Movie Review: Love for Real

 

From the Hallmark Channel:

Blurb from the Hallmark Channel:

Hayley and her best friend Bree go on a reality dating show to publicize her fashion line, but nothing goes as planned when love, friendship, and careers are on the line. Starring Chloe Bridges, Scott Michael Foster, Corbin Bleu, Taiana Tully and Karen Malina White.

My Thoughts:

First of all, I really liked the lead actor who was in Greek.

Second: I really like how they used the best friends - they were a package deal and they didn't turn on each other. I confess I haven't watched many reality shows (Lego Challenge and GGBO), but I found their friendship refreshing. 

Third: I thought this was a fun look at reality TV (in my limited experience - see above)

Fourth - I loved the scenery 

Fifth: I Loved both love stories and how both friends found their happily ever after.

If you're a Hallmark fan like I am, don't miss out on this charming movie. 

And if you're looking for some reality TV books:

The first row is adult, the second row is YA.

Review: Love Songs and Other Lies

Virginia Miller's heart has been broken, but two years later, she's on the mend. She's excited to tour with her best friend's band in a reality TV show with a dream internship centered on PR. But her dream becomes a nightmare when she discovered the boy who broke her heart is also on the bus. Her summer implodes when the internship isn't real. Instead Vee becomes a groupie for the band, helping them with their social media pages and their website. It's still fun, but it's not the summer she had imagined. Plus in order to stay on the bus, she allows herself to be named as her BFF's girlfriend. Now she's struggling with her feelings for her ex. He's acting like he wants her back, but can she trust him?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the dual perspectives and the dual time periods. I loved seeing Cam and Vee get together and then unravel what went so desperately wrong. I liked trying to puzzle together Cam's past and how that changed him. I loved the song writing moments. I loved the band moments. I love how the book ended - it was fantastic. A seriously great debut; I can't wait to read what Jessica Pennington comes up with next!

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: I won an ARC on Twitter
Date Released: April 24th

Library Recommendation: It's perfect for this year's summer reading theme. Grab this one for your public library and watch it fly off the shelf.

Upcoming Review: Prince in Disguise

Dylan isn't thrilled at giving up her winter vacation to spend it in Scotland for her sister's reality TV show wedding. She hates being on camera, but she has no choice.

Scotland is freezing. Dusty's almost mother-in-law isn't thrilled with her son's choice for a bride. But, Dylan enjoys her time with the equally shy groomsman Jamie.

Together, they vow to get through this wedding. But when they begin to have moments of their own, Dylan wants to keep new relationship away from the cameras. But of course...everything is fair game in this mansion.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book- for the setting, for the behind the scenes look at Reality TV, for the sister relationships, and for the romance. I loved exploring the old home, especially the secret passage ways. I loved the moments between Dylan and Jamie. I really loved the moments between Kit and Heaven - they added some humor to the book. Their banter was highly entertaining. The ending was sweet. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: December 19, 2017

While you're waiting for this one, read Something Real (also about reality TV)

Library Recommendation: Great for high school libraries and public libraries! Grab this one for your reality TV loving teens!

Teen Book Recommendations for fans of Reality TV

Welcome to a new series on the blog of book recommendations for pop culture fans! I'm excited to kick things off!

For fans of the Bachelor:

America's world isn't great, but it isn't bad either. Prince Maxon's looking for a wife and one girl from each province (35 total) will compete for his hand in marriage. America has no interest in throwing her name into the ring.  America's stunned when her name is announced on the news. She's elevated into society and taken to the Palace with the other girls. There she will meet the Royal family, including the Prince.

For fans of Chopped (and other cooking shows)

Nora's Dad owns a BBQ joint and Nora's been working there forever. When her BFF suggests that she audition for the Taste Test- a reality cooking show for teens, neither of them expect her to make it. Now she's leaving home for the semester, joining the team of cooks. Nora's Southern roots show. She's not like the drama queens or chef royalties. She wants to win the scholarship to the Internationals School of Cuisine in Paris - and unlike some contestants, she can't afford to pay her way.

For fans of  Big Brother

Chloe (Bonnie™) Baker used to be part of the TV hit series Baker's Dozen. Since the cancellation, she's been trying to lead a normal life. She has friends - and maybe even an potential boyfriend. Then, she comes home from school one day to see a TV crew. She's not thrilled about restarting the family drama. In fact, she'll do just about anything to avoid having her life ruined - again.

For fans of Survivor:

In an instant, Charley's transported from her world to a remote island. For twelve days, she survives on her own, then she meets Thad and Jason who bring her to the city. Thad becomes her island guide, explaining the rules of NIL. You get 365 days to get off the island from on of the dates. Everyone counts their days. You must contribute something to society while waiting for your turn to go hunting gates. Can she escape the island?

For fans of America Ninja Warrior

Jes can't officially enter the race of the Fives, so she trains in secrets and enters anonymously. She loses her race on purpose, but fate has already determined her path. When her family life crumbles, her dream at training comes true. But is it worth everything?

For fans of America's Next Top Model

Willowdean's confidence is shaken after a huge fight with her best friend and a blossoming romance. She's determined to take back control and enters the Miss Clover City Beauty Pageant to show the world that fat girls can be beautiful too. 

For fans of American Idol

Bird and her family play together in a band, but one night her father can't be the frontman and Bird steps in. That's also the night a scout hears them play. He wants to sign Bird (just Bird) to a contract. Can she make it in the big leagues?

Review: Something Real

Chloe (Bonnie™) Baker used to be part of the TV hit series Baker's Dozen. Since the cancellation, she's been trying to lead a normal life. She has friends - and maybe even an potential boyfriend.

Then, she comes home from school one day to see a TV crew. Immediately, she realizes that something big is about to happen - but she never imagines that the show is coming back.

Her mother and step-father signed a contract - there's nothing that Chloe can do. As much as she hates it, she can't win. Everything she loves is about to become fodder for their reality show. Is it possible to keep anything from the cameras or will they ruin her life - again?

My Thoughts: I confess I'm not a reality TV watcher, but I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved watching Chloe struggle with the show coming back on the air. I felt horrible for her - for having to give up a normal life, for the manipulation of the TV show, and for all the family drama. I wasn't a huge fan of her mom or her step father. I loved Benny and their sibling relationship. I can't imagine having 12 brothers and sisters nor could I imagine having my life plastered all over the TV in "entertainment." I love how Chloe tried to maintain her own life outside the cameras and how she fought to keep her relationships. A brilliant debut novel and I'm so looking forward to reading the author's next work. 

Cover Thoughts: I kinda like the cover on the ARC better - more simplistic.
Source: ARC sent for Review
Similar Read: Reality Check