Book Review: Pretend You’re Mine: A Small Town Love Story by Lucy Score
I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the title Pretend You’re Mine: A Small Town Love Story. With small-town charm often evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth, I was immediately intrigued. Couple that with a premise of fake love blossoming into something real, and I knew I had to dive in. Lucy Score has a knack for creating stories that feel like home, and this one did not disappoint.
At the heart of this novel are two incredibly relatable characters: Luke Garrison, the hometown hero wrestling with his past, and Harper, a fierce woman trying to carve out her own identity after a tumultuous journey through life. From the moment they meet—Harper quite literally tumbling into his life—you sense the sparks flying. It’s a classic setup of enemies-to-lovers wrapped in the complexities of grief, healing, and the power of community.
One of the standout elements is the genuine chemistry between Luke and Harper. Their flirtatious banter often had me chuckling out loud, reminding me of the delight that comes from discovering a connection that feels unexpectedly profound. Harper’s adventurous spirit contrasts beautifully with Luke’s protective nature, making their relationship both tender and dynamic.
What struck me most was how Score interweaved humor and heartache seamlessly throughout the story. A review mentioned, “the chemistry between Harper and Luke is intense, and their banter had me smiling more than once.” I couldn’t agree more. Lucy strikes a brilliant balance between light moments—like their playful “email fights”—and the heavier themes of loss and longing. For instance, when Luke grapples with the memory of his late wife, the emotional weight is palpable. It’s a brilliant exploration of how far one can go to protect themselves and how love can challenge those boundaries.
The pacing was largely smooth, though I shared some readers’ sentiments about sections that felt a bit drawn out. However, this only served to deepen our connection to the characters and the small town of Benevolence, which felt vibrant and alive, almost like another character in the story. One reader insightfully pointed out, “It’s like you are living in the small town,” and I found that sentiment echoed throughout my reading experience.
If you enjoy stories featuring heart-driven characters who face their vulnerabilities together, Pretend You’re Mine is definitely for you. It’s a love letter to the power of community, resilience, and finding solace in unexpected places. The epilogue hits just right, leaving you not only satisfied but also with a sense of hope that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
In conclusion, Lucy Score has created yet another captivating read that speaks to the heart—perfect for those cozy evenings with a cup of hot cocoa, and ideal for book clubs eager to discuss the intricacies of relationships and resilience. So grab a box of tissues—you might just need them. This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every minute of it!
You can find Pretend You’re Mine: A Small Town Love Story here >>