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Wishing For The Real Deal
Dean Thorne is living the dream by costarring with the swoon-worthy Ingram North in a popular historical show—Wyndinham Hollow. The problem? Dean feels like a fraud. Their characters are in love, and with each passing day it’s becoming more difficult for Dean to distinguish fact from fiction.

Strangled by Mob Ties
Ingram North is in deep trouble. He worked hard for his big break in Hollywood, but he hasn’t always played fair to get it. He has been paying off the mob to stay quiet about his shady past. Sadly, Ingram’s bank account is close to zero. To make a complicated situation worse, Ingram feels things he shouldn’t for Dean. In a last-ditch effort to end the blackmail, Ingram makes a proposal that will entangle his career with Dean’s in a dangerous way.

Fake Boyfriends or More?
Ingram asks Dean to go on a promotional tour guaranteed to cement them as a fictional couple in the minds of the public. The money Ingram will make from the tour is the only way that he might keep his head above water. Dean is excited because he’ll get to spend more time with Ingram. Everything goes smoothly until the mobsters blackmailing Ingram turn their attention to Dean. Ingram worries for Dean’s safety, but he is also scared to tell Dean the truth. Can Ingram come clean before they’re both killed? Or will everything Ingram has worked so hard for—including his budding relationship with Dean—be destroyed by the criminals who helped him get his start?

ebook

Published October 7, 2023

20 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

Ki Brightly

92 books722 followers
I spend most of my days writing, editing, and perfecting the craft of storytelling.

A note to readers: I don't hang out on Goodreads or social media, so if you have any questions about my books, please check out my website, which I host with M.D. Gregory.

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5 stars
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23 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Ellie.
790 reviews81 followers
October 26, 2023
2.5 stars

This passed the time just fine. I didn't dislike it, but it all felt a bit disjointed and I can't say I really felt any particular affinity with the characters.

They seemed to have a good physical connection but I'm not sure I really bought their emotional connection. It was all a bit insta for me, because we were dropped in the middle of their story but without being provided with enough background information for me to gauge how well they knew each other or how close they'd grown over the previous season working together on the show.

I also thought there were way too many side characters and I was totally mixing them all up. I couldn't remember who did what, and frankly didn't care that much. On the other hand, Dean's mum was shaping up to be a certain kind of character I find particularly annoying, and then she just kind of dropped away. Odd. I'm surprised she wasn't even mentioned in the epilogue, what with her fear of living alone. Was she joining them in their new digs?

The story completely lost the plot at the end, and even a bit there in the middle. Was I supposed to intuit that the girl with the pink hair who accosted them after the autograph signing was actually the baddie in disguise? Or was that actually just a completely irrelevant blip that I falsely extrapolated into a whole thing?

In terms of the villain, I didn't at all guess the reasons for why, but I did get the who and think the foreshadowing was a bit heavy-handed. Now, the why, that was wild. Not what I was expecting, and not in a good way. My face during the reveal.

I won't be a hurry to check out the authors' other works, but if you're looking for something fast-paced and silly, this might do the job.
Profile Image for Deanna.
2,755 reviews66 followers
June 15, 2025
Sweet Mystery.

So different from all the other NG stories. A very sweet story set in a mystery. I hope they show up in some other NG stories.
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,783 reviews24 followers
October 12, 2023
Historical filming combines with mob story

Dean and Ingram are the latest characters to get Ki Brightly’s New Gothenburg treatment. I read this book as a beta reading while Ms. Brightly was working on it (yes I am the Suzanne Irving that she thanks in the front of the book) and I love doing that and getting a glimpse of how books come together. This version has improved a lot in many different ways but the basic premise is still the same and I really think it’s a great idea. Two actors on a show being filmed, add in some love and some bad guys and take the characters through trials and you get a fun exciting story.
I really enjoyed this book especially the historical stuff, partly because I sew costumes for the theater but mostly because Ms. Brightly is so good at describing things without going into a history lecture. She has a way of making her books very colorful and descriptive such that I have no trouble imagining the scenes that she is writing. While this book is set in New Gothenburg you don’t need to have read any of the previous books but I warn you that it’s a marvelous place to read about and you might get hooked.
Profile Image for Savy.
299 reviews7 followers
October 18, 2023
Like many of their fans, I fell in love with Dean and Ingram. Or would that be Edwin and Azariah? ;)

Dean is just so super sweet I couldn't help but like his character. Ingram is a bit more complicated, but much like the character he plays in the historical TV-show he's part of, he grew on me.

The story started out a bit slow, which I didn't mind as we got a glimpse into the TV-show being filmed. I felt like being on the set of Bridgerton, with the focus of the book on the MM couple in the show. The lines between acting and real life get blurred when Dean and Ingram start falling for each other outside the set and things get messier when Ingram's past is catching up with him.

While the story had a slow start, I wanted to keep on reading and finished the book in one go. The mystery was getting to me and the suspense grew. At the end, I felt like a couple of questions could have been answered better, but they were minor annoyances in an overall great story. Of course, there is a HEA for Dean and Ingram and I hope we see them again in one of Ki's other books.

This story is set in the New Gothenburg world, but is a complete stand alone. I don't think we even get to see one character that has been introduced in another New Gothenburg book, but I will have to reread this one just to be sure of that.

A wonderful read for those who like a bit of a mystery, the chaos of working on a set to shoot a historical TV-series and a lot of sweet moments.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,013 reviews36 followers
October 24, 2023
Another good story set in the New Gothenberg world. With their new popularity on Wyndinham Hollow Dean and Ingram seem to have everything going for them but as the two begin to enjoy their fame secrets will be revealed and they will be put to the test. Will their chance at happiness be lost before they even get to start?
This is an interesting story that is not only hot but sweet as well. While I did enjoy the book the characters were not as strong and did not endear themselves to this reader. Dean and Ingram are a good couple but I did not fall in love with them. I had a hard time getting lost in their story and I realized who was behind everything early on in the book. I did enjoy seeing the relationship build between Dean and Ingram and it was nice to see them fight for it. Although this is set in New Gothenburg it was not as connected to that world as other books in this series.
15 reviews
December 1, 2023
Ingram is a damn good actor, but couldn't afford the leg up for his chosen acting school. This causes Ingram to make a hard choice to get the money, turn to the mob.

Dean is enamored with his costar, and falls just as hard for him as the character he portrays. Is this method acting? Or the real deal?

Ingram's mob contact is going for broke as they bleed Ingram's bank account close to dry. In a last-ditch effort to keep the mob happy, and keep his lifestyle he makes a bold proposition to Dean. To do a promotional tour promoting them as an official ship.

This seems like everything Dean could ever want. He has his career and the attention of Ingram. It's like a fairy tale materialized until the mob starts coming after Dean too. Can a fairy tale survive when the stakes are life or death?
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,137 reviews
October 9, 2023
This was another winner for me from Ki Brightly. This was mafia meets Bridgerton and I enjoyed it so much! Dean Thorne was so super sweet and I loved him so much. It was easy to see why fans and co-workers adored him. Ingram North was a little harder to warm up to, but once he started wooing Dean, I was all in on his character. The mystery really got me. I was expecting one thing and was completely blindsided by who the actual blackmailers/criminals were. I don’t want to say too much to give it away, but it was a really good twist. Again, I love how Ki is able to blend all of their universes together. Since this took place in New Gothenburg, I kept waiting for a sighting of one of the Kings of Men. I could not put this one down.

I received an ARC for my honest review
Profile Image for FHR.
1,110 reviews13 followers
October 12, 2023
With their television series being a hit, Dean and Ingram have made a name for themselves as an onscreen couple.
The feelings between them slowly bleed into their real lives and they find themselves making their relationship a reality in real life too.
But Ingram made some poor choices early on his career and the repercussions are rippling through into both of their lives and it’s time for them to work for what they have together.

A story that starts off slowly but is definitely an engaging read. Dean is a sweet character whilst Ingram more of the rougher one. It’s a low angst read, full of sweet, wooing moments, bits of drama from the blackmailing aspect and a lovely ending.
Reads well as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 28 books25 followers
October 10, 2023
Ki Brightly’s newest book is part mystery, part romance. Dean and Ingram have a sweet relationship. It’s a fun read that is a bit of a departure from the motorcycle club and mafia vibes of many of the other New Gothenburg books. We are introduced to some new faces in New Gothenburg. Dean is just the sweetest guy, a shy angel. Ingram is a little rough around the edges but means well. The book starts off a bit slow, IMO, but once it picks up, it’s a steady, low-angst, low trigger, sweet read. The mystery keeps it moving as you learn who is behind Ingram’s troubles. A great stand-alone in the New Gothenburg world.
Profile Image for Joanne Mccorkell.
1,650 reviews14 followers
October 12, 2023
Wow. Where to begin....
I enjoyed the story alot. I made snap judgements about a couple of characters and were wrong.
I did guess who was the troublemaker, though to be fair....it was kinda signposted.

As for Dean and Ingram, I thought they were of different ages for most of the book. As Ingram was the one to lead Dean in alot, and Dean feels much more innocent. However, when he makes his mind up hes very focused and determind.

Ingram has pulled himself from nothing, but in his mind he can get back there easily. Which made him a perfect target. Im glad hes finally getting the help he needs and knows hes got Dean in his corner
Profile Image for Sarah.
95 reviews
October 14, 2023
Great story

This was a great read and different then anything I’ve read. However I guess I’m spoiled when it comes to this author because the books they write are usually overflowing with heat and lots of spice! This one was lacking in that department. This book does take place in NG but it just felt completely distanced. There were way to many new characters to keep up with. If you’re a fan of this author definitely read this. If you’re new to this author read the other stuff and then try this one out.
2,200 reviews18 followers
October 20, 2023
Dean and Ingram are two guys acting on a historical show. In real life, Dean is crushing on Ingram and he finally returns the interest. But things are going to get interesting and complicated with mobsters, extortion and death surrounding them. I love Dean with his innocence and sweet personality. Ingram has a bad background and longs to protect Dean from everyone including himself. It's a crime story with stalking and craziness with the guys' love story running through it and some sexy times. I received a copy of this book through BookSprout and this is my voluntary opinion.
Profile Image for audiobook_chaos.
2,054 reviews37 followers
Read
December 21, 2023
AUDIOBOOK
Dean & Ingram work on the popular show Wyndinham Hollow but Ingram is in trouble .He owes the Mafia as he borrowed from them to get his start in acting and now they are bleeding him dry . He comes up with a way to earn more money by going on tour as Edwin and Azariah to promote and get close to the fan but he has to get Dean on board . With everything going to plan and money rolling in the mob dig in deeeper and now Dean is in the line of fire as well. I enjoyed this stand alone in the New Gothenburg world I just loved Dean he was so sweet but I hate his other and sister.
Profile Image for Aimee .
1,192 reviews13 followers
October 9, 2023
Sweet story

I enjoyed this story. It was a little sugary sweet with how much Dean blushed and seemed so innocent and how everyone gushed over him but it wasn't too bad. I do think Ingram's feelings for Dean kinda came out of nowhere because he always referred to hum by his stage name & the first time they were together was a bit awkward. This isn't my favorite story from this author and it makes me sad because I usually really like their stories but this one just didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Kassandra  Knight.
1,544 reviews4 followers
October 10, 2023
Wow 😯

That… was one heck of a ride. Not sure quite what I was expecting because I only skimmed the blurb (I automatically know I’m gonna love it just because Ki (and/or Meg) wrote it) but this wasn’t it. I was pleasantly surprised.

Part mystery, part romance, part ties-to-mafia. I could totally see this as a movie.

Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,913 reviews
October 11, 2023
Oh, my heart, I fell in love with Dean within pages. He is such a genuine and nice simple guy in a tough world here. Ingram is pretty much the self-centered man you would expect and sometimes I was not pleased! But this makes the story more real given we are dealing with our New Gothenburg Mafia as well the competitive acting world. Ingram cannot help but turn a bit sweet for Dean! This was a slower more subtle romance lightly attached to other series through characters.
Profile Image for Debra  (Dragon Nanny) Phiri.
1,650 reviews21 followers
October 18, 2023
Dean and Ingram's story is filled with lots of angst, some mystery, lots of heat and all around is a great read!

I love how the characters are so into each other and work through their issues all the while things are happening that they are not even aware of. It is a story that will make you think twice about who you get close to and why you make decisions you make!

I enjoyed it very much!
2,633 reviews45 followers
December 17, 2023
I enjoyed the behind the scenes relationship slowly growing between Dean and Ingram. Dean is so innocent, shy, and sweet. Ingram's not so innocent and has mob ties that could ruin this new budding relationship with Dean. Things get really scary when bodies start dropping. Who's next and is it the mob??? Will Dean be be an innocent victim? I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the craziness in chapter 17. Some characters/staff are just too selfish for their own good. What an epic epilogue!!!
901 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2023
This was such a great book by Ki Brightly. A look into the lives of 2 actors - both on and off camera - was so incredibly unique and (as always) well written. Dean and Ingram’s lives are complex and multi-layered, just like the rest of us. The mystery throughout kept me on the edge of my seat and the heat and emotion are absolutely on point. Sexy, emotional and really well done!
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,830 reviews8 followers
October 20, 2023
Dean and Ingram play characters on a historical TV show.
As they work together reality bleeds into their work and vice versa.
Ingram however is hiding some dark secrets that suddenly reach out and grab hold of sweet, somewhat naive Dean.
Now they're both under the gun so to speak trying to resolve the situation.
I really enjoyed this addition to the New Goethenberg world.
1,539 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2023
Great story

I really enjoyed this story. This was a wonderful stand-alone story. I loved the interactions between the characters. There was also a small mystery plot that definitely kept me guessing.
Profile Image for Angelica.
485 reviews
October 28, 2023
Dean is so sweet, makes me want to pinch his cheeks through the pages of the book. Ingram I think is the perfect balance of bad boy trying to be better but not knowing how to get out of what he has done. Definitely didn’t expect the twist .
411 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2023
Ingram and Dean's relationship stems from their relationship on the film set. It's like they were made for each other. The story is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
3,753 reviews38 followers
October 9, 2023
This story has a little bit of a slow start but gets better as you go through it. I enjoyed reading about Ingram and Dean.
263 reviews
November 16, 2023
I enjoyed the mystery aspect to this and the different vibe from the authors typical work. Enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Brei-ayn.
603 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2023
I loved this book. Ingram North is a star of the hit historical show Wyndinham Hollow. Ingram worked hard to get where he is but hasn't always played by the rules. He being blackmailed by the mob or is it someone else. Dean is a costar and their characters are in love on the show. Ingram pitches a idea about a tour that could make their characters more visible and bring in much needed money. Ingram has feelings for Dean. Ingram and Dean grow closer as time goes on. Will Ingram's secret damage their new relationship or bring them together?
Profile Image for Reed.
1,210 reviews21 followers
December 22, 2023
I'm updating my review to include the audio version.
No matter how good a story is, in my opinion it is better with a good narration. Audio adds so much to the story giving the characters and locations life. I think Keval Shah gave that to this story.
I love this story. About a tv series with a historic undertone.
Ingram the older and more experienced is sort of a protector for Dean who is pretty young and inexperienced.
Ingram has done a few things he isn’t proud of and has tried to keep secret for a number of years. He has been paying a blackmailer to keep his secrets but it is becoming more and more a burden to pay and seems to be getting risky for those around him.
Dean is a young actor that is almost too nice. He starts out seeming to be oblivious to anything bad around him but as his and Ingram’s relationship is being threatened his wiser and stronger side appears.
This story is a combination mystery and romance and both parts held my attention till the end.
46 reviews
April 6, 2025
I loved Ingram and Dean. The fact that they're actors and a couple in a show who become a real couple was sweet. There's some danger going on as well and the Mafia is suspected. Ingram doesn't feel worthy of Dean and vice versa. I really liked how everything played out in this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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