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My Real Love Affair
591 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 17, 2026
Another great story about the Bancroft men! This one was a bit different in that when the other brothers had to find a wife and get married the family was supportive of their picks (even if daddy did pick them). In this case Melody, who was very successful in her own way, certainly did not come from the wealth and family connections that Austin Bancroft did. She is strong, confident and happy in her own body. Austin is the party boy Bancroft. Happy to party, fly around the world, have a different woman whenever he wanted and was a bit of a disappointment to the family, especially dad and oldest brother. He had his heart broken once and has vowed never to fall in love again. UNTIL he sees Melody for the first time at a gala and there is an instant attraction on his end, but it's even more than that. He just doesn't know what but he wants to find out.
This story goes deep into Austin's character and the raw hurt and emotion that he carries, and it comes through and almost knocks you down! You will enjoy this roller coaster ride and be rooting for both sides along the way. Melody truly is a rock and superstar for what she is willing to put up with until she can't any longer. This truly will have you feeling all the feelings and grab the tissues because you WILL need them. I don't ever want this series to end but there is another brother who needs a wife. Thank you Ali for a GREAT read!!!!
This story goes deep into Austin's character and the raw hurt and emotion that he carries, and it comes through and almost knocks you down! You will enjoy this roller coaster ride and be rooting for both sides along the way. Melody truly is a rock and superstar for what she is willing to put up with until she can't any longer. This truly will have you feeling all the feelings and grab the tissues because you WILL need them. I don't ever want this series to end but there is another brother who needs a wife. Thank you Ali for a GREAT read!!!!
April 19, 2026
Black sheep Austin, the youngest Bancroft son, has finally hit rock bottom and must find some way to mend his more than decadent reputation or he will be cutoff from the family and his trust fund. High society influencer Melody Stephens is set to launch her own brand for plus-size women like herself. Unfortunately, the rug is pulled out from under her, and she is brutally canceled on the Internet. When the vultures surround Melody at a wedding reception, Austin steps in and kisses her with wild abandon, and thus she immediately becomes his fake girlfriend.
What an absolutely delightful addition to Ali Parker’s very successful Bancroft Billionaire Brothers series! Melody and Austin, two vulnerable, independent souls who early on catch feelings for each other, are confronted with internal and external challenges that could be resolved only by seeing each other as they are and meant to be. If you are looking for a heart warming story filled with a riveting plot, wonderful characters, and sizzling passion, look no further than My Real Love Affair, a fresh, current, and totally unputdownable romance that will leave you smiling.
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
What an absolutely delightful addition to Ali Parker’s very successful Bancroft Billionaire Brothers series! Melody and Austin, two vulnerable, independent souls who early on catch feelings for each other, are confronted with internal and external challenges that could be resolved only by seeing each other as they are and meant to be. If you are looking for a heart warming story filled with a riveting plot, wonderful characters, and sizzling passion, look no further than My Real Love Affair, a fresh, current, and totally unputdownable romance that will leave you smiling.
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
April 20, 2026
This is part of the Bancroft Brother Series but can be read as a standalone. Austin got the riot act read to him from his older brother Cash with threats of his trust fund being cut off. His father had reached his limits after the latest gossip site postings. Needless to say Austin wasn't excited when they assigned him a fake date/babysitter for a society wedding, but that's where he met Melody. She was a plus size body positivity influencer who fell victim to a corrupt company who caused her brand to crash. An impulsive kiss and Austin claims Melody, a woman he's never met and it morphs into a fake engagement to clean up both their reputations. What fun it was to watch their slow burn relationship develop into something true and meaningful. All the beautiful romantic touches, were they real? Did her friend Cleo have a right to be concerned? Emotional and heartwarming at times watching a real love story unfold while each wondered what was real and what was fake. The author did a wonderful job with the characters and I found myself becoming emotionally involved with them from the beginning. Each playing their role, each pretending their relationship was still fake. Angst, insecurities, family drama and plenty of ups and downs. An emotional read that's hard to put down. I read a free arc via the author's team and voluntarily chose to write a review.
April 21, 2026
What a great story. It becomes a little long in parts but that’s what life is all about isn’t it. Austin is a Bancroft, as he says it’s not by choice, but he was born into this family. Most moneyed families have high standards for their children. Some live up to them, so try real hard to have them and others just live their life the way that makes them happy. He got burned by a woman who he thought loved him but now looking back, he sees all the signs he was to in Love to see. So he went about his life the way he wanted to. Then he saw a woman that not only turned his head and heart but helped him change who he wanted to be regardless of what his father wanted him to be. Melody met Austin at a low time in her life. She knew his reputation, but she didn’t know him. She wanted to. She took certain chance with him because he wasn’t being the man everyone said he was. She truly saw “the man” not the playboy. Parts will make you cry and many parts will make you laugh. You’ll get mad on behalf of Austin and Melody. But really most important, you’ll enjoy this book. You’ll want to know how the wedding turns out, how many kids they’ll have and how Austin turns out as a father.
April 17, 2026
My Real Love Affair delivers a more intense and emotionally layered installment in the Bancroft series, standing out from the usual tone of the earlier books. Austin and Melody’s relationship is far from simple—they are both forced to confront personal struggles, making their connection feel tested, raw, and at times unpredictable.
Melody, in particular, stands out as a strong and grounded heroine who has real obstacles to work through, and her growth feels believable throughout the story. Austin complements her well, and together they create a dynamic that feels both steamy and emotionally charged.
The pacing keeps you engaged, with enough tension and drama to make it hard to put the book down once you start. Overall, it’s a compelling read with strong character development, chemistry, and emotional stakes that set it apart from a standard romance.
I received an ARC of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.
Melody, in particular, stands out as a strong and grounded heroine who has real obstacles to work through, and her growth feels believable throughout the story. Austin complements her well, and together they create a dynamic that feels both steamy and emotionally charged.
The pacing keeps you engaged, with enough tension and drama to make it hard to put the book down once you start. Overall, it’s a compelling read with strong character development, chemistry, and emotional stakes that set it apart from a standard romance.
I received an ARC of this book and am sharing my honest opinion.
April 17, 2026
4.5 Stars! Melody has worked hard to build up her business as a plus size influencer and has finally started to reap the rewards. When one of her partners ends up editing her body to make their close look better, she is cancelled. Not knowing what to do, she just pushes forward. Austin is the black sheep of the Bancroft family. He is the youngest and never wanted to go along to get along. He likes adventure and being a bachelor. When he drunk calls a reported, his brother Cash hires a babysitter to improve his reputation. He is not happy with that and when he sees Melody at a wedding, he can't take his eyes off of her. He learns what she is going through and decides to help her. Then he decides they can help each other. This is the start of a great romance with some good twists and to strong independent main characters. This is a good read,
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
April 18, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed "MY REAL LOVE AFFAIR" I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting, intriguing, intense drama, with danger, action, steam, tension, keeping you turning the pages.
Austin Bancroff known as the mischeif maker,
use to getting his own way, charming, his father
& brothers want him to settle or lose everything.
Melody Stephens is a plus size woman who's an influencer trying to help women like herself dealing with the public fallout turning against her online & trying to fix things.
Melody runs into Austin at a wedding he kisses her so the public can see, after they were being mean, they come to an arrangement to be fake engaged to try to repair both their reputations.
Will Austin & Melody turn their fake engagement to something more real, their chemistry can't be denied its a must read you don't want to miss.
Austin Bancroff known as the mischeif maker,
use to getting his own way, charming, his father
& brothers want him to settle or lose everything.
Melody Stephens is a plus size woman who's an influencer trying to help women like herself dealing with the public fallout turning against her online & trying to fix things.
Melody runs into Austin at a wedding he kisses her so the public can see, after they were being mean, they come to an arrangement to be fake engaged to try to repair both their reputations.
Will Austin & Melody turn their fake engagement to something more real, their chemistry can't be denied its a must read you don't want to miss.
April 17, 2026
Melody is a fashion influencer who proves that it’s ok being not the “norm”. She provides hope for others with her eye for fashion. It only took her trust in a brand that lead to her followers believing she’s a fraud.
Austin is a hot sexy mess. He puts on a show to cover up his insecurities about always being compared to his “perfect” brothers. After another “screw up “ he decides to choose his own path and keep his family from controlling him.
These two work together to help each other’s image by being in a fake relationship.
We all know what happens then! It was so amazing how they bonded while being supportive to each other.
This fake relationship quickly turns into a real one with problems you find in a relationship. But through communication and love they get their HEA!!
Austin is a hot sexy mess. He puts on a show to cover up his insecurities about always being compared to his “perfect” brothers. After another “screw up “ he decides to choose his own path and keep his family from controlling him.
These two work together to help each other’s image by being in a fake relationship.
We all know what happens then! It was so amazing how they bonded while being supportive to each other.
This fake relationship quickly turns into a real one with problems you find in a relationship. But through communication and love they get their HEA!!
April 18, 2026
Another Bancroft Billionaire Brothers book. This one is baby brother Austin, who has fallen from grace one too many times. His father and brother have had enough. He is on the verge of being cut off from the family and his trust. He has always done his own thing. Melody is a body positive influencer that has built a big following that has recently been cancelled. Austin being immediately drawn to Melody when he sees her at a wedding, see this as an opportunity for both of them. A way for them each to benefit. Along the way they catch feelings. In typical Ali fashion this is written in such a way that is realistic and believable. A must read to see how they navigate the challenges that come their way to get to their HEA.
April 21, 2026
This book is absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end. It's book #22 A Bancroft Billionaire Brothers series and we have Austin's book and you will definitely fall in love with Austin and Melodys Story. When Austin's last drunken video goes viral its cash who thinks he needs a babysitter but at a wedding he sees A woman whose life is spiraling and swoops in but will it back fire on him? Melody Stephans is plus size model influencer but when a company edits her pictures ,her life and career take a hit until Austin steps in but when someone is trying to destroy them can they find love with each other or will his reputation keep destroying them? Great book!
April 24, 2026
Austin has always felt like he isn’t his brothers equal so between that and a failed relationship he has decided to live his life on his terms and not worry about what others think. After his latest action that is about to change as his family has lost patience with him and have given him an ultimatum.
Melody has worked hard to create a following as a social media influencer however due to the actions of others that is all in jeopardy. When she faces an uncomfortable situation at a wedding Austin comes to her rescue and they agree that a pretend relationship will help them both with the current problems they are facing.
A heartwarming romance that combines a little turmoil, some surprises and all the feels as they love and support each other through any challenge that arises.
Melody has worked hard to create a following as a social media influencer however due to the actions of others that is all in jeopardy. When she faces an uncomfortable situation at a wedding Austin comes to her rescue and they agree that a pretend relationship will help them both with the current problems they are facing.
A heartwarming romance that combines a little turmoil, some surprises and all the feels as they love and support each other through any challenge that arises.
April 18, 2026
I love the Bancroft family. They are my favorite series that Ali has written.
Austin Bancroft is on the verge of being cut off. He is the youngest son whose reputation finally pushes things too far and he needs a solution fast. Enter Melody Stephens, a plus-size influencer is dealing with publicity fallout. The two have a chance meeting at a wedding and one kiss turns into an arrangement that benefits them both. A fake relationship that will help both of them. What starts as damage control quickly becomes more complicated. Will the road to figuring out there are more feelings there than they planned be bumpy - yes. Will their true feelings prevail in time?
Austin Bancroft is on the verge of being cut off. He is the youngest son whose reputation finally pushes things too far and he needs a solution fast. Enter Melody Stephens, a plus-size influencer is dealing with publicity fallout. The two have a chance meeting at a wedding and one kiss turns into an arrangement that benefits them both. A fake relationship that will help both of them. What starts as damage control quickly becomes more complicated. Will the road to figuring out there are more feelings there than they planned be bumpy - yes. Will their true feelings prevail in time?
April 20, 2026
Austin is considered the Bancroft black sheep disappointment brother. The way he sees himself and how his family treats him is heartbreaking. I think his fractured view of himself is what helped him notice Melody. They both want the world to see them differently. Situations lead to Austin suggesting they have an agreement to help each other. Fake becomes more the real for them both. This story contains family dynamics and society implications that are anything but supportive. Austin and Melody have a relationship that has issues but eventually they find their way an understanding.
This review contains my thoughts, opinions and feelings about this book.
This review contains my thoughts, opinions and feelings about this book.
April 22, 2026
Austin’s Story
Rounding up from 3.5 since I struggled to get into the story in the beginning. I had a hard time liking Austin in the beginning; he’s basically just a 30 year old partying playboy trust fund baby with no purpose or responsibility. That might be okay at 25 but by 30 he should have grown up enough to want more from life than just partying. The second half of the book held my attention and I enjoyed it, and I liked the way things came together for him and Melody. His character showed growth over the second half of the book and I liked the resolution with his relationships with Cash and Armand.
Rounding up from 3.5 since I struggled to get into the story in the beginning. I had a hard time liking Austin in the beginning; he’s basically just a 30 year old partying playboy trust fund baby with no purpose or responsibility. That might be okay at 25 but by 30 he should have grown up enough to want more from life than just partying. The second half of the book held my attention and I enjoyed it, and I liked the way things came together for him and Melody. His character showed growth over the second half of the book and I liked the resolution with his relationships with Cash and Armand.
April 17, 2026
Austin and Melody are opposites attract; slow burn plus chemistry! WOW! This book is crazy on again, off again, but they can't stay away from each other. They're so different, but they end up changing each other unintentionally for the good! Nobody does it better than Ali for getting you hooked from the beginning to the end. Thank you, Ali I enjoyed these two and all the feels I laughed, cried, held my breath and wanted to hug them all! Any Bancroft story is always an superior read! I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
April 23, 2026
This is the most recent in the Bancroft series, and while it can be read as a stand alone as it involves characters from the previous books the readers enjoyment will be enhanced by reading the other books in the series first.
This is Austin’s story, he is the eternal playboy and bachelor, however after his most recent escapade it is decided that he needs a babysitter girlfriend to keep him out of trouble. He is pressured to accept this situation, which he reluctantly does.
Melody is an influencer working in Social Media, following a problem with her latest business deal she gets cancelled.
When they both attend the same wedding Austin sees an opportunity to improve both their reputations and proposes an arrangement to her, what could go wrong?
An in-depth, multi layered thoroughly enjoyable story with engaging characters which had me rooting for them. I received this as an ARC.
This is Austin’s story, he is the eternal playboy and bachelor, however after his most recent escapade it is decided that he needs a babysitter girlfriend to keep him out of trouble. He is pressured to accept this situation, which he reluctantly does.
Melody is an influencer working in Social Media, following a problem with her latest business deal she gets cancelled.
When they both attend the same wedding Austin sees an opportunity to improve both their reputations and proposes an arrangement to her, what could go wrong?
An in-depth, multi layered thoroughly enjoyable story with engaging characters which had me rooting for them. I received this as an ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
Austin Bancroft is a playboy who really doesn’t have a care in the world. His brother Cash and their dad are fed up and hire a baby sitter for him. He is of course not happy about this. He meets Melody at a wedding where he sees her upset and he leaves his babysitter and him and Melody join forces. She soon becomes his fake girlfriend.
Cute storyline and I love both main characters. I love how Austin wants to be better for her. Another wonderful story from this great author. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my honest review.
Cute storyline and I love both main characters. I love how Austin wants to be better for her. Another wonderful story from this great author. I received an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my honest review.
April 17, 2026
My RealLove Affair has lots of trials and tribulations for Austin and Melody. It starts out different than the other Bancroft stories. Or at least somewhat different than the other Bancroft books. Austin and Melody seem to have more struggles to overcome than in the other Bancroft stories. It was definitely a thriller. I couldn't put it down. When I did, I was looking forward to what was coming next. There can still be more to their story written in another book...
April 18, 2026
Austin is the party boy of the Bancroft family. He vowed to never fall in love again. His father and brother set him up with a fake date (babysitter) for a wedding. Melody is a plus sizer influencer who was a victim of a corrupt company. Austin not happy with that but when he sees Melody at the wedding he can't take his eyes off of her. They decides to help each other out. Their relationship is a slow burn relationship that develop into something true. It is a great must read story.
April 18, 2026
Another great addition to the Bancroft family. I enjoyed the characters of Austin and Melody. Austin isn’t the screw up his family always thought he was, he is just himself and unapologetically so which I feel made the story even better because he didn’t fit that “mold”. What I loved about Melody’s character was her love for herself and who she is as a whole. Great story about believing in yourself and meeting that one person who makes you even better in the end.
April 20, 2026
Austin Bancroft, youngest and wildest of the Bancroft billionaire brothers, has met his match in Melody Stephens, a fashion influencer who doesn't need his drama, but is attracted to him anyway. The beginning of a fake relationship quickly turns real for both of them. They truly do complement each other. Their love story has various pitfalls but eventually prevails. It is a well written story with a great ending.
April 21, 2026
I love the Bancroft Billionaire Brothers stories and this one does not disappoint. My Real Love Affair has you on an emotional ride from the very first chapter. Along with tears, the reader experiences some great laugh out loud moments. Austin and Melody are the perfect examples of opposites attract. Once again Ali Parker has another hit. This book is pure enjoyment.
I received this book as an ARC reader and have given my review voluntarily.
I received this book as an ARC reader and have given my review voluntarily.
April 21, 2026
A great story staring Austin and Melody. This is the 22nd book in this author’s A Bancroft Billionaire Brothers. He’s the youngest son and shoots from the hip making him the black sheep. She lives with a plus size label but fearlous and doesn’t worry what anyone thinks to the extent of becoming a fashion plus size influencer. This couple is infectious- you can’t help but love them and root for them.
April 17, 2026
I really enjoy fake relationship stories because you know how they'll turn out, but the journey is so much fun!
This was the case for Melody and Austin!
Will another Bancroft brother fall?
Or rather will he have a pick-me-up?
Melody too perhaps!
Passionate, emotional, character builds that stand out! A fantastic addition to the series!
So hard to put down!
This was the case for Melody and Austin!
Will another Bancroft brother fall?
Or rather will he have a pick-me-up?
Melody too perhaps!
Passionate, emotional, character builds that stand out! A fantastic addition to the series!
So hard to put down!
April 17, 2026
Austin and Melody had me connecting with them in this delightful story. They both find themselves coping with personal struggles and when they connect something sparks between them. it is a well written book with a narrative that is relatable and had me engaging with Austin and Melody from start to finish. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
April 20, 2026
Austin Bancroft is the black sheep of the family and the youngest. He walk to his own drum and is not afraid to stand up for himself. Melody is a plus sized fashion influencer who will be rescued by Austin at a wedding. When they meet, they find common grounds, both need to overcome some issues and together they can resolve them by helping each other. Great addition to this series.
April 18, 2026
Yet another amazing story about two people that shouldn't work as a couple, but actually do. These two characters grow both individually and together, to make the perfect power couple nobody knew they needed. Great story and a great representation of body positive!
April 20, 2026
A delightful read with wonderful characters as black sheep Austin Bancroft has to repair his reputation and gets involved in a fake relationship with Melody, a fashion influencer for plus size women. They make a beautiful couple in this story that will make you laugh and cry.
April 20, 2026
Loved this story about Melody and Austin. It is a very different tale of love, where you see the Bancroft men having to take a back seat to a strong woman that surprises them all and it makes the story thoroughly enjoyable.
April 21, 2026
They fall hard!
When they fall, they fall hard! Austin seems like the one who least likely to settle down. Melody and Austin have to overcome challenges to get their happily after but working together it gets done!
When they fall, they fall hard! Austin seems like the one who least likely to settle down. Melody and Austin have to overcome challenges to get their happily after but working together it gets done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews