I love this story so bittersweet, love of sisters and family. I think when we know we are dying we don't think about ourselves but the people we leave behind. I have heard this over and over and it always makes me sad. This is a love story, but not the love story you think we you start reading. It is about not meaning to fall in love but when it comes it is all consuming. This is that story, it is about the people you leave behind but mostly about how you changed them by just loving them.

Margo is determined to help her sister fall in love, but when she finds out her sister likes Danel the school's bad boy, she is determined to keep them apart. In order to do this, she decides to get close to Daniel and find out his story. What she learns is not at all what she thought, the more they get close the more in love Daniel becomes with Margo. But when Margo secret is reveled, will he be strong enough for Margo, will his love be enough for her?

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Jean Books for copy of this story for my honest review.

“Emotionally Riveting and One That I’ll Be Recommending For A While”

Let’s Pretend I’m Okay is a beautiful work of fiction written by Jasmine Little. Margo is a teen with terminally ill cancer who decides not to do chemotherapy and not to tell anyone until she truly has to, as she doesn’t want them to look at her as if she’s dying.

At school, she runs into a boy named Daniel during a class fight. He’s misunderstood and keeps to himself. Margo keeps seemingly being forced by fate to talk to him. Their relationship was heart warming and I absolutely felt all the emotions throughout this book. I absolutely recommend to all readers as a cancer survivor myself. Powerful. Passionate. Just amazing!

Oof, what an emotional roller coaster! While the book definitely has comps to A walk to Rememebr and The fault in our stars, it has its own unique spin on a tragic story of young love when one of the characters is dying. Heartbreaking and beautiful, this is a book about life and love and the impact a person can have on someone. Highly recommend. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher.

Let’s Pretend I’m Okay by Jasmine Little

Jasmine Little has crafted the dream YA romance novel. The story is well-written, though a bit fast-paced for a love story (I felt like I blinked and they were already invested, but then again… teenagers, right? 😄).

The book gives off similar vibes to The Fault in Our Stars—a tragic love story with a heartbreaking end.

Triggers: Cancer and death.

This story truly captures the profound impact one person can have on many lives.

I really loved this book!

As a parent of a child - I'm not sure I could read it again as it really broke my heart!

Read from September 29th, 2024 to October 3rd, 2024. Written on October 6th, 2024.

First off, I do apologise for the delay on posting this review. Between work and the beginning of the second year of university, my brain hasn't been in the right place to sit down and write this.

If you'll excuse me, I'll just go cry over this book while attending a seminar about mental health (true story).

Yes, yes and yes. I am in love, I want this in my life forever and I need people to know it.

The characters are fenomenal. The story is engaging and incredibly addictive. The dual-POV makes it so much more interesting, allowing the reader to understand Daniel and Margo's (main characters) minds. The growth both characters go through is so clear and perfect. The rise in Daniel's spirits while Margo slowly fades away just made me think that she was giving him and her family everything she had. Margo is easily one of the most cheerful and incredible characters I have ever read.

Now...I did say I cried. And then I didn't cry. And then I felt like crying whilst remembering what I had just read. The story is just beautiful. And the fact that we know exactly what's going to happen but still aren't prepared for it to actually happen just proves to me how amazingly written this is. The present makes us almost forget about the future that awaits.

Read it and weep. Then tell me all about it.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Signing off.
B.

(Free ARC from NetGalley and Little Jean Books that I chose to review after reading - Cross-posted on Goodreads on October 6th, 2024)

this was such a beautiful and devastating read. i'm at a loss for words how to describe it other than it is worth the read. if you need a good cry, this is the book for you!

Margot and Daniel 😭😭 the last 25% of this book caused that uncomfortable lump in your throat! Heartbreaking and emotional. But so beautiful too!

Thanks NetGalley for the arc!

Thank you Netgalley and Little Jean Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Let's Pretend I'm Okay” by Jasmine Little is a heart-wrenching YA book that beautifully explores the complexities of grief, love, and human connection. From the moment I picked up this book, I knew I was in for an emotional rollercoaster, and it did not disappoint. Perfect for fans of tearjerkers, this story will leave you emotionally drained—but in the best way possible. I do recommend looking at content warnings before going into this book because it will definitely grab your heart and won’t let go, and if you’re sensitive to certain elements, you may find it difficult to get through this book. This book isn’t for the faint of heart. It tackles heavy themes such as cancer, death, abandonment, and emotional abuse, so you should be prepared for an emotional journey. But if you’re looking for a cathartic read that will leave you both heartbroken and hopeful, “Let's Pretend I'm Okay” is the perfect choice.

The story centers around Margo Blakely, a high school senior battling stage four acute myeloid leukemia, and Daniel Hansen, a boy abandoned by his mother and struggling with deep-seated feelings of unworthiness. Margo is vibrant, bubbly, and determined to live fully in the time she has left, while Daniel is wounded, emotionally closed-off, and unsure if he deserves to be loved. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the book as Margo and Daniel, both broken in different ways, come together to find solace in one another.

Jasmine Little has a gift for capturing raw, unfiltered emotion. The depiction of Margo’s battle with cancer is both heart-wrenching and painfully real, making her story all the more heartbreaking. Margo’s optimism and determination to find joy even in her darkest moments make her a character you can’t help but admire. Daniel, on the other hand, is grappling with the scars left by his abandonment, and it’s impossible not to feel for him as he struggles to believe he’s worthy of love.

The book doesn't just focus on Margo and Daniel’s relationship, though; it’s also a touching exploration of family and friendship. Margo’s bond with her twin sister Annie, Daniel’s evolving relationship with his cousin Olive, and the warmth of Mrs. Blakely all add depth to the story. The relationships are authentic, and every character feels like they belong, playing an essential role in the plot.

But the beauty of “Let's Pretend I'm Okay” lies in its ability to make you feel deeply. This is a book that will have you laughing on one page and sobbing on the next. Little expertly balances moments of joy and humor with the crushing weight of loss, leaving you emotionally tethered to the characters.

While the romance between Margo and Daniel is central to the story, it’s not a typical love story. Instead, it’s about two people finding comfort and meaning in each other’s presence, even when they know their time together is limited. Their connection is as much about friendship and understanding as it is about love, making their relationship feel all the more genuine and affecting.


Overall, Jasmine Little has crafted a stunning, unforgettable story in “Let's Pretend I'm Okay.” It's a book that will tear you apart and slowly put you back together, reminding you of the fragility and beauty of life. If you’re in need of a good cry and a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, this is the book for you.

Let's Pretend I'm Okay written by Jasmine Little was beautiful, raw, pure, honest, and heart breaking. When I saw that gorgeous cover, I knew I had to get my hands on this book immediately and I'm so happy I did because this book left me bawling like a baby late into the middle of the night. When I saw this book was perfect for fans who loved A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks, I knew it was going to be a BANGER!!!!!!! Jasmine, I don't know how much my therapy bill is going to cost, but I'll send it to you immediately, thank you for breaking my heart with this beautiful story. Let's Pretend I'm Okay???? I AM NOT OKAY, I AM MENTALLY UNSTABLE RIGHT NOW. There's absolutely nothing I would change about this book, I loved every single minute of it, it was just absolutely perfect for me. I can't recommend this book enough, dedication: For everyone who needs a good ugly cry...... if that doesn't make you pick up this gut wrenching book, I don't know what to say. Thank goodness for water proof mascara, because I don't think I would have gotten through this book with makeup streaks running down my face. Let's Pretend I'm Okay will remain in my heart for a long time to come. The snot bubbles are bubbling as I write this review.

THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND LITTLE JEAN BOOKS FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!!

TRIGGER WARNING'S
-Cancer
-Death
-Bullying
-Drug Abuse
-Child Abandonment
-Emotional Abuse

"It's not a weed. It's a flower. It just took time to bloom. It's growing somewhere it shouldn't. Despite the odds, it managed to find a crack in the concrete and bloom."

"My angel baby is dying, and I'm trying to wrap my head around that."

"Every laugh and smile makes me cringe because it's a reminder that not everyone's life is as crappy as mine."

"Everyone knew me as the girl who had cancer. I was scared, tainted by something out of my control."

"Telling someone they are okay when they feel hurt doesn't solve anything. It just pushes them away."

"Why can't I like you?" Why does everyone I care about push me away? I don't understand why I'm so hard to love. Then, Margo whispers, "because I'm dying".

"Stars, they are beautiful. Their light is so strong that even after they die, they shine for billions of years. I want to be like a star. I was to shine that long."

Mama gasps, "my sweet baby girl, you are gorgeous." Papa hugs me next, "You look beautiful, Bug."

Daniel Hansen has really bad abandonment issues. Oh, my poor Daniel, love bug, I just want to give you the biggest hug ever. Daniel lives with his cousin Laura and her family, but Daniel doesn't feel like he belongs there because he feels like he's intruding in another families life. Daniel's mom abandoned him when he was just two years old because apparently drugs were way more important than her own son. After being abandoned by his mom, Daniel was left with his grandma, but then his grandma left him too, but in a different way, Daniel's grandma now has dementia and can't take care of him anymore, after being left by two different people, Daniel feels like no one wants him. Once Daniel turns eighteen, he plans to move out of Laura's house. Daniel's mom overdosed seven months after she left Daniel with his grandma. Daniel's cousin Olive was literally so freaking sweet. Olive doesn't have very many friends at school, but she tried her best to make Daniel feel welcome even though he tried to push her away so many times. My precious Daniel, you are more than enough, and you deserve the world. Daniel made me cry so many times, I just wanted to reach into my kindle and hug him for the longest of times.

Margo and Annie Blakely are twins, but they are nothing alike. Margo and Annie are both seniors in high school. Margo is literally the cutest, she pairs her earrings to match her outfits every single day. Freshman year, Margo was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Margo has been in remission for over a year now, but during her senior year, Margo's cancer returns, but this time it's much more aggressive, it is now stage four and Margo is dying. Margo, baby girl, spread your wings and fly, my gorgeous girl. Margo and Annie are so different from each other. Margo is bubbly, she likes bright colors, and bold clothes, and she's a people pleaser. Annie is super shy, she would rather have her face stuffed between the pages of a book instead of having a conversation with someone, Annie is also a hopeless romantic. Margo has one wish before she dies, find Annie her forever love. But, Annie actually meets someone on her own and as you can guess his name is Daniel. Please do yourself a favor and read this book to find out how this love story goes down. I was never once disappointed with the direction Jasmine took with this book, I think I was too much of a mess with tears running down my face.

i love a good book that makes me sob !!! this was so beautiful and heartbreaking. I absolutely loved both of our mcs margo and daniel were just so perfect in their own way and together. It was so beautifully written and i loved the character development throughout honestly could’ve devoured this in one sitting !! but my heart is also broken so thanks for that jasmine :)

So I'm not okay after reading this book and I'm not going to pretend that I am.. I'm broken after reading Margo and Daniel story and I cried more times that I count while I was reading... At the same time I loved it which is a contradiction but that's okay... I don't think I will get over it soon but that's fine.. Their story was beautiful and strong while it lasted and for that it was a epic love story

Let’s Pretend I’m Okay?! I COULD NOT PRETEND I WAS OKAY IF I WANTED TO 💔

•Dual POV
•Daniel wishes he didn’t exist
•Margo is determined to seize every single moment
•Their worlds unexpectedly, all consumingly, collide
•First kiss, first love
•Iris, The Goo Goo Dolls 🎶

If you love Sweet November, A Walk to Remember, or The Fault in Our Stars, you will without a doubt love this book. Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC!

Let's Pretend I'm Okay is a dual POV book about Margo who is dying of terminal cancer, and before she dies she wants to make sure that everyone she leaves behind will be happy, including her twin sister Annie who she is determined to help fall in love. The one problem is Annie likes the new bad boy at school Daniel and Margo is determined to keep them apart. The second POV is from Daniel who keeps to himself, and has felt abandoned and unwanted most of his life.

This book was so heart wrenching, despite knowing how it would end I was hoping that it would end differently and was completely sobbing when I finshed it. I really enjoyed the love story between Daniel and Margo, which was just so sweet and I loved how Margo tried to stay so positive for everyone around her. The side characters were also so great, and I'm kind of hoping there might be a story about Annie in the future??

Thank you to Netgalley, Little Jean Books and Jasmine Little for providing this eArc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Posted a review to Goodreads on 19/09/24

This book was a quick read that kept me engaged the whole time! A great young adult book with heavy themes, but no inappropriate content. Definitely a tear-jerker!

This is the second book published by Jasmine Little and I absolutely love her writing. She does a great job at creating characters and story’s that instantly pull you into the book.

This book is heartbreaking and beautifully written. Margo’s cancer has relapsed but this time it’s terminal. She tries to cope by making a bucket list that will make her death easier on everyone. Along the way she meets Daniel, the boy that will change her life. There wasn’t a dull moment in this book. Even though the ending was known from the very beginning it still made me cry.

Thank you so much to the editor and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Told from two points of view, we see an angry Daniel. His mom is gone, he doesn’t know his dad, and now he has to live with his aunt and family. Margo just found out her cancer is back and she doesn’t have long. She doesn’t want her twin sister, Annie, to know just yet because she wants to add good memories and make sure her family is taken care of. Annie has her eye on Daniel and Margo wants her sister to fall in love so she makes a deal with Daniel and tells him I need something from you but what would you like in return. He decides she could try to find his dad. As Daniel and Margo spend more time talking, Daniel decides he likes Margo, but Margo thinks it wouldn’t be right to like Daniel so she sets up a date with he and Annie which doesn’t go well. Margo finds she has feelings for Daniel too. Margo and Daniel talk and she tells him I’m dying. Daniel tells Margo let me help you live and have fun while you can. What happens now?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley, Jasmine Little, and Little Jean Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Let's Pretend I'm Okay in the return of an honest review. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is the type of story where you know exactly how the ending will go, but you wish with all of your might that it turns out differently than expected. Margo and Daniel are the epitome of young love. Daniel's dark world turns bright when he starts to fall for Margo. Margo is adorable, but her life is meant to have a tragic outcome. The plot is very similar to A Walk to Remember. It is an emotional read. The ending comes about really quickly. Wish it would have been a tad longer. It also needs to go through another round of editing because there are numerous errors throughout.

I can tell it's for a younger audience. Best target audience would be teens but I still enjoyed it. However have tissues handy when reading because they will be needed!

Unfortunately I DNF this read, not because it’s a bad read it simply just hits to close to home for me.

First of all, yes, I am still crying. Secondly, no, I'm not okay. But 'let's pretend I'm okay.'

As the book cover stated, this was a heartbreaking love story between a girl facing a terminal illness and a boy yearning to find a sense of belonging. I seriously don't know what's worse—not knowing that something terrible is going to happen or totally expecting it. Either way, it broke me just the same. My heart shattered into a million pieces for both Margo and Daniel. I had to put my Kindle down and stare at the wall for fifteen minutes before I could even finish the last 5% of the book. Just know that I'll be sending my therapy bill straight to Jasmine Little. Sometimes I wonder why I put myself through this kind of emotional torture, but I do love a good cry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jasmine Little for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion, as well as a piece of my broken heart.