Pretending: The Brilliant New Adult Novel From Holly Bourne - Fiction - Hardcover
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Title:
Pretending: The brilliant new adult novel from Holly Bourne. Why be yourself when you can be perfect?
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781473668164
Overview:
Pretending is Holly Bourne’s razor-sharp, deeply funny, and incredibly timely dive into love, identity, and the pressure to perform happiness in the social-media age. The story follows a bright, relatable heroine navigating the minefield of flirtation, dates, and the unspoken rules of “being perfect.” When she experiments with a new persona to win the guy she secretly desires, the consequences spiral in unexpected—and hilariously painful—ways. Bourne’s voice crackles with wit, warmth, and a fearless feminism, turning a rom-com premise into a candid meditation on consent, autonomy, and the costs of pretending to be someone you’re not. Celebrated by readers and critics alike, Pretending has been praised for its honesty, energy, and compassionate heart, including praise from The High Low and prominent authors who call it a vital, empowering modern love story. This is more than a relationship story—it’s a brave reflection on who we are, and who we choose to become.
What Makes This Book Stand Out:
Holly Bourne writes with a fearless, razor-edged honesty that cuts through the gloss of dating culture. Pretending stands out by pairing sparkling comedy with a hard-hitting examination of female agency in the modern dating scene. The plot uses a clever fake-dating premise not just for laughter, but to unpack expectations placed on women—about appearance, behavior, and the myths of “perfect” relationships. The result is a narrative that feels electric, observant, and unflinchingly fair to its protagonist’s growth. Bourne blends sharp social critique with touching humanity, delivering moments that are as relatable as they are provocative. Readers will laugh, cringe, think, and come away with a renewed sense of what it means to own your story—without sacrificing romance or warmth.
Who This Book Is Perfect For:
This novel speaks to readers 18 and up who crave contemporary fiction with bite and heart. It’s ideal for fans of intelligent romance that doesn’t shrink from difficult questions about identity, consent, and social pressure. Book clubs looking for a provocative, discussion-friendly standalone will find plenty to unpack here, from performative perfection to the courage it takes to be authentic. Gift buyers will appreciate a stylish, thought-provoking read from a bestselling author that balances humour with hard truths. And for readers who loved Holly Bourne’s earlier work, Pretending offers a fresh, standalone experience that still carries her unmistakable voice and social conscience.
Key Highlights:
- Sharp, funny contemporary fiction with a feminist edge
- Standalone novel from a bestselling author with a distinctive voice
- Timely exploration of identity, social media culture, and consent
- Relatable protagonist who evolves with honesty, warmth, and wit
- Engaging, page-turning narrative perfect for book clubs and gift buyers
- Strong emotional core balanced with clever, quotable dialogue
- UK hardcover edition with a giftable, premium feel
About the Author:
Holly Bourne is a bestselling British author renowned for her witty, insightful explorations of relationships, feminism, and modern life. Her work has resonated with a generation of readers who crave both entertainment and relevance, blending relatable storytelling with sharp social commentary. Bourne’s voice—energetic, lucid, and compassionate—has made her one of the most recognizable names in contemporary fiction for young adults and new adults alike. Pretending adds to her reputation for fearless storytelling, delivering a standalone novel that marries sharp humor with a serious examination of identity, agency, and the pressures of perfection. Readers return to Bourne for her distinctive blend of warmth, candor, and a fearless commitment to telling the truth about dating, gender politics, and personal growth.
Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you want a contemporary novel that delivers laughter, heartbreak, and a well-timed wake-up call, Pretending fits the bill. It offers a relatable heroine whose choices feel real and consequential, and a narrative that never shies away from the tough questions about how we present ourselves online and offline. The book’s warmth and wit make it an ideal gift, a compelling addition to any bedside or tote, and a perfect pick for readers who enjoy character-driven romances with substance. It’s a stand-alone that still leaves you thinking long after the final page, a hallmark of Bourne’s best work—and a powerful invitation to reflect on what it truly means to be yourself in a world that keeps cheering for perfection.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
