Escaping Our Reality: The Reality Duet Book One

Reality Duet #1

by Halcie Dawn

** This is Book One of a Duet. This novel will end on a cliffhanger, and you will want to immediately dive into Book Two... Finding Our Reality.** Ella
I want to find my sister. Actually, I need to find my sister. I can’t count on my parents to do it. They’re too busy jet-setting around the world on useless vacations and bed-hopping from one tryst to the other. So it’s up to me. I mean, the police have no new leads—maybe I can do what they can’t do.

But instead of finding her, I find him.

Homeless, cynical, commanding, and without a doubt, the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

I’m drawn to him. Instantly and permanently. He sees me. The real me. The me that I show so few people.

There’s just one problem. Well, two problems, really. One, he doesn’t think he’s worthy. Of anything. And two, he doesn’t want me looking for my sister.

Crutch
I’m from the wrong side of the tracks. Hell, my side of town is so bad it doesn’t even have tracks. I come from addicts, thieves, and liars.

And her…

Well, she has enough money to solve world hunger and still wipe her hands on a gold-trimmed handkerchief when she’s done.

Girls like her throw pity at guys like me. That’s why I don’t let anyone see the real me. Find the ones who know nothing about you or where you’re from, have a little fun, and then walk away. That’s my modus operandi. And yes, I do know what that means. Being poor doesn’t mean I’m stupid.

I can’t let her go. And I know I should. I mean, she’s still in high school. But… I can’t walk away.

I might not have a choice, though. Especially if she doesn’t stop looking for her sister.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance

336 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]

“There’s someone really important I want you to meet, Grandma. This is Luella. She’s…Well, she’s mine. Just like Grandpa was yours. Lulu’s mine.”

If you're trying to get out of the literal, metaphorical, emotional cold tundra that is this winter season, well then get your comfiest sweats, coziest cardigan, yummiest coffee or hot cocoa and take a seat to read a duet that will for sure warm your heart and your soul.

Escape the outside reality and jump into Lulu and Ry's love story!



Their story starts off when they are young, making many mistakes along the way, but ultimately finding their way to each other with first loves and so many firsts everythings. They truly and deeply not only become each others loves but each other's best friends. They learn and live for that love. But even the strongest loves, can have rocky obstacles.



You follow Lulu and Ry navigating not only the story of a lost sister, heartless parents, retched brother, but also a community of a made family. A family of pure love, understanding and being there for one another in the times you need them the most.
(We go more in depth with these side characters)

My heart will beat for you until the heavens cascade to the earth.
Your laugh, your kiss, your touch.
Mine.
You're mine. My Lulu. Never before. Never after.

Please note that this is a duet and that it's left on a cliffhanger. And if you are anything like me, you jumped right into the next book no matter what time of the night it was, even if it was already 1:00 o'clock in the morning and you kinda had to go to work in a few hours.
You HAVE to know! YOU NEED TO KNOW ASAP!

[HannahMReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best contemporary romances I’ve read in awhile. Ella and Crutch’s story made me feel all the things from joy to despair to anger and anywhere in between. These two come from completely different worlds, and their paths cross while she’s on a quest to find her sister. Her feisty nature and his strong willed nature draw them to each other quickly. She wants to help him be all he can be, but he fears he will bring her down. This book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you immediately wanting book two so you can see how their story continues and if they can overcome their obstacles.

[Amber Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m gathering my thoughts and coming back with a full review!!

Just know that I absolutely loved this story and I’m dying to dive right into book 2!!!!

[Sambora · Rating 5 out of 5]

B O O K • R E V I E W

📖: Escaping Our Reality
📚: Series: Reality Duet Book 1 (must read before book 2)
✍🏼: Halcie Dawn
⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

🩷 She’s Rich, He’s Not
🩷 Age Gap
🩷 Missing Sister
🩷 Addiction (not the main characters)
🩷 Mechanic MMC
🩷 Small Town
🩷 Protective MMC

Halcie sent me the duet paperbacks as a complete surprise - and i am SO THANKFUL because this duet was amazing. It hurt, it broke my heart, it made me laugh.

You’re going to want to pick up book 2 immediately.

I seriously loved these two so much. Lulu is so resilient and mature. As a sister myself, my heart broke with her and missing her sister.

Crutch has not had an easy life he uses that to motivate himself for more and better.

“Lulu” just wants to find her missing sister. There hasn’t been any leads, the investigation is stalled and it feels like everyone has given up on finding her. But Lulu will not give up.

That’s how she found herself on the wrong side of town, in the parking lot of a run down gas station, alone. That’s where her sister frequented, and she doesn’t understand why - but she is determined to figure it out.

“Crutch” doesn’t know who she is, he just know she’s beautiful and doesn’t belong on this side of town. He’s a mechanic across the street from the run down gas station - he isn’t sure why a girl like her is there, he has ideas but hopes he’s wrong.

When they both end up at the same place and he finds out who she is, and why she’s here - he warns her to leave and not come back. It isn’t safe for her. And if certain people find out she’s the sister of the missing girl, she might end up missing too.

But, Lulu can’t give up on her sister. She won’t. And she won’t leave. She wants answers.

Crutch decides if she won’t leave, he has to keep her safe. Very quickly though, he realizes this is dangerous. She’s too young.

The more time they spend together, the more he learns Lulu and the way Lulu doesn’t treat him different because she has money and he doesn’t, he realizes keeping her off limits is harder than he thought.

But, he also knows she deserves more. He knows she’s too young for him.

She came to find her sister, but she found Crutch instead…. For now, anyway.

Find it here: https://amzn.to/4jNEagm

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE GASP I GUSPED. rtc

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

4.5 stars!

I discovered this book from the company that was promoting it and I was drawn to the cover, so I checked out the synopsis! It sounded like my kind of read, so I grabbed a copy and made it my next read! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book! The plot did hold my attention and it only took me a few sittings to read! There was a lot of romance in the plot and I loved how it developed because the characters because they met under sad circumstances! The romance allowed for a lot of sexual tension and then some steamy scenes! There was also a little bit of action and suspense, but I was expecting more because the main female character was searching for her missing sister! The mystery wasn’t solved, so I’m hoping it will be in the next book! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Luella “Lulu” was the main female character, and in this book she came from a family with money and parents that didn’t care about her! Her sister was also missing and Lulu wanted to find out what had happened! I liked Lulu and she was dealing with a lot! She was also shy, but her love interest helped her a lot and they experienced a lot of firsts together! Ryland “Ry” was the main male character and love interest of Lulu! Ry was a guy who didn’t really have any close family, but he had people that cared about him and he worked hard to provide for himself! I loved the way Ry was with Lulu as well! He was also protective of Lulu and he wanted to keep her away from the drug scene that he also tried to avoid! This book was written from both Lulu and Ry’s point of views! I was expecting it to be because the synopsis does give the impression that it’s going to be! I’m really happy that it was because it helped me connect more with both characters and see their feelings for each other develop and grow! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot as well, which helped as Lulu and Ry didn’t spend every second of the plot together and they were both going through their own situations! I now can’t wait to read the next book in this duet! I’m really happy that both books released on the same day because it means I didn’t have to wait and I could grab the two of them at the same time! The ending of this book was unexpected and it surprised me! I can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next for the characters and I'll definitely be making it my next read! I also love the cover for this book a lot! It initially drew me to the book and made me check out the synopsis! The cover also suits the feel of the book!

[Mira Gencheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my, people...

This book...

It is so good! It had me hooked from the start and didn't let my attention go anywhere else until I read it. But to be honest, even a few days after I read, I can't stop thinking about it.

In "Escaping Our Reality" we have a mystery, we have love, we have passion, we have everything we need for a great love story and don't even get me started on the emotional rollercoaster it was!

The writing style is beautiful - so full of emotions, details, story. It made me want to read and read and not stop. The author did a great job at handling a few plotlines, which helped make the book so much more. The dynamics is great, it has your attention non-stop and everything that happens is perfectly placed and I could see that the author thought through all of the scenes and made them the best they can get.

