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For Real This Time: A heartfelt new romcom featuring love, rivalry and orcs
Love, rivalry...orcs?
Misfit and hardcore fangirl Anissa is finally coming out of her shell. She’s leading a tabletop role-play game with friends, is officially part of the group chat with the girls from college, and she’s managed to bag work experience on the set of her favourite TV show, ‘Of Wrath and Rune’. Things couldn’t be going better. . .
That’s until she meets Callum, the hot new actor behind her favourite character on OWAR, and gets totally starstruck. Only Callum writes her off as an obsessive fangirl and now working on set is about to be very awkward. So much for meet your heroes - now he’s her worst enemy.
Battling her newfound friendships, her rivalry-turned-maybe-something-more with Callum, and the occasional fictional orc, Anissa’s about to realise that sometimes getting lost in the fantasy isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be...
For Real This Time is a heartfelt romcom about opening yourself up to new possibilities and falling in love with what’s real, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Holly Bourne and Lynn Painter.
Misfit and hardcore fangirl Anissa is finally coming out of her shell. She’s leading a tabletop role-play game with friends, is officially part of the group chat with the girls from college, and she’s managed to bag work experience on the set of her favourite TV show, ‘Of Wrath and Rune’. Things couldn’t be going better. . .
That’s until she meets Callum, the hot new actor behind her favourite character on OWAR, and gets totally starstruck. Only Callum writes her off as an obsessive fangirl and now working on set is about to be very awkward. So much for meet your heroes - now he’s her worst enemy.
Battling her newfound friendships, her rivalry-turned-maybe-something-more with Callum, and the occasional fictional orc, Anissa’s about to realise that sometimes getting lost in the fantasy isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be...
For Real This Time is a heartfelt romcom about opening yourself up to new possibilities and falling in love with what’s real, perfect for fans of Rainbow Rowell, Holly Bourne and Lynn Painter.
Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
About the author
Beth Reekles
33 books2,076 followersBeth Reekles is an author and creator best known for her series The Kissing Booth, which was adapted into a series of hit Netflix movies. She began her writing career by self-publishing The Kissing Booth on story-sharing platform Wattpad at fifteen years old, and earned a three-book deal with Penguin Random House at seventeen. Love, Locked Down is her tenth published book. After obtaining a Physics degree and working a day job in IT, she is now a full-time author and self-confessed nerd who loves to review movies on Instagram @authorbethreekles.
Her published works include:
The Kissing Booth
The Beach House
The Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance
The Kissing Booth: Road Trip!
The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time
Rolling Dice
Out of Tune
Cwtch Me If You Can
It Won't Be Christmas Without You
Love, Locked Down/Lockdown on London Lane
Her published works include:
The Kissing Booth
The Beach House
The Kissing Booth 2: Going the Distance
The Kissing Booth: Road Trip!
The Kissing Booth 3: One Last Time
Rolling Dice
Out of Tune
Cwtch Me If You Can
It Won't Be Christmas Without You
Love, Locked Down/Lockdown on London Lane
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 20, 2026
For Real This Time by Beth Reekles was such a fun, feel good romcom about fangirling, friendship, awkward first impressions and figuring out that sometimes reality can be WAY better than the fantasy you’ve built in your head.
Anissa is a hardcore fangirl who is finally coming out of her shell.
She’s running a tabletop role-playing game with her friends, she’s officially part of the college girls’ group chat, and she’s landed work experience on the set of her favourite TV show, Of Wrath and Rune.
Basically, things are FINALLY going right for her.
And then she meets Callum.
The hot new actor playing her favourite character.
And Anissa completely loses her ability to behave like a normal human being.
Because… SAME.
Except Callum decides she’s just an obsessive fangirl and basically writes her off.
Ouch.
So now Anissa has to spend her work experience working alongside the actor who thinks she’s a complete weirdo.
Brilliant!
What starts as awkwardness turns into rivalry, and then… well… let’s just say things start getting a little suspiciously flirty.
I really enjoyed Anissa as a character because she’s not magically transformed into some completely different person. Instead, you get to watch her slowly become more confident, open herself up to friendships and take chances she probably wouldn’t have taken before.
Her friendships were one of my favourite parts of the book.
