What do you think?
Rate this book
The Femme Facade #1
Pretty Average
Society should agree that growing up was a scam. One giant experiment that failed..
Esha More is celebrating her 35th birthday and her quick fix of hair dye and champagne only leaves her with a hangover and more problems. When she asks for excitement, getting thrown in the deep end of a corporate scandal is not what she meant.
Kane Mittal has been called in as a consultant to manage yet another crisis. Kane has enough women making demands, but after Esha tumbles into his life he can't stop thinking about her.
On a mission to save Esha's career and Kane's family business, together they navigate an inept flock of managers while faced with a mounting deadline, their powerful attraction, and a pandora's box of secrets.
Join Esha and Kane in their adventurous meet-cute, a workplace romance filled with laughter, and a hefty dose of intrigue.
Esha More is celebrating her 35th birthday and her quick fix of hair dye and champagne only leaves her with a hangover and more problems. When she asks for excitement, getting thrown in the deep end of a corporate scandal is not what she meant.
Kane Mittal has been called in as a consultant to manage yet another crisis. Kane has enough women making demands, but after Esha tumbles into his life he can't stop thinking about her.
On a mission to save Esha's career and Kane's family business, together they navigate an inept flock of managers while faced with a mounting deadline, their powerful attraction, and a pandora's box of secrets.
Join Esha and Kane in their adventurous meet-cute, a workplace romance filled with laughter, and a hefty dose of intrigue.
- GenresRomance
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2024
3 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Arini Vlotman
5 books53 followersArini is a romance fanatic, bookworm, book hoarder, and writer who believes that writers are superheroes and readers are her tribe. A people person and self-proclaimed word nerd, she finds comfort in almost any space. However, nothing compares to the joy of being at home with her husband, son, and fur babies.
Living in Johannesburg, South Africa, has gifted her a quirky worldview. In a place where laughter often involves poking fun at oneself, her sense of humour occasionally gets lost in translation. She hopes readers will be kind—she promises she’s funny!
One of her favourite hobbies is unapologetic fangirling (yes, it’s a thing!). Whether it’s musicians, books, movies, or obscure characters, Arini dives into her obsessions with the same gusto as Harry Potter charging into the Whomping Willow.
Connect with Arini on Instagram and TikTok (@arini_author) to share in her journey. Quirkiness, unite!
Living in Johannesburg, South Africa, has gifted her a quirky worldview. In a place where laughter often involves poking fun at oneself, her sense of humour occasionally gets lost in translation. She hopes readers will be kind—she promises she’s funny!
One of her favourite hobbies is unapologetic fangirling (yes, it’s a thing!). Whether it’s musicians, books, movies, or obscure characters, Arini dives into her obsessions with the same gusto as Harry Potter charging into the Whomping Willow.
Connect with Arini on Instagram and TikTok (@arini_author) to share in her journey. Quirkiness, unite!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 12, 2024
There is nothing average about Pretty Average. The author does a fabulous job at making ordinary moments of day-to-day life feel special with prose that is beautiful without feeling over-the-top.
Both the rom and com parts of this romantic comedy delivered. A few lines had me laughing out loud, and others had me swooning.
As a fellow millennial, protagonist Esha’s existential crisis is very relatable and had me rooting for her from page one. The chemistry between her and Kane is sizzling from first interaction. The mystery of the corporate scandal was really well-woven and kept me curious and flipping the pages wanting to know the dirty details.
Both the rom and com parts of this romantic comedy delivered. A few lines had me laughing out loud, and others had me swooning.
As a fellow millennial, protagonist Esha’s existential crisis is very relatable and had me rooting for her from page one. The chemistry between her and Kane is sizzling from first interaction. The mystery of the corporate scandal was really well-woven and kept me curious and flipping the pages wanting to know the dirty details.
February 27, 2024
I signed up to get an ARC as soon as I noticed this novel on Twitter. The story is set in South Africa, which piqued my interest. I can't say I've ever read a novel set there. It also had a diverse set of characters, such as those with Indian ancestry who have lived in South Africa for several years. The story reminded me somewhat of Tatiana Vedenskaya's "Мой служебный роман," ("My Office Romance") which also featured a company with a new "employee" to straighten things out, except that in "Pretty Average," there are shady dealings of embezzlement going on in the company. The story is told from the point of view of both main characters and moves quickly. One trope is that the characters have several misunderstandings that could have been cleared up just by asking/answering 2-3 questions.
Spice level: closed-door
Spice level: closed-door
April 30, 2024
A debut novel by a South African author familiar with the Johannesburg setting. I enjoyed the funny moments between the characters, their banter was sometimes super halarious and maybe verging more on South African humour (maybe idk) but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I was, however, getting whiplash with the characters feelings for one another, but the mystery element involved made me keep turning the page. Of course I knew who was the guilty party, I was just waiting for the characters to catch up 😂. I can't wait for the next one!
March 18, 2024
I read to escape reality, and so I usually can't read books that are set in South Africa. It tends to break the illusion for me since I live in SA. Pretty Average pulled me in and it didn't matter where this beautiful love story was set. Kane is the sweetest MMC and I absolutely adored him. Esha, the FMC, sometimes came off as whiny but it didn't detract from the storyline.
This was a beautiful and clean romance. I can't wait to read whatever Arini Vlotman writes next because it can only get better from her debut novel.
This was a beautiful and clean romance. I can't wait to read whatever Arini Vlotman writes next because it can only get better from her debut novel.
March 23, 2024
I'm always here for contemporary love stories set in South Africa. I can almost imagine myself having walked past Esha and her friends in the Joburg streets, lol.
The story was easy to follow and visualize, the kind of uncomplicated reading that I enjoy.
Esha's inner monologs were so relatable, because girl same!
And without giving too much away, I particularly enjoyed the espionage element of it, and Kane and his secrets, being a fan of the genre blend of thriller and romance and all.
I just wish it was longer 👀
The story was easy to follow and visualize, the kind of uncomplicated reading that I enjoy.
Esha's inner monologs were so relatable, because girl same!
And without giving too much away, I particularly enjoyed the espionage element of it, and Kane and his secrets, being a fan of the genre blend of thriller and romance and all.
I just wish it was longer 👀
February 18, 2024
In the beginning of the story. Esha is faced with turning thirty-five. She’s not sure what she has done with her life. After a fun filled weekend with her friends she is faced with a crisis at work. She is thrown in the middle of the crisis and needs to try to clear her name.
Kane Mittal is full of mystery. On his way to his new job , he bumps into a beautiful woman who changes his life. He is determined to help clear his uncle’s name.
This story is a cute office romance with a lot of mystery revolving around the characters. It was a joy to read.
Kane Mittal is full of mystery. On his way to his new job , he bumps into a beautiful woman who changes his life. He is determined to help clear his uncle’s name.
This story is a cute office romance with a lot of mystery revolving around the characters. It was a joy to read.
June 17, 2024
Pretty Average is anything but Average !
I devoured this book & he banter between Esha and Kane!
The familiar pops of Joburg made this book even more enjoyable because I could picture exactly where the characters were!
Esha is one of my favourite FMCs I've read as she is so completely relatable for anyone in or close to 30 !
Can't wait for the next book in the series !
I devoured this book & he banter between Esha and Kane!
The familiar pops of Joburg made this book even more enjoyable because I could picture exactly where the characters were!
Esha is one of my favourite FMCs I've read as she is so completely relatable for anyone in or close to 30 !
Can't wait for the next book in the series !
January 14, 2024
Sweet work place enemies to lovers.
From the 1st moment Kane and esha meet, there are sparks and he has a big secret that his keeping. Esha is so relatable to a woman in her 30s and Kane the Hot protective Alpha. It also has a good story and keeps you reading. It's a lovely light and Fluffy read. Like comfort food.
From the 1st moment Kane and esha meet, there are sparks and he has a big secret that his keeping. Esha is so relatable to a woman in her 30s and Kane the Hot protective Alpha. It also has a good story and keeps you reading. It's a lovely light and Fluffy read. Like comfort food.
December 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and the South African setting.
I swear, Arini wrote Esha as a little bit older version of me! All I need now is the blossoming love story...I hope I wouldn't have to wait until 35...
I swear, Arini wrote Esha as a little bit older version of me! All I need now is the blossoming love story...I hope I wouldn't have to wait until 35...
January 3, 2024
Real, funny, honest and sassy! Absolute 5 star romance debut romance! Can't wait for the next one! This deserves to be a bestseller.
February 4, 2025
This books had be hooked from the first chapter :)
This amazing book follows Esha, a thirty five year old women, who navigates the corporate world and somehow finds herself mixed in this career ending scandal. And every but of evidence somehow leads to her. One night. That’s what it took for her whole career to change or was it a few years of hard work as a PA? In comes superhero, Kane Mittal, who is here to investigate this scandal but how far is he willing to go to find out the truth when feelings are involved.
The writing style is definitely atmospheric, giving life to the city of Johannesburg. I love that every single detail is described from the streets of Jozi all the way to the culture. Even though I might not know the area but I can already hear the cars, see the traffic and imagine all the characters personalities, which I adore. I love that its unique and diverse narrative which paints a vivid picture of the beautiful city, Johannesburg.
What I loved the most was that , Esha had a lot of conversations with herself which is what a lot of people do. As much as this is a romance novel I also love the fact that what she went through were authentic experiences and it felt real rather than reading in on paper.
If you enjoy funny, lighthearted/ office romance, set in the heart of the corporate world of Johannesburg then Pretty Average is a MUST READ.
This amazing book follows Esha, a thirty five year old women, who navigates the corporate world and somehow finds herself mixed in this career ending scandal. And every but of evidence somehow leads to her. One night. That’s what it took for her whole career to change or was it a few years of hard work as a PA? In comes superhero, Kane Mittal, who is here to investigate this scandal but how far is he willing to go to find out the truth when feelings are involved.
The writing style is definitely atmospheric, giving life to the city of Johannesburg. I love that every single detail is described from the streets of Jozi all the way to the culture. Even though I might not know the area but I can already hear the cars, see the traffic and imagine all the characters personalities, which I adore. I love that its unique and diverse narrative which paints a vivid picture of the beautiful city, Johannesburg.
What I loved the most was that , Esha had a lot of conversations with herself which is what a lot of people do. As much as this is a romance novel I also love the fact that what she went through were authentic experiences and it felt real rather than reading in on paper.
If you enjoy funny, lighthearted/ office romance, set in the heart of the corporate world of Johannesburg then Pretty Average is a MUST READ.
December 23, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved this book so much! It is literally a one more chapter kind of book!
The characters are awesome, loveable (and hateable... Rob + Dita)
Why did I wait so long to read this book?
I loved this book so much! It is literally a one more chapter kind of book!
The characters are awesome, loveable (and hateable... Rob + Dita)
Why did I wait so long to read this book?
March 19, 2024
This was such a fun romp! A romance with a thriller edge as Esha and Kane work to uncover a corporate takeover plot against the backdrop of Johannesburg, South Africa. Beautiful, lush setting and full of beloved tropes!
December 1, 2024
Esha is getting ready to celebrate her thirty-fifth birthday with her two best friends – one is a successful attorney and the other is happily married with children. Esha had hoped she would have a successful career, marriage, and children by now. But she is still single, living in Johannesburg, South Africa and working as a social media assistant. Instead of focusing on living her life, she is obsessed with how much life she has left to live to the point that she has developed, and journals daily, into a deathbed app.
After a weekend of partying, she goes into work and find chaos --Seems the rumor-mill is accusing elder-owner Harold of embezzling millions, which has placed the company in financial ruin. Esha and everyone else may be out of a job by the end of the day! But then Esha has an awkward moment with the gorgeous, single, and wealthy, Kane Mittal, who has been hired to lead the fraud investigation, and try to salvage the company. Did a spark just fly?
This was more than a pretty average book! I found it to be a pretty exceptional book! The author, being from Johannesburg, used her culturally diverse background to develop her brilliant cast of characters, from the beautiful yet self-deprecating Esha, to the Sophisticated, down-to-earth Kane, and the sleezy co-worker who is obviously hiding something, and poor Harold or brilliantly played Harold?
I loved the dynamic between Esha and Kane – their weeklong hot-cold encounters, the one-liners, the sparks, the romantic starts, and stops, among others. The author is really a very good writer and very funny!
The book is a refreshing take on an office romance and I really like the dramatic aspect of the potential and very serious accusation of fraud – and was it really the owner or someone else? It’s a light-hearted, romantic office comedy filled with office drama, sprinkled with a little who-dunit, and what are you really hiding in your phone?
I highly recommend this book.
After a weekend of partying, she goes into work and find chaos --Seems the rumor-mill is accusing elder-owner Harold of embezzling millions, which has placed the company in financial ruin. Esha and everyone else may be out of a job by the end of the day! But then Esha has an awkward moment with the gorgeous, single, and wealthy, Kane Mittal, who has been hired to lead the fraud investigation, and try to salvage the company. Did a spark just fly?
This was more than a pretty average book! I found it to be a pretty exceptional book! The author, being from Johannesburg, used her culturally diverse background to develop her brilliant cast of characters, from the beautiful yet self-deprecating Esha, to the Sophisticated, down-to-earth Kane, and the sleezy co-worker who is obviously hiding something, and poor Harold or brilliantly played Harold?
I loved the dynamic between Esha and Kane – their weeklong hot-cold encounters, the one-liners, the sparks, the romantic starts, and stops, among others. The author is really a very good writer and very funny!
The book is a refreshing take on an office romance and I really like the dramatic aspect of the potential and very serious accusation of fraud – and was it really the owner or someone else? It’s a light-hearted, romantic office comedy filled with office drama, sprinkled with a little who-dunit, and what are you really hiding in your phone?
I highly recommend this book.
January 26, 2024
This was a fun, page-turning read that I lost way too much sleep reading. While I'm a sucker for a swoony romance, I also love a bit of mystery, which Vlotman provides in spades through the corporate intrigue. Framed for embezzlement? Sign. Me. Up.
Don't actually sign me up to be framed, obviously, but I'll read about it happening to someone *else* any day of the week.
Esha provides a compelling and relatable lead, convinced she's going to die soon since she just turned 35, and all without having accomplished anything noteworthy. I loved the girl squad vibes, and related to how Esha felt like the spare to the pair in her trio, but her friends adored her and showed up for her every time. (Sidenote: Thando is a boss, and I am reeeeally hoping Vlotman will write a spin-off starring my favorite side character.)
Kane is a swoony-worthy lead. He's large and in charge, yet falling faster and faster for this woman who's been burned in the past and believes she's only average at best. Their love story is beautiful, romantic, and real. He's flawed, but he's trying, and I loved that realistic glimpse into relationships and humanity in general.
The characterization was phenomenal. Lovable characters, deliciously hateable characters, redemption, and second chances. And the setting? Vlotman paints a vibrant scene of life in Johannesburg as a South African-Indian. I'd never read a book set in South Africa before, but I'm hooked now.
Overall, a fantastic read, and a great debut. I'm looking forward to Vlotman's future works.
Spice: closed-door (but some steamy kisses... wink, wink)
Language: some mild swears sprinkled infrequently throughout the book
Don't actually sign me up to be framed, obviously, but I'll read about it happening to someone *else* any day of the week.
Esha provides a compelling and relatable lead, convinced she's going to die soon since she just turned 35, and all without having accomplished anything noteworthy. I loved the girl squad vibes, and related to how Esha felt like the spare to the pair in her trio, but her friends adored her and showed up for her every time. (Sidenote: Thando is a boss, and I am reeeeally hoping Vlotman will write a spin-off starring my favorite side character.)
Kane is a swoony-worthy lead. He's large and in charge, yet falling faster and faster for this woman who's been burned in the past and believes she's only average at best. Their love story is beautiful, romantic, and real. He's flawed, but he's trying, and I loved that realistic glimpse into relationships and humanity in general.
The characterization was phenomenal. Lovable characters, deliciously hateable characters, redemption, and second chances. And the setting? Vlotman paints a vibrant scene of life in Johannesburg as a South African-Indian. I'd never read a book set in South Africa before, but I'm hooked now.
Overall, a fantastic read, and a great debut. I'm looking forward to Vlotman's future works.
Spice: closed-door (but some steamy kisses... wink, wink)
Language: some mild swears sprinkled infrequently throughout the book
February 4, 2025
This books had be hooked from the first chapter :)
This amazing book follows Esha, a thirty five year old women, who navigates the corporate world and somehow finds herself mixed in this career ending scandal. And every but of evidence somehow leads to her. One night. That’s what it took for her whole career to change or was it a few years of hard work as a PA? In comes superhero, Kane Mittal, who is here to investigate this scandal but how far is he willing to go to find out the truth when feelings are involved.
The writing style is definitely atmospheric, giving life to the city of Johannesburg. I love that every single detail is described from the streets of Jozi all the way to the culture. Even though I might not know the area but I can already hear the cars, see the traffic and imagine all the characters personalities, which I adore. I love that its unique and diverse narrative which paints a vivid picture of the beautiful city, Johannesburg.
What I loved the most was that , Esha had a lot of conversations with herself which is what a lot of people do. As much as this is a romance novel I also love the fact that what she went through were authentic experiences and it felt real rather than reading in on paper.
If you enjoy funny, lighthearted/ office romance, set in the heart of the corporate world of Johannesburg then Pretty Average is a MUST READ.
This amazing book follows Esha, a thirty five year old women, who navigates the corporate world and somehow finds herself mixed in this career ending scandal. And every but of evidence somehow leads to her. One night. That’s what it took for her whole career to change or was it a few years of hard work as a PA? In comes superhero, Kane Mittal, who is here to investigate this scandal but how far is he willing to go to find out the truth when feelings are involved.
The writing style is definitely atmospheric, giving life to the city of Johannesburg. I love that every single detail is described from the streets of Jozi all the way to the culture. Even though I might not know the area but I can already hear the cars, see the traffic and imagine all the characters personalities, which I adore. I love that its unique and diverse narrative which paints a vivid picture of the beautiful city, Johannesburg.
What I loved the most was that , Esha had a lot of conversations with herself which is what a lot of people do. As much as this is a romance novel I also love the fact that what she went through were authentic experiences and it felt real rather than reading in on paper.
If you enjoy funny, lighthearted/ office romance, set in the heart of the corporate world of Johannesburg then Pretty Average is a MUST READ.
May 1, 2024
Arini Vlotman's debut offering proves to be a truly satisfying literary journey, filled with an abundance of twists and turns that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages. With a perfect blend of laughter, tears, secrets and lies, the narrative unfolds in a captivating manner that leaves a lasting impression.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Vlotman's impeccable writing style, which feels effortlessly conversational yet incredibly immersive. Readers will find themselves deeply engrossed in the story, often forgetting that they are reading in the third person.
What truly sets this book apart is the attention to detail given to each character. Vlotman skillfully crafts rounded images of her characters without resorting to lengthy exposition, making them instantly relatable and endearing to the reader.
The intertwining of love amidst a backdrop of crime and intrigue is executed masterfully, with the plot benefiting greatly from the well-balanced narrative structure. The seamless change in point of view only serves to enhance the immersive storytelling experience, making this novel stand out in its genre. Overall, Vlotman delivers a compelling read that is sure to resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Vlotman's impeccable writing style, which feels effortlessly conversational yet incredibly immersive. Readers will find themselves deeply engrossed in the story, often forgetting that they are reading in the third person.
What truly sets this book apart is the attention to detail given to each character. Vlotman skillfully crafts rounded images of her characters without resorting to lengthy exposition, making them instantly relatable and endearing to the reader.
The intertwining of love amidst a backdrop of crime and intrigue is executed masterfully, with the plot benefiting greatly from the well-balanced narrative structure. The seamless change in point of view only serves to enhance the immersive storytelling experience, making this novel stand out in its genre. Overall, Vlotman delivers a compelling read that is sure to resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.
December 29, 2024
I read this after Pretty Unexpected and I must admit, I’m glad I did! I enjoyed it more having already gotten to know the characters in the sequel. This was a fun mystery with a fantastic feel-good ending where justice is served and all’s well that ends well – after a ton of drama!
It was interesting to see how both Kane and Esha fell hard and fast immediately and the depth of their feelings for one another, even though Esha denied hers quite a lot of the time. I enjoyed the office setting that dominated most of the book and the way Esha interacted with her colleagues. I also loved the way that by the end of the book she’d decided to embrace who she was and just be herself and this made her colleagues like her and want to engage with her. The disability inclusion, in the form of Alzheimer’s, also resonated with me and I’m really glad that things worked out well for Kane’s uncle in the end!
This and Pretty Unexpected made me look forward to Pretty Bossy and I will be reading it as soon as it comes out.
Content warning: This book contains some strong language and is on the edgier side of no spice but it is interrupted - anything that happens is off page f2b.
It was interesting to see how both Kane and Esha fell hard and fast immediately and the depth of their feelings for one another, even though Esha denied hers quite a lot of the time. I enjoyed the office setting that dominated most of the book and the way Esha interacted with her colleagues. I also loved the way that by the end of the book she’d decided to embrace who she was and just be herself and this made her colleagues like her and want to engage with her. The disability inclusion, in the form of Alzheimer’s, also resonated with me and I’m really glad that things worked out well for Kane’s uncle in the end!
This and Pretty Unexpected made me look forward to Pretty Bossy and I will be reading it as soon as it comes out.
Content warning: This book contains some strong language and is on the edgier side of no spice but it is interrupted - anything that happens is off page f2b.
December 1, 2025
Wow just wow!
Despite the title of this book – the characters are far from average. This book had me hooked from the beginning right to the end. I was completely hooked, and the momentum never let up. Pretty Average delivers far more than a standard romance; it weaves together heartfelt emotion, sharp humour, and a surprisingly intricate plot that adds layers of depth to the story.
Arini masterfully interlaces romance with mystery and high-stakes drama. The intrigue alone could carry the book! There are office scandals, questionable loyalties, and a wonderfully unhinged contractual agreement that kept me flipping pages long after I should’ve gone to bed. Every twist is delivered with just the right amount of tension and flair.
Esha is part of a friendship trio that absolutely shines. They’re funny, quirky, chaotic in the best way, and endlessly entertaining. Their dynamic gives the story so much personality and warmth, balancing the glamour with relatable humour and heart.
Pretty Average played in my head like a movie – average meets rich life bling & family empires. Bollywood meets Johannesburg!
Despite the title of this book – the characters are far from average. This book had me hooked from the beginning right to the end. I was completely hooked, and the momentum never let up. Pretty Average delivers far more than a standard romance; it weaves together heartfelt emotion, sharp humour, and a surprisingly intricate plot that adds layers of depth to the story.
Arini masterfully interlaces romance with mystery and high-stakes drama. The intrigue alone could carry the book! There are office scandals, questionable loyalties, and a wonderfully unhinged contractual agreement that kept me flipping pages long after I should’ve gone to bed. Every twist is delivered with just the right amount of tension and flair.
Esha is part of a friendship trio that absolutely shines. They’re funny, quirky, chaotic in the best way, and endlessly entertaining. Their dynamic gives the story so much personality and warmth, balancing the glamour with relatable humour and heart.
Pretty Average played in my head like a movie – average meets rich life bling & family empires. Bollywood meets Johannesburg!
May 7, 2024
No Spoilers, I adored this book and to be completely honest for the first 100 pages I thought okay this is a cute little romcom office romance and then… and THEN the action started! There were twists and turns at every corner and I was paging so fast just to see what happens next! This book has the most incredible main characters and side characters! It’s a fade to black/closed door so I feel like it’s appropriate for YA. Esha(the MFC) and I are besties I’ve decided because her inner dialogue made me say “even me girl” 😂
This book is unique, diverse and inclusive! It’s based in the gorgeous city of Johannesburg South Africa and you will fly through these pages! Arini paints a beautiful picture with her writing ❤️ notice how I didn’t mention the main male character Kane… because well Kane still has me in a chokehold and I’m trying to get over him but I don’t think I ever will 😍
If you want a quick quirky little office romance with angst and a cuteness overload, READ Pretty Average! I promise there’s nothing Average about it 😉
This book is unique, diverse and inclusive! It’s based in the gorgeous city of Johannesburg South Africa and you will fly through these pages! Arini paints a beautiful picture with her writing ❤️ notice how I didn’t mention the main male character Kane… because well Kane still has me in a chokehold and I’m trying to get over him but I don’t think I ever will 😍
If you want a quick quirky little office romance with angst and a cuteness overload, READ Pretty Average! I promise there’s nothing Average about it 😉
February 9, 2025
This is my 2nd Arini Vlotman novel and I absolutely loved it. It was an easy read and I was enticed to read more. But more than that, I loved that she is a South African author and that the novel took place in South Africa. I appreciated the beautiful way Arini described the city of Johannesburg. Loved the meet cute Esha and Kane had. I related to Esha so much in how she felt lost and like she hadn’t achieved anything in her 30’s.
The one thing I would suggest is to read her novels in order not because it was confusing but the second book would then make so much more sense.
I wasn’t a fan of the flashbacks, and didn’t feel it was needed as it could’ve been told through dialogue throughout the novel.
Not loving the change of POV mid chapter. Also would’ve preferred for Robert and Kate not to have a POV as it would have brought more suspense to the story.
Would have loved an actual dialogue between Esha and Misha to feel the hurt and disappointment instead of just being told.
But overall enjoyed it a lot and can’t wait to read Pretty Bossy.
The one thing I would suggest is to read her novels in order not because it was confusing but the second book would then make so much more sense.
I wasn’t a fan of the flashbacks, and didn’t feel it was needed as it could’ve been told through dialogue throughout the novel.
Not loving the change of POV mid chapter. Also would’ve preferred for Robert and Kate not to have a POV as it would have brought more suspense to the story.
Would have loved an actual dialogue between Esha and Misha to feel the hurt and disappointment instead of just being told.
But overall enjoyed it a lot and can’t wait to read Pretty Bossy.
August 13, 2024
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
The book is funny, lighthearted and super entertaining and the plot is so much more than just romance, there’s mystery, intrigue and a whole lot of adventure. You just can’t help but laugh out loud
Although I really enjoyed this book, at times I felt that the pacing was a bit off at certain parts which made it feel like some of the parts of the plot were dragging a bit and the romance felt slightly insta-lovey at times which I’m not generally a fan off but that aside I highly recommend you go read it, especially all my South African book girlies or anybody who feels like they are being faced with an existential crisis.
I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next book in the “Femme Facades” series
Thank you to Arini Vlotman for sending me a copy of your book and allowing me to be on your author journey, I can’t wait to join in on the next adventure (On safari… 👀😉)
The book is funny, lighthearted and super entertaining and the plot is so much more than just romance, there’s mystery, intrigue and a whole lot of adventure. You just can’t help but laugh out loud
Although I really enjoyed this book, at times I felt that the pacing was a bit off at certain parts which made it feel like some of the parts of the plot were dragging a bit and the romance felt slightly insta-lovey at times which I’m not generally a fan off but that aside I highly recommend you go read it, especially all my South African book girlies or anybody who feels like they are being faced with an existential crisis.
I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to read the next book in the “Femme Facades” series
Thank you to Arini Vlotman for sending me a copy of your book and allowing me to be on your author journey, I can’t wait to join in on the next adventure (On safari… 👀😉)
February 9, 2024
4.5 stars
I was kindly given this book as an arc and j was so excited to read this book. The cover is beautiful and I was hooked by the blurb. And I was not disappointed because I loved this book. Some of my favourite things in this book are the characters and their relationships and friendships with other people in the books. Esha who is the FMC is an amazing, hardworking and independent woman and I love the relationship between her and her two best friends: Amy and Thando. This debut novel was funny, heartbreaking and has all the feels. If you love a romance book with plot twists, multiple povs, strong characters then I definitely recommend Pretty Average.
I was kindly given this book as an arc however all opinions are my own.
I was kindly given this book as an arc and j was so excited to read this book. The cover is beautiful and I was hooked by the blurb. And I was not disappointed because I loved this book. Some of my favourite things in this book are the characters and their relationships and friendships with other people in the books. Esha who is the FMC is an amazing, hardworking and independent woman and I love the relationship between her and her two best friends: Amy and Thando. This debut novel was funny, heartbreaking and has all the feels. If you love a romance book with plot twists, multiple povs, strong characters then I definitely recommend Pretty Average.
I was kindly given this book as an arc however all opinions are my own.
April 17, 2024
This is a fun story with an interesting plotline. I loved that a villain was exposed through a PIV chapter of their own because instead it being an obvious twist we got some of their perspective and were thrown off a bit by being locked into what we think happened. I did at times struggle with the repeated references back to the quasi-boss and employee relationship. It was a mention of the power dynamic being a factor that I think was supposed to allay some of that but instead just pointed it out again. The MCs' love story went from immediate burn to slow burn to medium burn physically, which was a little jarring but was also probably more representative of the reality of the "should we or shouldn't we" in their circumstances. Overall a fun, quick read!
March 29, 2024
I was completely immersed in this story - the character detail is exceptional and I connected with Esha, the main character from the start, The author has an exceptional talent in character development which means you are connect with them the minute they are introduced. Coupled with the beautiful detailing, this makes for a fabulous read.
The story is well constructed and completely believable - the romance twists its way around the darker stuff, and combine this with an eclectic friendship groups, complex family dynamics and absolutely hysterical one-liners - you wont be disappointed. A well deserved 5 stars and will be keeping an eye on this author!
The story is well constructed and completely believable - the romance twists its way around the darker stuff, and combine this with an eclectic friendship groups, complex family dynamics and absolutely hysterical one-liners - you wont be disappointed. A well deserved 5 stars and will be keeping an eye on this author!
August 8, 2025
This book is a charming and refreshingly local romcom that follows Esha, a relatable mid-thirties woman whose chaotic birthday leads to a scandal at work, an unexpected office romance, and a whole lot of self-discovery. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Johannesburg, the story blends humor, heart, and intrigue with witty banter and authentic South African flavor. Esha and Kane’s chemistry keeps the pages turning, and the deeper themes of identity, ambition, and vulnerability give the book weight beyond its rom-com surface. While the shifting timelines and perspectives occasionally disrupt the flow, the novel remains a delightful, heartfelt read.
March 28, 2024
This is the story of Esha, who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is in her mid-thirties and feels like she still doesn't have it together when she meets the handsome Kane, just as her world flips upside down. Will Esha allow herself to fall in love with the cranky man investigating her? Will Kane be able to clear the name of the beautiful woman he is falling for? WHO STOLE THE MONEY?! This is a RomCom full of mystery, espionage, and sleuthing.
**This story relies heavily on the miscommunication troupe and the reader knowing more about the story than the characters do. **
The highlights:
-Diverse read (Set in South Africa)
-A very clumsy FMC which I ALWAYS find relatable.
-Strong friendships
-Family Drama
**This story relies heavily on the miscommunication troupe and the reader knowing more about the story than the characters do. **
The highlights:
-Diverse read (Set in South Africa)
-A very clumsy FMC which I ALWAYS find relatable.
-Strong friendships
-Family Drama
February 21, 2024
I won't be the first reader to say this, nor the last: Arini Vlotman's Pretty Average is far from average. This office-politics thriller-romance is refreshingly original, with twists gripping the reader right to the very end. The setting and culture were also enjoyably new to me. Arini does a particularly good job of creating warm and engaging characters in Esha and Kane, each with complex back stories and interesting family and friendship set ups behind them.
April 2, 2024
An espionage-esque rom-com? Signe me up! Like seriously. I love the banter between Kane and Esha and how their dynamic changes as they try to uncover the truth.
The setting is unique which is what originally piqued my interest. I mean how often do you see books come up based in South Africa? What kept me sucked in though was the wonderful and immersive writing along with the lovable cast of characters.
The setting is unique which is what originally piqued my interest. I mean how often do you see books come up based in South Africa? What kept me sucked in though was the wonderful and immersive writing along with the lovable cast of characters.
April 4, 2025
I appreciate everything the author was doing. I love the representation, and it was a fun read overall. There were a lot of sweet moments between Esha and Kane, but I also was put off by their constant flipping of emotions. I liked when we learned more about their families because it gave them more depth. I wanted more of that, especially since I felt like the amount of times they commented about the other's physical attractiveness was going a little overboard. Their banter is cute though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews