Real Love

A successful financial adviser reevaluates her life as her 30th birthday approaches in former Bachelorette star Lindsey’s rousing debut. After perfectionist Maya Johnson turns down an offer to star in a season of reality dating show Real Love, Maya’s usually perfectly ordered world descends into chaos. Her best friend accepts the part and soon becomes America’s sweetheart, meanwhile Maya’s 10-year relationship comes to an end. To deal with the pain, she starts taking advice from her rambunctious younger sister, Ella, who’s always tried to convince Maya to loosen up a bit. Ella introduces Maya to free-spirited Kai, who seems to really see Maya for exactly who she is. Through a series of comical mishaps, Maya slowly learns to embrace life in all its messiness and rethink her long-held plans. Then she’s offered the big promotion she’s been waiting for and worries she’ll have to choose between the life she’s always wanted and a chance at unexpected love with Kai. It’s a beautiful battle between head and heart punctuated with punchy dialogue and vibrant scene setting. Though the ambiguous ending may frustrate romance readers, this vibrant tale of self-discovery is sure to win fans. (Mar.)