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elkedn's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
shanabiggs's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
3.0
Harper & Luke
Benevolence
Spice: 3.5
Benevolence
Spice: 3.5
youshouldread_'s review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5 STARS
I really enjoyed this book! I think Luke and Harper were great characters and the drama pieces were amazing! There were definitely parts where I wanted to punch Luke and wrap Harper in a hug because how dare he hurt that sweet angel.
One thing I loved was how quick we got some drama/action (within the first chapter). Right off the bat we find out just how strong Harper is and I thought that was great. I also loved the last few chapters. We love a protective MMC.
I did feel at times like this book was slightly longer than necessary. There were parts where I felt like it was extra filler material that didn't need to be there.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will continue reading Lucy Score books! While this wasn't my favorite Lucy Score book, I'd still definitely recommend it to other romance and Lucy Score fans!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! I think Luke and Harper were great characters and the drama pieces were amazing! There were definitely parts where I wanted to punch Luke and wrap Harper in a hug because how dare he hurt that sweet angel.
One thing I loved was how quick we got some drama/action (within the first chapter). Right off the bat we find out just how strong Harper is and I thought that was great. I also loved the last few chapters. We love a protective MMC.
I did feel at times like this book was slightly longer than necessary. There were parts where I felt like it was extra filler material that didn't need to be there.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and will continue reading Lucy Score books! While this wasn't my favorite Lucy Score book, I'd still definitely recommend it to other romance and Lucy Score fans!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
spow's review against another edition
3.0
I need to start by saying this is the first book I’ve read by Lucy Score, and I went into reading this knowing of the author but not being super familiar with her writing style. “Pretend You’re Mine” is a romantic fiction novel that is much heavier on the romance than it is on substance. While the overall story was entertaining, this book was not for me.
Harper Wilde is a woman who gets into a lot of trouble. While running from a cheating boyfriend, she stops in Benevolence long enough to stop an abuser and get beaten up herself. She’s helped by Luke Garrison, a military man who has a history of his own that he’d rather not talk about. Both of them decide to help each other; for Harper, she gets a job and a place to stay for a month before Luke deploys for his next assignment, and Luke uses Harper as a fake girlfriend to get his family off his back. What they don’t expect, however, is how cozy things get during their arrangement.
To be fair, I think my issue with this book has more to do with not vibing with the style than the actual story. I enjoyed the interactions that each character had with family and friends, especially the relationship that Harper and Aldo form. I didn’t expect the twist at the end regarding Harper’s history but it definitely had me reading to find out what happens. I thought the ending was adorable.
I didn’t like the possessive tones that Luke used about Harper in many parts of the book. I didn’t like how sex was used to show connection instead of ANYTHING else…there’s very little substance between Luke and Harper besides their physical attraction. There were parts of these scenes that got a little rough that I also didn’t think was necessary.
Since I am not the target reader for this author, I wanted to remain as neutral as possible with the score to be fair, hence the 3 star read. Those who normally like Lucy Score will probably enjoy this book, but it’s not for every romantic fiction reader.
**Thank you so much to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book for my honest review**
Harper Wilde is a woman who gets into a lot of trouble. While running from a cheating boyfriend, she stops in Benevolence long enough to stop an abuser and get beaten up herself. She’s helped by Luke Garrison, a military man who has a history of his own that he’d rather not talk about. Both of them decide to help each other; for Harper, she gets a job and a place to stay for a month before Luke deploys for his next assignment, and Luke uses Harper as a fake girlfriend to get his family off his back. What they don’t expect, however, is how cozy things get during their arrangement.
To be fair, I think my issue with this book has more to do with not vibing with the style than the actual story. I enjoyed the interactions that each character had with family and friends, especially the relationship that Harper and Aldo form. I didn’t expect the twist at the end regarding Harper’s history but it definitely had me reading to find out what happens. I thought the ending was adorable.
I didn’t like the possessive tones that Luke used about Harper in many parts of the book. I didn’t like how sex was used to show connection instead of ANYTHING else…there’s very little substance between Luke and Harper besides their physical attraction. There were parts of these scenes that got a little rough that I also didn’t think was necessary.
Since I am not the target reader for this author, I wanted to remain as neutral as possible with the score to be fair, hence the 3 star read. Those who normally like Lucy Score will probably enjoy this book, but it’s not for every romantic fiction reader.
**Thank you so much to Bloom Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book for my honest review**
simplycelestial's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
harley50's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
jo_reads_'s review against another edition
5.0
I absolutly loved this book! 10000/10 recommend. I went in not knowing to much about the book but I have never been more impressed it exceeded all expectations I didn't even know I had. This is one of those books I wish just never ended. I loved the characters, I loved the community, I loved everything about this book.