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Lakeview Prep #1
Hate Notes
Topher Elliot is high school royalty.
The king of Lakeview prep.
You know the type. Disgustingly rich. Blond-haired. Eyes the color of a clear, blue sky. And muscles for days.
He also happens to be enemy #1, the bane of my existence.
Only, now my scholarship is in jeopardy and, like the peasant I am, I must tutor the king himself if I want to graduate.
Still, if I have to be around him, I might as well make it worth my while. So I send him a scathing text, telling him exactly what I think about him. But he mistakes me for someone else. That’s when I hatch a plan: get dirt on the king, and watch his reign crumble.
It’s about time someone made the king come tumbling down.
The king of Lakeview prep.
You know the type. Disgustingly rich. Blond-haired. Eyes the color of a clear, blue sky. And muscles for days.
He also happens to be enemy #1, the bane of my existence.
Only, now my scholarship is in jeopardy and, like the peasant I am, I must tutor the king himself if I want to graduate.
Still, if I have to be around him, I might as well make it worth my while. So I send him a scathing text, telling him exactly what I think about him. But he mistakes me for someone else. That’s when I hatch a plan: get dirt on the king, and watch his reign crumble.
It’s about time someone made the king come tumbling down.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2021
417 people are currently reading
1322 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 1, 2021
I had been looking forward to reading this book as I love the theme of Cyrano De Bergerac with the fake persona writing to someone and then that person slowly falling in love with the identity you have created, also I love high school novels. In Hate Notes, we meet Penelope Ewe aka P Ewe, and Topher Elliott. Penelope has been the subject of bullying from the school Royals which has Topher at their helm as back in 6th grade he started calling Penelope - P-U due to her name and Skunk Girl. With her scholarship hanging on the balance and being revoked due to budget cuts, Penelope must sign-up as a tutor to help pay towards her tuition as she strikes a deal with the principal. Turns out her worst nightmare is on the list of students - Topher Elliott. While screaming in the bathroom, she finds Topher's number scrawled on the wall and she texts him a "hate note". The scene jumps to Topher now trying to convince not only Penelope but also his mysterious texter Julie that he has changed and not this jerk that everyone thinks he is. As the book goes along, we read as Topher is sick of the popularity facade he is living and he is also falling for Julie who happens to be Penelope. What will happen when Topher discovers that the girl, he thinks he is in love with doesn't actually exist and now he has given his arch-enemy -the ammunition she needs to destroy not only him but also his family? Hate Notes was a fun cutesy Enemies to Lovers YA read with a cover to die for and is a perfect read if you are wanting a light-hearted relaxing YA read. I am now looking forward to the release of Book #2 Fake Notes.
June 30, 2021
It was a great book that I couldn’t put down. The storyline and characters were great and I enjoyed reading it.
July 6, 2021
This novel is just so fun. I loved the sizzling hate and love between Penelope and Topher. Penelope is your nerdy goody two shoes person. She is studious and has a major chip. But, she doesn't take crap from people. Topher seems to be your average jock, but is he? Topher is my favorite character in the entire novel. He is so sweet and really cares. I love how he doesn't tolerate people bullying Penelope. He aims to strike a friendship with her. Penelope was good, I mean she was also stubborn but she was nice. I loved how she grew and learned not to judge. That is my favorite part.
The romance is also amazing. I loved how their relationship was a slow-burn. They slowly became friends and then more. It was awesome to see how each person judged the other and have those walls come down. And the kissing scenes are super awesome and tender.
In summary, this is an awesome debut novel from an amazing author. I highly recommend this novel and any others she releases. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
*I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The romance is also amazing. I loved how their relationship was a slow-burn. They slowly became friends and then more. It was awesome to see how each person judged the other and have those walls come down. And the kissing scenes are super awesome and tender.
In summary, this is an awesome debut novel from an amazing author. I highly recommend this novel and any others she releases. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
*I have received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2022
3.5 stars
The pettiness of high school meant making fun of your peers never got old.
Topher has made fun of Penelope since 6th grade. Penelope has just been trying to get by without being noticed. But Topher pushes her to the point she sends him a hate text. Only one problem... he didn't know it was her. Now she has the chance to get dirt on him by catfishing him but of course, this is a YA so she is obviously going to fall for him.
It was cute but it's predictable in ways. I guess I would say I've read this story before but with new elements if that makes sense. The rich guy always secretly liked the poor girl. Poor girl hates rich guy. But something brings them together. I liked the story don't get me wrong but as I said earlier it's predictable. Still 3.5 stars.
The pettiness of high school meant making fun of your peers never got old.
