our Reality by Halcie Dawn! This second-book payoff in the Reality Duet shows up with all the heart-pounding emotion, real-world scars, and second-chance sparks I was hoping for—and then

Watching the characters I fell for in Book One grow, change, and fight for what they deserve gave me all the feels. The story is warm, gritty, tender, and just right. And the way it wraps things up? Satisfying yet still lingering in that “what if” space—just how a duet should end.

If you love stories about healing, hope, powerful connections, and finding your own version of home, this one’s definitely a must-read.

[Crazy~Chaotic Book~Babes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love second chances? I love the difference in time and how things just picked up where they left off. Ella and Crutch are adults but that doesn't mean the banter has stopped. I love everything about them including the struggles they are still facing. The love they have for each other is undeniable. As their love story plays out, all questions are answered.

I loved this duet and can't wait to read more for Halcie Dawn. This is the first set of books I have read from her and I am excited for more

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rollercoaster continues and delivers!!

This is the 2nd book in the duet in the Reality series!!

This book takes part 12yrs later and gives a break down of everything that happened and OMG!!

This story was something else, the love, the memories and all the hurt that has happened between Crutch and Ella I couldn’t put it down!!

The story of Ella’s sister comes to a close and she does get her justice!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve years later— Ryland and Ella come back into each other’s lives. Ella is still mad at Ryland about his abrupt departure but he’s assigned to her sister’s missing person’s case so they have no option but to work together. Getting towards the end of the book, I had a gut feeling about what had happened to Carrie and what I thought ended up being true. I loved this book and this duet so much. I will think about Ry and Lulu’s love story for a long time. 🥹

[amber malinowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book! What a love story! I know we all wanted to find out what happened to Carrie, but all I could do was wonder what happened next with Ella and Crutch and I just wanted more and more! There is not many books that have a good story line that can make me bawl my eyes out but this one did that for me. @halciedawnromance if I don’t get more of Lulu and Ry “well, I suggest you quickly modify your plans then.”🥹😭💖

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella (Lulu) and Ry's story picks up 12 years later. This part of their story is emotional, angsty and heartbreaking. Twelve years might not have dampened their feelings for each other, but can they get through everything they've been through to find their way back? Excellent story. I could not put this down. Clear your calendar and maybe have some tissues handy.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part 2 of the reality duet and let me tell you, these characters went through the ringer! This book takes place 12 years after book one.

Each one of these characters have absolutely been through so many hard times in their lives, individually. They haven't seen each other since Crutch broke her heart all those years ago. But now Ella is back in town and they end up working together one her sister's missing persons case.

The feelings flare right back up. Honestly, you can just tell these two were meant to be. It just took them awhile to find their way back to each other. They most definitely had to work at it to get back to where they used to be. I love the suspense aspect of this book and it kept me questioning who it was the entire time.

I'd most definitely check your trigger warnings before reading this one!

[Emily Freed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long Winded

While I enjoyed seeing Ry and Lulu’s relationship continue after 12 years, the novel felt a little long winded and drawn out. Based on character’s behaviors in the first book, it also felt a bit obvious where the plot line was going (as far as solving the mystery of the death); therefore, it could be part of the reason as to why it felt a bit drawn out.

[Amanda Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I'm amazed at how hoid this book was. I was not disappointed at all.
All the questions I had going on in my head were answered .
What happened to Carrie is finally uncovered after 12 years but mist important Ry and Lulu get peace and there HEA.

[Adrienne Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well. Read this in one day. Couldn’t stop after book 1….. SO GOOD!!!!! I couldn’t put this down all day. This was such a good read and got me out of my reading funk. This is a book that makes me jealous of people that get to read it for the first time… SO GOOD.

[Paige Whitecotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.

What a beautiful heart breaking book. Poor Carrie. Ry and Lulu had some serious struggles and hurts but learning to forgive and working together to find out what happened to Carrie healed them. Great book.

[Heaven Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhh they got their happy ending we love it here❤️❤️