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The Realist
Clarissa Sullivan felt trapped by an unhealthy relationship and a job she hated. When she inherited a rustic mountain cabin from her crazy great-uncle, it gave her the perfect opportunity to leave the world behind and live out her dream: a life of solitude, free of commitments, entanglements, and unrealistic expectations.
A life that did not include her hot, sexy, survivalist neighbor.
When ex-marine Travis Maxwell caught his former best friend and his intended fiancé fooling around behind his back, he decided things had to change. He moved to a secluded cabin in the mountains in search of a simpler existence, one free of commitments, entanglements, and unrealistic expectations.
One that most definitely did not include his prickly but incredibly cute little neighbor.
Broken and betrayed by those close to them, both vow never to allow themselves to become vulnerable again. But that far away from civilization, it just makes sense to have each other’s back…
A life that did not include her hot, sexy, survivalist neighbor.
When ex-marine Travis Maxwell caught his former best friend and his intended fiancé fooling around behind his back, he decided things had to change. He moved to a secluded cabin in the mountains in search of a simpler existence, one free of commitments, entanglements, and unrealistic expectations.
One that most definitely did not include his prickly but incredibly cute little neighbor.
Broken and betrayed by those close to them, both vow never to allow themselves to become vulnerable again. But that far away from civilization, it just makes sense to have each other’s back…
159 pages, ebook
First published December 4, 2014
104 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Abbie Zanders
79 books2,047 followersAbbie Zanders is a USA Today Bestselling Author with more than 55 published romance novels to date. Her stories range from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She promises her readers two things: happily ever afters, always, and no cliffhangers, ever.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
Born and raised in the mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, where she sets most of her stories, she’s known for small town romance featuring golden-hearted alpha heroes and strong, relatable heroines. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she loves animals (especially big dogs), American muscle cars, and 80's hair bands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 23, 2015
Very well written and edited stand-alone story with no cliffhanger.
This is a light, humorous story about two stubborn, independent, damaged people who are trying their hardest to tell themselves they want to lead solitary lives, while quietly weaving each other into the fabric of their lives. The female lead is smart and fiercely self-sufficient, her neighbor a protective alpha male.
I wish the story had been longer, but what's here is very well done.
Recommended for fans of hunky alpha males, dog rescue, and HEA.
This is a light, humorous story about two stubborn, independent, damaged people who are trying their hardest to tell themselves they want to lead solitary lives, while quietly weaving each other into the fabric of their lives. The female lead is smart and fiercely self-sufficient, her neighbor a protective alpha male.
I wish the story had been longer, but what's here is very well done.
Recommended for fans of hunky alpha males, dog rescue, and HEA.
February 6, 2022
Delightful!
I had never read this author before, but will definitely do so again. A wonderfully crafted story of two people seeking solitude and finding love.
I had never read this author before, but will definitely do so again. A wonderfully crafted story of two people seeking solitude and finding love.
August 15, 2019
I've been binge-reading Abbie Zanders books, yes, she's that good. The Realist is a contemporary romance about two people that want to live away from everyone else. How funny that they end up living close enough to share a driveway. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. After an accident put Clarissa in the hospital and having a boyfriend that never had anything positive to say about her, she decided to claim her inheritance and move into her late uncle's house. Travis didn't want to be friends with his new neighbor, but he couldn't stop doing things for her, especially when the payback we homemade goodies left on his porch. Travis and Clarissa's story is packed with humor, drama and sizzle. Kudos to Ms. Zanders on the humor in this book, I confess to laughing out loud. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
January 5, 2020
Good read.
This was a fast read that was well written and nicely edited. I was not sure if I would like it when I read a few of the reviews. It appeared that the guy was involved with another woman, then jumped in a relationship with his neighbor too. That was not the case at all.
Travis and Sugar had a mutually beneficial sexual relationship. There is no “breaking up” if you aren’t together to begin with. Sex does not always equal a relationship and he is clear about what he wants from the beginning. I’m not sure if readers didn’t pay enough attention to the details or if maybe the book was rewritten. It has a happy ending with no one getting hurt.
This was a fast read that was well written and nicely edited. I was not sure if I would like it when I read a few of the reviews. It appeared that the guy was involved with another woman, then jumped in a relationship with his neighbor too. That was not the case at all.
Travis and Sugar had a mutually beneficial sexual relationship. There is no “breaking up” if you aren’t together to begin with. Sex does not always equal a relationship and he is clear about what he wants from the beginning. I’m not sure if readers didn’t pay enough attention to the details or if maybe the book was rewritten. It has a happy ending with no one getting hurt.
