Until It Gets Real

The Paradise #3

by Carolyn Brown

Fake relationship in progress. Try not to fall in love.
Charlotte “Lottie” Johnston, the only woman on her construction crew, has had enough or the catcalls, teasing, and flirting from the men on her team. So when she spots Knox Callahan on the job site, she hatches a a fake boyfriend arrangement to keep the guys in line.
Knox agrees. After all, pretending to date Lottie might also keep his meddling Aunt Bernie from setting him up with a date every weekend. What starts as a simple arrangement soon is anything but as the crew looks for signs to prove Lottie and Knox are pretending.
Between long workdays, shared lunches, and stolen laughs, their make-believe romance begins to feel dangerously real. But while Knox’s roots are planted deep in small-town soil, Lottie’s work will send her hours and miles away. Settling down in one place might be scary, but that's what it will take to build a life together.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

336 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2026

About the author

Hi! I'm twenty five years old and movie star gorgeous. The camera added thirty plus years and a few wrinkles. Can't trust those cameras or mirrors either. Along with bathroom scales they are notorious liars! Honestly, I am the mother of three fantastic grown children who've made me laugh and given me more story ideas than I could ever write. My husband, Charles, is my strongest supporter and my best friend. He's even willing to eat fast food and help with the laundry while I finish one more chapter! Life is good and I am blessed!

Reading has been a passion since I was five years old and figured out those were words on book pages. As soon as my chubby little fingers found they could put words on a Big Chief tablet with a fat pencil, I was on my way. Writing joined reading in my list of passions. I will read anything from the back of the Cheerio's box to Faulkner and love every bit of it. In addition to reading I enjoy cooking, my family and the ocean. I love the Florida beaches. Listening to the ocean waves puts my writing brain into high gear.

I love writing romance because it's about emotions and relationships. Human nature hasn't changed a bit since Eve coveted the fruit in the Garden of Eden. Settings change. Plots change. Names change. Times change. But love is love and men and women have been falling in and out of it forever. Romance is about emotions: love, hate, anger, laughter... all of it. If I can make you laugh until your sides ache or grab a tissue then I've touched your emotions and accomplished what every writer sets out to do.

I got serious about writing when my third child was born and had her days and nights mixed up. I had to stay up all night anyway and it was very quiet so I invested in a spiral back notebook and sharpened a few pencils. The story that emerged has never sold but it's brought in enough rejection slips to put the Redwood Forest on the endangered list. In 1997 Kensington bought two books for their Precious Gems line. Two years and six books later the line died with only four of those books seeing publication. But by then Avalon had bought a book and another, and another. Ten years later the list has grown to thirty nine. Last year Sourcebooks bought the Lucky Series which is in the bookstores now. They've also bought The Honky Tonk Series which will debut with I LOVE THIS BAR in June and will be followed by HELL, YEAH, MY GIVE A DAMN'S BUSTED, and HONKY TONK CHRISTMAS.

Folks ask me where I get my ideas. Three kids, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren. Note: I was a very young grandmother! Life is a zoo around here when they all come home. In one Sunday afternoon there's enough ideas to keep me writing for years and years. Seriously, ideas pop up at the craziest times. When one sinks its roots into my mind, I have no choice but to write the story. And while I'm writing the characters peek over my shoulder and make sure I'm telling it right and not exaggerating too much. Pesky little devils, they are!

I have a wonderful agent, Erin Niumata, who continues to work magic and sell my work. I'm very lucky to have her and my editors who continue to believe in me.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Sophia]

From the first fun, feisty Christmas prequel novella, to the Sisters of Paradise series, the standalone historical prequel during western times, and then into The Paradise series still following an ever growing and expanding four-generations of family, I have adored the stories set in the Paradise world. With not just a little reluctance I took up this last remaining single brother’s story even as the anticipation also built for more of Carolyn Brown’s country charm brand of contemporary romance.

Until It Gets Real is the third book in a follow up series to the Sisters in Paradise series. While the romance is for a new pair, the overall world and large cast of characters was built through the previous books so I highly recommend reading it in order so all those people and family connections make sense.

