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Oxley College #2
Pretend...
Life’s easy when everything’s fake.
Savannah West had it all: popularity, good grades and a family who loved her, but how quickly things can change. Living half a state away doesn’t stop the painful memories of her past ripping her heart in two. And sometimes lies are easier than coping with the truth.
The thing she didn’t bank on was Dane Beaumont. A blast from her horrendous past, he’s the last person she expected to run into at college … and it’s not just because he knows the truth. Hot as sin, he’s more off limits than generic brand clothing, but staying away isn’t easy when he insists on looking out for her. Dealing with the reality of idea of finding her place in the world, Savvy must face the guy who tears down all her carefully placed walls and pull herself together. It’s time to grow up.
Savannah West had it all: popularity, good grades and a family who loved her, but how quickly things can change. Living half a state away doesn’t stop the painful memories of her past ripping her heart in two. And sometimes lies are easier than coping with the truth.
The thing she didn’t bank on was Dane Beaumont. A blast from her horrendous past, he’s the last person she expected to run into at college … and it’s not just because he knows the truth. Hot as sin, he’s more off limits than generic brand clothing, but staying away isn’t easy when he insists on looking out for her. Dealing with the reality of idea of finding her place in the world, Savvy must face the guy who tears down all her carefully placed walls and pull herself together. It’s time to grow up.
330 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2015
6 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Nash
11 books220 followersWriting for the young and new adult market, Stacey's books are all adventure filled stories with a good dose of danger, a smattering of romance, and plenty of kissing! Her debut novel, Forget Me Not was released as a three book series through HarperCollins Australia during 2014 / 2015. And her Oxley College Saga is out now.
Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.
To stay up to date with new releases and upcoming titles be sure to sign up for Stacey's newsletter at www.staceynash.net
Hailing from the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, she loves nothing more than immersing herself in the beauty and culture of the local area.
To stay up to date with new releases and upcoming titles be sure to sign up for Stacey's newsletter at www.staceynash.net
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 25, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Why I read it: I've previously read the first andsecond third books of the Oxley College Saga which I enjoyed. So of course when the opportunity to review this came up, I just had to!
While Pretend... is the third published book of the series, it is second in reading order and Wait! is now the third. Pretend... happens parallel to the first novel, so slots in neatly (though if you wanted, you could read them in any order you choose as they work as standalones).
Plot: Pretend... focuses on Savannah, one of Olivia's friends who featured in the first novel, and her relationship with Dane. Savvy, as she is known, has been keeping secrets from everyone since she started at Oxley, but Dane knows the truth. He is as determined to watch out for her as she is to not let him know her true feelings.
They share a past, which makes things all the more complicated as Savvy tries to stay away to avoid causing unnecessary hurt to those she loves - she believes she's already done enough damage.
My Thoughts: I must admit, when this started off with the cliche of - everyone has a tragedy - I felt a bit disappointed. I was hoping for something a bit more unique than that often used plot, however after a couple of chapters my reservations were gone - and this is thanks entirely to Nash's wonderful writing.
When I first met Savvy in Shh!, I thought that she was a bit of a flake, so I'm glad that we get to see her story this time. And I guess it reiterates that one cannot judge a book (or people) by its cover (or mask).
I can understand why she wanted a particular incident of her past to remain a secret. Carrying a burden of grief like that can be devastating, and sometimes it's just easier to avoid and ignore it and fake your happiness than it is to deal with it properly and openly.
Dane also surprised me, he's a total flirt and is basically a man-whore (you know the type, and the double standards that come with it). But once we got to know him a little better he really grew on me, and he and Savvy are lovely together - no matter how much she tries to resist it!
The story is told from both Savvy and Dane's points of view, so we are able to see everything from both sides (and be exasperated at their misunderstandings doubly so!) They both grew as characters from start to finish, and it was also fun to see the characters from the other two books pop up and offer their support. And as it happened parallel to the first novel, we get to see what happened there from the outside as well.
There is some steaminess in Pretend... though it is mostly clean (there's very little detail). This series really is my kind of New Adult, there's substance and romance and it's so easy to read. Like candy for the eyes.
In Brief: Pretend... is a new adult contemporary romance in a college setting. The Oxley College Saga is enjoyable and I recommend it if you like your novels well written and swoon worthy!
Why I read it: I've previously read the first and
While Pretend... is the third published book of the series, it is second in reading order and Wait! is now the third. Pretend... happens parallel to the first novel, so slots in neatly (though if you wanted, you could read them in any order you choose as they work as standalones).
Plot: Pretend... focuses on Savannah, one of Olivia's friends who featured in the first novel, and her relationship with Dane. Savvy, as she is known, has been keeping secrets from everyone since she started at Oxley, but Dane knows the truth. He is as determined to watch out for her as she is to not let him know her true feelings.
They share a past, which makes things all the more complicated as Savvy tries to stay away to avoid causing unnecessary hurt to those she loves - she believes she's already done enough damage.
My Thoughts: I must admit, when this started off with the cliche of - everyone has a tragedy - I felt a bit disappointed. I was hoping for something a bit more unique than that often used plot, however after a couple of chapters my reservations were gone - and this is thanks entirely to Nash's wonderful writing.
When I first met Savvy in Shh!, I thought that she was a bit of a flake, so I'm glad that we get to see her story this time. And I guess it reiterates that one cannot judge a book (or people) by its cover (or mask).
I can understand why she wanted a particular incident of her past to remain a secret. Carrying a burden of grief like that can be devastating, and sometimes it's just easier to avoid and ignore it and fake your happiness than it is to deal with it properly and openly.
Dane also surprised me, he's a total flirt and is basically a man-whore (you know the type, and the double standards that come with it). But once we got to know him a little better he really grew on me, and he and Savvy are lovely together - no matter how much she tries to resist it!
The story is told from both Savvy and Dane's points of view, so we are able to see everything from both sides (and be exasperated at their misunderstandings doubly so!) They both grew as characters from start to finish, and it was also fun to see the characters from the other two books pop up and offer their support. And as it happened parallel to the first novel, we get to see what happened there from the outside as well.
There is some steaminess in Pretend... though it is mostly clean (there's very little detail). This series really is my kind of New Adult, there's substance and romance and it's so easy to read. Like candy for the eyes.
In Brief: Pretend... is a new adult contemporary romance in a college setting. The Oxley College Saga is enjoyable and I recommend it if you like your novels well written and swoon worthy!
June 5, 2017
Pretend... is the sequel to Shh! and Wait! and is part of the Oxley College series. (Oxley is the name of a student housing dormitory at Armidale University, if you're wondering.) Pretend... is actually set concurrently with Shh!, which was a lot of fun -- I enjoyed those little outside glimpses into Olivia and Logan's story.
I confess I wasn't in love with Savannah's story to the same extent as either Olivia's or Hex's; my main reservation is neatly captured by the blurb. Although Savvy has issues and traumas in her past, most of her current problems are caused by her own reluctance to be honest with people. I'm not saying I didn't understand why -- it's definitely easier to pretend to be the carefree socialite than to risk rocking the boat -- but still. The end result was that, at times (particularly at around 60%), I wanted to knock her gorgeous blond head into a wall.
I also didn't like Dane as much as Logan, who was the love interest in the first book. The reasons for this are mostly personal taste: I don't generally enjoy cocky alpha male types. And Dane seems quite shallow and vain at first. However (and this is a big however), given the dual POV, we get to see inside his head, which gives us a chance to see that there is more going on than a surfboard and immaculate pecs. I admit he, erm, grew on me. :p
And the pairing of Savvy and Dane really worked. I liked that he saw past her smokescreen and was, from the start, the one she could rely on, who knew the truth and who called her out on her BS. I liked the way they grew throughout the book.
The other thing I really loved about Pretend... was how much of it was set at the beach. It made me really hanker for a holiday!
Like all the Oxley College books, Pretend... is sweet new adult romance, meaning that although there is heated kissing (boy howdy!), the sex all happens off camera, so to speak. There is more swearing in this book than in the previous two, which I actually found a relief as it read more naturally.
If you enjoy clean-ish college/university romances with raw and honest alpha male leads and fashion-conscious female leads with tragic pasts, then Pretend... is the book for you. Although the story would stand alone, if it were me I'd start with Shh! and then read this one, then Wait!.
I confess I wasn't in love with Savannah's story to the same extent as either Olivia's or Hex's; my main reservation is neatly captured by the blurb. Although Savvy has issues and traumas in her past, most of her current problems are caused by her own reluctance to be honest with people. I'm not saying I didn't understand why -- it's definitely easier to pretend to be the carefree socialite than to risk rocking the boat -- but still. The end result was that, at times (particularly at around 60%), I wanted to knock her gorgeous blond head into a wall.
I also didn't like Dane as much as Logan, who was the love interest in the first book. The reasons for this are mostly personal taste: I don't generally enjoy cocky alpha male types. And Dane seems quite shallow and vain at first. However (and this is a big however), given the dual POV, we get to see inside his head, which gives us a chance to see that there is more going on than a surfboard and immaculate pecs. I admit he, erm, grew on me. :p
And the pairing of Savvy and Dane really worked. I liked that he saw past her smokescreen and was, from the start, the one she could rely on, who knew the truth and who called her out on her BS. I liked the way they grew throughout the book.
The other thing I really loved about Pretend... was how much of it was set at the beach. It made me really hanker for a holiday!
Like all the Oxley College books, Pretend... is sweet new adult romance, meaning that although there is heated kissing (boy howdy!), the sex all happens off camera, so to speak. There is more swearing in this book than in the previous two, which I actually found a relief as it read more naturally.
If you enjoy clean-ish college/university romances with raw and honest alpha male leads and fashion-conscious female leads with tragic pasts, then Pretend... is the book for you. Although the story would stand alone, if it were me I'd start with Shh! and then read this one, then Wait!.
May 30, 2023
I will admit to being slightly confused when I started this, as I haven't read book 1 but I know that Olivia and Logan are together, and I have read book 3, in which Hex and Jordan get together. For some reason, I assumed that this would follow on after Hex and Jordan, but you know what they say about assuming 😉
Once I sorted it out in my head what was going on, I settled in to enjoy the ride. You see, I don't usually do contemporary, but somehow Stacey Nash manages to grab and hold my attention every time. This seriously impresses me and I love the easy flow of her work. Nothing seems forced about it, the characters, the situations, none of it.
The characters themselves - Dane and Savvy - they are old friends who have drifted (or been pushed) apart. Savvy is hiding a whole lot of stuff away, and doesn't like anyone getting too close. She has her persona that she is happy with people knowing. Therefore, she doesn't like getting too close to Dane. He knows her too well, has affected her for too long and can see her too clearly. Although he is a player, I loved how he was with Savvy. And once he set his sights on her, he stopped being a player (which is always good).
With heartache and sorrow, lies and deception, Pretend... is a wonderfully gripping story that will take you back to Oxley College and yet still leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 18, 2016
Once I sorted it out in my head what was going on, I settled in to enjoy the ride. You see, I don't usually do contemporary, but somehow Stacey Nash manages to grab and hold my attention every time. This seriously impresses me and I love the easy flow of her work. Nothing seems forced about it, the characters, the situations, none of it.
The characters themselves - Dane and Savvy - they are old friends who have drifted (or been pushed) apart. Savvy is hiding a whole lot of stuff away, and doesn't like anyone getting too close. She has her persona that she is happy with people knowing. Therefore, she doesn't like getting too close to Dane. He knows her too well, has affected her for too long and can see her too clearly. Although he is a player, I loved how he was with Savvy. And once he set his sights on her, he stopped being a player (which is always good).
With heartache and sorrow, lies and deception, Pretend... is a wonderfully gripping story that will take you back to Oxley College and yet still leave you wanting more. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 18, 2016
May 18, 2016
Savvy West is bubbly, friends with almost everyone at Oxley, has some hook-ups under her belt, and a career she's excited about working towards. But that's just her facade. What will she do when her Pretend college life and her heart-crushing home life she's so forcefully kept separated start to collide? The bridge between the two comes in the form of super sexy surfer Dane Beaumont (swoon!) who was there with her the night her world crashed (and the mystery of the details of this night kept me biting my nails through much of the book). But letting Dane in means not just dredging up those memories (which I wanted to avoid for her)and the harsh reality of all it changed (I want to give her a huge hug), but it also means admitting to her cousin (Dane's ex, yikes) that she's interested in him. For Dane, Savvy's worth fighting for, but he needs her to be really 100% with him, especially when his own world starts to crumble (Nooo, whyyyyy! To be honest, this book was hard to get through; the emotions are so easy to get lost in. But I promise, it's worth sticking through the tough parts!)
A very emotional novel with the gut-wrenching realities of both losing and fighting for those who you love, and letting in those who care about you. It's a beautiful, tragic love story, and I recommend it to any contemporary NA romance readers.
A very emotional novel with the gut-wrenching realities of both losing and fighting for those who you love, and letting in those who care about you. It's a beautiful, tragic love story, and I recommend it to any contemporary NA romance readers.
December 20, 2015
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Pretend from Stacey Nash. Now let me first say that I am typically a YA reader. I read some Adult books, and some New Adult, but YA is my go to preference.
When it comes to NA I am super picky, I LOVE Cora Carmak and Jennifer Armentrount books for example, and then.... Along came Stacey!
((Note: Fans Of Cora's Rusk University books may also Love The Oxley Series))
Pretend is the 3rd book in the Oxley College series and I LOVED IT.
The first book, Shh, is good. I enjoyed it and looked forward to the next. Wait, is book two, Hex's story and OMG I Adored her. Then came pretend, and Stacey really out did herself.
Savvy is easy to relate to, and Dane was super swoony! I was hooked from the very first line and OH the Mystery!!!! I was on edge the whole story just dying to know what the past and future held for these two. I Loved the family dynamic of both main characters and how Stacey wove it into the story of their relationship...or lack thereof.
Also- I'd like to add how much I ADORE this cover!!!! It's so perfectly fitting!
I STILL think Hex and Jordans story is my favorite, but Savvy and Dane are a close second!
When it comes to NA I am super picky, I LOVE Cora Carmak and Jennifer Armentrount books for example, and then.... Along came Stacey!
((Note: Fans Of Cora's Rusk University books may also Love The Oxley Series))
Pretend is the 3rd book in the Oxley College series and I LOVED IT.
The first book, Shh, is good. I enjoyed it and looked forward to the next. Wait, is book two, Hex's story and OMG I Adored her. Then came pretend, and Stacey really out did herself.
Savvy is easy to relate to, and Dane was super swoony! I was hooked from the very first line and OH the Mystery!!!! I was on edge the whole story just dying to know what the past and future held for these two. I Loved the family dynamic of both main characters and how Stacey wove it into the story of their relationship...or lack thereof.
Also- I'd like to add how much I ADORE this cover!!!! It's so perfectly fitting!
I STILL think Hex and Jordans story is my favorite, but Savvy and Dane are a close second!
March 9, 2016
Having enjoyed Wait! last year, I eagerly accepted to read Pretend... And since I was in the mood for a NA, college romance to read I couldn't delay reading this any longer even though I have ARCs with rapidly approaching deadlines needing to be read.
Pretend... was everything I was looking for. It was an easy read with a little college drama, angst, humour, and romance. It did start off slow and took me around 20% to get into, but I quickly grew to root for Dane and Savvy. The mystery of what happened in her past kept me intrigued, especially with the flashbacks dispersed throughout.
Similarly, I liked the slightly forbidden nature of the romance--at least forbidden in Savvy's eyes. I'm glad the author chose not to go the stereotypical route with Victoria's reaction. It felt refreshing. I did wish there was a bit more detail and resolve with whatever happened between Dane and Tori though. I felt things weren't quite concluded with Savvy's aunt and such in that regard.
Saying that, overall it was exactly the book I needed. It was an easy read and I'd definitely recommend it for those who like college romances.
Pretend... was everything I was looking for. It was an easy read with a little college drama, angst, humour, and romance. It did start off slow and took me around 20% to get into, but I quickly grew to root for Dane and Savvy. The mystery of what happened in her past kept me intrigued, especially with the flashbacks dispersed throughout.
Similarly, I liked the slightly forbidden nature of the romance--at least forbidden in Savvy's eyes. I'm glad the author chose not to go the stereotypical route with Victoria's reaction. It felt refreshing. I did wish there was a bit more detail and resolve with whatever happened between Dane and Tori though. I felt things weren't quite concluded with Savvy's aunt and such in that regard.
Saying that, overall it was exactly the book I needed. It was an easy read and I'd definitely recommend it for those who like college romances.
April 30, 2016
Savanah is a college student that's had romantic feelings for Dane for a long time but has never acted on them because her cousin Tori had dated him for 18 months before she broke it off. Until her second year, when Dane decided to try and get her to talk about what happened to her parents. He had been keeping an eye on her since she decided to go to the university that he's attending. He's been the one night stand kind of guy since Tori dumbed him and he's liked it that way. He starts flitting with Savvy and she keeps pushing him away because of her cousin, until one night the go to a club with friends. Oliva has a guy that is trying to get her to leave with him when Logan steps in to safe her and Dane has to break the fight up. Logan gets kicked out and Dane goes with him. Savvy takes Oliva out of the bar because she is to drunk and she feels that she needs to go home. Savvy and Dane hook up and Dane realizes that he feels different about Savvy than the other girls but Savvy is torn between wanting to be with him and her cousin Tori. Dane starts to fall for Savvy before he even realize it himself.
December 4, 2015
Pretend is Savvy and Dane's story and after reading Ssh! I'm glad to read the other side that was hinted in Ssh! Dane and Savvy are so cute, like Logan and Liv. It's a feel good, light holiday read that fans of contemporary romance will adore. I recommend this whole series. These books are standalone hint to events in previous books. And it's a clean romance too, so those who don't like too much steam will breath a sigh of relief. I can't wait to read Ms Nash's next book
May 19, 2016
Loved loved loved this! So much better than the first
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews