Book Review ~ Exploring the Allure of Pretend You're Mine by Denver Shaw

A fake relationship with real consequences—will love be enough to heal the wounds of the past?

Creed

I’ve hit rock bottom.

Dishonorably discharged, haunted by my time in the military, and freezing my ass off sleeping in the backseat of my car, I’m barely surviving.

Then a chance encounter with enigmatic billionaire Avery Branson results in an unbelievable offer I can't refuse—pose as his boyfriend for his high-society family, and in return, I’ll get the money I desperately need.

It sounds simple enough, but there’s one I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be someone I’m not, and he's asking me to show the part of me I swore no one would ever see.

But the more time I spend with him, the harder it is to remember why I'm pretending.

He’s everything I shouldn’t want, but somehow, I can’t stay away.

Avery

Creed is the last person I expected to fall for—rough around the edges, emotionally closed off, and clearly running from something.

But with my mother pressuring me to get married for the good of the family business, I needed someone who could play the part, and Creed was desperate enough to accept.

I thought I could keep things simple, strictly business.

But every time I peel back another layer of his armor, I want more.

And I’m starting to think this fake relationship might be the most real thing I’ve ever had.

If only his past didn’t threaten to rip us apart before we even begin.

Pretend You're Mine  is an angsty, slow-burn romance where a broken veteran and a billionaire are trapped by expectations. With tropes like fake relationship, hurt/comfort, and forced proximity, this opposites-attract story promises a happily-ever-after that will melt even the coldest hearts.

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A strangers to lovers romance, the story follows Creed, a dishonourably discharged veteran struggling with his past and homelessness, and Avery, a billionaire under pressure from his family to settle down. 

Meeting by chance, Avery eventually offers Creed a deal: pretend to be his boyfriend to appease his high-society family, and in return, Creed will receive the financial help he desperately needs. What starts as a simple arrangement soon becomes complicated as genuine feelings develop between the two men.

Denver Shaw masterfully explores themes of vulnerability, trust, and healing. The characters are well-developed, with Creed’s rough exterior hiding a deeply wounded soul, and Avery’s polished facade masking his own insecurities. Their interactions are filled with tension and tenderness, making for a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged.

The book is rich with emotional depth, and the hurt/comfort dynamic is particularly well-executed. It is easy to appreciate how Shaw the fake relationship trope to peel back the layers of her characters, revealing their true selves in the process.

“Just let go, Creed. Trust me”

Denver Shaw’s writing style is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Denver has a talent for creating vivid, relatable, multi-dimensional characters and placing them in situations that feel authentic and deeply moving. Both Avery and Creed are portrayed with rich backstories and complex emotions, making their journey compelling and believable. The author’s ability to delve into their psyches allows readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs on a personal level.

The narrative is infused with a strong emotional undercurrent. Denver captures the nuances of Avery and Creed’s evolving relationship, highlighting moments of vulnerability, tension, and tenderness. This emotional depth ensures that readers are invested in the characters’ journey from start to finish.

The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities. Conversations between Avery and Creed are filled with genuine emotion and wit, helping to build their chemistry and deepen their connection. Denver’s descriptive writing brings scenes to life without overwhelming the reader. The settings and character interactions are vividly depicted, enhancing the immersive quality of the story.

“It was a small thing, a simple, quiet moment, but it felt like everything I’d been searching for without even knowing it.”

The author maintains a well-balanced pace throughout the novel. The story unfolds gradually, allowing for a slow-burn romance that feels organic and is crucial to sympathetically and believably showing Creed’s acceptance of his sexuality. This careful pacing ensures that the development of Avery and Creed’s relationship is both credible and satisfying.

“and then something broke inside me, something I didn’t even know I’d been holding back, and I let myself feel everything – every touch, every breath, every broken sound that fell from my lips … when I finally came apart, it was like a dam breaking, my whole body shuddering as the pleasure washed over me, leaving me gasping and raw.”

Exploring the central themes of healing, self-discovery, and personal growth, Avery and Creed learn to overcome their pasts and build a future together. The fake relationship trope serves as a catalyst for this personal growth, allowing Avery to learn to stand up to his family and assert his own desires, while Creed finds a sense of belonging and self-worth through Avery’s unwavering support. Their relationship is a beautiful blend of tension and tenderness, with each man helping the other heal from past wounds.

“For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt whole, like all the broken pieces inside me had finally settled into place."

Overall, Denver Shaw’s writing style is characterised by its emotional depth, realistic character portrayals, and engaging storytelling. Pretend You’re Mine is a heartfelt romance with low to medium levels of angst that promises a satisfying happily-ever-after, making it a must read for anyone who wants to believe that life gives second chances.

Pretend You're Mine is available as an Amazon ebook and KU.

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See below for content warnings - beware spoilers!

Major Content Warnings for Pretend You're Mine. I have only listed the big issues I identified, reader discretion is advised (warning spoilers):

x Homophobia - internalised and external (family etc)

x Descriptions of military violence

x Mention of death (murder) of children (off page) in military action

x Discrimination because of above military action

x Creed is homeless for some of this story

x Strict roles

x but above all a very happy ending!!!