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Back To Reality
Party’s Here!!!
After a bitter divorce leaves her heartbroken and penniless, Nikki Rossi has no choice but to return to Beach Bombers, the hit reality show that made her famous. But this time, the spotlight burns hotter! She's once again sharing the house with her first love, Leo, who’s far from thrilled about her comeback. He still hasn’t forgiven her for walking away from their relationship to marry the man who ultimately shattered her world.
From the moment they're reunited, the drama is explosive. Nikki must juggle her role as “The Shore’s Sweetheart” while battling for custody of her two daughters back home. Meanwhile, Leo faces a choice, torment her on set for revenge, or confront the unresolved feelings that could offer them both a second chance.
It’s T-shirt time and the cabs are here, so get ready for the summer romance every Shore lover has been waiting for.
After a bitter divorce leaves her heartbroken and penniless, Nikki Rossi has no choice but to return to Beach Bombers, the hit reality show that made her famous. But this time, the spotlight burns hotter! She's once again sharing the house with her first love, Leo, who’s far from thrilled about her comeback. He still hasn’t forgiven her for walking away from their relationship to marry the man who ultimately shattered her world.
From the moment they're reunited, the drama is explosive. Nikki must juggle her role as “The Shore’s Sweetheart” while battling for custody of her two daughters back home. Meanwhile, Leo faces a choice, torment her on set for revenge, or confront the unresolved feelings that could offer them both a second chance.
It’s T-shirt time and the cabs are here, so get ready for the summer romance every Shore lover has been waiting for.
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2025
7 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Durham
5 books19 followersMarissa Durham lives in South Carolina, where she does photography full-time. Mainly known in her small town for her love of art in any form. In her downtime she loves reading or watching reruns. With a slight addiction to ice coffee (black) she stays busy doing something productive in all art fields. She started writing because she had a weird dream one night that wouldn’t leave her alone. Once she sat down she realized she had something inside that still needed healing. She opened herself up and allowed the words to spill out. She has three amazing children and has been married for over a decade to the love of her life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5
Nikki finds herself in the midst of a nasty and bitter divorce with her ex husband. Whom is trying drain her dry. Nikki is trying to make ends meet for her daughters who are her world. Which leads her back into reality tv where her former fling Leo/Lenny is also going to be.
The tension, angst starts from the very beginning with Nikki & Leo. Both trying to deny what they feel, still wanting each other years later. Leo is hurt due to how Nikki left and what transpired between them. Some low blows and shots are taken and they might try to get under each jealous but during all that Nikki and Leo are drawn to each other and can’t resist one another, so yes they end up more than once acting on that.
But with reality tv it’s never simple, it’s never real it’s controlled situations and Nikki and Leo are victims of this situation. They cannot be together, because the show needs drama and the crew definitely tries to provide the drama to keep them apart or catch everything on camera.
Once the two of them can no longer deny their feelings. They tell their roomies off camera and it’s a secret until it isn’t but it doesn’t end there Nikki’s ex isn’t going to make this easy and wants to drain her dry of her money and he’s on a mission to ruin her image as a woman and mother.
This one will give you strong Jersey Shore vibes! Nikki gave me Sammy Sweetheart. Not sure who I have Leo pegged as for but Leo is a dominant, don’t mess with his girl type personality. I throughly enjoyed this read and I would like to see other characters in the book possibly land their own story!
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 /5
Nikki finds herself in the midst of a nasty and bitter divorce with her ex husband. Whom is trying drain her dry. Nikki is trying to make ends meet for her daughters who are her world. Which leads her back into reality tv where her former fling Leo/Lenny is also going to be.
The tension, angst starts from the very beginning with Nikki & Leo. Both trying to deny what they feel, still wanting each other years later. Leo is hurt due to how Nikki left and what transpired between them. Some low blows and shots are taken and they might try to get under each jealous but during all that Nikki and Leo are drawn to each other and can’t resist one another, so yes they end up more than once acting on that.
But with reality tv it’s never simple, it’s never real it’s controlled situations and Nikki and Leo are victims of this situation. They cannot be together, because the show needs drama and the crew definitely tries to provide the drama to keep them apart or catch everything on camera.
Once the two of them can no longer deny their feelings. They tell their roomies off camera and it’s a secret until it isn’t but it doesn’t end there Nikki’s ex isn’t going to make this easy and wants to drain her dry of her money and he’s on a mission to ruin her image as a woman and mother.
