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Bethany's New Reality
Turning thirty and surrounded by married couples, Bethany Parks does something she never thought she'd try—reality TV dating. Although finding love would be nice, she's mostly looking for a fun distraction.
Bethany thinks she's prepared for aggressive cameras and competitive flirting, but this is a show like no other. The provided wardrobe is a collection of the worst fashion trends of all time, and even more disturbing, they've brought on everyone's exes, including Todd, her most recent dating mistake. He's the last person in the world she wants to mingle with while sporting 'mom' jeans.
Things aren't all bad. Her new buddy Tyson has her back, and Bethany can't keep her eyes off the gorgeous and mysterious Carter. She knows right away she'll have to protect her heart, because on a show like this, the worst thing might actually be falling in love.
Bethany thinks she's prepared for aggressive cameras and competitive flirting, but this is a show like no other. The provided wardrobe is a collection of the worst fashion trends of all time, and even more disturbing, they've brought on everyone's exes, including Todd, her most recent dating mistake. He's the last person in the world she wants to mingle with while sporting 'mom' jeans.
Things aren't all bad. Her new buddy Tyson has her back, and Bethany can't keep her eyes off the gorgeous and mysterious Carter. She knows right away she'll have to protect her heart, because on a show like this, the worst thing might actually be falling in love.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2016
100 people are currently reading
373 people want to read
About the author
Rachel John
52 books517 followersRachel John is the author of books filled with awkward humor and sigh-inducing romance. When not burning dinner or chasing kids, Rachel can be found working on family history, writing, reading, or putting off writing by staring at Facebook. She lives in Arizona with her husband, four crazy kids, and her desert tortoise.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 9, 2016
So, I don't think I'd ever want to go on a "reality" TV show, especially a dating one! Yikes! I hadn't read the synopsis of this before reading so I was just kind of expecting a Bachelor type setting, but this is like Bachelor on steroids! I was as surprised as Bethany when she learns the show had fourteen contestants, seven girls and seven of their exes. That is just a perfect recipe for drama.
Bethany applies for the show Real Love after getting dumped by her boyfriend Todd. Thinking it would be a way to move on and with the pushing of her boss (wanting to boost ratings of their radio show) she decides to give it all she has. She is obviously surprised and a little dismayed (okay, maybe a lot dismayed) when she finds out Todd is on the show with her. Bethany learns a lot about her self throughout the book and what she wants in a man. I liked her standing up for herself and making good choices. I liked the overall story, it was a hard setting to know what was real and what wasn't. I liked that we get to see things "after" the show and even see them watch it air. Sometimes these "reality" tropes never actually show the characters watching the show back and I'm always curious about that part of it as well.
Overall, this was a cute book. If you like reality tv drama and seeing what goes on behind the scenes, you'd probably enjoy this one as well!
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Source: Review copy
Bethany applies for the show Real Love after getting dumped by her boyfriend Todd. Thinking it would be a way to move on and with the pushing of her boss (wanting to boost ratings of their radio show) she decides to give it all she has. She is obviously surprised and a little dismayed (okay, maybe a lot dismayed) when she finds out Todd is on the show with her. Bethany learns a lot about her self throughout the book and what she wants in a man. I liked her standing up for herself and making good choices. I liked the overall story, it was a hard setting to know what was real and what wasn't. I liked that we get to see things "after" the show and even see them watch it air. Sometimes these "reality" tropes never actually show the characters watching the show back and I'm always curious about that part of it as well.
Overall, this was a cute book. If you like reality tv drama and seeing what goes on behind the scenes, you'd probably enjoy this one as well!
Content
Romance: Clean
Language: None
Violence: None
Religious: None
Source: Review copy
August 13, 2020
This was such a sweet surprise!
Rachel John took a very known trope, twisted it and made it her own!
It was so nice to read another clean, sweet romance by her. The Jane Austen moderen retellings are my favorite but this was a good one to. Also that epilogue, they are always the best.
If you like .....
✔Short Story
✔Clean Romance
✔Reality TV Show
✔Fun Read
Rachel John took a very known trope, twisted it and made it her own!
It was so nice to read another clean, sweet romance by her. The Jane Austen moderen retellings are my favorite but this was a good one to. Also that epilogue, they are always the best.
If you like .....
✔Short Story
✔Clean Romance
✔Reality TV Show
✔Fun Read
July 25, 2022
This was an interesting light, one-time read. Bethany signs up to be a contestant on a dating show. But it's not a glamorous + affair. Rather there are seven women who are stuck in dingy apartments, wearing questionable clothing, and all the men there are someone's ex. Luckily Bethany's smug, negative ex gets voted off pretty fast but there are still some love triangles to come. I thought the show concept fit a book better than Bachelor type shows with twenty females all dating the same guy who is apparently the last man on earth, it gets so hard to keep all the characters straight in those.
It's all in Bethany's perspective, and there are some events relating to the show from the male love interest's perspective that I'd like to have known more about.
Steam level: This show airs in prime time and it's rated PG.
I think I got this as a freebie at some point.
It's all in Bethany's perspective, and there are some events relating to the show from the male love interest's perspective that I'd like to have known more about.
Steam level: This show airs in prime time and it's rated PG.
I think I got this as a freebie at some point.
May 5, 2021
Reality TV At Its Worst
Okay, it’s not what you think. It wasn’t a super trashy reality TV show, it was just cringe worthy for the participants.
1. Ghetto apartments
2. Hideous wardrobe
3. House arrest
4. Love triangles
5. Scheming producer
And if that isn’t bad enough the contestants are all one of the women’s ex-boyfriends.
It was like watching a car wreck. You cringe, but can’t look away.
Drama. Drama. Drama. I laughed a lot and felt really bad for Bethany and all that the show put her through. Cute and painful. I couldn’t put it down!
Content: clean (making out, hyped up drama, no language)
Okay, it’s not what you think. It wasn’t a super trashy reality TV show, it was just cringe worthy for the participants.
1. Ghetto apartments
2. Hideous wardrobe
3. House arrest
4. Love triangles
5. Scheming producer
And if that isn’t bad enough the contestants are all one of the women’s ex-boyfriends.
It was like watching a car wreck. You cringe, but can’t look away.
Drama. Drama. Drama. I laughed a lot and felt really bad for Bethany and all that the show put her through. Cute and painful. I couldn’t put it down!
Content: clean (making out, hyped up drama, no language)
Want to read
September 28, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/28/2019)! 🎁
March 9, 2020
This was a fun, clean read. I really enjoyed the twist to the dating show setting.
July 26, 2016
From Faithfully Bookish http://www.faithfullybookish.com/revi...
What a fun summer read, exponentially more entertaining than watching a reality television show!!! Bethany is an everyday gal, modest without being naive, and she has a little bit of an adventurous streak.
Although starring in a reality dating show is way outside of her comfort zone, Bethany makes her way through each day of filming. The difficult director, cringe-worthy wardrobe, and unpredictable co-stars provide humor, drama, and sweet romance.
The difficult director, cringe-worthy wardrobe, and unpredictable co-stars provide humor, drama, and sweet romance. You can roll your eyes at reality television and still enjoy this fun, clean, romantic comedy!
I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
What a fun summer read, exponentially more entertaining than watching a reality television show!!! Bethany is an everyday gal, modest without being naive, and she has a little bit of an adventurous streak.
Although starring in a reality dating show is way outside of her comfort zone, Bethany makes her way through each day of filming. The difficult director, cringe-worthy wardrobe, and unpredictable co-stars provide humor, drama, and sweet romance.
The difficult director, cringe-worthy wardrobe, and unpredictable co-stars provide humor, drama, and sweet romance. You can roll your eyes at reality television and still enjoy this fun, clean, romantic comedy!
I received a copy of this title from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2016
This was a fun twist on the reality dating theme... Bethany signs up to go on a reality dating show, not realizing that her ex is one of the male contestants. There were some fun twists, and lots of girl drama while seven girls are dealing with their exes while competing with the other girls. Bethany is able to see her ex, Todd, more objectively when compared with the other ex-boyfriends.
This was a fun summer read, and I will definitely read more of Rachel John's books...
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited (less)
This was a fun summer read, and I will definitely read more of Rachel John's books...
Content: Clean
Source: Kindle Unlimited (less)
May 14, 2016
What a fun story with great, likable characters set on a reality dating show. The show itself was fun to follow along with. I found myself laughing out loud several times. The love story was really sweet and romantic. Loved it. This was a book I hated to put down once I started, anxious to know how things were going to play out. It was an easy, enjoyable read that I finished in two sittings.
* I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given here.
* I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given here.
May 11, 2016
I really loved this book. I was drawn in immediately. The characters are fun and real and at times hilarious. The author was so clever with the set up of the reality dating show. This book is one of my fav's.
July 17, 2016
This was such a fun story. It was enjoyable to read and had quite the twist to regular reality shows.
October 3, 2018
This one was ok.
Didn't enjoy this one as much as her Darcy one. There were some cute and funny parts and it's clean which is always a bonus. I thought the storyline was clever in some ways but for me it took it a little too far in the odd department. Also I felt like Bethany was a bit too emotional and dramatic at times. I liked Tyson. I thought he was great and someone I could be friends with. Carter was ok but I felt like his relationship with Bethany was more about physical chemistry than anything. I thought Tyson was funny and quirky and a good friend. Not that I was disappointed with how it ended up but it was a little too quick for me. Authors seem to be wanting their characters to flip flop on emotions a lot lately and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Hoping for maybe a future story about Tyson finding friendship then love. I did laugh while reading this book at times. Was entertained at times and frustrated at times. Overall it was alright for me.
Didn't enjoy this one as much as her Darcy one. There were some cute and funny parts and it's clean which is always a bonus. I thought the storyline was clever in some ways but for me it took it a little too far in the odd department. Also I felt like Bethany was a bit too emotional and dramatic at times. I liked Tyson. I thought he was great and someone I could be friends with. Carter was ok but I felt like his relationship with Bethany was more about physical chemistry than anything. I thought Tyson was funny and quirky and a good friend. Not that I was disappointed with how it ended up but it was a little too quick for me. Authors seem to be wanting their characters to flip flop on emotions a lot lately and I'm not sure how I feel about that. Hoping for maybe a future story about Tyson finding friendship then love. I did laugh while reading this book at times. Was entertained at times and frustrated at times. Overall it was alright for me.
August 12, 2019
Clever plot twist
I know. Another book about a reality tv show. Been there and read that. Wrong! This one is totally original. I might even be tempted to watch the actual show! Seven girls and their exboyfriends looking for love in a rundown apartment complex. No limos and dates around the globe. I think my favorite part was the wardrobe from Goodwill.
It was a little confusing to keep all the couples straight at first, but got much easier as people were eliminated. I like that Bethany has insecurities and problems just like the rest of us.
This was a fun, sweet romance with clever twists and turns. I’m off to read the next book in this series!
I know. Another book about a reality tv show. Been there and read that. Wrong! This one is totally original. I might even be tempted to watch the actual show! Seven girls and their exboyfriends looking for love in a rundown apartment complex. No limos and dates around the globe. I think my favorite part was the wardrobe from Goodwill.
It was a little confusing to keep all the couples straight at first, but got much easier as people were eliminated. I like that Bethany has insecurities and problems just like the rest of us.
This was a fun, sweet romance with clever twists and turns. I’m off to read the next book in this series!
June 4, 2017
I will say that yes this book was pretty amazing. I felt like I was watching a show like the bachelorette with it being NOTHING like that show. I love to hate and hate to love shows. IT's ridiculous drama I you just can't help but watch and laugh at. Drives me crazy that I do. This book was 100 times better any show. Plus my personal favorite part was the end. I LOVED the epilogue. Even if you hated the book the epilogue is worth the read.
February 28, 2019
I've always enjoyed Rachel's stories. This was a fun spin on the whole reality dating show. It had me laughing and cringing at the right moments. The story had me feeling like I was there and the story flowed well. There was mention of emotional affairs with a couple towards the end and how that affects a marriage. It helped the story line. I do wish it would've come down harder on that kind of behavior. Not that it was treated too lightly either.
Overall, a fun read and I recommend it!
Overall, a fun read and I recommend it!
March 11, 2019
I enjoyed this romantic comedy. I received this for free and I have voluntarily chose to review it. For whatever reasons people entered this show, a normal, find a spouse show this wasn't. Bethany got a rude awakening from the very first. Would anyone find a happy ever after from the antic's this producer wanted? While this probably is not for the younger readers, you almost have to be young to keep up with the action. I gave this a 4.5* rating.
July 29, 2019
I admit I was skeptical because I'm not a bachelor or bachelorette tv show fan. But I have enjoyed this author so I gave it a try. It was a fun twist on that type of dating TV show. I wish there was more of a recap of the TV show and what viewers thought at the end. It's nice when the audience can root for the couple and I was hoping that would be explained more. I think it's a sign that I enjoyed it when I want more at the end.
August 16, 2019
This book is my introduction to Rachel John. I really enjoyed the fun friendship Tyson and Rachel has during had during the reality show even though the director of the reality show wants more from them. The chemistry from Carter and Rachel is great if only they get away from his clingy ex. He thinks the ex is just acting for the show, but we all know what that means. This story has definite drama.
I really recommend it.
I really recommend it.
March 29, 2018
I liked the chemistry between Bethany and Carter. The storyline was a bit confusing to me sometimes. I also didn't love that Carter kept going between liking Bethany and pushing her away. I thought his actions with Holly were inconsistent with what he was telling Bethany. I still enjoyed the book.
April 9, 2020
The book was alright...I felt like there was a lot of hot and cold on how the couple felt about each other and how they pushed each other away at times. Not really the way I would have liked to have seen. I do like that it is a clean romance book!
I have read other books by this author and liked those way more, but this was an interesting take on reality dating shows!
I have read other books by this author and liked those way more, but this was an interesting take on reality dating shows!
September 22, 2020
Reality bites
As reality tv romance stories go this is one of the better ones. You actually are inside of the show. To often the show takes a back seat and you miss that charm. My complaint about this was it felt a little installed not enough romance. I didn't feel huge amount of chemistry between any of the characters.
As reality tv romance stories go this is one of the better ones. You actually are inside of the show. To often the show takes a back seat and you miss that charm. My complaint about this was it felt a little installed not enough romance. I didn't feel huge amount of chemistry between any of the characters.
May 18, 2021
The line between real love and reality T.V. love becomes very blurred for Bethany as she navigates the risk her heart is willing to take with what the other contestants want; all vying for more than love. Personally, I would have liked to see the producer and his sidekick get their comeuppance, but overall a fun story with a happily ever after.
July 28, 2021
Worth the time
I love Rachel John as an author. But I avoided this book for a long time because I hate reality tv. That was a mistake. This book was so good. She did an amazing job with the characters and setting. It was funny and engaging. Enough mystery to keep you reading waiting for the outcome. I highly recommend it.
I love Rachel John as an author. But I avoided this book for a long time because I hate reality tv. That was a mistake. This book was so good. She did an amazing job with the characters and setting. It was funny and engaging. Enough mystery to keep you reading waiting for the outcome. I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2022
Strong memorable characters
Swoon worthy romance. I thought the development of Bethany and Carter's friendship felt realistic and sweet. The first person narrative added to the suspense of who would end up with who. I wasn't a fan of the passionate kissing, but was grateful things didn't get more steamy.
Swoon worthy romance. I thought the development of Bethany and Carter's friendship felt realistic and sweet. The first person narrative added to the suspense of who would end up with who. I wasn't a fan of the passionate kissing, but was grateful things didn't get more steamy.
March 27, 2018
Fun light read. Different take on the typical YA romance. The two main characters meet on a dating reality show, similar to the Bachelor. They have to figure out how much of their relationship is faked for the cameras and how much is actually real.
June 18, 2021
So funny!
Honestly this book was so cute. It was everything I needed for a good summer romcom read. I totally read this book again and recommended it. The side characters had me laughing so hard. It was a good clean romantic book.
Honestly this book was so cute. It was everything I needed for a good summer romcom read. I totally read this book again and recommended it. The side characters had me laughing so hard. It was a good clean romantic book.
October 10, 2017
A fun read with a twist on reality shows. A nice, clean, light read. I enjoyed the humour in the story too. Recommended.
January 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun twist on a reality show and I loved the characters.
January 4, 2018
This was funny and clean! I love the books that make me laugh
March 31, 2018
Clean
If you enjoy reality TV shows this story is for you. I like that the show in the book was a bit different and creative then the typical one.
If you enjoy reality TV shows this story is for you. I like that the show in the book was a bit different and creative then the typical one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews