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Sweet Valley High #9
Racing Hearts
Love on the run...
Roger Barrett has always had a hopeless crush on glamorous, wealthy Lila Fowler. The only attention Lila ever pays to him, though, is to make fun of him in front of her friends. But why shouldn't she, he thinks. After all, he's clumsy and shy and works secretly as a janitor after school.
When Roger wins the qualifying heat for a big race, he becomes a school celebrity overnight. And to his surprise, even Lila starts to chase after him. But Roger knows if he runs in the race finals, he'll lose his job. Will Lila still notice him when he's no longer a star?
Roger Barrett has always had a hopeless crush on glamorous, wealthy Lila Fowler. The only attention Lila ever pays to him, though, is to make fun of him in front of her friends. But why shouldn't she, he thinks. After all, he's clumsy and shy and works secretly as a janitor after school.
When Roger wins the qualifying heat for a big race, he becomes a school celebrity overnight. And to his surprise, even Lila starts to chase after him. But Roger knows if he runs in the race finals, he'll lose his job. Will Lila still notice him when he's no longer a star?
149 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
28 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Francine Pascal
1,141 books1,837 followersFrancine Paula Pascal was an American author best known for her Sweet Valley series of young adult novels. Sweet Valley High, the backbone of the collection, was made into a television series, which led to several spin-offs, including The Unicorn Club and Sweet Valley University. Although most of these books were published in the 1980s and 1990s, they remained so popular that several titles were re-released decades later.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
November 18, 2008
can roger melt lila's icy heart?
...
no.
lila is a fucking bitch.
...
no.
lila is a fucking bitch.
September 11, 2023
Re-read 2023
At the focus of the ninth book in the Sweet Valley High series is working class, Roger Patman and rich girl, Lila Fowler. But will newspaper gal Olivia feel left out in the cold? Meanwhile, Jessica Wakefield beguns a job at her father's law office and soon finds herself enamored by Dennis a fellow teen working out of his father's office too.
I am beginning to realize this series set me up for every single romantic trope that exists. Sometimes the dialogue makes me wonder why it never seemed to dawn on me how close minded these characters were. Also, that Todd basically throws shade at Jessica in every book. Elizabeth always acts like a patient mother when he does it but maybe she'll finally tell him he's toxic and decide to throw him and his Datsun aside. 😂
A funny moment
-Jessica's horror when she finds out Dennis is only 15.
An eye rolling moment
-any scene where that arrogant Bruce Patman shows up. I guess we're all going to forget he almost rapes Elizabeth in book 7?
A frustrating moment
Cara, Jessica and Lila were the Mean girls of SVU. I hope they get their comeuppance!
Goodreads review published 09/09/23
At the focus of the ninth book in the Sweet Valley High series is working class, Roger Patman and rich girl, Lila Fowler. But will newspaper gal Olivia feel left out in the cold? Meanwhile, Jessica Wakefield beguns a job at her father's law office and soon finds herself enamored by Dennis a fellow teen working out of his father's office too.
I am beginning to realize this series set me up for every single romantic trope that exists. Sometimes the dialogue makes me wonder why it never seemed to dawn on me how close minded these characters were. Also, that Todd basically throws shade at Jessica in every book. Elizabeth always acts like a patient mother when he does it but maybe she'll finally tell him he's toxic and decide to throw him and his Datsun aside. 😂
A funny moment
-Jessica's horror when she finds out Dennis is only 15.
An eye rolling moment
-any scene where that arrogant Bruce Patman shows up. I guess we're all going to forget he almost rapes Elizabeth in book 7?
A frustrating moment
Cara, Jessica and Lila were the Mean girls of SVU. I hope they get their comeuppance!
Goodreads review published 09/09/23
December 14, 2013
THE FREAKING PLOT WAS RECYCLED FROM THE LAST BOOK, WHAT THE FUCK?!
Popular Girl pursues other guy after he is popular,
Guy has a Nerdy Friend who is actually in love with him,
Guy doesn't realize this until he discovers that Popular Girl isn't so great after all,
Guy and Nerdy Friend fall in love and start dating,
Popular Girl is turned down and feels humiliated.
THE FUCKING END!
Popular Girl pursues other guy after he is popular,
Guy has a Nerdy Friend who is actually in love with him,
Guy doesn't realize this until he discovers that Popular Girl isn't so great after all,
Guy and Nerdy Friend fall in love and start dating,
Popular Girl is turned down and feels humiliated.
THE FUCKING END!
January 26, 2025
3.25🌟
First of all, I didn’t read this book. There is another book of the same name by Melinda Di Lorenzo and for some reason I can’t find it here. So I’m writing a review for it here. I liked this book, sort of. It was very short and fast paced so I read it in one sitting. But the romance was just okay for me. It felt kind of insta lovey and we didn’t even get very much depth or reasons why they loved each other. Next, the writing felt sort of plain to me, I’m sorry but I didn’t see anything special with it. I’m never going to reread this book but I’m glad I read it and it’s good for slumps. For ages 13/14 and up.
First of all, I didn’t read this book. There is another book of the same name by Melinda Di Lorenzo and for some reason I can’t find it here. So I’m writing a review for it here. I liked this book, sort of. It was very short and fast paced so I read it in one sitting. But the romance was just okay for me. It felt kind of insta lovey and we didn’t even get very much depth or reasons why they loved each other. Next, the writing felt sort of plain to me, I’m sorry but I didn’t see anything special with it. I’m never going to reread this book but I’m glad I read it and it’s good for slumps. For ages 13/14 and up.
March 11, 2023
The introduction of Roger, who would go on to become a fairly major side player, especially after the future revelation that he's .
For Lila's first cover (looking gorgeous I must add,) it's pretty lackluster in content from her. I wanted more of Fowler Crest and her inner thoughts. She's just cookie-cutter, awful, rich girl in this one.
Overall, a little dull, and I had to lol at the thought of cheerleaders being at a track meet (we 100% didn't do that.)
For Lila's first cover (looking gorgeous I must add,) it's pretty lackluster in content from her. I wanted more of Fowler Crest and her inner thoughts. She's just cookie-cutter, awful, rich girl in this one.
Overall, a little dull, and I had to lol at the thought of cheerleaders being at a track meet (we 100% didn't do that.)
July 26, 2017
Think this is the first SVH book with Lila on the cover. This one was more typical mean girl shenanigans from Lila and Jessica who make fun of poor kid Roger till they realize he can beat Bruce Patman in running races, which I guess in the 1980s was cool? But Roger secretly works as a janitor and can't practice, so when that tidbit gets out, Lila realizes he's back to not her type, and Roger realizes Olivia the hippie artist chick he'd friendzoned forever is so much better than queen bitch Fowler. In subplo world, Jessica inexplicably decides she wanta to be a lawyer and lasts about an hour working as a temp assistant at her dad's law firm, where she meets a hottie in an adjacent office. Said hottie turns out to be not even old enough to drive after Jess makes out with him five days in a row and so he is summarily dumped befire anyone can find out that she let a sophomore put his tongue in her mouth. I am enjoying these books way more than I should be, but still can only give 2 stars on this one.
July 28, 2015
Source: I read this book online via OpenLibrary.
Cost: Free
Title: Racing Hearts
Series: Sweet Valley High #9
Author: Kate William and Francine Pascal
Overall Rating: 3 stars
And on today's episode of Why the Wakefield Twins Are Better Than Us Mere Mortals: They don't get frizzy hair!
The shock.
The scandal.
I had quite a lot of thoughts on this one.
1) Lila is a horrible person.
2) Do all American schools place so much emphasis on sports?
3) Dennis is up to something.
4) Having a friend that is a janitor is the most embarrassing thing in Sweet Valley.
And this weeks moral point: Jessica discovered that you should only stop bullying a person when you discover their hidden talent.
Cost: Free
Title: Racing Hearts
Series: Sweet Valley High #9
Author: Kate William and Francine Pascal
Overall Rating: 3 stars
And on today's episode of Why the Wakefield Twins Are Better Than Us Mere Mortals: They don't get frizzy hair!
The shock.
The scandal.
I had quite a lot of thoughts on this one.
1) Lila is a horrible person.
2) Do all American schools place so much emphasis on sports?
3) Dennis is up to something.
4) Having a friend that is a janitor is the most embarrassing thing in Sweet Valley.
And this weeks moral point: Jessica discovered that you should only stop bullying a person when you discover their hidden talent.
December 25, 2024
TAG YOURSELF I’M THE COACH WHO LOOKS SO TIRED EVERYONE THINKS I HAVE A TERMINAL ILLNESS BUT NO THAT’S JUST HOW MY FACE LOOKS
December 15, 2022
I love Roger, and Lila is a bitch.
July 11, 2015
Here we have the wannabe jock in love with a bitchy popular girl while his twue luuurve waits patiently for him in the background. Hmmm...this sounds familiar for some reason.
