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200 Hours
What could poor troublemaker Lola Morgan and clueless rich kid Abby Granger have in common? Not a lot. Beside both having the misfortune to find themselves on the wrong side of the law. But it’s only 200 hours of community service, right? What could possibly happen between two girls from such different worlds?
Accidentally falling for each other, that's what.
But can bad girl Lola and good girl Abby overcome the odds to be together? Or will their differences pull them apart? A fresh and hilarious romantic comedy from the internationally bestselling author of 'Just Married?' and 'The Matchmaker.'
Accidentally falling for each other, that's what.
But can bad girl Lola and good girl Abby overcome the odds to be together? Or will their differences pull them apart? A fresh and hilarious romantic comedy from the internationally bestselling author of 'Just Married?' and 'The Matchmaker.'
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2019
155 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this. It's a perfect blend of great characters, rom-com, heart, and snark. No steamy sex scenes but there is exceptional interaction and heat between our leads nonetheless. A bonus is that Lola and Abby actually communicated and I did laugh out loud at a couple of points.
For those who are interested, one of the leads is bisexual (and it's not a big deal).
4.4 stars.
For those who are interested, one of the leads is bisexual (and it's not a big deal).
4.4 stars.
August 23, 2019
Pleasantly surprised. It was really good.. and quite funny in parts. It was such a good read. And probably as one of the best endings I've read in a book in quite a while. Highly recommend it.
August 18, 2019
Well, if you know Natasha West's writing style, you know that you'll have yourself another comedy to read about in her latest. This time, "200 Hours," is a (very) light-hearted romcom, YA style (uni years). Rich girl/poor girl trope, coming out. It was fun to read how these two polar opposites get together whilst trying to complete their 200 hours of community service under the most horrid social worker's so-called guidance! Julie. Yeh, or as I'd like to call her, Bodybag!!!! Heh, if you'd watched the prison drama, "Bad Girls," (which churned out me all-time favourite on-screen lesbian couple, Helen & Nikki, mind!) you'll know who Bodybag was!! ;D So, Julie was essentially Sylvia "Bodybag" Hollamby reincarnate, what with all her sheer nastiness, that bigoted, vindictive, stupid ol' cow!! Urgh! But that was the most fun part to read in this book!! :D OMG! The more the community serving lot ("criminals") wound her up and took the piss, the funnier it was! Check out this following excerpt (me favourite slapstick scene!) where Bodybag...I mean, Julie, was barking out her instructions at her tormented criminals to do something to fill the hours:
‘You want us to kill rats?’
‘Right, where’s these rats then?’
‘Attic.’
Nicola put up a hand.
‘Yes?’
‘What equipment are you giving us?’
‘A hammer and a bucket. Any more questions?’
There were not.
Running around the big, dusty attic space, banging hammers around like a collection of pound shop Thors, making a show of trying to bash some little creatures heads in. But blood had, thus far, not been shed. No one in the attic wanted to do this. Still, they couldn’t hold out forever. Blood sacrifice was required. If Julie didn’t get her tribute, god knows what she’d make them do next.
‘OK, I’ve had enough of this slapstick shit! Someone better kill a rat in the next ten minutes, or I’m seriously going to lose it! I’m gonna, I’ll…’ Julie smirked, ‘I'll put in a petition to get another hundred hours added to everyone’s sentence for lack of effort!’
‘We’ll find one,’ Abby promised seriously.
‘But if we don’t… my mum…’ Lola muttered.
‘I know,’Abby said seriously, and she began to creep around with much more serious intent, murder in her eyes.
...more slapstick ensued which you'll need to read to find out! [...]
There was a support beam right behind Julie, and she tripped backwards. She landed with an odd squelch. As she sat up, everyone saw a red patch on her back.
‘Why is my back wet?’ Julie asked, dazed.
‘I think you got your rat.’
Julie looked behind her. And promptly vomited.
Guffaw! Guffaw!! >D I mean, who in the right mind comes up with killing a rat (poor thing!) with a bloody HAMMER?!?! Honestly! What a twatty, lil' cow! But what a sweet comeuppance, tho! HA! :D
Anyway, it was a fun, light, quick read for me, really. Defo a feel-good one that'll put a smile on your face! It certainly did mine along with some hearty chuckles! ;D
I totally recommend it! \0/
‘You want us to kill rats?’
‘Right, where’s these rats then?’
‘Attic.’
Nicola put up a hand.
‘Yes?’
‘What equipment are you giving us?’
‘A hammer and a bucket. Any more questions?’
There were not.
Running around the big, dusty attic space, banging hammers around like a collection of pound shop Thors, making a show of trying to bash some little creatures heads in. But blood had, thus far, not been shed. No one in the attic wanted to do this. Still, they couldn’t hold out forever. Blood sacrifice was required. If Julie didn’t get her tribute, god knows what she’d make them do next.
‘OK, I’ve had enough of this slapstick shit! Someone better kill a rat in the next ten minutes, or I’m seriously going to lose it! I’m gonna, I’ll…’ Julie smirked, ‘I'll put in a petition to get another hundred hours added to everyone’s sentence for lack of effort!’
‘We’ll find one,’ Abby promised seriously.
‘But if we don’t… my mum…’ Lola muttered.
‘I know,’Abby said seriously, and she began to creep around with much more serious intent, murder in her eyes.
...more slapstick ensued which you'll need to read to find out! [...]
There was a support beam right behind Julie, and she tripped backwards. She landed with an odd squelch. As she sat up, everyone saw a red patch on her back.
‘Why is my back wet?’ Julie asked, dazed.
‘I think you got your rat.’
Julie looked behind her. And promptly vomited.
Guffaw! Guffaw!! >D I mean, who in the right mind comes up with killing a rat (poor thing!) with a bloody HAMMER?!?! Honestly! What a twatty, lil' cow! But what a sweet comeuppance, tho! HA! :D
Anyway, it was a fun, light, quick read for me, really. Defo a feel-good one that'll put a smile on your face! It certainly did mine along with some hearty chuckles! ;D
I totally recommend it! \0/
October 12, 2019
Book no 12 that I've now read by Natasha West and a pretty funny one at that. I'm not always a fan of slapstick humor but it worked rather well for the characters in this book who are a bunch of delinquents and misfits saddled with 200 hours of community service for various crimes.
You will definitely need to suspend your disbelief for this one because there are quite a few eye rolling moments throughout the book. Nevertheless I kept turning the pages because the relationship build up between bad girl Lola and goody two shoes Abby was really well done.
The other thing that really captured my interest were the reasons the other characters got community service and were now under the supervision of Julie. This power-tripping sorry excuse of a woman makes me wish Ramsay Bolton was real so I could paint a target on her back for him to chase after. Be prepared to intensely hate her (and one or two other characters).
Not my favorite by this author but an entertaining read nonetheless. Readers who are not a fan of YA/NA drama and angst should note that this book has quite a bit of that, so beware.
Overall rating is a 3,25*.
You will definitely need to suspend your disbelief for this one because there are quite a few eye rolling moments throughout the book. Nevertheless I kept turning the pages because the relationship build up between bad girl Lola and goody two shoes Abby was really well done.
The other thing that really captured my interest were the reasons the other characters got community service and were now under the supervision of Julie. This power-tripping sorry excuse of a woman makes me wish Ramsay Bolton was real so I could paint a target on her back for him to chase after. Be prepared to intensely hate her (and one or two other characters).
Not my favorite by this author but an entertaining read nonetheless. Readers who are not a fan of YA/NA drama and angst should note that this book has quite a bit of that, so beware.
Overall rating is a 3,25*.
September 20, 2019
I've read seven or eight Natasha West romances now, and they all tend to land right around the four-star mark for me, which makes her about the closest thing to a safe bet I can think of. And of those seven or eight? This one's my favorite.
One of the things that I like most about this story is how flawed the main characters are; they both have an airport carousel's worth of emotional baggage, but the baggage itself isn't the star of the show. That honor goes to the characters, which makes total sense to me. I'm a gigantic mess of badly-packed Samsonite myself, but I'm still me, out here trudging along from people-mover to people-mover.
Another thing that made the story connect for me is that neither character is a doctor or a lawyer or the best detective on the force, they're just a pair of lovable idiots who made some bad decisions. Abby's a bit closer to what we commonly see in YA and NA romances--in the closet, wealthy family with impossible expectations--but the fact that she made such a massive mistake reshuffles the whole deck on that trope. Lola's something else entirely; she's jaded cynicism personified, and she's really kind of great. She's not really an ice queen, just someone who expects the worst from every situation because that's been her experience.
Is 200 Hours unique in every way? No, not so much. We've seen the sarcastic, foul-mouthed teen in some of West's other books, and the ending felt like it wrapped up much too cleanly and happily, but hell, while believabliity would've been appreciated, it wasn't mandatory for me. The fact that the majority of the story happened while doing community service in the poorest sections of London was enough to give it a very different feel to the majority of romances I've read.
I loved that it had those jagged edges. Not so many that it was pushed into heavy drama --it's still definitively a rom-com -- but enough so that my actual self had an entry point. When I'm reading about a woman who's the VP of an ad agency, I may be able to relate to her emotional issues, but my access point to her story will be closer to sympathy than empathy because I'm just never going to own my own home, let alone a three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan with a panoramic view. That woman's a fantasy living on the other side of a magic doorway. She's fun to visit now and then, but I don't know her. Lola? Lola lives across the street. I can see her from my window. That has enormous value to me.
4.25 Stars
One of the things that I like most about this story is how flawed the main characters are; they both have an airport carousel's worth of emotional baggage, but the baggage itself isn't the star of the show. That honor goes to the characters, which makes total sense to me. I'm a gigantic mess of badly-packed Samsonite myself, but I'm still me, out here trudging along from people-mover to people-mover.
Another thing that made the story connect for me is that neither character is a doctor or a lawyer or the best detective on the force, they're just a pair of lovable idiots who made some bad decisions. Abby's a bit closer to what we commonly see in YA and NA romances--in the closet, wealthy family with impossible expectations--but the fact that she made such a massive mistake reshuffles the whole deck on that trope. Lola's something else entirely; she's jaded cynicism personified, and she's really kind of great. She's not really an ice queen, just someone who expects the worst from every situation because that's been her experience.
Is 200 Hours unique in every way? No, not so much. We've seen the sarcastic, foul-mouthed teen in some of West's other books, and the ending felt like it wrapped up much too cleanly and happily, but hell, while believabliity would've been appreciated, it wasn't mandatory for me. The fact that the majority of the story happened while doing community service in the poorest sections of London was enough to give it a very different feel to the majority of romances I've read.
I loved that it had those jagged edges. Not so many that it was pushed into heavy drama --it's still definitively a rom-com -- but enough so that my actual self had an entry point. When I'm reading about a woman who's the VP of an ad agency, I may be able to relate to her emotional issues, but my access point to her story will be closer to sympathy than empathy because I'm just never going to own my own home, let alone a three-bedroom apartment in Manhattan with a panoramic view. That woman's a fantasy living on the other side of a magic doorway. She's fun to visit now and then, but I don't know her. Lola? Lola lives across the street. I can see her from my window. That has enormous value to me.
4.25 Stars
May 2, 2020
Abby and Lola both have excellent character arcs in 200 Hours, becoming fundamentally better people because of their time with each other. That isn’t to say they aren’t good people coming into the story, because they are (Lola isn’t stealing for fun or to cause mayhem). But Abby softens Lola’s edges while Lola helps Abby develop a backbone, all of which adds up to a highly satisfying ending because they’re the right partners for each other, especially at this stage in their lives.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/200-...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/200-...
February 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than expected. And i ended up really like Michael for noticed on his daughter well being and did what parent can do, make her happy.
This read was kind of a light/heavy read at the same time? There were funny moment, touching moment and sad moment as well. Trouble people did something wrong, went to so community services, became friends, romance occurred and so on. What more important are the story behind those people and what lead to what they did and the reason behind it. Somehow, i really like this book. 😊
This read was kind of a light/heavy read at the same time? There were funny moment, touching moment and sad moment as well. Trouble people did something wrong, went to so community services, became friends, romance occurred and so on. What more important are the story behind those people and what lead to what they did and the reason behind it. Somehow, i really like this book. 😊
August 27, 2019
This is just the book I needed, I had quite a reader block if I can say 😂 and this story helped exactly with that.
About the book; the story and the MCs were funny, but also dealing with serious things of life but eventually they were stronger together than apart. It just took some time to realize that.
I'm not one to give too many details about the books but this one I'll reread it any time, Natasha West never disappoints.
About the book; the story and the MCs were funny, but also dealing with serious things of life but eventually they were stronger together than apart. It just took some time to realize that.
I'm not one to give too many details about the books but this one I'll reread it any time, Natasha West never disappoints.
October 20, 2019
The Lady and the Tramp doing community service together. I wolfed this down on a Sunday morning and loved the story, the characters, the whole thing. A delightful romantic story that is funny and touching and for all its lack of realism still felt very real.
4.5 stars. And on KU UK.
4.5 stars. And on KU UK.
August 19, 2019
Bloody well done, Ms. West!
Get on it, folks... it's hilarious and uplifting, it'll put a smile on your face for sure.
I heart the Community Services Group... what an awesome bunch of misfits.
Get on it, folks... it's hilarious and uplifting, it'll put a smile on your face for sure.
I heart the Community Services Group... what an awesome bunch of misfits.
March 20, 2022
4 stars. A very sweet and low angst romance. Lola and Abby meet during community service and they are from opposite sides of town. Lola is the bad girl and Abby is the goody goody rich girl and I am a sucker for that trope. I really enjoyed this. It’s well written and the humor worked for me and both characters were very likable even when they were being stubborn. Their romance developed at a great pace and I loved their chemistry and banter with each other. The ending was perfect and made me smile. These two are just too cute together. This was a very fun read and I will definitely be picking up more by this author soon.
October 22, 2019
This is my first book by Natasha West and although it's bursting with a lot of improbable situations, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There's no on-page sex, and as much I like to think that shouldn't matter, there were a few times I would've like to see more intimacy between the two leads. Not necessarily an explicit scene, but something...intimate.
Other than two name slips, it's reasonably well-edited and flows at a good pace.
There's no on-page sex, and as much I like to think that shouldn't matter, there were a few times I would've like to see more intimacy between the two leads. Not necessarily an explicit scene, but something...intimate.
Other than two name slips, it's reasonably well-edited and flows at a good pace.
September 8, 2019
200 hours
A sweet read that has a familiar, yet unique plot...I've not read one about community service before and I particularly liked how their crimes developed the characters in a way that allowed the story to introduce the backstory and then progress in a smooth, natural kind of way.
A sweet read that has a familiar, yet unique plot...I've not read one about community service before and I particularly liked how their crimes developed the characters in a way that allowed the story to introduce the backstory and then progress in a smooth, natural kind of way.
October 5, 2019
Cute book. Very interesting setting of (troubled) teenagers in London.
February 15, 2020
I do like Natasha West's books - this is local, sweet and a lovely tale. It made me smile, well-up though no tears were shed, and kept me entertained. Good stuff, thank you.
March 3, 2021
Good
This was a feel good young lesbian read. Seriously, all the new emotions between the characters were just so pure and simple yet deep. And that is something so relatable. That is why I enjoyed this book.
This was a feel good young lesbian read. Seriously, all the new emotions between the characters were just so pure and simple yet deep. And that is something so relatable. That is why I enjoyed this book.
December 28, 2019
Actually my favorite out of my big lesfic reading binge I've been on lately. This book was way funnier than I expected. Not only that but the subplot of the community service and Abby/Lola's fellow fellow motley crew of the Juvenile Detention sort were absolutely delightful. Damn, it is rare when light hearted romance comes with an actual plot and more than two interesting characters and I LOVE IT.
Out of Lola and Abby I probably liked Lola best but related to Abby most, something I suspect most readers will relate to. We all want to be the bold badass and not the wall flower afraid to speak up. However, both of them have genuine growth in this book, along with their friends, and it is great. Plus they play off each other SO WELL. Honestly, this would be a great movie with the right cast and script. Maybe a kind of 'Full Monty' type of feel?
Anyway, I think it's safe to say I loved it. I really loved it. Natasha West has a new fan in me.
Out of Lola and Abby I probably liked Lola best but related to Abby most, something I suspect most readers will relate to. We all want to be the bold badass and not the wall flower afraid to speak up. However, both of them have genuine growth in this book, along with their friends, and it is great. Plus they play off each other SO WELL. Honestly, this would be a great movie with the right cast and script. Maybe a kind of 'Full Monty' type of feel?
Anyway, I think it's safe to say I loved it. I really loved it. Natasha West has a new fan in me.
August 16, 2019
This book was such a wonderful read; I didn't want to put it down. It was a little different than most of the other books I have read by this author, but that just goes to show her versatility as a writer.
This book had likable and believable main characters, and I could not get enough of Abby and Lola's story. I loved that Abby was searching for herself throughout this book and was able to grow so much as a person. It was really moving to watch her transform into a confident woman. I also loved that Lola was someone who seemed pretty set in her ways and not ready to open herself up to others, but she too was able to find something within that she didn't know she had.
This story was so engaging and was mixed with love, drama, and humor. This was one of my favorite books I have read in a while, and I would definitely recommend it.
This book had likable and believable main characters, and I could not get enough of Abby and Lola's story. I loved that Abby was searching for herself throughout this book and was able to grow so much as a person. It was really moving to watch her transform into a confident woman. I also loved that Lola was someone who seemed pretty set in her ways and not ready to open herself up to others, but she too was able to find something within that she didn't know she had.
This story was so engaging and was mixed with love, drama, and humor. This was one of my favorite books I have read in a while, and I would definitely recommend it.
October 24, 2019
I have a book hangover from this. Absolutely loved it, read it in two evenings. Now I'm scrolling looking for my next read, looking at synopsis thinking, it's just not the same. I loved how the main characters in this book were so different but had great morals and were genuinely lovely people. This is a lovely light hearted read.
August 16, 2019
Wonderful as always
Natasha West delivers again. Does she ever not? Comedy and heart felt emotions all perfectly placed in an engrossing prose. I am a sucker for anything Ms. West puts out.
Natasha West delivers again. Does she ever not? Comedy and heart felt emotions all perfectly placed in an engrossing prose. I am a sucker for anything Ms. West puts out.
August 18, 2019
Natasha West’s writing is always compelling regardless the type of characters or the trope used. If she were a chef, she can make a simple fish and chips Michelin star worthy.
September 9, 2019
It's cool ..... 😉😉😉
June 10, 2021
This is my first Natasha West book, and as much as I enjoyed the journey, it may be my last for a while. Perhaps I've simply oversaturated myself with lesfic lately, but nothing about this story really stood out to me. It was cute, sweet, amusing, and... well, that's about all, I suppose. I'd be happy enough to recommend it to anyone looking for some cozy feel-good lesbians, but I doubt I'll remember much about Abby or — or — oh, fuck, I've already forgotten her name. This is not even a joke and I am horribly embarrassed and oh god oh fuck im sorry
ANYWAY
There was plenty to enjoy about the story! Watching all the community service workers bond was a joy. Whatshername's family was adorable and I loved them. (Honestly? I'd have preferred to see more of these two elements and less of the oh-so-typical romance.) Oh! And Abby's anxiety was wonderfully portrayed — I found her very easy to relate to and sympathize with, and really enjoyed her perspective.
So: 3 stars, for keeping a smile on my face for a few hours
LOLA! Her name is Lola! kasjdfdbsafkjhfb i got there eventually okay dont judge
ANYWAY
There was plenty to enjoy about the story! Watching all the community service workers bond was a joy. Whatshername's family was adorable and I loved them. (Honestly? I'd have preferred to see more of these two elements and less of the oh-so-typical romance.) Oh! And Abby's anxiety was wonderfully portrayed — I found her very easy to relate to and sympathize with, and really enjoyed her perspective.
So: 3 stars, for keeping a smile on my face for a few hours
LOLA! Her name is Lola! kasjdfdbsafkjhfb i got there eventually okay dont judge
April 29, 2020
A story about opposites falling in love and finding strength in each other.
Lola and Abby couldn't have been more different from each other if they tried. Lola was a girl who lived on the wrong side of the tracks, struggling to make ends meet for her and her baby sister while caring for their ailing mother.
Then there was Abby. Wealthy, university student with a bright future.
Lola and Abby had nothing in common except for breaking the law making their worlds collide.
Lola was an outspoken, opinionated, strong individual who wasn't afraid to stick up for herself or others. Whereas Abby, she was meek, sweet, and so beaten down by her overbearing mother that she was constantly giving in. After meeting Lola, Abby began to grow a backbone, and Lola learned to drop her defences and open up her heart to Abby.
A YA about acceptance, family, and love.
Lola and Abby couldn't have been more different from each other if they tried. Lola was a girl who lived on the wrong side of the tracks, struggling to make ends meet for her and her baby sister while caring for their ailing mother.
Then there was Abby. Wealthy, university student with a bright future.
Lola and Abby had nothing in common except for breaking the law making their worlds collide.
Lola was an outspoken, opinionated, strong individual who wasn't afraid to stick up for herself or others. Whereas Abby, she was meek, sweet, and so beaten down by her overbearing mother that she was constantly giving in. After meeting Lola, Abby began to grow a backbone, and Lola learned to drop her defences and open up her heart to Abby.
A YA about acceptance, family, and love.
December 29, 2025
Surprisingly Enjoyable
Apart from the works of Miss Heyer (to whose writing surely every author of romantic fiction, straight or sapphic, must aspire) I have seldom if ever had occasion to laugh out loud while on public transport. This story I thought had not only all the "feels" one might wish for or expect, but also caused me to suffer just that embarrassment!
It as well provides its protagonist with a very satisfactory revenge outcome as part of its possibly over optimistic HEA - but then, optimism has to be the main characteristic of the readers of such stories.
But it was the humour that caused me to write this.
Apart from the works of Miss Heyer (to whose writing surely every author of romantic fiction, straight or sapphic, must aspire) I have seldom if ever had occasion to laugh out loud while on public transport. This story I thought had not only all the "feels" one might wish for or expect, but also caused me to suffer just that embarrassment!
It as well provides its protagonist with a very satisfactory revenge outcome as part of its possibly over optimistic HEA - but then, optimism has to be the main characteristic of the readers of such stories.
But it was the humour that caused me to write this.
May 4, 2020
This was an excellent book! I loved the merch between the two MCs lives. They're such polar opposites, you can only think, "How will it work out for them in the end?"
I especially also loved the fact that they brought out the best in each other. Complimentarity in all its glory.
The more I read West's books, the more I am in love with them.
Highly recommended.
I especially also loved the fact that they brought out the best in each other. Complimentarity in all its glory.
The more I read West's books, the more I am in love with them.
Highly recommended.
May 12, 2020
Only two hundred hours ...
Stunning novel about obstacles, challenges, growing into oneself and best of all ... a profound love. Abby and Lola drew strength from each other. Abby’s dad and Lola’s mom were amazing! Bell was stronger than she appeared. I enthusiastically recommend this book and any others by Ms. West. It’s a great read. Thank you. Peace
Stunning novel about obstacles, challenges, growing into oneself and best of all ... a profound love. Abby and Lola drew strength from each other. Abby’s dad and Lola’s mom were amazing! Bell was stronger than she appeared. I enthusiastically recommend this book and any others by Ms. West. It’s a great read. Thank you. Peace
April 8, 2021
Different. Not your usual plot but, as usual, a great cast of characters. Only down side was the use of my least favourite word. However, I've been told to get over myself so... Still an awesome read.
April 8, 2021
Great fun read
I love Natasha West’s books and this one was no exception. Lovely to see both Abby and Lola grow and mature at the relationship developed and their antics were just so damn funny.
I love Natasha West’s books and this one was no exception. Lovely to see both Abby and Lola grow and mature at the relationship developed and their antics were just so damn funny.
May 12, 2021
Adorable
What a pleasant and completely adorable book 200 Hours was to read. I had started a book prior to this and just couldn't get into it and stopped reading it, this is rare for me!!! I started reading 200 Hours and loved it from the beginning to end.
What a pleasant and completely adorable book 200 Hours was to read. I had started a book prior to this and just couldn't get into it and stopped reading it, this is rare for me!!! I started reading 200 Hours and loved it from the beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews