Amazon’s #1 Most Unputdownable Book of the Year. An Amazon Charts bestseller.A Wall Street Journal bestseller.A Washington Post bestseller. From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes an unexpected love story of secondhand hearts and second chances… mysterious blue note sewn into a wedding dress.
Something blue.
I’d gone to sell my own unworn bridal gown at a vintage clothing store. That’s when I found another bride’s “something old.”
Stitched into the lining of a fabulously feathered design was the loveliest message I’d ever read: Thank you for making all of my dreams come true.
The name embossed on the blue stationery: Reed Eastwood, obviously the most romantic man who ever lived. I also discovered he’s the most gorgeous. If only my true-love fantasies had stopped there. Because I’ve since found out something else about Mr. Starry-Eyed.
He’s arrogant, cynical, and demanding. I should know. Thanks to a twist of fate, he’s my new boss. But that’s not going to stop me from discovering the story behind his last love letter. A love letter that did not result in a happily ever after.
But that story is nothing compared to the one unfolding between us. It’s getting hotter, sweeter, and more surprising than anything I could have imagined.
Something new.
But I have no idea how this one is going to end…
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I just know when these two authors collaborate that I am in for a great ride. This book has now surpassed Cocky Bastard as my favorite from them. It is grouped in the contemporary romance section which is very apt, but it has loads of humor and banter that it’s not far off a rom-com. It is also told in dual POV, which is my choice to get a better feel of what each character is thinking.
Charlotte was a hoot! She was sassy, smart and a little bit out there crazy, but all in a good fun way. After some big life changes, Lady Luck seems to be on her side for a change. In a unique way, she meets Reed who was not what she was expecting. His life experiences have made him jaded and slightly bitter but she still sees the romantic that wrote the love note. If only he would write them for her, and not the hate notes she is receiving. With working together and helping each other tick of items on the modern day bucket list, their time together creates a strong bond, one that will be needed.
I loved Reed! He was such a darling, with a little d (or is it a big D?!!). Yes, he was arrogant and cynical but he had a vulnerability that will melt your heart. It takes him a while to change direction that it gives this tale a slow burn ambiance. Reeds grandmother was a delight as was his brother Max. Fingers crossed we get more from him, I’d be delighted to read his novel. Finally, I enjoyed the epilogue and getting a good sense of what their life together was like.
I’m not even going to go on about how it amazes me that Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward collaborate so well together, because now it’s just a given that their books are amazing.
This is a the story of Charlotte Darling and Reed Eastwood. Fate definitely had a hand in their meeting. Charlotte was a dreamer and Reed is a self confessed Realist. Therefore theoretically they are polar opposites.
I loved Charlotte from the very first page. She had such an endearing innocence to her that truly melted my heart, which meant that when she first encountered the condescending Reed I felt her hurt so badly. Charlotte was also a little on the nutty side, but again that was something I absolutely loved about her.
Despite my initial bad feeling towards Reed, I knew there was something about him and that he would become a man truly worthy of Charlotte’s love.
This book was so funny at times. Charlotte and Reed’s banter had me laughing out loud. The way the couple antagonised one another was just superb. And overall this book evoked so many feelings in me by the end that I simply can’t recommend it enough.
My head was a whirlwind of thoughts when I finished Hate Notes and I had to think carefully about how I was going to start reviewing this book because ladies, this is nothing like Keeland and Ward have ever written before. So, I’m not going to talk about what caught my attention to begin with; I’ll get back to those details later. Times are changing, romance novels aren’t just about jumping into the sack with a storyline written around steaminess. If like me you want more, it’s all here. Hate Notes is a tremendous read, the plot dynamics are outstandingly solid, laugh out loud moments abound, but more important and what knocked me for six is the way sensitivity used when called for. The authors kept me guessing throughout and never did I expect such a heartbreaking twist. This twist I’d like to add, was well-researched and in my opinion, couldn’t have been better explained in a language I could understand.
Everyone needs a friend like Charlotte Darling in their lives. She’s a tad crazy, has a generous heart and her oh so quirky ways of communicating are simply adorable. She’s a stunner too, but what I liked more than anything was her neither here nor there attitude. When sentiments begin to take over, her honesty wasn’t always upfront since she didn’t want to put her foot in it. Her good intentions paved the way for something which took my breath away and would make any reader think I was crushing on her. Don’t doubt it for a second. I am! Nonetheless, she’ll use her attractiveness for a means to an end when options run out with, of course, sound advice coming from a character who meant more to me than you can imagine. Even though she has difficulty controlling her spontaneity and a tad disillusioned with the opposite sex, Charlotte has faith in humanity. In a nutshell, she’s my kind of gal.
This guy! Reed Eastwood is the bee’s knees, the epitome of manliness, everything imaginable rolled into one hunk of gorgeousness! Blinkin’ heck, I damn well-lost sleep over him. He’s seriously complicated stance is nothing less than reasonable when you start peeling back the layers of such a torn character. Ooh my, can insta-love exist between reader and a new book boyfriend? Methinks the answer is yes. Cold and distant, Charlotte isn’t going to find it easy to gain his confidence. He’d sussed her out by a fluke of coincidence, she’d tried to pull the wool over his eyes and folks, that’s when the show begins! Get ready for the unimaginable. Reed’s hidden heart of gold will melt yours.
As much as I would like to, I’m not going to tell you the whys and wherefores of this stand-alone novel overflowing with fate or perhaps whimsical fantasies that might or might not come true. What I can say is the key is in the perfectly perfect title. And the cover which I haven’t mentioned is spot on! Reed to a tee. Also, reasons for worrying whether Charlotte would give up on him there are as not everything is what it seems. Believe you me, you’ll want to know why Reed’s making it difficult for her.
Narrated in past tense from a dual point of view is without a doubt my fave storytelling technique. Throw in non-stop banter which brings out all the feels, secondary characters who are easily related to and notes written from the soul, written to please, to aggravate and push one’s buttons, makes for excellent reading. I could easily go on and on since I have so much to say, but the last thing I want to do is spoil this superb book for you, which to my mind of thinking, is the best these two gifted authors have written together. BRAVO!
I fell in love with a note and the notion that romance is alive and well. Even when the author becomes jaded, closed off, and radiating hurt. I was thrown a bit by the title, because I was expecting lots of hate notes. But as I read through this story, I began to see the title becomes a metaphorical representation of the song of love with notes in both the love and hate scales. Remember that old adage of the thin line between love and hate? Yeah, that’s what Keeland and Ward gave us.
And the other strong theme that emerged from the book was fate. Even when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel or you think that it may no longer exist, fate will surprise you with her many twists and turns. She’ll encourage you to take a chance and will often knock you upside the head with a two by four if you refuse to listen (I’m talking to you, Reed Eastwood).
What I found to be most interesting about this book is the part which drew me in the most. Usually it’s the slow burn as we get to know the characters. This time around, it was the end. Simply put, it was because Keeland and Ward finished their symphony with a message of hope. And reading a book about romance, fate, and hope? You really can’t go wrong when it’s written by two incredible authors.
5 popped!
I Devoured this book!
Be ready to hold off everything because once you start this book, you won’t be able to put it down.
The build up was magnificent of Charlotte & Reed’s story.
Reed just won me over.
He is everything you think he is and then some!
Till the very last page I was swooning hard!
Emotional & loving story that captured my heart.
Another marvelous book from Authors Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward to cherish!
Go One Click this Must Read book!
This is undoubtedly my very favorite Vi and Penelope co-write story. These two just create magic together effortlessly. One of the best books I have read in 2018!
I was mesmerized by this story from the very first chapter to the very end. It was an incredibly beautiful story. Hate Notes was a very sweet and heartwarming romance with equal part emotional drama and rom-com, with a quirky heroine, and a very swoony hero!!
Reed and Charlotte’s romance was a slow burn with a constant push and pull, a lot of missteps along the way! Their sizzling chemistry and sexy banter so entertaining, the way they are always antagonizing each other oh my! I love their F*ck It lists and the fact that they each were able to peak in on each other lists. My wish thru the book was them to be happy and see that together they could be if they would stop fighting it.
Iris the Grandmother she is quite the matchmaker she is very sneaky in her tactics to navigate Reed and Charlotte, the brother Max lord what a huge flirt but he was a very loyal and caring brother!!
The ending was everything that I hope for Reed and Charlotte. We are gifted with an amazing epilogue along with an extra extended epilogue that was something so special!!
5 Stars!
Charlotte Darling is a 27 yr. old woman from Brooklyn who is newly single and in need of a fresh start. She’d recently lost everything including her belief in happily ever afters. Then while in a vintage clothing store she stumbles upon a gorgeous gown with a blue love note stitched into the lining of the dress. It’s embossed with the name Reed Eastwood. It’s the most romantic words she’s ever read. This note gives her hope that true love and romance exists.
She has built up this stranger to be the perfect man, but when she crosses paths with her dream man he’s not the Prince Charming she envisioned. He’s visually one of the most stunning men she’s ever seen, but his attitude could use some work. He’s arrogant, brooding, extremely intense, and seems unattainable. Soon fate throws them together where they are forced to be around one another often.
Reed Eastwood has had a rough year and is emotionally guarded. Being hurt has hardened his heart and made him cynical. Now he’s forced to be around Charlotte and her cheery attitude. She was a dreamer who seemed to see the positive in everything. She lived life to the fullest and in the moment. She riled him up, and drove him crazy. He hated how attracted he was to her, and how she made him question himself. It’s like she saw right through him, through his stuffy exterior. She reminded him of all the things he was trying to forget.
Charlotte was like no one he’d ever met. She was done dwelling on the past, and was determined to get back to the things in life that made her happy. Her joy is contagious, and she eventually made him feel alive again. They realize they have more in common than they knew. They’d both been hurt and knew something about a broken heart. Both had lost their faith in love somewhere along the way. Reed becomes completely infatuated with Charlotte, and the feelings are mutual. Charlotte came into his world and breathed new life into it. As they explore what’s between them, will they have a future together, or is Charlotte in love with a man she can never have?
This book was pure Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward magic! Every time I start a book by this amazing writing duo I know I’m going to love it! What they create together is always something unique and special that completely captivates me. This was a romance about second chances and living in the moment. It was a beautiful story full of emotion and humor. I was laughing, swooning, and fell more for Reed Eastwood with every chapter!
My oh my Reed Eastwood, 5 swoony a-hole Stars! I loved the intense, slow burn enemies to lovers story. Both Reed and Charlotte have some serious baggage and Reed’s intensely moody persona is the opposite to Charlotte’s upbeat and positive attitude. Add in some twists and turns, the most amazingly trouble stirring Grandma and chemistry so hot you’ll need a cold shower, this book kept me hooked from start to finish!
Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward really know how to write a kickass story. I always anticipate anything by these two authors, whether collaborated or solo.
Hate Notes, was a very sweet, enjoyable and heartwarming story about a girl who is down on her luck and decides to get rid of her wedding gown that she had no use for in the end. While doing so, she found a wedding gown that she just knew she had to have and ended up exchanging her gown for this gown and found a blue note that picked her interest.
She looked up Reed Eastwood and found out he was a real estate mogul and she just had to find out what kind of a man he was because that note really stuck to her.
But little did she know that the note did not, at all, go with the man she met. He was totally a different person, not the man who belong to those sweet and kind words she found on that note.
Charlotte ends up getting a job at Reese’s company through his grandmother and is their personal assistant. She ends up being damn good at her job and is always on top of everything including stuff that she doesn’t need to be on top of.
When Charlotte realizes that she’s starting to fall for her boss, she tries everything in her power to get him to fall for her too, but he’s closed off and won’t reciprocate her feelings, and it’s not that he doesn’t want to because he does end up falling for her, but he has reasons as to why he can’t go further than friendship with her.
Boy this book totally owned my heart. I absolutely loved the characters (all of them) and it was just one of those stories that were too darn sweet for you. I am a huge sucker for these types of romances.
You can’t go wrong with a Vi Keeland and a Penelope Ward book that’s for sure!
You guys. Seriously, I can’t fangirl enough about my love for Hate Notes! It ticked off all the boxes for me:
Smart, sassy, fun female lead
Broody, sexy, smart male lead
Engrossing story line
Story line that pulls me into the book and keeps me there until the end
Fun, engaging side-characters that scene steal but add a ton to the story
I got this and so much more from Charlotte and Reed. I loved their meet-cute and all that happened to them from then on. Their relationship was ridiculous in the very best way. I loved how Charlotte put Reed in his place when necessary. How they balanced their romance—and their feeling denials—with their work. How almost every one of their early interactions left me in giggles due to their absurdity.
And then when their romance really started, I couldn’t help but root for them to get it together. Especially Reed and his denial of feelings—and his attempts to smother them. When he’s not wanting to smother his grandmother, Iris, for her “interventions” that is…
Hate Notes was a perfect Sunday afternoon read. I immersed myself in Reed and Charlotte’s charming story, their quirky crazy and their sweet, sexy, swoony romance. I couldn’t read fast enough to ensure they got their happily ever after—Hate Notes and all!
* A review copy was provided by the authors/publisher via Netgalley for the Blog Tour *
Hate Notes is the latest standalone novel by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland and I found it to be an enjoyable read, it wasn’t my favorite from these authors.
It truly pains me to say that because I have LOVED every books these authors have released both together and alone. Hate Notes though I have to say I had a hard time connecting to the Hero. He is not my favorite from these two. I will say that Charlotte saved this story for me. She is the reason I gave this book 4 stars!! I absolutely LOVED her!!
I thought the storyline was an interesting one and one I thought had great potential. This story just went a little different then I was expecting. This book seemed different then what I have come to expect from a Ward & Keeland book. I think a lot of that has to do with the Hero. He wasn’t what we normally get. Usually the Hero is a little rough around the edges but still is totally swoon worthy. Not the case here. I thought Reed was just kind of rude. I think I could’ve connected better with him had his history come out a little sooner in the book. The fact that that isn’t revealed until 3/4 into the story, made it really hard to like him and it didn’t leave enough of the story to change my perception of him.
Now even with all that said…you still need to read this book. You HAVE to meet Charlotte. She is a sassy, spunky, and a totally sweet optimist!! I loved her spirit. I loved that even with everything she has been through and the way Reed behaves around her, she is still positive and willing to move forward. She truly sees the best in everyone, especially Reed.
Hate Notes is a standalone enemies to lovers story told in Dual POV. I will say I was glad this book was told in Dual POV, because we at least got to read Reed’s true feelings about Charlotte. Had we only got the female POV, I’m not sure I would’ve even tolerated Reed. I thought the pace and flow of this story worked well. I liked all the facets of this story. I was also happy with how this ended. I will say I thought the ending was a little rushed just because of Reed’s attitude for the majority of the book. It almost made his love seem not realistic.
If you are a fan of an enemies to lovers romance, then you should give this one a try. Also if you are a fan of either or both of these authors, you should pick up this latest story. I know I am probably going to be in the minority here about my feelings for Reed, but I would still recommend this book to romance readers.
ARC received for an honest review
Firstly – that cover is Dusan should be on every cover!
It seems like forever since we have had a Vi/Pen collaborations, and I adored Hate Notes from the beginning.
Charlotte is slightly crazy, but who could expect anything less after what she has been through. Her “craziness” just makes her all the more lovable.
Reed – well, he is all kinds of a-hole to Charlotte, however at the same time I couldn’t help but adore him too.
And the sparks and the UST between them – phew it flies off the pages.
Fighting is foreplay for this couple – and they like the fight! But there wasn’t as much sexy time as we normally get – and this old perv missed it!
Gah, I just couldn’t get enough of this story. Yes, it is a rom-com however it is serious and heartbreaking as well as funny and romantic.
One thing that I was particularly happy about – there wasn’t that thing that always turns up in a Vi/Pen story. Yay for not adding it this time ladies!
Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward fans know to expect romance stories that make them smile and swoon and squeeze their thighs. We expect Hot Heroes and heroines who we wish were our friends. Vi and Penelope deliver all of that in Hate Notes, but what I didn’t expect was how sweet this book would be. How warm and tender it is.
Reed and Charlotte meet after she discovers a note he wrote to a woman who owned a wedding dress Charlotte finds. The note intrigues her so much that she goes in search of its author. Yet the Reed of the note decidedly is not the Reed she meets. Their relationship begins rather contentiously (hence the titular “hate notes”), but as they get to know each other better, a friendship develops.
I loved the scenes in which Reed and Charlotte opened up to each other. Those moments made me care even more about our romantic leads, so much so that I got quite teary during the more poignant scenes. I felt more emotionally invested in this book, to the point where I felt kind of sad when I turned the last page.
Never you fear, though, dear readers: Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward treat you to some deliciously intense, scorching hot, and highly arousing sexy times. I loved every detail. My only complaint is that I wanted more. MORE MORE MORE.
I think Reed and Charlotte are my favorite Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward duo. There is more to each of them than you expect, and those depths fully immerse and invest you in their story.
Hate Notes is very different enemies to lovers book and I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of it. Once again the talented Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward have written another beautiful and unforgettable page turner. I devoured Hate Notes in one day!!
Charlotte Darling (beautiful name) is a hilarious and unique character that I felt an immediate connection with. Her sarcastic, quirky and tenacious spirit made her even more lovable. Reed Eastwood is an unbelievably gorgeous and delicious jerk. And I LOVED his character immensely. Their story has the perfect combination of romance, true friendship and loyalty. I found myself smiling big and laughing out loud throughout reading Hates Notes as Reed and Charlotte’s banter was quite entertaining. There were also serious moments that made me tear up and I felt anxious wondering what would happen next. Hates Notes is definitely one of my top favorite books of 2018.
Every time I hear that the very talented Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward have gotten together I get very excited because to be honest I don’t think these two could ever give us a book that we would not love, Hate Notes was everything I expected and more it’s a stand-alone novel that centers around Reed and Charlotte and as expected I was left giggling and smiling like a Cheshire Cat, the banter was perfect ,the chemistry sizzling hot but i do have to say my old heart skipped a few beats durning this very powerful love story. Characters you will fall in love with, witty banter, friendship and heartache this book has it all but I do need to give you one piece of advice about Hate Notes and that’s make sure you have time to finish what you start because you won’t be able to put this baby down. I love these guys writing because they always take me to my happy place they always make me feel good and that for me thats a sure sign you are reading a best seller !!!! Great job ladies.
Hate Notes is another great read by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. I could not put it down. I loved loved Reed and Charlotte’s story. It was romantic, funny, emotional, beautiful and sweet. I loved Charlotte, she was such a sweet, sassy and awesome woman. Reed was moody, cocky, sexy and oh so swoony. I loved Reed and Charlotte’s banter. They were perfect together. I loved loved them!
I don’t know what it is about these two authors writing together but it’s magic I love all there stories and will be on click books for me.
I think sometimes I think surely this will be like any other story they have written but there is always something or a twist that makes you think yep this will be epic.
Well Reeds and Charlottes story was so good, really loved how quirky Charlotte was and how broody Reed was and the banter was so funny sometimes I really loved Thier chemistry.
The story went from funny and light to sadness and heartfelt in just a second I swear I was laughing one minute to tears coming out the next went these two went through are going through really brought out the best in the story and I loved absolutely every part of it.
I don’t want to give much away as I think people need to go in with little knowledge regarding this book but if you are fan of Penelope Ward or Vi Keeland you will not be disappointed. This was a different story and I loved every minute
Big Big 5 stars for this
This book. Is. Everything.
This book took me everywhere. It is SO good. I laughed, I cried, I hurt, I swooned and everything in between. I love this book! Charlotte and Reed and their story is perfection from beginning to end. The storytelling is flawless. It develops so effortlessly into this amazing story of love and loss and rising to find an even better treasure beyond the misery. This is the story of how you thought you had it all and lost it, but instead discovering it was just a bumb in the road to The Future. If you dare to move on and try again. I love the interaction between Charlotte and Reed, but also when they interact with everybody else. The twists and turns fit very well, so the story feels complete and whole.
The storyline is great. The characters, both main and side characters, are well developed and written. Everything fits. There are no eh-moments where you wish someone would edit a tiny bit more. The editor on this one may deserve some flowers, because most books are not born this way. Even the great ones needs some notes and clean up.
I went into this a little hesitant, I didn’t swoon over the cover (it’s beautiful and all, but there are a lot of great covers) and just started reading. Now it’s one of my favourite books and I can honestly say the cover is absolutely a perfect fit for the story.
You will not regret reading this book. You will miss out if you don’t. Just read it. And take your time to appreciate this beautiful story. You’ll be happy you did.