Welcome to the Real World

by Carole Matthews

She made the final cut!

Scraping by for years on bar gigs, Fern Kendal has always suspected she might actually have a decent voice. But caring for her feuding parents and sickly nephew took all her energy—until now. During one crazy week, she lands a spot on the reality television talent show Fame Game and a glam new job as personal assistant to world-famous singer Evan David.

Fern's handsome new boss lives in the spotlight.Though she can't seem to master her assistant duties, Fern brings a rare smile to his face and makes him long to rejoin the real world. Through a twist of fate, Evan becomes the newest judge on Fame Game, a sour note for Fern, who has reasons for keeping her ambitions under wraps. She goes on the run, but Evan can't forget her. And thus begins the adventure of a lifetime—both onstage and off!

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Ebooks

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Carole Matthews is an international bestselling author of hugely successful romantic comedy novels. Her unique sense of humour has won her legions of fans and critical acclaim all over the world.

A Minor Indiscretion and A Compromising Position both reached the Top 5 in the Sunday Times bestseller chart in the UK. You Drive Me Crazy reached number 8 in the original fiction charts. The novel Welcome To The Real World was shortlisted for RNA romantic novel of the year 2007.

In 2006 Carole co-edited - with writer Sarah Mlynowski - two new editions of the hugely popular Girls' Night In charity series called Girls' Night Out - one for the USA and one for Canada. All proceeds go to War Child.

Carole has presented on television and is a regular radio guest. When she’s not writing novels, television or film scripts she manages to find time to trek in the Himalayas, rollerblade in Central Park, take tea in China and snooze in her garden shed in Milton Keynes which is near London, England.

Reviews

[Limau Nipis · Rating 1 out of 5]

SHEEHHHHH.. This book is an insult to my intelligence.

Stupid book. Could not believe I finish reading this. Rip off my RM 8 (USD 2.50). Not worth the cheap buy. Seriously, when I took 2 months to finish this book, this is saying something worse gonna happen.

Ok, to keep it short:

Girl had a brother, who cannot work. Because he has to take care of his very sick son. And the wife left the brother. So everything depended on the girl.

Mom kicked Dad out of house because he is annoying. So the Dad camped out at the girl's flat.

Girl juggled 2 jobs when applied to be PA for the famous hero, a vocalist. Girl has great singing voice also. But girl sucked at doing her job, waitress by night, and PA to the boy by day. The reason is to get more money, but she cannot perform her job.. SHEEEHHHHHHH. Barely scrap for a living.

Girl entered Fame Game (equal to American Idol). Girl backed up when girl realised she has to sing in front of the boy.

Girl had a platonic friendship with her male best friend. They even sleep together, TWICE. And that best friend is actually madly in love with her.

Boy also has a string of flings with other women.

Dad had a heart attack. Then, the girl was fired from being a waitress. And to make it worst, girl's flat was on fire. And girl had to camp out at best friend's home (see, that guy is the rock she is holding on.. why can't you just fall in love with your best friend??????????).

And after all of these happen....... she was offered a singing contract, and within 4 months, BOOM, a superstar! Even on the day she signed her contract, she can afford to buy a Victorian house, and fly in a private jet.

Then girl got back to boy, just because the boy sing with her together in a concert.

SHEEHHHHH.. This book is an insult to my intelligence.

Oh I mentioned this right? So I am going to mention this again:

SHEEHHHHH.. This book is an insult to my intelligence.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoy Carole Matthews' later novels which although Chick Lit do seem to have some deeper meaning and messages. This is one of her earlier books and although faintly amusing in parts it is just too predictable and far fetched. There is no character development and very little actually happens at all! Very disappointing!

[Sue Vickery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Made me laugh, made me frustrated with a couple of the characters, and made me cry at the end.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favourite Carole Matthews so far! Characters are believable and the plot is not to predictable 😀

[Tim Covell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up in the Romance section of my favourite used book store, but it's more chick-lit than romance. That's not the fault of the book, but it meant my expectations for romance were not met in this story. There is a romance, and it ends happily, but that romance is largely secondary to other aspects of the story.

The point of view is awkward: It alternates between Fern and Evan, the nominal romantic leads, but Fern is first person, while Evan is third person. Third-person point of view, limited to the leads, is common in romance, and I could handle alternating first person, but the constant jumping from first person to third person was jarring. It didn't help that after Evan's tragic backstory was revealed, he almost disappeared from the story, or that sometimes there would be another point of view.

It was hard to sympathize with Fern at times, and while the job of authors is to make things difficult for their characters, it was over the top here. Fern is caring for her alcoholic father (who kills her pet mouse and then has a heart attack), her mother (who appears to be having an affair), her nephew (severely asthmatic) and her brother (apparently unable to work while caring for his son). She never has any money, or much ambition, but is supported and pushed by her old friend and sometime-lover Carl, who she derides as lazy and unambitious. They finally consummate their relationship when Fern is fired and her apartment burns down - on the same night.

After struggling to progress from singing in a bar for most of the novel (with Carl's help and encouragement), Fern is discovered by an agent, and her fabulous voice (untrained, and unharmed by years of working and singing in a smoky bar) catapults her to instant wealth. There remains only an extremely unlikely set of coincidences, and a trick from the author, to bring Fern and Evan back together.

The best part of the story was the relationship between Carl and Fern. Their friendship was deeper, stronger, and more interesting than the romantic relationship between Evan and Fern, even though we know little about Carl. Fern chooses to live with Evan, but still loves Carl, and Carl loves Fern no less for her choice. Evan and Carl's girlfriend have no obvious jealously over their respective partners loving friends. By the end, it seems like friendship is more important than a romantic relationship, and that sex doesn't need to ruin a friendship or create jealousy. Perhaps it is the nature of the chick-lit genre to emphasize friends over romance, but I appreciated the support for the complexity and possibilities of relationships.

The title is the reverse of the plot. My guess is that "the real world" is supposed to refer to Fern's growth from singing at the neighbourhood pub to being an international pop-star, but her life as a struggling barmaid living in a mouse-infested apartment while her family lives in council houses seems more realistic than her instant success and her mansion big enough for all her relatives, and amenities including a full-time gardener.

[Ape · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didn't like this book. I did struggle on to the very end, but I have to admit I ended up skim reading a lot of this book and I don't feel like I missed much. Sometimes I like to read good chick-lit, when I'm wanting an easy book that doesn't demand any concentration. But Carole Matthews really isn't Marian Keyes (my favourite chick lit) and this was all just a bit rubbish. The plot was predictable, cheesey and silly to be honest. And at page 2 or 3, when she mentioned the poor little sick child for the first time, I thought, oh dear, this isn't going to be a book for me! They did seem to be a family of people who didn't mind treating their nearest and dearest like crap! Her dad gambled away money and had treated his wife like a domestic servant, then was prepared to sponge off his daughter and make up all these stupid illnesses like he was the victim! Apparently it was impossible for the son to have a job (even though his son went to school!!!) and he was happy for his sister to work herself to the bone to give him extra money. And the sister, the heroine of this story, strung along a friend of 15 plus years as an ego boost for herself, knowing he was in love with her, but also knowing she would never be in love with him, but dangling the possibility in front of him all these years so he couldn't move on and have a life of his own and she'd always have a ready and waiting confidence boost.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fern is 32 she has 2 jobs she is single and has become responsible for her older brother Joe she has a great voice and is wasted working in a pub.
A friend gets her details of a job as a PA for an opera buff, Evan David, after an easy interview she has the job, Her Dad gets kicked out by her Mum she has him staying with her, but is she falling for her boss?
Another brilliant book, I have read most of Carole’s books, definitely recommend a hilarious read.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chick lit is pretty much like candy. It more or less always tastes the same, you eat it way too fast, it's not real food, and you end up forgetting it as soon as it's over.

[IAmTheHolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fern is barely making it as an adult in London. Her bar gig with her BFF Carl – who loves her, but she is isn’t in love with – is the only thing keeping her and her mouse friend, Squeaky, with a roof over her head. She’d do anything to help her brother and his 5 year old severely asthmatic nephew, but she has no resources to support herself, let alone them. Then she finds a job as a personal assistant to the incredibly popular opera singer, Evan David, and while she knows nothing about opera is moved by the beauty of the music. Her mom suddenly throws out her dad, and her dad comes to stay with her, but keeps spontaneously “developing” medical syndromes for attention. Oh, and then there’s the Fame Game – Carl gets her to audition with him, and suddenly, she is through to the next round.

I don’t even know how to describe this book. It’s full of British humor – reminds me a lot of Sophie Kinsella’s Confessions of a Shopaholic series, but somehow Fern is even more lovable and a bit less self destructive. There is a brilliantly strong friend in Carl – the kind of friend we all wish we could have. And even the massive opera star has deeper layers that make him quite a character, too.

This was one of those books where I didn’t really expect anything great, but it just kept growing on me as I kept reading. As the characters were more deeply developed and the plot thickened, I just didn’t want to put this one down! I just feel like chick lit is so fluffy of a category but this book had some real depth to it.

I’ll go 9 of 10 overall and 4 of 5 for readability. For us Americans, I got caught up a few times on phrases like “sarnies” and “biscuits” and things that are just normal British lingo but lost on this clueless American. I’ll definitely be looking for other books by Carole Matthews!

-Holly

Also, if you liked the Confessions of a Shopaholic series, check this book out! If you liked this book, check out Confessions of a Shopaholic! Rebecca is a total mess of a character but if you stick with the series she is quite lovable, too.

For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!

[Adelyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded down.

I need a chick-lit read every so often, and Carole Matthews is high on my list of favourite authors for the genre. This one read beautifully, I read it while commuting so finished in one (albeit long) sitting, the characters and setting captured my attention very early on and I was absorbed into their world for most of the book. I loved the main characters of Fern, Carlos and Evan almost from right when they were introduced (although Fern’s parents drove me nuts) and it is one of the few times where I actually didn’t have a favourite as to which way the love triangle would ultimately turn , though it’s really impossible not to feel for Carlos when the time came. I kind of wish the ending were different, and that he’d had a chance of his own at some point, given that he gave up both on Fern and the Fame Game for her benefit . I generally like books with strong friendship – the kind where best friends literally know everything about one another and are always there no matter what happens – and that was perfectly spot-on here.

The thing that didn’t quite work for me, hence the relatively low star rating, was the pacing. I only found out later that this is one of Matthews’ earlier works, she certainly has improved by leaps and bounds, but this one felt like going through waves of either everything happening or nothing happening, and I prefer my chick-lits to have a bit more of a steady pace throughout. Especially the ending I found very rushed, I was thinking as I was running down the pages that surely we didn’t have enough space for an ending, and I was disappointed to be proven right. I would have liked for Carlos to have had more closure , and while I really didn’t like Fern’s parents for much of the book, I thought her mother’s magical reversion to a state of being completely besotted with her husband was unbelievable at best and lazy writing at worst .

[Fiona Brodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read a couple of books by Carole Matthews some years ago and remembered enjoying them but was unsure if I would still enjoy them as murder mysteries are more my thing now. Anyhow thought I would give it a go between murders and although the ending is a bit predictable, enjoyed her style of writing , the characters and the bits of humour on the way. Had to keep reading it until I got to the end. The sign of a good book for me. I don't think the summary below does the book justice but the only one I could find to copy and paste so it will have to do for now....

Fern has the voice of an angel but as an underpaid barmaid and pub singer, she's going nowhere fast. Then she enters the TV talent show Fame Game and this could be her big break. But then, things are never that simple.
Evan David's exquisite tones have enthralled opera buffs throughout the world. Everyone around him panders to his every need but what he really needs now is a break - from everything.
Two worlds collide when Fern becomes Evan's assistant and neither is prepared for the dramatic effect they have on each other. Something happens when they're together, and it's more than just music . . .

[Minie Houselook]

Carl est amoureux de Fern et elle le sait, mais elle ne lui donne pas de faux espoir. Carl espère toutefois qu’elle changera d’avis un jour. En attendant, il lui donne tout ce qu’il peut pour qu’elle ne meure pas de faim (lui-même n’étant pas dans la meilleur des situations…). Mais lorsqu’ils sont ensemble sur scène, ils s’éclatent – lui, avec sa guitare ; elle, avec son micro...

L’édition Marabout continue de publier les romans de Carole Matthews pour mon plus grand bonheur. Après L’ex de mes rêves et Ma vie privée sur Internet, j’avoue que je ne m’attendais pas à retomber sur cette auteure, mais quand je l’ai vu en rayon, je n’ai pas pu résister. A chacun de ces romans, vous rigolez, prenez un peu de temps pour vous et voyez la vie avec plus de légèreté. Alors, oui, c’est une chick-lit simple et désuète, mais elle redonne du baume au cœur et le sourire pour les jours maussades que vous aurez à affronter. Je ne sais pas si Marabout poursuit sa collection Girls in the city, mais je suis toujours prête à en lire pour évacuer quelques nuages...

http://bit.ly/2VBNIz2

[Sarah Azmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised at how much i enjoyed reading this book. I have never read Carole Matthews other books before so this is like my first time reader her’s.

There were moments where i laughed my ass off, its THAT funny. I felt like watching a cartoon but its reading instead. The characters were funny, i love Fern’s dad though? I think he’s the real joker here.

I wish there are more to Fern and Evan relationship in this book? I don’t know if its just me but Carl has the spotlight the most, i understand how he is supposed to be the character that brings the best out of Fern but Evan, my man, deserved more.

But anyway, this book was fun! I can finished this in one day but took me 3 days to settle this. Its a good read!

[Paula Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so it was predictable, silly and sometimes annoying, but it never pretended to be anything else. The story of Fern and her quest for something better is entertaining and fun. Many of the characters are entertaining, but I confess to finding her parents quite irritating and I was glad they didn't feature more. I also thought it was interesting to include the Aberfan-esque disaster that affected one character so much - this disaster was so tragic and it is sad that the dangers of mining can affect everyone, not just those who work in the pits. (if you have never heard of this, please do look up this tragedy. It has scarred a community for generations).

A well rounded piece of escapism for a rainy day!

[LorraineW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life, dreams, unrequited love and family drama make this book a great easy read. Drawing me in and wanting to know what happens next.

Broke barmaid Fern has a regular singing set between bar shifts in the London pub where she works. Singing her heart out to drunken chatting customers night after night.

Always trying to help her family. Fern supports her fed up Mum, selfish Dad and single brother who’s raising a poorly child. As her best friend and music partner Carl says, never taking time to care for herself.
full review here
http://theuncheshirewife.com/books/we...

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny book omg I loved it

Blurb

Fern has the voice of an angel but as an underpaid barmaid and pub singer, she's going nowhere fast. Then she enters the TV talent show Fame Game and this could be her big break. But then, things are never that simple.

Evan David's exquisite tones have enthralled opera buffs throughout the world. Everyone around him panders to his every need but what he really needs now is a break - from everything.

Two worlds collide when Fern becomes Evan's assistant and neither is prepared for the dramatic effect they have on each other. Something happens when they're together, and it's more than just music . . .

[Allison Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book. Not one of her worst, but no way near her best. I’ve realised after reading nearly all Caroles books, that the earlier ones aren’t as good. It was a bit boring to be honest, not a right lot happened in it. It’s centred around Fern, her ages old friend Karl. Mentions her mum, dad, brother Joe and nephew Nathan. And Opera singer Evan David and his agent. Few funny bits. Was glad when it finished

[Kate Millin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting romance which I enjoyed reading. Fern has a difficult life working two jobs including singing in a pub with her friend Carl 6 nights a week. She is trying to help her brother and sick nephew so takes another job for an opera singer who lives a very different life but they each have an impact on the other, with some interesting back stories that show you should never judge people by what you see.

[Smitha Vasudevan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern has a lot of responsibilities. And she is juggling multiple jobs. Her pal, Carl, and she finds solace in their daily gig at the pub they work in. Someday, she hopes she would be discovered, but not with any real conviction. Working for opera star Evans is just another way to meet the bills, but she discovers music once again. A chance to star in Fame Game, and life changes for her overnight.

[E J McGilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

Read a couple of Carole's books this week as I am on holiday . It was a good book ,but I did want to slap Fern for being so stupid !
Nice story and characters were ok.
As I said I was in holiday and able to read book through without having to put it down.
Thanks again Carole

[Jacqueline Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all Carole Matthews novels. This story is a heartwarming rags to riches tale about Fern, her family and friend Carl. Enter a love interest Evan and I was willing her to take the course to happiness. Heartwarming and easy to read! Loved it!

[Richard Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough to read, but it's a laborious struggle to the inevitable happy ending, with new problems chucked in just about at the end of each chapter. And, to be honest, it doesn't reflect the real world at all.

[Louise Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old love story

Really nice feel good book that's easy to read. The chapters are the right length that you can finish each one quickly if needed and then come back to it later

[Mr J Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

V

Could not put book down. Loved it story was fantastic ,perfect ending, she writes in an easy way.thank you very much

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this easy to read story. As always Carole Matthews stories flow so easy.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun read.

[Tracy Bevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a fantastic book I just read it so quickly, love your books Carole. The main characters were really good and really brought you into the story. Loved it.

[Joanne Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Carole’s book, hate it when the story ends.

This book was fantastic. I loved all the characters, and a lovely, happy ending.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another easy read full of fun laughter and tears by Carole Matthews.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Carole, loved it.