Let's Pretend I'm Okay

by Jasmine Little

Margo is determined to help her sister fall in love, but when she finds out her sister likes Daniel, the school’s resident bad boy, she vows to keep them apart even if it means getting close to him.

Daniel spent his entire childhood feeling abandoned and unwanted until Margo, a girl who suddenly refuses to leave him alone, disrupts his life. He finds himself slowly falling in love with her, but he doesn’t know her secret…

Margo is dying.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Mental Health, Emotional, Book Club, Love

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

Reviews

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's Pretend I'm Okay written by Jasmine Little was beautiful, raw, pure, honest, and heart breaking. When I saw that gorgeous cover, I knew I had to get my hands on this book immediately and I'm so happy I did because this book left me bawling like a baby late into the middle of the night. When I saw this book was perfect for fans who loved A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks, I knew it was going to be a BANGER!!!!!!! Jasmine, I don't know how much my therapy bill is going to cost, but I'll send it to you immediately, thank you for breaking my heart with this beautiful story. Let's Pretend I'm Okay???? I AM NOT OKAY, I AM MENTALLY UNSTABLE RIGHT NOW. There's absolutely nothing I would change about this book, I loved every single minute of it, it was just absolutely perfect for me. I can't recommend this book enough, dedication: For everyone who needs a good ugly cry...... if that doesn't make you pick up this gut wrenching book, I don't know what to say. Thank goodness for water proof mascara, because I don't think I would have gotten through this book with makeup streaks running down my face. Let's Pretend I'm Okay will remain in my heart for a long time to come. The snot bubbles are bubbling as I write this review.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LITTLE JEAN BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!

⚠TRIGGER WARNING'S⚠
-Cancer
-Death
-Bullying
-Drug Abuse
-Child Abandonment
-Emotional Abuse

"🌷It's not a weed. It's a flower. It just took time to bloom. It's growing somewhere it shouldn't. Despite the odds, it managed to find a crack in the concrete and bloom🌷."

"😭💔My angel baby is dying, and I'm trying to wrap my head around that😭💔."

"😥Every laugh and smile makes me cringe because it's a reminder that not everyone's life is as crappy as mine😥."

"😭Everyone knew me as the girl who had cancer. I was scared, tainted by something out of my control😭."

"👿Telling someone they are okay when they feel hurt doesn't solve anything. It just pushes them away👿."

"😭😭Why can't I like you?" Why does everyone I care about push me away? I don't understand why I'm so hard to love. Then, Margo whispers, "because I'm dying"😭😭.

"⭐Stars, they are beautiful. Their light is so strong that even after they die, they shine for billions of years. I want to be like a star. I was to shine that long⭐."

Mama gasps, "😍my sweet baby girl, you are gorgeous." Papa hugs me next, "You look beautiful, Bug😍."

Daniel Hansen has really bad abandonment issues. Oh, my poor Daniel, love bug, I just want to give you the biggest hug ever. Daniel lives with his cousin Laura and her family, but Daniel doesn't feel like he belongs there because he feels like he's intruding in another families life. Daniel's mom abandoned him when he was just two years old because apparently drugs were way more important than her own son. After being abandoned by his mom, Daniel was left with his grandma, but then his grandma left him too, but in a different way, Daniel's grandma now has dementia and can't take care of him anymore, after being left by two different people, Daniel feels like no one wants him. Once Daniel turns eighteen, he plans to move out of Laura's house. Daniel's mom overdosed seven months after she left Daniel with his grandma. Daniel's cousin Olive was literally so freaking sweet. Olive doesn't have very many friends at school, but she tried her best to make Daniel feel welcome even though he tried to push her away so many times. My precious Daniel, you are more than enough, and you deserve the world. Daniel made me cry so many times, I just wanted to reach into my kindle and hug him for the longest of times.

Margo and Annie Blakely are twins, but they are nothing alike. Margo and Annie are both seniors in high school. Margo is literally the cutest, she pairs her earrings to match her outfits every single day. Freshman year, Margo was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Margo has been in remission for over a year now, but during her senior year, Margo's cancer returns, but this time it's much more aggressive, it is now stage four and Margo is dying. Margo, baby girl, spread your wings and fly, my gorgeous girl. Margo and Annie are so different from each other. Margo is bubbly, she likes bright colors, and bold clothes, and she's a people pleaser. Annie is super shy, she would rather have her face stuffed between the pages of a book instead of having a conversation with someone, Annie is also a hopeless romantic. Margo has one wish before she dies, find Annie her forever love. But, Annie actually meets someone on her own and as you can guess his name is Daniel. Please do yourself a favor and read this book to find out how this love story goes down. I was never once disappointed with the direction Jasmine took with this book, I think I was too much of a mess with tears running down my face.

[౨ৎ lucy. · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ 5 | ❛ Just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean you aren’t hurt. ❜

[blissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7🌟 I loved margo and daniel. I was really hoping the ending would change that she wouldn't have to die at the end but 😭😭 my heart feels so heavy rn.

[bia ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

"i was supposed to braid her hair"

stop right theree! i cant.😭✋️!! this book was so good but absolutely devastating. im crying as i write this review. Margo was such an amazing character and so beautifully written, i actually cant believe she died...
i knew this was going to happen but its still so heartbreaking. seeing that she cared so much about other people or hearing her talk about how she would want her future to be just made her death even sadder and omg no i cant believe thiss.
i also loveeed daniel, he made such a big effort for margot and he was just perfect!
i swear i will never forget this book

[Aubrey Parr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even pretend that I’m okay after reading that. I’ve never cried in a book more. I was sobbing at the end but dang…. It was such a good story. I would recommend to everyone, but be prepared because your heart will be crushed.

[Maria Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was SO lucky to get an ARC of this masterpiece and it’s actually crazy how much I loved this book. I always hate sad books, and if you know me you know I’m soooo picky with romance ratings, but this one was JUST THAT GOOD.
It had me hooked from page one. I loved the characters, I loved the plot line, I loved the romance, I loved her writing.
They are both so complex and their love growing towards each other was done so well because it didn’t feel rushed or sudden, I felt like I was part of that story and they were real people falling in love.
I was scared of not liking the book because of the fmc dying because sometimes, for me, it’s just done so bad, and it either has no point, like they just want to make a sad book and aren’t thoughtful with the ending, or you don’t connect with the characters so their death doesn’t even affect you. I WAS AFFECTED. I was crying so har by the end of this book. I looooved Margo and I absolutely love Daniel. The way his character was built throughout the story was just 😙👌 chef’s kiss because I really fell in love with him by getting to know him and I loved that.
Okay, eeeveryone knows scenes where he’s vulnerable and she helps him are my all time favorites, so there was no other rating than 5 stars. IT HAD SO MANY I LITERALLY WANTED TO CRY OF PURE LOVE FOR THEM. It also never felt like just a scene to fill the story or to please readers, they were all so meaningful and so beautiful (literally want to cry again. hello???). OOOH, I’m also obsessed with Daniel’s development with his family 🥹 He deserves to be so loved and protected and I’m sososososo glad he has that now and it’s definitely what Margo would’ve wanted for him. This book has one of the best epilogues of all time, it’s not tacky or just unimportant stuff, I literally cried AGAIN, it’s the most heart-warming and precious ending it could have had.
Anyways, I absolutely am going to make this book my personality for the next month.

[anslee ♡⋆｡° · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t cried this hard since middle school when I read about Augustus Waters.

[Brookelyn Nanney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book and let me tell you, this book is amazing. From the second I heard it was for lovers of the film A Walk to Remember I knew I would love it. But I think that my staying up till two am in the morning crying my eyes out over these characters may suggest I more than just love it. I even read the book in one sitting because I was so hooked on the story. Each character had such a different role to the story which made their impact on me even more great. The love story between Margo and Daniel was more than I could have imagined. And even though their story shattered my heart, I would be willing to read it all over again just to get another small glimpse into their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a tragic but heartfelt romance, with found family and an ending that leaves you sad but hopeful and inspired.

[needaread · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 FREAKING STARS!!!!

I received an ARC copy of this book a few days ago (thank you so much Jasmine) and started reading it yesterday at midnight and I finished by the time it was 4 a.m. Now, if I told you I couldn't sleep the rest of the night, I don't know if you would believe me.


A long time ago, I had read 'The Fault In Our Stars' by John Green. I remember having a lump in my throat by the time I was done with it. I was simply in shock with the ending.


But let me tell you, in this book, I cried. I cried so hard. I cried as if the whole world was ending in the middle of the night. Because in this book, it was certain as to who would die. It was certain that her family, friends and......... Daniel wouldn't be able to bear it. There was a promise of heartbreak.


Even then, I read it. Not just because I wanted to know about them or experience their love through Jasmine's words, but because I myself needed to understand why it was that everyone felt so sad when someone would be gone forever. I needed to truly understand grief.


By the time the story flowed, I saw Margo for herself. Her bubbly, cheery and strong self. She was someone who was bold and confident and strong, not in the punch-you-to-death kind, it was rather a not-backing-down-without-a-fight kind. I admired her for loving others so deeply even if that made her forget about herself. She will always be an inspiration in my eyes.
Daniel was a wounded person, who never once believed he was loved when every single person around loved him so much. It was not like he couldn't see or that he was just a jerk, he simply didn't choose to believe it. He wanted to be alone, not wanting anyone to get close. That is, until Margo barged her way in to his life.


Daniel and Margo, both needed each other. She told him to try for once, to actually let himself be loved. She told him to believe her for once because "everyone deserves to be cared for". And he believed her and eventually started to like her company, even crave for it.
Just like that, he found out about Margo one day and his world came crashing down. He knew if he moved forward there would be nothing but pain ahead. But he couldn't stay away even if he wished he could've. He chose to stay with her, to be with her, not just as she needed someone but because he was happy with her. He told her to live like she wanted to, to do something she wanted to and enjoy like there would be no tomorrow.


When she died, I wasn't still and shocked. I broke. I burst out and flooded my pillow with tears. And then, it was like a tape recorder playing in my mind, reminding of all of her moments with Daniel, her family and friends. To my horror, I even had flashbacks of the loved ones I had lost recently, and I cried so much more. Then it was that I understood what grief was, why it hurt so much to lose someone. They had a bond with you, a connection which was partly gone now. The love remains but they are no more. And that hurts, that really, really hurts.


It's morning where I live now. I have decided to keep this book in a sacred corner, to remember when I would absolutely have to because I have no intention of going through that again.

Maybe, one day I will reread it. One day I'll remember again. But as of now I just want to feel what this story has made me feel. It made me whole and tore me apart. And I realized, this was the first time I cried when I felt like I lost someone. Not because I didn't care for my own family, but because I never could come to the terms of them being gone. But I think now, I can move forward like Daniel did, with their memories in my heart and their words carved on my chest.


Hats Off to you, Jasmine, for writing such a heartbreaking love story which has left me shattered.

[Monae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved and ARC copy and finished it within days at first the book was a little hard to get into but than somewhere around the 25% mark I started dreading the times when I wasn't reading it. The book was very good, my only complaints are that I think the beginning moved too slow and the ending was too rushed. Other than that, the plot, the storytelling, and the overall writing was really good.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC reader Here (Thank you Jasmine for the opportunity, truly honored!)

When I tell you this book had me bawling like a baby at the MIDDLE of the NIGHT, I was sobbing, sniffling, snotty. I picked up this book for a good cry, it delivered that and more.

Ok now serious review, I’ve previously read If We Say Goodbye by the same author and while I didn’t found the book bad, it had some issues in regards of writing, editing and the emotional part and trauma bonding that was very much improved there. The relationships seemed much healthier and wholesome, the characters were diverse and had emotional complexities to some extent, the conversations felt more natural and authentic. Overall, it was very good and exceeded my expectations.

Excited to read more from Jasmine Little in the future!

[Ené · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried. I really tried.

I make no effort to deny how much I love tearjerkers. How much I adore angst in books. I have seen everywhere that I would sob and hurt if I picked up this book.

It was a very good story. It was really touching, and I did feel for many of the moments. There were a lot of heartwarming and wholesome scenes between Margo and Daniel, and their families and other relationships, it made for a wonderful read. The plot flowed easily, paced perfectly well. We had to deal with a lot of things from all sorts of points in the story, from our main couple to the people in their lives.

A lot of the characters felt real. They were teenagers just living their lives, trying to accommodate for what life hasn’t given them. The adults in the story were all also trying their best to support the children. Every interaction was beautiful.

The romance was sweet. It was a good progression from strangers to friends to lovers. They were both so precious and happy. High school love to its finest. They needed each other in ways they didn’t expect, and so when they found each other, everything felt right.

Unfortunately, there was one aspect that I just couldn’t deal. If that part just didn’t happen or wasn’t delivered in that way, I actually would have really enjoyed this. It had everything I would love in a tearjerker. But I just can’t handle the misunderstanding. Now it was only a minor part of the story, but I definitely could not swallow how it was delivered. I really tried to still enjoy it afterwards.

But I will reiterate. It’s a really good book, you should definitely try it out. I simply just dislike misunderstand tropes which is why I rated this as such. The writing was amazing, the characters were lovable, and the story was beautiful. I just can’t deny how much the misunderstanding affected me.

[Illūnis Phosphenes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Finishing this was painful.. Not everyone should be allowed to publish, because what is this??? Just because something is sad doesn't mean it is good or well written (didn't even make me emotional, there's was no connection with the characters here).
If I read once more the expression "their jaw dropped to the floor" I will SCREAM.

[recsnchai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

I received an ARC copy of this book yesterday in the evening and i sstarted reading it at night. we all know what that means now. that is i did not sleep at all. margo and daniel were perfect for each other. i imagined daniel as jeremiah from the summer i turned pretty. it was just too perfect.
i remember feeling this way when i read A thousand boy kisses. feeling absoultely inhilerated. thats how i feel right now. i loved margo's bond with annie. in annie i see myself, someone who, while not hates but dislikes going out and lives in another world."i read and watch fiction for a reason."
yes girl i get you. i also adored olive who was the missing puzzle piece in the book. the only thing that i found a bit disappointing was the ending. i wanted it to be more detailed.
Anyways this was my honest review, I really enjoyed reading this even if it did ruin me. Maybe one day I'll have the courage to reread it(def not in this universe).
Be ready to be swept off your feet on September 24,2024

[ella.bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
Thank you for the ARC copy of "Let's Pretend I'm Okay"!
This was a refreshing YA romance---something I haven't read in a while which made this read all the better. It reminds me of so many tearjerkers, but it also had its own unique story that really allowed for the characters and the story to feel new. Margo and Daniel were the heart and soul of this book, they both came from very different backgrounds but seeing how they were able to connect and reach out for one another was so amazing. I also loved the incorporation of other relationships, such as Olive, Annie, Mrs. Blakley and so many more. The various cast of characters all had a significant role that made those so much better (and so much sadder) than I could have expected.
If you're looking for a easy yet heartbreaking YA romance to read this is the perfect book to pick up <3

[Anastacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a YA book, I really loved this story. The characters, the storyline, the way it all played out, even knowing from the start there wasn’t going to be a HEA, even knowing how it would end, it was still so good.

It’s hard to explain what it feels like to deeply feel a book like this, but that’s exactly what it did. My empathy just clung to every page and sank me in. It pulled so much out of me. I thought of my younger self losing one of my best friends, of the unconditional love I share with my twin sister, and of myself now, as a mom, feeling that pain on an entirely new level. Just… so much.

I really thought I was going to get through this one with just a fractured heart, some tears, but still holding it together. Then the fucking earrings… the damn earrings broke me, and suddenly I was sobbing. That fractured heart cracked wide open, and now I’m just numb.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book:
LET'S PRETEND I'M OKAY by Jasmine Little
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC (Sept 25)

Review:
5⭐
Margo is dying. Before she goes, she wants to help everyone. Daniel is new to the school. He's lost, thinking no one cares. When Margo comes into his life, determined to help her sister fall in love, everything changes.
Oh my goodness. This book. I don't even know what to say. LET'S PRETEND I'M OKAY is an emotional rollercoaster of a read. Jasmine Little embodies emotions within this book, which is an absolute tearjerker.
I really liked this story. It was beautiful, learning about Margo, reading about how she was coping with everything. It was also gut-wrenching: tears, heartbreak, love...if you need to cry, then you need to read this.

[lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so sad. I knew she was going to die the whole time and yet I was surprised when she did 😢
“Just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean you aren’t hurt.” Bless they were so sweet. I loved how she truly saw him.

Omg him trying so hard for what he thinks was their first date killed me.

“I’d learn to braid your hair, no matter how long it was. I’d dance with you in the moonlight and under the stars. I’d listen to you play whatever instrument you chose every night, even if you didn’t hit the right notes at first. And I’d travel the world with you.” God just kill me why don’t you!

Oh and I did actually cry reading this 😭

[~ riv ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.1/5⭐️


I’ll start by saying that i think the cancer plot-line has been overused so much that it doesn’t hit anymore, however, I loved how the tone of this book was hopeful instead of aiming to break your heart. Also, the writing with the time stamps was really fun, it almost felt like a movie.

Margo and Annie are the cutest ever!! I appreciated how there was no unnecessary drama and that they could talk like normal human beings.

Daniel was giving delusional queen half the book and lowkey pick-me energy with all the self-pitying, but I did like him in the end.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the many lucky ones to receive an ARC for "Let's Pretend I'm Okay" -Jasmine Little.
Now let me start by saying any book able to make me cry will get 5 stars ❤️ And for an author to pull at my heart strings is a win for me! Especially since I will always be a sucker for Daul Pov sign me up.
I started this book knowing that i would be an emotional reck ahhhh young love what possibly could go wrong right ! This book had me giggling along with the characters and rooting for them.Making me feel a part of their friend group loving Margo's family and learning about Annie's ideal meet cute 🤭. Also Daniel's new found family and how he was handling it glad he came around .
Honestly I really enjoyed this book very much yes there were some fights along the way and when we got the "News" about a certain someone my heart sunk.But it just shows dont take life for granted and to make it memorable for you and others because you never know what everyone might be going though.

[Nicolette Galletta-Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went searching for a book to make me bawl at 4:24 in the morning. One that held my attention and made me aww, laugh, and cry at the same time and this book did that! Margo and Daniel’s love is one of epic proportions and I will keep my positive sunshine girl and lonely grumpy boy in my heart forever. Thank you jasmine for the ARC and for making me bawl at 4:24 in the morning love you for that! EVERYONE ELSE READ THIS BOOK. YOU WONT REGRET IT !!!

[Abby Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

GODDD the most GUT WRENCHING read. I lost count of how many times I cried. You know it’s coming and yet it’s still so sad. fuck cancer. She had her whole life. she wanted those left behind to be taken care of. The not knowing when it will happen. the fact that daniel would get into fights to feel some other type of pain besides grief. this story was so well written

[Lezara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC copy Jasmine Little!

Please keep in mind that I'm always brutally honest when it comes to reviewing books. Even though I did receive an arc copy, I still believe in telling it like it is. No matter what.

I teared up reading this. Margo and Daniel came from such different backgrounds, yet watching them slowly connect warmed my heart. Their banter, the little comments, and the conversations between Margo and Annie, etc, had me laughing out loud. Everything felt so authentic—body language, dialogue, all of it. I loved every single character.

Just a heads up, since people usually do want to know before hand, this book does have the misunderstanding trope, but trust me, it pulls it off so well. I usually hate that trope with a passion, but this time, it was done so perfectly that I actually liked it and how it moved the plot forward. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!

[Emily Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest, heart wrenching, YA love story I’ve read all year.
Margo and Daniel’s story is so beautiful.
The relationship between Margo and her sister Annie is so real, I love having a sister to be by my side through the good, bad, and the ugly.

[Jen Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. I am in absolute awe. This story was so beautiful. It gripped me quickly and never let go. I felt all the feels, and everything was so REAL, it never felt over the top. I really love this book. Jasmine Little, I'll be keeping my eyes on you!! ❤️

[Kiersti Brinsfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re due for a good book cry this is the book for you! You’ll find yourself laughing on one page, and crying the next. I found myself crying at parts that I’m not sure the author intended for that…but nonetheless, Margo and Daniel’s love story is one worth reading!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ever ARC read, so I was quite psyched to read this. This was also the first book I've read in months without any elements of fantasy, and didn't disappoint! If you love YA contemporary romance, read this book. It follows high school seniors Margo and Daniel and is really cute and a great story. It even includes mental health rep and dual POV!

[Tanisha ♡]

dnfed at 66% I really wanted to like this book but it just felt like words on paper the connection and the emotional depth were missing it had a lot of potential tho :(

[Chiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5🌟 the writing felt very simple for the majority of the book but I loved the story. It really pulled at my heart strings

[Emma Sommers · Rating 3 out of 5]

so um this was your classic cheesy traumatic story about terminal illness but um MMC character arc story also hit me hard. definitely hit very very hard