What do you think?
Rate this book
Ocean Crest High #1
Platinum Hearts
Kat Jackson is a scholarship student at Ocean Crest High and has had to deal with contempt for the last four years. Scholarship students at Ocean Crest are looked at by most as the bottom of the barrel. Especially by the Platinums, who call them Loaders. The freeloaders of Ocean Crest. The lowest of the low.
Zach Peterson is not only one of the hottest guys at Ocean Crest, he’s also a Platinum. The Platinums are the richest and most popular students in school. If there’s one thing the Platinum’s hate more than their credit cards maxing out or trust funds running low, it’s the Loaders. But there’s a secret Zach’s kept from even his closest friends. His platinum status has been gone ever since his father died.
To help make things a little easier on his mother, who’s the sole provider for Zach and his brother now, Zach gets a part-time job. Answering a help wanted sign for a local food truck, Zach’s world is turned upside down when he discovers the pizza truck owner is Kat Jackson’s mom.
Zach and Kat couldn’t be more opposite, but Kat soon learns Zach’s platinum ranking is more illusion than fact. Zach is realizing Loaders aren’t the groveling peasants his friends think of them as. A connection starts to form between the two, but are their feelings enough to overcome the war between their social status? Plus, there are the other Platinums who’ll do anything to save their friend from being linked to a Loader. Are Kat and Zach destined to find a happily ever after or become star-crossed lovers?
Zach Peterson is not only one of the hottest guys at Ocean Crest, he’s also a Platinum. The Platinums are the richest and most popular students in school. If there’s one thing the Platinum’s hate more than their credit cards maxing out or trust funds running low, it’s the Loaders. But there’s a secret Zach’s kept from even his closest friends. His platinum status has been gone ever since his father died.
To help make things a little easier on his mother, who’s the sole provider for Zach and his brother now, Zach gets a part-time job. Answering a help wanted sign for a local food truck, Zach’s world is turned upside down when he discovers the pizza truck owner is Kat Jackson’s mom.
Zach and Kat couldn’t be more opposite, but Kat soon learns Zach’s platinum ranking is more illusion than fact. Zach is realizing Loaders aren’t the groveling peasants his friends think of them as. A connection starts to form between the two, but are their feelings enough to overcome the war between their social status? Plus, there are the other Platinums who’ll do anything to save their friend from being linked to a Loader. Are Kat and Zach destined to find a happily ever after or become star-crossed lovers?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2021
About the author
R.H. Tucker
16 books89 followersRH Tucker writes cute & edgy YA romance, and drinks too much caffeine.
I’m a firm believer that Rocky Road is the absolute best flavor of ice cream in the world, although if I must, I will settle for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
You can sign up for my newsletter and get the FREE short story, One of a Kind, at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/rhtucke...
You can also find me on instagram at: instagram.com/rhtuckerauthor
I’m a firm believer that Rocky Road is the absolute best flavor of ice cream in the world, although if I must, I will settle for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
You can sign up for my newsletter and get the FREE short story, One of a Kind, at:
https://www.subscribepage.com/rhtucke...
You can also find me on instagram at: instagram.com/rhtuckerauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 21, 2021
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I read Talk Derby To Me by this author before and really enjoy this writing style. The characters are fun, trendy, and the story’s different. Yes, the trope is pretty common but the author puts a super fun twist on it. Zach was such a complex character. He was flawed and had problems that he hadn’t come to terms with, but he was amazing. I loved all the small details that made up his family life and his school life. He and Kat were great together. Kat was a good heroine. She was strong but also had her insecurities. She understood where she stood on the hierarchy even if it was unjust. Zach and Kat together broke the social norm even if they held their stereotypes in the starting. I liked the side characters too. Whether they were supposed to be villainous or just friends who wanted to be the best people for Zach and Kat, they were a nice add on to the story. I look forwards to reading more of RH Tucker’s novels!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read Talk Derby To Me by this author before and really enjoy this writing style. The characters are fun, trendy, and the story’s different. Yes, the trope is pretty common but the author puts a super fun twist on it. Zach was such a complex character. He was flawed and had problems that he hadn’t come to terms with, but he was amazing. I loved all the small details that made up his family life and his school life. He and Kat were great together. Kat was a good heroine. She was strong but also had her insecurities. She understood where she stood on the hierarchy even if it was unjust. Zach and Kat together broke the social norm even if they held their stereotypes in the starting. I liked the side characters too. Whether they were supposed to be villainous or just friends who wanted to be the best people for Zach and Kat, they were a nice add on to the story. I look forwards to reading more of RH Tucker’s novels!
I received a review copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2021
Got this book as an ARC reader.
If you liked Gossip Girl and other shows/books like that then this is definitely a book for you.
Loaders vs. Platinums
It was a good book. It had lots of drama. To hear some of the things the Platinums did was a little crazy and in one case really gross 🤢.
I liked Kat and Zach’s story. A rich boy going broke and learning more about how the other side lives when he starts hanging out with a hardworking spunky girl.
Also, There are Quite a few characters that will be fun hearing their stories as well!!! I can’t wait to read the next ones!!!
If you liked Gossip Girl and other shows/books like that then this is definitely a book for you.
Loaders vs. Platinums
It was a good book. It had lots of drama. To hear some of the things the Platinums did was a little crazy and in one case really gross 🤢.
I liked Kat and Zach’s story. A rich boy going broke and learning more about how the other side lives when he starts hanging out with a hardworking spunky girl.
Also, There are Quite a few characters that will be fun hearing their stories as well!!! I can’t wait to read the next ones!!!
May 7, 2022
2.5 stars.
Katrina Jackson is a scholarship student at Ocean Crest High, where all students are ranked according to their capital, and has been tormented at her school for 4 years because of her rank as a Loader. Loaders are the students who got into the school through scholarships and are treated like dirt. She and her friend Lexi have had to deal with so much contempt from the Platinums, a group of the school's richest and most obnoxious kids. But when her mom hires Zach, a Platinum, to help out with their food truck business, she finds out about his situation, and they slowly start to understand each other and form a relationship. And as she gets to know Zach better, her view of the kids at school slowly starts to change.
Zach Peterson is a Platinum, one of the wealthiest and most popular guys at school. At least, he was. He and his family lost everything when his father died last year and left them in huge debt. He hasn't told anyone, though. How can he when he's become one of them, the poor people, the very people he and his rich friends used to tease and torment? So he's kept it a secret for a year. He's kept up appearances and has acted like everything is the same as usual. Then Kat finds out his secret, and everything changes.
The characters were pretty likable, even the side characters. I liked Zach's character. He's complicated and has many layers. I also really liked Lexi, probably even more than Kat, actually. I really liked how the "bad guys" weren't all completely black-hearted. Yes, they were still annoying and terrible, but there was something about them that was, for lack of a better word, human. They weren't 100% evil, just as Lexi, Zach, and Kat weren't 100% good. (Except for Lance and Hillary. Those two were complete jerks) They all made their choices, both good and bad, and some better than others. As annoying as they got, I felt like there was some part in each of them that was. . .redeemable. I didn't like Bret at first, nor Abigail. But as I read on, I began to see that they also had their okay sides, that they deserved a chance, too. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but I'm just trying to express how I felt about the story.
I do wish, though, that the story was kept cleaner. Though it wasn't as bad as others, there was still some language I didn't like and some scenes that made me uncomfortable (or just made me shake my head). Also, there were a lot of grammatical errors in the writing, especially dangling modifiers.
The story was okay overall, but it felt like it was missing something. It failed to really catch my attention and keep me hooked. I didn't care for some parts, too. It's definitely not a book I'd read again.
Katrina Jackson is a scholarship student at Ocean Crest High, where all students are ranked according to their capital, and has been tormented at her school for 4 years because of her rank as a Loader. Loaders are the students who got into the school through scholarships and are treated like dirt. She and her friend Lexi have had to deal with so much contempt from the Platinums, a group of the school's richest and most obnoxious kids. But when her mom hires Zach, a Platinum, to help out with their food truck business, she finds out about his situation, and they slowly start to understand each other and form a relationship. And as she gets to know Zach better, her view of the kids at school slowly starts to change.
Zach Peterson is a Platinum, one of the wealthiest and most popular guys at school. At least, he was. He and his family lost everything when his father died last year and left them in huge debt. He hasn't told anyone, though. How can he when he's become one of them, the poor people, the very people he and his rich friends used to tease and torment? So he's kept it a secret for a year. He's kept up appearances and has acted like everything is the same as usual. Then Kat finds out his secret, and everything changes.
The characters were pretty likable, even the side characters. I liked Zach's character. He's complicated and has many layers. I also really liked Lexi, probably even more than Kat, actually. I really liked how the "bad guys" weren't all completely black-hearted. Yes, they were still annoying and terrible, but there was something about them that was, for lack of a better word, human. They weren't 100% evil, just as Lexi, Zach, and Kat weren't 100% good. (Except for Lance and Hillary. Those two were complete jerks) They all made their choices, both good and bad, and some better than others. As annoying as they got, I felt like there was some part in each of them that was. . .redeemable. I didn't like Bret at first, nor Abigail. But as I read on, I began to see that they also had their okay sides, that they deserved a chance, too. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but I'm just trying to express how I felt about the story.
I do wish, though, that the story was kept cleaner. Though it wasn't as bad as others, there was still some language I didn't like and some scenes that made me uncomfortable (or just made me shake my head). Also, there were a lot of grammatical errors in the writing, especially dangling modifiers.
The story was okay overall, but it felt like it was missing something. It failed to really catch my attention and keep me hooked. I didn't care for some parts, too. It's definitely not a book I'd read again.
July 16, 2021
Loved it
I'm generally a fan of Mr Trucker's work. I loved the Kings series and Talk Derby to Me.
And yet... I think this one takes the cake.
There's lots of elements I generally don't like (in, under age partying, casual sex, bullying). But Mar Tucker just pulls it all together to make a really sweet story.
Zach and his friends are definitely disgusting. But Zach at least has the growth and development to look back and recognize why his behavior was horrid. He doesn't really justify it. He knows its awful. And that works for me because he couldn't give excuses any more. He was no longer walking money bags and had to take a look at the life he was living.
Kat was super witty. I loved that she didn't let petty things rattle her. And her in the moment barbs were priceless! I do wish she would have confronted Zach about Lance though. She let Lance live in her head for too long.
I was hoping we'd get Bret's story next. But I'm actually really looking forward to Abigail and Charlie. That looks like it'll be all kinds of fun and drama!
I'm generally a fan of Mr Trucker's work. I loved the Kings series and Talk Derby to Me.
And yet... I think this one takes the cake.
There's lots of elements I generally don't like (in, under age partying, casual sex, bullying). But Mar Tucker just pulls it all together to make a really sweet story.
Zach and his friends are definitely disgusting. But Zach at least has the growth and development to look back and recognize why his behavior was horrid. He doesn't really justify it. He knows its awful. And that works for me because he couldn't give excuses any more. He was no longer walking money bags and had to take a look at the life he was living.
Kat was super witty. I loved that she didn't let petty things rattle her. And her in the moment barbs were priceless! I do wish she would have confronted Zach about Lance though. She let Lance live in her head for too long.
I was hoping we'd get Bret's story next. But I'm actually really looking forward to Abigail and Charlie. That looks like it'll be all kinds of fun and drama!
June 23, 2021
What I like about R.H. Tucker's books in general, and this story in particular, is that nothing is ever black or white, his heroes and heroines are never perfect, and the "villains" may have redeeming qualities.
After two chapters, I was already in serious like with both main characters. Kat and Zach are both flawed, complex, and utterly human. They do occasionally mess up and make some seriously questionable choices.
But just like these two are not 100% perfect, not all the "Platinums" - easily seen as the "bad guys" here - are 100% evil.
So I'm looking forward to reading more in the series, especially about Bret (this could be fun!) and Kat's BFF Lexi, but I'm sure Abigail's story is going to be an interesting one, too!
More, please?
After two chapters, I was already in serious like with both main characters. Kat and Zach are both flawed, complex, and utterly human. They do occasionally mess up and make some seriously questionable choices.
But just like these two are not 100% perfect, not all the "Platinums" - easily seen as the "bad guys" here - are 100% evil.
So I'm looking forward to reading more in the series, especially about Bret (this could be fun!) and Kat's BFF Lexi, but I'm sure Abigail's story is going to be an interesting one, too!
More, please?
July 3, 2021
I received an ARC to review: RH so succinctly captures the complex-yet-superficial divide between these rich and poor highschoolers and the metamorphosis of Zach from one side to the other with the impact on the status quo and within his circle of friends.
A real, raw, honest narrative with deep, authentic characters - with a liberal dollop of romance!
I dropped 1 star in my review as although I loved the characters and storyline, I don't enjoy blasphemy or crudeness and the 'crudometer' was a bit high for me in this one.
**definitely not for young or sensitive readers - the content is for mature readers only**
Language: mild cussing and blasphemy
Sex: no explicit scenes; crude / sexual statements / innuendos
Triggers: prejudice, discrimination, loss of a parent
A real, raw, honest narrative with deep, authentic characters - with a liberal dollop of romance!
I dropped 1 star in my review as although I loved the characters and storyline, I don't enjoy blasphemy or crudeness and the 'crudometer' was a bit high for me in this one.
**definitely not for young or sensitive readers - the content is for mature readers only**
Language: mild cussing and blasphemy
Sex: no explicit scenes; crude / sexual statements / innuendos
Triggers: prejudice, discrimination, loss of a parent
August 8, 2021
**+Spoilers thrown throughout this review***
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2021...
I definitely enjoyed this book, I was glad to learn that RH Tucker came out with another series like her last one, I can’t wait to read the next book to this series.
Also; I thought that Zack and Kat, was a good fit & believe that he had some horrible friends especially Lance and Hillary. It was ridiculous how they assume just because a person doesn’t have as much money as them they are beneath them. When in reality they probably having a hard time at home.
Plus; he didn’t want Zack with Kat, but in reality he was hanging out with Zack the whole time and Zack didn’t have any money like he once did. I wanted to see if Zack, Bret & Abigail was still friends I do hope to learn they are in her book. Which I learn is the next book in this series.
At first I assume that it maybe Bret and Lexi. But it’s Charlie and Abi I definitely going to read that book. To learn more about their relationship and how Abi really is.
Plus they didn’t believe Zack was all about Kat until Lance did what he did at that party. But if Zack was really paying attention he could’ve avoided it all by walking away without taking a drink.
You live and you learn, plus he and Kat found out the truth when Sammy told Lexi who told Sammy to tell Kat. Which she told Zack. In the end they worked everything out in the end. I do hope that Sammy, Kat and Lexi becomes friends. Plus maybe Abigail too. If she aren’t to concern hanging around non-rich people..
https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2021...
I definitely enjoyed this book, I was glad to learn that RH Tucker came out with another series like her last one, I can’t wait to read the next book to this series.
Also; I thought that Zack and Kat, was a good fit & believe that he had some horrible friends especially Lance and Hillary. It was ridiculous how they assume just because a person doesn’t have as much money as them they are beneath them. When in reality they probably having a hard time at home.
Plus; he didn’t want Zack with Kat, but in reality he was hanging out with Zack the whole time and Zack didn’t have any money like he once did. I wanted to see if Zack, Bret & Abigail was still friends I do hope to learn they are in her book. Which I learn is the next book in this series.
At first I assume that it maybe Bret and Lexi. But it’s Charlie and Abi I definitely going to read that book. To learn more about their relationship and how Abi really is.
Plus they didn’t believe Zack was all about Kat until Lance did what he did at that party. But if Zack was really paying attention he could’ve avoided it all by walking away without taking a drink.
You live and you learn, plus he and Kat found out the truth when Sammy told Lexi who told Sammy to tell Kat. Which she told Zack. In the end they worked everything out in the end. I do hope that Sammy, Kat and Lexi becomes friends. Plus maybe Abigail too. If she aren’t to concern hanging around non-rich people..
June 26, 2021
•enemies to lovers
•high school tiers
• Fast paced
• Pg-13
Best RH Tucker yet! I truly loved this book. It was sweet but on the edge, as it did have small discussion of drugs & alcohol. It was very entertaining and well written. I would re read. Can’t wait for Royal Hearts!
•high school tiers
• Fast paced
• Pg-13
Best RH Tucker yet! I truly loved this book. It was sweet but on the edge, as it did have small discussion of drugs & alcohol. It was very entertaining and well written. I would re read. Can’t wait for Royal Hearts!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews