Single Sundays: Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert

Synopsis for Playing Pretend (from Goodreads):
As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.
Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.
When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn’t love the man who made her proud of her true self?

Review:

I was really excited to read this book though to be honest I’m not sure why. I think it had something to do with the fact that Charlotte is the daughter of a governor and I am a little obsessed with the Good Wife at the moment. I was also hoping for a story more like Out of Line with a sweet romance and strong lead mixed with Beyond Me by Jennifer Probst based on the synopsis.

While I liked Mason and Charlotte together, I didn’t totally see the connection. It’s implied that they talk but I felt like all they did was make-out when they were together so I never saw more to their relationship. They were cute and had some sweet moments together but I just didn’t connect with them.

I also didn’t connect with Charlotte. It’s a shame because she had a lot of potential but I just couldn’t bring myself to like her. I found her a little overdramatic at times and that bothered me. I didn’t find her overly annoying rather I just felt indifferent to her and that dampened my reading experience.

Conclusion:

A cute, sweet and quick read that is simple in its delivery and will put a smile on your face once you finish it–but nothing overly impressive.

Rating: 3/5

Shorthand Stats:
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Drama
Recommended for: 18+
Heat Rating: pretty warm
Point of View: First Person, Alternating
Similar Reads: Beyond Me by Jennifer Probst (Sex on the Beach Series) and Out of Line by Jen McLaughlin (Out of Line Trilogy #1)