This one will give you strong Jersey Shore vibes! Nikki gave me Sammy Sweetheart. Not sure who I have Leo pegged as for but Leo is a dominant, don’t mess with his girl type personality. I throughly enjoyed this read and I would like to see other characters in the book possibly land their own story!
July 25, 2025
This was a nice read. I didn't know if I would enjoy a Reality TV Show book, but I think that Marissa did a great job focusing more on the relationship than the TV show aspect. I think that she also did a great job depicting how crappy a divorce with kids can be! Leo definitely grew on me, I couldn't stand him at first bc of some of the things he does at the beginning of the book but he shows up for Nik and proves he's grown up by the end. Spice was Spicing! Will definitely Read Marissa Durham again!
July 29, 2025
Reality TV needs a right person wrong time in this Jersey shore retelling I absolutely ate it up. It was hilarious. It was just fun and what we need in the world right now. It was just perfect to just get away from all of that the spice was spicy the drama was real. I felt like I was right there with the cast. It reminded me of my high school days so much. I love how much he loved that woman that he loved her daughters just as much this was one of my favorite single Mom trope books that I’ve read to date. I pictured Snooki and Vinny the entire time because they were my favorites 😆
February 6, 2026
3.5⭐️
Every thought of what a book on what happens behind the scenes of a reality Tv show?? Then read this.
I had fun. Explicit smut numerous times throughout which I struggle with bc it seemed like it was the basis of their relationship. You get an insight on what reality tv looks like on and off screen. It gives hard core Jersey Shore Book vibes and the beginning gives off Ron and Sam vibes. I’m glad I kept pushing passed that intial portion for the book although to get 40% in for it to get better was a little tough. Very drama filled which is to be expected.
Every thought of what a book on what happens behind the scenes of a reality Tv show?? Then read this.
I had fun. Explicit smut numerous times throughout which I struggle with bc it seemed like it was the basis of their relationship. You get an insight on what reality tv looks like on and off screen. It gives hard core Jersey Shore Book vibes and the beginning gives off Ron and Sam vibes. I’m glad I kept pushing passed that intial portion for the book although to get 40% in for it to get better was a little tough. Very drama filled which is to be expected.
June 3, 2025
Loved getting to alpha read this! It’s such a great spin on the Jersey Shore with the payoff your heart wants.
This book is hitting all the notes of a perfect pallet cleanser. Nothing too heavy but still emotionally rich. Plenty of angst and spice without it overwhelming the plot. And just a touch longer than a novella so you never feel short-changed or over committed.
Can’t wait to see the results after final edits!
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
This book is hitting all the notes of a perfect pallet cleanser. Nothing too heavy but still emotionally rich. Plenty of angst and spice without it overwhelming the plot. And just a touch longer than a novella so you never feel short-changed or over committed.
Can’t wait to see the results after final edits!
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
August 3, 2025
I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into a romance set on a reality TV show (hello, drama 👀), but I think that Melissa Durham totally pulled it off! Yes, it has the wild cast, the cameras, and the chaotic energy of your favorite guilty-pleasure reality show—but at the heart of it, this is a second-chance romance with a ton of emotional depth.
Nikki is one of those characters who just feels real. She’s messy, strong, vulnerable, and someone I could 100% imagine meeting in real life. And Leo? Okay, he irritated me in the beginning, but by the end? Protective, soft, and totally redeemed. Watching them reconnect, especially with all the forced proximity tension from sharing a house on camera, was so satisfying.
If you love messy romance, hidden feelings, secret hookups, and redemption arcs—with a splash of Jersey Shore-style nostalgia—you’ll love this. It’s emotional, chaotic, and heartfelt all at once.
Nikki is one of those characters who just feels real. She’s messy, strong, vulnerable, and someone I could 100% imagine meeting in real life. And Leo? Okay, he irritated me in the beginning, but by the end? Protective, soft, and totally redeemed. Watching them reconnect, especially with all the forced proximity tension from sharing a house on camera, was so satisfying.
If you love messy romance, hidden feelings, secret hookups, and redemption arcs—with a splash of Jersey Shore-style nostalgia—you’ll love this. It’s emotional, chaotic, and heartfelt all at once.
December 17, 2025
if you find yourself sucked into campy reality TV this is the book for you!!
August 3, 2025
I was an Arc reader, and I gave this book a 4.5/5 stars. I absolutely loved it. It was definitely different than what I usually read but adored it.
It has big Jerseys Shores vibes but much better. Nikki was on this TV show, and she made the biggest mistake of her life and married a horrible human being. she had two kids from him, and he drained her of all her money.
So, being the strong independent mother she is for her babies, she went back to the TV show to make money to take care of her kids.
While marrying this horrible guy, she broke the heart of another man on the show, his name is Lenny. They reconnect, and that's all I am spilling!
This book is absolutely amazing. It's a realistic real-life situation with a ton of drama and a good amount of spicy.
Most books I get bored by the time I get to the very end, but I was beyond on the edge of my seat to find out how the books ended.
So, I definitely recommend adding to your TBR.
It has big Jerseys Shores vibes but much better. Nikki was on this TV show, and she made the biggest mistake of her life and married a horrible human being. she had two kids from him, and he drained her of all her money.
So, being the strong independent mother she is for her babies, she went back to the TV show to make money to take care of her kids.
While marrying this horrible guy, she broke the heart of another man on the show, his name is Lenny. They reconnect, and that's all I am spilling!
This book is absolutely amazing. It's a realistic real-life situation with a ton of drama and a good amount of spicy.
Most books I get bored by the time I get to the very end, but I was beyond on the edge of my seat to find out how the books ended.
So, I definitely recommend adding to your TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2025
This book started kinda slow for me but by the end I was loving it! We have the FMC Nikki who is part of a group of reality tv stars, that are back for a reunion season. She is going through a nasty divorce, and her soon to be ex is dragging her through the mud and threatening to take her kids. She didn’t want to do the show but had no choice. Then she reconnects with the love of her life when he also returns for the reunion season. Nikki is trying to do everything she can to keep custody of her daughters and keep them safe, while contemplating reconnecting with Leo our MMC! This book had me swooning! We all need a man like Leo, who wld go to the end of the earth to fight for those he loves!
There’s a few twists and turns I didn’t expect and made this book so much better than I had imagined! The spice was spicing and oh so good!
There’s a few twists and turns I didn’t expect and made this book so much better than I had imagined! The spice was spicing and oh so good!
August 3, 2025
I absolutely loved this Jersey Shore retelling!!! Lenny gives off huge german shepard vibes and knows what his woman wants/needs in the bedroom. The spice was filthy! But then there is a softer side to Lenny. One that completely falls in love with Nikkis two little girls. All of those scenes tugged right on my heart strings! I almost cried at the end 😉
Nikki is in the middle of her nasty divorce with Kyle who has left her with nothing. In order to make a life for her daughters, Nikki goes back to the reality tv show, Beach Bombers. Where she has to face her past with “friend” Leo.
Leo and Nikki both deny their feelings to protect themselves, but they cant help the pull they have to one another. Looks across the room and secret meets soon become an every day thing. But how long can they keep it under wraps?
Nikki is in the middle of her nasty divorce with Kyle who has left her with nothing. In order to make a life for her daughters, Nikki goes back to the reality tv show, Beach Bombers. Where she has to face her past with “friend” Leo.
Leo and Nikki both deny their feelings to protect themselves, but they cant help the pull they have to one another. Looks across the room and secret meets soon become an every day thing. But how long can they keep it under wraps?
September 11, 2025
This was a short and easy to read story with tons of spice and emotional journey of healing. A 2nd chance romance with he falls first and found family vibes.
Nikki Rossi has just gone through a horrible divorce that has left her flat broke and heartbroken. She feels she has no choice but to go back to her old job, which she really doesn’t want to, but it pays the bills. Her old career, reality TV, a show called Beach Bombers which had made her famous. She has a rough road ahead because her first love is in the house now and Leo is not happy that she is back. Can’t blame him. She did leave him to marry her the man she just divorced.
Nikki has her hands full, she is not only having trouble with her job, trying to be the sweetheart everyone loved, it is hard when she is battling her EX, he is wanting custody of their 2 girls, she can’t lose them too. Her ex just wants them to hurt her.
Leo can’t believe she is in the show, she just dumped me, well she was just dumped. He still has feelings for her. And he is so torn, does he help or not, he has already been burned by her. But the girls, he falls for the two girls. Leo is very protective, hot and has a heart.
I wasn’t one to watch any of the reality TV shows, but I did enjoy this book. The beginning wants you to hate Leo, but he’s the one she burned, he didn’t hurt her, so I do not blame him for his attitude, in the end he is all about her.
Nikki Rossi has just gone through a horrible divorce that has left her flat broke and heartbroken. She feels she has no choice but to go back to her old job, which she really doesn’t want to, but it pays the bills. Her old career, reality TV, a show called Beach Bombers which had made her famous. She has a rough road ahead because her first love is in the house now and Leo is not happy that she is back. Can’t blame him. She did leave him to marry her the man she just divorced.
Nikki has her hands full, she is not only having trouble with her job, trying to be the sweetheart everyone loved, it is hard when she is battling her EX, he is wanting custody of their 2 girls, she can’t lose them too. Her ex just wants them to hurt her.
Leo can’t believe she is in the show, she just dumped me, well she was just dumped. He still has feelings for her. And he is so torn, does he help or not, he has already been burned by her. But the girls, he falls for the two girls. Leo is very protective, hot and has a heart.
I wasn’t one to watch any of the reality TV shows, but I did enjoy this book. The beginning wants you to hate Leo, but he’s the one she burned, he didn’t hurt her, so I do not blame him for his attitude, in the end he is all about her.
July 21, 2025
Okay, so first off — Lenny?? Absolute book boyfriend material. Like, protective, hot, and actually had some depth?? He’s the reason I kept flipping pages tbh. And the smut? No notes. 10/10 spice, thank you very much 🔥
BUT… I had a hard time really connecting with the story. The pacing was kind of all over..fast in places where I wanted more buildup, then slow toward the end when I needed things to move. The relationship felt a little unrealistic at times, and I just didn’t get fully pulled in emotionally.
Still, if you’re in it for a great male lead and some solid steam, this could totally be your vibe. Just wasn’t a full emotional spiral read for me.
📦 Received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
BUT… I had a hard time really connecting with the story. The pacing was kind of all over..fast in places where I wanted more buildup, then slow toward the end when I needed things to move. The relationship felt a little unrealistic at times, and I just didn’t get fully pulled in emotionally.
Still, if you’re in it for a great male lead and some solid steam, this could totally be your vibe. Just wasn’t a full emotional spiral read for me.
📦 Received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2025
Yes, yes, Yes!!!!! Talk about a love story that doesn't disappoint. I loved the vibes between Leo and Nikki. Every chapter, I wanted to know what would happen next and what the other one was thinking. Excellent use of multiple points of view to really keep the story moving as well. I loved the writing style, and it helps the story flow very well for the genre. Loved the spice as well. It didn't feel rushed and really helped to build an understanding of the "situationship going on". The friend group, in general, all had really great qualities that helped to hold the story together as well, and I liked how they all played a key part in what was going on. I loved the overall story, and it never had a dull moment. Thank you for a great spicy romance that keeps you wanting to turn the page!
July 24, 2025
This is the second book that I have had the honor of reading Arcing from Marissa. I loved it. I don’t think I have ever had the pleasure of reading a book like with reality stars and what they do on and off camera. I had to watch Love Island after this. This book feels so readable. The chemistry and new understanding with Nikki and Lenny what could have been and what it can be. I want to say so much about this book but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I will say I spend most of my time angry at Kyle lol. Glad to have a happy ending and second book from this author. Thank you, Marissa & Mama Cass for this arc. I devoured it in a day and had to read it again.
July 30, 2025
I'm a Gen X reader who has no interest in Jersey Shore, but live the intrigue of what really goes on behind closed doors when the camera aren't rolling. I got so caught up in the storyline and banter that I never even thought about reality tv. Nikki and Leo are absolutely adorable together. This is the perfect second chance romance, he fell first, found family and step up dad book that had me from page one. Great for any generation looking for a great story outside the norm. A perfect mox of spice, plot, twists and more.
July 25, 2025
Back to Reality DELIVERED!!! It gave Me nostalgia for messy MTV reality TV shows (The World, Road Rules and Jersey Shore).
This book gave me messy drama, different POV to drive the story, witty banter, second chances, relatable characters despite them being ex reality stars, perfect amount of spice, yearning, and SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS shotsshotshots! IYKYK
This books was the perfect pallet cleanser from life! It even set it up for more books. A must READ for the summer!!
This book gave me messy drama, different POV to drive the story, witty banter, second chances, relatable characters despite them being ex reality stars, perfect amount of spice, yearning, and SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS shotsshotshots! IYKYK
This books was the perfect pallet cleanser from life! It even set it up for more books. A must READ for the summer!!
March 4, 2026
This was such a fun read!
Second chance at first love, in a reality tv setting, with very VERY spicy scenes! And a very cute HEA, with intriguing possible openings from spin off stories!
I really appreciate how hard it was for both main characters to learn to trust again after everything they went through and how they chose each other wholeheartedly once they decided to give it any other go.
I will definitely keep an eye on this author for her next releases!
Second chance at first love, in a reality tv setting, with very VERY spicy scenes! And a very cute HEA, with intriguing possible openings from spin off stories!
I really appreciate how hard it was for both main characters to learn to trust again after everything they went through and how they chose each other wholeheartedly once they decided to give it any other go.
I will definitely keep an eye on this author for her next releases!
July 20, 2025
There was so much packed into a fast read. But the writing style was easy to follow. It made me feel like I was right there with them. If you like reality TV, second chance at love, banter, spice, and romcom, this book is definitely for you. Marissa Durham had me hooked with just her last trigger warning.
August 1, 2025
This was such a cute read with tons a spice (tastefully done) and great plot. The book was short and easy to get though. The author did a great job at keeping my attention and bringing the characters to life! This definitely had “Jersey Shore” vibes but love the main characters so much more! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 2, 2025
This book right here!!!!! If you like any reality tv show you my friend will want to dive straight into it when it comes out. It has rekindled love, a lot of spice, him falling in love with her daughters, major hate towards her ex husband bc he’s just a down right prick and did I mention A LOT OF SPICE!!!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ find out what goes on with Nikki and Lenny. ❤️💋
July 31, 2025
I love this BOOK! I love a good nostalgic feel and this author delivers all the feels!!! I was a big Jersey shore fan but always wished Ronnie was a better guy!! This book was everything I wished for back then and more!!! Marisa done it again ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
June 22, 2025
Loved this book very much I got to beta it and I’m still talking about the characters a week later.
July 18, 2025
This book was such a good read! I love how Nikki grew so much and Leo or as Nikki calls him Lenny was 100% with her for the long haul no matter what she did! The ending was perfect!
July 18, 2025
I enjoyed this. a nice short romance read with a hunt of spice. I love both main characters and the plot picks up well from the beginning to end
July 20, 2025
This book was amazing. If you gre up watching Jersey Shore like I did then I know you will love this book. it gives off major Jersey Shore vibes. I hole there is more to this story.
August 1, 2025
This book was beautifully done. Such an amazing love story. If you loved jersey shore than this is for you. I absolutely love me a single mom romance.
August 1, 2025
If you’re looking for a fun romcom with a touch of spice look no further!!! Great plot and lots of laughter. Don’t miss out on this gem!!!!
August 5, 2025
I was lucky enough to ARC this book.
Marissa - you did it again. I promise I will forever be in your corner and read whatever you write. Even if it is a grocery list.
I never watched Jersey Shore - but if it is as good as this book - I am all in.
Please, please, please for the love of all that is holy in reality TV - read this book. You will not stop laughing - well except during the spicy - that is amazing enough to set the sheets on fire.
Marissa - you did it again. I promise I will forever be in your corner and read whatever you write. Even if it is a grocery list.
I never watched Jersey Shore - but if it is as good as this book - I am all in.
Please, please, please for the love of all that is holy in reality TV - read this book. You will not stop laughing - well except during the spicy - that is amazing enough to set the sheets on fire.
November 27, 2025
📖Arc review
📖Back To Reality by Marissa Durham
🍾 Second Chance
🍾Jersey Shore Retelling
🍾Multiple POVS
🍾 Forced Proximity
🍾Single Mom
What a fun take on Jersey Shore. I was intrigued the moment the story started, it gave all the vibes of old Jersey shore with a twist .
I loved how fun of a read this story was . Definitely a genre I haven’t tried before , however I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed the story .
Overall had a great time reading this one !
📖4/5
🌶️🌶️
📖Back To Reality by Marissa Durham
🍾 Second Chance
🍾Jersey Shore Retelling
🍾Multiple POVS
🍾 Forced Proximity
🍾Single Mom
What a fun take on Jersey Shore. I was intrigued the moment the story started, it gave all the vibes of old Jersey shore with a twist .
I loved how fun of a read this story was . Definitely a genre I haven’t tried before , however I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed the story .
Overall had a great time reading this one !
📖4/5
🌶️🌶️
August 3, 2025
I was never a Jersey Shores fan…. But this book makes me feel like I might have missed out.
This book has everything you want…. Just enough spice, a lot of comedic humor, and even some heartstrings pulls.
Marissa is hitting them out of the ballpark with a 2 for 2 don’t want to put down book!
This book has everything you want…. Just enough spice, a lot of comedic humor, and even some heartstrings pulls.
Marissa is hitting them out of the ballpark with a 2 for 2 don’t want to put down book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews