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charlie_emgwy's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I read pretending by Holly Bourne in the summer, when I didn’t realise how much I really needed to read this book. I had just gotten out of a relationship similar to the main character (only I hadn’t realised it) and this just captured my feelings so well, it was the wake up call I didn’t expect to receive. Despite the massive praise for this book I do not see it splattered all over bookstagram or booktok.
I will preface this with Holly Bourne is one of my favourite writers so I’m not sure if I went in a bit biased, but this book captured my heart and soul and feelings into one book so I need to shout it’s praises.
April has had a horrible experience the men and as result has decided to change herself into “the perfect women” only to lure in a man and turn the tables onto him. This book is heartbreaking portrayal of dating in the modern age. There were times I was on April’s side there were times I was hoping she would stop and tell the truth. I stayed up to 3am to finish this book I was crying throughout. I really encourage anyone and everyone to pick up this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 for me I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since the summer.
I will preface this with Holly Bourne is one of my favourite writers so I’m not sure if I went in a bit biased, but this book captured my heart and soul and feelings into one book so I need to shout it’s praises.
April has had a horrible experience the men and as result has decided to change herself into “the perfect women” only to lure in a man and turn the tables onto him. This book is heartbreaking portrayal of dating in the modern age. There were times I was on April’s side there were times I was hoping she would stop and tell the truth. I stayed up to 3am to finish this book I was crying throughout. I really encourage anyone and everyone to pick up this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 for me I haven’t stopped thinking about this book since the summer.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
emziesreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
You ever read a book and think how if women weren't conditioned to value marriage as the pinnacle of female achievement then this book wouldn't exist?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
bella_b_4's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
januaryapril's review against another edition
dark
emotional
4.0
A good book overall.
However this book needs a massive TW somewhere that the whole story will be about rape and the trama that comes with that. The cover and description led me to believe that it was something very different and I was surprised when around page 30 I realized what this book would actually be about.
But for what the book actually is I think it was well done. Serious and real but still had moments of levity.
However this book needs a massive TW somewhere that the whole story will be about rape and the trama that comes with that. The cover and description led me to believe that it was something very different and I was surprised when around page 30 I realized what this book would actually be about.
But for what the book actually is I think it was well done. Serious and real but still had moments of levity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, and Violence
emcguire96's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
4.5
I devoured this book in a day. I loved April and her flaws - it made her human and I loved how she morphed into Gretel in front of my eyes. It was a 5* read until the final couple of chapters. I felt that there was a lot to tie up and it felt like an easy way out kind of ending from the author. Other than that, I loved it! Going to have a look at more Holly Bourne and get reading! Fans of Marian Keyes and Taylor Jenkins Reid’s more romance focused novels will love this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
eva_lucchino's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
hanbu's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual violence
Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence
ellieeesmith's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Pretending is an informative and realistic look into dating in this modern era. The book perfectly depicted April's struggles and past traumas while keeping the book uplifting and inspiring to its readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
bethperrin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
beckee's review against another edition
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Rape