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You and Me, For Real
She swore she’d never be in front of the camera again, but now she’s falling for a Hollywood heartthrob with a tabloid-worthy secret.
Former child reality star Ashton Reid is done with fame and dreams of a quiet life and finally opening her own animal rescue. But establishing a non-profit requires funding and, therefore, publicity. For Ashton, this means facing her crippling anxiety anytime a camera is pointed in her direction. Despite her best efforts to avoid all things Hollywood, when celebrity Griffin Ford rushes into her shelter carrying an injured dog—with his impossibly muscled arms and notorious abs—she’s helpless against those almond eyes. The dog's eyes, that is.
Actor Griffin Ford is desperate for his first meaningful role. Tired of being seen as nothing more than washboard abs on an angsty teen drama, he’s agreed to a fake relationship with his co-star to guarantee the lead in her father’s next movie. But when the contract requires more than he’s bargained for, he begins to question the future he always imagined. To take back some ownership of his life, Griffin adopts a new dog—despite being clueless about pet ownership.
Drawn to Ashton’s authenticity, Griffin recruits her to train his new rescue. In return, Griffin helps her navigate publicity and social media for her foundation. Outside the glow of Hollywood, it doesn’t take long for Ashton to see that Griffin is more than the hunk he portrays on TV. As their professional and personal lives intertwine and their attraction grows stronger, their chemistry becomes undeniable. But when the heat of the spotlight threatens to expose Ashton’s past and Griffin’s secret, the two must fight for what’s real between them, or risk becoming another casualty of fame.
“Utterly charming! This is feel-good romance at its BEST!” — Nicole Deese, Christy award-winning author
Perfect for fans
Celebrity trope romanceFriends to moreOpposites attractDUAL POVDog loversRelatable charactersFeel-good romance
Former child reality star Ashton Reid is done with fame and dreams of a quiet life and finally opening her own animal rescue. But establishing a non-profit requires funding and, therefore, publicity. For Ashton, this means facing her crippling anxiety anytime a camera is pointed in her direction. Despite her best efforts to avoid all things Hollywood, when celebrity Griffin Ford rushes into her shelter carrying an injured dog—with his impossibly muscled arms and notorious abs—she’s helpless against those almond eyes. The dog's eyes, that is.
Actor Griffin Ford is desperate for his first meaningful role. Tired of being seen as nothing more than washboard abs on an angsty teen drama, he’s agreed to a fake relationship with his co-star to guarantee the lead in her father’s next movie. But when the contract requires more than he’s bargained for, he begins to question the future he always imagined. To take back some ownership of his life, Griffin adopts a new dog—despite being clueless about pet ownership.
Drawn to Ashton’s authenticity, Griffin recruits her to train his new rescue. In return, Griffin helps her navigate publicity and social media for her foundation. Outside the glow of Hollywood, it doesn’t take long for Ashton to see that Griffin is more than the hunk he portrays on TV. As their professional and personal lives intertwine and their attraction grows stronger, their chemistry becomes undeniable. But when the heat of the spotlight threatens to expose Ashton’s past and Griffin’s secret, the two must fight for what’s real between them, or risk becoming another casualty of fame.
“Utterly charming! This is feel-good romance at its BEST!” — Nicole Deese, Christy award-winning author
Perfect for fans
Celebrity trope romanceFriends to moreOpposites attractDUAL POVDog loversRelatable charactersFeel-good romance
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2025
20 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Elliott
2 books82 followersHayley’s always loved love. Exhibit A: her writing career began in journalism (ahem—diary entries) chronicling her crushes. Writing lighthearted romance stories was a natural transition. It gives her great joy to create fun, sweet escapes for readers with guaranteed happily-ever-afters.
She refills her creative writing well by reading (duh), doing photography, and occasionally drawing or painting. Hayley also loves taking naps, doing embroidery, and crocheting like a seventy-year old. More than anything, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and beloved Goldendoodle in their Oklahoma hometown.
You and Me, For Real is Hayley’s debut novel. You can connect with her on Instagram @Hayley_Elliotts_Books where she keeps the content real and fun.
She refills her creative writing well by reading (duh), doing photography, and occasionally drawing or painting. Hayley also loves taking naps, doing embroidery, and crocheting like a seventy-year old. More than anything, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and beloved Goldendoodle in their Oklahoma hometown.
You and Me, For Real is Hayley’s debut novel. You can connect with her on Instagram @Hayley_Elliotts_Books where she keeps the content real and fun.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 3, 2025
Hayley Elliott charms readers in her sweet, light-hearted debut novel. Fans of Sariah Wilson and Jenny Proctor are sure to love this new addition to the celebrity romance subgenre. Hayley Elliott is an author to keep an eye on for all those who love closed-door romance.
July 25, 2025
This is the perfect sunshine-y, swoon-worthy, fun-loving contemporary romance! I was fortunate enough to read an advanced copy, and this debut novel did not disappoint. It has all the lighthearted fun you want in romance, plus a celebrity hero, a relatable heroine, and the cutest little doggy sidekicks! Read this one. For real!!
May 7, 2025
I was one of the lucky ones that received an advanced copy for proofreading and was so glad I did! I will start by saying I don't typically read a lot of lighthearted romance, but I will always enjoy a great story and Hayley exceeded my expectations. This was cute and full of fluffy goodness and of course dogs! I enjoyed the character development of our main duo Ashton and Griffin and loved getting to know their stories both individually and together. Highly recommend checking this out as soon as you can!
July 19, 2025
What a charming & delightful debut novel! Humor, hearts for rescue animals, and romance. "Good gracious mercy."
Ashton Reid and Griffin Ford are an unlikely but perfect pair. Each adorable in their own way. They both can relate to having their lives not be of their own choosing. Ashton escaped the life of a child reality star, and Griffin is on a hit show that is coming to an end but is trapped in a fake PR relationship until the end.
"The man is gorgeous....But with each day I get to know him better, his kindness, generosity, and humor make him grow impossibly more attractive."
"The man is totally smitten with you-even when he saw you looking like Shrek. That's true love right there."
Luke, Griffin's cousin, fresh out of the military, agrees to be his assistant for the time being. He is honest and teasing with Griffin, a perfect secondary character. Wren, Griffin's neighbor, a famous singer, becomes a good friend of Ashton's. Ashton is not used to having a real friend, since her early years were on her family's reality show, and she's been laying low since she left and changed her name. "I'm unaccustomed to this girlfriend-dishing business." "Everyone needs a cheerleader in their life. I'm grateful to have a new one."
I love debut novels and discovering new authors. If you like romantic comedies and contemporary romances, you will love "You and Me, For Real" by Hayley Elliott. I hope you check out this perfect light hearted romance!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Ashton Reid and Griffin Ford are an unlikely but perfect pair. Each adorable in their own way. They both can relate to having their lives not be of their own choosing. Ashton escaped the life of a child reality star, and Griffin is on a hit show that is coming to an end but is trapped in a fake PR relationship until the end.
"The man is gorgeous....But with each day I get to know him better, his kindness, generosity, and humor make him grow impossibly more attractive."
"The man is totally smitten with you-even when he saw you looking like Shrek. That's true love right there."
Luke, Griffin's cousin, fresh out of the military, agrees to be his assistant for the time being. He is honest and teasing with Griffin, a perfect secondary character. Wren, Griffin's neighbor, a famous singer, becomes a good friend of Ashton's. Ashton is not used to having a real friend, since her early years were on her family's reality show, and she's been laying low since she left and changed her name. "I'm unaccustomed to this girlfriend-dishing business." "Everyone needs a cheerleader in their life. I'm grateful to have a new one."
I love debut novels and discovering new authors. If you like romantic comedies and contemporary romances, you will love "You and Me, For Real" by Hayley Elliott. I hope you check out this perfect light hearted romance!
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
You know what I never get tired of? Seeing bookstagram friends become authors. 🥹❤️ When Hayley asked me to read the first few chapters of her book to get a feel for her style, I jumped at the chance and then immediately downloaded the rest and binged it over a weekend. This was such a fantastic debut!
I really enjoyed Ashton and Griffin’s story. I am such a sucker for celebrity romances and loved the found family aspect. There were lots of swoony moments and all the cute dogs you could want.
Can’t wait for more books by Hayley!
Content: kissing
I really enjoyed Ashton and Griffin’s story. I am such a sucker for celebrity romances and loved the found family aspect. There were lots of swoony moments and all the cute dogs you could want.
Can’t wait for more books by Hayley!
Content: kissing
October 4, 2025
This book is pure delight! I’m desperate for the next story in the series. Hayley Elliott just joined my ‘shut up and take my money’ list of authors! More please!
June 2, 2025
Celebrity romance meets dog rescue with this sweet story, and I found myself enjoying every single minute. Griffin and Ashton both have some experience with being in the spotlight... but after growing up on a reality television show, Ashton escaped that spotlight for a private life helping animals. That is, until a TV heartthrob shows up to her shelter with a dog he'd rescued from the side of the road. I mean, with a meet cute like this, how could you just not love these characters and their heart for animals already? They had a really sweet chemistry between them... but some pretty major obstacles in their way too. I loved seeing them grow and learning from their unique family dynamics throughout. And with all the puppy love, this is definitely one that dog lovers are absolutely going to go crazy for. Their story also introduced us to a fun variety of side characters that I loved just as much and hope to see more from in the future! With a debut novel like this one, I cannot wait to see what Hayley Elliot is going to do next!
You and Me, For Real is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have very minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
You and Me, For Real is a closed-door romance with kisses only. It does have very minimal minor language.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2025
This celebrity romance was one I couldn't stop reading!!!!! I devoured it in two days!
It is a sweet romance, full of sizzling chemistry and banter without the spice. The two main characters, Ashton and Griffin, had me rooting for them from their very first meeting. I also loved all the dogs and side characters who made appearances, especially Luke, Griffin's cousin, and Wren, Griffin's famous next-door neighbor.
I can't wait to find out who will star in the next book in this series!
It is a sweet romance, full of sizzling chemistry and banter without the spice. The two main characters, Ashton and Griffin, had me rooting for them from their very first meeting. I also loved all the dogs and side characters who made appearances, especially Luke, Griffin's cousin, and Wren, Griffin's famous next-door neighbor.
I can't wait to find out who will star in the next book in this series!
July 3, 2025
Calling fans of celebrity trope and friends to more! Hayley Elliott's voice is fun and unique and I'm so thrilled her debut is out in the world! I got to read an early draft of You and Me for Real and I know there is plenty more to coming from this author. 4.5 stars!
July 2, 2025
Hayley Elliott’s debut novel, You and Me, For Real , is a sweet, engaging story that has me looking forward to more of her books.
Ashton reluctantly grew up in front of the camera on a reality tv show. At seventeen she decided she had had enough of her demanding and manipulative mother and living under a microscope so she left home and never looked back. All Ashton wants is to live a life of anonymity and start a dog rescue.
Griffin is a big time tv star who has his sights set on becoming a movie star. His difficult relationship with his father/manager and his desire to make impress him has Griffin doing whatever his father thinks will advance his career including being in a fake relationship with his costar.
When Griffin adopts an injured dog that he rescued from the side of the road, he hires Ashton to help him train the dog. As the two of them work together they feel a connection begin to grow. Can they help each other achieve their dreams and heal past hurts?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fun and likable. The story moves along really well with a good amount of tension from outside sources. I am a big fan of dual POVs because you get a good idea of what both characters are thinking. I would very much recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy of this fun book. My opinions are my own.
Ashton reluctantly grew up in front of the camera on a reality tv show. At seventeen she decided she had had enough of her demanding and manipulative mother and living under a microscope so she left home and never looked back. All Ashton wants is to live a life of anonymity and start a dog rescue.
Griffin is a big time tv star who has his sights set on becoming a movie star. His difficult relationship with his father/manager and his desire to make impress him has Griffin doing whatever his father thinks will advance his career including being in a fake relationship with his costar.
When Griffin adopts an injured dog that he rescued from the side of the road, he hires Ashton to help him train the dog. As the two of them work together they feel a connection begin to grow. Can they help each other achieve their dreams and heal past hurts?
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fun and likable. The story moves along really well with a good amount of tension from outside sources. I am a big fan of dual POVs because you get a good idea of what both characters are thinking. I would very much recommend this book.
I received an advanced copy of this fun book. My opinions are my own.
August 29, 2025
You & Me, For Real by: Hayley Elliott
➡️Swipe for stories you may also enjoy featuring adorable dogs
🎬She swore she’d never be in front of the camera again, but now she’s falling for a Hollywood heartthrob with a tabloid-worthy secret.
You'll Find 🔍
- humorous moments
- characters you can't help but root for
-lots of dogs 🐕
- dual POV
- forced proximity
I thought 💬
What a stellar debut! The story flowed seamlessly. I loved little moments of sarcasm and how the narrator spoke directly to the reader at times.
The timeline felt a little quick. I would have liked to see more of Ashton's personality outside of her work with dogs.
I loved ♥️
Griffin was a cinnamon roll of a lead. I kept picturing a lifeguard with abs of steel and a heart of gold. 🥽
"Several minutes later, I emerge from the tent shinier than a tube of lip gloss. I’m talking near-Twilight level sparkle. My body oil is so thick, I glow. Look out world, here I come to shine. Literally."
The dog antics were so fun!
Wren was amazing and I can't wait for her story!
Fans of Ellie Hall, Jennifer Peel, Grace Worthington will enjoy this one.
CW: 1-2 swear words, kisses
TW: panic attacks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
➡️Swipe for stories you may also enjoy featuring adorable dogs
🎬She swore she’d never be in front of the camera again, but now she’s falling for a Hollywood heartthrob with a tabloid-worthy secret.
You'll Find 🔍
- humorous moments
- characters you can't help but root for
-lots of dogs 🐕
- dual POV
- forced proximity
I thought 💬
What a stellar debut! The story flowed seamlessly. I loved little moments of sarcasm and how the narrator spoke directly to the reader at times.
The timeline felt a little quick. I would have liked to see more of Ashton's personality outside of her work with dogs.
I loved ♥️
Griffin was a cinnamon roll of a lead. I kept picturing a lifeguard with abs of steel and a heart of gold. 🥽
"Several minutes later, I emerge from the tent shinier than a tube of lip gloss. I’m talking near-Twilight level sparkle. My body oil is so thick, I glow. Look out world, here I come to shine. Literally."
The dog antics were so fun!
Wren was amazing and I can't wait for her story!
Fans of Ellie Hall, Jennifer Peel, Grace Worthington will enjoy this one.
CW: 1-2 swear words, kisses
TW: panic attacks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 19, 2025
What a fantastic debut! Hayley Elliott has written a delightful romance, set in the Hollywood Hills and perfect for dog lovers. I'm not even a dog person and I wanted to head to a rescue after finishing this sweet and satisfying romance.
Ashton is a former child reality star, hiding from the limelight while trying to raise funds to build a dog rescue center. Griffin is a hot TV star, hoping to break out of his typecasting and ditch his fake relationship with his costar. They have an adorable meet cute when Griffin saves a stray dog, and their love builds on friendship and attraction, but fame and the paparazzi shine a light on the insecurities both have to overcome to be together.
I flew through the book--the writing and pacing are excellent--and enjoyed the chemistry, humor, side characters, and hijinks. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series when it publishes (I need Luke's story!), and I recommend this to any romance reader. It's closed door and sweet but never cheesy.
Thanks to the author for an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
Ashton is a former child reality star, hiding from the limelight while trying to raise funds to build a dog rescue center. Griffin is a hot TV star, hoping to break out of his typecasting and ditch his fake relationship with his costar. They have an adorable meet cute when Griffin saves a stray dog, and their love builds on friendship and attraction, but fame and the paparazzi shine a light on the insecurities both have to overcome to be together.
I flew through the book--the writing and pacing are excellent--and enjoyed the chemistry, humor, side characters, and hijinks. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series when it publishes (I need Luke's story!), and I recommend this to any romance reader. It's closed door and sweet but never cheesy.
Thanks to the author for an advance digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2025
This book was such a sweet debut. It has a perfect balance of lighthearted fun and heartfelt depth. Ashton and Griffin were so good together. I loved how they helped each other grow. Ashton helped Griffin realize he needed to stand up to his demanding Dad/agent. Griffin helped Ashton calm her anxiety about being on camera. The dogs were a great connection point and a fun addition to the story. Seeing the different personalities of Griffin's new rescue dog and Ashton's dogs had me relating since I've been around dogs all my life. The reverse fake dating was a plot that I don't see very often. In fact, I was kind of wondering how it would play out. I'm glad that Griffin was honest with Scarlet and Ashton about the whole situation and that Scarlet was mature about it. In the end, I thought it went really well. I definitely recommend this to fans of clean and sweet contemporary romance.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.
August 19, 2025
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
HOW CUTE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
That’s the vibe. It’s a ultra sweet rom-com that is meant to be light hearted and I always enjoy picking up one of these books. All of the dog content was fun too. I don’t think I’ve read a book with this much dog information and as someone who used to work with them, it was a nice throwback.
Griffin and Ashton were just flipping cute together. I loved the depth of the moments they had together alongside the humorous and flirty texts. There were some solid friendships too that I think added to the plot and made this an easy read.
There was some pieces of the drama that aren’t my favorite type to read about and I wish played a smaller role. All in all though, I think this was a wonderful debut and I look forward to future books from Hayley!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: strained parent relationships
HOW CUTE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
That’s the vibe. It’s a ultra sweet rom-com that is meant to be light hearted and I always enjoy picking up one of these books. All of the dog content was fun too. I don’t think I’ve read a book with this much dog information and as someone who used to work with them, it was a nice throwback.
Griffin and Ashton were just flipping cute together. I loved the depth of the moments they had together alongside the humorous and flirty texts. There were some solid friendships too that I think added to the plot and made this an easy read.
There was some pieces of the drama that aren’t my favorite type to read about and I wish played a smaller role. All in all though, I think this was a wonderful debut and I look forward to future books from Hayley!
Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Content warnings: strained parent relationships
July 28, 2025
Hayley Elliott has done an incredible job with this debut novel. Her characters are so well-developed and felt so authentic. The romance is so sweet, and the plot was unique with the fake relationship standing in the way of the one developing between our main characters. It was so easy to root for Ashton and Griffin. I loved the subplots of their relationships with their respective parents and the resolutions to those situations gave the story such depth. Also, the puppies light up the pages! I’m SO looking forward to the next book!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not asked to leave a positive review and my opinions are my own.
June 28, 2025
Reading a debut novel is always an adventure. There is no guarantee if it will be good or not. I'm happy to say You & Me, For Real was amazing. It was one of those books I didn't want to put down at bedtime. I definitely think fans of Teri Wilson's closed-door, sweet romances will love it. It has dogs and the celebrities who love them. Ashton has spent her last 5 years avoiding anything that will connect her to her reality show past, but to get her dog rescue running, she is going to have to fundraise, which means returning to the spotlight. Griffin is stuck in an acting pit. To get the movie role he wants, he has to fake-date the director's daughter. Scarlet has been his friend for years, but that is all he feels. When a stray dog crosses Griffin's path, he takes her to the shelter where Ashton works. His attraction to Ashton is immediate, and to spend more time with her, he asks for her help training his new dog in exchange for his help with raising funds for the rescue. As they work together, their attraction grows, but can Ashton overcome her past traumas to step back into Griffin's world? This was such a sweet, closed-door AKA no spice romcom. All the characters were so relatable, and I loved Ashton and Griffin's growth including overcoming fears and setting healthy boundaries. I can't wait for more books in the series to see the side characters get their HEAs.
July 6, 2025
I loved this book it was such a fun easy read. I love that the dogs/shelter/rescue featured so much throughout but most of all I loved that Griffin recognised Ashton and how special she was straight away.
May 31, 2025
I was lucky enough to be on Hayley’s ARC team and got an early copy of the book and here’s my review
You MUST love dogs if you’re going to read this. If you also love swoony, friends to lovers, sunshiny, close proximity, Hollywood romance, dogs, family drama, no spice then this book is for you.
Ashton, Griffin, Luke, and Wren are some of the most fun characters I’ve read in a while. If you’re a fan of Courtney Walsh or Gracie Ruth Mitchell then you will love Haley Elliot’s debut book.
You MUST love dogs if you’re going to read this. If you also love swoony, friends to lovers, sunshiny, close proximity, Hollywood romance, dogs, family drama, no spice then this book is for you.
Ashton, Griffin, Luke, and Wren are some of the most fun characters I’ve read in a while. If you’re a fan of Courtney Walsh or Gracie Ruth Mitchell then you will love Haley Elliot’s debut book.
July 22, 2025
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I was very fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book to review, and I’m so glad I did! If you’re a fan of sunshiney, sweet & clean romance this is the book for you!! Hayley wrote these characters in a way that makes you instantly fall in love with them and you’re rooting for them from the first moment. The typical fake dating trope usually ends with those fake dating ending up together, but Hayley spun fake dating differently (at least for me, I haven’t read another fake dating book like this) than it’s normally portrayed & I LOVED IT. I’m already ready for book #2. Hayley is now going on my list of favorite authors! This is a debut you don’t want to miss!!!!
July 16, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book. What a fun, flirty and sweet romance. I loved it from the beginning and it kept me engaged throughout. It was fast paced and I kept wanting to read when I was supposed to be doing other things. If you love a sweet romance without the spice I would highly recommend this book. For a debut novel it was superb. I'm stingy with my 5⭐️ ratings but if I threw them like confetti this book quite possibly would have received one. Bravo!
July 22, 2025
This is the perfect summer read! From the moment I started reading it I fell in love with the characters and the setting. Ashton is such a fun and relatable heroine, I appreciate how the author had her grow throughout the story as she learns to stand up for herself and better deal with the anxiety that she faces. Griffin is like the perfect book boyfriend, handsome, caring, and considerate. The chemistry between them is very swoony and you can't help but root for them.
And let me just talk about the dogs for a minute! This book features wonderfully relatable dog interactions and I really, really appreciated how the author put so many details into Ashton's job as a dog trainer/dog rescue worker. It made me want to hug my own dogs that much closer. And possibly run out and adopt many more :).
I was blessed with the chance to read an early copy of this book and after having read it I look forward to getting my own physical copy of it once it's released in the stores. This one is going on the keeper shelf. I can't wait to read Luke and Wren's story next. Do yourself a favor and give this debut author a try. You won't regret it!
*I read an early ARC copy from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
And let me just talk about the dogs for a minute! This book features wonderfully relatable dog interactions and I really, really appreciated how the author put so many details into Ashton's job as a dog trainer/dog rescue worker. It made me want to hug my own dogs that much closer. And possibly run out and adopt many more :).
I was blessed with the chance to read an early copy of this book and after having read it I look forward to getting my own physical copy of it once it's released in the stores. This one is going on the keeper shelf. I can't wait to read Luke and Wren's story next. Do yourself a favor and give this debut author a try. You won't regret it!
*I read an early ARC copy from the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
July 11, 2025
A light-hearted, endearing, rom-Com from this debut-author, Hayley Elliott! I was really looking forward to reading her novel and trying Elliott’s work out and i’m ready to try some more books by her! Aside from some passionately described kisses, and some promiscuous flirting this novel was completely spice-free and
language-free.
I typically don’t go for the hollywood/celeb tropes but I didn’t mind this one! Complete with an adorable meet-cute and some lovable dogs this novel was just the escape I needed.
However, It was a little slow going for my taste and didn’t really draw the reader in to entice them to continue reading.
Another area that stuck out to me that could use some work was the character development. Neither Ashton nor Griffin were all that interesting or unique and didn’t really grow or change throughout the book.
Griffin’s character was especially spineless. He was heartless and disrespectful to both Scarlet and Ashton. Ashton’s character was mediocre but Griffin was just a sleezebag. I also didn’t care for all the secrecy and deceit that surrounded Griffin, his relationship with Scarlet and also leading into his relationship with Ashton. Secrecy and deceit destroy relationships and is no ground to begin a relationship on.
Would’ve liked to hear more from Lynn and Judith as they were delightful and charming characters!
Thank you to Hayley Elliott and Lighthearted Reads Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
language-free.
I typically don’t go for the hollywood/celeb tropes but I didn’t mind this one! Complete with an adorable meet-cute and some lovable dogs this novel was just the escape I needed.
However, It was a little slow going for my taste and didn’t really draw the reader in to entice them to continue reading.
Another area that stuck out to me that could use some work was the character development. Neither Ashton nor Griffin were all that interesting or unique and didn’t really grow or change throughout the book.
Griffin’s character was especially spineless. He was heartless and disrespectful to both Scarlet and Ashton. Ashton’s character was mediocre but Griffin was just a sleezebag. I also didn’t care for all the secrecy and deceit that surrounded Griffin, his relationship with Scarlet and also leading into his relationship with Ashton. Secrecy and deceit destroy relationships and is no ground to begin a relationship on.
Would’ve liked to hear more from Lynn and Judith as they were delightful and charming characters!
Thank you to Hayley Elliott and Lighthearted Reads Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
July 2, 2025
A Charming Debut by Hayley Elliott.
Get ready for a heartwarming tale of love, new beginnings, trust, and friendship—with a delightful dose of furry friends! Hayley Elliott's debut novel, You and Me, For Real, is the perfect dreamy summer or weekend read that'll leave you wanting more.
While this story shines in many ways, I couldn't help but notice the heavy marketing emphasis on its closed-door nature, which seemed to imply open-door novels are less than. We all have our preferences, but let's remember that great books come in all forms—be they closed or open-door narratives.
Thank you, Hayley, for sharing an ARC of this lovely read in exchange for an honest opinion. You and Me, For Real hits the shelves August 2025!
Get ready for a heartwarming tale of love, new beginnings, trust, and friendship—with a delightful dose of furry friends! Hayley Elliott's debut novel, You and Me, For Real, is the perfect dreamy summer or weekend read that'll leave you wanting more.
While this story shines in many ways, I couldn't help but notice the heavy marketing emphasis on its closed-door nature, which seemed to imply open-door novels are less than. We all have our preferences, but let's remember that great books come in all forms—be they closed or open-door narratives.
Thank you, Hayley, for sharing an ARC of this lovely read in exchange for an honest opinion. You and Me, For Real hits the shelves August 2025!
June 30, 2025
I really did love this book! It kept me excited to come back for more. I have limited time with two little kiddos at home, but any spare moments of the last week were devoted to this book.
I loved the love story! The characters were likable and relatable in that Ashton holds many qualities of us young women, and she’s just trying to figure out life for all it may be. Griffin is a great male main character! He’s in touch with his feelings and knows what he wants. He proceeds to put it all on the line as we go through the book. Also, might I add, dogs are a key part of the book? Yes! They added quite a bit to my love of the book too.
Hayley did a great job with this book. It’s easy and fun! I can’t wait for book 2 in the series!
* I was so thankful and happy to have been gifted an advanced copy in exchange for your honest review.*
I loved the love story! The characters were likable and relatable in that Ashton holds many qualities of us young women, and she’s just trying to figure out life for all it may be. Griffin is a great male main character! He’s in touch with his feelings and knows what he wants. He proceeds to put it all on the line as we go through the book. Also, might I add, dogs are a key part of the book? Yes! They added quite a bit to my love of the book too.
Hayley did a great job with this book. It’s easy and fun! I can’t wait for book 2 in the series!
* I was so thankful and happy to have been gifted an advanced copy in exchange for your honest review.*
August 13, 2025
Oh my goodness, I loved this story! Typically celebrity romances aren’t my favorite trope, however this one is ah-mazing! It sounded really cute which is why I gave this one a try and I am thrilled that I did. Ashton’s backstory was really well done and Griffin is written as a pretty normal guy instead of a celebrity which made this story even better. I loved everything about this book and since I read an ebook ARC, I will be looking to purchase a copy for my keeper shelf asap! I need book 2 asap!
July 8, 2025
I am so glad I got to be an ARC reader for this book.
The writing is well done from both a technical and storytelling perspective, and the characters were enjoyable.
Griffin and Ashton are adorable together, with the author doing a very good job of making you root for them.
I also liked how the author set up characters for future books in the series.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Hayley Elliott.
Also, the book has dogs, so there's that.
The writing is well done from both a technical and storytelling perspective, and the characters were enjoyable.
Griffin and Ashton are adorable together, with the author doing a very good job of making you root for them.
I also liked how the author set up characters for future books in the series.
I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from Hayley Elliott.
Also, the book has dogs, so there's that.
August 5, 2025
Ashton is terrified of cameras. She doesn't want to be on TV, or have her picture taken. She doesn't like attention of any kind. However, she wants to start a dog rescue and needs to get word out. She runs into Griffin Ford when he rescues a dog. Griffin hires her to help train the dog. They hit it off right away. She doesn't like him just because he's famous.
This is a sweet, kisses only romance. I loved this book and how Griffin helps Ashton overcome her fears. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌶
This is a sweet, kisses only romance. I loved this book and how Griffin helps Ashton overcome her fears. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌶
October 20, 2025
Not five stars just because Hayley’s my friend (though that’s pretty cool!) — You & Me, For Real has all the sizzle and heart of a great romance, without the spice. Loved seeing her personality shine through… and the dogs? Total scene stealers. So proud of my book club buddy for such a warm, witty debut! 💕🐾📚
June 22, 2025
So many things to like about this story such as the main characters: Ashton and Griffin. Both worked as child actors without crossing paths. As adults they do and and the first meeting is less than ideal. Can both of them say “I’m in this with you. This thing. Between you and me.”? Because they’ve both become good at building walls but can they learn to build a bridge?
October 4, 2025
Cute
This was a sweet romance with some hilarious moments. For those who follow my reviews, this was a clean romance, not a Christian romance, so it did have a lot more kissing than I normally read, but that was the extent of any content.
This was a sweet romance with some hilarious moments. For those who follow my reviews, this was a clean romance, not a Christian romance, so it did have a lot more kissing than I normally read, but that was the extent of any content.
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