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Hate Mail
Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting...
But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.
It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.
But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.
But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.
It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.
But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2024
4132 people are currently reading
66892 people want to read
About the author
Donna Marchetti
2 books916 followersDonna Marchetti is a romance author writing fun stories with early 2000s rom-com vibes. Her debut novel Hate Mail was released in March 2024, and her second novel The Proposal Project is available now.
Most people can easily tell you where they grew up, but for Donna, the answer lies somewhere between Florida, Chile, and Arizona. As an American child living in a Spanish-speaking country for a good chunk of her childhood, one of Donna’s first attempts at writing was when she was seven years old. It was a book about a dog written entirely in Spanish. Upon moving to Arizona, Donna played in high school marching band and raised and showed rabbits for 4-H, but she never stopped enjoying writing.
When Donna isn’t burying her face in a good book or tapping away at a keyboard writing her own, she can usually be found spending time with her family and competing in agility with her Dalmatian.
Donna currently lives in New York with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs.
Most people can easily tell you where they grew up, but for Donna, the answer lies somewhere between Florida, Chile, and Arizona. As an American child living in a Spanish-speaking country for a good chunk of her childhood, one of Donna’s first attempts at writing was when she was seven years old. It was a book about a dog written entirely in Spanish. Upon moving to Arizona, Donna played in high school marching band and raised and showed rabbits for 4-H, but she never stopped enjoying writing.
When Donna isn’t burying her face in a good book or tapping away at a keyboard writing her own, she can usually be found spending time with her family and competing in agility with her Dalmatian.
Donna currently lives in New York with her husband, two daughters, and three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,471 reviews
March 7, 2025
literally a book written like a y2k romcom!!
this was equal parts rom and com. i fucking loved this book. ate it up like my last meal. and threw it up and ate it up again. this is pen pals done write. the banter was top tier. it was laugh out loud funny. so fucking romantic and man the YEARNING the mmc does!!!
they waited ages for each other only to be at arms reach. may this love HUNT ME DOWN!
this was equal parts rom and com. i fucking loved this book. ate it up like my last meal. and threw it up and ate it up again. this is pen pals done write. the banter was top tier. it was laugh out loud funny. so fucking romantic and man the YEARNING the mmc does!!!
they waited ages for each other only to be at arms reach. may this love HUNT ME DOWN!
May 28, 2024
Hate Mail is one ill intention away from becoming a thriller.
***I thought this plot was pretty obvious but there are some spoilers coming so read at your own risk.
POV - Your fifth grade pen pal who you have bizarrely exchanged hateful letters with for over a decade tracks you down, moves into your building, meets you under false pretenses, conceals his identify, tampers with your mail, starts a relationship with you and has sex with you, and only comes clean about his identity once you have already basically figured it out on your own.
But… he’s a hot animal doctor so we’ll just let that all slide and forgive him. 🙄 She could just as easily have filed a restraining order for this behavior. Them having sex before he told her who he was made this plot unsalvageable for me.
The whole explanation about how she misunderstood both his name and her boss’s name because she’s “so bad with names” was absolutely ridiculous. There is no way she didn’t say his name to him at least once during their relationship. Him making up a fake name for his pen pal and never correcting it would have been much more believable.
I also hated her best friend who had plenty of red flags of her own. She was so pushy and nosey and gave her some truly terrible advice throughout the book. Them flying all over the country talking to people who knew him made them almost as creepy as he was.
I thought this was going to be so cute, but it really did not work for me. Bumping it up a star for being somewhat entertaining despite the problematic plot.
***I thought this plot was pretty obvious but there are some spoilers coming so read at your own risk.
POV - Your fifth grade pen pal who you have bizarrely exchanged hateful letters with for over a decade tracks you down, moves into your building, meets you under false pretenses, conceals his identify, tampers with your mail, starts a relationship with you and has sex with you, and only comes clean about his identity once you have already basically figured it out on your own.
But… he’s a hot animal doctor so we’ll just let that all slide and forgive him. 🙄 She could just as easily have filed a restraining order for this behavior. Them having sex before he told her who he was made this plot unsalvageable for me.
The whole explanation about how she misunderstood both his name and her boss’s name because she’s “so bad with names” was absolutely ridiculous. There is no way she didn’t say his name to him at least once during their relationship. Him making up a fake name for his pen pal and never correcting it would have been much more believable.
I also hated her best friend who had plenty of red flags of her own. She was so pushy and nosey and gave her some truly terrible advice throughout the book. Them flying all over the country talking to people who knew him made them almost as creepy as he was.
I thought this was going to be so cute, but it really did not work for me. Bumping it up a star for being somewhat entertaining despite the problematic plot.
September 15, 2024
5 ⭐
I'M SOO OBSSESSED WITH THIS BOOK 🥹💗
Naomi and Luca has become one of my fave couples of all time ngl.
The chemistry they have is INCREDIBLE. Luca's personal story is devastating, I connected with him a lot and I could understand why he was so cruel to Naomi when they were younger.
It is true that there are some small things that I did not like at all about the book, but it is impossible not to give it 5 stars with the charisma that all the characters have. Luca Pitchler has become one of my book boyfriends 🤭💗
I'M SOO OBSSESSED WITH THIS BOOK 🥹💗
Naomi and Luca has become one of my fave couples of all time ngl.
The chemistry they have is INCREDIBLE. Luca's personal story is devastating, I connected with him a lot and I could understand why he was so cruel to Naomi when they were younger.
It is true that there are some small things that I did not like at all about the book, but it is impossible not to give it 5 stars with the charisma that all the characters have. Luca Pitchler has become one of my book boyfriends 🤭💗
August 5, 2024
Ehh- it was cute but I'll probably forget it in the next couple of days.
Really giving the You've Got Mail vibes...
╰⪼ Childhood Pen Pals
╰⪼ Enemies to Lovers
╰⪼ Dual POV
Really giving the You've Got Mail vibes...
╰⪼ Childhood Pen Pals
╰⪼ Enemies to Lovers
╰⪼ Dual POV
August 5, 2024
4.5 ★'s
This maybe isn't anything earth shattering, but purely based on enjoyment I had a great time.
Even if the plot was predictable from start, I was so intrigued to see how things would unfold and had a hard time putting the book down. I only finally did when my eyes got way too droopy and I had stayed up half the night reading.
I love how we got to follow the lives of Luca & Naomi through years of witty banter, inside jokes and hidden feelings in something that started as a reluctant, hateful penpalship. Their chemistry is out of this world and I am obsessed with how obsessed they are with each other.
I enjoyed how well-balanced this book feels. Instead of the smut overtaking the plot, which I feel can be quite common, it was simply a nice addition to their romance, the investigating plot and history between them. All elements were perfectly balanced, there wasn't too much or too little of anything - even if I can see myself easily read another 300 pages about Luca & Naomi and their banter.
This was exactly what I needed right now. It made me giggle and blush, my heart feel full and I couldn't help but root for them from page one. 🥹🩷 I might be entering my contemporary romance era, because I want more books like this now.
__________
⌞pre-read:⌝
I need something stupid cute to mend my heart a little after Boys of Tommen.
This maybe isn't anything earth shattering, but purely based on enjoyment I had a great time.
Even if the plot was predictable from start, I was so intrigued to see how things would unfold and had a hard time putting the book down. I only finally did when my eyes got way too droopy and I had stayed up half the night reading.
I love how we got to follow the lives of Luca & Naomi through years of witty banter, inside jokes and hidden feelings in something that started as a reluctant, hateful penpalship. Their chemistry is out of this world and I am obsessed with how obsessed they are with each other.
I enjoyed how well-balanced this book feels. Instead of the smut overtaking the plot, which I feel can be quite common, it was simply a nice addition to their romance, the investigating plot and history between them. All elements were perfectly balanced, there wasn't too much or too little of anything - even if I can see myself easily read another 300 pages about Luca & Naomi and their banter.
This was exactly what I needed right now. It made me giggle and blush, my heart feel full and I couldn't help but root for them from page one. 🥹🩷 I might be entering my contemporary romance era, because I want more books like this now.
__________
⌞pre-read:⌝
I need something stupid cute to mend my heart a little after Boys of Tommen.
Want to read
November 25, 2023The cover and the title is giving perfect 2000's chick flick vibes/romcom and I'm all here for it.
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Spicy
• Strangers to lovers [(in a way) the next bullet explains]
• Pen pals
• Dual povs
Tropes:
• Enemies to Lovers
• Spicy
• Strangers to lovers [(in a way) the next bullet explains]
• Pen pals
• Dual povs
![Profile Image for ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ꒰ঌ mimi ໒꒱ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ [semi-ia].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1717798941i%2F161661704._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 15, 2024
way too much stalking going on for a silly little romance book
November 20, 2024
[3.2⭐] 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙡 es una romcom escrita por Donna Marchetti y publicada en 2024. La historia se centra en Naomi y Luca, dos amigos por correspondencia (o “enemigos por correspondencia”) desde la escuela. Años después, Naomi recibe una carta misteriosa en su trabajo, sin remitente. Esta inesperada reaparición la impulsa a buscar a Luca y, de paso, asegurarse de que sea ella quien tenga la última palabra.
El libro tiene un formato que alterna entre flashbacks de las cartas originales de Luca y capítulos en el presente desde el punto de vista de Naomi. Esto le da un ritmo fresco y dinámico, pero sobre todo ayuda a explorar cómo ambos personajes han cambiado con los años. Me gustó especialmente cómo los flashbacks solo mostraban la perspectiva de Luca, creando un contraste interesante con los capítulos actuales de Naomi. Esto permitía entender a Luca como personaje y su pasado, mientras se mantenía el misterio en torno a su desaparición.
Algo que me pareció extraño fue el conflicto de Naomi con los nombres. Apareció de repente, sin mayor contexto y casi al final. Además, se me ha hecho absurdo que en todos esos meses nunca haya mencionado el nombre en voz alta, es 0% probable que algo así suceda. ¿Cómo le decía para llamar su atención? Como profesora de lenguaje insisto que es imposible humanamente haber estado tantos meses saliendo con alguien y nunca haber dicho su nombre en voz alta o haberle preguntado, carece de toda lógica. Más que algo genuino y original, parece un intento desesperado de la autora para hacer más interesante la trama y que le funcione su enredo.
Otro punto algo débil fue la “venganza” de Naomi a Luca. Aunque fue ingeniosa y tierna, su pequeña búsqueda del tesoro me pareció innecesariamente elaborada y hasta carente de emoción. Ella estuvo persiguiéndolo por todo el país durante semanas y él solo estuvo durante un par de horas en la misma ciudad buscándola. Además, ¿cómo no iba a saber que Naomi, la chica con la que sale, estaba comprándose una casa y se iba a mudar? ¡Algo así debería haberse mencionado en algún momento! Fue irónico que dos personajes tan malos comunicándose protagonizaran un libro.
Dicho esto, 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙡 fue, en general, una lectura muy entretenida. El misterio no era difícil de descifrar, aunque la autora incluyó suficientes contradicciones como para mantenerme dudando hasta el final. Los elementos románticos, aunque algo cliché, cumplieron con creces: el "vecino guapo" y el triángulo amoroso leve añadieron un toque de drama que funcionó.
En cuanto a Naomi, fue una protagonista fácil de querer. Su determinación por encontrar respuestas y su carácter sarcástico me parecieron encantadores. Además, el hecho de que se pareciera un poco físicamente a mí (el cabello pelirrojo) hicieron que le tomara cariño casi de inmediato. Luca, por su parte, ganó profundidad gracias a los flashbacks. Aunque no fue un personaje perfecto (sus inseguridades y reacciones lo dejaron claro), su crecimiento resultó convincente. Además, su sentido del humor se parecía bastante al mío, lo que provocó que en más de una ocasión me sacara una que otra carcajada.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙡 es una romcom que, con sus aciertos y desaciertos, logra ser entrañable. A pesar de algunas decisiones de trama que me hicieron dudar de su verosimilitud y de los giros que parecían un poco exagerados, la historia se siente fresca gracias a su formato y a los contrastes entre pasado y presente. Me quedo con los momentos tiernos y las cartas violentas de los protagonistas (me hicieron reír a carcajadas). Sin duda, una lectura que disfruté y que recomendaría para un fin de semana relajado.
El libro tiene un formato que alterna entre flashbacks de las cartas originales de Luca y capítulos en el presente desde el punto de vista de Naomi. Esto le da un ritmo fresco y dinámico, pero sobre todo ayuda a explorar cómo ambos personajes han cambiado con los años. Me gustó especialmente cómo los flashbacks solo mostraban la perspectiva de Luca, creando un contraste interesante con los capítulos actuales de Naomi. Esto permitía entender a Luca como personaje y su pasado, mientras se mantenía el misterio en torno a su desaparición.
Algo que me pareció extraño fue el conflicto de Naomi con los nombres. Apareció de repente, sin mayor contexto y casi al final. Además, se me ha hecho absurdo que en todos esos meses nunca haya mencionado el nombre en voz alta, es 0% probable que algo así suceda. ¿Cómo le decía para llamar su atención? Como profesora de lenguaje insisto que es imposible humanamente haber estado tantos meses saliendo con alguien y nunca haber dicho su nombre en voz alta o haberle preguntado, carece de toda lógica. Más que algo genuino y original, parece un intento desesperado de la autora para hacer más interesante la trama y que le funcione su enredo.
Otro punto algo débil fue la “venganza” de Naomi a Luca. Aunque fue ingeniosa y tierna, su pequeña búsqueda del tesoro me pareció innecesariamente elaborada y hasta carente de emoción. Ella estuvo persiguiéndolo por todo el país durante semanas y él solo estuvo durante un par de horas en la misma ciudad buscándola. Además, ¿cómo no iba a saber que Naomi, la chica con la que sale, estaba comprándose una casa y se iba a mudar? ¡Algo así debería haberse mencionado en algún momento! Fue irónico que dos personajes tan malos comunicándose protagonizaran un libro.
Dicho esto, 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙡 fue, en general, una lectura muy entretenida. El misterio no era difícil de descifrar, aunque la autora incluyó suficientes contradicciones como para mantenerme dudando hasta el final. Los elementos románticos, aunque algo cliché, cumplieron con creces: el "vecino guapo" y el triángulo amoroso leve añadieron un toque de drama que funcionó.
En cuanto a Naomi, fue una protagonista fácil de querer. Su determinación por encontrar respuestas y su carácter sarcástico me parecieron encantadores. Además, el hecho de que se pareciera un poco físicamente a mí (el cabello pelirrojo) hicieron que le tomara cariño casi de inmediato. Luca, por su parte, ganó profundidad gracias a los flashbacks. Aunque no fue un personaje perfecto (sus inseguridades y reacciones lo dejaron claro), su crecimiento resultó convincente. Además, su sentido del humor se parecía bastante al mío, lo que provocó que en más de una ocasión me sacara una que otra carcajada.
Finalmente, puedo decir que 𝙃𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙡 es una romcom que, con sus aciertos y desaciertos, logra ser entrañable. A pesar de algunas decisiones de trama que me hicieron dudar de su verosimilitud y de los giros que parecían un poco exagerados, la historia se siente fresca gracias a su formato y a los contrastes entre pasado y presente. Me quedo con los momentos tiernos y las cartas violentas de los protagonistas (me hicieron reír a carcajadas). Sin duda, una lectura que disfruté y que recomendaría para un fin de semana relajado.
May 11, 2024
3 🌟!!! This book started off really well but the letters got a bit boring and I felt that the book was dragged out😬..It also had the miscommunication trope which was really frustrating and annoying and it could've been solved easily if the characters communicated with each other😃😤😭
February 28, 2024
From the very first page, 'Hate Mail' exceeded all my expectations! Donna Marchetti has crafted a delightful narrative that seamlessly weaves romance, humor, and touching moments into a compelling story that will leave readers yearning for more.
Naomi and Luca's journey began in fifth grade, where their correspondence was characterized more by acerbic banter than friendly exchanges. However, what started as a series of hate-filled letters gradually blossomed into a deep and meaningful friendship, spanning years and distances. Yet, just as their bond seemed unbreakable, the letters abruptly ceased, leaving Naomi reeling from the silence for two long years. When a surprise envelope lands on her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined to reclaim the connection she thought lost forever, refusing to let Luca have the final word.
I have always been drawn to narratives featuring the penpal trope, and Marchetti's execution of it in 'Hate Mail' is nothing short of brilliant. The evolution of Naomi and Luca's relationship, from bitter rivals exchanging cutting remarks to steadfast friends and more, was portrayed with such authenticity and charm that it captured my heart from start to finish.
One aspect of the book that particularly stood out to me was Marchetti's masterful use of dual POV. Rarely have I encountered such a skillful handling of this narrative technique in contemporary romance. The juxtaposition of timelines, starting in different places yet converging at the peak of emotional tension, was executed flawlessly, keeping me thoroughly engaged and invested in the characters' journey.
'Hate Mail' is a heartfelt and captivating tale that left an indelible mark on my heart. Marchetti's skillful storytelling and memorable characters make this a must-read for fans of romance and contemporary fiction alike. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a story that will tug at their heartstrings and leave them yearning for more.
Naomi and Luca's journey began in fifth grade, where their correspondence was characterized more by acerbic banter than friendly exchanges. However, what started as a series of hate-filled letters gradually blossomed into a deep and meaningful friendship, spanning years and distances. Yet, just as their bond seemed unbreakable, the letters abruptly ceased, leaving Naomi reeling from the silence for two long years. When a surprise envelope lands on her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined to reclaim the connection she thought lost forever, refusing to let Luca have the final word.
I have always been drawn to narratives featuring the penpal trope, and Marchetti's execution of it in 'Hate Mail' is nothing short of brilliant. The evolution of Naomi and Luca's relationship, from bitter rivals exchanging cutting remarks to steadfast friends and more, was portrayed with such authenticity and charm that it captured my heart from start to finish.
One aspect of the book that particularly stood out to me was Marchetti's masterful use of dual POV. Rarely have I encountered such a skillful handling of this narrative technique in contemporary romance. The juxtaposition of timelines, starting in different places yet converging at the peak of emotional tension, was executed flawlessly, keeping me thoroughly engaged and invested in the characters' journey.
'Hate Mail' is a heartfelt and captivating tale that left an indelible mark on my heart. Marchetti's skillful storytelling and memorable characters make this a must-read for fans of romance and contemporary fiction alike. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a story that will tug at their heartstrings and leave them yearning for more.
July 31, 2024
Bardzo przyjemna książka, z cudowną chemią w listach ale nie jestem fanką zwrotu akcji
July 14, 2024
dnf @ 38% + skimmed from there to the end
i really wanted to love this book because of the tropes and the cute cover but it was unfortunately not for me. all the characters were bland and the inclusion of a sort of love triangle - which was not mentioned in the blurb - made the story feel contrived and very juvenile.
the letters were neither 'hilarious' nor featured 'epic insults'. they were just weird and felt so stupid, especially since the letters never changed and remained tactless even as they themselves aged. naomi's friend anne was annoying and obnoxious to the point it was painful to read about. it was also not a slow-burn and the relationship between jake (can any of you find 'jake' in the premise?) and naomi was such an insta lust/love that it made me want to physically gag.
by around 30% i had already figured out the big plot twist. i skimmed through the rest of the book hoping for it to get better but it didn't. i also love the pen-pals/letters trope which makes it even more unfortunate that i didn't enjoy this book.
however, if you do enjoy a very predictable contemporary then you may enjoy this for a palette cleanser romance.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!
i really wanted to love this book because of the tropes and the cute cover but it was unfortunately not for me. all the characters were bland and the inclusion of a sort of love triangle - which was not mentioned in the blurb - made the story feel contrived and very juvenile.
the letters were neither 'hilarious' nor featured 'epic insults'. they were just weird and felt so stupid, especially since the letters never changed and remained tactless even as they themselves aged. naomi's friend anne was annoying and obnoxious to the point it was painful to read about. it was also not a slow-burn and the relationship between jake (can any of you find 'jake' in the premise?) and naomi was such an insta lust/love that it made me want to physically gag.
by around 30% i had already figured out the big plot twist. i skimmed through the rest of the book hoping for it to get better but it didn't. i also love the pen-pals/letters trope which makes it even more unfortunate that i didn't enjoy this book.
however, if you do enjoy a very predictable contemporary then you may enjoy this for a palette cleanser romance.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!
June 20, 2025
★ . . . 4 stars .ᐟ
- thank you so much my love julia for reading this book with me!! it was a beautiful read, and being able to read all of this with you made the reading even more beautiful and fun. ily angel
꒰ ִ ֺ ⊹ "and then i met you in person, and i found out i was right. everything i thought i felt was real. i fell in love with you all over again. ⊹ ֺ ִ ꒱
- thank you so much my love julia for reading this book with me!! it was a beautiful read, and being able to read all of this with you made the reading even more beautiful and fun. ily angel
October 5, 2024
5 out of 5 Stars!
Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting...
Pen pals who find out about each other's identities when they're young adults and not teenagers?
This is going to be so fun!
Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting...
Pen pals who find out about each other's identities when they're young adults and not teenagers?
This is going to be so fun!
February 12, 2024
It's such a shame when you think that you're going to love something and it ends up being the opposite. I ended up giving Hate Mail 1.5 stars (rounded up to 2).
I really love the first 25% of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the letters our two main characters wrote as children and the writing style was engaging and interesting. However, it was all downhill from here.
I had a feeling that Jake was actually Luca after a few chapters but I couldn't be sure so all that happened was that I began to feel frustrated and resentful towards the romance. I signed up to read about Luca and Naomi not Jake and Naomi. Not telling someone your name is deceitful and I was INCREDIBLY uncomfortable when Luca had sex with Naomi while she still didn't know who he really was.
Marchetti played into some really harmful stereotypes about women when she has everyone describing Luca's ex-partner as 'crazy' all the time. In that relationship, Luca was the loser who was using her who couldn't commit. That would drive me a little 'crazy' too.
Anne, Naomi's best friend, was so ridiculously pushy. There were times where Naomi clearly wasn't interested in sharing a secret and Anna just continued to push anyways. I found reading about her annoying and frustrating.
All in all, my problems had to do with story crafting rather than anything structural like pacing or world building, so I would still consider reading Marchetti's future novels but this one simply wasn't for me.
I really love the first 25% of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the letters our two main characters wrote as children and the writing style was engaging and interesting. However, it was all downhill from here.
I had a feeling that Jake was actually Luca after a few chapters but I couldn't be sure so all that happened was that I began to feel frustrated and resentful towards the romance. I signed up to read about Luca and Naomi not Jake and Naomi. Not telling someone your name is deceitful and I was INCREDIBLY uncomfortable when Luca had sex with Naomi while she still didn't know who he really was.
Marchetti played into some really harmful stereotypes about women when she has everyone describing Luca's ex-partner as 'crazy' all the time. In that relationship, Luca was the loser who was using her who couldn't commit. That would drive me a little 'crazy' too.
Anne, Naomi's best friend, was so ridiculously pushy. There were times where Naomi clearly wasn't interested in sharing a secret and Anna just continued to push anyways. I found reading about her annoying and frustrating.
All in all, my problems had to do with story crafting rather than anything structural like pacing or world building, so I would still consider reading Marchetti's future novels but this one simply wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
Hate Mail follows Naomi and Luca, two individuals tied together when their respective teachers assign them as penpals. Over the course of almost 15 years, the two continue to write to each other until one day the letters stop and Naomi is left wondering if Luca and their budding relationship meant nothing to him. However, two years later Naomi is suddenly pulled back into their exchange when she gets a letter in the mail and is forced to decide if she finally wants to pursue Luca.
This was a delightfully lighthearted romcom full of fun and a dash of steam, featuring frenemies to lovers, he falls first, and dual POV! The penpal premise is so unique in that Naomi and Luca send each other hate mail, they had such a fun banter in their letters and it was so cute to read about them slowly falling for each other while they grew into themselves. The story unfolded between two POVs and timelines; it gave so much insight into the characters and the history of their relationship. This is a cute and sweet debut romance, and while I do think the characters and execution could use some work, I am very excited to read more from Donna Marchetti in the future.
~Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
This was a delightfully lighthearted romcom full of fun and a dash of steam, featuring frenemies to lovers, he falls first, and dual POV! The penpal premise is so unique in that Naomi and Luca send each other hate mail, they had such a fun banter in their letters and it was so cute to read about them slowly falling for each other while they grew into themselves. The story unfolded between two POVs and timelines; it gave so much insight into the characters and the history of their relationship. This is a cute and sweet debut romance, and while I do think the characters and execution could use some work, I am very excited to read more from Donna Marchetti in the future.
~Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
May 27, 2024
what 😃🔫
June 8, 2024
3 stars
This had so much potential. I love the cover and the premise, but the execution was meh for me. I feel like so much of it was predictable, and also there is no way both of them were that confused about what was going on… I did like the letters throughout the story but some of them took a dark turn LOL.
This had so much potential. I love the cover and the premise, but the execution was meh for me. I feel like so much of it was predictable, and also there is no way both of them were that confused about what was going on… I did like the letters throughout the story but some of them took a dark turn LOL.
Audio book source: Libby
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrators: Norma Butikofer
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 9h 27m
August 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
I feel like I was robbed of a potentially great rom com. The beginning of this was great and I loved how savage their letters were to each other, especially considering how young they were to start.
But then most of this book ends up with her not knowing who she's really trying to date, and then she's simultaneously writing letters to Luca, so then she's feeling all torn because of the man she's dating and writing to Luca.
It's pretty clear from the start that Jake is Luca, but even knowing that, because Naomi didn't know it was him, their interactions just weren't the gold I was expecting. I wanted to see their savageness come out in person while becoming friends in person and then having their relationship develop. Instead, she's dating this guy that she really doesn't know anything about it, so everything about it was very surface level.
But the writing was still good and it was still entertaining most of the time. I just feel like the description of this book was misleading and we were expecting something much higher level than what we got 😟
I feel like I was robbed of a potentially great rom com. The beginning of this was great and I loved how savage their letters were to each other, especially considering how young they were to start.
But then most of this book ends up with her not knowing who she's really trying to date, and then she's simultaneously writing letters to Luca, so then she's feeling all torn because of the man she's dating and writing to Luca.
It's pretty clear from the start that Jake is Luca, but even knowing that, because Naomi didn't know it was him, their interactions just weren't the gold I was expecting. I wanted to see their savageness come out in person while becoming friends in person and then having their relationship develop. Instead, she's dating this guy that she really doesn't know anything about it, so everything about it was very surface level.
But the writing was still good and it was still entertaining most of the time. I just feel like the description of this book was misleading and we were expecting something much higher level than what we got 😟
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
this romcom had me laughing out loud and i enjoyed the tropes
he falls first, secret identity, pen pals, hate to love
he falls first, secret identity, pen pals, hate to love
July 15, 2025
I would've preferred a love triangle instead.
July 27, 2025
I got slapped into oblivion 🧘🏻♀️
January 29, 2024
A romance book about two people writing mail, in this case, hate mail, to each other from childhood into adulthood sounds like a charming idea, and for most of the novel, it was.
I am a sucker for a book with mail, letters, or any other sort of communication. It adds dimension and depth to the characters and the story. In the book, the two main characters, Naomi and Luca, have been pen pals since fifth grade and have been sending each other letters ever since.
The letters were fun to read from the perspective of fifth graders; they were mean and juvenile, but they were still entertaining and charming, given their supposed age. The letters did become a bit tiring, and they "got old" as Naomi and Luca got older, but their letters stayed the same. The whole idea of the book was that their letters to each other were mean, and that was fun for a while, but some of the mean letters were simply vile and without charm.
Naomi and Luca's romance was predictable, even though a big part of the book was Naomi trying to put all the puzzle pieces together. Predictability does not always take away from the story, but it would have been fun to guess along with Naomi in this case.
I found Anne, Naomi's friend who had a prominent part in the book, to be insufferably maddening and pushy, which was a shame as I did not enjoy it whenever she was there.
The novel undoubtedly had its cute parts, and I enjoyed the general reading experience. However, it tended to become slightly repetitive at times, making it dull from time to time. Luckily, I found both Naomi and Luca to be likable, for the most part, and that made me want to continue to read their stories.
To sum up, the novel was a lighthearted and fun read, including the letters, which I enjoyed. This would be a perfect choice if you are looking for a fun sort of enemies-to-lovers novel.
Thanks to the publisher, HarperCollins and One More Chapter, for providing me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a sucker for a book with mail, letters, or any other sort of communication. It adds dimension and depth to the characters and the story. In the book, the two main characters, Naomi and Luca, have been pen pals since fifth grade and have been sending each other letters ever since.
The letters were fun to read from the perspective of fifth graders; they were mean and juvenile, but they were still entertaining and charming, given their supposed age. The letters did become a bit tiring, and they "got old" as Naomi and Luca got older, but their letters stayed the same. The whole idea of the book was that their letters to each other were mean, and that was fun for a while, but some of the mean letters were simply vile and without charm.
Naomi and Luca's romance was predictable, even though a big part of the book was Naomi trying to put all the puzzle pieces together. Predictability does not always take away from the story, but it would have been fun to guess along with Naomi in this case.
I found Anne, Naomi's friend who had a prominent part in the book, to be insufferably maddening and pushy, which was a shame as I did not enjoy it whenever she was there.
The novel undoubtedly had its cute parts, and I enjoyed the general reading experience. However, it tended to become slightly repetitive at times, making it dull from time to time. Luckily, I found both Naomi and Luca to be likable, for the most part, and that made me want to continue to read their stories.
To sum up, the novel was a lighthearted and fun read, including the letters, which I enjoyed. This would be a perfect choice if you are looking for a fun sort of enemies-to-lovers novel.
Thanks to the publisher, HarperCollins and One More Chapter, for providing me with an advanced reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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December 24, 2024PRE READ: ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER ROMCOM.💗🫡
March 3, 2025
જ⁀➴ 3.75 💌 ⊹
Never heard of this book? neither have I. So why did I buy it? Other than the fact that this book would look so cute on my shelf id prolly hv to start from the very beginning. Hate mail is about 2 kids who were assigned as pen pals in fifth grade but ended up being penemies instead, however it also created a witty friendship over many years until one day the letters stopped. Two years have passed and suddenly a new letter lay on her work desk without a return address. Is he finally winning the years long battle and getting the last say? Abso-fucking-lutely not!
Before I begin, I want to remind everyone that this book is not something extra-ordinary and I'm going to be fully biased in this review. I picked up this book purely because of the title and how it was something different from what I've seen already, however when I turned the book around and read the blurb it sounded eerily similar to something that happened in my life, and I was so curious to see how it played out. I tried convincing myself out it, but ya girl loves torturing herself and pouring salt over her wounds so here I am.
Luca was one feisty guy, but I'd be a fool if I said Naomi didn't match his vibe perfectly. Reading their hate mails only brought pure enjoyment and one of the finest entertainments I've read in a while. I was laughing my head off throughout this book simply amazed by how ridiculous they are. I mean the literal extents they went only to hate eachother-unmatched. I genuinely still can't decide if I actually like this book or if it's just relatable, but I had fun with this and that's all that matters.
Also, if you know me, you know I love a good pen-pals trope, if u know me better, you'd know a penemy would be my 7th heaven. the pettiness, the creativity, the temptation to just make each other's life a living hell, it all just sounds too familiar. Now I think I've come to a conclusion that yall might be confused because why tf would anyone like that? you're right. Maybe if I actually didn't go through the shitshow I would hv hated this book but after being in a slump so long, I needed a good long laugh and I got it!
I did hate a few things in this book, and it wouldn't be fair to yall if I didn't point it out. I absolutely loathe Anne with all my freaking life, she is just such a noisy, whiny bitch of a best friend I genuinely don't know how Naomi put up with her for so long but bravo to you queen cause I could never. The logic of the third act-breakup or whatever u call it jumped out of the window and if you read this book, you'd know what I'm talking about, if you don't, bless ur pure soul. I'd understand why anyone would find this book immature and annoying, but some books just have a way of bringing back memories and this was that for me.
To my penemy, if you're reading this, I hope u rot in hell babe 💋🔪
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June 9, 2024Dnf 130/411
Po tym, jak bohaterka tłumaczy, dlaczego boi się latać, uznałam, że to dla mnie za mocna lektura 🤡🔫
Po tym, jak bohaterka tłumaczy, dlaczego boi się latać, uznałam, że to dla mnie za mocna lektura 🤡🔫
March 30, 2024
“And then I met you in person, and it turns out I was right. Everything that I thought I felt was real. I fell in love with you all over again.”
okay i decided to write a proper review for this so bare with me. i was previously rejected for this arc so the petty in me refuses to give this any higher but still i really enjoyed this. i finished this in three hours! i sat my ass down on my couch and just read, and might i add i also fit in the time to take an everything shower, so that’s really telling!!
anyways back to this book, picture mean ankle-biter pen pals who have kept in touch from fifth grade up until post-college when suddenly they lose communication. she hadn’t heard from him for two years, unable to get his address when *boom* he sends a letter to her workplace with no return address!! she then takes it as her mission to find his address so she goes a little bit stalkerish.
i think this storyline is relatively unique! we get her pov in the present while we get his from the past leading us through major moments up until we get to the present. i know in most cases the author only dives into the background of the fmc, but this time we got all the background on the mmc which i really appreciated and seeing how throughout everything he went through these hate-letters were the only thing consistent in his life, it touched my heart. i don’t like how we barely got any background on the fmc but who cares she was kinda annoying anyway.
i just love seeing people meeting their match. the hate letters were honestly funny majority of the time!!
Dear Naomi,
A million microscopic bugs live inside these flowers, and when you smell them, all the bugs will get sucked up into your nostrils and eat away at your cartilage until you don’t have a nose anymore.
Xoxo, Luca.
basically a jist of what the letters were like. i did still have issues with it (ofc bc it’s me) and i think this could’ve been a novella, and that it definitely dragged on a bit longer then necessary. like although it was pretty short, the third-act conflict (idk if breakup is the right term) was very annoying but whatever.
recommend if ur looking for something short n easy!
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