Pretending By Shanna Clayton

A Review By Wendy

3.5 Indian Jones, Walks Like An Egyptian, Hidden in Plain Sight Stars * * * 1/2

There are people out there doing things I only read about. They are having adventures right now as I type this. Some are actually living that Indian Jones life looking for the lost treasures of mankind. I don't usually think about all of these scientists, archaeologists and treasure hunters unless there is a huge discovery or exhibit mentioned in the media.

This is the basis of Pretending. You have two young adults who have been surrounded  and nurtured with these types of activities because their parents were involved in these pursuits. Both Wesley and Dahlia are from different families but tied together due to Wesley's father's will. It states both must live under the same roof of the Kent estate during their 4 years of college. After the 4 years, they split the estate between them.

Both of the players dislike each other; there has been circumstances and mistakes made by Wesley's dad. From his will, he is trying to bring these two together in the hopes they will find each other while living under the same roof.

Three years have passed and both characters have stayed on their side of the estate... something which was easy to do. Also, Dahlia has been disguising herself... wishing to melt into the woodwork... not wanting to stand out in the home or on campus. She covers her beauty with make up so she appears plain and unrecognizable.  She has her reasons and the few times Wesley has seen her over the years, he hasn't paid much attention.

There paths cross one day in the library where glorious treasures from all over the world are displayed amidst the first additions. Dahlia has decided to give the room some well needed love... since the passing of her stepfather... she could hardly bare to be in the room... the memories so dear. She is up on a ladder, cleaning the dust and Wesley thinks she is one of the maids... he doesn't see her as Dahlia... he sees this beauty and is struck.  

They converse, he is smitten; she thinks he knows who she is and as they both get very frisky with each other.... Wesley asks for her name... putting the brakes on the whole "let's get physical thing"... Dahlia cannot believe it and stomps away from Wesley.

So, we have these two, who are both treasure hunters... the historical, priceless trophies of times gone by unknowingly searching for the same prize; new feelings confusing the dynamic of their relationship and outside forces looking to undercut both of them achieving their goals.

This was a fun read with some interesting side stories... the secondary characters had enough happening where they may be up next for books...
I did get a little confused and my belief in all which was happening stretched... but over all it read fast and made me think.
It also approached the issues of betrayal; cheating and jumping to the wrong conclusions. Stubbornness also played a huge part of the story.

A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

About Shanna Clayton

I’m not sure if my mother predestined me to become a romance author when she named me after her favorite Kathleen Woodiwiss book, but that’s what happened. Now I live and breathe all things books. When I’m not glued to my desk writing, I can be found eating too much chocolate, obsessing over Game of Thrones, and cyber stalking my favorite authors. Keep up with me on Facebook and Instagram. I love hearing from readers!