Just Pretending (The Chicago Falcons, #3) by Leah & Kate Rooper
Published by Entangled Crush
Released on November 5 2018 (in the US)
ISBN 9781640637153
Read October 21 2018
This is very much a romance novel, so I advise you to just chill out and enjoy these two as they stumble their way through dislike to fake relationship; from misunderstanding to communication; from what-the-hell-people? to aww-shucks-that’s-cute. It’s predictable and doesn’t break any expectations.
Tyler is presented as a troubled boy, who although he deserves our sympathy and our help, refuses to be seen as weak or needy. His dyslexia has an up side and down side–on the positive, we see how clever Tyler has been to hide his disability and to show that with enough determination, he can pretty much function and achieve. On the negative side, his fear of discovery means he is very sensitive and defensive, which makes him impossible to really know. How can anyone else like him when he barely likes himself?
Also? The fact that he is ashamed of his family makes him harder to like. So it’s easy to see that Tyler has lots of growing to do throughout the novel. I found that at least he was honest with himself, even if he couldn’t give others the same courtesy.
Eva was also a fairly stereotypical character. Being Queen of her country at only 16 means she is bound by obligation and honour. It’s not ridiculous to imagine that she would sometimes want to take a break and enjoy some ordinary teenage pursuits. Her mother is unfortunately a complete (horror) trope, and Daniel (who had his own book last year) is entirely too over-protective, and I desperately wished someone would call him out on it. So annoying that he was cast in this role.
Tyler pretending to be someone else in order to spend quality time with Eva was unrealistic, but it was fun to see them connect. That Eva forgives him works in the context of the novel’s expectations. Tyler does grow up a lot, and seeks forgiveness, not only from Eva, but also his family and friends. They display much surprise about his lack of confidence, which only serves to makes us more aware of how little attention they paid him.
But I went along for the ride, despite my misgivings, knowing that the target audience will love it and enjoy the wish fulfillment elements. After all, who among us here, didn’t wish that we could be a princess and be swept off our feet by a fit, hunky, tall all-American boy who loves only us? I mean, when we were younger of course, not now. (cough cough).
Thanks to publisher and Netgalley for advanced copy. Just Pretending was released in the US on November 5.
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