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I put off reading this since it came out for no specific reason. That was such a huge mistake. This was such a great book. I definitely knew what was going on from the first few chapters but it didn’t make it any less cute. Also even though I knew the twist, I’m not sure that wasn’t intentional. Plus I didn’t know how it would work out in the end so it was still worth it. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lighthearted read for those a fan of banter in a relationship
The concept of this book was intriguing and it was cute at first but the pacing was off, there was way way way too much miscommunication for me, and the ending gave me whiplash
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
this book is definitely something different and the concept was really cool but i guessed the plot twist and after that it fell really flat for me. still worth a read just not something ill be thinking about ever again tbh
Thank you to HarperCollins UK - One More Chapter and Donna Marchetti for the chance to review this book in exchange for a fair review. I devoured this book in one sitting over a few hours. It wasn’t what I was expecting opening page one, but what an ingenious concept for a romance story!
A quirky premise for a romance story – evolving relationship dynamic through hate, friendship, and love via through banter of penpal letters that are essentially ill-wishing hate mail quips. The book delivers a juicy plot with all perfect enemy-to-lovers vibes and enjoyable storytelling through the pithy first dual-person narrative of Naomi and Luca.
You do start to guess where the plot is leading, but it doesn’t steal the thunder of the plot reveals when you get there. A good writer should be able to give you clues throughout the novel, yet still surprise you! The structure and presentation of the two timelines in this book are very cleverly integrated into the writing. No jarring flashbacks – extra kudos from me as it’s hard to do well in a book. Hate Mail seamlessly incorporates these into the story structure and keeps the pace of the plot pushing forward by using the dip into the past to reveal titbits of details about the mysterious Luca.
The letters content between Naomi and Luca had me in fits of giggle and raising eyebrows to mutter “Oh OMG” or a few other choice words. The title reflects the tone of the letters with punchy banter, hilarious insults, and dark quips as Naomi and Luca seek to get one up on each other with every letter. The letters are battle of wills - up to you to decide who gets the last word but I thought one character got a very clear one up in the end.
Characters crafting in this book are impressive, exposing some big personalities of characters who are down to earth, relatable, and likable (buckets of flaws and stupid moments making them feel very human). It’s not a huge cast of characters which means you don’t have to keep too many names in your head as you read. The side characters are memorable with personalities of their own adding camaraderie and putting their foot in it to cause chaos for Luca and Naomi.
A quirky, delightful debut book by an author who is going to be one to watch and who delivers a hilarious and entertaining read with a cast of loveable, relatable characters with a peppering of spice. Definitely will be looking out for more books by Donna Marchetti in the future!
A quirky premise for a romance story – evolving relationship dynamic through hate, friendship, and love via through banter of penpal letters that are essentially ill-wishing hate mail quips. The book delivers a juicy plot with all perfect enemy-to-lovers vibes and enjoyable storytelling through the pithy first dual-person narrative of Naomi and Luca.
You do start to guess where the plot is leading, but it doesn’t steal the thunder of the plot reveals when you get there. A good writer should be able to give you clues throughout the novel, yet still surprise you! The structure and presentation of the two timelines in this book are very cleverly integrated into the writing. No jarring flashbacks – extra kudos from me as it’s hard to do well in a book. Hate Mail seamlessly incorporates these into the story structure and keeps the pace of the plot pushing forward by using the dip into the past to reveal titbits of details about the mysterious Luca.
The letters content between Naomi and Luca had me in fits of giggle and raising eyebrows to mutter “Oh OMG” or a few other choice words. The title reflects the tone of the letters with punchy banter, hilarious insults, and dark quips as Naomi and Luca seek to get one up on each other with every letter. The letters are battle of wills - up to you to decide who gets the last word but I thought one character got a very clear one up in the end.
Characters crafting in this book are impressive, exposing some big personalities of characters who are down to earth, relatable, and likable (buckets of flaws and stupid moments making them feel very human). It’s not a huge cast of characters which means you don’t have to keep too many names in your head as you read. The side characters are memorable with personalities of their own adding camaraderie and putting their foot in it to cause chaos for Luca and Naomi.
A quirky, delightful debut book by an author who is going to be one to watch and who delivers a hilarious and entertaining read with a cast of loveable, relatable characters with a peppering of spice. Definitely will be looking out for more books by Donna Marchetti in the future!
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
So cute and such a fun read! 💌
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated