Bookseller Reviews
View all
Trigger Warning
Fantastic! I couldn't put this down. I felt so much empathy for April and Megan, it's tough being single in this day and age. I think most of us have a tru... READ MORE
Pretending
Holly Bourne never lets me down when it comes to her writing. I usually read her YA fiction so I was a bit hesitant to read ‘Pretending’ as it’s one of her... READ MORE
Good yet gritty
This book talks about sexual assault. Overall, I would say it was a good, although not something I would re-read. The story of April/Gretel was easy to fol... READ MORE
Synopsis
Why be yourself when you can be perfect?
He said he was looking for a 'partner in crime' which everyone knows is shorthand for 'a woman who isn't real'.
April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal - yet she can't seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she's found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry.
If only April could be more like Gretel.
Gretel is exactly what men want - she's a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems.
The problem is, Gretel isn't real. And April is now claiming to be her.
As soon as April starts 'being' Gretel, dating becomes much more fun - especially once she reels in the unsuspecting Joshua.
Finally, April is the one in control, but can she control her own feelings? And as she and Joshua grow closer, how long will she be able to keep pretending?
Publisher information
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
- ISBN: 9781473668171
- Number of pages: 448
- Dimensions: 196 x 126 x 30 mm
- Weight: 311g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allWorth reading it...
Holly Bourne undoubtedly likes to explore the subjects which every woman go through in their lives or at least read about it. April, a young woman with gre... READ MORE
Challenging read
I enjoyed ‘How do you like me now’ which was not the easiest read but very relevant so I thought I had some concept of how this would be however I found th... READ MORE
Raw, Powerful, and Scarily Relatable
Holy wow. Where to even start. I am a huge Holly Bourne fan and I was lucky enough to get a proof of Pretending so I dove into it straight away! TRIGGER WA... READ MORE
Finely Balanced and Entertaining
Pretending is a book of many facets. Following a highly traumatic experience April has to deal with the significant impact on her mental health. Working in... READ MORE
Friendship, loyalty, resilience
This is not the first book by Holly that I have read. As always well written and emotive. Tackling subjects that most authors would not consider it is a be... READ MORE
Holly Bourne does it again!
I can almost guarantee I will enjoy anything Holly Bourne writes (whether it is YA or adult) and this book was no different. All of her books have serious ... READ MORE
Hard Hitting and relatable
Wow! This was such a hard hitting read and not at all what i was expecting, (Trigger Warnings for sexual assault.)
Holly Bourne's writing just ticks all my... READ MORE
Another Phenomenal Bourne Novel
April is messy and imperfect and real, so heartbreakingly, relatably real. She feels broken inside and doesn't know how to fix herself - doesn't know that ... READ MORE
Holly Bourne Magic
TW: rape
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for a copy of the arc for Pretending.
Holly Bourne never ever fails to write a book that is everyt... READ MORE
Touching and uncomfortably accurate
A very touching read, hits a few nerves with me as I could see so many shared traits it’s scary reading them and seeing your own flaws reflected back at yo... READ MORE
Read it now
Where do I even begin with reviewing this amazing book? How do I do this wonderful piece of fiction justice? This book is so much more than entertainment, ... READ MORE
Disappointing/immature
Trigger warning for rape.
I really love this authors YA writing, and I think this is where her skills really flourish. I have read the author’s other adul... READ MORE
Another gem from Holly Bourne
Holly Bourne’s writing is so perceptive and on point. I didn’t stop nodding as I read this.
Really good
I read this book in a day, I just couldn't get enough.
I think it says a lot about how well written and entertaining the book is. It grips you with the fi... READ MORE
Eye-Opening
I saw this in my local Waterstones and was intrigued so I brought it. It has an important message and makes women feel less alone in their thoughts. Must r... READ MORE
Old Fashioned Gender stereotypes and problematic depictions of women
I’m really surprised by all the five star reviews for this book. I really wanted to like it and don’t get me wrong, it talks openly about subjects that nee... READ MORE
Heartbreakingly realistic, the struggles of a modern woman
April's struggle with her rape, her distrust in men and her frustration at never being enough is so relatable. being expected to put out on the first date ... READ MORE
I love the men who don’t need sisters and daughters and wives to make us human and not want us hurt
TRIGGER WARNING: R*pe, ab*se.
WHY AREN'T PEOPLE RAVING ABOUT THIS BOOK??
Honestly it was incredible, but also hard to read. I got this book because t... READ MORE
Well-written
I found this a challenging read. That being said, it handles difficult topics with compassion and honesty, while still being able to add humour. I did laug... READ MORE