From Fantasy to Reality: A Small-Town Romance

by Carolyn Brown

From New York Times–bestselling author Carolyn She’s trying to be normal. He’s hiding a fortune. But neither can fake their hearts.

Holly McLean, a passionate geologist and reluctant heiress to a Texas oil empire, isn’t looking for love—especially not while she’s on vacation. But after a little pressure from her best friend, she dons the alias “Lula Ann Smith” and finds herself at a small-town speed dating event she wants nothing to do with. That is, until she meets Bubba Jones, a rugged cowboy with an easy smile who likes burgers, sunsets . . . and her.

What starts as a game of pretend quickly turns into something achingly real. For the first time, Holly imagines a life lived on her own terms, with a love that feels true. But Bubba has secrets of his own. Behind the fake name, dusty jeans, and charming grin is Miles Chapman, the new owner of the Lazy M Ranch and inheritor of a sprawling fortune. Pretending to be Bubba was supposed to keep his heart safe after years of women chasing him for his money. Instead, it led him straight to the one person who makes him want to tell the truth.

When a startling emergency pulls Holly back into reality, she and Miles will both be left Can a love built on a lie survive once the masks come off?

Genres: Romance, Small Town Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Audiobook

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 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

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wouldn’t it be fun to be someone else…if only for a night?
But what if you meet someone special? How exactly do you come clean without losing them?

Holly McClean is extremely hard-working and very wealthy as well. For one night she just wants to be…well, how about Lula Ann. Just a simple gal with no riches and family fortune.

But when she meets Bubba, a local farmhand, she’s instantly smitten. But how does she tell him who she really is? Will Bubba care? Or does he have secrets of his own?

This was a fun audio novella. No hot spice here, just pure sweetness!

Told from both Lula Ann and Bubba’s POV.
We had just a single narrator, Brittany Pressley (who was amazing.) But a second narrator would have put this audio shortie over the top!

✍️ Carolyn Brown
🎧 3 hours and 2 minutes
🎤 Brittany Pressley
🗓️ Now Available
📈 4/5🌟🌟🌟🌟
👉 Romance, romance-com

Thank you to libro.fm and Podium Audio

[WhippedStitchReads (J.A.Y) SEMI-HIATUS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3⭐
No Spice

ALC Review

If you want a cute no spice cowboy romance, this is for you. It is a bit too "clean" for my taste lol (yes im a degenerate, we've established this), but it was overral a good story. It kinda gets to the point where the two MCs are trying to find genuine love that isn't based on their fame and money.

I received the ALC through Podium Audio. This review is my true and honest thoughts

[books.andotherworlds · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book only having a female narrator puts you off, give it a shot anyway. I think she did a great job voicing all the different characters, which not only includes the FMC and MMC, but a slew of side characters ranging from toddler to senior citizen.

Holly and Miles are both uninterested in relationships, especially since they both come from prominent families, and that has interfered in making genuine connections. They meet at a speed dating event as Bubba and Lula Ann and I’m sure you can guess how it goes from there.

It’s a cute story with fun characters, and fairly short. I love picking up these novellas in between novels or when I’m just not in the mood to commit to 300+ pages.

4/5⭐️ 0/5🌶️(only kissing)

[Sydney’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and a cute romance. Nothing too spicy but not a bad read.

[Brianna Higdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by Carolyn Brown. I didn't love it but I did enjoy it. I was very intrigued by the synopsis but I wish it had been longer. I was looking for more to happen, more to keep me intrigued. It was quite insta love heavy which I don't particularly like. With that said, I enjoyed Carolyn Brown's writing, her characters, and am intrigued to read some other books by her in the future.

[Amy Vaglica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sweet story. It was wholesome and a quick read. I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Carolyn Brown.

[Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm, okay. Let's get into it.

I was lucky enough to recieve an ALC of this book and it really did sound pretty cute and cosy. However, the single narrator really threw it for me. Don't get me wrong she was fabulous but I just can't get behind one person voicing several characters. So that was an instant, no.

I did however continue, I was already in so I may as well finish. So overall, this book was good. It wasn't great but good. The spice is nonexistent and that's not a game changer for me, but it could of done with that extra *jazz*.

But, it was very cute and cosy. A cowboy romance with no spice, and it was enjoyable.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Thank you to Podium Entertainment for sending me an ALC in exchange for my honest review!✨

This was the cutest country novella! I had such a fun time with it, and I really enjoyed the narrator. Although I'm not condoning lies, it makes a lot of sense how both Miles and Holly were having a hard time finding a partner that didn't just want them for their money. They fell for each other so fast, and despite the lie they told, they quickly started imagining a life together. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a sweet quick romance!

You'll like this if you like:
📖 novella
📖 dual POV
📖 speed dating
📖 country romance

✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of infertility, attempted murder of animals, and emergency surgery.
🎬 Sexual Content: PG: affection is limited to kissing
🩸Violence: G: no real violence
💬 Language: some strong language; some sexual innuendos

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heiress and geologist Holly McLean who family owns one of the biggest Oil companies in the world, wants to be loved for her not by the dollars in her bank account. So her BFF devises a plan to use assume names for a small town Speed Dating night. So Lula Ann is born and when her friend gets sick, she is on her own. It is not going well until a handsome cowboy sits down and not only are they some sparks, but she thinks she has found someone she would really like to get to know. But what will Bubba Jones like her when he finds out that there are lots of zero's in her bank account.

Miles Chapman is looking to settle down on a ranch of his own, but finding Ms Right without them knowing he is from one of the riches ranching family's is a hard task. He wants to be like for him and not for this family name and bank account. Then on the off chance of coming into contact with "Lula Ann", at the Speed Dating night, he too assumes a fake name 'Bubba Jones" and proceeds to charm his way into her life, because he finds that she just might be the one to love him for him.

Carolyn Brown brings us another small town romance, that has us turning the pages of this wonderful, witty, sweet story. It is a quick read. Once I started to read it I just could not put it down. Every page was a smile or a sigh and with her wonderful characters who cheer on the couple there was hilarious moments too. I'm always left with a sunny smile in my heart when I finish a Carolyn Brown book.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable And Delightfully Entertaining!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Light, fun, romantic and left me with a warm cozy feeling. I haven't read any novels by this author in a while, but there was a time when several of her books were always in my TBR pile. I discovered this perfect little gem while searching my Kindle Unlimited list for a reading challenge. I am so very happy that I did.

Two people wary of dating due to their financial status and having been burned by individuals only looking at their bank accounts. They met by chance at a speed dating event, and sparks instantly flew. Both used fake names, but then as the sparks turned into flames both were left with the dilemma of how to tell the truth. Both wondering if the truth would lead to the end of what was continuing to flare between them. Fast paced, interesting and a sweet story. I laughed, shed a few happy tears and had a smile on my face at the end. I'm definitely going to go back and rediscover this author and her stories.

Kudos Mrs. Brown! I truly enjoyed it! 🎉🎉👏👏📚💞

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this little short story. It was so sweet and wholesome. Our fmc and mmc meet at a speed dating event and have an instant connection. They are both from super weather familes, and don’t want to meet someone who is only after their money, so they both give each other fake identities. They end up going on several dates and start to fall for each other, and they both have to make the decision if they should reveal their true selves or just cut ties and go on with their lives. This is a short read, but full of romance, sweet gestures, and swing moments. If you love cowboy romance, definitely check this one out.

Thank you Podium for the alc. This is a single narration book. Brittany Presley did a great job portraying every character and really brought this book to life. I loved the southern accents in this one as well. Her narration really made me feel like I was there hanging out with my friends watching it all go down.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

Holly is attending a speed dating event with the name of Lula Ann to hide her wealthy family name. Miles sees Holly leaving the bathroom and follows her to the speed dating event and signs in as Bubba to hide that he is a wealthy rancher. They both like the other, but continue the deception for the whole week of Holly's vacation. But what will they do when the truth comes out? Read this to find out. This is a sweet story that moves right along.

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline with only kisses and no other steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. This sweet story is a nice pick-me-up and a great escape. Enjoy!

[Kala Frick · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star
3 for narration
No Spice just kissing
If you are looking for a quick read then I recommend you check this one out! It's a fast listen than can be completed in one day. The book was fun and cute. The MC's meet at a speed-dating event under fake names and instantly form a connection. They both are worried about sharing their real identities and then the FMC has to leave without warning and they both try to figure out what it truly is that they want.
The narration is not dual, however I feel like the narrator did a phenomenal job. My personal preference is dual narration however.
Thank you Podium Entertainment for gifting me this ALC!

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh to be someone else with no cares or responsibilities

Two careers, two futures to build, two people who put love on the back burner. One week, simple times together, neither knew or seems to care who had what or more than the other. Then the reality set in.
Love stories that make anything seem possible and this one fills the bill. Miles and Holly met under ordinary circumstances with no expectations and found sparks. Sparks that could possibly lead to more.
Carolyn Brown did it again and does not disappoint. Her ability to spin tales is what drew me to her, just like telling your story to your best friend! Thank you for a few hours of fantasy.

[Tayler · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

From Fantasy to Reality by Carolyn Brown was such a quick and easy read for me — the kind of book you pick up “just for a few chapters” and suddenly you’re at the end because you couldn’t put it down.

Carolyn Brown has a way of creating characters that feel real and relatable, and this story was no different. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey from start to finish. It had heart, charm, and just enough emotion to keep me fully invested without feeling heavy.

If you’re looking for a sweet, engaging story that you can breeze through in a day or two, this one is definitely worth picking up. It earns four stars from me!

[Ashling B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just listened to an ALC narrated by Brittany Pressley, and it was exactly the audiobook I needed! 💕 The story kicks off with speed-dating, where Holly’s playful secret identity sets the stage—and little does she know, Bubba has one too! 🤫 Their chemistry, laughs, and swoon-worthy moments make this small-town romance impossible to put down.

Tropes you’ll love:
🤫 Secret/Mistaken Identity (for both Holly and Bubba!)
🏡 Small-Town Romance
💌 Fake Dating
😄 Playful Banter
👩‍❤️‍👨 Slow-Burn Romance

Huge thanks to Podium Entertainment for this fantastic listen! 🎧

[Miss Library Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Podiumentertainment for the ALC I received. The story was sweet and I enjoyed the storyline, but it was incredibly hard to follow when the names kept going back and forth even when the MMC and FMC were not together in certain scenes. There were a few plot holes, like the dog that came with the ranch being on the porch, even though he was with Miles in the fields. It was a sweet story, but because of how hard it was to follow, and the different holes in the plot, this was a 3 star read for me.

[sherie McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gift from Carolyn Brown

Every time I read the first page of one of Carolyn Browns books it's like getting a present! From Fantasy to Reality did not disappoint. Lula Ann and Bubba's speed date was fate, timing, coincidence and two little white lies. The rest is a truly sweet story set in Texas with Oil, Cattle , Sunsets and sizzling heat. I highly recommend this book to everyone that has read Carolyn Brown, needs to read Carolyn Brown stories and loves romance novels.

[Brandy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

OVERALL: 3.5
SPICE: 0

TROPES:
SECRET IDENTITIES
SLOW BURN
COUNTRY ROMANCE

Thanks to Podium for the ALC and allowing me to listed to my first Carolyn Brown.

This book was light, fun, cute and romatickie. Definitely not the norm of what I tend to read, but I did enjoy it.

It was just around 3 hours long and I thought it could have been a tad longer.

I classify this a love story, since there is zero spice to be had.

If you are looking for someone to recommend to a family member or friend who loves love, but not all the smutty goodness? Carolyn is the way to go!

[Stacey Markle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 3.75
This is a fast paced, sweet meet cute kind of story where 2 people who are "undercover" as regular people instead of the wealthy lives they live, match at a speed dating event. They hit it off but both are hiding their real lives from each other. It's an immediate love story. I really liked some of the side characters and of course, the animal companions! Butter is an adorable name for a yellow dog.
The story is a feel good look at hidden identity misdirection with no spice at all. The ending is pretty adorable.

[FictionalFlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Carolyn Brown and the Narrator Brittany Pressley.
Brittany Pressley often lends her voice to Carolyn Browns books.
This new release I was so excited to listen to. It has been too long since I have been able to enjoy these two paired up on a project. A Month is even too long!
This story was sweet and romantic. I liked the similar characters coming together both having secrets that they are hiding from each other

If you are looking for a happily ever after cute romance for a weekend read this is perfect. If it was summer, I would recommend it for a beach read.

[cheryl slaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review

They met at speed dating event and both used false names. He was a rancher who had just bought a big ranch and he told her he was a ranch hand. She came from a rich oil family and she said she played with rocks and dirt. They had fun on their dates and pretended to be down to earth simple people. The rescued 3 puppies someone had thrown in the gulf. On what was to be their last date her father came and took her home because her had emergency surgery and he was so worried he spent every night next to her on a cot. They never had that last date.
Enjoy

[JOYCE PITTARD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

Ms. Brown put out another fun good book. Holly (Aka Lulu) and Miles (Aka) Bubba. Meeting at a last minute speed dating event using AKA names because they want someone to care about them for who they are but not for the money they have and there families. Feeling guilty when they really like each other and who ready to fess up the truth. Holly's mother has an emergency and she has to cancel the date. It takes awhile but they finally come together again. To short but a good read.

[Katie Marie Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ALC from Podium Entertainment and instantly devoured this audiobook!
3 hours and 34 minutes on 1x speed.
Narrated by Brittany Pressley.

Short and sweet. The story is entertaining and kept my attention.
The main characters meet at a speed dating event where they both used aliases. Little do they know just how alike they both are…
Even though it’s short, it’s a full circle story with an HEA included!
This would make a great palette cleanser or a short listen to help boost reading goals!

[AW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brittany Pressley gives this story an easy, inviting rhythm that fits the tone perfectly. The book itself is a light, quick listen with a sweet romance that never goes beyond kissing, which made it a great palate cleanser. The characters are steady and likable, and the plot moves with a warmth that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Thank you to Podium Entertainment and Carolyn Brown for the ALC copy!

[Manda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire Cowboy 🩵 Oil Heiress 🩵 Hidden Identity

Thank you @librofm and @podiumentertainment for the #gifted ALC. This novella is a light and sweet afternoon escape you don’t want to miss!

Both Holly and Miles are jaded when it comes to dating, tired of being pursued for their family names and fortunes. A small town speed dating event presents the perfect opportunity for Miles to anonymously meet the attractive woman he spied following a meeting. Aside from using a fake name, skirting the details of their actual employment backgrounds, and what they are each doing in this small town, “Bubba Jones” and “Lula-Ann Smith” have the opportunity try normal life while getting to know each other.

I enjoyed seeing Holly and Miles have the opportunity to let down their guard, be real with each other, and live like everyday people without the pressures and expectations attached to their backgrounds.

It was frustrating at times, but not in a bad way, for the reader to know that they were each hiding the same secrets and that their relationship really could work out if they would just spill! It’s all part of the plot though, and works out perfectly!

While there are a few heated kisses, Holly and Miles do not make it to the bedroom in this book. So, if you are looking for spice, you won’t find it in this quick read, but what you will find are engaging characters who are perfect for each other, brought to life in a truly talented audiobook performance.

[Ruth Oldham · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this fun story!

A lady and a guy meet at a speed dating event. Both, from wealthy families, choose a different name to prevent being chosen for their wealth. Separated by her family emergency, Lula Ann finds no social media links. Bubba is brokenhearted. When her friend finds Miles is from a rich ranch family, she can’t be upset. She goes to his ranch to confess, and he breaks out in laughter! Carolyn Brown’s story is a fun read.

[Rose Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happily Ever After

I love. Carolyn Brown's books. Texas-sized romances with relatable characters that draw you into the story. Her descriptions let you walk right in. I like that she doesn't devote time to angst and suffering. She also keeps attraction out of the realm of deep physical descriptions. I don't feel I need to hide my page if reading in a public place. Thanks for that, Carolyn!

[Nona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one from Carolyn Brown

I lived this story about two people who wanted to find someone who could love them for themselves instead of the family they belong to. Finding each other through a speed dating event, they each gave false names to try to find the right person.
Carolyn always grabs me right from the beginning with her stories. You wil not be disappointed.

[Jaylynn Schubauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Podium for this ALC.

This was a short and sweet read that gave you all of the feels. It was so cute and wholesome. I loved Miles and Holly and the secrets they kept made sense. Once they opened up, they fell for each other for who they are and not for their money. If you like a quick and sweet romance, I recommend this book~