ester marie's Reviews > The Fine Art of Pretending

2nd read: 01/11/2020

Before I start this review, let me just say that I have “book amnesia”. I can barely remember books I read years ago even when I absolutely loved it. Honestly, what leaves a lasting impression on me is not the plot but the way a book made me feel.

The Fine Art of Pretending was one of the books that had the honor to be included in my favorites (stand-alone) shelf but I couldn’t even remember any of it. All I know is that it was sweet and fluffy and I absolutely loved it. So despite reading this five years ago, it still felt like the first time.

I read The Fine Art of Pretending back when I wasn’t a critical reader so I was afraid that I wouldn’t feel the same way. Fortunately, even after all these years, it was as good as I remembered.

I guess one of the reasons why I loved this book is how I can relate to Aly. I also went through this phase. When I was young, I was a very awkward and shy kid. I didn’t have confidence and I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin. But books happened and the characters I read made me realize that I can try to change for the better. I read tips about fashion, socializing, and everything. Haha. Slowly, I started to love myself and I can say that I like who I am now. Although Aly initially did it to get noticed, I liked how in the end, she realized that she should do it for herself.

If you’re trash for sweet and fluffy contemporary romance like me — especially of the friends to lovers variety— I’m pretty sure you would love this. It was so cute that it had me rolling in my bed at 5 am. I really loved Brandon even though I wanted to smack his head sometimes. I also liked Justin but I didn’t feel too sorry for him because I already read his book. He definitely deserved a happy ever after too.

“I didn't mean to fall for her, but I did. And in my fear of losing her, I did just that.”

There’s a big chance I’ll be reading this again in the next five years. I’m really glad I can never remember the books I read if enough time has passed. It always makes re-reading them a new experience.

Review can also be found on my blog.

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─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

1st read: 02/20/2015

All throughout the book I was like,



And when they finally went from denial to acceptance,