The characters are so well built, they feel real. I laughed and cried, and raged with them. I felt everything they felt and wanted more, just because this story had me in a chokehold so good!

I'm so glad I've got the next book in my hands, because I don't know what I would do if I couldn't start it right away.

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

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping Our Reality ( The Reality Duet Book One ) hooked from the very first page , devouring every single word to the point yes I actually lost track of time , smiling, laughing, yellow outta pure frustration, sobbing like a baby and rooting so freaking hard . This is the beginning to of Ella and Crutch’s epic love story and man was it an emotional rollercoaster in every single way !! I cannot put into words exactly why but the connection I felt to both was just so strong , everything they went through I felt like an experienced right along with them . Crutch is from the wrong side of town and Ella is from a wealthy family . Sometimes the two people you would never think belong together end up fitting together so perfectly- like pieces of a puzzle . This is a journey about two people who start off as friends and how over time it evolved into so much more , into the type of love we all hope to find . It’s a journey filled with angst , humor , witty banter , heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, love , passion, pain , second chances and so much more

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reality Duet starts with the disappearance of Elle's sister and the police are at a dead end. There are no clues coming in and they have no idea where to look. This makes Elle decide to start looking for her sister on her own. When she meets Crutch who works across the street from where her sister used to go to get a drink that is only available at that store.

Crutch and Elle's story brings out so many emotions not in just the characters but the reader as well. The chemistry between these two characters is off the charts and this story takes you on a roller coaster ride. The characters are so well written that you feel a connection to them like they are real. Sometimes it doesn't matter where people are from, whether its from "the wrong side of the tracks" or from a wealthy family, you just end up fitting together. This book ends on a cliffhanger and is picked up in Book 2 of the duet and I cannot wait to pick it up to continue their story.

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

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crutch is the epitome of ‘the wrong side of town/wrong family/bad luck’ guy. Ella is a well-off prim and proper high schooler searching for her missing sister. Their 2 worlds collide and come together in this romantic and suspenseful duet.

Ella is persistent on finding her sister even though the case has grown cold with little to no leads. She makes a shocking discovery about her ‘other life’ pre-disappearance. She meets Crutch who is a piece of that ‘other life’ puzzle. It starts out as typical young crush but that changes quickly.

Oh and the cliffy at the end…I have no words.

Halcie’s writing makes it like you know the characters and are actually there while the story is writing itself! I love a good page turner that keeps me going.

Thank you Halcie for sending me copies of both books and will be a permanent trophy on my bookshelf! Hands down, one of the most memorable books I have read this year!

Brb, going to immediately start book two!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

[Jennifer Squillante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping Our Reality hooked me from the get-go.

The duet starts with the disappearance of Ella's (Lulu) sister and her sister's need to find out the truth of what happened to her. What she doesn't anticipate is meeting and falling for Crutch (Ry), the boy from the wrong side of the tracks.

The journey that this first book has taken me on is beautifully scripted. I did not and do not want to put it down. The relationship building that Halcie has created between Lulu and Ry is slow and steady. I thought that there might be an ick factor (for me) because she is 17 at the start of the book (she does turn 18 like 2 chapters later) and he is 21, but she is so much wiser than her actual age and found that it didn't much matter; tension doesn't really pick up until she turns 18, so that placated my ick.

While I loved Ry this entire bok from when first we met, I really loved him in the moment when he tells Lulu that the only reason they are not having sex is because he is not ready. I do not know what is about vulnerable MCs that draws me to them, but Ry is top tier.

I love Lulu's take-nothing attitude; she is not afraid, even when she should be; she is aware of everything she is doing; but she is vulnerable as well.

When you sit to read this one, make sure you have the second part on hand; you are not going to want to wait to see where their story goes.

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

I wish I could explain the nostalgia this story gave me. It brought me back to my roots it was as if I could see it playing before my eyes. The boy from the wrong side of the tracks and the girl who had it all.  Agrieving sister looking for answers for her missing sister.  The story had me in my feels. The emotion Halcie evokes between crutch ( ry) and LuLu was so believable. What started out as a friendship between these two only became so much more the intense need for one another. His protectiveness over her was everything. It's emotional, it's heart-wrenching. It's wanting to grab these characters and hug them tight. It was so beautiful. The ending had me crying. I had a feeling something was coming, but it didn't hurt any less. I'm anxious to see where book 2 goes. If you love romance with mystery, please read this book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a debut novel and let me tell you, I was invested! Halcie is a fantastic storyteller and knows how to suck you right into a story.

Ella & Crutch come from 2 completely different worlds but for some reason, together they just work. They absolutely belong together and I couldn't help but root for them! I love them together. They first developed a good friendship that eventually turned into something more. It was a good, slow burn. I felt like both of their characters were extremely well developed & it honestly feels like they were real people. I loved sweet Harlan too & the relationship he had with both of them. Their story will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. The added suspense of wondering what happened to Ella's sister will keep you turning the page. But this one definitely leaves you on a cliffhanger and you're going to want to jump right in to the next one!

[Nickie Sale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part one of The Reality Duet series starts off hitting the ground running. Elle's sister has disappeared and the police are at a dead end, with no further leads, so Elle decides to look for her. Crutch, homeless just trying to get though his studies, works opposite to a gas station where Elle's sister used to purchase a specific drink.

When Elle and Crutch meet they have an instant chemistry which you can feel coming out of the pages, but they develop a strong friendship in the first place and then over time that morphs into so much more. This rollercoaster journey had me laughing and crying, there was love and heartbreak along side the steamy passion and pain. I'm definately ready for part two.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional roller coaster!!

This is a duet and in this first book you meet Ella and Crutch and what brings them together is that Ella’s sister went missing and she is trying to find out what happened to her.

Crutch and Ella spend this first book build a friendship while Crutch tries to keep Ella safe and away from the dangers his world while still trying to help her…

Ella is hard set at finding what she can find about her sister but is slowly falling for Crutch and building their relationship as she is falling for him and wanting everything with him…

When the two come together and things are at its best, Ella thinks everything going amazing and Crutch can’t handle it, and makes a drastic choice that send their worlds into even more turmoils!!

[amber malinowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was gonna rate this 3.5 stars but the last 50 pages sold me on the 4 star. It’s a very slow burn and mostly fade to black romance but I really loved this story and didn’t intend on reading the second book yet here we are going to download it on KU 🫣. I really wanted to hate it at first since it really never focused too much on the missing sister when throughout the story there was so much of her mentioned about trying to find her etc. I feel like book one was way more about the development of “lulu” and “rys” relationship vs the reason I started this book when it sounded more like a thriller/mystery romance. I assume book 2 will more than likely fill that hole I didn’t get from this one. But all in all at the end I was screaming and crying asking whyyyyyy.

[Brittany A · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book really had me Escaping MY Reality, with each emotion felt and every life event read. Nothing prepared me for my heart to get wrapped up in the entirety of this book as it did, a tornado of emotions from start to the finish. Ella and Crutch, from two entirely different worlds, seeing each other’s side and all the new filled experiences changed them. The love that sparked instantly became my addiction as I had to keep reading, the ending was… oh yeah, it had me crying my eyes out! I can’t even explain my eagerness as I begin reading the next book.

“Never. Ever. Ever.”

Favorite quote: “I told you I wasn’t a fan of escaping from reality. And yet, I fell into my own trap. I escaped. With you held captive in my arms.”

[Kimberly Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved Escaping Our Reality! From the very first chapter, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. The emotion, the tension, and the connection between the characters pulled me right in. Crutch completely stole my heart — he’s got that perfect mix of rough edges and hidden softness.

The story is fast-paced, heartfelt, and full of moments that made me stop and feel. And that ending… whew! Total cliffhanger. I finished the last page and immediately went and grabbed Book Two because I had to know what happened next.

If you like stories that make you root for love, redemption, and second chances, this one’s definitely worth the read.

[Heaven Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why the absolute hell am I in tears. I’ve had a relationship like this( kinda still going through it ) . So I totally am knowing how this feels and I fucking hate it. I need the second book to be their happy ending.

Book review: ahhh I loved this story so much. To have a live like this is a once in a million chance. I hate that he left the way he did, but getting to see their story and read it was so beautiful. I loved every minute of it. I hope the next book is their happy ending because they definitely deserve it.
Rating : 4.5 stars

[Becky Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Loved it! Although Ella and Crutch are relatively young in this book, they are very very mature for their age. And you can tell everything they go through is leading up to something great for the conclusion of the duet in Book Two. This book had me laughing and crying and remembering what young love feels like. I couldn't wait to start Book Two. I was so eager to find out what happened to Ella and Crutch and what happened to Carrie. I had to find out where she was! Get this duet now!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a new duet, and this is Crutch and Ella’s story.
Crutch is from the wring side of town, while Ella is from a wealthy family. These two have endured so much in their lives, and this story is about how their relationship evolved from friends to lovers, and then breaking up.
This is a well written emotional roller coaster story, which has family, friendships, opposites attract, challenges, second chances, humor, and love, which leads to a tragic, and entertaining story.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible start to this duet! Ella and Crutch's story is shaping into an epic tale filled with angst, love, fear, mystery and so much heart that it has its own pulse. They are the couple from vastly different backgrounds and pasts, but when their worlds collide it is clear that these two are destined to be together.
Ella's search for her sister, the mysteries and the seedy world she uncovers, naked for a compelling plot. Combine this with fabulous character development abd cast and you have here a stellar read....and that cliffhanger!! Wow! 💖💖💖💖💖

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

If the start to this book grabs your attention and pulls you completely in from the first chapter, you know this book is going to be good.

Ella and Crutch are very different and their lives just seem to intertwine. Crutch is from the side of the tracks most people warn you to stay away from but Ella needed information that only he could give. As their lives begin to focus on things and searching for a missing person, we begin to see their chemistry and blows the roof from every building they are in.

This story is amazing and leave you guessing and wishing for more

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not even sure where to start. That was an emotional ride. I’m currently writing this with tears streaming down my face. Ella’s sister goes missing and while she’s searching for answers, she meets Crutch (Ryland). & he basically falls head over heels for her the moment he lays his eyes on her.

I loved reading about their relationship and seeing them fall in love. They both have strained parent relationships, he’s older and very reserved when it comes to letting people into his personal life. I can’t wait to read the next book in this duet and see how their story ends. 🥹

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ella & Crutch
4.8🌟


She was his Lulu and he was her Ry. Great story of main characters from opposite sides of the track. The story has great relationship building and then crushes it all. The only thing I didn’t care for is the reason for the breakup and the way it was done. I don’t care for breakups without a conversation.

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

[Hali Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read but also made me cry. The characters and the plot were well written and of course due to the way it ended I had to jump to the second book or I would have gone crazy. Ella and Crutch are two very different characters. Ella comes from a rich family and Crutch is from the wrong side of the tracks. This book was quite an emotional rollercoaster.

I would recommend this book to anyone! I look forward to reading more by this Author.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella's sister has gone missing. While her parents do not seem to care, Ella does and she will do anything to find out what happened to her. This pursuit leads her to Ry (Crutch) and something she wasn't looking for. The connection between the two is instant and such a slow build, which I appreciated. Watching these two grow and learn from each other is beautiful to watch. You'll definitely want to have the second book on hand!!

[Amanda Farrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie. I started this book cause I liked the title of it, so I went in blind. I'm so glad I did because it is turely amazing a little slow to start but doesn't make it any less worthy of being read.
If you like books with a lot of different elements to it then do yourself a favour and pick this book up and read you will not be sorry one bit but be mindful in ends on a cliffhanger so you will need the next book.

[books.with.emily13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! Maybe it did have less focus on the whole mystery part and more on the romance part, but I loved how their love was shown in it. How it develops from the first time seeing each other, to becoming friends and then also as lovers. And also break up and the fact he left as he left, but overall I really loved it.

[Jenna Crumpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me?! That’s how you’re going to end such an incredible read? I’m glad I have the second book on hand is all I’m going to say! I absolutely loved this book and these characters!

Now off to start the second book because I need more!
Thanks to the author for being so sweet and sending me a copy of this book! 💜