Also, we have PsychoJess fooling around in Daddy Dearest's office with a boy from down the hall. She's pissed that he doesn't seem to want to be seen in public with her until he reveals that he's....fifteen. Oh noes! Jess (who has the emotional maturity of a rather slow five-year-old) is horrified.
Race stuff...blah, blah...Lila sucks...blah, blah, Coach Schultz isn't leaving after all... *snore*
I never thought I'd say this about such a batshit crazy series, but this entry was deadly dull.
Also, we have PsychoJess fooling around in Daddy Dearest's office with a boy from down the hall. She's pissed that he doesn't seem to want to be seen in public with her until he reveals that he's....fifteen. Oh noes! Jess (who has the emotional maturity of a rather slow five-year-old) is horrified.
Race stuff...blah, blah...Lila sucks...blah, blah, Coach Schultz isn't leaving after all... *snore*
I never thought I'd say this about such a batshit crazy series, but this entry was deadly dull.
Read
December 3, 2015Graded By: Erin
Read the drinking game and review here.
Read the drinking game and review here.
August 8, 2019
I want to reread this series from my childhood, hopefully will review this then.
November 17, 2022
Racing Hearts
After not getting discovered in the last book (that honor went to Bill Chase) Jessica decides its time to start getting serious about her future and find a job. She already knows the perfect place to look (her father’s law firm). In her mind, she has delusions of being the next Olivia Pope, but when she gets the job, she finds out she’s just going to be the girl Friday that copies and fetches supplies when they run low. (Which honestly doesn’t sound *that* bad for someone that’s 16. It’s basically getting a check that’s not slinging burgers or cleaning up behind people’s messes in dressing rooms).
Lila seems appalled that Jessica actually wants to work, (because everyone is naturally born with a house that has Crest in the title and a closet full of designer clothes from their Daddy Warbucks).
The big event in this book is the Bart race, and there’s a rumor going around that their Coach is going to quit because he threw a hissy fit for some money for the athletic team and got denied so he walked out. So this will be his last hurrah (and the chance for one of his students to get a scholarship).
Then we meet Roger, who makes his introduction by slipping on a puddle and landing on his butt in front of Jessica and Lila. Lila thinks about Roger pretty much like I use to think about my best friend way back when (when I didn’t know yet just how awesome he was. That took YEARS!). She even has this nickname for him “Bugs Bunny”. (It was have been more clever if she’d have said because he was a BUGABOO (like the Destiny’s Child song).
Anyways like always in these books there’s the “dream girl” (that could care less) and then there’s “the friend that’s secretly longing for the guy but he doesn’t notice until the end of the book. In this case it’s Olivia. We learn (well we learned this last book) that Roger works after school as a janitor for the building Ned Wakefield works in. And he works to take care of his sick mother.
In a jerk move, he criticizes Olivia’s clothes and tells her why can’t she shop at the mall like other girls. Really Roger? Cause the way your described with your thick glasses and clothes that don’t fit you aren’t exactly Mr. GQ of SVH. There’s some talk about the Bart race in the locker room (and I kind of zone out because sports really aren’t my thing), but the overall thing is Bruce is overly confident he’s gonna win and Todd is testy because Bruce tried to get it up with Liz when she bumped her head. So he enters the race just to try to show him up. Then there’s some slut shaming to a girl named Annie Whitman (a setup for the next book).
Jessica meanwhile is about to quit working at her dad’s firm, until she bumps into Dennis Creighton and he works with his Dad across the hall from Ned. He tells her he goes to El Caro.
Elizabeth encourages Roger to try out for the race, and he’s worried that she’ll tell everyone he’s a janitor. She tells him that the scholarship would really help him out. But he’s just not that interested. Lila overhears and then in amusement, she makes a play for him teasing his head up about how much she wants to see Bruce get his and he eats this up.
Liz sees Todd on the field and is in shock. He didn’t tell *her* he was going out for the race. There will surely be hell to pay as one of the *stars* of this series and EVERYONE must report to her on a daily basis every detail of there personal lives.
Roger hands Bruce his behind on one of the gold platters he’s probably served on at Patman Manor. Lila comes on to him (hugs him). She wants him now that all of a sudden he’s somebody and Olivia gives him the cold shoulder. But Roger knows all this attention won’t last because he can’t work and run track at the same time. He tries to tell the principal but loses his courage when Chrome Dome gives him a SVH sweatsuit.
Jessica messes up the photocopier and she and Dennis plan to secret rendezvous in Ned’s office (which I just hope they remember to clean up after themselves or poor Ned’s gonna be in for a *treat*). She tells her Dad she wants a quiet place to do her homework and she tells Liz she’s cleaning up the storage room as a surprise for Ned (mmm hmm I would have known something was off right there. Jessica’s probably never cleaned anything a day in her life without having to be told). Dennis continues to want to meet in Ned’s office.
The Coach gets mad at Roger because he skipped practice and tells him he’s not taking this seriously. Lila gets mad at Roger because he turns down a pool party she’s having (like there won’t be a dozen others).
Liz finally goes to Ned’s office to see what Jessica is up to and finds her making out with Dennis (How is this possible? Does she have X-ray vision like Superman or does Ned's office have those blind link windows? Or were they *really* that dumb to just leave the door open while they’re in there making out without the thought, they just maybe Ned might actually forget something at the office and pop back. TRUST ME, IT HAPPENS! Don’t ask me how parents have extraordinary senses when they’re kids are sneaking around. Ok well, *normal* parents do). Anyways when Dennis and Jessica leave (he tells her his car is in the shop so she has to walk him to the bus stop) Jessica sees Roger mopping floors.
So Liz rushes home and tries to feel Jessica out and when she finds out Jessica indeed plans to let it slip about Roger she blackmails her and says if she does she’ll tell Ned she’s getting busy in his office (I mean come on its only so much kissing you can do before someone gonna place a hand somewhere and clothes are gonna start getting loosened). And this does the trick *for now*. But she tells Liz Dennis only seems to be interested in being with her in Ned’s office (maybe he has a office fantasy fetish).
Lila asks Jessica for advice and she tells her to throw a victory party for Roger and then at the party she can “stake her claim”. Then she can tell Cara (I thought Carolyn was the SV gossip) how great it is that Roger could get off work to come to the party. Ok, but if you know he works and won’t take time off to be in the track meet for a SCHOLARSHIP why in the world would he want to take time off to go to a party? . But he tells Lila himself and pretty much dismisses her. GOOD FOR YOU ROGER!
Then he tells the Coach but the Coach tells him he’s already talked to his boss and he said it’s ok because 1. He knew some guy (a classmate) that did the Bart race (and I fail to see the significance unless this was a friend of his 2. He’s a sports fan 3 Elizabeth got Ned to call and threaten him with reminders it’s illegal not to get time off.
Jessica confronts Dennis and finds out the reason he doesn’t want to take her to the Bart dance is because he’s 15 and has no car. So, she lets him go because what would her friends think (I roll my eyes).
Roger wins the race (of course he does) and he realizes Olivia was the one that was there all along. Lila makes a final play for him, but he tells her he’ll be busy from now on.
At the end of the book, Annie Whitman is trying to get Jessica’s attention because she wants to be a cheerleader and we know this will be another Robin Wilson story the sequel
My Thoughts: Really didn’t have a lot of commentary for this book. 1. The Bart race sports event they feel obligated to put in every book was BLAH. I didn’t care if Todd won or Bruce or Tony or Roger. I just wanted to get to the end of it. These events are painful to get through and I try to read them as fast as I humanly can 2. The Jessica story was ... Put it like this. NONE and I mean ZERO of the guys I went out with when I was in HS had a car. I didn’t have a car. Did we have to get dropped off in my family member’s car YES! Did it change the way I felt about the guy? NO! Some of them were younger than me. Did I say NO THANKS? I’m good! NO! And I just think it’s SAD because even today as I’m older I see shallow people like this that don’t want to date you or have anything to do with you because you don’t have a ride. But people tend to look at that like it’s a burden. And if you think it’s just women (like Jessica) you’d be wrong. 3. Lila is just Lila. What else can you say? Some people are just gonna be who they are. Lila doesn’t annoy me as much as Jessica does. And then Roger just continues *not* to impress me. He didn’t in the book where he comes up and finds out he’s a Patman. He didn’t here because he’s clothes aren’t that great but yet he tells Olivia she needs to go to the mall like everyone else. “Pot calling kettle.” Pretty much!
Rating: 5
After not getting discovered in the last book (that honor went to Bill Chase) Jessica decides its time to start getting serious about her future and find a job. She already knows the perfect place to look (her father’s law firm). In her mind, she has delusions of being the next Olivia Pope, but when she gets the job, she finds out she’s just going to be the girl Friday that copies and fetches supplies when they run low. (Which honestly doesn’t sound *that* bad for someone that’s 16. It’s basically getting a check that’s not slinging burgers or cleaning up behind people’s messes in dressing rooms).
Lila seems appalled that Jessica actually wants to work, (because everyone is naturally born with a house that has Crest in the title and a closet full of designer clothes from their Daddy Warbucks).
The big event in this book is the Bart race, and there’s a rumor going around that their Coach is going to quit because he threw a hissy fit for some money for the athletic team and got denied so he walked out. So this will be his last hurrah (and the chance for one of his students to get a scholarship).
Then we meet Roger, who makes his introduction by slipping on a puddle and landing on his butt in front of Jessica and Lila. Lila thinks about Roger pretty much like I use to think about my best friend way back when (when I didn’t know yet just how awesome he was. That took YEARS!). She even has this nickname for him “Bugs Bunny”. (It was have been more clever if she’d have said because he was a BUGABOO (like the Destiny’s Child song).
Anyways like always in these books there’s the “dream girl” (that could care less) and then there’s “the friend that’s secretly longing for the guy but he doesn’t notice until the end of the book. In this case it’s Olivia. We learn (well we learned this last book) that Roger works after school as a janitor for the building Ned Wakefield works in. And he works to take care of his sick mother.
In a jerk move, he criticizes Olivia’s clothes and tells her why can’t she shop at the mall like other girls. Really Roger? Cause the way your described with your thick glasses and clothes that don’t fit you aren’t exactly Mr. GQ of SVH. There’s some talk about the Bart race in the locker room (and I kind of zone out because sports really aren’t my thing), but the overall thing is Bruce is overly confident he’s gonna win and Todd is testy because Bruce tried to get it up with Liz when she bumped her head. So he enters the race just to try to show him up. Then there’s some slut shaming to a girl named Annie Whitman (a setup for the next book).
Jessica meanwhile is about to quit working at her dad’s firm, until she bumps into Dennis Creighton and he works with his Dad across the hall from Ned. He tells her he goes to El Caro.
Elizabeth encourages Roger to try out for the race, and he’s worried that she’ll tell everyone he’s a janitor. She tells him that the scholarship would really help him out. But he’s just not that interested. Lila overhears and then in amusement, she makes a play for him teasing his head up about how much she wants to see Bruce get his and he eats this up.
Liz sees Todd on the field and is in shock. He didn’t tell *her* he was going out for the race. There will surely be hell to pay as one of the *stars* of this series and EVERYONE must report to her on a daily basis every detail of there personal lives.
Roger hands Bruce his behind on one of the gold platters he’s probably served on at Patman Manor. Lila comes on to him (hugs him). She wants him now that all of a sudden he’s somebody and Olivia gives him the cold shoulder. But Roger knows all this attention won’t last because he can’t work and run track at the same time. He tries to tell the principal but loses his courage when Chrome Dome gives him a SVH sweatsuit.
Jessica messes up the photocopier and she and Dennis plan to secret rendezvous in Ned’s office (which I just hope they remember to clean up after themselves or poor Ned’s gonna be in for a *treat*). She tells her Dad she wants a quiet place to do her homework and she tells Liz she’s cleaning up the storage room as a surprise for Ned (mmm hmm I would have known something was off right there. Jessica’s probably never cleaned anything a day in her life without having to be told). Dennis continues to want to meet in Ned’s office.
The Coach gets mad at Roger because he skipped practice and tells him he’s not taking this seriously. Lila gets mad at Roger because he turns down a pool party she’s having (like there won’t be a dozen others).
Liz finally goes to Ned’s office to see what Jessica is up to and finds her making out with Dennis (How is this possible? Does she have X-ray vision like Superman or does Ned's office have those blind link windows? Or were they *really* that dumb to just leave the door open while they’re in there making out without the thought, they just maybe Ned might actually forget something at the office and pop back. TRUST ME, IT HAPPENS! Don’t ask me how parents have extraordinary senses when they’re kids are sneaking around. Ok well, *normal* parents do). Anyways when Dennis and Jessica leave (he tells her his car is in the shop so she has to walk him to the bus stop) Jessica sees Roger mopping floors.
So Liz rushes home and tries to feel Jessica out and when she finds out Jessica indeed plans to let it slip about Roger she blackmails her and says if she does she’ll tell Ned she’s getting busy in his office (I mean come on its only so much kissing you can do before someone gonna place a hand somewhere and clothes are gonna start getting loosened). And this does the trick *for now*. But she tells Liz Dennis only seems to be interested in being with her in Ned’s office (maybe he has a office fantasy fetish).
Lila asks Jessica for advice and she tells her to throw a victory party for Roger and then at the party she can “stake her claim”. Then she can tell Cara (I thought Carolyn was the SV gossip) how great it is that Roger could get off work to come to the party. Ok, but if you know he works and won’t take time off to be in the track meet for a SCHOLARSHIP why in the world would he want to take time off to go to a party? . But he tells Lila himself and pretty much dismisses her. GOOD FOR YOU ROGER!
Then he tells the Coach but the Coach tells him he’s already talked to his boss and he said it’s ok because 1. He knew some guy (a classmate) that did the Bart race (and I fail to see the significance unless this was a friend of his 2. He’s a sports fan 3 Elizabeth got Ned to call and threaten him with reminders it’s illegal not to get time off.
Jessica confronts Dennis and finds out the reason he doesn’t want to take her to the Bart dance is because he’s 15 and has no car. So, she lets him go because what would her friends think (I roll my eyes).
Roger wins the race (of course he does) and he realizes Olivia was the one that was there all along. Lila makes a final play for him, but he tells her he’ll be busy from now on.
At the end of the book, Annie Whitman is trying to get Jessica’s attention because she wants to be a cheerleader and we know this will be another Robin Wilson story the sequel
My Thoughts: Really didn’t have a lot of commentary for this book. 1. The Bart race sports event they feel obligated to put in every book was BLAH. I didn’t care if Todd won or Bruce or Tony or Roger. I just wanted to get to the end of it. These events are painful to get through and I try to read them as fast as I humanly can 2. The Jessica story was ... Put it like this. NONE and I mean ZERO of the guys I went out with when I was in HS had a car. I didn’t have a car. Did we have to get dropped off in my family member’s car YES! Did it change the way I felt about the guy? NO! Some of them were younger than me. Did I say NO THANKS? I’m good! NO! And I just think it’s SAD because even today as I’m older I see shallow people like this that don’t want to date you or have anything to do with you because you don’t have a ride. But people tend to look at that like it’s a burden. And if you think it’s just women (like Jessica) you’d be wrong. 3. Lila is just Lila. What else can you say? Some people are just gonna be who they are. Lila doesn’t annoy me as much as Jessica does. And then Roger just continues *not* to impress me. He didn’t in the book where he comes up and finds out he’s a Patman. He didn’t here because he’s clothes aren’t that great but yet he tells Olivia she needs to go to the mall like everyone else. “Pot calling kettle.” Pretty much!
Rating: 5
June 18, 2019
Title: Racing Hearts
Author: Francine Pascal, Kate William
Series: Sweet Valley High, 9
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Can Roger melt Lila’s icy heart?
Clumsy, shy Roger Barrett has always had a crush on the glamorous, wealthy Lila Fowler, but it’s hopeless. She’s the queen bee, and he secretly works as a janitor after school. The only attention Lila ever pays to him is to make fun of him in front of her friends.
When Roger wins the qualifying heat for a big race, he becomes an instant school celebrity. To his surprise, Lila begins to chase after him, but he knows if he runs in the race finals after school, he will lose his job. Should he give up Lila’s attentions? Can he risk being fired? Will Lila notice him if he’s no longer a star?
Favourite character: Olivia
Least favourite character: Lila
Mini-review: Lila's a jerk. In the later books, she's one of my favourite characters, but she's particularly awful in this book.
Olivia's scenes I enjoyed, with her free spirit, I-do-not-care-what-anyone-thinks attitude. Very refreshing for Sweet Valley, because everyone else cares and cares deeply.
Fan Cast:
Elizabeth Wakefield/Jessica Wakefield - Lili Reinhart
Lila Fowler - Danielle Campbell
Roger Barrett - Tom Holland
Olivia Davidson - Liza Koshy
Dennis Creighton - Owen Teague
Ned Wakefield - Patrick Warburton
Alice Wakefield - Laura Dern
Bruce Patman - Gregg Sulkin
Todd Wilkins - Blake Michael
Cara Walker - Sofia Carson
Enid Rollins - Joey King
Mr. Cooper - JK Simmons
Coach Schultz - David Keith
John Pfeifer - Ryan Potter
Annie Whitman - Bailee Madison
Author: Francine Pascal, Kate William
Series: Sweet Valley High, 9
Format: ebook, bind-up
Length: N/A
Rating: 3 stars
Synopsis: Can Roger melt Lila’s icy heart?
Clumsy, shy Roger Barrett has always had a crush on the glamorous, wealthy Lila Fowler, but it’s hopeless. She’s the queen bee, and he secretly works as a janitor after school. The only attention Lila ever pays to him is to make fun of him in front of her friends.
When Roger wins the qualifying heat for a big race, he becomes an instant school celebrity. To his surprise, Lila begins to chase after him, but he knows if he runs in the race finals after school, he will lose his job. Should he give up Lila’s attentions? Can he risk being fired? Will Lila notice him if he’s no longer a star?
Favourite character: Olivia
Least favourite character: Lila
Mini-review: Lila's a jerk. In the later books, she's one of my favourite characters, but she's particularly awful in this book.
Olivia's scenes I enjoyed, with her free spirit, I-do-not-care-what-anyone-thinks attitude. Very refreshing for Sweet Valley, because everyone else cares and cares deeply.
Fan Cast:
Elizabeth Wakefield/Jessica Wakefield - Lili Reinhart
Lila Fowler - Danielle Campbell
Roger Barrett - Tom Holland
Olivia Davidson - Liza Koshy
Dennis Creighton - Owen Teague
Ned Wakefield - Patrick Warburton
Alice Wakefield - Laura Dern
Bruce Patman - Gregg Sulkin
Todd Wilkins - Blake Michael
Cara Walker - Sofia Carson
Enid Rollins - Joey King
Mr. Cooper - JK Simmons
Coach Schultz - David Keith
John Pfeifer - Ryan Potter
Annie Whitman - Bailee Madison
December 26, 2017
Roger wants more than anything to be a doctor. The only thing standing in his way is the fact that his family struggles to make ends meet. That's even with him working every day after school and on Saturdays. Trying to gain the attention of a girl he has been in love with forever, he enters a race that can earn him a full scholarship to college. Everybody is shocked when he comes in first. Including himself. Can he compete in the big race for the scholarship or will he be risking his job and his family's income?
I really adored this story. It was very easy to just adore and want to root for Roger. He's sweet and shy. He works hard for his family. And on top of all that he's a very talented runner? It really made me sad to see that he was constantly being made fun of by the more privileged classmates of his. Especially the one he was head over heels in love with.
Much like every other book in this series, I can only say that I was sad that it was so short. But I think that's the point of these books. I love every single one of them and I've been a huge fan of this series (all versions of this series) all my life. I pretty much grew up with the series.
I do fully recommend this book. I fully recommend this whole series. I recommend the kids and university series too! They have a confidential series now too that I can't wait to get my hands on! I didn't think that would ever happen! I'm so glad to finally have a chance to read all these in order!
I really adored this story. It was very easy to just adore and want to root for Roger. He's sweet and shy. He works hard for his family. And on top of all that he's a very talented runner? It really made me sad to see that he was constantly being made fun of by the more privileged classmates of his. Especially the one he was head over heels in love with.
Much like every other book in this series, I can only say that I was sad that it was so short. But I think that's the point of these books. I love every single one of them and I've been a huge fan of this series (all versions of this series) all my life. I pretty much grew up with the series.
I do fully recommend this book. I fully recommend this whole series. I recommend the kids and university series too! They have a confidential series now too that I can't wait to get my hands on! I didn't think that would ever happen! I'm so glad to finally have a chance to read all these in order!
January 11, 2018
This was like a slightly better rehash of Bill/Jessica from Heart Breaker. And Bruce wasn't even (that much of) a dick for once!
In case anyone isn't yet convinced that Jessica is a sociopath, here's how she treats her "best" friend:
This is like... Inception levels of awful. Why is anyone friends with her again?
In case anyone isn't yet convinced that Jessica is a sociopath, here's how she treats her "best" friend:
She could see it now. Everyone who was anyone - from her sorority sisters to the guys on the boys' tennis team - would be gathered around Lila's lushly landscaped swimming pool. Right in the center of things would be Lila, making sure everyone was aware that Roger was the object of her affection. Then, as the hors d'oeuvres were being passed around, Jessica could casually mention to Cara how nice it was that Roger got time off from cleaning toilets to come to this affair. Within minutes everyone would be looking at Lila strangely - and she'd try to discover why. Soon she'd be off hiding in embarrassment, trying to figure out how to get out of this one. That would set the stage for Jessica's introduction of Dennis and her taking over as star of the party.
This is like... Inception levels of awful. Why is anyone friends with her again?
October 13, 2021
Poor Roger Barrett has a secret talent, he's an incredibly fast runner, and when he wins a prestigious race that he entered on a whim, he is conflicted. Winning the big race could mean a scholarship for him, but the practice time means time away from his janitorial job that supports his family. Lila fawns over him until she realises he's poor, but his best friend Olivia is there for him, and with the help of Liz, they help Roger fulfil his dreams
Also, Bruce Patman shows great sportsmanship in this book, surprising really. He's also a more rounded athlete than previously thought, not only being the first tennis seed, but a strong runner as well - note, both are solitary, and NOT team sports😂
Also, Bruce Patman shows great sportsmanship in this book, surprising really. He's also a more rounded athlete than previously thought, not only being the first tennis seed, but a strong runner as well - note, both are solitary, and NOT team sports😂
December 19, 2024
I don't know why, but this is miles better than Heart Breaker, despite the almost identical plot. Maybe it's because I like Roger (Bill was soooo dull). We also got to see another side of Bruce at the end, and Lila was a bit more than a name on a page. When I was a kid, I never noticed just how nasty and awful Jessica is to her. And even Lila openly acknowledges what a sociopath Jessica is. They spend time with each other but aren't friends at all. It made me feel sorry for Lila and wonder why she couldn't do better.
June 26, 2023
I’m glad this one has more of a plot. There is less teen drama and more self-discovery. Roger was seen by Elizabeth mopping floors at her dads office. He is embarrassed because of the image of his job, but needs it for his family. When his long time crush mentions she wants to see him run in a competition that could get him a scholarship everyone learns how fast he really is. I like that this book features supporting characters that I’m looking forward to see more of.
January 30, 2024
Wow, Francine Pascal's "Sweet Valley High" series reads a whole 'nother way 20 years later. Talk about a series that is written to make teenage girls think they need to be "All American" in the blond-hair, blue-eye, slender, athletic, wealthy way in order to fit into the high school scene. Very glad that when I was reading this series as a pre-teen/teen, I only vaguely let it sway my self-assessments.
July 7, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good under dog story? How can you not love hard working Roger, who works tirelessly as a janitor everyday after school to take care of his family. And who also happens to be the sleeper athlete as the fastest runner in school. You can’t help to cheer Roger on, and also hope the clout chasing Lila gets exposed for who she is.
Also an extra star for Jessica dating a “younger man,” aka a boy without his driver’s permit! The HORROR.
Also an extra star for Jessica dating a “younger man,” aka a boy without his driver’s permit! The HORROR.
August 22, 2020
Not as much moments between Roger and Lila as I expected but I still liked it, just wish there was more. Dennis seemed like a nice guy, it’s a shame Jessica is so shallow she won’t dare to be seen with him because he can’t drive. Pretty standard, this one doesn’t necessarily stick out from the crowd of Sweet Valley books out there but I’m a sucker for the classic era.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2023
The boys are competing in the annual running race and Roger decides to enter but he can’t attend the training because he has his janitors job after school.
Jessica decides she wants to become a lawyer like her dad so gets a job in his office. She dates a guy from another office but he only wants to see her after working hours in the office making Jessica suspicious.
Jessica decides she wants to become a lawyer like her dad so gets a job in his office. She dates a guy from another office but he only wants to see her after working hours in the office making Jessica suspicious.
September 25, 2023
Roger is a great athlete, works really hard at his after school job, and has a big crush on Lila. He qualifys for a big race, and Lilas heart too. Can he balance and hide his work commitments?
He wins the race against Bruce Patman and but realizes he likes Olivia and ditches a desperate Lila.
Jessica dates a younger guy before realizing it's not for her and Elizabeth cheers Roger on.
He wins the race against Bruce Patman and but realizes he likes Olivia and ditches a desperate Lila.
Jessica dates a younger guy before realizing it's not for her and Elizabeth cheers Roger on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
Lila condescends to pour her devotions over the poor boy at school when it turns out he can run really fast, but then is mortified when she finds out his secret (he works as a janitor to support his family) but before you feel too sorry for this teenage leper, he ends up with the right girl... aw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2017
Everyone is the worst and sports rules don't matter.
December 31, 2019
Fun read
September 30, 2022
Yup. still don't hold up very well, but appreciating the nostalgia and walk down memory lane.
March 14, 2023
This is the same plot as Book #8.... and I'm here for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
Like I tell my student who is still making me read these… be an Elizabeth.
A boy with a secret. A race. And a spoiled brat who only loves the glory the boy brings. 👍🏻
A boy with a secret. A race. And a spoiled brat who only loves the glory the boy brings. 👍🏻
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