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Reality With You: A Second Chance Contemporary Romance
Lights, camera…controversy?
Lennon Young is a failure. Her marriage to her first love ended in under a year, and so did her first record deal. Now, a chance encounter throws her music career a life raft — but broadcasting all her failures on a reality show back in her home city of Arden Beach, Florida, isn’t exactly what Lennon had in mind.
Especially when the producers discover her ex-husband is disgraced baseball star Dylan Strickland.
As the son and grandson of two Arden Beach baseball legacies, all eyes are on Dylan to make a comeback from a major PR scandal. With an old family rival poised to seize team ownership, Dylan’s career needs to be his priority — but that’s what lost him Lennon the first time.
Appearing on Arden Elite is a second chance to fix everything he’s broken.
When “reality” TV turns out to be anything but, Lennon and Dylan learn the hard way that scandal sells better than sincerity. They’ll have to play this ruthless game right to avoid losing their reputations, their careers, and most importantly — each other.
Reality With You is the first book in the Arden Beach series of interconnected standalone romance novels about the residents of a steamy South Florida city teeming with wealth, secrets, and scandal.
Lennon Young is a failure. Her marriage to her first love ended in under a year, and so did her first record deal. Now, a chance encounter throws her music career a life raft — but broadcasting all her failures on a reality show back in her home city of Arden Beach, Florida, isn’t exactly what Lennon had in mind.
Especially when the producers discover her ex-husband is disgraced baseball star Dylan Strickland.
As the son and grandson of two Arden Beach baseball legacies, all eyes are on Dylan to make a comeback from a major PR scandal. With an old family rival poised to seize team ownership, Dylan’s career needs to be his priority — but that’s what lost him Lennon the first time.
Appearing on Arden Elite is a second chance to fix everything he’s broken.
When “reality” TV turns out to be anything but, Lennon and Dylan learn the hard way that scandal sells better than sincerity. They’ll have to play this ruthless game right to avoid losing their reputations, their careers, and most importantly — each other.
Reality With You is the first book in the Arden Beach series of interconnected standalone romance novels about the residents of a steamy South Florida city teeming with wealth, secrets, and scandal.
- GenresRomanceSecond Chance
436 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2025
24 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
L.E. McQuinn
2 books9 followersL.E. McQuinn is a fantasy and contemporary romance author from Florida who grew up obsessed with love stories, from fairytales to soap operas. She writes fiction that is emotionally deep and romantic but equally chaotic and steamy—and always leaves room for a little magic.
When she’s not writing or engaging in some other form of fiction-fueled escapism, she’s probably at a theme park, cuddling with her fur-babies, or stargazing while listening to an astronomy podcast.
Her debut novel, Reality With You: A Second Chance Contemporary Romance (August 5, 2025), is a second-chance contemporary romance about a struggling musician and a famous baseball star pushed together on a reality show, where unresolved feelings and undeniable chemistry make for explosive television.
Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack.
When she’s not writing or engaging in some other form of fiction-fueled escapism, she’s probably at a theme park, cuddling with her fur-babies, or stargazing while listening to an astronomy podcast.
Her debut novel, Reality With You: A Second Chance Contemporary Romance (August 5, 2025), is a second-chance contemporary romance about a struggling musician and a famous baseball star pushed together on a reality show, where unresolved feelings and undeniable chemistry make for explosive television.
Follow on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 2, 2025
L.E. McQuinn delivers a stunning debut with the right amount of heart and steam! I like my rom-coms with a lot of emotional damage and McQuinn did not disappoint me with Reality With You.
This second chance romance has Lennon and Dylan crashing back into either other's lives after a failed marriage from years early. It is clear from the beginning that while they may be physically a part, they never really dealt with their ever present emotional connection. Now they are both back in Arden Beach -- and on a reality show together no less -- they have no choice to deal with the past and the people they have become in the present.
McQuinn sprinkles in moments of realistic and raw struggles of love, career goals, and real world challenges that add to the emotional progression of this story. I really enjoyed watching Dylan and Lennon coming crashing back to each other, even as they work deal with their own inner demons and insecurities.
Of course, McQuinn also does a fun job of layering in reality tv-esque drama, scheming characters that will have you screaming, and a desperate need for some side characters to get their own stories.
I cannot wait to see where see takes this series next!
This second chance romance has Lennon and Dylan crashing back into either other's lives after a failed marriage from years early. It is clear from the beginning that while they may be physically a part, they never really dealt with their ever present emotional connection. Now they are both back in Arden Beach -- and on a reality show together no less -- they have no choice to deal with the past and the people they have become in the present.
McQuinn sprinkles in moments of realistic and raw struggles of love, career goals, and real world challenges that add to the emotional progression of this story. I really enjoyed watching Dylan and Lennon coming crashing back to each other, even as they work deal with their own inner demons and insecurities.
Of course, McQuinn also does a fun job of layering in reality tv-esque drama, scheming characters that will have you screaming, and a desperate need for some side characters to get their own stories.
I cannot wait to see where see takes this series next!
November 27, 2025
The opening scene of this book being a girl taking a call on the MTA subway is bananas - don’t you know there is no cell reception down there ?!
August 18, 2025
I received an ARC and this is a great debut novel from L.E. McQuinn! Lennon and Dylan were just the perfect main characters - completely likable and I was rooting for them both the entire time. Their story was heartwarming. I loved the premise of this book - bringing together a struggling musician and a bad boy baseball player for their second chance at love, all set in a reality show with all of the things we love to hate about reality tv. I hope there’s more from the Arden Beach world - lots of characters I’d love to see more of 👀
November 12, 2025
Wow. W-O-W.
This book is for the dreamers 🌙
A beautifully romantic, heartbreaking, and inspiring story about first love and second chances and what it means to live your truth, chase your dreams, and define your own life/reality.
Reality With You is a contemporary romance taking place underneath the Florida sun about a struggling musician and her ex husband famous baseball player who both go on a reality show to save their careers. And OMGGG!!! It’s fun, it’s hot, it’s EMOTIONAL.
Getting to watch the two main characters Lennon and Dylan fall in love all over again while slowly learning what drove them apart in the first place was my absolute favorite part of the book. These two characters were MADE for each other, and the way Dylan loves Lennon made my heart melt on every single page. You can feel the yearning in every interaction. I loved watching them battle their inner demons in order to be better for the other person. It was such a beautiful representation of love, forgiveness, growth, and second chances 😭😭😭
I also loved Lennon’s inner struggles and storyline. As a creative person myself, I related to her passion for creativity and her desire to make her dreams a reality. Watching her find her confidence and overcome her own creative blocks left me wanting to do the same 🥹
Reality With You is instantly one of my favorite books, and LE McQuinn is instantly one of my favorite authors!! One of her biggest strengths is her ability to make these characters feel incredibly real. I felt like I was watching a movie and could picture every scene and every character perfectly!! I was so drawn into the book that I couldn’t put it down. She’s also extremely talented at layering in depth and complex plots!! From the mental health representation to the political drama and to the reality show itself and the themes about what is reality vs perceived, this book truly kept me on my toes and reading through pages SO FAST.
To LE McQuinn, I’m so excited for more books and what’s to come. Thank you for writing this story, it holds a special place in my heart and it’s one I’m going to read over and over again 🥹
This is perfect for any Emily Henry, TSITP, The Hills and OC fans out there!!
But buy yourself some tissues, you’re going to need them 😭
This book is for the dreamers 🌙
A beautifully romantic, heartbreaking, and inspiring story about first love and second chances and what it means to live your truth, chase your dreams, and define your own life/reality.
Reality With You is a contemporary romance taking place underneath the Florida sun about a struggling musician and her ex husband famous baseball player who both go on a reality show to save their careers. And OMGGG!!! It’s fun, it’s hot, it’s EMOTIONAL.
Getting to watch the two main characters Lennon and Dylan fall in love all over again while slowly learning what drove them apart in the first place was my absolute favorite part of the book. These two characters were MADE for each other, and the way Dylan loves Lennon made my heart melt on every single page. You can feel the yearning in every interaction. I loved watching them battle their inner demons in order to be better for the other person. It was such a beautiful representation of love, forgiveness, growth, and second chances 😭😭😭
I also loved Lennon’s inner struggles and storyline. As a creative person myself, I related to her passion for creativity and her desire to make her dreams a reality. Watching her find her confidence and overcome her own creative blocks left me wanting to do the same 🥹
Reality With You is instantly one of my favorite books, and LE McQuinn is instantly one of my favorite authors!! One of her biggest strengths is her ability to make these characters feel incredibly real. I felt like I was watching a movie and could picture every scene and every character perfectly!! I was so drawn into the book that I couldn’t put it down. She’s also extremely talented at layering in depth and complex plots!! From the mental health representation to the political drama and to the reality show itself and the themes about what is reality vs perceived, this book truly kept me on my toes and reading through pages SO FAST.
To LE McQuinn, I’m so excited for more books and what’s to come. Thank you for writing this story, it holds a special place in my heart and it’s one I’m going to read over and over again 🥹
This is perfect for any Emily Henry, TSITP, The Hills and OC fans out there!!
But buy yourself some tissues, you’re going to need them 😭
October 18, 2025
WOW. The fact that this is the authors debut book is INSANE. I just finished and it was everything that I needed.
As someone who has been a bit harder to please when it comes to contemp. romance lately… I was so pleasantly surprised with this one.
I was stuck between 4.5⭐️ and 5⭐️ (I ultimately decided to round it up LOL) the first 20ish% dragged a bit slower for me (i still was intrigued in where the story was going. the pacing just felt slow in the beginning)… but the last 80% COMPLETELY made up for it!!! You could tell she found her rhythm and the story just completely flowed from there.
THE DRAMA. THE DEPTH of these characters. THE WILL THEY WONT THEY. THE REALITY TV ASPECT. and let’s not forget the fact that this is her FIRST BOOK!!
I’m actually quite floored. I love a dramatic read. I love a toxic aspects. I love when the characters have true depth and you can feel the internal struggles (and it makes sense to the story and conflicts within the story).
Seriously support this author. I cannot wait to see what else we will get from her!
As someone who has been a bit harder to please when it comes to contemp. romance lately… I was so pleasantly surprised with this one.
I was stuck between 4.5⭐️ and 5⭐️ (I ultimately decided to round it up LOL) the first 20ish% dragged a bit slower for me (i still was intrigued in where the story was going. the pacing just felt slow in the beginning)… but the last 80% COMPLETELY made up for it!!! You could tell she found her rhythm and the story just completely flowed from there.
THE DRAMA. THE DEPTH of these characters. THE WILL THEY WONT THEY. THE REALITY TV ASPECT. and let’s not forget the fact that this is her FIRST BOOK!!
I’m actually quite floored. I love a dramatic read. I love a toxic aspects. I love when the characters have true depth and you can feel the internal struggles (and it makes sense to the story and conflicts within the story).
Seriously support this author. I cannot wait to see what else we will get from her!
August 14, 2025
Well, here I am, writing this review for a second time because it’s honestly that good and I felt like the first review didn’t do it justice.
There are so many aspects of this book that I reveled in, and it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly made this book so special to me without giving away too many spoilers. But, there are a few things that I want to point out which made it a stand out among the genre:
When we’re introduced to the characters, the speed of which their backstory comes to light is perfect. It’s organic, natural and revealed in ways that truly drive the story and give it more depth. The level of character development in Reality With You allows you to truly get in the heads of the character to the point where you start to understand their thoughts, feelings, and motives. This especially comes into play with Dylan’s struggle with anxiety. We see so much dimension in both characters that as a reader, it’s incredibly easy to see yourself in aspects of them. Having that connection truly makes you feel like you’re not just reading a story, you’re actually IN the story.
There is so much subtle symbolism in this book, as well. In the scene where Dylan takes Lennon to his home for the first time, we’re introduced to a new facet of his being, someone who is living a life of luxury but also clinging to a simpler, more innocent time. It’s then that we see how much his relationship with Lennon really matters to him, because it’s so grounding to the chaos of being in a legacy family.
L.E McQuinn’s world building is on another level too! The attention to detail in every setting feels like another character in itself. I want to vacation in Arden Beach, and have lunch with Lennon and Erin. I want to go to the record store, and the coffee shop! I want to stroll the beach, and see the Tidebreakers field.
Every character packs a punch and brings different levels of intrigue into the novel. There are villains you secretly root for, and others you completely despise. There is heartache, emotional rebirths, scandal, revelations, new inspirations, and most importantly, a raw and vulnerable love between two people who had to split up to grow into the people they are now, in order to find love again.
I’ll never stop talking about this book and I’m legit reading it again - and you know what? It keeps getting better.
There are so many aspects of this book that I reveled in, and it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly made this book so special to me without giving away too many spoilers. But, there are a few things that I want to point out which made it a stand out among the genre:
When we’re introduced to the characters, the speed of which their backstory comes to light is perfect. It’s organic, natural and revealed in ways that truly drive the story and give it more depth. The level of character development in Reality With You allows you to truly get in the heads of the character to the point where you start to understand their thoughts, feelings, and motives. This especially comes into play with Dylan’s struggle with anxiety. We see so much dimension in both characters that as a reader, it’s incredibly easy to see yourself in aspects of them. Having that connection truly makes you feel like you’re not just reading a story, you’re actually IN the story.
There is so much subtle symbolism in this book, as well. In the scene where Dylan takes Lennon to his home for the first time, we’re introduced to a new facet of his being, someone who is living a life of luxury but also clinging to a simpler, more innocent time. It’s then that we see how much his relationship with Lennon really matters to him, because it’s so grounding to the chaos of being in a legacy family.
L.E McQuinn’s world building is on another level too! The attention to detail in every setting feels like another character in itself. I want to vacation in Arden Beach, and have lunch with Lennon and Erin. I want to go to the record store, and the coffee shop! I want to stroll the beach, and see the Tidebreakers field.
Every character packs a punch and brings different levels of intrigue into the novel. There are villains you secretly root for, and others you completely despise. There is heartache, emotional rebirths, scandal, revelations, new inspirations, and most importantly, a raw and vulnerable love between two people who had to split up to grow into the people they are now, in order to find love again.
I’ll never stop talking about this book and I’m legit reading it again - and you know what? It keeps getting better.
July 23, 2025
WOW
I loved everything about this book and it made me crave more second chance romances, for sure. I laughed, teared up, got mad, smiled, ALL the emotions. And when a book can make you FEEL you know it’s good! I am craving to actually watch the reality show that takes place because OOO would it be GOOD!! I loved watching Lennon and Dylan grow and evolve and find each other again without having to give up themselves in the process. Such an easy, emotional love story that will have you hooked from the start!
I loved everything about this book and it made me crave more second chance romances, for sure. I laughed, teared up, got mad, smiled, ALL the emotions. And when a book can make you FEEL you know it’s good! I am craving to actually watch the reality show that takes place because OOO would it be GOOD!! I loved watching Lennon and Dylan grow and evolve and find each other again without having to give up themselves in the process. Such an easy, emotional love story that will have you hooked from the start!
July 29, 2025
For a debut novel, wow, i loved this book so much. The roller-coaster of emotions just had me hooked and wanting more of their story!
If you loved the hills, you would love this angsty, sweet and spicy, 2nd chance romance, with reality show drama, that will have you rooting for Lennon and Dylan!
A second chance romance between a struggling musician and her ex-husband Dylan, the baseball player, is down on his luck after an accident. A run-in with an old acquaintance sees Lennon offered a spot on an upcoming reality show to boost her career. She just doesn't expect to be doing it with Dylan to help both their careers! But buckle up because it's a wild ride!
If you loved the hills, you would love this angsty, sweet and spicy, 2nd chance romance, with reality show drama, that will have you rooting for Lennon and Dylan!
A second chance romance between a struggling musician and her ex-husband Dylan, the baseball player, is down on his luck after an accident. A run-in with an old acquaintance sees Lennon offered a spot on an upcoming reality show to boost her career. She just doesn't expect to be doing it with Dylan to help both their careers! But buckle up because it's a wild ride!
July 29, 2025
This book was the PERFECT cozy summer read! Lennon is so witty and authentic, while Dylan is charming and compassionate. Their journeys both together and apart are so beautiful and I felt like I was right in the thick of it with them. This story made me want to kick my feet with glee and also hug my pillow for emotional support at the same time! I’ve also been reminded of how much I LOVE music. And baseball. And men with scruff in baseball pants…
For real though, I loved every part of this book. Lennon and Dylan forever have my heart. 💛
For real though, I loved every part of this book. Lennon and Dylan forever have my heart. 💛
July 27, 2025
Second chances, rekindled love, protective main leads and all the drama!! This was a great read. I really loved reading the background of each of the main characters. It wasn’t shoved right in the beginning and wasn’t dragged out either. The storyline was well written.
The trauma, heartbreak and drama is attention grabbing and has you wanting to finish the book rather than put it down. The way our main characters go out of their way to protect the other is enduring. Their love for one another was strong and never breaking. It was a young love, wrong time but eventually finding their way back to one another.
Give this book a read. It a good suspenseful one with spice but ooh the drama of a reality tv show.
The trauma, heartbreak and drama is attention grabbing and has you wanting to finish the book rather than put it down. The way our main characters go out of their way to protect the other is enduring. Their love for one another was strong and never breaking. It was a young love, wrong time but eventually finding their way back to one another.
Give this book a read. It a good suspenseful one with spice but ooh the drama of a reality tv show.
June 1, 2025
This debut novel, “Reality With You” by L. E. McQuinn will have you in all your feels! You can’t help but root for down on her luck Lennon, and the supporting characters are so well developed, too.
I didn’t want to finish the book because I wasn’t ready for it to be over!
I didn’t want to finish the book because I wasn’t ready for it to be over!
August 5, 2025
L.E. McQuinn… girl. You did THAT. 🙌
Reality With You is a debut that has everything I want in a rom-com:
💔 Emotional damage (the kind I secretly crave)
🔥 Steam that hits just right
🎬 Reality TV drama that had me screaming at my Kindle
Lennon & Dylan are the second-chance couple of my dreams. Years after their marriage implodes, life (and some unhinged TV producers) throw them back together in Arden Beach… on a reality show. 🤯 From the jump, you feel that they’re still tethered—messy history, unresolved feelings, and all the angsty, delicious tension you could want.
And listen… I LIVE for a romance where the characters actually grow. Watching these two navigate love, career struggles, and their own insecurities while still finding their way back to each other? Stunning. Moving. Powerful. And yes, my heart felt every second of it. 🥹
The reality show energy? Chaotic and DELICIOUS. I wanted to hug half the cast and launch the other half into the sun. 🌞 And the side characters? McQuinn, I need spin-offs. Immediately.
This book gave me:
✨ Emotional baggage & unresolved feelings
✨ Tangled relationships that feel raw and real
✨ A fictional town I now want to vacation in (THE RECORD STORE? I’m moving in.)
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a romance—I was living in it. The dialogue is so natural and real, it felt like I was eavesdropping on my best friends.
Bottom line: If you want a romance that’s thoughtful, layered, swoony, and a little chaotic—in the best way—Reality With You will steal your heart. And now I’m counting the days for Book 2. 🖤
Reality With You is a debut that has everything I want in a rom-com:
💔 Emotional damage (the kind I secretly crave)
🔥 Steam that hits just right
🎬 Reality TV drama that had me screaming at my Kindle
Lennon & Dylan are the second-chance couple of my dreams. Years after their marriage implodes, life (and some unhinged TV producers) throw them back together in Arden Beach… on a reality show. 🤯 From the jump, you feel that they’re still tethered—messy history, unresolved feelings, and all the angsty, delicious tension you could want.
And listen… I LIVE for a romance where the characters actually grow. Watching these two navigate love, career struggles, and their own insecurities while still finding their way back to each other? Stunning. Moving. Powerful. And yes, my heart felt every second of it. 🥹
The reality show energy? Chaotic and DELICIOUS. I wanted to hug half the cast and launch the other half into the sun. 🌞 And the side characters? McQuinn, I need spin-offs. Immediately.
This book gave me:
✨ Emotional baggage & unresolved feelings
✨ Tangled relationships that feel raw and real
✨ A fictional town I now want to vacation in (THE RECORD STORE? I’m moving in.)
By the end, I wasn’t just reading a romance—I was living in it. The dialogue is so natural and real, it felt like I was eavesdropping on my best friends.
Bottom line: If you want a romance that’s thoughtful, layered, swoony, and a little chaotic—in the best way—Reality With You will steal your heart. And now I’m counting the days for Book 2. 🖤
August 3, 2025
📚✨ Reality With You by L.E. McQuinn
⭐️5/5 | 🌶️2/5
This book gave me all the feels. Like, scream-into-a-pillow, clutch-your-Kindle levels of emotion. Dylan and Lennon? Whew. These two were messy in the best way—protective, passionate, and so clearly still in love even as they’re both trying to piece themselves back together.
McQuinn gets how to write second-chance romance. There’s no rush, no info dump—just raw emotion and slow, realistic healing. And the reality TV energy?? Chaotic and DELICIOUS. I wanted to slap half the cast and hug the other half. 😂
Also… I’m gonna need at least two spin-offs. The side characters were chef’s kiss and I’m so invested in this friend group now.
This was one of those reads I didn’t want to put down. Give me trauma, give me angst, give me dramatic love declarations—I ate it all up.
Reading Mood: chaotic drama, aching hearts, and the kind of second chance that feels earned 💔📺🫠
⭐️5/5 | 🌶️2/5
This book gave me all the feels. Like, scream-into-a-pillow, clutch-your-Kindle levels of emotion. Dylan and Lennon? Whew. These two were messy in the best way—protective, passionate, and so clearly still in love even as they’re both trying to piece themselves back together.
McQuinn gets how to write second-chance romance. There’s no rush, no info dump—just raw emotion and slow, realistic healing. And the reality TV energy?? Chaotic and DELICIOUS. I wanted to slap half the cast and hug the other half. 😂
Also… I’m gonna need at least two spin-offs. The side characters were chef’s kiss and I’m so invested in this friend group now.
This was one of those reads I didn’t want to put down. Give me trauma, give me angst, give me dramatic love declarations—I ate it all up.
Reading Mood: chaotic drama, aching hearts, and the kind of second chance that feels earned 💔📺🫠
August 4, 2025
This book really took me by surprise in the best way. I went in expecting a fun second chance romance, but what I got was so much deeper. Lennon and Dylan had the kind of messy, emotional connection that felt honest and real. I loved how the story showed not just their chemistry, but also their growth. They both made mistakes and carried heavy feelings, but watching them reconnect and learn from it all made me feel everything. The writing felt fresh and natural, with funny, raw, and emotional moments all mixed together. This debut felt layered and full of emotion. A solid five stars from me, and I’ll definitely read more from this author. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
August 5, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much, and I’m jealous of everyone who gets to read it for the first time. Lennon and Dylan’s second-chance romance was just what I needed to achieve that delicious escapism we all crave when reading a really good book. L.E. McQuinn’s writing is immersive and cinematic, and I could almost smell the ocean and feel the wind in my hair as they drove along the Florida coast. Also, the *view* isn’t bad, re: Dylan in his baseball uniform and sleeves rolled up exposing his forearms–no complaints here. This book made me laugh and cry, and I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you love a good romance.
December 5, 2025
As someone who grew up with a playlist for every emotion and treats baseball like a lifelong commitment I inherited (don’t judge me, my team has put me through enough character development), this book? It felt like it was written just for me.
Lennon and Dylan are the exact kind of couple that makes you believe in timing - the kind of love that deserves a walk-up song. Their growth felt believable and the emotional moments had me flying through the book to find out what was next. And the reality show angle? Easily my favorite part (after baseball, of course). It adds just enough drama and behind-the-scenes chaos without taking over the story and brings some fun characters along the way.
If you’re into second-chance love with a creative spirit pursuing what she loves, a bit of behind-the-scenes baseball and a sprinkle of reality TV messiness, this one’s a really enjoyable read.
Lennon and Dylan are the exact kind of couple that makes you believe in timing - the kind of love that deserves a walk-up song. Their growth felt believable and the emotional moments had me flying through the book to find out what was next. And the reality show angle? Easily my favorite part (after baseball, of course). It adds just enough drama and behind-the-scenes chaos without taking over the story and brings some fun characters along the way.
If you’re into second-chance love with a creative spirit pursuing what she loves, a bit of behind-the-scenes baseball and a sprinkle of reality TV messiness, this one’s a really enjoyable read.
August 31, 2025
I couldn't believe that this was a debut novel. Lennon's and Dylan's character are both so complex, so layered, and so well done that it was hard for me to believe that this was the first time the author was being published.
At the beginning I was unsure of the reality setting, because usually it leaves me unsatisfied,but this time the fact that these MC's, who are exes, are put into a reality and have to follow some defined patterns, leads to their slow burn second chance at love.
At the beginning I was unsure of the reality setting, because usually it leaves me unsatisfied,but this time the fact that these MC's, who are exes, are put into a reality and have to follow some defined patterns, leads to their slow burn second chance at love.
July 30, 2025
Oh my gosh!!! This book had my heart racing to get to the end! It's so well written that you fall in love with Dylan, want to fight for Lennon, and ready to go to war with Kelsey! Didn't know I liked baseball players, but now I'm pretty sure I love them! The second chance relationship reminded me so much of my own personal love story! This is 100% a MUST READ!!!
January 17, 2026
Struggling between a 3.5-4⭐️. I think this needed more development, the concept is there and I was hooked at times but at others it was a liiiiiittle flat. Could have used more insight/flashbacks on the struggles of their relationship to make their reunion more believable
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August 3, 2025RTC 🫶🏽
August 11, 2025
I read until 2 am!! Interesting story. I loved Dylan (hope he continues to grow)(I know he's fictional 😂).
Lennon was awesome.
Lennon was awesome.
August 14, 2025
Thank you for my ARC!
Heartbreaking one minute and heart fluttering the next. Beautiful second chance story 💙
Heartbreaking one minute and heart fluttering the next. Beautiful second chance story 💙
August 16, 2025
Couldn't put it down - loved!
October 19, 2025
Found this one on TikTok and it did not disappoint. 4.5 stars rounded up!
December 29, 2025
TikTok rec that wasn’t half bad
December 19, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I am not typically a fan of second-chance romances, but I am so glad I took a chance on this book. I was crying so much 😭 I genuinely haven't felt so seen in a character ever as much as I did with Lennon. I struggle so much between following what makes me happy and others' expectations for me. The writing is engaging and made me feel all kinds of emotions throughout the story. It felt like I was really there. Plus, as someone who grew up in South Florida, I could really picture the beachside city. I cannot wait for the next one!
Plus, the author is so beyond sweet! Thank you for bringing these characters to life ❤️🥹
Plus, the author is so beyond sweet! Thank you for bringing these characters to life ❤️🥹
December 3, 2025
I had so much fun with this book! It’s got all the drama and chaos you’d expect from a reality TV setting, plus a romance that made me root for the characters from start to finish.
The flashbacks were such a highlight for me. They gave so much depth to Lennon and Dylan’s story and made their second chance feel earned. I loved getting those little glimpses into their past.
And the reality star drama? Pure entertainment. The cattiness, the scheming, it was messy in the best way possible.
What really made me smile was how the main characters stuck together through all the nonsense. Even when the cameras were rolling and the cast were stirring up trouble, their bond felt strong and real.
The second chance romance was everything I hoped for, sweet, complicated, and full of tension. I’m a sucker for that trope, and this one nailed it.
Now, here’s the thing: the book is written in third person, and I usually prefer first person. So it took me a minute to adjust, but honestly? The story was so good that I didn’t even care after a few chapters. It worked perfectly for the drama and gave me a full view of both characters.
Overall, this book was a blast. Fun, dramatic, and heartfelt. If you love reality TV vibes mixed with romance and redemption, you’ll love this one.
The flashbacks were such a highlight for me. They gave so much depth to Lennon and Dylan’s story and made their second chance feel earned. I loved getting those little glimpses into their past.
And the reality star drama? Pure entertainment. The cattiness, the scheming, it was messy in the best way possible.
What really made me smile was how the main characters stuck together through all the nonsense. Even when the cameras were rolling and the cast were stirring up trouble, their bond felt strong and real.
The second chance romance was everything I hoped for, sweet, complicated, and full of tension. I’m a sucker for that trope, and this one nailed it.
Now, here’s the thing: the book is written in third person, and I usually prefer first person. So it took me a minute to adjust, but honestly? The story was so good that I didn’t even care after a few chapters. It worked perfectly for the drama and gave me a full view of both characters.
Overall, this book was a blast. Fun, dramatic, and heartfelt. If you love reality TV vibes mixed with romance and redemption, you’ll love this one.
August 4, 2025
The second chance romance of your dreams is here!
Reality With You is one of the most heartwarming and layered contemporary romances I’ve ever read, but it is also SO much more than that. An exploration of the perception of success and failure, both personally and in the spotlight. How popular culture reflects humanity and also shapes it. How sometimes we find the right person at the wrong time, and it only can become the right time once we work on ourselves.
Lennon and Dylan are perfect for each other, but they need to overcome their personal demons first, and Reality With You showcases this complex dynamic of self esteem and mental health with the ease of an experienced writer. Lennon’s struggles with being perceived as a musician are especially relatable as a creative myself, and the dynastic pressure placed upon Dylan is a great reminder that even privilege can create a cage for someone. The yearning, the angst, the deftness with which the reader is introduced to their love story while learning the heartbreaking why it failed the first time… it’s impossible to believe this is a debut!
One of the things I loved most about this story is how layered it is. The political plot of the story enriches it and gives it such realism, while the reality show itself enhances the drama and interweaves a gorgeous array of likeable (and very hateable) characters. So many of the characters you want to follow and learn more about, too, and you finish the story desperately wanting to stay in the Arden Beach world and never leave (not to mention wishing you could watch the reality show for real!).
This book is perfect for those who love reality television like selling sunset, Shonda Rhimes-style drama productions, soap operas like the OC or Jane the Virgin, and stories by Emily Henry or Beth O’ Leary that really hit you in your feels.
Reality With You is one of the most heartwarming and layered contemporary romances I’ve ever read, but it is also SO much more than that. An exploration of the perception of success and failure, both personally and in the spotlight. How popular culture reflects humanity and also shapes it. How sometimes we find the right person at the wrong time, and it only can become the right time once we work on ourselves.
Lennon and Dylan are perfect for each other, but they need to overcome their personal demons first, and Reality With You showcases this complex dynamic of self esteem and mental health with the ease of an experienced writer. Lennon’s struggles with being perceived as a musician are especially relatable as a creative myself, and the dynastic pressure placed upon Dylan is a great reminder that even privilege can create a cage for someone. The yearning, the angst, the deftness with which the reader is introduced to their love story while learning the heartbreaking why it failed the first time… it’s impossible to believe this is a debut!
One of the things I loved most about this story is how layered it is. The political plot of the story enriches it and gives it such realism, while the reality show itself enhances the drama and interweaves a gorgeous array of likeable (and very hateable) characters. So many of the characters you want to follow and learn more about, too, and you finish the story desperately wanting to stay in the Arden Beach world and never leave (not to mention wishing you could watch the reality show for real!).
This book is perfect for those who love reality television like selling sunset, Shonda Rhimes-style drama productions, soap operas like the OC or Jane the Virgin, and stories by Emily Henry or Beth O’ Leary that really hit you in your feels.
September 23, 2025
As a girl who loved The Hills growing up, I loved this. Drama drama drama (said in a Kristen Cavillari voice). This was such a fun read. Also, I adore a second chance romance, and it’s rare that they were married before and ugh that was so perfect. The yearning!
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