Topher has made fun of Penelope since 6th grade. Penelope has just been trying to get by without being noticed. But Topher pushes her to the point she sends him a hate text. Only one problem... he didn't know it was her. Now she has the chance to get dirt on him by catfishing him but of course, this is a YA so she is obviously going to fall for him.
It was cute but it's predictable in ways. I guess I would say I've read this story before but with new elements if that makes sense. The rich guy always secretly liked the poor girl. Poor girl hates rich guy. But something brings them together. I liked the story don't get me wrong but as I said earlier it's predictable. Still 3.5 stars.
March 13, 2023
it was interesting enough!!!
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2023...
***Spoilers here and there***
Before I get started I just can’t get over this… I can’t get over Topher name. Like if you really see and read it, it comes off a “TOP - HER” 😂 like wow. I couldn’t even when I read his name. Like people name their kids this name. I wonder if they taken notice of that.
But anyways. I enjoyed this book. My plan is to read this whole series. I hope the other ones is as interesting as this one was.
Because I enjoyed Topher and Penelope story. I could tell that they would end up liking each other. Especially Penelope when she found out who the real Top-Her was… he shown her his true self that his horrible friends didn’t see. I couldn’t stand them boys he hung out with.
That was straight up bullies that I couldn’t even stand half the time when they popped up In the book especially JT he was the worse of his Mikey.
Other than that I enjoyed this book glad that Topher stuck it to his father and also told his mom about what his dad did. Because he did deserve to know even if he was going to hurt her in the end. His dad needed to be told of by his son, not only his son. Penelope dad as well because what he did to her dad was made wrong!
All in all with the situation between both Penelope and Top-Her they worked out that fall out between them after the argument with his father. That’s what I liked in the end because they fit well with each other even if they came from two different worlds.
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2023...
***Spoilers here and there***
Before I get started I just can’t get over this… I can’t get over Topher name. Like if you really see and read it, it comes off a “TOP - HER” 😂 like wow. I couldn’t even when I read his name. Like people name their kids this name. I wonder if they taken notice of that.
But anyways. I enjoyed this book. My plan is to read this whole series. I hope the other ones is as interesting as this one was.
Because I enjoyed Topher and Penelope story. I could tell that they would end up liking each other. Especially Penelope when she found out who the real Top-Her was… he shown her his true self that his horrible friends didn’t see. I couldn’t stand them boys he hung out with.
That was straight up bullies that I couldn’t even stand half the time when they popped up In the book especially JT he was the worse of his Mikey.
Other than that I enjoyed this book glad that Topher stuck it to his father and also told his mom about what his dad did. Because he did deserve to know even if he was going to hurt her in the end. His dad needed to be told of by his son, not only his son. Penelope dad as well because what he did to her dad was made wrong!
All in all with the situation between both Penelope and Top-Her they worked out that fall out between them after the argument with his father. That’s what I liked in the end because they fit well with each other even if they came from two different worlds.
August 20, 2021
This was a very quick read as I could not put it down! I literally picked it up yesterday afternoon and just finished it! They just kept doing things that made me want to see what would happen next! This kind of ya high school romance was my favorite formula, all the tropes, popular jock and unpopular girl. There was family dynamics, life choices and there was a bit of catfishing. I totally recommend this book. Loved it!!
January 30, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and literally read it in less than 12 hours. I just love when a “bad boy” type ends up showing his true colors. Ahh, my heart is still swooning from SEVERAL encounters between the two leads.
I am not ashamed to admit I’m in my mid-twenties and loved every bit of this high school enemies-to-lovers trope. It gave me some serious Sierra Burgess is a Loser vibes.
I am not ashamed to admit I’m in my mid-twenties and loved every bit of this high school enemies-to-lovers trope. It gave me some serious Sierra Burgess is a Loser vibes.
December 8, 2021
It was cute and I liked it. Def something for a younger, puppy love type crowd.
October 7, 2022
When your nick name is Skunk Girl and has been since you were eleven, all because someone made fun of her name. Penelope Ewe has been trying to move past that nick name and feels like her senior year in high school, is the time to put her foot down. If only a certain group of high schoolers were not bound and determined to do the opposite.
June 24, 2022
meh... ughhh why do i keep reading plots w grand gestures *scowls*
July 2, 2021
Hate Notes (Lakeview Prep, Book 1) by Gracie Graham is a sweet and engaging romance, a little reminiscent of a Romeo and Juliet modern day saga. Penelope Ewe, better known as P, is a devoted daughter, sister and model student. Since grade school, Penelope has been attending Lakeview Prep, a posh and upscale school, thanks to an ongoing scholarship program she was blessed to have earned. Unfortunately, the funds fueling this scholarship program are short her senior year and it’s either pay up or forfeit her position at Lakeview Prep.
Regrettably, as Principal Bell informs Penelope of her dilemma, he also offers her a way forward. Penelope may keep her stay and earn the needed funds for her senior year if she works as a tutor for Lakeview Prep. Relieved to hear this news, Penelope jumps at the chance. But, as they say, no good deed goes unpunished. On her list of students to tutor is her nemesis, Topher Elliot. Rich, good looking and captain of the water polo team, Topher, who is referred to as King and his friends as Royals, have teased and tormented Penelope since middle school. Their favorite torture is the nickname they crowned her with in sixth grade - P Ewe, better known as skunk girl. So it’s with great angst and trepidation that Penelope begins to tutor Topher Elliot. Unfortunately, even though Topher is on his best behavior, one too many pranks and rude remarks throughout the years has left Penelope deciding she has had enough. She sends an anonymous text to Topher telling him exactly what she thinks of him. Something she would never have the courage to say to his face. When Topher responds, an ongoing conversation and blind relationship is started. Pretending to be someone named Julie, Penelope leads Topher on in hopes of finding some dirt she can leverage against him, while Topher, for his part, is hoping to convince her his image is just a facade. He yearns to be taken seriously and to be seen for who he really is, someone with dreams and aspirations of his own, not just a rich spoiled kid. But like Romeo and Juliet, eventually all the subterfuge comes tumbling down. When truths are revealed and the masks come off, their feelings may not be enough to survive the fallout.
This book was so much fun. It was such an entertaining read and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters that the author Gracie Graham created in Hate Notes. I really liked Penelope and her loyal friend Scarlett. I wasn't sure how I was going to like Topher, but as the story evolved, I began rooting for him to take a stand against his father, as well as his friends who were more like court jesters, than any real companions. I enjoyed watching Penelope and Topher’s relationship evolve overtime and in addition to their character development, I liked how she weaved the stories of their family dynamics together and how they came into play in their relationship. The story-line was engaging and all in all Hate Notes by Gracie Graham was a very pleasant and worthwhile read.
Regrettably, as Principal Bell informs Penelope of her dilemma, he also offers her a way forward. Penelope may keep her stay and earn the needed funds for her senior year if she works as a tutor for Lakeview Prep. Relieved to hear this news, Penelope jumps at the chance. But, as they say, no good deed goes unpunished. On her list of students to tutor is her nemesis, Topher Elliot. Rich, good looking and captain of the water polo team, Topher, who is referred to as King and his friends as Royals, have teased and tormented Penelope since middle school. Their favorite torture is the nickname they crowned her with in sixth grade - P Ewe, better known as skunk girl. So it’s with great angst and trepidation that Penelope begins to tutor Topher Elliot. Unfortunately, even though Topher is on his best behavior, one too many pranks and rude remarks throughout the years has left Penelope deciding she has had enough. She sends an anonymous text to Topher telling him exactly what she thinks of him. Something she would never have the courage to say to his face. When Topher responds, an ongoing conversation and blind relationship is started. Pretending to be someone named Julie, Penelope leads Topher on in hopes of finding some dirt she can leverage against him, while Topher, for his part, is hoping to convince her his image is just a facade. He yearns to be taken seriously and to be seen for who he really is, someone with dreams and aspirations of his own, not just a rich spoiled kid. But like Romeo and Juliet, eventually all the subterfuge comes tumbling down. When truths are revealed and the masks come off, their feelings may not be enough to survive the fallout.
This book was so much fun. It was such an entertaining read and I thoroughly enjoyed the characters that the author Gracie Graham created in Hate Notes. I really liked Penelope and her loyal friend Scarlett. I wasn't sure how I was going to like Topher, but as the story evolved, I began rooting for him to take a stand against his father, as well as his friends who were more like court jesters, than any real companions. I enjoyed watching Penelope and Topher’s relationship evolve overtime and in addition to their character development, I liked how she weaved the stories of their family dynamics together and how they came into play in their relationship. The story-line was engaging and all in all Hate Notes by Gracie Graham was a very pleasant and worthwhile read.
July 15, 2024
This book a typical self-published YA book. Dual, 1st POV, some sort of family drama, enemies to lovers over a very dumb reason, and lots of miscommunication. This one also had the secret identity aspect in it, which was fun but not enough to keep me from DNFing this one.
This is another one that doesn't start in the right place and relies on telling and info dropping in the beginning. The very opening page of the book:
The reader would've picked up on this easily in the scene that follows. This story could've started with FMC in the principal's office, learning her scholarship is being revoked and then told about the mocking-of-her-name when we met MMC at tutoring, for example.
Pretty much everything about this is standard self-pubbed YA: FMC hates MMC and makes it her personality. FMC is judgmental and has too-mature-at-times and wildly-out-of-character-other-times moments.
She's a straight A, AP, scholarship student who yells at the principal and slams a fist on his desk??? Miss me with that.
The MMC is more of a layered character, but in a way that kind of feels like how someone would wish the Most Popular Boy in school would've been: internally struggling with being popular and maybe not loving it.
I don't love POV switches in the middle of chapters. In fact, I pretty much hate them. This book had quite a few. There were also some one-off lines about college applications and applying early on that were just plain wrong and made me wonder what else the author was going to get wrong.
As far as the secret identity goes, this one has the FMC always knowing who she's texting, but she creates a new persona, Julie, to communicate. She devises a plan to get some piece of knowledge from MMC to use as blackmail or revenge on him, and I wish this aspect A) had been in the blurb, and B) had been played up more. Make the FMC a little meaner. Make the reason she hated him a little stronger and bigger so that this revenge aspect was delicious. If the author had done this, this book would've really stuck out and garnered better attention/reviews.
As it is right now, this book doesn't have much of a hook, and because of that, it falls a little flat, boring, cliched, and unmemorable in the sense that it feels like you've read this one before. I read this one back-to-back with another enemies to lovers, secret identity YA Romance, and unfortunately for both, neither stood out.
This is another one that doesn't start in the right place and relies on telling and info dropping in the beginning. The very opening page of the book:
The pettiness of high school meant making fun of your peers never got old. Certainly not when your name was Penelope Ewe. Last name pronounced like “you.”
The reader would've picked up on this easily in the scene that follows. This story could've started with FMC in the principal's office, learning her scholarship is being revoked and then told about the mocking-of-her-name when we met MMC at tutoring, for example.
Pretty much everything about this is standard self-pubbed YA: FMC hates MMC and makes it her personality. FMC is judgmental and has too-mature-at-times and wildly-out-of-character-other-times moments.
Principal Bell rubbed a weathered hand over his forehead. “I can help you get into a great alternative—” “No,” I yelled as I slammed my fist on his desk. Bell flinched...
She's a straight A, AP, scholarship student who yells at the principal and slams a fist on his desk??? Miss me with that.
The MMC is more of a layered character, but in a way that kind of feels like how someone would wish the Most Popular Boy in school would've been: internally struggling with being popular and maybe not loving it.
I don't love POV switches in the middle of chapters. In fact, I pretty much hate them. This book had quite a few. There were also some one-off lines about college applications and applying early on that were just plain wrong and made me wonder what else the author was going to get wrong.
As far as the secret identity goes, this one has the FMC always knowing who she's texting, but she creates a new persona, Julie, to communicate. She devises a plan to get some piece of knowledge from MMC to use as blackmail or revenge on him, and I wish this aspect A) had been in the blurb, and B) had been played up more. Make the FMC a little meaner. Make the reason she hated him a little stronger and bigger so that this revenge aspect was delicious. If the author had done this, this book would've really stuck out and garnered better attention/reviews.
As it is right now, this book doesn't have much of a hook, and because of that, it falls a little flat, boring, cliched, and unmemorable in the sense that it feels like you've read this one before. I read this one back-to-back with another enemies to lovers, secret identity YA Romance, and unfortunately for both, neither stood out.
July 9, 2021
Read the complete Book Review, favourite quotes and more on Njkinny's Blog:https://www.njkinnysblog.com/book-rev...
Hate Notes by Gracie Graham is the new released YA romance that takes the readers to Lakeview Prep where only the rich and elite study. Topher Elliot is the King and Penelope is the nerdy scholarship student who is often the target for jokes. What happens when a hate note from Penelope leads to Topher confusing her for someone else? Amidst late night texts, they come to know each other, fall in love and realise that people aren’t often what they seem.
I loved reading Hate Notes by Gracie Graham. This was a quick and somewhat predictable read for me. Yet I enjoyed it!
Topher and Penelope start as enemies and end as lovers, and in between give the readers so many moments of happiness, sadness, and heartache. I stayed engrossed throughout and eagerly followed the protagonists as they went on a journey of self discovery, realizing the priorities in their lives, taking risks to achieve their dreams, and baring themselves for love.
Oh and did I mention I adored how they talked nerdy with each other by quoting love quotes and life quotes from famous books like Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights etc.
"If reciting literary love quotes to you earns me even a piece of your heart, Penelope Ewe, I’d do it forever. I’d spend countless hours searching every piece of literature for the most meaningful of quotes.”
"Talk nerdy to me.”
All in all, this is a well-written, engaging YA romance that will keep you glued to your seat throughout and then leave you with a happy smile at the end. 4 out of 5 stars to it and Njkinny recommends this clean romance to all YA romance lovers.
June 29, 2021
"You sure seem to think you have me pegged thought." Topher Elliot, Hate Notes by Gracie Graham.
All through our lives we will have people that we think we have pegged, in some ways we might. But the relationship between P and Topher, along with being able to see both view points. I am a sucker for seeing both view point, I love to see how each person is perceiving the situation. There are always small details like narrowing of eyes, leaning it, ect, that one is seeing as something else, when that person is in fact distressed or confused. Anyway, Hate Notes, gives you that look into both minds. I enjoyed watching two people come to terms with who they are, where they stand and what they stand for.
I struggled a little with P, maybe not her, but how we were reminded more than a few times about her status. From her clothes from Goodwill, to the car her father bought her, to the not name brand ceral she poured in her bowl. She didn't worry about her clothes yet she kept comparing herself to the so called pretty girls with the great clothes. But again, it's that feeling we all feel in school and even in our adult life, we see others and in some way wonder if we are enough.
Topher said it great, "Do any of us really know who we are at our age? Aren't we all kind of figuring it out as we go."
That line can apply to us at all ages, we are just trying to figure it all out.
i truly enjoyed the talks about, Romeo and Juliet! I have always felt that way about R and J, lol, may favorite line was,
"Unlike Juliet, I was no fool. I refused to lay down and play dead."
So fabulous.
I enjoyed this book, a good summer read, to just relax and be lost in someone else's story for awhile.
All through our lives we will have people that we think we have pegged, in some ways we might. But the relationship between P and Topher, along with being able to see both view points. I am a sucker for seeing both view point, I love to see how each person is perceiving the situation. There are always small details like narrowing of eyes, leaning it, ect, that one is seeing as something else, when that person is in fact distressed or confused. Anyway, Hate Notes, gives you that look into both minds. I enjoyed watching two people come to terms with who they are, where they stand and what they stand for.
I struggled a little with P, maybe not her, but how we were reminded more than a few times about her status. From her clothes from Goodwill, to the car her father bought her, to the not name brand ceral she poured in her bowl. She didn't worry about her clothes yet she kept comparing herself to the so called pretty girls with the great clothes. But again, it's that feeling we all feel in school and even in our adult life, we see others and in some way wonder if we are enough.
Topher said it great, "Do any of us really know who we are at our age? Aren't we all kind of figuring it out as we go."
That line can apply to us at all ages, we are just trying to figure it all out.
i truly enjoyed the talks about, Romeo and Juliet! I have always felt that way about R and J, lol, may favorite line was,
"Unlike Juliet, I was no fool. I refused to lay down and play dead."
So fabulous.
I enjoyed this book, a good summer read, to just relax and be lost in someone else's story for awhile.
June 30, 2021
Hate Notes was an easy quick read for me. It was kind of predictable for me but still enjoyable to read. This is another high school drama with betrayal; family drama; enemies to lovers; bullying; etc.
I felt for Penelope considering how bad the other kids treated her. Some teenagers can be so ruthless; it’s scary. Unfortunately some of this bullying started with Topher and him making a small joke about her name. Which stuck with his friends who still bullied her into senior year. Honestly I don’t understand how Topher wasn’t made fun of for his name??
Thankfully Topher shows much better character development as the story goes on. Penelope gets in over her head on lying to Topher about who he has been texting. She wanted to figure out a secret or something that would take the king down but she ended up finding out more than she should have. She also realized that she was starting to have feelings for Topher even though he could be a jerk. She should have just told him at the water polo met but of course his dad had to ruin that. I despised Topher’s dad and his attitude towards everything. He got what he deserved at the end in my opinion.
I’m glad things finally started to turn around for Penelope and Topher and that this story ended happily. Thankfully the epilogue was well detailed so you didn’t finish the story with questions.
I felt for Penelope considering how bad the other kids treated her. Some teenagers can be so ruthless; it’s scary. Unfortunately some of this bullying started with Topher and him making a small joke about her name. Which stuck with his friends who still bullied her into senior year. Honestly I don’t understand how Topher wasn’t made fun of for his name??
Thankfully Topher shows much better character development as the story goes on. Penelope gets in over her head on lying to Topher about who he has been texting. She wanted to figure out a secret or something that would take the king down but she ended up finding out more than she should have. She also realized that she was starting to have feelings for Topher even though he could be a jerk. She should have just told him at the water polo met but of course his dad had to ruin that. I despised Topher’s dad and his attitude towards everything. He got what he deserved at the end in my opinion.
I’m glad things finally started to turn around for Penelope and Topher and that this story ended happily. Thankfully the epilogue was well detailed so you didn’t finish the story with questions.
April 14, 2025
4.5 stars!!
can i just say i loved this and read it in one sitting! penelope and topher were so cute i the moments
when they quoted literature quotes to each other?! ughh to die for!
i really love how the character development is so incredibly visible throughout the book and they grow together and are just THERE for each other. i do wish penelope told him sooner that she was julie it was killing me how he didn't notice and i wish that tophers friends could have either gotten their karma or changed for the better, although i cannot lie the way they disappeared throughout the story was satisfactory. and the whole situation with mr.elliot?! omg i hate that man but it was so cute that while topher was trying to leave the molded person people wanted him to be, penelope was right by his side, albeit being "julie" sometimes. i also found the water polo aspect very interesting! its something i've never read about so that was cool.
this book was such a cute and fun read i definitely recommend! the side characters were amazing too, although i wish we could have gotten more content with the friendship between penelope and scarlett
can i just say i loved this and read it in one sitting! penelope and topher were so cute i the moments
when they quoted literature quotes to each other?! ughh to die for!
i really love how the character development is so incredibly visible throughout the book and they grow together and are just THERE for each other. i do wish penelope told him sooner that she was julie it was killing me how he didn't notice and i wish that tophers friends could have either gotten their karma or changed for the better, although i cannot lie the way they disappeared throughout the story was satisfactory. and the whole situation with mr.elliot?! omg i hate that man but it was so cute that while topher was trying to leave the molded person people wanted him to be, penelope was right by his side, albeit being "julie" sometimes. i also found the water polo aspect very interesting! its something i've never read about so that was cool.
this book was such a cute and fun read i definitely recommend! the side characters were amazing too, although i wish we could have gotten more content with the friendship between penelope and scarlett
July 26, 2021
This was a really quick, fun read that I couldn't put down. The writing style was engaging and just overall enjoyable. I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers books, but they can sometimes have questionable writing, which I personally didn't get from this one.
I loved the characters. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the "rich character isn't as bad as they let on" trope honestly, so I was super excited to read Hate Notes. I thought all of the characters were well-written, even the side characters. The story itself was well-written as well, and for me, it was a page-turner.
I'm still not huge on the catfishing trope, which was my only problem. It was more tolerable and interesting than the last book I read with the trope, though. I will say that I think the trope works a lot better in an enemies to lovers book than it does friends to lovers, which I think is why I enjoyed it so much this time around. I really loved reading this and can't wait for the next book in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via Prism Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the characters. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the "rich character isn't as bad as they let on" trope honestly, so I was super excited to read Hate Notes. I thought all of the characters were well-written, even the side characters. The story itself was well-written as well, and for me, it was a page-turner.
I'm still not huge on the catfishing trope, which was my only problem. It was more tolerable and interesting than the last book I read with the trope, though. I will say that I think the trope works a lot better in an enemies to lovers book than it does friends to lovers, which I think is why I enjoyed it so much this time around. I really loved reading this and can't wait for the next book in the series!
Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this book via Prism Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2023
This was a quick, and cute story.
Penelope Ewe has been the outcast, since she started at Lakeview prep. Being a scholarship student; everyone knew she didn’t belong.
Topher Elliot, the Lakeview Prep Royalty, the king. He’s who started the awful nickname P-U/skunk girl. He was the captain of the water polo team, and every girls fantasy.
The first day of their senior year, Penelope finds out her scholarship is being revoked. In order to stay at the school, she has to find a way to make up the tuition. She starts tutoring students to raise money for tuition, Topher happens to be one of them.
One day Penelope is in the girls restroom and she sees Topher’s number on the stall wall, and she decides to text him and tell him how she really feels. Topher mistakes her for a girl Julie he meet at a party. He wants to try to change her mind about him, and if he can, they go to homecoming together.
I love this book, it has it all
- playboy bully
- naive heroine
- fast paced
- childhood trauma
- death of a parent
Penelope Ewe has been the outcast, since she started at Lakeview prep. Being a scholarship student; everyone knew she didn’t belong.
Topher Elliot, the Lakeview Prep Royalty, the king. He’s who started the awful nickname P-U/skunk girl. He was the captain of the water polo team, and every girls fantasy.
The first day of their senior year, Penelope finds out her scholarship is being revoked. In order to stay at the school, she has to find a way to make up the tuition. She starts tutoring students to raise money for tuition, Topher happens to be one of them.
One day Penelope is in the girls restroom and she sees Topher’s number on the stall wall, and she decides to text him and tell him how she really feels. Topher mistakes her for a girl Julie he meet at a party. He wants to try to change her mind about him, and if he can, they go to homecoming together.
I love this book, it has it all
- playboy bully
- naive heroine
- fast paced
- childhood trauma
- death of a parent
September 20, 2022
Oh, the popular jock, the smart loser who has exactly one friend. You know, I love it every time. She's All That, 10 Things I Hate About You (kind of, the girl is popular but not a jock. But still, it hits, guys)
I hated high school. I had my group of friends, I did my thing (dark make up, long straight hair- I used a literal clothes iron 🤣- so many bracelets and necklaces, paperclips, safety pins. I was finding myself. I was looking in the wrong place but that's okay. I worked it out) no extra curriculars, straight As that I acted like I didn't care about, deep into sarcasm. But not once, did a hot guy see past my crusty exterior to my inner beauty. So naturally, I need to live through the characters in books. 🤣
I find these YA books entirely unrelatable but I don't care. I love them all.
If you love opposites attract, mistaken identities, tutor/student dynamics, misunderstood populars, sports romances, you should read this one. It's fun.
I hated high school. I had my group of friends, I did my thing (dark make up, long straight hair- I used a literal clothes iron 🤣- so many bracelets and necklaces, paperclips, safety pins. I was finding myself. I was looking in the wrong place but that's okay. I worked it out) no extra curriculars, straight As that I acted like I didn't care about, deep into sarcasm. But not once, did a hot guy see past my crusty exterior to my inner beauty. So naturally, I need to live through the characters in books. 🤣
I find these YA books entirely unrelatable but I don't care. I love them all.
If you love opposites attract, mistaken identities, tutor/student dynamics, misunderstood populars, sports romances, you should read this one. It's fun.
July 30, 2021
I could not put this book down. I really loved this book! My favorite character was Penelope. I felt a connection with her. She said several times that she just wanted to be invisible. I felt the same way in school. I wasn’t teased nearly as much as she was over her name but it was still not fun. I think the author did an amazing job of portraying the Royals and how they made Penelope feel. I felt the dislike towards Topher and gradually felt myself growing to like him as the story built. Again, the author did a fantastic job making me feel towards the characters. I could easily imagine this story as it was playing out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars from me!!! I recommend this book to all of you enemies to lovers fans! I just thought this was a super cute read and I look forward to the next book in the Lakeview Prep series!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars from me!!! I recommend this book to all of you enemies to lovers fans! I just thought this was a super cute read and I look forward to the next book in the Lakeview Prep series!
June 30, 2021
Hate Notes is an enemies-to-lovers very sweet YA romance with a little bit of kissing. No hard stuff or a lot of F* words (if any, as I cannot remember any. Topher and P feels a little bit too young or maybe I am just used to the hard stuff (all those YA which are not YA at all), however, the story unfolded nicely and without any difficulties. They both are likeable and their love-story is believable. I do recommend it to the readers who is in a dire need for a clean and sweet story. A girl or boy of any age could read it and nothing would have been spoiled for him or her. Therefore, be warned - the book is clean, sweet, but with a glimpse into the challenges a high school senior encounters.
*I received and ARC from the author's team and the expressed opinion is my own.
*I received and ARC from the author's team and the expressed opinion is my own.
July 22, 2021
This was such a fun enemies to lovers high school tale.
Penelope has an unfortunate nickname that has followed her through middle school and high school ... All due to Topher. He's the one that gave it to her. Now at their last year at their school, Penelope is about to have her scholarship revoked. Until she agrees to tutor kids for money.... One of which is Topher.
Topher is the rich kid. Penelope is the girl from the other side of the tracks. This was so fun because Penelope finds an opportunity to get some dirt on Topher ... By texting him with him not knowing it's her. She wants to take "the King of Lakeview High" down.
I love Penelope's family. Her dad is just the best! I love her friend Scarlett (who book 2 is about).
Penelope has an unfortunate nickname that has followed her through middle school and high school ... All due to Topher. He's the one that gave it to her. Now at their last year at their school, Penelope is about to have her scholarship revoked. Until she agrees to tutor kids for money.... One of which is Topher.
Topher is the rich kid. Penelope is the girl from the other side of the tracks. This was so fun because Penelope finds an opportunity to get some dirt on Topher ... By texting him with him not knowing it's her. She wants to take "the King of Lakeview High" down.
I love Penelope's family. Her dad is just the best! I love her friend Scarlett (who book 2 is about).
June 29, 2021
Rags versus Royalty 👑
When you’re in high school, you can be at the top of the food pyramid, or the bottom. Topher is king, Penelope, “P” a.k.a “P-U”, is a scholarship student who dresses in thrift shop clothing and just tries to stay out of the royals’ way. Keeping up appearances is crucial for Topher to stay at the top, but sometimes a tower can come crashing down unexpectedly. Topher seems to have it all: money, brains, girls... But not all is as it seems and life at the top can quickly come crashing down... and, in the end, the king just might need the help of the pauper.
This is a great story! I highly recommend it.
When you’re in high school, you can be at the top of the food pyramid, or the bottom. Topher is king, Penelope, “P” a.k.a “P-U”, is a scholarship student who dresses in thrift shop clothing and just tries to stay out of the royals’ way. Keeping up appearances is crucial for Topher to stay at the top, but sometimes a tower can come crashing down unexpectedly. Topher seems to have it all: money, brains, girls... But not all is as it seems and life at the top can quickly come crashing down... and, in the end, the king just might need the help of the pauper.
This is a great story! I highly recommend it.
May 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. This book reminds me of a movie you would watch on T.V. Penelope is in her senior year in high school. She has been made fun of her entire school career. She wants to get back at Topher who started it all. She finds his number and sends him a scathing text. He ends up thinking it’s another girl. He wants to prove to this other girl that he’s not a jerk. Penelope goes along with it. They start talking and Penelope starts to realize he’s not who she thought he was. Read the book to find out if Topher finds out that Penelope is also the other girl. Read the book to find out about Topher and Penelope’s relationship and how it changes.
October 29, 2021
I picked this up in the mood for an amazingly good hate to love romance, and I was not disappointed. From the very start it was perfect, the characters were relatable and easy to like, and you couldn’t help but start rooting for them. The story was engaging and beautifully woven so that as it continued you were on the edge of your seat waiting for them to finally say the right words to each other. I adore P and Toph and this is a series that I will have to continue. Overall, highly recommended for those who love a good romance!
November 25, 2021
First off, I did not appreciate the swearing throughout. It's not one that I stop reading a book though so I kept going. This story reminds me of a mix between "she's all that" and another one that escaped my brain temporarily. It was a cute girl from the wrong side of the tracks and a rich guy from the popular side story. Where he ends up liking her after tutoring, but crap hits the fan, and comes crashing down. I enjoyed the literary banter and quotes throughout the book. Even after the downward spiral, it came back up with an act of love, forgiveness and truth win out.
March 15, 2022
Was surprised!
I should start off saying I usually read dark, bulky type of romance but this little gem caught my eye... I wasn't disappointed
This isn't a dark read and is clean. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was in a funk and needed a little, sweet, little angst but good plot and where characters were relatable...
The main characters P and T were great. I loved how Penelope strength grew and how T grew and realised who he was and wanted to be.
I won't give away the plot, give this a try... It's deffo an easy read with relatable characters.
I should start off saying I usually read dark, bulky type of romance but this little gem caught my eye... I wasn't disappointed
This isn't a dark read and is clean. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was in a funk and needed a little, sweet, little angst but good plot and where characters were relatable...
The main characters P and T were great. I loved how Penelope strength grew and how T grew and realised who he was and wanted to be.
I won't give away the plot, give this a try... It's deffo an easy read with relatable characters.
July 1, 2021
Not fitting, try to be invisible is a hardship in High School. But sometimes be the popular one is not easy either. Penelope and Topher are in different league. She is tired of been the odd one, he is the popular one, always doing what it’s expected of him. Can they help each other break their restraints, face their fears and dreams or will the secrets they keep break them apart? Sweet and emotional read.
July 7, 2021
A Great Enemies to Lovers Read!
A good read if you're looking for a sweet enemies to Lovers or nerd-jock relationship. The development of the enemy situation was excellent, and you really got to feel how Penelope felt being treated that way. Some plot points were left underdeveloped, and the ending seemed choppy but it was a wonderful overall experience. Great literature quotes too!
Total read time: 1.5 hours
A good read if you're looking for a sweet enemies to Lovers or nerd-jock relationship. The development of the enemy situation was excellent, and you really got to feel how Penelope felt being treated that way. Some plot points were left underdeveloped, and the ending seemed choppy but it was a wonderful overall experience. Great literature quotes too!
Total read time: 1.5 hours
Read
July 10, 2021It's been a while since I've thrown my book(in this case my phone). This was one of those refreshing reads that leave you hooked and aching for more. I absolutely fell in love with Topher's character from the beginning even if his actions were questionable. Having both point of views allowed me to get a grasp on what they were both feeling and thinking about each other and their futures. Can't wait for the spin-off Fake Notes with Penelope's friend Scarlett's story. :)
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