June 29, 2025
I think this book had potential. However, the romance moved so fast and without a lot of detail so I wasn’t really invested as a reader into the relationship. The sex scenes were also really rushed so I didn’t really enjoy seeing the characters be together. Also Travis never broke things off with the vet before moving on to Clarissa which I don’t think is right. The backgrounds of the characters wasn’t explained in much depth so I was left a little confused by the end. I liked that they both had damaged backgrounds and were able to find love again though. A good shorter love story if you don’t mind it being a bit shallow with details
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2018
Liked the H and h characters but HATED the ow I HATED that the h could feel the sexual tension between the H and ow. Not cool. Also HATEd that the H went to the ow even after he wanted the h. He didn’t go through with it but still wrong wrong wrong I also HATED that He never officially broke it off with the other woman. He just stopped going to her. So in her mind they could have picked up at any time. I’m taking a break from this author
January 29, 2022
Abbie Zanders has penned a heartfelt and touching story of two bruised souls seeking solitude, and then realising what truly matters is a human connection and the unpretentious support of someone who wants nothing more than to be your person. This quick and easy read flowed seamlessly and contained real and genuine characters who captured my heart. Ms Zanders knows her stuff and continually provides stories that stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.
February 17, 2024
I love being correct!
I am catching up with Abbie Zander's books that I have not read yet. So I started this one and I felt like I was home. I felt like there might be love out there again and if not at least I didn't shut it out. I tried fingers crossed. Don't get me wrong its not all easy like in the book but I need to have hope again?
I am catching up with Abbie Zander's books that I have not read yet. So I started this one and I felt like I was home. I felt like there might be love out there again and if not at least I didn't shut it out. I tried fingers crossed. Don't get me wrong its not all easy like in the book but I need to have hope again?
January 22, 2022
This is a playful and yet serious story of a vet and his new neighbor. Both focusing on independence and self-sufficiency. Friendship and romance caught them by surprise. A warm book of change and hope. Well done!
February 1, 2022
The Realist
I enjoyed the light hearted story of two damaged people who found each other (and a dog) out in the boonies. The tough exteriors they showed others crumbled when their souls became entwined. Too much sex for me but the story really was fun
I enjoyed the light hearted story of two damaged people who found each other (and a dog) out in the boonies. The tough exteriors they showed others crumbled when their souls became entwined. Too much sex for me but the story really was fun
March 20, 2022
Terrific book!
Every single book I’ve ever read by Abbie Zanders has been absolutely amazing. This book was a sweet love story with a happy ending. I can’t wait to read more books from this author!
Every single book I’ve ever read by Abbie Zanders has been absolutely amazing. This book was a sweet love story with a happy ending. I can’t wait to read more books from this author!
April 9, 2018
This definitely was a good read. Different enough to hold my attention along with the snappy dialogue and it's endearing characters. Abbie Sander never disappoints me!
September 9, 2019
Really enjoyed it. A quick light read.
October 4, 2019
Good story
Loved the idea that two lonely people determined to live on their own can find each other and call in love.There
Loved the idea that two lonely people determined to live on their own can find each other and call in love.There
November 16, 2019
Read this in one sitting
I think that Travis and Rissa are my new favorites. Only thing wrong with this tale is that it's not long enough...
I think that Travis and Rissa are my new favorites. Only thing wrong with this tale is that it's not long enough...
January 3, 2020
Entertaining
I really enjoyed reading a simple love story. Loved the ending. This author always does a good job with her characters and the story line.
I really enjoyed reading a simple love story. Loved the ending. This author always does a good job with her characters and the story line.
February 8, 2020
My 2nd time reading this book and it's just as good the 2nd time around! 😉 I just couldn't help falling in love with the characters & I just love a HEA!
January 23, 2022
A good quick read. Interesting to read an older book of an author you love
July 5, 2022
Absolutely fantastic story. Two people wanting different things and complete opposites. Will there be romance in store for the. Lighthearted, well written.
November 6, 2022
A good quick read.
Read
February 11, 2024Favorite Quote:
“I know I said I didn’t want anyone expecting anything from me, but damn it, she was different. If she needed me, I wanted to be there.”
“I know I said I didn’t want anyone expecting anything from me, but damn it, she was different. If she needed me, I wanted to be there.”
January 22, 2021
True Love
What an amazing story this was. I’m new to this Author and I’ll be following her. Such an amazing book. I highly recommend this book.
What an amazing story this was. I’m new to this Author and I’ll be following her. Such an amazing book. I highly recommend this book.
February 5, 2022
After discovering Abbie Zanders work I have been going through her catalog and binge reading her work. This author never disappoints. The Realist is a touching story of two people seeking to get away from the chaos of life for their own reasons and living in solitude. Yes, he quietly helps her by chopping wood and fixing things and she thanks him with food, but they stay out of each others way and business, until a tragic accident brings them together. Abbie has given us a heartfelt beautiful story with relatable characters. An easy entertaining read.
August 8, 2015
Loved it
I really enjoyed this story. Clarissa was so different compared with so many of the main characters I have read before. She was standoffish not only to Travis but to everyone who tried to make contact with her; it was just that Travis in his own standoffish way understood her as she did him. Oddly enough it was through their one worded encounters with one another and their secret lust for each other a relationship started to reluctantly bud between them. It was a stray dog that finally got them together. With so many hurts and scares in both their past it is a wonder they were able to muddle through it all but it was glorious reading how they tried.
I really enjoyed this story. Clarissa was so different compared with so many of the main characters I have read before. She was standoffish not only to Travis but to everyone who tried to make contact with her; it was just that Travis in his own standoffish way understood her as she did him. Oddly enough it was through their one worded encounters with one another and their secret lust for each other a relationship started to reluctantly bud between them. It was a stray dog that finally got them together. With so many hurts and scares in both their past it is a wonder they were able to muddle through it all but it was glorious reading how they tried.
August 2, 2016
Clarissa Sullivan, The Realist and Travis Maxwell both came to their mountain homes to escape a previous bad relationship and the blows life has dealt to them. They help each other with very little communication until Ripper a stray dog is hit by a car.
Rissa and Travis start talking and soon romance develops and the two find a happy ending up on their mountain together. It is a nice love story with a happy ending with a hot alpha guy and a girl that learns to appreciate him.
I want to thank Abbie Zanders, author and Goodreads First Reads Books for the copy of The Realist that my mom won and shared with me.
Rissa and Travis start talking and soon romance develops and the two find a happy ending up on their mountain together. It is a nice love story with a happy ending with a hot alpha guy and a girl that learns to appreciate him.
I want to thank Abbie Zanders, author and Goodreads First Reads Books for the copy of The Realist that my mom won and shared with me.
January 26, 2015
Another wonderful read from author Abbie Zanders. Loved the characters of Travis and Clarissa. Watching them throughout the story gain each others trust over time and warm up to one another and eventually lean on and count on one another. Both came to this place broken and wounded. But in the end, found each others soul mate. I even fell in love with Clarissa's stray , Ripper, who she took in. Even the dog helped repair the hearts of both Clarissa and Travis. In the end they became a family and the path to get there warms your heart and gives you faith that everyone can be saved and loved.
May 9, 2017
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Clarissa and Travis each have their own reasons for living in seclusion up on the mountain, but events gradually force them closer. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the somewhat short length of the book. However, there were a couple plot gaps...parts of the characters' histories that were mentioned earlier in the book and never mentioned later on. Small spoiler...Travis never shares with Rissa where his relationship issues stem from.
Clarissa and Travis each have their own reasons for living in seclusion up on the mountain, but events gradually force them closer. I really enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the somewhat short length of the book. However, there were a couple plot gaps...parts of the characters' histories that were mentioned earlier in the book and never mentioned later on. Small spoiler...Travis never shares with Rissa where his relationship issues stem from.
August 18, 2016
Just one thing
I liked most of this book. It was an instant romance but the characters had been neighbors for a while beforehand so I wasn't too bothered by it. My main concern was that the main male character pulled the "I'm going to sleep with someone else to prove I'm not into her" card and then 2 days later ended up with the main female character. I call BS on that especially since their relationship moves so fast. They're getting serious and in love a week after he books up with someone else.
I liked most of this book. It was an instant romance but the characters had been neighbors for a while beforehand so I wasn't too bothered by it. My main concern was that the main male character pulled the "I'm going to sleep with someone else to prove I'm not into her" card and then 2 days later ended up with the main female character. I call BS on that especially since their relationship moves so fast. They're getting serious and in love a week after he books up with someone else.
December 29, 2014
I definitely enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read, but with a slower beginning...I liked the characters and the plot kept me intrigued. I liked that the main female character was a tough, self-sufficient damsel in distress... The main male character was assertive and tough, but not controlling. These were character qualities I liked. The story took me through several emotions and I love when a story makes me laugh.
Overall, this was a great read!
Overall, this was a great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews