I loved this story. Melissa Foster does a wonderful job of drawing the reader in and provided a story that you never want to end.
Willow and Zane have been fighting love their whole life. Miscommunications and timing have played a large part of their separation. That and Zane is a hot shot actor living in L.A. and her brothers best friend. Willow is more of a down to earth, small town baker, but she trusts Zane with a secret from her high school years that bonds them forever.
I would definitely recommend this story.

Once again Melissa Foster writes a fun. loving and engaging story. A great start to a series. Friends to lovers. Check hot movie stars check.

I love Willow and Zane!!!! Great new series from Melissa Foster. 

Willow and Zane have known each other for years. Zane is her older brother, Ben's, best friend. 
Willow owns her own bakery in Sugar Lake and Zane left to become an A-list actor. When he needs a fake engagement to help his reputation, he calls on his childhood friend. Willow agrees and feelings from the past are revealed. 

I love how Melissa made this book about more than just a fake engagement. It was more about two childhood friends realizing what they really meant to each other and feelings strengthening. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

What a great beginning to a series. Zane and Willow are perfect for each other; sometimes a little too perfect, but it was a nice change from the stories that feel obligated to create problems for a couple when things are going well. Zane is quite the romantic. I loved getting little glimpses into their history.

I can't wait for the rest of the family to get their own stories.

When handsome Actor Zane Walker needs a fake fiancee, who does he want but his best friend Willow Dalton. Willow has loved Zane since they were kids. When Zane asks her to be his fake fiancee she wonders if she can keep her heart intact. These two have amazing chemistry and you can feel the love and passion that flows around them. After agreeing to this partnership their walls start to crumble from around their hearts...they start to realize that maybe this could be the real thing!!! Even though there are some road blocks..can they make it work???? Definitely loved this book and can't wait to read about Willow's siblings!!! Don't hesitate to one click buy this great book!!!

So much fun!

This book was so awesome I haven't enjoyed one this much in a while. Willow and Zane have known each other for such a long time, and the truth is they have both been connected since that night all those years ago. The Banter between these two was addictive and delightful. I really loved the jokes, and just the easy way it was between them.

Great start to a series that I'm sure will have me loving every moment. I have to say that this is my first book by Melissa Foster and I look forward to reading many more.

I have recently become a fan of Melissa Foster and can say that so far I have not been disappointed in a book! This was a sweet, sexy feel good romance. The way she writes gives you an excellent picture of the characters in your mind. I do mean ALL the characters too. I even pictured Fred, Jay, Cheryl and the boys so clearly. Being able to write so well it really gives a visual of the story is a strong positive for me. If your looking for a sweet, sexy and quick read then this friends is a must read!

I have been enjoying reading Melissa Foster's work as Addison Cole, so I was excited to start her Sugar Lake series. Fake engagements are always fun, and I really enjoyed the set-up for Zane and Willow's "relationship" and their backstory as well. These two have great chemistry, and a great friendship as well. It was an enjoyable super-sweet romance.

My Review: We're going to start with what I loved - which is that I am such a sucker for the fake engagement plot. I know, I know, they're usually cheesy as all get out. But they're almost always cute - and this is no exception. I love the idea of pretending to be in love, and then having to figure out if your feelings are genuine or you're just confused. I also have to say how much I loved Willow's habit of describing people as bakery items. My favorite was the woman she described as a lemon tart - basically, a little goes a long way. This is an adorable, quirky trait that, while small, added something fun and special to the story.

Now to what didn't work as well for me. I have read several books by this author, and they just always feel like they lack depth. The emotions are there, but the whole story just feels like there's not much beneath the surface. I don't know if it's because of how quickly things happen, or what. Fortunately, this doesn't detract from the fact that she writes some cute stories - so while they may not be literary greatness, they are fun. And a semi-small detail I just need to complain about because it made me angry... Zane basically blamed Willow for his man-ho'ing ways. Not cool. Just because she started dating someone months after their one night together in college does not mean he had to suddenly sleep with every woman in sight.

Cover Lovin': A very cute, eye-catching cover.

Recommendation: No prior knowledge necessary!

Final Rating THREE POINT FIVE out of FIVE stars (3.5/5)!! A fun, cute story. Definitely recommended for contemporary romance fans!

I have heard and read about the author's books for a long time. I had been procrastinating a bit on trying her out. So when I came across this book, I jumped in quickly. Boy oh boy, what have I missed in the past!? For full fledged enjoyment, Melissa Foster is the way to go!

Zane and Willow have stayed in touch inspite of being too far from each other. From that little detail itself , it can be seen that they are fond of each other. When Zane has to get someone to act as his fiance and he is adament to have only Willow in that role, it shows his friendship is only on the surface and there are more deep levels below it.

What I felt interesting was the real person behind Zane. He might be a big actor but his real self is down to earth and funny. He has loyalty to his past. Willow on the other hand is both sweet and spunky. And both of them have naughty sides to them which give us a very sexy and hot romance.

The characters are all realistic. I loved getting to know Willow's family. I felt that they were rooting for Zane subconsciously. There are scenes like the one where Zane almost refuses to kiss his costar which made my heart flutter. I enjoy romances with depth and this one hit the spot.

If you love romance with family and a small town ambience, this is a treat in all respects. I look forward to reading ALL her books.

I received a free copy for reviewing purposes. This doesn't affect my review in any way. These are all my own thoughts on the book.

My one line review : A hot romance with a sweet undertone.

My rating : 5/5

My reread factor : 4/5

2.5 stars I wanted a little more conflict but everything seemed to move along a little too smoothly and everything was tied up just a bit too neatly.

Zane and willow’s stoey was awesome. I loved the story of their past and how it eventually weaved itself into a wonderful love story.
This was a sweetvread and a wonderful story of true love
I feel hard forball the characters and they were awesome

The Real Thing has quickly become my favourite novel from Melissa Foster!!

Willow is so incredibly funny. She has these moments where no matter how serious she is trying to be, there will be a joke or pun attached to her words. I loved how she always had a soft spot for Zane, and no matter what happened between them, always wanted what was best for him.

Zane is certainly a dreamy book boyfriend. Yes, he does some stupid things, and some of his actions are slightly questionable, however, when you get to read about the true Zane, nothing else matters, and you could tell that his heart was always in the right place.

Let's not forget to mention how hot these two characters are when they come together!! They have some serious heat going on between them in the bedroom... and kitchen and just about every other place you can imagine!

The relationship between Zane and Willow was definitely an enjoyable one to read about. Not only were they able to maintain a certain level of friendship, but you were able to see just how much they truly cared about one another. You could tell that they would have done just about anything for each other, and therefore, their relationship was a heartwarming one.

I certainly enjoyed this novel, and I can't wait to read the second novel in the Sugar Lake series!!
5/5 Stars!

The Real Thing Is my very first book by Melissa Foster so when I got a chance to read this book early I was so excited because I have heard so many amazing things about this authors books. And I now know why they do says these things because I loved it this book! , it was exactly what I needed at the moment when I did read it, something sweet, sexy and fun. In this book we follow Willow and Zane, honestly I don't know where to start with these two they are just so perfect for each other, In this book they start out being in fake relationship, however as time goes by the relationship becomes more and more real than I think either of them ever expected .The romance between these two will just have you rapidly turning the pages needing to know what will happen next because you will be that invested in there story . I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was just like anything Willow would have had in her bakery , something fun and addicting that leaves you with a smile on your face when you are finish the story . The Real Thing was fantastic and Iam so excited to see what Melissa Foster has in story for us next in the Sugar Lake series.

How did I never read this author before?! And why?????
I loveeeed this story!
Willow and Zane have a history, both in the sense that he grew up in Willow's small town and specifically in her house, being her brother's best friend, and there's the tiny little fact about being her first.
Now, years later, he needs a fake fiancee and she is the one he wants..
But will they be able to keep up the pretenses or will their feelings get in the way?
I loved Willow..she is real, she is caring and she has a mouth on her lol. I love how sassy and how independent she is, yet she has a vulnerable side, plus I love how close she is to her family.
Zane totally captured my heart..by reading the blurb I was afraid he was going to be a bit of an a** but he is so far from that..he is honest, so so so sweet and has a dirty dirty mouth.
They both share a witty sense of humour and they are so amazing together!
At the end I was not only charmed, but now I can't wait for Willow's sisters books.
So excited cause each one of them is a character..and Willow's mom just cracks me up

I really was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately it Just wasn't my cup of tea. With Point of Views all chopping and changing, it got confusing at times who's point of view I was reading. The story plot could of been interesting however so much was happening at the one time. Just too much. If it was in one point of view I believe it would of been better

I loved this book. It was a great, sexy contemporary romance. I can’t wait fir the next book!

I had a hard time getting with the characters and their connection until about 1/3 of the way through. I thought the overall story was great and an interesting read. I am not sure why I didn't feel the connection right away or perhaps I wasn't suppose to but once I got through. I couldn't put the story down. I thought it had great laughs but thought it could be more in depth. Great summer read though and will definitely read again so I hope I can get the character connection sooner

This book was the start to Melissa Foster’s new series Sugar Lake. I have loves Foster’s books in the past, and this book did not disappoint! This book was about Willow and Zane, and what an interesting read it was! Willow is a baker looking to expand, and Zane is an actor who left Sugar Creek years ago. He comes home with an interesting proposition for Willow. Willow and Zane have some history, and there were times that I just wanted to scream at them! It made you fall in love with the small town, and has you already looking forward to the next books.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

The friends to lovers trope is one of my most favourite tropes in the romance genre. It is a light-hearted read quick read that would leave you content at the end. It would be interesting to find out what's going to happen with the other characters in the book.