There’s Something About a Beautiful Book Cover…
There’s something irresistible about a gorgeous book cover. As someone who grew up in love with stories and now runs a bookish small business, I’m always on the lookout for a read that feels as meaningful on the inside as it looks on the outside. That’s what drew me to The Art of Pretend by Lauren Kuhl. In this The Art of Pretend book review you’re about to read dives into a novel that drew me in with its stunning cover—but didn’t quite deliver the emotional depth I was hoping for.
Book Review: The Art of Pretend
First Impressions: All Style, Some Substance
Let me start with the obvious—the cover of The Art of Pretend is absolutely gorgeous. Its moody elegance and quiet mystery hooked me right away. I expected an emotionally rich journey. What I found instead felt more like a stroll than a deep dive.
Meet Ren: A Woman Adrift in NYC
Ren, the protagonist, is a young woman living in New York City. She’s trying to figure out who she is in a world that often feels foreign to her. Raised by a distant father after being abandoned by her mother, Ren is shaped by loss. There’s so much potential here for healing and growth, but these threads are left mostly unexplored. Much like Ren’s own identity search, the story only skims the surface.
A Glittering Friendship—or Is It?
Ren’s closest friend, Etta, is someone she met in college. Etta is everything Ren isn’t—glamorous, globe-trotting, and deeply curated, like a living Instagram reel. Their friendship feels more habitual than heartfelt. They attend rooftop parties, sip champagne, and flit between designer experiences. But behind the sparkle, Etta frequently leaves Ren behind—sometimes literally. It becomes clear that Ren doesn’t have much of a support system, and the loneliness hangs heavy.
A Shift: When Etta Leaves, Archer Enters
Things change when Etta moves to Barcelona without saying much. Left alone, Ren is forced to face herself for the first time. She’s stuck in a tiny apartment, overwhelmed by a frustrating job and a complicated family. That’s when Archer—Etta’s older brother—steps into the story.
Their slow-building romance is one of the novel’s stronger elements. It’s quiet, tentative, and full of emotional undercurrents. But like much of the book, it felt underdeveloped. I kept hoping for more—more depth, more tension, more heartache. The foundation is there, but the emotional payoff never fully lands.
A Vibe-Heavy Read: NYC as a Character
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its aesthetic. New York City hums in the background like a heartbeat. From late-night subway rides to quiet art galleries and cobblestone streets, the setting gives the novel a cinematic quality. Ren’s world is messy—there’s beauty in that. But her story never quite rises to meet its own potential.
Final Thoughts: Pretty, But a Bit Shallow
The Art of Pretend is a light, vibe-driven read that leans into mood and style more than emotional depth. It touches on themes of abandonment, identity, friendship, and romance, but doesn’t linger long enough to leave a lasting impact. That said, if you enjoy novels with complicated friendships, a stylish urban setting, and just a splash of romance, it’s still worth picking up.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Best For: Readers seeking a stylish, drama-filled contemporary story that isn’t too heavy.
Would I recommend it? Yes—just know going in that it’s more about mood than meaning.
Let’s Talk About It!
Have you read The Art of Pretend? I’d love to hear your thoughts—especially if you connected with the characters more than I did. Drop a comment or message me on Instagram @pinkysworld25 and let’s chat!
Love Book Talk? Stay Awhile.
If you adore stories (even the messy ones) as much as I do, be sure to check out the bookish merch I design with readers in mind. From cozy mugs to cute t-shirts and thoughtful gifts, there’s something for every book lover in your life.
Want more reviews like this? Check out my recent take on this swoony YA romance or dive into a dark, twisty thriller review.
Until next time—keep reading, keep dreaming, and don’t judge a book only by its cover… even if it’s stunning.
📚 Want more reviews? View the full archive.