Review of I’ll Pretend You’re Mine by Tashie Bhuiyan
Sometimes, the best kind of reading recommendations come when you least expect them. That’s exactly how I ended up reading Tashie Bhuiyan’s I’ll Pretend You’re Mine. A casual chat with my friend Farah turned into a delightful binge, as she convinced me to join her in diving into this irresistible romantic tale. Little did I know, I would find myself completely swept away within just one sitting!
At its heart, I’ll Pretend You’re Mine follows Summer Ali, a young woman breaking free from her controlling parents while trying to navigate her own identity—both personally and in the dazzling yet daunting realm of celebrity. With help from her friend Barbie, who is couch surfing and seeking her own path, Summer embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is powerfully relatable. The twist comes when she unexpectedly crosses paths with the charming Playboy actor, Jules, leading to a PR stunt that spirals into a sweetly tangled romance.
What truly made this book shine for me was Summer’s incredible character arc. She starts as a young woman grappling with anxiety and impostor syndrome, desperately needing to set boundaries with her toxic family. It was refreshing to witness her transformation, as she learns not only to embrace her individuality but also to seek out supportive friendships. The relationship that blooms between her and Jules is equally compelling; it gracefully evolves from mere acquaintances to heartfelt companions, highlighting their mutual growth and understanding. Their chemistry is palpable, and the adorably intimate moments—think forehead kisses and hushed conversations—had me grinning like a lovesick teenager.
The setting, rich with the glitz of Fashion Week and the chaos of movie sets, offers a fascinating glimpse into the celebrity world. Bhuiyan expertly captures the highs and lows of fame, all while touching on heavier themes like racial identity, loyalty, and the importance of self-worth. This combination creates a multifaceted narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Bhuiyan’s writing style flowed effortlessly, making even the busiest scenes feel intimate. Her pacing kept me turning pages at a rapid pace, seamlessly guiding me through the peaks and valleys of both Summer’s dilemmas and her budding love story. I found myself particularly drawn to the strong friendships depicted; the bond between Summer, Barbie, and Zach is a refreshing reminder of the importance of having trustworthy pals who show up when it counts.
In conclusion, I’ll Pretend You’re Mine is a delectable read that beautifully intertwines themes of anxiety, friendship, love, and self-discovery. Although it provides a glimpse into the glamorous life of celebrities, it speaks volumes about the reality of personal struggles that many of us can relate to. If you enjoy heartfelt romances fused with strong character development and real-life challenges, this book will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a smile. Thank you, HarperCollins and FrenzyBooks, for providing me with this lovely e-ARC—I truly didn’t want it to end!
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