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The Real Deal
Reagan is living the dream. She has a wonderful, fulfilling job working at the local community center. She has her own place and a comfortable lifestyle. The only thing she’s missing is someone to share it all with. Unfortunately, the second she thought she may have found the one was only a few short months before she found his fiancé. And now, the only way she can prove that she has really moved on from him is by showing off her new man. But there’s only one problem. The new man doesn’t actually exist. Insert Gavin. An innocent bystander and up-and-coming rapper caught in the chess match of Reagan’s game on his first day of community service. When she desperately needs him to fulfill the role as her boyfriend to save face, Gavin quickly finds ways to also benefit from their arrangement. But what happens when the line between fulfilling a role and real companionship begins to blend? Can something that starts off as a deal between two strangers actually turn into something real?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2016
288 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Warren
50 books1,312 followersAlexandra Warren is a contemporary romance author with over thirty works to date, all of which intentionally center Black love. She is also the co-founder of Girl, Have You Read…, a digital platform dedicated to Black romance written by Black authors.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
When she’s not in front of her computer, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, watching sports, and clearing her DVR. Alexandra is a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska, but she currently calls Houston, Texas home.
Learn more about Alexandra by visiting her website www.actuallyitsalexandra.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
September 14, 2022
Gavin & Reagan
This was a cute story of a fake relationship that ultimately turns into a real relationship. Gavin is an up and coming rapper and Reagan is a Community Center Director. When Gavin gets into a small amount of trouble and have to do community service, he meet Reagan and that same day he is coaxed into pretending to be her boyfriend and the rest is history.
This was a cute story of a fake relationship that ultimately turns into a real relationship. Gavin is an up and coming rapper and Reagan is a Community Center Director. When Gavin gets into a small amount of trouble and have to do community service, he meet Reagan and that same day he is coaxed into pretending to be her boyfriend and the rest is history.
May 28, 2023
Loved the chemistry between Gavin and Teagan.
Also loved that sleazy Michael got to see how Gavin loved and respected Teagan. Michael also realized he blew a good thing with Teagan.
Gavin's mother was hilarious and on a journey to make sure her son was loved and happy with a good woman like Teagan!
March 21, 2020
When 2 worlds fall in love
I love the unexpected when it comes to love. When two different worlds come together and fall deep and quick there is nothing better.
A great read
I love the unexpected when it comes to love. When two different worlds come together and fall deep and quick there is nothing better.
A great read
dnf
April 20, 2023DNF @ 18%
I'm so tired of reading books that has cheating involved (even kind of indirectly, since our FMC is/was a mistress). The author's writing style was good, but this one's just not for me.
I'm so tired of reading books that has cheating involved (even kind of indirectly, since our FMC is/was a mistress). The author's writing style was good, but this one's just not for me.
October 28, 2023
I liked this story overall, but there were too many things throughout that didn't work for me. Reagan was way too wishy-washy and Gavin was way too perfect. Actually, he wasn't too perfect but I think that's how he was supposed to be portrayed.
Also, body parts don't (and shouldn't - unless your lube or enhancement creams are flavored) taste like Pink Starburst, no matter how much you enjoy it.
Also, body parts don't (and shouldn't - unless your lube or enhancement creams are flavored) taste like Pink Starburst, no matter how much you enjoy it.
June 15, 2016
3.5 stars I have a problem with one word used in this story the N word. The story is cute .
April 17, 2024
cute story!!
Reagan is a witty independent woman who takes nobody’s crap. she got it going on and she knows what she wants and she goes and gets it.
Gavin is an up and coming rapper with magical words that will have any woman swooning for him. but he o my wants her….
Reagan and Gavin’s love story started as a fake relationship because Reagan wanted to make an ex jealous (an engaged ex at that…) but then they progressed to real relationship bc they both realized the wanted each other. but ofc they’ll face some obstacles along the way. but they both came out victorious on the other side with a beautiful love story to go with it!
Reagan is a witty independent woman who takes nobody’s crap. she got it going on and she knows what she wants and she goes and gets it.
Gavin is an up and coming rapper with magical words that will have any woman swooning for him. but he o my wants her….
Reagan and Gavin’s love story started as a fake relationship because Reagan wanted to make an ex jealous (an engaged ex at that…) but then they progressed to real relationship bc they both realized the wanted each other. but ofc they’ll face some obstacles along the way. but they both came out victorious on the other side with a beautiful love story to go with it!
September 21, 2017
It was a love story that was perfect you could say. Reagan had been duped into loving the wrong man because he was taken and she found out too late. Fast forward to a night out and she's smitten with an up & coming rapper. She runs into him again as she's forced to supervise him at a job site and the rest is history. It's never a dull moment with Reagan and Gavin but she's sorta laid back and he's in the spotlight. Can it work the way they think it can?
March 20, 2019
#BaeGriffey
What a great story! I was so sad for Reagan, after Michael did her dirty. However, when Gavin made an unexpected appearance in her life; I knew things were looking up. The instant attraction they both felt, and the way they played off of each other was so fun. The love was so real you could feel it. So appreciate a man in his position being true to his girl. Another winner! 👍
What a great story! I was so sad for Reagan, after Michael did her dirty. However, when Gavin made an unexpected appearance in her life; I knew things were looking up. The instant attraction they both felt, and the way they played off of each other was so fun. The love was so real you could feel it. So appreciate a man in his position being true to his girl. Another winner! 👍
May 14, 2020
Super freaking awesome
I loved this book it was such an magical read. Even though was though the plan was a simple favor you can feel the chemistry between Reagan and Gavin form their initial interaction. Gavin was everything Reagan wanted and needed before she could even realize. Gavin was #bookbae not just your typical up and coming rapper but loves his girl and proves it to everyone every step of the way. Definitely can’t wait to read more!
I loved this book it was such an magical read. Even though was though the plan was a simple favor you can feel the chemistry between Reagan and Gavin form their initial interaction. Gavin was everything Reagan wanted and needed before she could even realize. Gavin was #bookbae not just your typical up and coming rapper but loves his girl and proves it to everyone every step of the way. Definitely can’t wait to read more!
May 18, 2025
#BaeGriffey was a good time.. Two people from opposite worlds that fit perfectly together. It was fast paced but felt natural and had some angst without being overly dramatic. It was also surprisingly funny. Raegan and Gavin had great banter and I found myself legit giggling! Some of the side characters even snuck in some good quips so you get rom-com vibes. This was a chill Sunday read! A good pick I’d recommend from the backlog!
August 31, 2022
(3.5) It took me longer than I planned to get through this book. I had to take a little break from it because I realized I wasn’t enjoying it, but the problem was my brain and not the book. I think the break worked because when I got back to reading it I didn’t want to stop, I wanted more at the end. I liked it, it was cute. Way better than I expected.
December 1, 2022
This book was too much!
It had me on a rollercoaster, Gavin really had not given Regan any reason to be suspicious and yet my sis was over media mishaps. Regan has me stressed but Gavin should have listened to the label they shouldn't be able to have that type of control over an artist but I guess that's the industry. As always I'm looking forward to more from Ms. Warren!
It had me on a rollercoaster, Gavin really had not given Regan any reason to be suspicious and yet my sis was over media mishaps. Regan has me stressed but Gavin should have listened to the label they shouldn't be able to have that type of control over an artist but I guess that's the industry. As always I'm looking forward to more from Ms. Warren!
February 20, 2024
Fifty Hours & a Crew…
The fifty hours introduced them, the crew attempted to destroy them but the real united them😍‼️”The Real Deal” was an excellent story of perseverance through the journey of love, loss, life and all its disappointments, mitigating circumstances, challenges and joy. …Reagan & Gavin were a delight to experience their journey to HEA!
The fifty hours introduced them, the crew attempted to destroy them but the real united them😍‼️”The Real Deal” was an excellent story of perseverance through the journey of love, loss, life and all its disappointments, mitigating circumstances, challenges and joy. …Reagan & Gavin were a delight to experience their journey to HEA!
May 17, 2017
Another great novel
I'm working my way through Alexandra's novels, because she's great at establishing characters I want to get to know. My only gripe as a southerner is the usage of "ya'll" instead of "y'all."
I'm working my way through Alexandra's novels, because she's great at establishing characters I want to get to know. My only gripe as a southerner is the usage of "ya'll" instead of "y'all."
September 17, 2017
Great Read!
As usual A.W. this story was phenomenal. It hit on love, insecurities and how to handle the dos and donts of a relationship with remembering it takes work to make it happen. Awesome!
As usual A.W. this story was phenomenal. It hit on love, insecurities and how to handle the dos and donts of a relationship with remembering it takes work to make it happen. Awesome!
November 12, 2017
Good Love
Reagan and Gavin got together under false pretenses. Dibbling and dabbling turns to feelings getting involved physically and emotionally caught up in a real deal kind of love.
Great story, wish it was a little bit longer! Loved it all the same
Reagan and Gavin got together under false pretenses. Dibbling and dabbling turns to feelings getting involved physically and emotionally caught up in a real deal kind of love.
Great story, wish it was a little bit longer! Loved it all the same
November 26, 2017
I enjoyed this story much like a lot of others from this author and I appreciated that neither of these characters was total jerks. I also liked that Reagan realized that she had to bend to fit with G Griffy's world if she wanted to be a part of it
November 28, 2017
So sweet
Reagan and Gavin were the cutest couple, their attraction undeniable, their chemistry off the charts. I loved how he loved her. I love a good old fashioned love story with minimal drama from outside forces. Sometimes we get in our own way when it comes to love.
Reagan and Gavin were the cutest couple, their attraction undeniable, their chemistry off the charts. I loved how he loved her. I love a good old fashioned love story with minimal drama from outside forces. Sometimes we get in our own way when it comes to love.
December 30, 2017
Loved it
I was glad Raven fought for her man after being her crazy self. Gavin wasn't the typical rapper out doing it up , he remained humble throughout the book.Although they started how they did they found the real rather quickly.
I was glad Raven fought for her man after being her crazy self. Gavin wasn't the typical rapper out doing it up , he remained humble throughout the book.Although they started how they did they found the real rather quickly.
July 10, 2018
This was definitely one worth reading
I had passed this book over to read through some other series by Ms. Warren. But I finally got to it and loved every minute. Reagan and Gavin give us great couple goals.
I had passed this book over to read through some other series by Ms. Warren. But I finally got to it and loved every minute. Reagan and Gavin give us great couple goals.
September 17, 2018
Luanda
I love her writing style. I can finish a book within a day. Her books just flow. Just a side note when using have + a verb use the past participle for example not have saw but have seen. Also y’all not ya’ll.
With that said on to my next Warren book.
I love her writing style. I can finish a book within a day. Her books just flow. Just a side note when using have + a verb use the past participle for example not have saw but have seen. Also y’all not ya’ll.
With that said on to my next Warren book.
September 30, 2018
Good energy
Gavin and Reagan had good energy between them from the start. I love the banter between them and how they kept it real with each other. You could feel the changing of the guard from false pretense to real.
Gavin and Reagan had good energy between them from the start. I love the banter between them and how they kept it real with each other. You could feel the changing of the guard from false pretense to real.
October 11, 2018
Great Story
This was a great book with relatable characters and a great storyline. The words flowed effortlessly and I never had to go back to reread something just to be able to keep up with the story.
This was a great book with relatable characters and a great storyline. The words flowed effortlessly and I never had to go back to reread something just to be able to keep up with the story.
March 24, 2020
The Real Deal...
Fun read. Reagan and Gavin were cute. Their meeting and partnership was cute. The development of their relationship was fun. The progression of their romance was entertaining.
Fun read. Reagan and Gavin were cute. Their meeting and partnership was cute. The development of their relationship was fun. The progression of their romance was entertaining.
May 18, 2020
Cute story!
It was well written enlighten you on the music industry life. Then two couples in the music industry trying to find love and heal themselves. It was a fun loveable story.
It was well written enlighten you on the music industry life. Then two couples in the music industry trying to find love and heal themselves. It was a fun loveable story.
July 11, 2021
I really liked this story. Gavin was a great guy that had morals and values from his single parent mother. I feel like I could identify with Reagan as a woman with insecurities at times. I do wish the author would have given us more about Reagans background and why she came from.
July 28, 2023
Cute
All I can say is this was really a cute story. Even though I don't think I would care for a rapper either, Gavin was wonderful. I'm glad Reagan and G got the ending they deserved 🤗
All I can say is this was really a cute story. Even though I don't think I would care for a rapper either, Gavin was wonderful. I'm glad Reagan and G got the ending they deserved 🤗
July 3, 2018
I loved it
July 8, 2018
Some amen
Thank you for showing that every man isn’t the same. The book gives a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.
Thank you for showing that every man isn’t the same. The book gives a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews