Review: The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris (The Fine Art of Pretending #2)


Note: This ARC was provided by Spencer Hill Press in exchange for an honest review.

The Natural History of Us is the second novel in bestselling author Rachel Harris's The Fine Art of Pretending series. For the record, I read the first book in preparation for this second book because I prefer reading books in order and I don't want to feel as if I missed out on the full reader experience. My feelings toward that first book were rather lukewarm because I wasn't a fan of a girl changing her physical appearance for the sake of attracting the attention of the opposite sex. Admittedly, I was a bit apprehensive about this second book but still went into it with an open mind because every book needs a fair chance. The main characters here used to be in a relationship but went their separate ways. Now, he wants another shot at being with her and is ready to prove to her that they should be together. But time apart has meant that changes have also happened and she's simply ready to move forward and leave the boy behind. When fate steps in, will either of them heed the call of a second chance or leave things as is?

Justin Carter is a familiar character for those who read The Fine Art of Pretending and he was an interesting supporting character who caught my attention, so I'm glad he gets his shot at his own happily-ever-after here. Peyton Williams is the girl who stole his heart and even though he broke her heart three years ago, his continues to be owned by her alone. They're both characters that seem to be easy to like and empathize with, but I lost a lot of my enthusiasm because there were these periods in the story that felt too drawn out and I won't deny that I was tempted to skim more than once. And while I have nothing against flashbacks--because they do help in setting the stage for what's going on in the present--again, it's all about those overly drawn out moments. I wish we were able to delve more into both Justin and Peyton because I felt like there were missed opportunities for them to be fully developed main characters. I'm on the fence with regards to reading the next book in the series. The Natural History of Us gets three stars. ♥

Release Date: 05 April 2016

Date Read: 04 April 2016

Learn more about Rachel Harris.

Pre-order The Natural History of Us on Amazon | B&N | Kobo.

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