What do you think?
Rate this book
Let's Pretend
'Clever, sharp, and deliciously dark... A one-sitting read.' Andrea Mara _____________________________ When you fake it for a living, the truth is hard to find... Former child star Lily Thane is now a struggling thirty-something actress. Her old stage-school buddy, Adam Harker, is on the brink of making it big, but he needs an appropriate red-carpet companion to seal the deal, and Lily fits the bill. Soon after signing on the dotted line, Adam's dark side starts to surface and their perfect fauxmance turns toxic. But when Adam winds up dead in a swimming pool, Lily is the only person who cares enough to find out why. She's convinced someone was out to get Adam - and now they're after her...
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2022
11 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
May 9, 2022
‘Let’s Pretend’ is full of vapid, vain people and a perfect cast for this dark contemporary story. Vaughan's writing really had me hooked from the beginning and I was instantly drawn to the main character, Lily Thane, an ex child star whose acting character has been waning ever since. Her inner circle is full of eccentric characters who love to remind her of her limited success. Then she reunites with Adam Harker, a fellow ex-child star, but with questions over his sexuality about to spoil his next big break he asks Lily to pretend to date him. The benefits to them and their careers outweigh any doubts that Lily has about their arrangement; until Adam is found dead in a swimming pool.
The story carries so much dark humour and wit so I was instantly hooked. The perceived glamour of the characters is perfectly balanced with the hedonistic vanity that will always lead to a downfall. I loved the modern noir take on the toxic obsession people have with fame, especially with the intensity of social media added into the mix. For me none of the characters are very likeable at all but I didn’t mind that whatsoever because it added to the morbid intrigue of the story. Really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to see what Vaughan brings out next!
The story carries so much dark humour and wit so I was instantly hooked. The perceived glamour of the characters is perfectly balanced with the hedonistic vanity that will always lead to a downfall. I loved the modern noir take on the toxic obsession people have with fame, especially with the intensity of social media added into the mix. For me none of the characters are very likeable at all but I didn’t mind that whatsoever because it added to the morbid intrigue of the story. Really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to see what Vaughan brings out next!
April 6, 2022
Lily Thane is a thirty-two-year-old actress best known for her twenty minute appearance in a low-budget British romcom as winsome orphan ‘Little Lucie’ at the age of four, and it’s clear that her star is waning, not that her mother and manager, “the momager”, is willing to give up on a dream that easily. When Lily bumps into an old stage school contemporary in Adam Harker who needs a red-carpet companion to whip up the media ahead of making a push for the big time, it seems like a win-win situation. Despite never particularly having liked Adam, there is something magnetic and dangerously alluring about him and so Lily agrees to the fauxmance and also signs a non-disclosure agreement. But troubled Adam has a penchant for drugs, a predilection for using people and a need to be in control, and things inevitably turn toxic. But as both their lives and careers move on, Lily and Adam are never too far apart and with a ringside seat to Adam’s death and growing suspicions about who wanted him out of the way, Lily turns detective.
Lily is a complex character who is far more vulnerable than she appears with more emotional depth than many of her contemporaries and her dry first-person narrative keeps the superficiality of the non-stop party lifestyle, and hedonistic antics that surround her, in perspective. With the bombshell revelation of Adam’s death so early on in the novel before then seeing it all play out, it makes for a gripping slow-burn of a mystery and I was surprised at how much I vied for Lily, all the while wanting to scream at her to get as far away as possible from the odious people around her! Cocksure Adam is a flawed character, an addict and a game playing master of manipulation with a goodie bag of drugs as big as his ego. The colourful supporting cast are all so well-drawn that I never had a problem keeping them distinct and include Lily’s cousin and serious actress, Dido, her snarky best-friend, Nina, and vacuous wealthy socialite, Talia.
Nothing about the tawdry world or largely shallow characters that occupy Adam and Lily’s world appealed to me in the slightest, yet despite this I found myself unable to set the book aside without knowing if Adam’s death was an accident or foul play. I was hugely impressed that Laura Vaughan managed to flesh her characters out, and conjure such a vivid picture of Adam’s fast-living circle and shady machinations, that it made for an unexpectedly complicated investigation, with numerous suspects and motives that blindsided me completely. A well-observed and well-written novel with a uneasy atmosphere throughout and an ultimately admirable protagonist in Lily, whom I found very sympathetic. My main criticism is that the ending of the novel felt rushed and would have benefitted from both being made clearer and also explored in a little more depth.
Lily is a complex character who is far more vulnerable than she appears with more emotional depth than many of her contemporaries and her dry first-person narrative keeps the superficiality of the non-stop party lifestyle, and hedonistic antics that surround her, in perspective. With the bombshell revelation of Adam’s death so early on in the novel before then seeing it all play out, it makes for a gripping slow-burn of a mystery and I was surprised at how much I vied for Lily, all the while wanting to scream at her to get as far away as possible from the odious people around her! Cocksure Adam is a flawed character, an addict and a game playing master of manipulation with a goodie bag of drugs as big as his ego. The colourful supporting cast are all so well-drawn that I never had a problem keeping them distinct and include Lily’s cousin and serious actress, Dido, her snarky best-friend, Nina, and vacuous wealthy socialite, Talia.
Nothing about the tawdry world or largely shallow characters that occupy Adam and Lily’s world appealed to me in the slightest, yet despite this I found myself unable to set the book aside without knowing if Adam’s death was an accident or foul play. I was hugely impressed that Laura Vaughan managed to flesh her characters out, and conjure such a vivid picture of Adam’s fast-living circle and shady machinations, that it made for an unexpectedly complicated investigation, with numerous suspects and motives that blindsided me completely. A well-observed and well-written novel with a uneasy atmosphere throughout and an ultimately admirable protagonist in Lily, whom I found very sympathetic. My main criticism is that the ending of the novel felt rushed and would have benefitted from both being made clearer and also explored in a little more depth.
April 7, 2022
Lily Thane, former child star, now a struggling actress in her thirties, bumps into a friend from stage school. Adam Harker. Once billed as the 'next big thing' , Adam has had a chequered career but hopes his next film will finally propel him into A-list stardom. Blinded by the chemistry between them, Lily is surprised when Adam tells her he is gay but wants to 'fly under the radar until his career is secure, & he wants Lily to pose as his girlfriend. Lily agrees as in return Adam says he will help her career, & she likes Adam so thinks it will be an easy gig. What follows gradually becomes a nightmare as Adam pushes all Lily's buttons making her insecure & doubtful about herself & her career. Adam is just as sneeringly dismissive of everyone else, so when he is found dead in the swimming pool after a party, there are no shortage of suspects. The police rule it accidental but Lily is not so sure, so she decides to investigate his death herself.
Wow, I was absolutely glued to this & read it in about 4 hours. To be honest, Lily's investigation into Adam's death was the least interesting thing in the book, I was far more into their spiralling toxic 'fauxmance'. The man was a grade A a-hole. Throw in a supporting cast of a resentful sister, fake friends & acquaintances, & a stalker - just who can Lily trust? I thought Lily was a good main character, she had her faults, but she was generally one of the more likeable characters. Things went off the boil a little for me after Adam's death, but it was still a really great read about the pressures & fakeness of stardom & just what people are willing to do for their 15 minutes of fame.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Atlantic Books/Corvus, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Wow, I was absolutely glued to this & read it in about 4 hours. To be honest, Lily's investigation into Adam's death was the least interesting thing in the book, I was far more into their spiralling toxic 'fauxmance'. The man was a grade A a-hole. Throw in a supporting cast of a resentful sister, fake friends & acquaintances, & a stalker - just who can Lily trust? I thought Lily was a good main character, she had her faults, but she was generally one of the more likeable characters. Things went off the boil a little for me after Adam's death, but it was still a really great read about the pressures & fakeness of stardom & just what people are willing to do for their 15 minutes of fame.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Atlantic Books/Corvus, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 10, 2022
Laura Vaughan writes a compelling and immersive dark, contemporary tale. Glamorous façades conceal abundant sins in this thought-provoking, entertaining mystery. The plot plays host to quite a few egocentric, secretive characters but they are all credible and well depicted. Toxicity is rife and there is a vibe of impending doom giving rise to feelings of uneasiness. For me, a great, well-delivered story. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Atlantic Books, Corvus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Atlantic Books, Corvus via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 6, 2022
Intelligent, fun and twisty, with echoes of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Robinne Lee.
A clever, darkly entertaining and suspenseful mystery, yielding an intriguing and immersive, fly-on-the-wall peep behind the showbiz scenes. Intelligent, fun and twisty, with echoes of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Robinne Lee.
Lily Thane's family name brings with it a prestigious theatrical legacy. But although she enjoyed fame as a child, the roles are starting to dwindle now she has reached her thirties
Conversely, Adam Harker's career is on the ascendancy. Having attended the same stage school as Lily, they had acted together when they were young, but he's like a different person now, having grown into his film-star looks and effortlessly exuding charm.
Following a chance meeting there is an undeniable spark, and although Lily is wary of Adam's dark side, they soon decide that a public faux-mantic relationship between them could be good for both of their careers. But when you're surrounded by actors, how do you know what is real?
This was a great escapist read which I absolutely raced through
A clever, darkly entertaining and suspenseful mystery, yielding an intriguing and immersive, fly-on-the-wall peep behind the showbiz scenes. Intelligent, fun and twisty, with echoes of Taylor Jenkins Reid and Robinne Lee.
Lily Thane's family name brings with it a prestigious theatrical legacy. But although she enjoyed fame as a child, the roles are starting to dwindle now she has reached her thirties
Conversely, Adam Harker's career is on the ascendancy. Having attended the same stage school as Lily, they had acted together when they were young, but he's like a different person now, having grown into his film-star looks and effortlessly exuding charm.
Following a chance meeting there is an undeniable spark, and although Lily is wary of Adam's dark side, they soon decide that a public faux-mantic relationship between them could be good for both of their careers. But when you're surrounded by actors, how do you know what is real?
This was a great escapist read which I absolutely raced through
March 27, 2022
This book felt muddled and rushed to me, like the author had a lot of ideas that wouldn’t really be enough for a whole book so they were woven together to make this one.
It starts with Lily Thane who is from an acting family but she is really only known for a film she made as a child.
One day she bumps into Adam Harker who she was at stage school with. He says he will be in touch with her and after a while he did get back to her but with a kind of job proposal he wanted her to agree to and so began a fauxmance between the two.
I really didn’t have any interest in the characters and I also got confused as to who was who, whether related, friend or work.
It did get a little more interesting just over halfway through but then it just went off again.
Just when you think it is ending, another story comes through that didn’t even have a real ending to it, felt it was just left hanging.
Not the best book I have read.
It starts with Lily Thane who is from an acting family but she is really only known for a film she made as a child.
One day she bumps into Adam Harker who she was at stage school with. He says he will be in touch with her and after a while he did get back to her but with a kind of job proposal he wanted her to agree to and so began a fauxmance between the two.
I really didn’t have any interest in the characters and I also got confused as to who was who, whether related, friend or work.
It did get a little more interesting just over halfway through but then it just went off again.
Just when you think it is ending, another story comes through that didn’t even have a real ending to it, felt it was just left hanging.
Not the best book I have read.
March 20, 2022
Lily Thane is a struggling actress so when she meets her old pal from stage school Adam Harker and he suggests she act as his partner in a media fuelled "Faux-Mance" she jumps at the chance for any limelight.
But as she gets swept up in Adam's hedonistic and lascivious lifestyle she also learns more of his secrets.
So when she finds after a late night party Adam dead in the swimming pool she is stuck for the culprit as Adam has got on the wrong side of many with his promises, secrets and lies.
What happened? Wast it an accident? Murder?
If so who could it be?
Lily is determined to find out as the last act for the man she had grown to care for.
This was a slow burn delve into the outrageous lifestyles of the celebs caught up in the world of tv and movies, sadly I wished the ending had a bit "more."
Admittedly I don't know what but it all seemed sewn up and done with rather quickly.
But I have to say I really enjoyed this behind the scenes, slice of life shenanigans and debauchery of I guess you could call it the shallow arena that make up the price of stardom.
But as she gets swept up in Adam's hedonistic and lascivious lifestyle she also learns more of his secrets.
So when she finds after a late night party Adam dead in the swimming pool she is stuck for the culprit as Adam has got on the wrong side of many with his promises, secrets and lies.
What happened? Wast it an accident? Murder?
If so who could it be?
Lily is determined to find out as the last act for the man she had grown to care for.
This was a slow burn delve into the outrageous lifestyles of the celebs caught up in the world of tv and movies, sadly I wished the ending had a bit "more."
Admittedly I don't know what but it all seemed sewn up and done with rather quickly.
But I have to say I really enjoyed this behind the scenes, slice of life shenanigans and debauchery of I guess you could call it the shallow arena that make up the price of stardom.
April 14, 2022
Slightly interesting, but with unlovable characters - after a while I wasn't sure whether I wanted the end to be good or not. A lot of the trouble that our 'heroine' got herself into had predictable outcomes, and the twists were also predictable. The end 'reveal' was a bit obvious. I nearly gave three stars, but it wasn't that bad - some may enjoy it. I do find that books with long explaining tags after the titles are normally a let down...
Perhaps this should be required reading for teenage girls who want to get into acting?
Perhaps this should be required reading for teenage girls who want to get into acting?
September 26, 2022
3/ 3.5 I liked this book, I think it definitely had shades of Taylor Jenkins Reid as celebrity culture was a main focus throughout the book, specifically examining the downsides to being in the spotlight. The twists were good but sometimes felt a little out of place and were simply thrown in for shock factor. Overall a good thriller, a great examination of celebrities but a tad weak on the 'crime' part.
June 12, 2024
Not sure how i managed to get through this book tbh😳 it was so boring!!
March 11, 2023
A well-written YA mystery with enough twists to keep you intrigued.
August 5, 2024
The writing style was unique, to say the least. It did not suit my tastes. That alone might have impacted the execution of what appears to be multiple plot lines. The hook of the story came in way too late, leaving much to be desired.
November 30, 2022
Wonderful
November 30, 2022
Wonderful
May 25, 2022
Laura Vaughan’s debut novel The Favour was one of my favourite books of 2021. Her new book 'Let's Pretend' has the same mix of perception and humour.
In Let’s Pretend Vaughan examines the fake lifestyle of wannabe movie stars and influencers. Former child star Lily, now thirty, agrees to a ‘fauxmance’ with B-lister Adam Harker in an attempt to kick-start her career. Together they set off on a crazy red carpet tour, throwing the reader into constant suspense about what the next twist will be. But Adam has his own problems, and the stellar success he and Lily crave cruelly eludes him.
When Adam is found dead in a swimming pool, Lily fears someone was out to get him - and she may be next. Let’s Pretend is beautifully written. In spite of the serious issues it addresses Lily’s story is told with a light touch, and Vaughan’s brilliantly observed and witty descriptions of her characters made me laugh out loud.
In Let’s Pretend Vaughan examines the fake lifestyle of wannabe movie stars and influencers. Former child star Lily, now thirty, agrees to a ‘fauxmance’ with B-lister Adam Harker in an attempt to kick-start her career. Together they set off on a crazy red carpet tour, throwing the reader into constant suspense about what the next twist will be. But Adam has his own problems, and the stellar success he and Lily crave cruelly eludes him.
When Adam is found dead in a swimming pool, Lily fears someone was out to get him - and she may be next. Let’s Pretend is beautifully written. In spite of the serious issues it addresses Lily’s story is told with a light touch, and Vaughan’s brilliantly observed and witty descriptions of her characters made me laugh out loud.
April 8, 2024
Read if you like:
✨Celeb culture
✨Dark side of fame
✨Fake relationships
✨Murder mysteries
This book came as a pleasant surprise - I genuinely enjoyed every page. It was a really quick read that I devoured in 2 days.
Lily is a struggling actress and Adam Harker needs a companion to help him seal the deal. Hiding his sexuality from the press, he proposes a fake relationship to Lily to help her reach stardom and fool everyone into thinking he is not gay. Soon after, Adam’s dark side begins to surface and their relationship turns toxic. When Adam turns up dead in a pool, Lily is convinced someone was out to get him and now her.
This book was swaddled in the dark side of fame. It was full of dark people with hidden stories and I loved every minute of it. It was truly eye opening to the other side of Hollywood!
The story itself is filled with lots of dark humour that glued me to the pages. The writing style flows easily but the content is a lot deeper with just about every trigger warning possible in its pages - be sure to check these out!
Character-wise, I didn’t like any of them. But that’s what made me love the story. You’re obviously meant to hate each character and their toxic fauxmance but each character had their defined personalities. Even the secondary characters became like my own evil family whom I’m glad are not in my life.
Up until Adam’s death (and this is not a spoiler as it’s mentioned in the first pages), this was looking at being a five star read for me. I adored reading about the darker side of fame and was hooked. But for some reason, it just went a bit silly after that. I personally think it would’ve been better steering clear from the mystery genre and sticking with the dark contemporary feel at first. But hey - I did still enjoy the ride.
Overall, a very enjoyable and intriguing read that really did open my eyes to the other side of stardom.
✨Celeb culture
✨Dark side of fame
✨Fake relationships
✨Murder mysteries
This book came as a pleasant surprise - I genuinely enjoyed every page. It was a really quick read that I devoured in 2 days.
Lily is a struggling actress and Adam Harker needs a companion to help him seal the deal. Hiding his sexuality from the press, he proposes a fake relationship to Lily to help her reach stardom and fool everyone into thinking he is not gay. Soon after, Adam’s dark side begins to surface and their relationship turns toxic. When Adam turns up dead in a pool, Lily is convinced someone was out to get him and now her.
This book was swaddled in the dark side of fame. It was full of dark people with hidden stories and I loved every minute of it. It was truly eye opening to the other side of Hollywood!
The story itself is filled with lots of dark humour that glued me to the pages. The writing style flows easily but the content is a lot deeper with just about every trigger warning possible in its pages - be sure to check these out!
Character-wise, I didn’t like any of them. But that’s what made me love the story. You’re obviously meant to hate each character and their toxic fauxmance but each character had their defined personalities. Even the secondary characters became like my own evil family whom I’m glad are not in my life.
Up until Adam’s death (and this is not a spoiler as it’s mentioned in the first pages), this was looking at being a five star read for me. I adored reading about the darker side of fame and was hooked. But for some reason, it just went a bit silly after that. I personally think it would’ve been better steering clear from the mystery genre and sticking with the dark contemporary feel at first. But hey - I did still enjoy the ride.
Overall, a very enjoyable and intriguing read that really did open my eyes to the other side of stardom.
April 7, 2022
Originally published on konfrankowski.com
We attract. And repel. Our dreams, desires, people, opportunities; anything we consciously invite into our lives comes in with everything it has to offer. Success comes with heartbreak. Happiness comes with foreboding. Holidays come with post-holiday blues. Relationships come with heartbreak…
Laura Vaughan’s second novel, Let’s Pretend, is an intelligently written contemporary noir providing as many thrills as opportunities for reflection. Despite being written in a light conversational style of a first-person account, the story’s tone shifts from elation to despair quickly, and when it hits, it packs a heavy punch. The first act builds up and gets you hooked. The premise, so unusual and fresh, is captivating and immersive. There is a lot to unpack in the first act, yet somehow it lunges itself forward and provides a thrilling reading experience. It’s down to the impeccable character development, which is the cornerstone of the story. Because here, my Faithful Reader, is where Vaughan employs an array of paradoxes that make ‘Let’s Pretend’ such a captivating read. The protagonist, Lily, is as cynical as she is vulnerable. Adam, the male lead (excuse the pun), is as broken as he yearns to be fixed. Nothing is what it seems, but the author of Let’s Pretend develops it naturally, without the need for gimmicks and sharp twists.
Twists, however, are there. But they are delivered most intelligently and satisfyingly. Act three is an extraordinary display of storytelling and most captivating execution that will leave you literally out of breath. It’s one of those stories that can be devoured in a single reading, making it a perfect holiday read. It doesn’t mean however that it’s a simplistic read. It’s insanely well-plotted and delivered with truly Kingesque verbose panache.
Finally, let’s talk about the theme of the novel: pursuit and loss. Vaughan not only masterfully dissects the world of minor celebrities and the lengths people are willing to take to earn their Warholian 15 minutes of fame. She looks at the intrinsic needs for it. Whether it’s a family tradition, peer pressure, or overbearing parents – fame can be equal to success, regardless of the cost. But becoming famous is only one side of the slightly rusty and misshapen coin. On the flip side, there is a fear of losing it. We’ve all experienced loss, and Laura Vaugh is not afraid to not only remind us what it feels like but that no one is immune to it.
Let’s Pretend is a well-written multifaceted novel comprising exceptionally well-developed characters and a tremendous economy of storytelling weaved woven into a brutal psychological thriller. But the brutality has very little to do with gore of upsetting scenes (there are none), but with the choices that our cast of characters will have to live with.
We attract. And repel. Our dreams, desires, people, opportunities; anything we consciously invite into our lives comes in with everything it has to offer. Success comes with heartbreak. Happiness comes with foreboding. Holidays come with post-holiday blues. Relationships come with heartbreak…
Laura Vaughan’s second novel, Let’s Pretend, is an intelligently written contemporary noir providing as many thrills as opportunities for reflection. Despite being written in a light conversational style of a first-person account, the story’s tone shifts from elation to despair quickly, and when it hits, it packs a heavy punch. The first act builds up and gets you hooked. The premise, so unusual and fresh, is captivating and immersive. There is a lot to unpack in the first act, yet somehow it lunges itself forward and provides a thrilling reading experience. It’s down to the impeccable character development, which is the cornerstone of the story. Because here, my Faithful Reader, is where Vaugh employs an array of paradoxes that make ‘Let’s Pretend’ such a captivating read. The protagonist, Lily, is as cynical as she is vulnerable. Adam, the male lead (excuse the pun), is as broken as he yearns to be fixed. Nothing is what it seems, but Vaughan develops it naturally, without the need for gimmicks and sharp twists.
Twists, however, are there. But they are delivered most intelligently and satisfyingly. Act three is an extraordinary display of storytelling and most captivating execution that will leave you literally out of breath. It’s one of those stories that can be devoured in a single reading, making it a perfect holiday read. It doesn’t mean however that it’s a simplistic read. It’s insanely well-plotted and delivered with truly Kingesque verbose panache.
Finally, let’s talk about the theme of the novel: pursuit and loss. Vaughan not only masterfully dissects the world of minor celebrities and the lengths people are willing to take to earn their Warholian 15 minutes of fame. She looks at the intrinsic needs for it. Whether it’s a family tradition, peer pressure, or overbearing parents – fame can be equal to success, regardless of the cost. But becoming famous is only one side of the slightly rusty and misshapen coin. On the flip side, there is a fear of losing it. We’ve all experienced loss, and Laura Vaugh is not afraid to not only remind us what it feels like but that no one is immune to it.
Let’s Pretend is a well-written multifaceted novel comprising exceptionally well-developed characters and a tremendous economy of storytelling woven into a brutal psychological thriller, which style is raw and instinctive. But the brutality has very little to do with gore or upsetting scenes (there are none), but with the choices that our cast of characters will have to live with.
We attract. And repel. Our dreams, desires, people, opportunities; anything we consciously invite into our lives comes in with everything it has to offer. Success comes with heartbreak. Happiness comes with foreboding. Holidays come with post-holiday blues. Relationships come with heartbreak…
Laura Vaughan’s second novel, Let’s Pretend, is an intelligently written contemporary noir providing as many thrills as opportunities for reflection. Despite being written in a light conversational style of a first-person account, the story’s tone shifts from elation to despair quickly, and when it hits, it packs a heavy punch. The first act builds up and gets you hooked. The premise, so unusual and fresh, is captivating and immersive. There is a lot to unpack in the first act, yet somehow it lunges itself forward and provides a thrilling reading experience. It’s down to the impeccable character development, which is the cornerstone of the story. Because here, my Faithful Reader, is where Vaughan employs an array of paradoxes that make ‘Let’s Pretend’ such a captivating read. The protagonist, Lily, is as cynical as she is vulnerable. Adam, the male lead (excuse the pun), is as broken as he yearns to be fixed. Nothing is what it seems, but the author of Let’s Pretend develops it naturally, without the need for gimmicks and sharp twists.
Twists, however, are there. But they are delivered most intelligently and satisfyingly. Act three is an extraordinary display of storytelling and most captivating execution that will leave you literally out of breath. It’s one of those stories that can be devoured in a single reading, making it a perfect holiday read. It doesn’t mean however that it’s a simplistic read. It’s insanely well-plotted and delivered with truly Kingesque verbose panache.
Finally, let’s talk about the theme of the novel: pursuit and loss. Vaughan not only masterfully dissects the world of minor celebrities and the lengths people are willing to take to earn their Warholian 15 minutes of fame. She looks at the intrinsic needs for it. Whether it’s a family tradition, peer pressure, or overbearing parents – fame can be equal to success, regardless of the cost. But becoming famous is only one side of the slightly rusty and misshapen coin. On the flip side, there is a fear of losing it. We’ve all experienced loss, and Laura Vaugh is not afraid to not only remind us what it feels like but that no one is immune to it.
Let’s Pretend is a well-written multifaceted novel comprising exceptionally well-developed characters and a tremendous economy of storytelling weaved woven into a brutal psychological thriller. But the brutality has very little to do with gore of upsetting scenes (there are none), but with the choices that our cast of characters will have to live with.
We attract. And repel. Our dreams, desires, people, opportunities; anything we consciously invite into our lives comes in with everything it has to offer. Success comes with heartbreak. Happiness comes with foreboding. Holidays come with post-holiday blues. Relationships come with heartbreak…
Laura Vaughan’s second novel, Let’s Pretend, is an intelligently written contemporary noir providing as many thrills as opportunities for reflection. Despite being written in a light conversational style of a first-person account, the story’s tone shifts from elation to despair quickly, and when it hits, it packs a heavy punch. The first act builds up and gets you hooked. The premise, so unusual and fresh, is captivating and immersive. There is a lot to unpack in the first act, yet somehow it lunges itself forward and provides a thrilling reading experience. It’s down to the impeccable character development, which is the cornerstone of the story. Because here, my Faithful Reader, is where Vaugh employs an array of paradoxes that make ‘Let’s Pretend’ such a captivating read. The protagonist, Lily, is as cynical as she is vulnerable. Adam, the male lead (excuse the pun), is as broken as he yearns to be fixed. Nothing is what it seems, but Vaughan develops it naturally, without the need for gimmicks and sharp twists.
Twists, however, are there. But they are delivered most intelligently and satisfyingly. Act three is an extraordinary display of storytelling and most captivating execution that will leave you literally out of breath. It’s one of those stories that can be devoured in a single reading, making it a perfect holiday read. It doesn’t mean however that it’s a simplistic read. It’s insanely well-plotted and delivered with truly Kingesque verbose panache.
Finally, let’s talk about the theme of the novel: pursuit and loss. Vaughan not only masterfully dissects the world of minor celebrities and the lengths people are willing to take to earn their Warholian 15 minutes of fame. She looks at the intrinsic needs for it. Whether it’s a family tradition, peer pressure, or overbearing parents – fame can be equal to success, regardless of the cost. But becoming famous is only one side of the slightly rusty and misshapen coin. On the flip side, there is a fear of losing it. We’ve all experienced loss, and Laura Vaugh is not afraid to not only remind us what it feels like but that no one is immune to it.
Let’s Pretend is a well-written multifaceted novel comprising exceptionally well-developed characters and a tremendous economy of storytelling woven into a brutal psychological thriller, which style is raw and instinctive. But the brutality has very little to do with gore or upsetting scenes (there are none), but with the choices that our cast of characters will have to live with.
May 20, 2022
Pretending is what Lily Thane has been doing all her life - after all, it is another word for acting, which she has been trying to do since being the famous four year old in a cult Christmas film. Now, despite being part of a theatrical family and her determined mother - the “Momanger”, she is struggling. She is good at what she does, being a perfected attractive blonde who is always auditioning for parts, but real success in being cast is eluding her. So when she meets an old friend from theatre school, the sort of famous Adam Harker, and a proposal is made of a sort of acting job with sweeteners is made, it seems reasonable to take it. Adam has secrets and a darkness that attract and repel her at the same time, but pretending to be in a celebrity romance at least raises her profile. If only she knew how deep she must plunge - and how it will feature death…
This is a thriller set in the celebrity world behind the red rope, where things can be safe and separate, but also be a pressure cooker of emotion and varied desires. It certainly looks at what seems to be the reality of life in Britain, when success as an actor is a matter of connections and good fortune as much as talent. Laura Vaughan has created a character in Lily Thane that has a family that is known in theatrical circles, even if it’s not for the sort of lightweight roles that she is currently linked to in her efforts. She is shown as having a lingering element of fame as a child actor, but that seems a long time ago as she is shown as having her nose fixed, watching her weight, guarding her image. The other characters are also complex creations, with their awareness of social media, and in the case of Nina, celebrity gossip, as a force in their success or failure. Not being an expert in the field, I can only say that this element of the book is certainly convincing, and Vaughan never lets her research get in the way of the strong narrative. The character of Adam is certainly as contradictory and unstable as a nearly successful actor would need to be to survive such a challenging environment with his big secret. In a way, Vaughan has created a special world which transcends geographical boundaries as she establishes a world where the super rich and the created celebrity images overlap, guarded by an impressive range of managers, agents and PR experts. The settings also vary from hotels through hideaways to a modernist house with many secrets and distinguishing features in its lack of comforts. This is a complex book which is genuinely enthralling as Lily must try to survive, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
Adam’s need for a public companion is not an easy thing for Lily to cope with, given that he is a professional charmer and even in his worst moments maintains the sort of handsome aura that has given him some success in the past to the point of some cult status. Lily’s presence by his side is to confirm his image of all action hero with a hint of danger. It is only when Lily gets close that she realises his dark side may be dangerous not only to him, but those around him. Her motivations throughout are deliberately vague - this is a thriller which twists and turns around the central idea of a fake romance with real impact. It is a very contemporary story that I found fascinating, and I recommend it as an exciting read.
This is a thriller set in the celebrity world behind the red rope, where things can be safe and separate, but also be a pressure cooker of emotion and varied desires. It certainly looks at what seems to be the reality of life in Britain, when success as an actor is a matter of connections and good fortune as much as talent. Laura Vaughan has created a character in Lily Thane that has a family that is known in theatrical circles, even if it’s not for the sort of lightweight roles that she is currently linked to in her efforts. She is shown as having a lingering element of fame as a child actor, but that seems a long time ago as she is shown as having her nose fixed, watching her weight, guarding her image. The other characters are also complex creations, with their awareness of social media, and in the case of Nina, celebrity gossip, as a force in their success or failure. Not being an expert in the field, I can only say that this element of the book is certainly convincing, and Vaughan never lets her research get in the way of the strong narrative. The character of Adam is certainly as contradictory and unstable as a nearly successful actor would need to be to survive such a challenging environment with his big secret. In a way, Vaughan has created a special world which transcends geographical boundaries as she establishes a world where the super rich and the created celebrity images overlap, guarded by an impressive range of managers, agents and PR experts. The settings also vary from hotels through hideaways to a modernist house with many secrets and distinguishing features in its lack of comforts. This is a complex book which is genuinely enthralling as Lily must try to survive, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
Adam’s need for a public companion is not an easy thing for Lily to cope with, given that he is a professional charmer and even in his worst moments maintains the sort of handsome aura that has given him some success in the past to the point of some cult status. Lily’s presence by his side is to confirm his image of all action hero with a hint of danger. It is only when Lily gets close that she realises his dark side may be dangerous not only to him, but those around him. Her motivations throughout are deliberately vague - this is a thriller which twists and turns around the central idea of a fake romance with real impact. It is a very contemporary story that I found fascinating, and I recommend it as an exciting read.
April 6, 2022
The story follows Lily Thane, a child prodigy, and now 32 year old whose acting career has pretty much flunked and has never revived since her very early shot at stardom. Desperate to become the next big thing , and after unsuccessful auditions and the call backs for roles she couldn't care less for, Lily considers how to kick-start it back up, what or whom can bring her that opportunity at finding a golden ticket?! Enter Adam Harker, Lily's theatre partner from school, on the brink of making it big but in need of a red-carpet companion. The stars couldn't be more aligned! Right? Yet as soon as Lily signs on the dotted line, the truth of Adam's dark side rises to the surface and their perfect circumstances soon turn toxic. When Adam is found dead in a swimming pool a few months later, Lily is the only one who wants to get to the bottom of it. Can she solve the mystery before she's silenced?
I have mixed-feelings about this book. When it comes to celebrities, there is always this divide and curiosity on how genuine and real they and their relationships are, and I think Sarah Vaughan makes a commendable effort in painting that picture, almost like an insider's view on what happens at A-list parties, behind the scenes at award shows, red-carpet events and how much you can actually take at face value. I found myself immersed in this world, looking at it from Lily's point of view, your average human trying to make it in a sphere of adulation, exploring even one reason to demand that status, a world in which what you bring to the table means everything. In hindsight, the book I finished and the book I started (with only the blurb for guidance) feel completely separate from each other. It started off well, but I think as we got tangled within the crime and mystery, and Lily's exploration and investigation of the truth, the story didn't flow, new evidence was brought in to dish the dirt on the suspects, some new suspects altogether to throw off the reader's scent....it was an anticlimax of sorts and the ending felt particularly weak. The writing style was lost within the last few chapters which was a shame. The story itself was interesting and is worth reading, the characters are not likeable, even lovable, or relatable but I guess it adds to the enigma and keeps a degree of separation. Some questionable statements are dotted about the book, which I read with my eyebrows raised. Overall though, I would give it 3.5 stars. It definitely had me gripped! Thank you @netgalley and @Atlanticbooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have mixed-feelings about this book. When it comes to celebrities, there is always this divide and curiosity on how genuine and real they and their relationships are, and I think Sarah Vaughan makes a commendable effort in painting that picture, almost like an insider's view on what happens at A-list parties, behind the scenes at award shows, red-carpet events and how much you can actually take at face value. I found myself immersed in this world, looking at it from Lily's point of view, your average human trying to make it in a sphere of adulation, exploring even one reason to demand that status, a world in which what you bring to the table means everything. In hindsight, the book I finished and the book I started (with only the blurb for guidance) feel completely separate from each other. It started off well, but I think as we got tangled within the crime and mystery, and Lily's exploration and investigation of the truth, the story didn't flow, new evidence was brought in to dish the dirt on the suspects, some new suspects altogether to throw off the reader's scent....it was an anticlimax of sorts and the ending felt particularly weak. The writing style was lost within the last few chapters which was a shame. The story itself was interesting and is worth reading, the characters are not likeable, even lovable, or relatable but I guess it adds to the enigma and keeps a degree of separation. Some questionable statements are dotted about the book, which I read with my eyebrows raised. Overall though, I would give it 3.5 stars. It definitely had me gripped! Thank you @netgalley and @Atlanticbooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2022
Let's Pretend is a novel about the world of acting and fame, and the kinds of performances it causes people to undertake. When former child star Lily Thane is approached by her old stage school acquaintance Adam Harker for a fake romance to stun the red carpet with, it seems like a great opportunity. It seems like maybe her struggling acting career could be on the rise, but she'll have to content with their toxic dynamic. When Adam is found dead in a swimming pool, Lily knows something was up, and gets drawn into finding out who supplied the drugs that killed him, and if they're still dangerous.
The narrative follows Lily from reuniting with Adam after not having seen each other since stage school to her quest to unravel the mystery of exactly how he died. The opening draws you into an upper echelon world of fame, party drugs, and money, where reputation and gossip are key, and it is a horrific world at times, with a lot of unlikeable characters and plenty of reminders of the fickle nature of things. Lots of the acting elements are similar to or ripping off existing things, building up a picture of a landscape close to the real world, though it does occasionally get a bit tiring to hear about.
I've read Vaughan's previous novel The Favour and this one is similar in the twisted character relationships and general sense of terrible people who might be capable of murder, though I didn't quite enjoy the atmosphere of this one as much. I found the pace of the first part wasn't for me and I was left a bit confused that it was suddenly the end of her agreement with Adam, but the party that forms the central moment of the book was good. I found that I wasn't connected to the characters, but that was fine because they're all intentionally awful.
This is a light read that combines mystery with a depiction of the toxic nature of fame and acting. I would've liked it to look a bit deeper into some of the things in the narrative, especially in terms of Adam's public self and also what is revealed at the end, as it felt like it only engaged superficially with a lot of the elements of the acting world that it was delving into, but the whole vibe of the book was staying at arm's length anyway. It was good to see a fake relationship played as toxic and complex, rather than as a set up for romance, anyway.
The narrative follows Lily from reuniting with Adam after not having seen each other since stage school to her quest to unravel the mystery of exactly how he died. The opening draws you into an upper echelon world of fame, party drugs, and money, where reputation and gossip are key, and it is a horrific world at times, with a lot of unlikeable characters and plenty of reminders of the fickle nature of things. Lots of the acting elements are similar to or ripping off existing things, building up a picture of a landscape close to the real world, though it does occasionally get a bit tiring to hear about.
I've read Vaughan's previous novel The Favour and this one is similar in the twisted character relationships and general sense of terrible people who might be capable of murder, though I didn't quite enjoy the atmosphere of this one as much. I found the pace of the first part wasn't for me and I was left a bit confused that it was suddenly the end of her agreement with Adam, but the party that forms the central moment of the book was good. I found that I wasn't connected to the characters, but that was fine because they're all intentionally awful.
This is a light read that combines mystery with a depiction of the toxic nature of fame and acting. I would've liked it to look a bit deeper into some of the things in the narrative, especially in terms of Adam's public self and also what is revealed at the end, as it felt like it only engaged superficially with a lot of the elements of the acting world that it was delving into, but the whole vibe of the book was staying at arm's length anyway. It was good to see a fake relationship played as toxic and complex, rather than as a set up for romance, anyway.
April 4, 2022
Let’s Pretend has been a really eye-opening read showing the darkness that can be lurking behind the outward persona of those in the public eye. It definitely acts as a reminder too that you can never know what truly goes on in a relationship unless you are in it; contrary to what the press would have you believe!
This story is told from the perspective of former child star Lily Thane, now a struggling actress in her early thirties. Her old stage-school friend Adam Harker is on the brink of huge success, but to keep up appearances needs a trusted companion. After a few unexpected encounters, Adam asks Lily to partake in a fauxmance with him. But soon after signing a NDA and six month contract, Adam’s dark side starts to surface and things turn toxic!
Lily was a really interesting character and it’s crazy to think just how much one person will put up with in the hopes it will further their career. I also thought it was shocking that Adam felt like he had to hide his true self for fear of how he would be perceived in the acting world. It’s awful to think of real people out there who think this is the only option available to them!
Within the first few chapters (and as detailed in the synopsis) we learn that Lily finds Adam’s lifeless body in a swimming pool, but it’s not clear what has lead to this. I liked having this in the back of my mind as I was reading and Part One of the book shows the build up to that fateful day, whilst Part Two explores the months after.
I really liked the latter part of the book as Lily is convinced all is not quite as it seems in terms of Adam’s death. I was intrigued to learn more, just like Lily, and particularly loved the final chapters in this section of the book as there were lots of things that took me by surprise! I would have liked a little more detail as the ending felt a little bit rushed, but I really liked the unexpected turns and thought it was very clever! I also liked how character driven this book was; there were definitely some shady characters along the way!
This is a truly immersive read and I enjoyed the insight it gave into the darker world of fame and fortune!
This story is told from the perspective of former child star Lily Thane, now a struggling actress in her early thirties. Her old stage-school friend Adam Harker is on the brink of huge success, but to keep up appearances needs a trusted companion. After a few unexpected encounters, Adam asks Lily to partake in a fauxmance with him. But soon after signing a NDA and six month contract, Adam’s dark side starts to surface and things turn toxic!
Lily was a really interesting character and it’s crazy to think just how much one person will put up with in the hopes it will further their career. I also thought it was shocking that Adam felt like he had to hide his true self for fear of how he would be perceived in the acting world. It’s awful to think of real people out there who think this is the only option available to them!
Within the first few chapters (and as detailed in the synopsis) we learn that Lily finds Adam’s lifeless body in a swimming pool, but it’s not clear what has lead to this. I liked having this in the back of my mind as I was reading and Part One of the book shows the build up to that fateful day, whilst Part Two explores the months after.
I really liked the latter part of the book as Lily is convinced all is not quite as it seems in terms of Adam’s death. I was intrigued to learn more, just like Lily, and particularly loved the final chapters in this section of the book as there were lots of things that took me by surprise! I would have liked a little more detail as the ending felt a little bit rushed, but I really liked the unexpected turns and thought it was very clever! I also liked how character driven this book was; there were definitely some shady characters along the way!
This is a truly immersive read and I enjoyed the insight it gave into the darker world of fame and fortune!
April 6, 2022
Lily and Adam’s fauxmance is not the only thing in this book that is toxic. Adam himself, Talia, cousin Dido, the Momager, best friend Nina, even Lily herself, are all toxic in their own way. I quite liked Rafael, because he seems to be the only one who knows who and what he is. And most of all I disliked Dan, who thinks he is so nice, but is actually a hypocrite of the worst kind. Even Lily’s stalker Zalandra is more honest.
But back to the story. Lily was briefly a child star in a Christmas film in which she played ‘Little Lucie’ and shot to fame. From then on success has been hard to sustain. Weight loss and a nose job in her teens helped, but desperation and a pushy mum/manager did not.
Then one day she bumps into Adam Harker, short, plump, spotty teenager-turned-heart-throb (how did that happen?) from drama school and he seems determined to re-kindle their previously non-existent romance. Because Adam wants something from Lily and it’s not what she imagines.
My only issue with this fabulous book is why everyone is so in love with Adam. Alcohol-fuelled and drug-addled, he’s really not very nice. A taker, he gives nothing in return. The day he bites Lily on the face would have been my swift exit. But Lily is desperate for fame and she will do almost everything and anything to attain it.
For someone like me who has never been to a party where anything stronger than weed was smoked, the lines of cocaine on the table where the wine is usually laid out, was a real eye-opener, though I hope I never experience it. I’d like to keep my septum thanks very much.
I really enjoyed this book, though it is sad to imagine that all budding stars behave like this. I really hope not, but I am not naive enough to think it’s all sweetness and light. I look forward to this author’s next book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
But back to the story. Lily was briefly a child star in a Christmas film in which she played ‘Little Lucie’ and shot to fame. From then on success has been hard to sustain. Weight loss and a nose job in her teens helped, but desperation and a pushy mum/manager did not.
Then one day she bumps into Adam Harker, short, plump, spotty teenager-turned-heart-throb (how did that happen?) from drama school and he seems determined to re-kindle their previously non-existent romance. Because Adam wants something from Lily and it’s not what she imagines.
My only issue with this fabulous book is why everyone is so in love with Adam. Alcohol-fuelled and drug-addled, he’s really not very nice. A taker, he gives nothing in return. The day he bites Lily on the face would have been my swift exit. But Lily is desperate for fame and she will do almost everything and anything to attain it.
For someone like me who has never been to a party where anything stronger than weed was smoked, the lines of cocaine on the table where the wine is usually laid out, was a real eye-opener, though I hope I never experience it. I’d like to keep my septum thanks very much.
I really enjoyed this book, though it is sad to imagine that all budding stars behave like this. I really hope not, but I am not naive enough to think it’s all sweetness and light. I look forward to this author’s next book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
May 22, 2022
Lily Thane, former child star, now a struggling actress in her thirties, bumps into a friend from stage school. Adam Harker. Once billed as the 'next big thing' , Adam has had a chequered career but hopes his next film will finally propel him into A-list stardom. Blinded by the chemistry between them, Lily is surprised when Adam tells her he is gay but wants to 'fly under the radar until his career is secure, & he wants Lily to pose as his girlfriend. Lily agrees as in return Adam says he will help her career, & she likes Adam so thinks it will be an easy gig. What follows gradually becomes a nightmare as Adam pushes all Lily's buttons making her insecure & doubtful about herself & her career. Adam is just as sneeringly dismissive of everyone else, so when he is found dead in the swimming pool after a party, there are no shortage of suspects. The police rule it accidental but Lily is not so sure, so she decides to investigate his death herself.
Wow, I was absolutely glued to this & read it in about 4 hours. To be honest, Lily's investigation into Adam's death was the least interesting thing in the book, I was far more into their spiralling toxic 'fauxmance'. The man was a grade A a-hole. Throw in a supporting cast of a resentful sister, fake friends & acquaintances, & a stalker - just who can Lily trust? I thought Lily was a good main character, she had her faults, but she was generally one of the more likeable characters. Things went off the boil a little for me after Adam's death, but it was still a really great read about the pressures & fakeness of stardom & just what people are willing to do for their 15 minutes of fame.
Wow, I was absolutely glued to this & read it in about 4 hours. To be honest, Lily's investigation into Adam's death was the least interesting thing in the book, I was far more into their spiralling toxic 'fauxmance'. The man was a grade A a-hole. Throw in a supporting cast of a resentful sister, fake friends & acquaintances, & a stalker - just who can Lily trust? I thought Lily was a good main character, she had her faults, but she was generally one of the more likeable characters. Things went off the boil a little for me after Adam's death, but it was still a really great read about the pressures & fakeness of stardom & just what people are willing to do for their 15 minutes of fame.
October 22, 2025
Lily Thane, once a child star, is now a languishing actress failing to get any decent roles in anything - even with her 'Momanagers' help. That is, until she bumps into an old stage school acquaintance Adam. Adam is on the cusp of big things but he needs Lily's help. Together they embark on a 'fauxmance' to raise both their profiles - until Adam's found dead that is...
The Pro's:
1) Who doesn’t love a fauxmance and media manipulation in a story? (I do!)
2) I find acting (and in particular child actors) fascinating
3) I thought the premise was really interesting
4) Lily embarks on some amateur sleuthing, I love amateur sleuthing in books
The Con's:
1) I expected it to be more ‘thrillery’ throughout
2) There are dark themes throughout including toxic romance
3) There is quite a bit of talk of drink and drugs if that bothers you
4) I think this book could have been improved by being told in a different way: no spoilers but timeline flashbacks
The Summary:
I loved the premise of the book - actors embark on a fauxmance to raise their profiles - but one of them gets murdered. I feel how the story is told doesn’t showcase the great idea enough. Tweaks of timelines to make the book more of a thriller throughout would have made a big difference I feel, because at times it was slow in its current form. Overall I liked the book but I feel the execution could have been improved and that would have made the book brilliant.
I rated the book 3.5 stars (as can't have half stars I rated it down to a 3 as it's not at a 4 level for me).
The Pro's:
1) Who doesn’t love a fauxmance and media manipulation in a story? (I do!)
2) I find acting (and in particular child actors) fascinating
3) I thought the premise was really interesting
4) Lily embarks on some amateur sleuthing, I love amateur sleuthing in books
The Con's:
1) I expected it to be more ‘thrillery’ throughout
2) There are dark themes throughout including toxic romance
3) There is quite a bit of talk of drink and drugs if that bothers you
4) I think this book could have been improved by being told in a different way: no spoilers but timeline flashbacks
The Summary:
I loved the premise of the book - actors embark on a fauxmance to raise their profiles - but one of them gets murdered. I feel how the story is told doesn’t showcase the great idea enough. Tweaks of timelines to make the book more of a thriller throughout would have made a big difference I feel, because at times it was slow in its current form. Overall I liked the book but I feel the execution could have been improved and that would have made the book brilliant.
I rated the book 3.5 stars (as can't have half stars I rated it down to a 3 as it's not at a 4 level for me).
April 6, 2022
Let’s Pretend has been a really eye-opening read portraying the dark side ready lurking behind the outward persona of those in the public eye.
This is definitely acts as a reminder too that you can never know what truly goes on in a relationship unless you are in it; contrary to what the press would have you read!
Never entrust everything you read!
This story is told from the perspective of former childstar Lily Thane, now a somewhat struggling actress in her early thirties.
Lily’s old stage-school friend from many moons, Adam Harker is on the brink to huge success, but to keep up appearances needs a ‘trusted’ life companion.
After a couple of ‘unexpected’ encounters, Adam asks Lily to partake in a fauxmance with him. But not long after signing his NDA and a six month contract, Adam’s dark side starts to surface and things turn toxic!
Lily was for me really interesting character, it’s crazy to think just how much one person will put up with in the hopes it will further their career. I find it shocking that Adam felt like he had to hide his true self for fear of how he would be perceived in his acting world.
It’s awful to think real people out there, actors, singers, sportsman in the eye who think this is still the only option available to them! Many never do come out for fear.
Within the first few chapters (and as detailed in the synopsis) we learn that Lily finds Adam’s lifeless body in a swimming pool, it’s not clear how this came to be.
I liked having this in the back of my mind as I was reading and Part One of the book shows the build up to that fateful day, whilst Part Two explores the months after
the reasons you expect, this book had a bit of everything moments of glamour, death, heartbreak, stalking, drugs, suspicious behaviour, homosexuality, backstabbing, divorce?
How you look the choices you make in life can direct your future, people who seem to have it all really happy, on top of the world behind closed doors living in sin.
The back characters full names seemed a bit rip offy and unoriginal to me but I liked Lily.
I haven’t read a Laura Vaughn book before so she was new to me. But I like the cover.
This is definitely acts as a reminder too that you can never know what truly goes on in a relationship unless you are in it; contrary to what the press would have you read!
Never entrust everything you read!
This story is told from the perspective of former childstar Lily Thane, now a somewhat struggling actress in her early thirties.
Lily’s old stage-school friend from many moons, Adam Harker is on the brink to huge success, but to keep up appearances needs a ‘trusted’ life companion.
After a couple of ‘unexpected’ encounters, Adam asks Lily to partake in a fauxmance with him. But not long after signing his NDA and a six month contract, Adam’s dark side starts to surface and things turn toxic!
Lily was for me really interesting character, it’s crazy to think just how much one person will put up with in the hopes it will further their career. I find it shocking that Adam felt like he had to hide his true self for fear of how he would be perceived in his acting world.
It’s awful to think real people out there, actors, singers, sportsman in the eye who think this is still the only option available to them! Many never do come out for fear.
Within the first few chapters (and as detailed in the synopsis) we learn that Lily finds Adam’s lifeless body in a swimming pool, it’s not clear how this came to be.
I liked having this in the back of my mind as I was reading and Part One of the book shows the build up to that fateful day, whilst Part Two explores the months after
the reasons you expect, this book had a bit of everything moments of glamour, death, heartbreak, stalking, drugs, suspicious behaviour, homosexuality, backstabbing, divorce?
How you look the choices you make in life can direct your future, people who seem to have it all really happy, on top of the world behind closed doors living in sin.
The back characters full names seemed a bit rip offy and unoriginal to me but I liked Lily.
I haven’t read a Laura Vaughn book before so she was new to me. But I like the cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2022
A perfect title to the book where no one is quite who they seem. In stage school, Lily makes friends and frenemies that will last her whole life. The main person to benefit from Lily’s false-ness is Adam Harker. He is a gay man trapped in a beautiful body that demands he pays his attentions to girls.
Since leaving stage school, Adam has found his place in the limelight. But to grace it as he intends, he needs a pretty girl on his arm to distract the haters. He asks Lily to be his faux romance, to be in his arm at all the best parties and to share the limelight with him. Of course, Lily agrees. They get on really well. It will be no hardship to accompany Adam at all times and what can be the harm in sharing a limelight that she desperately wants for herself?
But Adam is a slippery fish with a temper. He is horrid to be around when in a bad mood and it’s not all red carpets and show stopping events. One evening when returning from a solitary walk, she finds Adam’s body, face down in a swimming pool. As no one else seems to care, it’s down to Lily to find out who did this to Adam as she doesn’t believe he will have taken his own life.
This is a story that keeps you reading. It’s not Shakespeare but it is well written. You can’t help but feel a little bit dirty as you read about life at the shallow end.
Since leaving stage school, Adam has found his place in the limelight. But to grace it as he intends, he needs a pretty girl on his arm to distract the haters. He asks Lily to be his faux romance, to be in his arm at all the best parties and to share the limelight with him. Of course, Lily agrees. They get on really well. It will be no hardship to accompany Adam at all times and what can be the harm in sharing a limelight that she desperately wants for herself?
But Adam is a slippery fish with a temper. He is horrid to be around when in a bad mood and it’s not all red carpets and show stopping events. One evening when returning from a solitary walk, she finds Adam’s body, face down in a swimming pool. As no one else seems to care, it’s down to Lily to find out who did this to Adam as she doesn’t believe he will have taken his own life.
This is a story that keeps you reading. It’s not Shakespeare but it is well written. You can’t help but feel a little bit dirty as you read about life at the shallow end.
March 23, 2022
Loved!
Let's Pretend is a novel about the worlds of acting and fame, as well as the kind of performances it inspires. It sounds like a perfect opportunity when former child actress Lily Thane is approached by her old stage school classmate Adam Harker for a phony relationship to dazzle the red carpet with. Her stuttering acting career appears to be on the mend, but she'll have to put up with their poisonous relationship. When Adam is discovered dead in a swimming pool, Lily suspects foul play and becomes engrossed in the investigation of who supplied the pills that killed him and whether they are still hazardous.
Lily's journey from reconciling with Adam after not seeing each other since stage school to unravelling the mystery of how he died is chronicled in this story. The early scenes immerse you in an upper-crust world of celebrity, party drugs, and money, where gossip and reputation are everything, and it's a horrifying world at times, with a cast of unlikeable characters and lots of reminders of life's fickle nature. Many of the acting aspects are similar to or rip-offs of existing objects, creating an image of a landscape that is near to reality, albeit it can be tedious to hear about at times.
Let's Pretend is a novel about the worlds of acting and fame, as well as the kind of performances it inspires. It sounds like a perfect opportunity when former child actress Lily Thane is approached by her old stage school classmate Adam Harker for a phony relationship to dazzle the red carpet with. Her stuttering acting career appears to be on the mend, but she'll have to put up with their poisonous relationship. When Adam is discovered dead in a swimming pool, Lily suspects foul play and becomes engrossed in the investigation of who supplied the pills that killed him and whether they are still hazardous.
Lily's journey from reconciling with Adam after not seeing each other since stage school to unravelling the mystery of how he died is chronicled in this story. The early scenes immerse you in an upper-crust world of celebrity, party drugs, and money, where gossip and reputation are everything, and it's a horrifying world at times, with a cast of unlikeable characters and lots of reminders of life's fickle nature. Many of the acting aspects are similar to or rip-offs of existing objects, creating an image of a landscape that is near to reality, albeit it can be tedious to hear about at times.
April 7, 2022
I found this to be a really enjoyable page-turner which kept my interest throughout. The book follows Lily Thane, an actress who found fame as a child and has struggled to match her early success. When she is given the opportunity to be a "red-carpet" girlfriend to Adam Harker, an actor she has known since stage-school who has a promising future in the acting world, she accepts with the hope it will boost her stalling career. However she quickly discovers she has taken on more than she bargained for and Adam's sudden and unexplained death causes her to doubt everything and everyone around her.
The plot was well paced and packed full of drama which kept me entertained and wanting to see where the story would go. I particularly enjoyed the PR battles, manipulation and scandal which become a common part of Lily's life.
What bothered me was that none of the characters in this book were likeable, not even Lily who we were supposed to root for. Therefore towards the end of the book I didn't really care who was responsible for Adam's death as none of the characters would have been a surprise. This took away a lot of the intrigue from the revelation and the book felt flat at the end.
Thank you to Readers First for the copy of this book.
The plot was well paced and packed full of drama which kept me entertained and wanting to see where the story would go. I particularly enjoyed the PR battles, manipulation and scandal which become a common part of Lily's life.
What bothered me was that none of the characters in this book were likeable, not even Lily who we were supposed to root for. Therefore towards the end of the book I didn't really care who was responsible for Adam's death as none of the characters would have been a surprise. This took away a lot of the intrigue from the revelation and the book felt flat at the end.
Thank you to Readers First for the copy of this book.
October 29, 2024
Another fantastic book from Laura Vaughan!
I really enjoyed The Favour and so when I saw Let’s Pretend, I had high hopes, and it didn’t disappoint at all!!
A dive into the world of famous actors and what they’ll do to preserve their image, it was both unrealistic and believable at the same time. Lily Thane is a child star who comes from a family of actors, her cousin is big in the Shakespearean theatre circuit. One night Lily meets Adam, someone she went to theatre school with who is on the cusp of his big break. Soon after, Adam asks Lily if she would be his perfect red carpet companion and fake date him. Months later, Lily and Adam have broken up but she ends up at his house party in the country… where the next day Adam is found dead in the swimming pool. Is his death a tragic accident or is it more than that? That’s something that Lily tries to find out.
Although the characters aren’t particularly likeable, I think that’s exactly what Laura wanted us to think of them. Laura’s writing definitely made me want to keep reading to find out the truth. I didn’t see the twist that came at the end, but I enjoyed the whole book. It was a nice quick read as I just wanted to know what happened next!
I really enjoyed The Favour and so when I saw Let’s Pretend, I had high hopes, and it didn’t disappoint at all!!
A dive into the world of famous actors and what they’ll do to preserve their image, it was both unrealistic and believable at the same time. Lily Thane is a child star who comes from a family of actors, her cousin is big in the Shakespearean theatre circuit. One night Lily meets Adam, someone she went to theatre school with who is on the cusp of his big break. Soon after, Adam asks Lily if she would be his perfect red carpet companion and fake date him. Months later, Lily and Adam have broken up but she ends up at his house party in the country… where the next day Adam is found dead in the swimming pool. Is his death a tragic accident or is it more than that? That’s something that Lily tries to find out.
Although the characters aren’t particularly likeable, I think that’s exactly what Laura wanted us to think of them. Laura’s writing definitely made me want to keep reading to find out the truth. I didn’t see the twist that came at the end, but I enjoyed the whole book. It was a nice quick read as I just wanted to know what happened next!
April 7, 2022
A chance meeting with an old school friend is possibly the best thing to happen to Lily, or so she thinks but as she settles in the role of Adam’s partner. But this isn’t Kansas, Lily, things are not quite what they seem and as with many relationships, the break up is not pleasant. And post break oh my!!!
I found Let’s Pretend a real eye opener into the world of celebrity dating. How true Vaughan’s got the shenanigans that are orchestrated by agents and PR, who knows but I felt the apple she wrote didn’t fall too far from the tree.
Having read The Favour, I thought I knew the author’s thought process and where this story was heading but I was way off the mark. This was a lot darker than it’s predecessor. Despite being the woman scorned, I really liked Lily and I was rooting for her to be right about Adam’s demise but was she? Was it murder or just a tragic accident?!
Let’s Pretend is a rather unassuming, but tense read. It’s a slow burner, I felt I got under the skin of the characters of this dark read. I didn’t realise quite how on edge I was particularly as the story climaxed. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
I found Let’s Pretend a real eye opener into the world of celebrity dating. How true Vaughan’s got the shenanigans that are orchestrated by agents and PR, who knows but I felt the apple she wrote didn’t fall too far from the tree.
Having read The Favour, I thought I knew the author’s thought process and where this story was heading but I was way off the mark. This was a lot darker than it’s predecessor. Despite being the woman scorned, I really liked Lily and I was rooting for her to be right about Adam’s demise but was she? Was it murder or just a tragic accident?!
Let’s Pretend is a rather unassuming, but tense read. It’s a slow burner, I felt I got under the skin of the characters of this dark read. I didn’t realise quite how on edge I was particularly as the story climaxed. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews