Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$5.99 with 63 percent savings
Print List Price: $15.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Riley Hart
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Realist (The Vers Podcast Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Riley Hart (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,017 ratings

Marcus

To listeners of The Vers, a queer podcast I host with my three best friends, I’m known as The Realist—I accept life the way it is, believe in honesty over sugarcoating, and okay, I can maybe be a little bossy.

If you asked The Vers guys, they’d tell you I’m a caretaker who’s always thinking of others, but they also give over-the-top hugs and don’t believe me when I say feelings are the worst.

It’s why I have no business offering Kai Lewis a place to stay when he’s in need. He’s a flirt who makes no secret about wanting in my bed…somewhere I’d like to have him if he wasn’t the employee of one of my closest friends. But he’s too trusting and leaps before he thinks, so at least he won’t get taken advantage of if he’s with me.

Now he’s always around, wearing shorts that leave nothing to the imagination and saying he wants to take care of me because I’m always doing it for others. It’s not long before I can’t resist him—a man who likes listening in the bedroom but is stubborn in other situations.

Kai is sweet and funny and gets me to open up to him. Maybe this whole relationship thing wouldn’t be so bad…if he wasn’t nine years younger…and leaving Southern California soon…or if I had any idea what I was doing.

The Realist is an age-gap, forced-proximity romance with a bossy realist and a sunshiny flirt who has Marcus wrapped around his finger.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 3 of 4
    The Vers Podcast
  2. Print length
    239 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    May 17, 2023
  6. File size
    2.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  2. Fired Up (Fever Falls Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  6. Up in Flames
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  10. Boyfriend Goals
    Kindle Edition
    $2.49
  13. Dix (Elite 8 Studios Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  16. Mike Bravo Ops: Iris
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  20. Mr. Important (Honeybridge)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  22. Hitching It (Metropolis 4.5)
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
Next page
Loading...
Popular Highlights in this book
What are popular highlights?
Previous page
  1. Marcus looked at me, his intense gaze like a caress against my skin. “I can promise you, baby boy, you torture me even more.”
    Highlighted by 128 Kindle readers
  2. “How many times have I told you you’re playing with fire?” “I know, I know. I guess you don’t realize how much I really want to be burned.”
    Highlighted by 122 Kindle readers
  3. “I’ll tell you a secret… I flirt with them for fun. You’re the one I want.”
    Highlighted by 114 Kindle readers
Next page

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BWPK8WKY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Riley Hart
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 17, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 239 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Vers Podcast
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,017 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Riley Hart

Riley Hart

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Riley Hart’s love of all things romance shines brightly in everything she writes. Her primary focus is Male/Male romance but under various pen names, her prose has touched practically every part of the spectrum of love and relationships. The common theme that ties them all together is stories told from the heart.

A hopeless romantic herself, Riley is a lover of character-driven plots, many with flawed and relatable characters. She strives to create stories that readers can not only fall in love with, but also see themselves in. Real characters and real love blended together equal the ultimate Riley Hart experience.

When Riley isn’t creating her next story, you can find her reading, traveling, or dreaming about reading or traveling, and spending time with her two perfectly snarky kids, and one swoon-inducing husband.

Riley Hart is represented by Jane Dystel at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary Management. She’s a 2019 Lambda Literary Award Finalist for Of Sunlight and Stardust.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,017 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers enjoy this book as part of a fantastic series, praising its fun banter and steamy content. The romance receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the characters complement each other perfectly, while another appreciates the low angst approach. Customers find the book heartwarming, with one review mentioning how it brought out many emotions, and they appreciate the character development, with one highlighting the diversity in the story. The pacing is well-received, with one customer describing the relationship between Marcus and Kai as explosive.

Select to learn more

ReadabilityRomanceHeartwarmingCharacter developmentHumorBeautyPacingSteaminess
19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an amazing and sweet read that they are fans of throughout the series.

"...Marcus and Kai are perfect, sweet, and steamy together. Marcus’ dirty talk is very good!..." Read more

"I loved every single moment of that. This is so far of my favorite book. First off, can we give a shout out to all of the diversity in this book!..." Read more

"My absolute favorite in the series! Marcus and Kai were just fabulous! I loved everything about their story...." Read more

"...The books start out good, but I get bored around the 3/4 mark and start skimming...." Read more

12 customers mention "Romance"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one customer describing it as a gorgeous love story and another noting how the characters complement each other perfectly.

"...Marcus and Kai are perfect, sweet, and steamy together. Marcus’ dirty talk is very good!..." Read more

"...people in that still give five stars, but beyond that the story was good, watching the realist, find his love, and his happily ever after was..." Read more

"...Marcus and Kai were just fabulous! I loved everything about their story...." Read more

"...The romances - even though they also include fun banter and good pairings- just aren’t doing it for me...." Read more

9 customers mention "Heartwarming"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartwarming, appreciating its low angst and emotional depth, with one customer mentioning it brought out many emotions.

"...This is a great low angst story. The fun banter between the vers guys is still there. Marcus and Kai are perfect, sweet, and steamy together...." Read more

"...For the reasons I just mentioned, this book of “The Vers”, touched my heart, taught me lessons, and generated hope...." Read more

"...Well Ms Riley Hart makes them the perfect emotional match that’s how. And the bumpy ride is worth every second...." Read more

"Oh, my goodness, what a read. This book brought out so many emotions. I was laughing crying, cursing Marcus ice-cold parents...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the diversity and youthfulness of the group.

"...kinds of people both main characters, and side characters, and background characters. Characters that didn’t play into certain stereotypes...." Read more

"...His personality is fun loving and sweet, yet he carries a lot of self doubt and negative self talk with him...." Read more

"...He brought a certain youthfulness to the group. I liked him and Marcus together...." Read more

"...I have enjoyed her Books and the love of her characters. This is a MAGNIFICENT Series...." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, noting its fun banter and ability to make them laugh.

"...The push and pull between them was great, so much UST, so much fantastic banter. And once they give in? Pure fire! So many fantastic smexy times!..." Read more

"...The romances - even though they also include fun banter and good pairings- just aren’t doing it for me...." Read more

"My favorite cover of this series! Enjoyable read...fun and funny! Kai I thought was a good addition to this group of friends and lovers...." Read more

"...This is entertaining and fun. RILEY HART always represents this Beautiful community in such a positive light...." Read more

5 customers mention "Beauty"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, with one noting that the characters are extremely sexy together.

"I saw a lot of myself in Marcus, except that he was young, good looking, and successful. I also learned a lot about myself from his character...." Read more

"Marcus and Kai were adorable and extremely sexy together!! I loved Marcus’ overprotective side and Kai’s nurturing one...." Read more

"...wanted to review this book before even reading it because of how beautiful he is...." Read more

"...This was so cute. The spice was so well done." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one mentioning the wonderful push and pull between Marcus and Kai, while another notes how their relationship felt natural.

"...They had a wonderful push and pull together, which created fantastic chemistry between them. They shared some seriously steaming times!..." Read more

"...The push and pull between them was great, so much UST, so much fantastic banter. And once they give in? Pure fire! So many fantastic smexy times!..." Read more

"...Other than that, nothing came off as forced, so their coming together felt natural." Read more

"Marcus and Kai were explosive! Oh my goodness! I loved how Kai seemed to know what Marcus needed even when he didn't know!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Steaminess"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book steamy and hot.

"...Marcus and Kai are perfect, sweet, and steamy together. Marcus’ dirty talk is very good!..." Read more

"...love that Kai and Marcus find with each other is strong and sweet and hot. 4.5/5 stars" Read more

"This was such a sweet and steamy book. I loved every page of it. This could become my favorite in the series. I can't wait for the next one." Read more

"HOLY HOTNESS!..." Read more

Amazing! But it’s Riley..
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing! But it’s Riley..
I’ve been a fan of the entire series. I knew I would enjoy the book but I’m always so surprised by how much I enjoy them, how often I reread them, how much they make me laugh and cry. This was an amazing book. Kai and Marcus are a wonderful couple. You will laugh, cry, get hella turned on, contemplate your being and your thoughts and really just enjoy it
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • H. Spanarella
    5.0 out of 5 stars Marcus & Kai
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved Marcus and Kai’s story! Marcus, the realist of the group, never found himself settling down because he was so busy taking care of all those around him. Kai thought he wasn’t worthy of someone loving him because he felt too unsettled in his life, and felt he was too much for anyone. I loved seeing these two get to know each other as their walls start to thin a bit. They had a wonderful push and pull together, which created fantastic chemistry between them. They shared some seriously steaming times! Their connection could be felt from the first interaction, and I had a hard time putting their story down. Kai was so accepting of Marcus’s place in the Beach Bums, his found family, and as he got to know Marcus the more he understood why the guys were so important in his life. Kai blended himself seamlessly into the group, and they welcomed him with open arms as well. I loved how open and accepting Kai’s family was in welcoming Marcus into their fold, whether he was dating Kai or not. Kai’s family was great, and his mom in particular was wonderful. It was great catching up with the other guys in The Vers, and seeing what they were up to, as well as getting to know Corbin a bit more. I loved Marcus and Kai’s story, and I’m eager to see how Corbin’s HEA unfolds for him!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Debbie
    4.0 out of 5 stars This series does not disappoint!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was Marcus’ story the realist of the Beach Bums. He is the care taker or as Corbin likes to call him the “daddy” of the group.

    Kai is 9 years younger, bartender at Declan’s bar, and a total flirt. We have seen him in before in the series.

    When Kai needs to move from his apartment, Marcus, the caretaker tells Kai he will move in with him. There has always been an attraction between these two but it really heats up when Kai moves in.

    This is a great low angst story. The fun banter between the vers guys is still there. Marcus and Kai are perfect, sweet, and steamy together. Marcus’ dirty talk is very good! 🔥 We also get to see a lot of Corbin since him and Marcus are best friends.

    Corbin has been my favorite since the start and I CAN NOT wait for his book next. I think we got a peek at who his HEA will be with. ❤️
    Helpful
     Report
  • Leerion
    5.0 out of 5 stars yay that was great
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved every single moment of that. This is so far of my favorite book. First off, can we give a shout out to all of the diversity in this book! We had all kinds of people both main characters, and side characters, and background characters. Characters that didn’t play into certain stereotypes. I loved every single bit of the diversity in this book. I need other authors to take note. This is how you do it when we are asking for books about us. This is how you do it. It only concentrated on love while bring up a few realities for people of color. I can go on about just tell amazing this book is for all the different people in that still give five stars, but beyond that the story was good, watching the realist, find his love, and his happily ever after was amazing to watch. The writing was amazing but this author always gives good writing. I love the dialogue. The smexy was hawt! Marcus is a naughty boy and I loved seeing it. And of course, the side characters are wonderful. I love the family that they make and how they really care about each other and the friendship that they have with each other’s partners next step is the last of these books and I have a feeling that the charmer is going to be amazing.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Lisa L Teetz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved This!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    My absolute favorite in the series! Marcus and Kai were just fabulous! I loved everything about their story. There was so much glorious dialogue, between Marcus and Kai, and between the vers guys, all of it so well done. Marcus, The Realist in the group, is always taking care of everyone around him, but has never let anyone but his friends through his walls. Until Kai descends in his life. Kai is such a strong and independent force, determined to be his own person and make his own way. Circumstances put them together and their attraction is undeniable. The push and pull between them was great, so much UST, so much fantastic banter. And once they give in? Pure fire! So many fantastic smexy times! It was so much fun to watch Kai get through Marcus's walls like no one else ever did before. His friend's reactions to them together were awesome. Kais family was wonderful and his mom had me all smiley. We also got to know Corbin a lot better in this book, which has me very eager for his story next! Overall this was just such a great read that I didn't want to put down!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jessica B.
    3.0 out of 5 stars Better than book 2
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I love this author and these characters, so I’m not sure why I’m not really connecting with these books. The best part about them, to me, are the friendships. The romances - even though they also include fun banter and good pairings- just aren’t doing it for me.

    The books start out good, but I get bored around the 3/4 mark and start skimming. Then they end strong, Maybe it’s because they spend SO much time not having feelings for each other that the books just don’t feel very romantic? And for some reason, I’m also not feeling a lot of the sexy times. Meh. I don’t know.

    I had been looking forward to reading Corbin’s book, but now that they’ve kinda introduced the live interest, I’m not really interested anymore. I think it’s time to take a break and read something else.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Marcy Meyer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic characters!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The dynamic between Marcus and Kia was electric. I loved Kia's playfulness, and his constant flirting was so charming. His personality is fun loving and sweet, yet he carries a lot of self doubt and negative self talk with him. Marcus is very commanding and assure of himself. He is a little older than Kia, but they are perfect for each other. I liked how things progressed from the flirty banter to building a friendship when Kia rents a room from Marcus. You can feel the tension building between them, and I couldn't wait for the sparks to fly. I really enjoyed this story, and I look forward to Corbin's story next.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Stu
    5.0 out of 5 stars So personally real!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I saw a lot of myself in Marcus, except that he was young, good looking, and successful. I also learned a lot about myself from his character. For the reasons I just mentioned, this book of “The Vers”, touched my heart, taught me lessons, and generated hope. Truly a wonderful read, and another fine book in this series. Corbin….you are next!
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • MandyMoo
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read.
    Reviewed in Australia on November 3, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I’ve enjoyed each book in this series including this one. Marcus and Kai’s story was great and I loved every bit of it, and Declan, Parker and Corbin from the previous books all added to the enjoyment.
    This was an age-gap, sweet, fun and steamy ride that I highly recommend.
    Report
  • Dawn Barrell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loving This Series💜
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 26, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was like a warm hug and just like the previous two books I finished it with a smile on my face.

    Who would have guessed that Marcus was such a sweetheart. He likes order and control in his life and came over as a bit of a grump at first to Kai’s eternal sunshine, but they complimented each other. Kai is sassy and a huge flirt and he worked hard at getting under Marcus’ skin and the more Marcus tried to hide his amusement the more Kai did it.

    The sex was seriously hot but I actually found the building relationship more enjoyable. I was rooting for them and felt like screaming “tell him you love him” at Marcus. Even Corbin told him to tell Kai.

    I’m loving the continuing narrative around the Beach Bums. These guys really are family and love each other and each brings a different dynamic to the group. There is so much support and banter and it was lovely to see Marcus, the caretaker of the group, getting his HEA.

    I really enjoy the special relationship between Marcus and Corbin and the way Marcus always looks out for him. Kai wasn’t at all jealous of their relationship, in fact they became firm friends and their humour bounced off each other. I can’t wait to read Corbin’s story next as I have developed a soft spot for him especially after his c**k cage incident! Marcus must really love him😂
    Report
  • BEAUMONT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Reviewed in Canada on June 1, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Wonderful series - this one for Marcus - The Realist and Kai (the bartender). Hart has created an amazing group of friends and allowed their stories to roll out one at a time. Genuinely loved it - easy read, great characters (all around) and HEA!
    Report
  • Sam V
    4.0 out of 5 stars Kai is so great
    Reviewed in Australia on September 7, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The very flirty Kai, who works for Declan, is needing a place to live and Marcus stepped in and offered him his place to stay.

    Kai is hilarious and so flirty, and Marcus gives as good as he gets. They’re adorable. But Kai is trying to find himself, and accepts a job in a different state and is going to move - but Marcus doesn’t want him to go (not that he admits that right away!) Marcus is a caretaker, never accepting help from anyone else, Kai recognises this almost immediately and finds ways to try and show him the same care he shows others.

    The more time they spend together the more they start to feel for each other, admitting they like each other but not really doing anything about of it - until they do!

    This story was so utterly adorable, the care between these two was gorgeous but also the heat was heating!

    🐡MM Romance
    🐡Age Gap
    🐡Forced Proximity
    🐡HEA
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Low Angst MM Romance with 2 Black MCs
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 22, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Book 3 of The Vers Podcast series sees Marcus, The Realist, the Daddy of the Beach Bums, find his HEA.

    This is a low angst romance, with far less drama than the previous 2 books. Although there's a possibility they'll move apart and then an accident, it's pretty clear it's going to work out and all is resolved simply.

    I really liked these 2 characters, Kai is an absolute sweetheart and seeing Marcus open up is really well done. It's nice to read a book with 2 Black main characters. And the continuing narrative around the Beach Bums friendship group is lovely.

    In this you'll find: MM romance with 2 gay Black men as MCs; some spice; a bit of bondage; found family; a recovering workaholic; a bartender who loves to cook, trying to work out his place in the world; 9 year age gap; low angst; and a HEA.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report