What do you think?
Rate this book
All the Pretty Lies
Sham. Fraud. Hoax. All words that describe my relationship with Callum Hanson. It didn’t start out that way. We used to be friends. That is until high school, when Callum decided he was too cool to be seen with his less than popular next-door neighbor. So, imagine my surprise when out of the blue, after nearly four years of pretending like I don’t exist, he offers to swoop in and save the day by promising to help me catch the eye of the boy I’ve been pining after for nearly two years. The only catch… I have to lie. To everyone. Pretending to be his girlfriend turned out to be a lot easier than I thought it would. I was surprised by how well I fit into his world, and how well he fit into mine. Before long though, the lines between fake and real started to blur. I began to see Callum as more than just Norwood High’s star football player and manwhore extraordinaire. And the more time I spent with him, the more I wanted it all to be real. But that’s the problem with telling lies. No matter how pretty they sound, at the end of the day they’re still lies. I just wish someone would explain that to my heart. *All the Pretty Lies is a complete standalone, fake relationship, high school romance.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2021
157 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Toppen
55 books1,815 followersMelissa Toppen is a USA Today Bestselling Author who specializes in New Adult and Contemporary Romance. She is a lover of books and enjoys nothing more than losing herself in a good novel. She has a soft spot for romance and focuses her writing in that direction; writing what she loves to read.
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
For more information on Melissa and her books, visit www.melissatoppen.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 11, 2021
ALL MY REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON MY BLOG: ABSTRACT BOOKS
Star Rating : 3.5/5
POV : Dual
Cliffhanger : No
Hero : Callum . He was the clueless Douche who had history with Poppy and I didn't like him as a hero.
Heroine : Poppy was the sweet girl next door type. She had insecurities and was trying to overcome them .
Pace of the story : Slow
Angst Rating : 3/10
Heat Rating : 3/10
Triggers Involved : Insecurities about body and looks by the h.
Plot Summary :
Poppy and Callum were best friends until they had a fall out years ago. Fast forward to now , they are both in college and live separate lives. Poppy is interested in Ethan , who is another boy in her class. A chance encounter with Callum on her porch gets her back in his life.
She tries to stay away from him but he is very persistent. Soon she finds herself giving in and they are friends again. Then Callum suggests that he can help her get the main she wants ! They both start fake dating but soon those fake feelings turn very real and they have a hard time keeping distance from each other .
Overall Opinion :
The one thing I don't like is a hypocrite. The hero was the biggest one of them all. Poppy had insecurities about her looks and Callum knew that. Still he went to her and told her that she needed to 'make herself look better for boys like Ethan' , which I don't even want to what it means. Callum says he can help her with that by dating her…. !! I was like WHAT?? You know she is insecure and who the hell are you to tell her about what she should do or not. And then minutes later he is telling her that she is absolutely gorgeous.
Then he is telling her that she needs to make herself available for men like Ethan' otherwise he won't notice her. That was my breaking point. I stopped reading this book there and didn't pick it up. I am sorry but I don't like Callum at all and can't read this shit he spews out of his mouth and the way he acts.
Not worth reading to me.
Final Verdict :
Didn't like the hero.
Hero feeds the Heroine's insecurities instead of clearing them.
DNF for me.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bookbub | My Blog
February 18, 2021
Meh classic, nothing special but passed the time when I can’t get into anything heavy or long while I do my uni work.
February 14, 2021
Childhood friends to enemies to friends/fake relationship to love. Poppy and Callum used to be really close. Childhood friends but it all changed one day, leaving Poppy wondering what went wrong. They are opposites, he's popular, she is more reserved and in the less popular crowd. Out of each others lives but during their senior trip, it all changes. A fake relationship to help her get the guy she's crushing on, but there is more to Callum and his feelings for Poppy than she thinks.
This is a high school romance story. It was predictable, not too much drama, but easily satisfying and enjoyable. Its your classic, childhood friends who stopped talking because one didn't understand their growing feelings for the other but also didn't know how to fully deal and alienates them from their life but felt lonely without them. I liked these two characters and once their feelings were all out on the table, it was really sweet and gave me warm fuzzy feelings.
This is a high school romance story. It was predictable, not too much drama, but easily satisfying and enjoyable. Its your classic, childhood friends who stopped talking because one didn't understand their growing feelings for the other but also didn't know how to fully deal and alienates them from their life but felt lonely without them. I liked these two characters and once their feelings were all out on the table, it was really sweet and gave me warm fuzzy feelings.
March 15, 2021
Good read!
Ok while I throughly enjoyed reading this book it was way to close to Fake it 'til you break it for my liking. While not everything that happened in that book happened in this one it was still pretty close. That alone made it hard for me to read it because I pretty much knew what was going to happen. It was like daja vu reading this. If it wasn't for me feeling like that and had I read this book before that one it would probably of been a 5 star read. But again while this book was good it was pretty much a remake and that made me drop a star.
Ok while I throughly enjoyed reading this book it was way to close to Fake it 'til you break it for my liking. While not everything that happened in that book happened in this one it was still pretty close. That alone made it hard for me to read it because I pretty much knew what was going to happen. It was like daja vu reading this. If it wasn't for me feeling like that and had I read this book before that one it would probably of been a 5 star read. But again while this book was good it was pretty much a remake and that made me drop a star.
January 18, 2021
A YA novel I wasn’t expecting, but an enjoyable read. Best of friends for several years, and then a cold turkey stop that changes a course upon the high school years. Good book.
Happy📖 Reading
Happy📖 Reading
February 16, 2021
-Sara, ☆☆☆☆
I chose this book solely from the blurb. I have been really into bully romances so I thought this one would be a good choice even though I wouldn’t call it so much a bully romance. It did peak my interest very early in.
P is in her senior year of school and home life isn’t the best life but luckily she has her two best friends to get her through everything. She’s lived a life where she thought she was invincible to everyone at school. Little did she know she was untouchable. After spending two long years crushing hard on someone, she is talked into the “perfect” plan to get him. One short week and undeniable attraction changes all those feelings she had.
Callum is the football god, he’s attractive, fit and of course popular. After ending things with his girlfriend and an unpleasant conversation with his neighbour/ex-best friend, he starts to look at her differently ( again). He noticed P crushing hard on his teammate and comes up with a plan that benefits them both. He didn’t expect to fall for P again but how could he not. She was beautiful, funny and didn’t put up with his crap. The week was suppose to get the attention of others and it did but when that week was coming to an end he needed more time. After strong feelings and doing what he does best, run away, he ends their arrangement.
Watching these two become friends again and follow their feelings is definitely a page turner! I highly recommend 'All the Pretty Lies'.
I chose this book solely from the blurb. I have been really into bully romances so I thought this one would be a good choice even though I wouldn’t call it so much a bully romance. It did peak my interest very early in.
P is in her senior year of school and home life isn’t the best life but luckily she has her two best friends to get her through everything. She’s lived a life where she thought she was invincible to everyone at school. Little did she know she was untouchable. After spending two long years crushing hard on someone, she is talked into the “perfect” plan to get him. One short week and undeniable attraction changes all those feelings she had.
Callum is the football god, he’s attractive, fit and of course popular. After ending things with his girlfriend and an unpleasant conversation with his neighbour/ex-best friend, he starts to look at her differently ( again). He noticed P crushing hard on his teammate and comes up with a plan that benefits them both. He didn’t expect to fall for P again but how could he not. She was beautiful, funny and didn’t put up with his crap. The week was suppose to get the attention of others and it did but when that week was coming to an end he needed more time. After strong feelings and doing what he does best, run away, he ends their arrangement.
Watching these two become friends again and follow their feelings is definitely a page turner! I highly recommend 'All the Pretty Lies'.
February 13, 2021
Growing up Poppy and Callum where not only neighbors but best friends as well or at least they were until he ended their relationship which didn’t help her lack of confidence. She has surrounded herself with two great friends, but it will take her interest in another boy to bring Callum back into her life.
Callum is a star both on and off the field and is well aware of Poppy’s feelings for Ethan. He decides to break the ice between them by helping her get Ethan’s attention by pretending they are together. What started out as a way to attract one boy’s attention becomes complicated especially when one of them isn’t being completely honest.
Both Poppy and Callum are in high school who are trying to find out who they are so misguided choices are made when it comes to feelings they aren’t prepared for.
Callum is a star both on and off the field and is well aware of Poppy’s feelings for Ethan. He decides to break the ice between them by helping her get Ethan’s attention by pretending they are together. What started out as a way to attract one boy’s attention becomes complicated especially when one of them isn’t being completely honest.
Both Poppy and Callum are in high school who are trying to find out who they are so misguided choices are made when it comes to feelings they aren’t prepared for.
February 15, 2021
High school romance. Poppy had a crush on Ethan who didn’t pay any attention to her. Callum has an ex he wants to irritate. The plan: fake date to help them both out. They didn’t count on their feelings becoming involved and their fake relationship evolving.
Nice high schoolStory with high school situations: Crushes, friendships, drama. Easy to read with a plot that was easy to follow. Poppy’s friends were the best. Always having her back. Poppy was insecure and made her decisions concerning her crush a little frustrating. Callum seemed to a typical guy. Ignored his feeling because he didn’t understand them. They both eventually get their act together.
Nice high schoolStory with high school situations: Crushes, friendships, drama. Easy to read with a plot that was easy to follow. Poppy’s friends were the best. Always having her back. Poppy was insecure and made her decisions concerning her crush a little frustrating. Callum seemed to a typical guy. Ignored his feeling because he didn’t understand them. They both eventually get their act together.
February 12, 2021
What a good "coming of age, enemies to lovers" story. Poppy and Callum were friends growing up until they weren't. High school is such a myriad of emotions for anyone. As Polly and Callum reunite under the guise of a ruse, they soon discover feelings resurfacing and maybe the feeling between them are real. This is a sweet story of opening your heart and taking a chance.
February 18, 2021
I have never read this author before, while the storyline was intriguing it took me a while to get fully invested in it, and even then my attention was wavering. However, I enjoyed the idea of the main plot, and did want to see the characters relationship through the end!
April 3, 2021
Such a cute read
This book had me going awwww repeatedly. Yes there is drama, and crazy tension, not to mention the chemistry but it's such a cute, heartfelt read. I loved it.
This book had me going awwww repeatedly. Yes there is drama, and crazy tension, not to mention the chemistry but it's such a cute, heartfelt read. I loved it.
March 1, 2021
I'm just going to go ahead and say it. This was a complete rip-off of Fake it Till You Break it except so, so bad. I'm not sure what happened here because I very much enjoyed Treacherous by this author. But with this book, there was literally nothing to like. There was no connection. Pages of dialogue with no internal reflection. And like I said, an obvious lift (big and small) from another, more successful, book.
February 9, 2023
4 ⭐'s
This book would be enjoyable for readers who like high school/childhood romances.
Callum and Poppy were childhood friends and everything was going good until he caught feelings that were more. Not understanding them, he quit talking to her and put her down.
Now as Seniors, he realizes he's been missing her so when spring break comes up, he hatches a plan to help her get the guy she is crushing on and they start "fake dating".
Well, we all know where that's going.
I've grown out of high school romances and how I missed that in the blurb, I'll never know. I also felt it was too predictable and I just needed something unexpected to keep my interest.
This book would be enjoyable for readers who like high school/childhood romances.
Callum and Poppy were childhood friends and everything was going good until he caught feelings that were more. Not understanding them, he quit talking to her and put her down.
Now as Seniors, he realizes he's been missing her so when spring break comes up, he hatches a plan to help her get the guy she is crushing on and they start "fake dating".
Well, we all know where that's going.
I've grown out of high school romances and how I missed that in the blurb, I'll never know. I also felt it was too predictable and I just needed something unexpected to keep my interest.
February 6, 2021
This book had me emotionally charged; one minute I was angry, the next I felt a sense of pride, mad one, then smiling the next...Yes, it had me all over the board. The one thing that never changed was the fact that Poppy's mother was such an ugly woman, but I loved the way Poppy handled her. This story definitely reminded me of how crazy teenagers think and the fun they have with a group. The end was perfect leaving me able to say that I love Callum & Poppy!
October 26, 2025
1st time read : Read this in half a day, loved it.
This definitely isn’t my go to book considering how much of a cliche it is, but for some reason I didn’t mind at all when it came to this novel.
Who doesn’t love a good frenemy relationship?
And I have to say I found it to be very much a mixture of some of the classic YA novels such as : The Duff, To All the Boys i’ve Loved Before and The Kissing Booth etc.
Some parts I questioned, like when her friends were basically pressuring her to have sex, or the overuse of certain phrases or actions within the book, but I easily put that aside, because I could not stop reading.
I can’t wait to buy the paperback copy and read it again!
2nd time read : still love it, read it just as quick and this time in paperback
3rd re read - what i said before ^^
4th read - my favourite book, I stand by everything I said in my first review of All the Pretty Lies, kinda juvenile but also kinda wholesome and such a comfort read for me.
5th read - i’ll never not read this book, my taste has definitely changed with romance, and i will admit there are some overused/cringey wording involved. HOWEVER, fake dating and friends>lovers are still my favourite tropes and this has both so it’s a win win 👌🏻
6th read lol
This definitely isn’t my go to book considering how much of a cliche it is, but for some reason I didn’t mind at all when it came to this novel.
Who doesn’t love a good frenemy relationship?
And I have to say I found it to be very much a mixture of some of the classic YA novels such as : The Duff, To All the Boys i’ve Loved Before and The Kissing Booth etc.
Some parts I questioned, like when her friends were basically pressuring her to have sex, or the overuse of certain phrases or actions within the book, but I easily put that aside, because I could not stop reading.
I can’t wait to buy the paperback copy and read it again!
2nd time read : still love it, read it just as quick and this time in paperback
3rd re read - what i said before ^^
4th read - my favourite book, I stand by everything I said in my first review of All the Pretty Lies, kinda juvenile but also kinda wholesome and such a comfort read for me.
5th read - i’ll never not read this book, my taste has definitely changed with romance, and i will admit there are some overused/cringey wording involved. HOWEVER, fake dating and friends>lovers are still my favourite tropes and this has both so it’s a win win 👌🏻
6th read lol
February 9, 2021
Not bad but not the best that I’ve read from this author. And trust me get stories are always really really good. Poppy and Callum childhood friends turned enemies once they started high school and towards their senior year things changed. All of a sudden things changed between them for different reasons. They tried helping each other out and it turned into more unexpectedly and then it didn’t. Callum and Popoy didn’t know how to handle this new change between them. Callum came off as immature at times and Poppy had so much drama at home at times it seemed like she was older. Also her self esteem was very los and she constantly made a comment about her appearance when she really didn’t know how beautiful she was. I wish there was more to the ending but actually not a bad read.
February 28, 2021
An okay read
I initially reached for this book because the blurb sounded amazing. It reminded me a lot of Fake It til You Break It by Meagan Brandy. The senior trip thing was also similar to that story, but that’s about where the similarities between the two stop. This book gave just enough but also not enough. I was waiting for something dramatic to happen and it just never came. I also felt like all the issues in this story were solved way too quickly. I just wanted more. I felt like the story was unfinished after I read it
I initially reached for this book because the blurb sounded amazing. It reminded me a lot of Fake It til You Break It by Meagan Brandy. The senior trip thing was also similar to that story, but that’s about where the similarities between the two stop. This book gave just enough but also not enough. I was waiting for something dramatic to happen and it just never came. I also felt like all the issues in this story were solved way too quickly. I just wanted more. I felt like the story was unfinished after I read it
March 20, 2021
4.5 stars!
I've read a few books from this author now and I've enjoyed all of the books that I've read from her! I was intrigued when I heard about this book releasing because the cover is stunning and the synopsis sounded like my kind of read! I patiently waited for this book to release and read it as soon as I had the chance! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book a lot! I felt like the plot developed at a nice pace and it kept me intrigued and wanting to find out what was going to happen next! It only took me a few sittings to read as well! There was plenty of romance in the plot and I loved the way it developed and it allowed for a few steamy scenes between the two main characters! There wasn't any action and suspense in the plot, but the romance was definitely enough to keep me wanting to read on! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Poppy was the main female character, and in this book she was a typical teenager in her final year of high school and she was preparing to go to college! Poppy also had a tough time at home and her mother wasn't reliable and they didn't spend any time together! In this book, Poppy wanted to get her crush to notice her and it's fair to say that he did! I felt like Poppy made the right decision for herself though when it came to who she wanted to be with! Callum was the main male character and love interest of Poppy! I liked Callum in this book and he was the sort of king of the school and everyone knew who he was! I felt like Callum wasn't as big of an ass as I was expecting and although he had an ulterior motive for what he offered Poppy, it was easy to see that he cared for her and those feelings developed into love! He did make some mistakes though! I loved that this book was written from both Poppy and Callum's point of views! I was expecting it to be written from only the female character's point of view, especially after I read the synopsis! It gives the impression that it's going to be written this way, so I was really happy that Callum's point of view was included as well! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot, which helped as both characters spent time apart and It also helped me connect more with Poppy and Callum and see how they really felt about each other and what they were thinking about everything! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything in the plot was wrapped up and all the questions raised were answered! The ending was also left at the perfect place for the characters and I loved where the author left it! I now can't wait to find out more about this author's next release! I'm excited to read her books that I haven't read yet as well! They all sound amazing and my kind of reads! As I said at the beginning of this review, the cover for this book is stunning! I loved it as soon as I saw it and it would definitely draw me to the book! I love that it doesn't have models on it as well!
I've read a few books from this author now and I've enjoyed all of the books that I've read from her! I was intrigued when I heard about this book releasing because the cover is stunning and the synopsis sounded like my kind of read! I patiently waited for this book to release and read it as soon as I had the chance! After reading, I can say that I enjoyed this book a lot! I felt like the plot developed at a nice pace and it kept me intrigued and wanting to find out what was going to happen next! It only took me a few sittings to read as well! There was plenty of romance in the plot and I loved the way it developed and it allowed for a few steamy scenes between the two main characters! There wasn't any action and suspense in the plot, but the romance was definitely enough to keep me wanting to read on! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Poppy was the main female character, and in this book she was a typical teenager in her final year of high school and she was preparing to go to college! Poppy also had a tough time at home and her mother wasn't reliable and they didn't spend any time together! In this book, Poppy wanted to get her crush to notice her and it's fair to say that he did! I felt like Poppy made the right decision for herself though when it came to who she wanted to be with! Callum was the main male character and love interest of Poppy! I liked Callum in this book and he was the sort of king of the school and everyone knew who he was! I felt like Callum wasn't as big of an ass as I was expecting and although he had an ulterior motive for what he offered Poppy, it was easy to see that he cared for her and those feelings developed into love! He did make some mistakes though! I loved that this book was written from both Poppy and Callum's point of views! I was expecting it to be written from only the female character's point of view, especially after I read the synopsis! It gives the impression that it's going to be written this way, so I was really happy that Callum's point of view was included as well! It allowed for more things to happen in the plot, which helped as both characters spent time apart and It also helped me connect more with Poppy and Callum and see how they really felt about each other and what they were thinking about everything! I can also completely understand why this book is a standalone! Everything in the plot was wrapped up and all the questions raised were answered! The ending was also left at the perfect place for the characters and I loved where the author left it! I now can't wait to find out more about this author's next release! I'm excited to read her books that I haven't read yet as well! They all sound amazing and my kind of reads! As I said at the beginning of this review, the cover for this book is stunning! I loved it as soon as I saw it and it would definitely draw me to the book! I love that it doesn't have models on it as well!
February 14, 2021
DNF 52%
Ok I’ll start this book almost in the dark , “almost” being the keyword because I read the firsts words from the synopsis and already knew this look like my kind of book the words ? Well ... something like Sham, Fraud and Hoax hahaha See? Looks like something I could like . Well, well ,well the name of our female lead is Poppy ? Damn I hope she can be a real badass like my favorite Poppy ( From Blood and Ash) yeah you have big shoes to fill girl ....but what I really ,really hope is this isn’t a childish book ...for gods sake I’m serious , in the start has some Duff references and ok I like the movie but I really hope this book has some differences from the movie .
Poppy’s friends April and Camilla are such a good friends...I’m serious the three of them made me remember my high school times hahaha yeah you can say I was like Poppy didn’t have the balls in one million years to speak with my Crush and then on the last year he told me he liked me ...well just like that the magic got away hahaha guess what ? He wasn’t some shapeshifter, vampire or demon well what a boring disappointment hahahaha. Ok sorry I lose focus really fast coming back to the book... I think Poppy doesn’t really want Ethan I’m just in the beginning of the book but I already know this because duh ! Callum looks so much more interesting .
Hum... so Callum doesn’t let his friends talk about Poppy ? Well, well,well so interesting ...he is still protective of her hahaha so cute . Now that I know Callum I’m a little pissed with Poppy and her friends because they are clearly misjudging him , you know just because someone is hot like hell doesn’t mean they are a asshole .
Ok the relationship between Poppy and Callum is so cute , all this fake boyfriend kind of thing always take my attention...but the thing is after the first...how can I say ? After they being together isn’t news anymore or the characters start liking each other the story doesn’t get any more entreating ...so yeah I’m bored don’t because the book isn’t good , but because I’m like this , well you can say I’m a little like Ethan hahahah I just like the chase , but this is a good book I particularly like all the characters ...
But what really made me stop reading this is because ....the main thing that made me start well...ok I didn’t read the synopsis until the end but damn it I was waiting for something less...teenager? Ok I’m sounding like a old hag now but I’m serious c’mon this is ...until the part I stopped a little entreating? But so slow paced and doesn’t have much angst? The things get pretty predictable and well ...a little boring ?
Ok I’ll start this book almost in the dark , “almost” being the keyword because I read the firsts words from the synopsis and already knew this look like my kind of book the words ? Well ... something like Sham, Fraud and Hoax hahaha See? Looks like something I could like . Well, well ,well the name of our female lead is Poppy ? Damn I hope she can be a real badass like my favorite Poppy ( From Blood and Ash) yeah you have big shoes to fill girl ....but what I really ,really hope is this isn’t a childish book ...for gods sake I’m serious , in the start has some Duff references and ok I like the movie but I really hope this book has some differences from the movie .
Poppy’s friends April and Camilla are such a good friends...I’m serious the three of them made me remember my high school times hahaha yeah you can say I was like Poppy didn’t have the balls in one million years to speak with my Crush and then on the last year he told me he liked me ...well just like that the magic got away hahaha guess what ? He wasn’t some shapeshifter, vampire or demon well what a boring disappointment hahahaha. Ok sorry I lose focus really fast coming back to the book... I think Poppy doesn’t really want Ethan I’m just in the beginning of the book but I already know this because duh ! Callum looks so much more interesting .
Hum... so Callum doesn’t let his friends talk about Poppy ? Well, well,well so interesting ...he is still protective of her hahaha so cute . Now that I know Callum I’m a little pissed with Poppy and her friends because they are clearly misjudging him , you know just because someone is hot like hell doesn’t mean they are a asshole .
Ok the relationship between Poppy and Callum is so cute , all this fake boyfriend kind of thing always take my attention...but the thing is after the first...how can I say ? After they being together isn’t news anymore or the characters start liking each other the story doesn’t get any more entreating ...so yeah I’m bored don’t because the book isn’t good , but because I’m like this , well you can say I’m a little like Ethan hahahah I just like the chase , but this is a good book I particularly like all the characters ...
But what really made me stop reading this is because ....the main thing that made me start well...ok I didn’t read the synopsis until the end but damn it I was waiting for something less...teenager? Ok I’m sounding like a old hag now but I’m serious c’mon this is ...until the part I stopped a little entreating? But so slow paced and doesn’t have much angst? The things get pretty predictable and well ...a little boring ?
January 18, 2021
Once upon a time Callum Hanson was one of the most important people in her life, her best friend... and also her secret crush. They were pretty much inseparable, until one day Callum walked away without so much as a goodbye. They haven't spoken a word to one another since Freshman year, and have essentially become enemies. He is the most popular boy at school and is constantly swarmed by girls vying for his attention. While Poppy enjoys her nice quiet little bubble, far, far, away from him.
Then out of the blue Callum breaks his silence, and offers his help to her... but there is a catch. One that she isn't so sure she can agree too...
All The Pretty Lies is a drama filled love story of two young people who come together for the sole purpose of revenge and the hope of love. It's suppose to be a simple plan, be each other's fake significant other for a while to tick of his ex and catch the eye of the boy she has lusted over for the last two years. But their little arrangement hits a little snag when real feelings start to get involved, and that's where things take a interesting little turn. I loved watching these two try to abide by their rules and keep things up for the sake of their little mission, they had me dying in anticipation. I just knew they were going to wind up falling for one another, but I wasn't prepared for the fall out... that hurt my heart a bit. But I survived! I love reading stories about young love, the angst that squeezes the heart, the first time butterflies, and of course the drama that follows that initial fall, and this one had everything I love and more! Highly recommend this one, it's characters are bound to steal your heart upon first glance!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Then out of the blue Callum breaks his silence, and offers his help to her... but there is a catch. One that she isn't so sure she can agree too...
All The Pretty Lies is a drama filled love story of two young people who come together for the sole purpose of revenge and the hope of love. It's suppose to be a simple plan, be each other's fake significant other for a while to tick of his ex and catch the eye of the boy she has lusted over for the last two years. But their little arrangement hits a little snag when real feelings start to get involved, and that's where things take a interesting little turn. I loved watching these two try to abide by their rules and keep things up for the sake of their little mission, they had me dying in anticipation. I just knew they were going to wind up falling for one another, but I wasn't prepared for the fall out... that hurt my heart a bit. But I survived! I love reading stories about young love, the angst that squeezes the heart, the first time butterflies, and of course the drama that follows that initial fall, and this one had everything I love and more! Highly recommend this one, it's characters are bound to steal your heart upon first glance!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 13, 2021
This contemporary romance by Melissa Toppen was in a high school setting but with 18 year old characters in their last few months of senior year. The two main characters Callum and Poppy were friends when they were younger but have been strangers at best during their high school years. They end up concocting a plan to fake date to gain the attention of someone for Poppy and make someone jealous for Callum. And of course, the fake dating leads to real feelings and the two need to figure out how to handle it.
So if I'm honest, I never really connected with the leading characters. I didn't dislike them, I just didn't love them. I was a bit more fond of Poppy's best friends and their total loyalty to her even when she wasn't the best of friends in return.
I also just didn't love the reason for the fake dating for Poppy. It makes total sense because of the high school setting, but I prefer more substantial reasons for the fake relationship. Poppy's crush never struck me as worth getting his attention. Someone who only is interested in you when you're unavailable seems like someone to avoid to me. But again, this was high school. I think that was part of my issue with warming up to Poppy. I didn't get her motivation at all. Because Ethan, her crush didn't seem worth it. But things changed as the story progressed and my opinion of her got better. Callum's motivation is honestly something I can even see an adult considering doing. And as long as the other party going along with the ruse knows about it, I'm ok with it. I just didn't ever have that moment where I thought he was a great guy. He isn't someone I would claim as my next book boyfriend.
Overall the story flowed pretty well. It was well written. And I was happy with the way everything worked out.
So if I'm honest, I never really connected with the leading characters. I didn't dislike them, I just didn't love them. I was a bit more fond of Poppy's best friends and their total loyalty to her even when she wasn't the best of friends in return.
I also just didn't love the reason for the fake dating for Poppy. It makes total sense because of the high school setting, but I prefer more substantial reasons for the fake relationship. Poppy's crush never struck me as worth getting his attention. Someone who only is interested in you when you're unavailable seems like someone to avoid to me. But again, this was high school. I think that was part of my issue with warming up to Poppy. I didn't get her motivation at all. Because Ethan, her crush didn't seem worth it. But things changed as the story progressed and my opinion of her got better. Callum's motivation is honestly something I can even see an adult considering doing. And as long as the other party going along with the ruse knows about it, I'm ok with it. I just didn't ever have that moment where I thought he was a great guy. He isn't someone I would claim as my next book boyfriend.
Overall the story flowed pretty well. It was well written. And I was happy with the way everything worked out.
February 12, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Poppy & Callum’s story. This book was given as an ARC for an honest review.
The story begins with Poppy and her friends Camila & April. They are getting excited for the class trip weekend at the lake. Everyone will be there including Poppy’s crush Ethan! But plans change when Poppy sees Ethan hanging all over another girl.
Callum who is Poppy’s neighbor (former friend) notices that she’s interested in Ethan and forms a plan with Poppy.
She decides to go along with this plan, which means she & Callum will act like they are dating and she cannot tell her friends. It’s their little secret.
Now though out the trip they are playing a couple and getting to know each other again since they haven’t been friends for over 4 years! Poppy still doesn’t trust him.
Callum who is “Mr Popular Football Player” makes Poppy the “It” Girl during the trip.
Even though playing “Boyfriend & Girlfriend”from the weekend trip to the following days at school they both begin to have an attraction to each other and Poppy realizes she is having feelings for Callum. But she doesn’t realize Callum has had feelings for her for along time. It’s a secret he’s held and hurt her in the past to hide it.
This book is fun read with a little angst. The other characters in the book were easy to follow and fun to read about especially Poppy’s 2 best friends. This was a different genre for Melissa but I really enjoyed a lighter story but not without a little drama too.
Once you start reading this story it will draw you in and you won’t want to quit. ❤️
The story begins with Poppy and her friends Camila & April. They are getting excited for the class trip weekend at the lake. Everyone will be there including Poppy’s crush Ethan! But plans change when Poppy sees Ethan hanging all over another girl.
Callum who is Poppy’s neighbor (former friend) notices that she’s interested in Ethan and forms a plan with Poppy.
She decides to go along with this plan, which means she & Callum will act like they are dating and she cannot tell her friends. It’s their little secret.
Now though out the trip they are playing a couple and getting to know each other again since they haven’t been friends for over 4 years! Poppy still doesn’t trust him.
Callum who is “Mr Popular Football Player” makes Poppy the “It” Girl during the trip.
Even though playing “Boyfriend & Girlfriend”from the weekend trip to the following days at school they both begin to have an attraction to each other and Poppy realizes she is having feelings for Callum. But she doesn’t realize Callum has had feelings for her for along time. It’s a secret he’s held and hurt her in the past to hide it.
This book is fun read with a little angst. The other characters in the book were easy to follow and fun to read about especially Poppy’s 2 best friends. This was a different genre for Melissa but I really enjoyed a lighter story but not without a little drama too.
Once you start reading this story it will draw you in and you won’t want to quit. ❤️
February 14, 2021
"Just because we're pretending doesn't mean we can't have a little fun along the way."
5 Just Friends Stars!!! Cute, sweet, and everything I needed today!
Callum is the hottie next door, super popular, and could have any girl he wanted. Poppy is the quiet girl next door, who isn't popular and definitely doesn't have boys falling all over her. Callum and Poppy used to be best friends as kids, but high school happened and they went their separate ways... politics of high school you know. They go on their senior trip where they execute a pact and they both decide to start up a fake relationship. What they didn't expect was for feelings and real-life to get in the way...
Melissa Toppen is definitely one of my go-to authors and this book is definitely at the top of my favorites that's she's written! I loved the development of Callum and Poppy's relationship. It's sweet and super fun to read. There's never a dull moment and you'll catch yourself falling for these two as well!
February 12, 2021
This book had a lot of heart!
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that this was really not your typical high school seniors, childhood friends, enemies to fake romance.
Yeah, I thought I knew how this story was going to go and indeed it is how Callum and P aka Poppy’s story starts out.
However, even from the beginning I found there was something about Poppy and Callum that was a little more complicated, thus making their story more heartfelt.
I discovered there was more to them as individuals and as a “couple”, which is what made their story a real page turner.
They’re typical high school seniors, with the typical high school senior drama. Yet, there’s an element of sadness to Poppy as she has personal difficulties that shed light into how and why she makes the decisions she makes.
Callum appears as the typical high school jock every girl wants and then hates. He’s also Poppy’s next door neighbor and he knows her secrets, but he has his own!! Again there’s something about him that made him intriguing and appealing. They’re high schoolers so I’m aging myself with the amount of eye rolling I did. But that’s on me, and kudos to the author for creating such realistic characters that caused such a natural reaction.
How they fall for each other and how their story evolves and develops is well worth reading and finding out.
Things are never what they appear and that’s what made this a poignant story of self discovery, love and friendship!
I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that this was really not your typical high school seniors, childhood friends, enemies to fake romance.
Yeah, I thought I knew how this story was going to go and indeed it is how Callum and P aka Poppy’s story starts out.
However, even from the beginning I found there was something about Poppy and Callum that was a little more complicated, thus making their story more heartfelt.
I discovered there was more to them as individuals and as a “couple”, which is what made their story a real page turner.
They’re typical high school seniors, with the typical high school senior drama. Yet, there’s an element of sadness to Poppy as she has personal difficulties that shed light into how and why she makes the decisions she makes.
Callum appears as the typical high school jock every girl wants and then hates. He’s also Poppy’s next door neighbor and he knows her secrets, but he has his own!! Again there’s something about him that made him intriguing and appealing. They’re high schoolers so I’m aging myself with the amount of eye rolling I did. But that’s on me, and kudos to the author for creating such realistic characters that caused such a natural reaction.
How they fall for each other and how their story evolves and develops is well worth reading and finding out.
Things are never what they appear and that’s what made this a poignant story of self discovery, love and friendship!
February 13, 2021
4🍭🍭🍭🍭
Spanish & English Opinion ::
ESP ::
Me encantan las “fake relationships”. La tensión, el enamoramiento, el drama. Pero cuando tienen pasado (friends to enemies to lovers) me gustan aún más.
Callum y Poppy son la pareja de la novela y tienen todos los elementos para ser una historia buena y original:
🟡Buenos personajes principales
🟡El grupo de amigos que tienen está increíble
🟡La evolución de la relación está muy emocionante
🟡Final feliz
Me gusta también que el sexismo y la doble moral con la que las mujeres son percibidas es combatido, y la forma saludable en la que cada personaje femenino ejerce sus relaciones. Es mi primer libro de la autora pero me encantó. Definitivamente, leeré más de ella.
ENG ::
I love the fake relationship stories. And when they have the friends to enemies to lovers mix, I like them even more.
Callum and Poppy are the MCs. They are really cool and the story has really good elements:
🟡The main characters have interesting personality and are not cliche
🟡I love the friends each character has.
🟡The way Callum and Poppy’s interaction evolves is pretty exciting
🟡HEA
I also enjoyed the way the author helps to fight the sexism we still have in our society. The female characters don’t like it and they have a pretty healthy and personal way of handling their relationships, showing how each person should choose what they want without judgement and shaming.
Definitely will be reading more books from this author!
Spanish & English Opinion ::
ESP ::
Me encantan las “fake relationships”. La tensión, el enamoramiento, el drama. Pero cuando tienen pasado (friends to enemies to lovers) me gustan aún más.
Callum y Poppy son la pareja de la novela y tienen todos los elementos para ser una historia buena y original:
🟡Buenos personajes principales
🟡El grupo de amigos que tienen está increíble
🟡La evolución de la relación está muy emocionante
🟡Final feliz
Me gusta también que el sexismo y la doble moral con la que las mujeres son percibidas es combatido, y la forma saludable en la que cada personaje femenino ejerce sus relaciones. Es mi primer libro de la autora pero me encantó. Definitivamente, leeré más de ella.
ENG ::
I love the fake relationship stories. And when they have the friends to enemies to lovers mix, I like them even more.
Callum and Poppy are the MCs. They are really cool and the story has really good elements:
🟡The main characters have interesting personality and are not cliche
🟡I love the friends each character has.
🟡The way Callum and Poppy’s interaction evolves is pretty exciting
🟡HEA
I also enjoyed the way the author helps to fight the sexism we still have in our society. The female characters don’t like it and they have a pretty healthy and personal way of handling their relationships, showing how each person should choose what they want without judgement and shaming.
Definitely will be reading more books from this author!
February 11, 2021
Sham.
Fraud.
Hoax.
All words that describe my relationship with Callum Hanson.
It didn’t start out that way.
We used to be friends.
That is until high school, when Callum decided he was too cool to be seen with his less than popular next-door neighbor.
So, imagine my surprise when out of the blue, after nearly four years of pretending like I don’t exist, he offers to swoop in and save the day by promising to help me catch the eye of the boy I’ve been pining after for nearly two years.
The only catch…
I have to lie. To everyone.
Pretending to be his girlfriend turned out to be a lot easier than I thought it would. I was surprised by how well I fit into his world, and how well he fit into mine.
Before long though, the lines between fake and real started to blur. I began to see Callum as more than just Norwood High’s star football player and manwhore extraordinaire. And the more time I spent with him, the more I wanted it all to be real.
But that’s the problem with telling lies. No matter how pretty they sound, at the end of the day they’re still lies.
I just wish someone would explain that to my heart.
*All the Pretty Lies is a complete standalone, fake relationship, high school romance.
Loved Poppy & Callum's story! Beautifully written. Story was engaging and I freaking loved every page! Another great book by Melissa!
Fraud.
Hoax.
All words that describe my relationship with Callum Hanson.
It didn’t start out that way.
We used to be friends.
That is until high school, when Callum decided he was too cool to be seen with his less than popular next-door neighbor.
So, imagine my surprise when out of the blue, after nearly four years of pretending like I don’t exist, he offers to swoop in and save the day by promising to help me catch the eye of the boy I’ve been pining after for nearly two years.
The only catch…
I have to lie. To everyone.
Pretending to be his girlfriend turned out to be a lot easier than I thought it would. I was surprised by how well I fit into his world, and how well he fit into mine.
Before long though, the lines between fake and real started to blur. I began to see Callum as more than just Norwood High’s star football player and manwhore extraordinaire. And the more time I spent with him, the more I wanted it all to be real.
But that’s the problem with telling lies. No matter how pretty they sound, at the end of the day they’re still lies.
I just wish someone would explain that to my heart.
*All the Pretty Lies is a complete standalone, fake relationship, high school romance.
Loved Poppy & Callum's story! Beautifully written. Story was engaging and I freaking loved every page! Another great book by Melissa!
March 25, 2021
That Tangled Web
This audiobook sort of goes into a category all its own. But that may take some explaining...
The story itself is good, although it seems geared toward a young audience, so it would be best enjoyed as a YA or Contemporary Romance. It's got a fair amount of high school high jinx, games, and angst going on as next door neighbors (and former best friends) Poppy and Callum set up a rouse to make others jealous.
What makes this a truly unique listen is the narration. The narrator does a pretty good job with the voicing, but it's evident from the very first moment that the recording environment was less than ideal. I thought this was going to bother me a lot. Instead, it gave the audiobook a surreal, voyeuristic sense that made me feel like I was listening in to these crazy people spinning their webs of deception. It actually became kind of...intriguing, giving the entire story a whole new level.
As for Poppy and Callum. *sigh* Poppy's got issues because her home life is a wreck. That's pretty easy to understand. Callum is a bit more complicated. The short version: he's got issues because his home life is great. LOL It happens. At that age we're idiots sometimes, and this story brought that out. It also highlighted some wonderful friendships, loyalty, strength, and honor.
This audiobook sort of goes into a category all its own. But that may take some explaining...
The story itself is good, although it seems geared toward a young audience, so it would be best enjoyed as a YA or Contemporary Romance. It's got a fair amount of high school high jinx, games, and angst going on as next door neighbors (and former best friends) Poppy and Callum set up a rouse to make others jealous.
What makes this a truly unique listen is the narration. The narrator does a pretty good job with the voicing, but it's evident from the very first moment that the recording environment was less than ideal. I thought this was going to bother me a lot. Instead, it gave the audiobook a surreal, voyeuristic sense that made me feel like I was listening in to these crazy people spinning their webs of deception. It actually became kind of...intriguing, giving the entire story a whole new level.
As for Poppy and Callum. *sigh* Poppy's got issues because her home life is a wreck. That's pretty easy to understand. Callum is a bit more complicated. The short version: he's got issues because his home life is great. LOL It happens. At that age we're idiots sometimes, and this story brought that out. It also highlighted some wonderful friendships, loyalty, strength, and honor.
February 5, 2021
This was a good read. This book incorporates multiple tropes with a high school/about to be college age couple taking center stage. There were many things to like about this book. The storyline was engaging, well written and kept me entertained. I found the female lead character immensely likable. Poppy's sweetness, insecurities and the challenges she faced at home made her relatable, genuine and someone you could only want the best for. And that right there turned into a bit of a problem for me because I could never get to the point where I thought the male lead character, Callum was what was best for her. I won't deny that he had some moments but overall I just didn't like him. I tried and I tried to and honestly I anxiously waited for that big moment for a big reveal that would make a light go off over my head that would mean I could understand his actions and reasons behind his behavior but it never came and trust me, I dreamed up a few doozies on my own while I was waiting. Yeah, I understand that in the real world that is often just how things are but for me and in this book, it was just too much of an insurmountable stumbling block for me personally. This is my candid, volitional review.
February 13, 2021
Teenage drama and angst isn't normally my thing but anything author Melissa Toppen writes is! Poppy stole my heart! How could I not fall in love with a responsible girl who believes Rumchata and Fireball is the best drink ever! We are soul-sisters for sure.
All The Pretty Lies focuses on a group of teens finishing up their last year of high school, enjoying a few last hoorahs while preparing for their future. High school might be all fun and games for some, but what happens when you meet "the one" when your supposed to be playing the field and testing the waters?
Well, Callum and Poppy put those theories to the test when they start up a fake relationship that doesn't feel so fake. I enjoyed this story. The teenage drama wasn't too much, so I didn't have to throw my kindle. The author definitely captured the mindset of eighteen-year-olds, which reminded me of how painful those years can be. Poppy is surrounded by great friends who have her back, and they really helped keep the story flowing as Callum and Poppy took a little time figuring out their real feelings.
This one is not a scorcher, they ars teens remember, but it is a great young adult, coming-of-age romance, and I highly recommend it.
All The Pretty Lies focuses on a group of teens finishing up their last year of high school, enjoying a few last hoorahs while preparing for their future. High school might be all fun and games for some, but what happens when you meet "the one" when your supposed to be playing the field and testing the waters?
Well, Callum and Poppy put those theories to the test when they start up a fake relationship that doesn't feel so fake. I enjoyed this story. The teenage drama wasn't too much, so I didn't have to throw my kindle. The author definitely captured the mindset of eighteen-year-olds, which reminded me of how painful those years can be. Poppy is surrounded by great friends who have her back, and they really helped keep the story flowing as Callum and Poppy took a little time figuring out their real feelings.
This one is not a scorcher, they ars teens remember, but it is a great young adult, coming-of-age romance, and I highly recommend it.
January 6, 2021
Poppy Harris is a nobody, she has her two best friends but she isn't popular and doesn't have guys falling at her feet..
Callum Hanson is her next door neighbor, popular and oh so good looking with girls all over him all the time..
So 4 stars you ask. Yes. This books is super cliché and completely predictable but it was what I was looking for. I wanted the cheesy 80's romance movie vibes and this book cheesily delivered. Don't judge.
Callum and Poppy were best friends as kids and then one day things just fell apart and they weren't enemies per se but the definitely weren't friends anymore. Then queue senior trip, and a pact is formed.
This was a sweet and easy read. This book was cute, it wasn't steamy or dark in anyway, which isn't normal for my tastes here lately but again 80's movies vibes. And let's be real.. who doesn't love all the cheesy 80's movies. I mean if Jake Ryan standing against the car isn't your thing we can't be friends.
But this book was exactly what I wanted and delivered in the way I was looking for, ergo 4 stars. Not 5 due to unoriginality but a solid 4 for the predictability and total sweetness that I was all about, well today anyway.
Callum Hanson is her next door neighbor, popular and oh so good looking with girls all over him all the time..
So 4 stars you ask. Yes. This books is super cliché and completely predictable but it was what I was looking for. I wanted the cheesy 80's romance movie vibes and this book cheesily delivered. Don't judge.
Callum and Poppy were best friends as kids and then one day things just fell apart and they weren't enemies per se but the definitely weren't friends anymore. Then queue senior trip, and a pact is formed.
This was a sweet and easy read. This book was cute, it wasn't steamy or dark in anyway, which isn't normal for my tastes here lately but again 80's movies vibes. And let's be real.. who doesn't love all the cheesy 80's movies. I mean if Jake Ryan standing against the car isn't your thing we can't be friends.
But this book was exactly what I wanted and delivered in the way I was looking for, ergo 4 stars. Not 5 due to unoriginality but a solid 4 for the predictability and total sweetness that I was all about, well today anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews