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On a scale of one to ten, I’m a zero.

A complete dork. Nerd extraordinaire.

I’ve never had a girlfriend. Or a first kiss.

But senior year is coming to an end, and I have my sights set on the gorgeous Ella Randalls. Only the blonde-haired beauty doesn’t know I exist.

But for once in my life I want to win at something. So it’s time to make a change.

Especially if I’m to steal her away from one of Lakeview Prep’s notorious Royals.

My nerdy heart is hers. She just doesn’t know it yet.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2022

102 people are currently reading
410 people want to read

About the author

Gracie Graham

20 books153 followers

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5 stars
50 (28%)
4 stars
53 (30%)
3 stars
58 (33%)
2 stars
11 (6%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ .
1,532 reviews102 followers
March 23, 2023
it was interesting

https://ladiikeiii.wordpress.com/2023...

***Spoilers here and there***

Not much to say about this book. But I’m glad that the Barry got the girl. But I didn’t like how he sort of changed himself in the looks department just to get her. But regardless of that he still was himself. It just took Ella to long to see the light…

I don’t understand how she assume that Luca was any different than his horrible friends. All three of them was one in the same. Luca proved that at the ball when he pretend to be Barry so that Ella would be mad at Barry.

But regardless he still didn’t end up with Ella because she didn’t want him in the end even when she didn’t realize she wanted Barry. She had her doubts but still chase Luca.

I was just glad that she finally realized where and who she belong to and who wanted her for her and not be with anyone else.

Not only that Barry mom.., I am GLAD as f that she finally left Bat dust … because he was horrible to Barry and it was so annoying that she didn’t see what Barry saw it took for that night during the ball for her to see and I was glad that she finally did. And ended up with a good man that of Penelope dad…
Profile Image for T.L. McDonald.
Author 10 books102 followers
August 20, 2022
Date Notes is the first book I’ve read in the Lakeview Prep series (which is okay since each book can technically standalone) and I have to say I loved it. It was such a sweet, romantic read, showcasing first love and high school insecurities. I’ll definitely have to go back and read the first two books so I can get the backstory on Barry’s friends.

Speaking of Barry, I absolutely loved him. He was so sweet and shy, and I loved watching him take chances, gain confidence in himself, and come into his own. A lot of the books I read feature misunderstood bad boys, so it was refreshing for Barry to be the shy, nerdy boy-next-door type who just wants to find love and feel like he fits in—which I can relate to. I’ve always been the shy loner, nerdy type myself. I also loved the nickname he gave to his mom’s boyfriend. Very clever, a bit sarcastic, and funny.

I loved Ella too. While popular and pretty, she wasn’t conceded and mean like most of the “royals” she hung out with. I loved watching her grow throughout the book, take a deeper look at the people around her, and open her heart to the one person she hadn’t even really considered. Just goes to show that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and that sometimes the greatest, most fulfilling, love comes from where you least expect it once you take the blinders off.

My favorite scenes were “locked in the bathroom” and “the masquerade ball”, with the latter being my most favorite. It had a magical feel to it and was such a sweet scene. This whole book would make a great movie.

Overall, I found this book to be well written and enrapturing. I was invested in Barry’s quest to become confident enough—not only for himself, but to get the girl—from the very beginning. This book gave me She’s All That/He’s All That/Cinderella vibes, and I was all for it.
Profile Image for DJ.
72 reviews
September 8, 2022
I was excited to read the love story of my favorite geek in the series, Barry Glick. He was first introduced in Fake Notes and even though we didn’t get much of him in that book, I honestly loved him then and I couldn’t wait any longer for this book to be released. I just had to do his collage justice.

Overall, I loved this story so much! Maybe a little more than Fake Notes, and that says a lot because Fake Notes is my favorite book by Gracie Graham.

If you’ve read Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, then I would highly encourage you to give this a try. There are elements of rom-coms and makeovers that touched me to my very core

It’s very rare to read about a guy doing whatever it takes to win the girl of his dreams, and even more rare to see men feel extremely insecure about themselves from the getco. At least in books.

Damn you, toxic masculinity.

I enjoyed reading about Ella. I didn’t know what to expect when I first read the blurb. I thought that she would be a really snobby girl but I was wrong. She has a literal heart of gold and can see the good in those who deserve it. Especially with her younger sister, Mia.

The epilogue was probably my favorite part of the entire book, and I can’t say why in fear of spoiling it. Let me just say that I reread it because I loved it so much and I laughed out loud.

Like in its predecessors, there is a little foul language and a tiny bit of steaminess, but nothing too crazy (the kisses are a little descriptive in Barry’s POV). You won’t have to wash your eyeballs with soap if that’s what you mean, lol. I’d still read this if you love the Lakeview Prep Series like I do.
Profile Image for Lindsy.
696 reviews15 followers
September 16, 2022
Date Notes is the third book in the Lakeview Prep series. This story revolves around Barry and Ella but does include the other couples from the first 2 books.
Barry gets picked on a lot especially by JTs crew.
Ella fits in more with the popular group and wouldn’t really have anything to do with Barry if it wasn’t for chemistry class. Ella already had her heartbroken once so she doesn’t want to experience it again unless a boy did a grand gesture. He has to pretty much prove himself and his love to her. She ends up trying to get Barry and her sister together but Barry would rather be with Ella.
I liked the chemistry these two had and that Ella actually enjoyed astronomy with Barry.
My issue is that Barry changed himself a little too much for Ella. Complete makeover; changed how he walked; new wardrobe, etc. I felt that he was doing a lot for this relationship and Ella just needed to realize what was right in front of her.
150 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2022
Dates Notes, the third book in The Lakeview Prep series by Gracie Graham, was a sheer delight. I don’t read many YA novels, but this series caught my eye and I have to say every book was fun to read.

Date Notes has all the characters of the last 2 novels, but focuses on Barry Glick, a sweet, super smart, so-called nerd who loves studying the stars. With the help of his new friends, Barry is given a makeover to win over his crush, Ella Randall, a beautiful senior at Lakeview Prep who has totally captured his heart. But at the end of the day Ella is looking for a Prince Charming with a heart that’s true. Barry's only desire is to prove to Ella he can be that Prince Charming. This novel is simply a fun and endearing read!
Profile Image for Joey Paul.
Author 27 books588 followers
October 14, 2022
I have read the other books in this series and loved them, so when I saw this one, I had to have it. I adored Barry and Ella, and loved the way their story was told. The tropes were perfect, the dynamic was interesting and it was just an amazing read that I happily devoured in one sitting. I hope that there are more stories in this series as Graham has a way for writing sweet YA romance that leaves you swooning over the characters. Overall an amazingly delightful read and one that I would very much recommend!
Profile Image for Hannah May.
808 reviews17 followers
November 9, 2023
This book was definitely enjoyable but I did feel like it was a bit rushed. I did love seeing Barry grow the confidence he needed and realise that he is a good guy and that he did not need to fully change himself for someone to like him. I loved seeing Barry and Thorne's friendship, as I was not expecting them to become so close, but I am definitely happy that they have. I am keen to see what is going to happen in the last book of the series.
Profile Image for Pauline .
545 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2022
Third book in the series. Barry , who pops up in the second book, gets his own story. It's refreshing to see a geeky boy trying to get the girl! Ella is one of the 'in crowd' but doesn't really approve of their antics and stands up for Barry when he gets picked on.
Sweet read about friendship, courage and standing up to bullies.
My fave so far.
Profile Image for Once Upon a Page.
379 reviews
February 16, 2025
Barry was a total sweetheart. I was expecting to rate this book higher but I hated the way he was forced to have a makeover to impress a girl (not a great message imo). Also I didn’t care for Ella much. Her only character trait was trying to get her sister a boyfriend against her will. I kind of lost interest toward the end, so three stars just for Barry.
Profile Image for Jane Boyack.
63 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2025
This book took me almost a month…

I honestly love this author but what happened to this book because the first two of the series were so good

Maybe it’s just me but I couldn’t with the mmc

I WANTED Ella to get back together with the cheating ex because I hated Barry so much…and I have very strong feelings towards cheaters

I don’t even think this gets more words
Profile Image for Nati.
2,938 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2022
Barry has been a nerd all through High School until he became friend with famous young actor, Thorne. Can he have now the confidence to pursue his crush, Ella, and fight for her love against Luca, one of the Royals? A fairytale about friendship, confidence, trust and real love.
Profile Image for Alison Beechner.
438 reviews8 followers
August 28, 2023
3.5 stars - liked it. Kinda like a reverse Cinderella, and it doesn't even try to be subtle about that. It is a cute story, and Barry is very likeable. Ella is...hmm.. complex. Overall enjoyable, and I hope to read the others in the series.
160 reviews
January 15, 2024
80-90s movie

Cute, quick read. Nerd falls for pretty girl. Reminds me of some of the old movies I watched in my teens like Cinderella. She's all that, but the guy version. Again super cute.
Profile Image for Ann-Cathrin.
76 reviews
dnf
February 10, 2025
Did not finish the book. Stopped at 16%.
Turns out... even though I love a good bully romance I do get easily triggered by bullies who are not a potential love interest.
taking notes for my next therapy session...
Profile Image for Kelly.
87 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2023
I love this series. It has its ups and downs and all the troupes you could want in the romance genre. Great young adult read!
189 reviews
July 24, 2023
Very sweet Cinderella high school romance, with the guy being Cinderella.
Profile Image for Ali.
17 reviews
May 10, 2024
I finished this within a few hours. Had me hooked almost immediately. I love that there is so much to all the characters in this series. But I think this book is so far my favorite of the first 3.
Profile Image for ✨Sam✨.
31 reviews
April 9, 2025
It was a sweet book, Barry was such a lovable character and so cute, Ella was … there ig I didn’t find her as lovable tbh. Hopefully Barry carried the book for both of them
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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