And I loved the tabletop RPG element too. Give me a bunch of friends sitting around creating ridiculous fantasy adventures while occasionally dealing with fictional orcs, and I’m entertained.
The whole Of Wrath and Rune setup was also such a fun addition because you get that little peek behind the scenes of a fantasy TV show while Anissa is simultaneously trying VERY hard not to combust around her celebrity crush.
And Callum? Sir.
Maybe don’t immediately assume the fangirl is obsessed with you and then expect her to act normal around you.
I really enjoyed the enemies to more than enemies dynamic between them. There was plenty of teasing, awkwardness and that delicious “I definitely don’t like you… why are you looking at me like that?” energy.
I did find a few parts a little predictable, but honestly, I wasn’t expecting this to reinvent the romcom wheel. I was here for the fun, the friendships, the awkwardness, the fangirl moments and the romance.
And it delivered.
A really cute, easy and entertaining read.
Anissa is a hardcore fangirl who is finally coming out of her shell.
She’s running a tabletop role-playing game with her friends, she’s officially part of the college girls’ group chat, and she’s landed work experience on the set of her favourite TV show, Of Wrath and Rune.
Basically, things are FINALLY going right for her.
And then she meets Callum.
The hot new actor playing her favourite character.
And Anissa completely loses her ability to behave like a normal human being.
Because… SAME.
Except Callum decides she’s just an obsessive fangirl and basically writes her off.
Ouch.
So now Anissa has to spend her work experience working alongside the actor who thinks she’s a complete weirdo.
Brilliant!
What starts as awkwardness turns into rivalry, and then… well… let’s just say things start getting a little suspiciously flirty.
I really enjoyed Anissa as a character because she’s not magically transformed into some completely different person. Instead, you get to watch her slowly become more confident, open herself up to friendships and take chances she probably wouldn’t have taken before.
Her friendships were one of my favourite parts of the book.
And I loved the tabletop RPG element too. Give me a bunch of friends sitting around creating ridiculous fantasy adventures while occasionally dealing with fictional orcs, and I’m entertained.
The whole Of Wrath and Rune setup was also such a fun addition because you get that little peek behind the scenes of a fantasy TV show while Anissa is simultaneously trying VERY hard not to combust around her celebrity crush.
And Callum? Sir.
Maybe don’t immediately assume the fangirl is obsessed with you and then expect her to act normal around you.
I really enjoyed the enemies to more than enemies dynamic between them. There was plenty of teasing, awkwardness and that delicious “I definitely don’t like you… why are you looking at me like that?” energy.
I did find a few parts a little predictable, but honestly, I wasn’t expecting this to reinvent the romcom wheel. I was here for the fun, the friendships, the awkwardness, the fangirl moments and the romance.
And it delivered.
A really cute, easy and entertaining read.
July 20, 2026
Tag yourself I'm the child that Anissa and Callum are gonna have in the future that'll be really traumatized by the NASTY divorce that's definitely coming for them and there WILL be a custody battle. And it too will be..... incandescent 💖🤞
Read
July 21, 2026300 pages of constant miscommunication says enough about the future relationship these two will have
April 20, 2026
3.5✨ enjoyed reading this and seeing the characters from the first one. It’s a very easy and quick YA book which felt quite cutesy. I’d say the characters had good development but it was slightly too long and felt it could have been condensed a bit but overall a good read.
May 12, 2026
3,75. So cuteee
June 3, 2026
4.5 - totally adorable. Perfect read for those who enjoy D&D!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a review copy from the publisher it has not affected my opinions.
Despite being a UKYA nerd (I literally run an account yelling about it), I had not read any Beth Reekles previously. Somehow The Kissing Booth had bamboozled me into thinking her from the US. My sincerest apologies, fellow Beth.
For Real This Time, is the follow up to Do You Ship It? but is perfectly capable of being read as a standalone. Whilst Cerys, Jake, and Max feature the focus is on Anissa this time.
With a little bit of courage and a good word from one of the OWAR actors majorly impressed by their cosplay skills Anissa and Cerys have scored a summer of work experience in the props and costume department on their favourite fantasy show. When Anissa meets Callum, the new actor, playing her favourite character she immediately makes the world’s biggest idiot of herself.
Humiliated further when he calls out her behaviour on social media he firmly makes himself her worst enemy. As Anissa tries to navigate new-friendships, work, making the greatest TTPRG sessions ever and whatever this definitely not a crush situation with Callum is Anissa is going to learn getting lost in the fantasy is just as bad as reality.
I loved this story, I noticed Anissa’s ADHD immediately - even if Anissa doesn’t - and related so hard to the idealisation of romance ands life in general and the let down of reality. Her issues with friendships, trying to figure out what people mean, if they’re just mean and why she always feels on the outside even if she isn’t really are so spot on I almost cried. (I wish those feelings went away, they don’t you just kinda rationalise it a bit better and also find your people)
I loved the way her relationship with Callum slowly unknots and becomes something so beautiful. We hate Ritchie and Brayden Brown is amazing.
Despite being a UKYA nerd (I literally run an account yelling about it), I had not read any Beth Reekles previously. Somehow The Kissing Booth had bamboozled me into thinking her from the US. My sincerest apologies, fellow Beth.
For Real This Time, is the follow up to Do You Ship It? but is perfectly capable of being read as a standalone. Whilst Cerys, Jake, and Max feature the focus is on Anissa this time.
With a little bit of courage and a good word from one of the OWAR actors majorly impressed by their cosplay skills Anissa and Cerys have scored a summer of work experience in the props and costume department on their favourite fantasy show. When Anissa meets Callum, the new actor, playing her favourite character she immediately makes the world’s biggest idiot of herself.
Humiliated further when he calls out her behaviour on social media he firmly makes himself her worst enemy. As Anissa tries to navigate new-friendships, work, making the greatest TTPRG sessions ever and whatever this definitely not a crush situation with Callum is Anissa is going to learn getting lost in the fantasy is just as bad as reality.
I loved this story, I noticed Anissa’s ADHD immediately - even if Anissa doesn’t - and related so hard to the idealisation of romance ands life in general and the let down of reality. Her issues with friendships, trying to figure out what people mean, if they’re just mean and why she always feels on the outside even if she isn’t really are so spot on I almost cried. (I wish those feelings went away, they don’t you just kinda rationalise it a bit better and also find your people)
I loved the way her relationship with Callum slowly unknots and becomes something so beautiful. We hate Ritchie and Brayden Brown is amazing.
July 26, 2026
1.5
OHMIGOD this wasn’t good at all (or maybe I’m not the target audience)
I went into this blindly besides knowing Anissa was working on a TV show set she liked and meeting an actor there. I did not know it was YA and I definitely NOT know it was this bad.
Anissa was…. a character. I understand that she’s 17 and supposedly really awkward, and even though it might (and that’s a stretch because she felt like an awkward teen written by an adult) be a realistic depiction, it doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable to read. I liked the setup a lot and the whole fandom aspect was an interesting choice, but the writing and Anissa’s behavior/dialogue was so beyond awkward and cringe that I had to shut the book and put it away multiple times. Just because it makes sense doesn’t mean it’s fun to read about.
Love that Callum’s main issue was “I want to be like you normal people”. Get out of the book. The grand scene of him standing up for himself with everyone having his back felt very much like an “and then everybody stood up and clapped” tumblr post.
The romance (or lack thereof) was odd. I saw potential in multiple scenes but it never truly took off because of various instances that had to happen in order to create tension. Their “banter”/feud wasn’t necessarily fun to read either. Mostly because Callum was an unreasonable ass and Anissa was overall annoying.
I did not care about anything OWAR (or whatever that fantasy series was called). I understand it’s integral to Anissa’s character and reflects her thoughts and morals, but I barely cared about the characters in the actual story, I could not bring myself to care to read about the fantasy characters too.
OHMIGOD this wasn’t good at all (or maybe I’m not the target audience)
I went into this blindly besides knowing Anissa was working on a TV show set she liked and meeting an actor there. I did not know it was YA and I definitely NOT know it was this bad.
Anissa was…. a character. I understand that she’s 17 and supposedly really awkward, and even though it might (and that’s a stretch because she felt like an awkward teen written by an adult) be a realistic depiction, it doesn’t mean it’s enjoyable to read. I liked the setup a lot and the whole fandom aspect was an interesting choice, but the writing and Anissa’s behavior/dialogue was so beyond awkward and cringe that I had to shut the book and put it away multiple times. Just because it makes sense doesn’t mean it’s fun to read about.
Love that Callum’s main issue was “I want to be like you normal people”. Get out of the book. The grand scene of him standing up for himself with everyone having his back felt very much like an “and then everybody stood up and clapped” tumblr post.
The romance (or lack thereof) was odd. I saw potential in multiple scenes but it never truly took off because of various instances that had to happen in order to create tension. Their “banter”/feud wasn’t necessarily fun to read either. Mostly because Callum was an unreasonable ass and Anissa was overall annoying.
I did not care about anything OWAR (or whatever that fantasy series was called). I understand it’s integral to Anissa’s character and reflects her thoughts and morals, but I barely cared about the characters in the actual story, I could not bring myself to care to read about the fantasy characters too.
April 4, 2026
I have no idea if this is the right book that im trying to review-
[im reviewing For Real This Time today, not Do You Ship It? 2]
To be honest, i only took this book out the library because it was mishelved(?) and was in the children's area instead of YA (i got concerned that a random 7 year old would pick it up so i took it instead) but as soon as I read the first page I was hooked.
My brain went - This book includes DnD?!?!? and was immediately obsessed.
The main character was extremely relatable, especially for someone with Autism [with possibly a dash of ADHD] who struggles with some of the things the main character goes through, and I felt she was really well written. And i also adored her friend group as well - the main one, not the girl group - and how accepting they were.
And Callum, our main love interest. I loved the way he was written, especially how you can see how vulnerable he is, how past events have impacted him and how he grows throughout the story.
☆ i dont really have anything else to say other than how I loved this book and how i fully recommend it for anybody who just wants to chill out and read a feel-good romcom!☆
[im reviewing For Real This Time today, not Do You Ship It? 2]
To be honest, i only took this book out the library because it was mishelved(?) and was in the children's area instead of YA (i got concerned that a random 7 year old would pick it up so i took it instead) but as soon as I read the first page I was hooked.
My brain went - This book includes DnD?!?!? and was immediately obsessed.
The main character was extremely relatable, especially for someone with Autism [with possibly a dash of ADHD] who struggles with some of the things the main character goes through, and I felt she was really well written. And i also adored her friend group as well - the main one, not the girl group - and how accepting they were.
And Callum, our main love interest. I loved the way he was written, especially how you can see how vulnerable he is, how past events have impacted him and how he grows throughout the story.
☆ i dont really have anything else to say other than how I loved this book and how i fully recommend it for anybody who just wants to chill out and read a feel-good romcom!☆
April 12, 2026
3.5 stars for me!
The book was really cute and even though I wouldn’t say it was a particularly good book (it wasn’t bad either!), I really enjoyed reading it (I read it in less than 24 hours).
It was easy to read, but the writing at some point felt a bit too childish for me. I know this book is YA and addressed to teenagers specifically, but using “IRL” in the text and not in literal speech is just not my type of writing. (It might be for some people, though!)
I liked how the relationship between Anissa and Callum developed, especially because it felt a bit more realistic in terms of how relationships between teenagers are and not like it is sometimes presented in other books/movies.
Because of the OWAR game they played, I really tried to not judge the book because of that and how invested they all were in this game/show. I don’t want to judge a book just because I don’t like every piece of content mentioned (D&D for this book!)
This review is not meant to be rude or anything (I hope whoever reads this didn’t get the impression)!
Despite some criticism, I really enjoyed it!
The book was really cute and even though I wouldn’t say it was a particularly good book (it wasn’t bad either!), I really enjoyed reading it (I read it in less than 24 hours).
It was easy to read, but the writing at some point felt a bit too childish for me. I know this book is YA and addressed to teenagers specifically, but using “IRL” in the text and not in literal speech is just not my type of writing. (It might be for some people, though!)
I liked how the relationship between Anissa and Callum developed, especially because it felt a bit more realistic in terms of how relationships between teenagers are and not like it is sometimes presented in other books/movies.
Because of the OWAR game they played, I really tried to not judge the book because of that and how invested they all were in this game/show. I don’t want to judge a book just because I don’t like every piece of content mentioned (D&D for this book!)
This review is not meant to be rude or anything (I hope whoever reads this didn’t get the impression)!
Despite some criticism, I really enjoyed it!
September 2, 2026
Le 4 stelle non sono tanto per la trama o lo stile di scrittura o la caratterizzazione dei personaggi - anche perché chi mi conosce/segue sa che ormai ho salutato il 99% degli YA in quanto mi fanno solo cadere le braccia poiché sono ormai troppo cresciuta per leggerli ancora con soddisfazione -, ma ancora una volta per i sentimenti che fa provare.
Se siete mai stati l’outsider in un qualche punto della vostra vita (o se lo siete ancora), ostracizzati perché diversi in un mondo di persone uguali, questo libro e i suoi due MC - Anissa e Callum - fanno per voi.
E poi diciamocelo, chi non ha mai sognato di avere una storia d’amore con una celebrità? Io personalmente lo faccio ancora tutti i giorni.
Se siete mai stati l’outsider in un qualche punto della vostra vita (o se lo siete ancora), ostracizzati perché diversi in un mondo di persone uguali, questo libro e i suoi due MC - Anissa e Callum - fanno per voi.
E poi diciamocelo, chi non ha mai sognato di avere una storia d’amore con una celebrità? Io personalmente lo faccio ancora tutti i giorni.
March 12, 2026
This book was so cute.
I didn’t expect it to be set at college and therefore more of a YA but it was a lovely change of pace from the more adult books I read now.
It took me back to being 17 and reminded me of books I read when I was growing up. I loved that there was a mention of Uni of Bath which is where I studied !
This book reminds me of how much I loved Beth Reekles books when I was younger !
I didn’t expect it to be set at college and therefore more of a YA but it was a lovely change of pace from the more adult books I read now.
It took me back to being 17 and reminded me of books I read when I was growing up. I loved that there was a mention of Uni of Bath which is where I studied !
This book reminds me of how much I loved Beth Reekles books when I was younger !
May 18, 2026
After a bad run of reading stories that couldn't grab me, this being the second book in a row where I've been engaged and relating to the characters has been so refreshing. Although I haven't read Do You Ship It and had this with my at my other half's this weekend, so I guess I'm reading the duology out of order.
May 25, 2026
3.5 🌟 read
Advanced copy given for an honest review
This book was cutesy and a quick fun ya read however I felt the book was alot longer than it needed to be I would've loved to see more text chats (I love these) the character development was good but It felt like something was missing.
Overall a fun easy and quick read
Advanced copy given for an honest review
This book was cutesy and a quick fun ya read however I felt the book was alot longer than it needed to be I would've loved to see more text chats (I love these) the character development was good but It felt like something was missing.
Overall a fun easy and quick read
September 27, 2026
1.5
WHY'S THE FONT SO BIG
AND why did the author use "IRL"
AND "The neurospicy curse of decision paralysis"
AND Ali Hazelwood reference
AND "It's giving book boyfriend"
AND WHY dO REELS EXIST IN THIS BOOK
it just got progressively worse
WHY'S THE FONT SO BIG
AND why did the author use "IRL"
AND "The neurospicy curse of decision paralysis"
AND Ali Hazelwood reference
AND "It's giving book boyfriend"
AND WHY dO REELS EXIST IN THIS BOOK
it just got progressively worse
March 9, 2026
beth never misses, this was SUCH a fun read with multiple swoony enemies to lovers moments, paired with some deeper themes about belonging and acceptance. loved!
March 10, 2026
I love the neurodiversity representation in this book. I loved the various characters, and tropes and the main love story.
Pacing was a bit slow at times but overall, I really liked this book
Pacing was a bit slow at times but overall, I really liked this book
April 7, 2026
romcom as fuck
April 12, 2026
dunno…i did enjoy it, maybe not a massive fan of the whole cosplay-y d&d vibe: not my thing
July 18, 2026
It was 5 stars for me at first, but I really didn’t like the ending, with the Ritchie stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 23, 2026beth i’m actually really proud of you you’ve come so far!
August 28, 2026
3.67
Tohle mě bavilo. Byl do dobrý nápad a i jsem tomu rozuměla, takže jsem fakt ráda.
Tohle mě bavilo. Byl do dobrý nápad a i jsem tomu rozuměla, takže jsem fakt ráda.
September 27, 2026
So very cute and I do love a nerd scene.
Did Not Finish
October 7, 2026Not me but might pick it up
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews