Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - Pretending

There were parts of this book where I learnt a lot. I had opportunity to reflect on my own privilege and think about experiences of other people I know. However, I think I was expecting a typical romance ending kind of story, and although still a good ending that fits with the concept of the book, it felt rushed and undeveloped compared to the first 300 pages.

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emilypopple's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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rachel_nut's review

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challenging emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Reading the first few pages, it is safe to say that this book intrigued me, a brilliant “hook” to draw the reader in. I will admit that it does “settle down” for the first 100 or so pages, and during that I was not as determined to finish it due to its slow pace. However, it picked up and I found it a struggle to put the book down and finished it in 2 days!

I especially like how there isn’t a good or bad ending, just a “neutral” one. I like how the author explains how falling in love at the end doesn’t mean it’s just “the end”, or that it’s a particularly happy ending, because falling in love isn’t the sole accomplishment women “should strive for”. In fact, falling in love doesn’t determine whether a woman is successful or not, and this, as well as other topics, is explained so well throughout this book. I highly appreciate how well Holly Bourne’s writing conveys the multitude of complex issues that arrive in the package that is the reality of women’s lives.

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sophsreadingbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

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my_a's review against another edition

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4.0

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irenhere's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

I signed up for a book about a catfish but left with so much more. I can't even put into words how this book has made me feel but I highly recommend. ALSO, please look up the trigger warnings before reading.

Page 384
Me: Alexa? Play What was I made for? by Billie Eilish

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ellamycroft's review against another edition

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3.0

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ilana_pop's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The space this novel gives for an honest conversation about rape is incredible. The moment

April stood up for herself (and every other victim of sexual abuse ever) to Neil in the pub was such a powerful moment and imo the best part of the entire book.

Whether you've experienced sexual violence or not, I think there are many moments in this book anyone who isn"t a cishet can relate to.
As a novel, the story did drag sometimes. It was very detailed, where often there really wasn't need for such detail. The whole hen do part, I don't know what it actually contributed to the story.
I'm glad I read it (since it's been on my tbr for quite a while), but please look after yourself if you're reading this. It's very sexual violence heavy and it can get quite heavy at times.

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