Fake dating, feisty matchmaking great-aunts, and a stay or go romance in a construction work setting in the country made for a lively tale. Knox Calahan loves his family and is happy for his brothers finding great women, but him personally? He likes being single, but its tricky avoiding Great-Aunt Bernie’s matchmaking ploys. So, when Charlotte or Lottie (don’t call me Charlie), as she prefers, brazenly proposes a plan to be each other’s fake date for the duration of the big construction work job, he doesn’t laugh in her face. In fact, he leaps at it besides, he can’t ignore the spark of attraction or how fun he finds being around capable Lottie on and off the job. She said they had to make it good so no one would doubt it was real, but at some point, he can barely tell the difference himself. He knows there is an expiration date steadily approaching. She plans to go with the next job and he’s found home at Spanish Fort and the family of the Paradise.

Lottie Johnston just wants to be taken seriously for her work like any other guy on the crew and she wants to be able to work without having every single male and some of the married ones coming onto her and badgering her for dates. The solution is hot single framer just like herself, Knox Calahan who she meets at a wedding before the job gets started. She’d be lying if she said the fake dating idea had great appeal because its Knox and all the dating couple things they do to fool everyone especially suspicious Bernie are more than tolerable from work lunches to time with his family at the Paradise. But, she’s only ever wanted to do the job on her uncle’s crew and its safe to her. Can she ever take a chance on growing roots and giving love a chance to grow?

Until It Gets Real is low-angst, light, entertaining and sweet with small-town, country charm. The family element is huge and as important as the growing romance. This pair had to decide something deeper is worth it and worth figuring out their different notions of what they need- really need. I liked them both and found this an easy-going romance. And, sigh, the finally brother of The Paradise has had his story. As the author said in her note, there are other generations… If you like small-town, low-angst fake dating this one’s for you.

I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 9.2.26.

[Ann-Maree]

Until It Gets Real
by Carolyn Brown

Until It Gets Real is a heartwarming contemporary romance that perfectly captures the "fake dating" charm while grounding it in something much more substantial. While it is technically the third book in Carolyn Brown’s Paradise series, the story of Charlotte "Lottie" Johnston and Knox Callahan easily stands on its own as a complete, satisfying read,

The chemistry between Lottie and Knox is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared history that feels incredibly personal. Having originally met at the wedding of Knox’s brother, Tripp, their path crosses again in the most unlikely of places: the construction site of Lottie’s uncle.

What makes their relationship stand out is the transition from a protective "fake" arrangement to a real, deeply felt romance:

The Arrangement: Lottie, the only woman on her construction crew, needs a shield against workplace harassment, while Knox needs an excuse to stop his meddling Aunt Bernie from setting him up on endless blind dates.

The Connection: Beyond the fake smiles for the crew, their bond grows through shared lunches, long workdays, and stolen laughs that begin to feel dangerously real.

The Romance: Their relationship is defined by kindness. Rather than unnecessary drama, you find a couple who truly look out for one another, creating a romance filled with warmth and family values.

[Jackie]

My Thoughts

Lottie and Knox tempt fate when they agree to “fake date”.

Knox especially should know when you are trying to avoid getting caught up in whatever dating scheme Aunt Bernie has in store for him that choosing a “fake relationship” with Lottie is going to test both their acting skills as well as their ability to keep things simple.

Working together day after day inevitably leads to deepening feelings and as a lovely friendship between the two blossoms so does a real desire to take things toward the next level of intimacy together.

A believable and likable 3rd foray in the latest and last visit with these characters for now.

My favorite couple and story in this spin-off.

Returning to Spanish Fort, Aunt Bernie and everyone at The Paradise is always a pleasurable experience.

[EArc from Netgalley]

[Rosemarie Grainer]

Well worth the wait!

Lottie talks Knox into being her fake boyfriend on the construction site where her uncle is building houses for all his family. The construction workers are always hitting on her and driving her crazy. Knox agrees, but does not tell her that she is his protection from Aunt Bernie and her matchmaking! But will they be able to be in a pretend relationship and keep their hands off each other while working together? What happens when the feelings start to appear? Can they make it from fake to real? Read this to find out!

I love all the Paradise books. This follows after the prequel Trouble in Paradise, then the whole Sisters in Paradise series before this series. You also have the historical romance The Paradise Petition that introduces you to the house that is the focus of all these stories! I do really want to get Ivy's story before I have to wait for all the grandchildren to grow up though!

The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has some suggestions of steam but no details. The characters are vibrant and endearing. You get to see many characters from the previous books in here. Lottie is a wonderful character, and Knox proves he is worthy of her when he takes in 2 abandoned animals that show up on the construction site. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and did not want it to end. I will have to reread all these again just to get my Paradise fix!

[Anne]

Until It Gets Real by Carolyn Brown is another in the Paradise saga. Our hero and heroine, Knox and Lottie, both need someone, a fake someone. Knox, because he needed to keep Aunt Bernie, the family matchmaker, off his back; Lottie to keep the guys she works with to stop hitting on her. She is a contruction worker, working for her uncle. Both Knox and Lottie are framers. He was a little shocked when she asked him, but it didn’t take too long to see the benefits. It was going well, until they went for a weekend at the Paradise, when Aunt Bernie was suspicious. But, as time wore on, they both began to feel more than fake.

This has been a terrific series. It is full of romance with interesting characters. These two are amongst the best. Lottie is strong and independent, but gorgeous, so men are always available. It’s not often one sees a female construction worker. She is respected. This is Knox’ fist job and then he is going home. They frame as partners and that has worked well. These are two really good characters, as only Brown can write them. This all takes place in Texas, another favorite of Brown’s. Going back to the Paradise is always a good time. Good read.

I was invited to read Until It Gets Real by Sourcebooks Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #SourcebooksCasablance #CarolynBrown #UntilItGetsRead

[☆Laura☆]

RTC

[Emily B]

My first by this author and while I didnt realize this was actually the third in the series and as much as I love fake dating this was a bit harder to get into and really needs to be read in sequential order. Too many references to the first two books in the series as well as other intricacies that didn't track well for the reader without having read the first two. While I'd definitely pick up something else by this author, definitely recommend confirming first what needs to be read in published order.




Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for my review!

[Angela]

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Carolyn Brown brings the reader the third novel in the Paradise series, 'Until It Gets Real'. This can be read as a stand-alone nove. In this novel, we have Charlotte "Lottie" Johnston and Knox Callahan. They have previous met at his brother, Tripp's wedding and reconnect on her uncle's construction site. As the only female construction crew member, she is looking for a way to avoid the teasing and flirting from single men. Her answer is to ask Knox to be her "fake boyfriend". Trying to avoid his Aunt Bernie's matchmaking attempts, he readily agrees. As they spend more time together, this arrangement seems to be moving into something more.

I found this to be a light cozy romance with a wonderful cast of supporting characters in the form of family and co-workers. It was great to see the other characters from previous books development and growth. The main characters growth from fake dating, into friendship into something more was relatable. The chemistry between them was thoughtfully done. Since this was the first novel I have read in this series, I will going back to read some of the other character's stories. For all those looking for a cozy romance, this novel is for you.

[Jennifer Ritter]

Until It Gets Real is part of Carolyn Brown’s Paradise series of books. This tale revolves about Knox Callahan, the final twin to tell his tale, and Charlotte “Lottie” Johnston. Meeting first at Knox’s twin brother Tripp’s wedding in Spanish Fort, Texas, they become further acquainted on the job as they both work as framing carpenters at her Uncle Jack’s Swan Song Estates project about two hours away from Spanish Fort. When they first arrive at the work encampment Lottie propositions Knox to be her fake boyfriend. Tired of the passes and her position as the only woman on the crew, she figures a boyfriend on the crew will keep the flirts at bay. Knox has his own reasons for agreeing, however. His Aunt Bernie, who did introduce them and is a self proclaimed matchmaker, has sworn to set him up on blind dates until he finds his perfect match. If he already has a girlfriend, even a fake one unbeknownst to Aunt Bertie, there will be no blind dates.

The story follows Lottie and Knox both on the job and as they travel to Spanish Fort for Easter and to help family. As they work and travel weeks pass and their interactions increase and the line is crossed between fake and real as two loners find that being alone is no longer their style. This is a fun story with great characters and original plot twists. I very much enjoyed this book and do recommend it!

[Cheryl]

Excellent fake to real boyfriend story

This was a fun story. Charlotte "Lottie" Johnston, framing construction worker that's always getting hit on by the guys on the work crew, asks the new guy on the crew, Knox Callahan, another framing construction worker (who also happens to be rich), if he wants to be her fake boyfriend.

This works out perfectly for him too because his aunt Bernie in Spanish Forks, Texas was getting ready to set him up on some blind dates.

The sparks soon fly and the fake part of their relationship goes away as they both realize they care about each other. Families meet. Relationships progress. And soon they are having to figure out how they want the ending of their story to turn out.

Great story and especially great if you've read the rest of the series. And I especially liked the animals in the story.

I received this Digital Review Copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca through Net Galley and Edelweiss. Thank you.

[Dyan]

I have read the entire series of this family. It starts with "Trouble in Paradise" then moves to "The Sisters In Paradise" series and then moves on to "The Paradise" series. This book is #3 in the last series.

I have enjoyed every one of these books. I connected with the characters, and the romances are so tender and sweet. I highly suggest all of these books. I am always excited when I see she has added another story. I jump right back in and feel like I am visiting family.

Knox and Lottie have started a fake relationship for numerous crazy reasons, but things get real quickly! I think this may be my favorite story of this whole series, but I hope it isn't the last.

If you like small town romances with fake dating, close proximity, found family, close family connections, and no spiciness, this is a book you will enjoy.

Release Day for Until It Gets Real is July 7, 2026.

Thank you to Edelweiss, Sourcebooks, and Carolyn Brown for my advanced DRC of this book for my honest opinion.

[Reader]

Charlotte Johnston, conocida como Lottie, está acostumbrada a abrirse camino en un mundo donde casi todos son hombres y donde trabajar duro no siempre es suficiente para que la tomen en serio. Cansada de las miradas y de las situaciones incómodas en cada nuevo proyecto, decide hacer algo impulsivo que lo cambia todo.

Knox Callahan no esperaba que una casi desconocida le propusiera fingir una relación, pero la idea le resulta más útil de lo que debería. Lo que comienza como un simple acuerdo por conveniencia pronto se llena de momentos que se sienten demasiado reales para ser solo actuación.

Mientras comparten jornadas de trabajo, comidas improvisadas y una convivencia que no estaba en los planes, Lottie y Knox empiezan a descubrir que fingir sentimientos puede ser más complicado cuando hay algo verdadero creciendo debajo de la superficie.

[Bobbie]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Before starting Until It Gets Real, I actually went back and read the previous books in the Paradise series so I could better understand the town, relationships, and recurring characters—and I'm glad I did.
Carolyn delivers - small-town charm, family dynamics, friendship, humor, and a romance that feels genuine and heartfelt. The sense of community throughout the series is one of my favorite aspects.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it's a bit different than my typical stories I gravitate towards. The pacing was easy to settle into, the characters were relatable, and it was just a nice story to read.

Overall, a warm and enjoyable read that will especially appeal to fans of small-town romance and character-driven stories. A solid 4-star addition to the Paradise series.

[Emily]

This was a quick ~perfect for the beach~ summer read! I immersion read, and so glad I did. I was impressed to find out it was a single narrator… they did both MMC and FMC voices so well!

This was a bit of Grumpy X Sunshine, except the FMC was the grump and the MMC was the sweet, sunshine one. However, the FMC was a woman working in a male dominated field, so unfortunately she had to have a tougher exterior to hold her own.
The MMC has a meddling Aunt who also happens to be a match maker. So a little fake dating ends up being beneficial for both MC’s!

I loved how much of a sweetheart & gentleman Knox was. Family (no matter what it looks like) seemed to be a large part of the heart of this story. It’s a closed door romance. Oh and there are some cute and funny side kicks 🐓🐈!!
Thank you to Sourcebooks for the finished copy and ALC, this is my honest opinion.

[Susan Hamann]

Lottie is a construction worker. She is a fantastic "framer" and is on a crew for a 6 week job. Being the only woman on the crew, she knows she will face a lot of pressure from some of the guys to be "available." She approaches a guy that she's met at a wedding to be her fake boyfriend. He's also a framer on her team. He, on the other hand, is trying to avoid being matched by his elderly relative to an unsuspecting female.

So they agree and spend more time together than they normally would for appearances sake. Because the reader sees inside their heads, we know that each is starting to like the other more and more.

When they finally decide to give in to the attraction, the loving is behind the bedroom doors. This is a light, fun read. Great for the beach or poolside.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of the e-book.

[Nancy]

Until It Gets Real is the third book in The Paradise series. I know that after reading this book I will grab the first two and learn more about Spanish Fort and everyone who lives there.
Lottie Johnston and Knox Callahan met before they started working together. She is the only female on the construction crew, and it will take a bit to get the men on the crew to take her as a serious crew member. She comes up with an idea but isn’t sure Knox will go along with it. She wants them to fake date. Knox said yes and as most readers can see what is coming in the story it turns into more.
I like to read a rather predictable story line every now and then. This story was gentle, easy cozy romance.
Thank you NetGalley, Carolyn Brown and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the book Until It Gets Real. This is my personal review.

[Jane]

Until It Gets Real finishes Carolyn Brown’s series about the Paradise and matchmaker extraordinaire, Aunt Bernie. Knox is the last one that Bernie wants to see married. Lottie needs protection from all the single men working on the construction crew so they agree to fake a relationship. Will this arrangement actually work? Judging by the book’s title it looks doubtful. Ms. Brown has written a lovely story about two reluctant people with common interests, and she notes that Bernie was actively involved in her writing. Readers like this reviewer will miss Bernie’s meddlesome feistiness, but the update on all the couples was appreciated. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.

[Trish]

Knox and Lottie work side by side in the construction business. Through the years she has become wary of the single guys who work on the building crew so she asks Knox to be her fake boyfriend to fend off unwanted advances from the single guys who are working on the same project. Knox agrees but the more Knox and Lottie interact to make their made up romance seem legit, the more they fall for each other.
I am sad the Paradise series is ending but Until It Gets Real nicely recaps the families story at Aunt Bernie's nineth birthday party.
Four stars from me with thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to early read.

[Paula]

Until It Gets Real, the final book is my favorite of this Paradise Spinoff series by Carolyn Brown. Charlotte "Lottie" Johnston and Knox Callahan agree on a fake relationship. One to keep Knox’s aunt from playing matchmaker and for Lottie to stop her construction crew from hitting on her. Of course, the crew gets involved, so they need to make it look real. Before long it feels real. A wonderful we had the right idea that becomes more. I like these characters felt for Lottie who deserved the crew’s respect. I especially like Aunt Bernie's nineth birthday party where the stories are reiterated. A clever way to end the series.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme”]

Fake relationship at its best….that’s what you will get with reading Until It Gets Real.
Both Lottie and Knox will get what they want out of a fake relationship.
Maybe?
Probably?
The reasons behind the fake relationship sound perfect.
Lottie just wants to stop being teased at her job on a construction crew.
Knox just wants his matchmaking Aunt Bernie to stop trying to “fix” him up with every eligible woman she can find.
As time goes on, this simple arrangement becomes so much more to both of them.
Are you a fan of small-town romance and fake dating with likable characters? This would be the perfect book to add to your tbr list.

[Anna J]

Lottie loves her job in construction but not the attention she gets from male co-workers. She decides that a fake boyfriend will fix all that. She asks Knox Callahan to be her fake boyfriend. He agrees as this will stop his Aunt Bernie from playing matchmaker for him.

At work they put on a show to convince the crew they are a real couple. They work well together framing houses and Lottie has finally met someone who can keep up with her. They start to enjoy lunch and dinners together and somewhere along the way they develop a strong foundation for a real relationship.

I liked all the fake dating, forced proximity, small town, meddling families and fun loving pets.

[Cheryl]

Ahh, I enjoyed this book. The storyline is really good, the town has great, charming appeal, and all of the cast of characters are engaging. One of those characters is Aunt Bernie. She is a hoot. She is the type of person that I want to hang out with.

Lottie and Knox actually make a lot of sense together. They both share a common love of construction. In addition to the fact that Knox respects Lottie and is kind to her. I like that Lottie is not intimated by being a mostly male dominate career field. She holds her own.

To get a true immersive experience, grab the ALC and listen along to the book. The real charm and accents came out with Ivy Brooks narrating the audiobook.

[Crystal Shavalier]

Until It Gets Real is a cute small town romance that involves the family from Paradise . Knox is looking for a way to keep meddling Bernie from trying to set him up with someone and Lottie is looking for a fake boyfriend so the men that work with her building houses don’t hit on her. They start a fake relationship that quickly turns into a real one. This is a sweet romance with just the right amount of comedy . It is a great addition to the other Paradise series that tells the stories of all the sisters and brothers.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for a copy for my opinion.

[Jen Adams]

Lottie works in a male dominated field and does what she needs to do to make it more comfortable. Like fake dating Knox Callahan to stop advances from the crew. Just so happens to be a win for Knox as he’s trying to fend off his aunt who’s determined to set him up. But things begin to change when it starts to feel real.

This was such a sweet read. At the heart of this story: good people, supportive friends and family, beautiful scenes and some cute critters.

Ivy Brooks narrated and she’s pretty amazing. It didn’t bother me at all that she voiced all the characters. That’s talent.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca & Carolyn Brown for the gifted paperback and ALC!

[Moira]

The Paradise series is over and that's sad, but I am sure they'll be another great one soon by Carolyn Brown! What started as a fake relationship morphs into reality. Watching Lottie and Knox wade through the quagmire of life was fun. Touching base with their extend family is always fun in a series! Another great series by an esteemed author you won't want to miss.

Although I received a free ARC from NetGalley and the publisher all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

What a gorgeous book cover! This was a fun, lighthearted, fake dating turned real romance. The main characters were heartwarming, sweet and authentic. The secondary characters were realistic, quirky and so funny. This was a well written, delightful story, predictable maybe, but a wonderful easy read that was really entertaining. Definitely a feel good read that leaves you with a smile. Those are always my favorite kind of books.

[Kathleen]

Carolyn Brown is the James Bond of Women's Fiction and Romance. No one does small town southern romance like she does. She gives us bold, sassy southern women who know love their friends and family, be strong when they need and soft when it warrants and the men who are lucky enough to hold them. And her southern gentleman, be they cowboys, or millionaires know just how to let the loves of their lives be who they are and still give them the love they need to be those women.

This book was just a fitting end to this wonderful Paradise series. But I hope there may be some spin-offs in the future.
Carolyn Brown will always be a must read for me and I bless the day her books came into my life.

[Eileen]

Vintage CB!

I love a good romance and the author delivered. It was good to see the last brother get his HEA. Knox was partnered with Lottie to work as framers on a construction project. She wants a fake boyfriend to thwart off single men and Knox wants the same thing to keep Aunt Bernie from being a matchmaker. Fake turns to real and there is a whole lot of living happening in between. Thanks for the epilogue of 10 years into the future.

[Denise Schenk]

Charlotte "Lottie" Johnston works for her uncle's construction crew, since she is the only woman, the single men often pursue her. Knox Callahan is going to be working on the new project. Knox is trying to avoid his Aunt Bernie as she considers herself a match maker. When Lottie asks Knox to be her pretend boyfriend he jumps at the chance. As they spend time together, they realize that it's not all pretend. Wonderful story of falling in love.

[Barbara Selman]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for my review. I love Carolyn Browns books and this was certainly no exception. I loved the family dynamics portrayed in this story. It’s such a heartfelt easy book to fall in love with. What started out to be a fake relationship turns in to something real and everlasting. So if you are looking for a sweet cozy romance, don’t miss this one