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Elle Keaton
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The Real Thing (West Coast Forensics Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Elle Keaton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 481 ratings

Not all knights wear armor. Some wear coveralls and carry a big wrench.

An oblivious prince longs for his knight in shining armor. His knight has been under his nose all along, will he claim him before it's too late for them both?

As deeply as he craves his own fairy tale happily-ever-after, resort owner Cody Prescott doesn't have time for a relationship. That doesn't stop him from crushing on most men on Piedras. Luckily for him, they're emotionally unavailable or already taken, so he doesn't have to worry about getting attached.

Wade Buckner, the island's handiest handyman, is tired of waiting for Cody to wake up and realize Wade is the man for the job. He's ready and willing to rescue Cody from just about anything, even questionable hotel guests.

The Harvest Feast is the kick-off for the resort's one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary and they have a full house. But something sinister is afoot at the resort, something that even his knight might not be able to rescue Cody from.

Are they trying to kill him, put him out of business, or both?

#grumpy-sunshine #FamilyHistory #OnlyOneBed

The Real Thing, book five in the West Coast Forensics series, is dual POV and follows Cody and Wade all the way to their happy ending. Can be read as a standalone but might be better enjoyed if you start with Real Trouble, first in the WCF series.

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  1. Book 5 of 5
    West Coast Forensics
  2. Print length
    261 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 30, 2022
  6. File size
    2.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 5 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B9HT5Q3K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dirty Dog Press LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 30, 2022
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 5th
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 261 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 5 of 5 ‏ : ‎ West Coast Forensics
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 481 ratings

About the author

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Elle Keaton

Elle Keaton

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Broken, broody, mysterious, swoony, inclusive; those are my tropes.

It’s my grandmother’s fault! Alice Lee bribed me to read with a Nancy Drew box set—and changed my life forever.

Love at first binge read.

By the time high school rolled around I’d already discovered romantic suspense and gothic romance, and I’ve never looked back. What can I say? My love of mystery and suspense started early and runs deep.

Is there anything better than a character who by the end of the story manages to redeem/heal themselves enough to fall in love? No, there isn’t.

Fast forward to 2017 when, with a shaky finger, I pressed the Publish button for the first time. I’ve never regretted it. I love writing and telling stories that others enjoy, it’s a dream come true.

What else? I love both cats and dogs. Star Wars and Star Trek. Pineapple on pizza, and have a cribbage habit my husband encourages. We live in a log cabin near Hood Canal in Washington State, if the sky is clear at night the milky way is visible. But most often I’m inside devouring yet another book!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
481 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story engaging and full of intrigue, describing it as a well-constructed mystery with twists and turns. They appreciate the character development, with one customer highlighting how Cody and Wade complement each other well. Customers consider the series worth reading.

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13 customers mention "Story quality"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging and full of intrigue, describing it as a well-constructed mystery with twists and turns.

"...The mystery side of the plot is very engaging, with lots of sketchy characters milling about the resort...." Read more

"...pulls me right in with her interesting characters, locations and great plots...." Read more

"Very engaging book. Loved that Cody finally got his HEA with Wade. Love the characters on the island. Thought the mystery was well done...." Read more

"...He is so cute and just everywhere all at once. Wade us his all around Mr. Fixit at the Brooch resort and his not so secret love...." Read more

9 customers mention "Value for money"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth reading, with one mentioning it contains elements of a great movie.

"All the makings of a great movie are contained in this book… Will Cody and Wade get their happily ever after?..." Read more

"...Fun read, this is an excellent series, great characters, and a twisty well constructed mystery." Read more

"Loved this book! Keaton always pulls me right in with her interesting characters, locations and great plots...." Read more

"...This was so good & I can’t wait to read more from this author! 😀❤️..." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting the presence of many sketchy characters milling about the resort, while another describes Cody as a charming goof ball.

"...This is a very well done opposites attract story with two charming MCs that have excellent chemistry...." Read more

"Loved this book! Keaton always pulls me right in with her interesting characters, locations and great plots...." Read more

"...Loved that Cody finally got his HEA with Wade. Love the characters on the island. Thought the mystery was well done...." Read more

"Another great story in this series! As always, the characters are compelling and the story itself is engaging, thoughtful, and steamy." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jeffrey Mc, RN
    5.0 out of 5 stars An unusual death, an unexpected attacker, a rainy night and an old lighthouse…
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    All the makings of a great movie are contained in this book… Will Cody and Wade get their happily ever after? Better question is who will survive to see it if it happens? Unexpected relatives with unknown intentions, stormy nights and the ferry has stopped running due to the weather! This has Agatha Christie sitting for a read! I laughed out loud, and teared up while reading this final book in the series! All the previous characters reappear here as well… it is an island after all! Great read! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
    Helpful
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  • Traci S
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cody & Wade
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Audiobook Update
    I enjoyed the audio version of Cody and Wade’s romance. This is a very well done opposites attract story with two charming MCs that have excellent chemistry. It’s a lively listen and I loved spending time in The Brooch, there are so many interesting characters around. Some are wonderful friends and others have more shady intentions. I loved this couple, it’s a wonderful series with exceptionally well done characters.

    I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
    —————————-

    Cody and Wade finally get it together for their happy ending! I love this series and especially appreciate how the author is able to seamlessly work in so many characters from multiple previous books. I really enjoyed Cody and Wade together, they are very much opposites and I found their chemistry very believable. Another highlight for me is how strong the friendships are, I especially loved seeing more of Ben and Cody’s friendship. So much of the plot takes place in the Brooch Resort which is perfect considering how fundamental his family’s resort is to Cody. The mystery side of the plot is very engaging, with lots of sketchy characters milling about the resort. Fun read, this is an excellent series, great characters, and a twisty well constructed mystery.
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  • Golden Child
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cody & Wade
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book! Keaton always pulls me right in with her interesting characters, locations and great plots. These two couldn’t get out of their own way and figure out what was right in front of them. Before they could actually admit they may have feelings for one another, there’s strange and dangerous things happening at the Brooch. In the midst of it all, they come together and it all falls into place for them. I want more from this series, I love this island and it’s full time residents. Is there really a treasure? Surely there are more stories to be told!
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great story in the series
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Finally Cody gets his own man. Wade and Cody have been circling each other for a while. Having known each other when they were younger but both left the Island afer returning Wade finds himself the maintenance man of Cody's hotel. Neither expected the other to remember them from when they were younger or thought that the other wanted them now but the time has come for the two of them to be honest with themselves. Amidst action and drama at the hotel these two finally get together with a definite HEA.
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  • Rosemary
    4.0 out of 5 stars Loved the mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Very engaging book. Loved that Cody finally got his HEA with Wade. Love the characters on the island. Thought the mystery was well done. I think this author writes well although there were quite a few typos that should not have been missed during the proof reading. Also, the phrase "if he thinks ......, he has another THINK coming", think is the proper finish. Using the word "thing" doesn't make sense. I'm beginning to think all of these m/m authors have hired the same proof reader who doesn't know what they are doing. I'm also very glad the author has seemed to have gotten a different formatter and is now, again, using chapter numbers instead of just the MC's names for the chapters. I feel so strongly about this that I no longer pre order this author's books. I wait until they are published and use the "look inside" feature to see how the chapters are set up.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Linda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this one!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    If there is a more adorkable man than Cody I think he would be hard to find. He is so cute and just everywhere all at once. Wade us his all around Mr. Fixit at the Brooch resort and his not so secret love. Their journey is a joy to watch.
    Helpful
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  • T.A. Fisher
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful story
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Another great story in this series! As always, the characters are compelling and the story itself is engaging, thoughtful, and steamy.
    Helpful
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  • DLB2572
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cody & Wade
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed Cody & Wade's story a lot. The mystery added an interesting element to the story as we followed them finally accepting their feelings for each other.

    Update: I enjoyed listening to the audiobook for this just as much as I enjoyed reading it. I always enjoy listening to Michael Dean.

    I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Fran
    5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute amazing series
    Reviewed in Australia on December 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I have loved this series! Amazing characters exciting storyline and plots twists and turns. Hot sexy times even if there isn't enough! Seriously do yourself a favour and read this whole series. I'm going back to read the before books. Dual POV even better!
    Report
  • sarah mitcham
    5.0 out of 5 stars Never a dull moment.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    MM, Grumpy/Sunshine, Close Proximity, Workplace, Contemporary, Suspense, Romance. The fifth book in the series it can be be read as a stand-alone but definitely worth reading the series. Easy to read page-turner with great characters, humour, plot twists and lots of heat with a guaranteed HEA. Edited due to now having listened and enjoyed the book on audio, it has intensified my enjoyment levels off the chart and I have already listened to it multiple times. I cannot recommend reading/listening to this book...indeed the series in its entirety enough, brilliantly written and narrated. I can't fault it!!
    Report
  • XG
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect!
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I am a huge fan of the series, so this new addition was a must for me. Cody and Wade are perfect together and witnessing how they got together while solving a mystery was a treat. The story was intense, with some danger and confrontation, but also full of sweet and heartwarming moments. I enjoyed every single moment in the book. I can't wait for more on this series!
    Report
  • Booktravert
    5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Reviewed in Canada on December 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Yay! Finally Cody and Wade's story! For series fans, we were like their friends taking bets. Sweet, heartwarming with some suspense, this was another great read on the island!
    Report
  • Dawn Barrell
    4.0 out of 5 stars Love These Island Murder/Mystery Romances
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A terrible storm, murders, an attempted murder, a kidnapping, lots of steam, hidden attraction and humour and all this is happening in Cody’s hotel and he is not happy and is not putting up with it! All while the hotel is full and Cody is dealing with the Harvest Feast, Historical Societies and a wedding.

    Cody has appeared in other books in the series and I’m so glad he got his own story. He is a brilliant character and there is so much more to him than I realised including a good sense of humour, often self depreciating, and I loved his inner monologues.

    Although Cody is young he now owns and runs the Brooch Resort after his crooked uncle’s demise and life is not easy, money is tight, renovations are ongoing and he is tired and lonely. Even though he is surrounded by his chosen family he wants someone to share his life with.

    Enter Wade a grumpy taciturn ex military guy who works at the Brooch as the handyman and keeps all the ancient amenities running and has a secret crush on Cody.

    Cody has also been having lust filled fantasies about Wade and lives to wind him up and invent problems around the hotel just to spend some time with him but when the storm brings them together the heat is off the charts.

    Wade has a host of problems of his own but now he has had a taste of Cody he doesn’t want to go home which is a good thing with a killer at the resort and Cody in their sights, someone watching his back is definitely a good thing!

    I love all the books set on the islands and with a mix of murders, mystery and lots of gorgeous men I hope there will be lots more.
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