You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

142 reviews for:

The Realist

Riley Hart

3.92 AVERAGE


The Realist really surprised me - it was sweet and steamy and full of some domestic bliss that I didn’t expect from Marcus at all!

Marcus Alston is known as The Realist on The Vers Podcast that he does with his three best friends. His parents have been absent most of his life, placing more importance on their business over their son and passing down those priorities to Marcus. He says he’s not familiar with love but is one of the most loving and thoughtful characters I’ve read - he loves his friends without question and will go out of his way to make sure they’re taken care of. On the outside, Marcus is a bit of an intimidating grump, focused on being successful and getting the job done, but on the inside, he’s really a big softie.

Kai Lewis is a flirt to the highest degree. He’s a server at Declan’s bar and has a reputation for flirting with everyone he comes across but also for being a bit too trusting. He’s searching for a new apartment and an old friend’s offer to help run a new bar across the country seems like a great next step. Kai loves his family, cares for his fish like his children and isn’t afraid to speak his mind to Marcus even when no one else will. His sunshine-y, happy personality extends to every facet of his life and he loves making other people feel loved.

After Kai’s trusting nature is taken advantage of, Marcus demands that Kai be his new roommate but he has no clue what he’s in for when it comes to living with Kai. They challenge each other in so many ways but they’re unbelievably attracted to each other and their chemistry can’t be avoided for long. They make each other realize what they’ve been missing - someone to love him wholly and unconditionally for Marcus and someone to help him realize and pursue his dreams for Kai. I really liked how their relationship progressed and where we left these two - they’re super sweet with a lot of spice thrown in to keep things interesting.

Can’t wait for Corbin to finally fall in love next - I’ve been waiting for his story since the beginning!
lets_cry_about_books's profile picture

lets_cry_about_books's review

4.75
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

maureenforrester's review

3.5
lighthearted medium-paced

***ARC Review***

This is my honest review for the ARC I received.

The Vers series is back with book three! Marcus and Kai are absolutely perfect for each other. The push and pull between them is divine. I love that Kai is able to get under Marcus’s skin. I love that Marcus does things he normally wouldn’t do with Kai. Marcus has such a big heart, but doesn’t let everyone see it or want people to acknowledge all of the acts of service that he does for those he cares about. He really is a great guy and deserves all the love he gives out, in his own way.

Marcus likes to be in control. He isn’t the biggest fan of emotions, preferring facts. Marcus is the realist of the group. He tells it like it is, but it’s never in a mean way. Kai is a flirtatious spitfire that only bends when he wants to…and Marcus makes him want to…sometimes. Despite Marcus resisting it at first, the pair start a physical relationship. Of course both men have to navigate other feelings that develop over the course of their relationship. I loved the dynamic that Kai has with his family. It’s the totally opposite of Marcus and his parents. The pair balance each other out really well.

It was really endearing how Kai understands the dynamic between Marcus and Corbin (and the other Beach Bums) and didn’t push back, but accepted and applauded it. Marcus is vulnerable around Kai, something he’s not used to. Marcus is so used to taking care of others, I was happy to see Kai take care of him.

It’s always great seeing this group of friends get together. Kai is a great addition to the gang, joining Sebastian and Elliot. I’m excited to see what’s in store for Corbin’s book. Hopefully Spencer! ;)

3.5 ⭐

Un M/M sympa, qui m'aura fait passer un agréable moment, mais dont je ne garderai pas un souvenir très marquant pour autant (quoique, qui sait ?). Je l'ai surtout lu pour me "ressaisir" après une lecture éprouvante, du coup, il me fallait un truc facile, léger et rapide à lire, avec du fluff un poil pimenté, et ce 3ème tome a bien fait le job.

La romance est charmante, épicée comme il faut (quoique je me serais bien passée du mot doux "baby boy" que je trouve cringe à souhait ... ^^'). J'ai aimé la façon très naturelle dont la relation évolue entre Marcus et Kai, ainsi que le fait qu'ils se complètent vraiment bien.

Le point fort de cette série, c'est cette amitié entre les 4 Beach Bums, je prends toujours plaisir à lire toutes les scènes qui les rassemblent, c'est toujours plein de chaleur et d'amour, ça fait chaud au coeur de lire ça, on est vraiment dans le thème de la famille choisie. C'est juste un peu dommage que lors des scènes de podcasts, certaines interventions ne paraissent pas naturelles du tout, et qu'on sent la volonté de l'autrice de faire passer un message, pour moi ça manque de subtilité.
Évidemment je serai au rendez-vous pour le dernier tome, depuis le temps qu'on nous tease Corb !!

Edit : My bad, j'ai oublié de mentionner deux choses super importantes :
- Marcus et Kai COMMUNIQUENT !!! Au lieu de laisser s'installer des non-dits, ils se parlent, et b*rdel, ça, ça fait du bien !
- Comme pour 1er tome, l'autrice zappe le rebondissement pourri des 80%, en favorisant, devinez quoi, la communication !!! Comme quoi, quand elles le veulent, nos autrices sont tout à fait capables de nous épargner ce passage fatidique des f*cking 80% qu'on est nombreux.euses à détester cordialement !
emeraldgemstone's profile picture

emeraldgemstone's review

4.0
emotional funny inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person

This series have had a lot of banter but Kai and Marcus took it to a new level! I loved their back and forth, Kai had a lot of sass and I just adored these two together.

The Realist was a sweet and swoony story, more so than I expected from the beginning. Marcus and Kai had a ton of chemistry, but I liked how it sizzled between them for a bit before they took the leap - it made for a slow burn full of tension and potential.

Their dynamic was great, Marcus was so bossy and gave off some delicious Daddy vibes, while Kai was more of a cheeky teaser. Their little game at the bar and Marcus getting a little possessive was really hot! There was a lot of communication between them and it was touching to see how Marcus opened up and could be vulnerable with Kai.

Marcus and Corbin definitely had a special bond and it was obvious how Corbin felt safe with Marcus. It was so sweet to see Kai being a part of that and taking care of Corbin as well. The friendships and found family in this series overall have all been fantastic, and it’s been beautiful to see how close they are.

I really enjoyed being back with the Vers guys, I love their banter and their little found family! Can’t wait for Corbin’s story, I have to admit that I’m very intrigued about him after seeing more of him with Marcus.

This could’ve been so much better. Kai was simply Obnoxious and Marcus should’ve gotten a better story.

Marcus and Kai’s story is a bit of grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity which brings all the sexy, hot tension. The guys are already attracted to each other, but it’s a bit of an awkward situation as Kai is Marcus’s best friends employee.
Basically they think it could cause issues if they were to hook-up. Marcus especially because he is the more serious and self controlled person.
Kai is a fun, flirty, lively character. I loved how he could get through Marcus’ walls.
Marcus has a serious exterior. There’s deeper aspects of him that are shown throughout the story that make him much more likable and interesting.
Marcus’ best friends/coworkers are a big part of the story. They’ve featured in previous books in this series of interconnected standalone’s. They are family to each other and they do a podcast together. Those scenes set the tone for the friendships.
I think reading in order is best to understand the dynamics between the friends.
It’s a romance with heart and plenty of heat with likable characters and real life issues explored.
teenykins's profile picture

teenykins's review

DID NOT FINISH: 64%

DNF @ 64%

Sweet, funny but not for me. I didn't connect with Marcus or Kai, I didn't feel their chemistry, their banter or their back and forth. So since I felt no motivation in continuing, I'm leaving it there.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.