Review: Charade by Nyrae Dawn

Charade
By: Nyrae Dawn
Release Date: October 22, 2012
Series: Games #1

Description:
Nineteen-year-old Cheyenne tries to portray the perfect life to mask the memories of her past. Walking in on her boyfriend with another woman her freshman year in college threatens that picture of perfection.

Twenty-one-year-old Colt never wanted college and never expected to amount to anything, but when his mom's dying wish is for him to get his degree, he has no choice but to pretend it's what he wants too.

Cheyenne needs a fake boyfriend to get back at her ex and Colt needs cash to take care of his mom, so they strike a deal that helps them both. But what if Cheyenne’s past isn’t what she thought? Soon they’re trading one charade for another—losing themselves in each other to forget about their pain. The more they play their game, the more it becomes the only thing they have that feels real.

Both Cheyenne and Colt know life is never easy, but neither of them expect the tragedy that threatens to end their charade and rip them apart forever.

Review:

This book was the epitome of an amazing contemporary new adult book.  It had every element you could possibly want in a book and a little more because it truly made you feel for each and every character that was introduced to you.  There was loss, family, friends, exes, tear wrenching scenes, steamy hot ones and laugh out loud statements that you will remember for a good while.  Nyrae Dawn has a way of writing that captures your heart and mind and keeps you captivated and wanting more in the best way possible.  I’m totally going to gush right now because I have to echo the sentiment of another reviewer and say why did I wait this long to read this book!

We meet Cheyenne on the brink of a recent breakup as she has discovered her boyfriend in bed with another girl, if that’s not heart breaking enough she doesn’t have anyone else there in college that she can count on.  Gregory was it. being the strong person that is, or at least that’s what she pretends to be she has to go out and find someone to show Gregory that he doesn’t really matter to her.  That’s when she runs into Colton, and what a magical run in that was because even though he’s so stand offish at first he’s definitely intrigued.   They both have major things going on in their lives and it definitely involves their family but they both have a great way of pretending, or hiding and showing that everything is just fine, with this aspect they are perfect for each other and so begins the charade of pretend boyfriend.

You know this is a recipe for disaster and will definitely back fire on the both of them in one way shape or form.  And it does, but in the best way possible.  Because as their little charade continues, it no longer feels like a charade for either one of them and the turmoil and sweetness that they experience together is a beautiful thing to watch.  Both characters want to be strong in their own ways but life gets in the way and its okay to break down every once in a while and just lean on someone’s shoulder.  Gregory doesn’t really play that much of role in the book and with the whole thing but every time he does pop up you know trouble is afoot.  But this book really isn’t about the ex-boyfriend at all; it’s about two people learning to need each other.

I laughed, I cried and man did I cry way to bring out the super emotional stuff towards the end, if this was a movie and everyone was watching this there would not be a dry eye in the house.  Especially if you got so invested in the characters as you should because the author did an amazing job in making them so realistic, believable and just lovable.  I wanted to hug them both by the end of the book.  Amazing read and I can’t wait to read all about Adrian in the next book because there is just something about him that really makes you feel like he’s really special.

I love the cover.  I just wished we’d be able to see all those tribal tattoos on Colt that were talked about in the book.  Great read, great series, and really addicting writing. 

Quote:
I remember Mom telling me there’s something in a man’s voice…in the inflection or how he talks to you or about you that says a lot. I never thought about it until now and I can’t help but wonder what Colt’s voice meant.
(Kindle Locations 700-702)