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He Loves Me Not/He Loves Me Duet #1
He Loves Me Not
Forbidden love never felt so right...
Rubi Murray struggles to keep her homelife a secret—even from her best friend and soulmate, Ky Reeves. When the two met as children, social and financial differences couldn't deter their friendship and devotion to one another. But Rubi will not dare admit that her family refuses to accept Ky as her "pretty little rich boy" friend—let alone as her boyfriend. Day in and day out she endures the pain and abuse her stepfather inflicts upon her so she can have just one more moment with Ky.
But all good things must come to an end...
When Ky receives a handwritten letter that Rubi is gone, his anger and abandonment threaten to destroy him. After all of their time together, he deserves more than just a note with a silly dried daisy as a symbol of their friendship. Now, it's up to Ky to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart. Was their relationship a simple game of "He loves me; He loves me not?"
Or was there always more that neither of them could ever confess?
Rubi Murray struggles to keep her homelife a secret—even from her best friend and soulmate, Ky Reeves. When the two met as children, social and financial differences couldn't deter their friendship and devotion to one another. But Rubi will not dare admit that her family refuses to accept Ky as her "pretty little rich boy" friend—let alone as her boyfriend. Day in and day out she endures the pain and abuse her stepfather inflicts upon her so she can have just one more moment with Ky.
But all good things must come to an end...
When Ky receives a handwritten letter that Rubi is gone, his anger and abandonment threaten to destroy him. After all of their time together, he deserves more than just a note with a silly dried daisy as a symbol of their friendship. Now, it's up to Ky to pick up the pieces of his shattered heart. Was their relationship a simple game of "He loves me; He loves me not?"
Or was there always more that neither of them could ever confess?
270 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2023
211 people are currently reading
3592 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Rosales
46 books657 followersCarmen Rosales is a best-selling Dark Romance and Latinx author. She loves to write in different genres of Romance and erotic horror under her alter ego, Delilah Croww. Beyond her writing, Carmen is a devoted mother who loves spending time with her loved ones. Join her VIP list to hear about her latest releases and giveaways at www.carmenrosales.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
May 16, 2023
I read over 400 books a year and have read many dark bully books.
Ky's sexual assault of this girl is absolutely as bad as her stepfather despite author making her stupid enough to do whatever he tells her because she has a long ago experience with him before he turned into a psychopath.
I guess I dislike the author allowing him to control her in a horrible way when it's not remotely sexy nor healthful. Either she becomes strong (gets away from him) or he gets mental health help. This would never be a healthy relationship.
I don't want anyone reading this to think it's sexy for a healthy relationship ever to frighten a female constantly or stick fingers inside her without consent.
I will not be reading part 2. Women authors have got to do better!!!
Ky's sexual assault of this girl is absolutely as bad as her stepfather despite author making her stupid enough to do whatever he tells her because she has a long ago experience with him before he turned into a psychopath.
I guess I dislike the author allowing him to control her in a horrible way when it's not remotely sexy nor healthful. Either she becomes strong (gets away from him) or he gets mental health help. This would never be a healthy relationship.
I don't want anyone reading this to think it's sexy for a healthy relationship ever to frighten a female constantly or stick fingers inside her without consent.
I will not be reading part 2. Women authors have got to do better!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
***4,5 obsessive "Preciosa!!!" stars***
"I'm the bully I told her I would never be..."
First time reading Carmen Rosales and I am so impressed!!!
This is a bully romance like no other, and it played with your emotions like a virtuozo playing th eviolin!!!
This was the first part of a duet with many emotional and psysical scars that you will feel them deep into the marrow of your bones!!!
There was such intensity between Rubi and Ky that could melt your kindle and near the end, it had become such a mindfuck that I still can not over it!!!
I just need part two ASAP!!!!
"My beautiful boy has turned into a monster."
Rubi's life was a disaster... The last seven years, she is paraded from foster home to foster home, and her only ray of sunshine was the memory of a boy that she had to leave behind...
My heart was breaking so much for this girl and what she had to endure into her short life upon this earth...
Now, she is forced to live with a man that fathered her but never was there for her and his family...
She just have to go through this year in order to leave everything behind and spread her wings and fly...
The last thing that she was imagining was that she will see again her best friend and that his welcoming would be full of hatred and bad intentions!!!
"My love for him is what kept me alive. It's the type of love that gave me hope."
Ky was at the top in everything, but he never forgot the little girl that was jumping through the fence to spend some time with him when they were both eleven years old...
He also never forgot her betrayal when she left him with just a short letter and a smashed daisy as an explanation...
Now, she is back into his life and he is determined to make her pay for the way she abandoned him back then... And nothing is too far for him!!! Rubi is his and he will do whatever he wants to her...
"I want to break her like she broke me.
Make her hurt the way I did."
Well, yes!!! This is not something that you haven't read before, but the way that this story was executed by Mrs. Rosales made the difference...
The awful things that Ky did to Rubi and not always by his own hand, but the things that he allowed them to do to her were cruel and very mean!!!
If he had let his ego in the side, he could have listen what Rubi had to face back then and after she left...
But his mind was a fucked up place and his issues were too many for him to be a reasonable creature!!!
Still, I can not refuse that bad boys with issues and bad attitude are doing it for me!!! And I am literally drooling for this boy!!! LOL!!!
"Do you know what I'm doing, Rubi? I'm breaking you. I will destroy you in the most beautiful way. And then you will understand exactly what you mean to me."
Rubi... My poor girl!!! My heart was breaking on her behalf!!!
What an ugly life that she had to live!!! And the jerk who was supposed to be by her side was the worst enemy that she had to face!!!
I just wanted to sheltered her for all the evil of their world!!! And I am afraid that there is more evil out there for both of them!!!
Of course, she was tough as a nail, but at the same time, she was weak for Ky. Even though he made her life a living hell, her heart was still beating for this monster!!!!
"I have learned to accept my truths.
Noone loves me.
I'm damaged.
I'm broken.
I'm ugly.
Even to Ky."
I really loved this story, even though it was hardto witness it from time to time!!!
Rubi and Ky was sharing something great and once in a lifetime, but because of Rubi's leave, things were escalating very fast...
And when I thought that we went on the right track, everything turned upside down and it became a mindfuck of epic proportions... What the hell is happening after all???
Who is really Ky and what the fuck is happening here???
I am freakin' obsessed by now and I just need more... soon... now...
"Darkness lives in all of us."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"I'm the bully I told her I would never be..."
First time reading Carmen Rosales and I am so impressed!!!
This is a bully romance like no other, and it played with your emotions like a virtuozo playing th eviolin!!!
This was the first part of a duet with many emotional and psysical scars that you will feel them deep into the marrow of your bones!!!
There was such intensity between Rubi and Ky that could melt your kindle and near the end, it had become such a mindfuck that I still can not over it!!!
I just need part two ASAP!!!!
"My beautiful boy has turned into a monster."
Rubi's life was a disaster... The last seven years, she is paraded from foster home to foster home, and her only ray of sunshine was the memory of a boy that she had to leave behind...
My heart was breaking so much for this girl and what she had to endure into her short life upon this earth...
Now, she is forced to live with a man that fathered her but never was there for her and his family...
She just have to go through this year in order to leave everything behind and spread her wings and fly...
The last thing that she was imagining was that she will see again her best friend and that his welcoming would be full of hatred and bad intentions!!!
"My love for him is what kept me alive. It's the type of love that gave me hope."
Ky was at the top in everything, but he never forgot the little girl that was jumping through the fence to spend some time with him when they were both eleven years old...
He also never forgot her betrayal when she left him with just a short letter and a smashed daisy as an explanation...
Now, she is back into his life and he is determined to make her pay for the way she abandoned him back then... And nothing is too far for him!!! Rubi is his and he will do whatever he wants to her...
"I want to break her like she broke me.
Make her hurt the way I did."
Well, yes!!! This is not something that you haven't read before, but the way that this story was executed by Mrs. Rosales made the difference...
The awful things that Ky did to Rubi and not always by his own hand, but the things that he allowed them to do to her were cruel and very mean!!!
If he had let his ego in the side, he could have listen what Rubi had to face back then and after she left...
But his mind was a fucked up place and his issues were too many for him to be a reasonable creature!!!
Still, I can not refuse that bad boys with issues and bad attitude are doing it for me!!! And I am literally drooling for this boy!!! LOL!!!
"Do you know what I'm doing, Rubi? I'm breaking you. I will destroy you in the most beautiful way. And then you will understand exactly what you mean to me."
Rubi... My poor girl!!! My heart was breaking on her behalf!!!
What an ugly life that she had to live!!! And the jerk who was supposed to be by her side was the worst enemy that she had to face!!!
I just wanted to sheltered her for all the evil of their world!!! And I am afraid that there is more evil out there for both of them!!!
Of course, she was tough as a nail, but at the same time, she was weak for Ky. Even though he made her life a living hell, her heart was still beating for this monster!!!!
"I have learned to accept my truths.
Noone loves me.
I'm damaged.
I'm broken.
I'm ugly.
Even to Ky."
I really loved this story, even though it was hardto witness it from time to time!!!
Rubi and Ky was sharing something great and once in a lifetime, but because of Rubi's leave, things were escalating very fast...
And when I thought that we went on the right track, everything turned upside down and it became a mindfuck of epic proportions... What the hell is happening after all???
Who is really Ky and what the fuck is happening here???
I am freakin' obsessed by now and I just need more... soon... now...
"Darkness lives in all of us."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
April 29, 2023
Ky is everything
As a Latina reader/author myself, I have to first and foremost praise Carmen Rosales’ Latin influences in her stories. She’s brilliant at it and I’m always excited to read her work.
Now for the story. There’s not enough words and phrases in the human language to express my love for Ky and Rubi. I’m extremely excited to read more. I need book two asap.
As a Latina reader/author myself, I have to first and foremost praise Carmen Rosales’ Latin influences in her stories. She’s brilliant at it and I’m always excited to read her work.
Now for the story. There’s not enough words and phrases in the human language to express my love for Ky and Rubi. I’m extremely excited to read more. I need book two asap.
April 27, 2023
This book is Dark, Emotional, Dangerous, and Left Me Wanting More!!
Fans of Penelope Douglas and C.M. Stunich NEED to read this.
Our girl Rubi was put into the foster system after her meth head parents were criminally charged with child abuse. She has spent the last 7 years in survival mode. The only positive memories are that of her former best friend. The only person who ever truly saw her and made her feel safe.
Our boy Ky has issues. He's emotionally and mentally unstable and has some serious abandonment issues. He has been obsessed with the former friendship and loss of Rubi ever since she disappeared. Now that he's found her, he's conflicted. He wants to hate her and hurt her so she can experience the pain he has felt since she left. He also wants to own her. Keep her close and never let her leave again.
I was hooked from the first page. We have alternating POVS and lots of flashbacks to our MCs childhood interactions and life impacting memories. I may be bias because I am the maternal figure to a girl whose life was very similar to Rubi's. I wanted so badly to save her and keep her safe. I want to put her in my pocket and never let the evil of the word harm her again.
This is a mature high school romance. I'm not a big high school romance fan HOWEVER this is written so well, and the parents aren't overly involved it didn't make me feel like I was reading high schoolers. The one dad gave me seriously bad vibes but we only see him for like TWO pages.
With this being a duet, I believe we will see the spice heat up in the next book. I fully plan on buying both books and displaying them proudly because this couple is everything.
Content Warnings: Drug Use/Addiction, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Attempted Rape, Stalking, Foster Care System, Bullying, Cliff Hanger
Fans of Penelope Douglas and C.M. Stunich NEED to read this.
Our girl Rubi was put into the foster system after her meth head parents were criminally charged with child abuse. She has spent the last 7 years in survival mode. The only positive memories are that of her former best friend. The only person who ever truly saw her and made her feel safe.
Our boy Ky has issues. He's emotionally and mentally unstable and has some serious abandonment issues. He has been obsessed with the former friendship and loss of Rubi ever since she disappeared. Now that he's found her, he's conflicted. He wants to hate her and hurt her so she can experience the pain he has felt since she left. He also wants to own her. Keep her close and never let her leave again.
I was hooked from the first page. We have alternating POVS and lots of flashbacks to our MCs childhood interactions and life impacting memories. I may be bias because I am the maternal figure to a girl whose life was very similar to Rubi's. I wanted so badly to save her and keep her safe. I want to put her in my pocket and never let the evil of the word harm her again.
This is a mature high school romance. I'm not a big high school romance fan HOWEVER this is written so well, and the parents aren't overly involved it didn't make me feel like I was reading high schoolers. The one dad gave me seriously bad vibes but we only see him for like TWO pages.
With this being a duet, I believe we will see the spice heat up in the next book. I fully plan on buying both books and displaying them proudly because this couple is everything.
Content Warnings: Drug Use/Addiction, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Attempted Rape, Stalking, Foster Care System, Bullying, Cliff Hanger
November 22, 2023
I do love enemies to lovers/bully romances mainly because when they finally get together all is well in the world.
Ky is an unhinged dick. He said some pretty cruel shit to Rubiana and even though I know they’ll eventually get together I was still rooting for her to date Chris 😂
Tyler I liked. I understood why he was upset at first. He found out his dad had another kid with some random woman and his whole life just changed. After he realized what kind of upbringing Rubi went through he made an effort to be the supportive big little brother and I was happy she had that for her. Also was happy she got herself a furbaby, her cat Hope unintentionally became her emotional support animal.
I enjoyed this book and was anxious for the next one to see if Ky changed my mind about him or not.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
Ky is an unhinged dick. He said some pretty cruel shit to Rubiana and even though I know they’ll eventually get together I was still rooting for her to date Chris 😂
Tyler I liked. I understood why he was upset at first. He found out his dad had another kid with some random woman and his whole life just changed. After he realized what kind of upbringing Rubi went through he made an effort to be the supportive big little brother and I was happy she had that for her. Also was happy she got herself a furbaby, her cat Hope unintentionally became her emotional support animal.
I enjoyed this book and was anxious for the next one to see if Ky changed my mind about him or not.
(I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2023
This book was a pleasant surprise!
Rubi and Ky were best friends at 11 years old. Rubi has an unpleasant home life she keeps hidden from Ky. When Rubi suddenly leaves, leaving nothing behind for Ky but a goodbye note, something inside Ky breaks.
After 7 years Rubi and Ky are reunited but Ky is no longer the little boy Rubi remembers. Ky is angry, and determined to break Rubi for hurting him when she left him 7 years ago.
Living her life in the foster system.. with less than ideal living situations, Rubi has learned to keep to herself. She hides, she steals, all to provide for herself and other children in her temporary homes.
She is plagued by this past and when Ky finally witnesses the marks on her skin and learns why she truly left him... He becomes determined to protect Rubi.
But it may be too little too late for Ky.
This book pulled me in and didn't let me out until the very end. Ky is completely unhinged and I am so ready for the next book to see where the story ends up.
Rubi and Ky were best friends at 11 years old. Rubi has an unpleasant home life she keeps hidden from Ky. When Rubi suddenly leaves, leaving nothing behind for Ky but a goodbye note, something inside Ky breaks.
After 7 years Rubi and Ky are reunited but Ky is no longer the little boy Rubi remembers. Ky is angry, and determined to break Rubi for hurting him when she left him 7 years ago.
Living her life in the foster system.. with less than ideal living situations, Rubi has learned to keep to herself. She hides, she steals, all to provide for herself and other children in her temporary homes.
She is plagued by this past and when Ky finally witnesses the marks on her skin and learns why she truly left him... He becomes determined to protect Rubi.
But it may be too little too late for Ky.
This book pulled me in and didn't let me out until the very end. Ky is completely unhinged and I am so ready for the next book to see where the story ends up.
December 4, 2023
Series
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
When reading the description I was hooked and started reading but I realized by the end of book 1 it was missing quite alot and I didn't like a lot of things...
-I didn't like MMC- I love love dark men but I like them when they are in love with FMC.. their love wasn't love.. he was too obsessed and he just wanted her as a toy..again love men like this but when they truly love the fmc..
- I hate the transition between FMC liking MMC at the end to OMG I LOVE HIM AND WANT HIS BABY. Like um where the hell did that come from...
- where is the ending ? Why the heck did it go so fast?!!.
- ceaser????? I want him all the way.
I could go on and on
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5
When reading the description I was hooked and started reading but I realized by the end of book 1 it was missing quite alot and I didn't like a lot of things...
-I didn't like MMC- I love love dark men but I like them when they are in love with FMC.. their love wasn't love.. he was too obsessed and he just wanted her as a toy..again love men like this but when they truly love the fmc..
- I hate the transition between FMC liking MMC at the end to OMG I LOVE HIM AND WANT HIS BABY. Like um where the hell did that come from...
- where is the ending ? Why the heck did it go so fast?!!.
- ceaser????? I want him all the way.
I could go on and on
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
He loves me not was a good read.
It was a dark and intense read.
I felt like the plot was well written. The characters were well developed. I'm not much of a fan of books that leave off on cliffingers but I really did overall enjoy this read. If you are a fan of bully romance I would definitely recommend.
It was a dark and intense read.
I felt like the plot was well written. The characters were well developed. I'm not much of a fan of books that leave off on cliffingers but I really did overall enjoy this read. If you are a fan of bully romance I would definitely recommend.
May 26, 2023
I really enjoyed the complexity of the storyline. The characters were well developed and I shed quite a few tears for the main character Rubi. I hate when books send with a cliffhanger though.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book! It was an easy read.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book! It was an easy read.
June 23, 2023
That was amazing! Totally mind-blowing loved it!
January 18, 2025
I love this trope
May 19, 2023
Rubi and Kys story kept me very engaged and I loved the rollercoaster of it. Rubi has not had it easy, at all, but her bright light was always Ky when they were kids but then she got out in foster care and now she’s back and Ky is ready to rain mayhem on her cause he feels like she left him, something snapped in him and Rubi has no idea who her former best friend is now and why he’s so mean to her but she’s about to find out.
February 17, 2024
I love the story and very well engaged in the characters. Gripping and suspenseful from beginning to the end. And that cliff hanger?? Wow!!
My reason for 3 stars is due to the grammer and spelling errors. I wish the editor would have done better.
My reason for 3 stars is due to the grammer and spelling errors. I wish the editor would have done better.
Want to read
November 15, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/29/2023)! 🎁
March 4, 2025
I honestly don't have any idea how this book is rated so well.... there are so many errors in it that it's frustrating. Not only grammatical errors, but plot errors too. One minute, Rubi only had algebra with Ky, and then next the story talks about them having English class together, and then it jumps back to it being a math class. And I'm sorry, but the way that Ky went from 1 to a 100 on the psycho scale is insane. First he's just a dickhead who no one messes with because he's good-looking and can fight, then all of a sudden he's a psycho stalker who also moonlights as a drug kingpin?? The switch is completely insane. It's like the author decided that she was going to write the story starting with the middle and then went back and wrote the beginning and then finally decided she wanted a different ending that was more hard-core and dark. There is very little cohesiveness in this story. I started to get annoyed whenever there was a weird skip or time jump (which happened quite a bit) because it made things confusing and frustrating. Also, all of a sudden, Ky speaks fluent Spanish?? Really, are we just throwing traits at a wall and seeing what sticks?
The only characters that I remotely like are Ceasar, Abby, Abby's brother, and even the guy friend with the stutter (even tho we're supposed to not like him all of a sudden because we get one mention that he used to be a bully to the MMC when they were in like 7th grade). I mean, is it bad that I'm rooting for the drug dealer with a heart of gold instead of the MMC? He's (ceasar) honestly the best character, imo and I wish I had more scenes with him. I'm not a fan of Ky, and honestly, I got sick and tired of Rubi's back and forth monologues. She goes from: she likes him but can't trust him, she hates him to she wants him. He's not much better either. One minute, he hates her, bullys her, gets others to bully her, and then the next he wants in her pants and won't let anyone else touch her without him going psycho and beating them up or threatening them. He went from a relatively stable bully with trust issues to someone who is now head of the drug ring in their area (yes at 18) and mentally unstable.
There's honestly good bones in this story, but that's it. It feels like it was created separately and then sewn together to try and have it make sense. A good editor could have helped a lot here to make this into something that could actually be a coherent and good story. Sadly, this is what we got. It's book one in a duet, and I'll be reading the second book because I can't not read it. It's a point of pride of mine to start what I finish, but I'm gonna be honest I don't have high expectations for it. I'm hoping I can just knock it out and then not ever pick this series up again. Do I feel bad for giving such a harsh review? Yes, I do, and I apologize to the author if I seem too mean, but there's just no way around it. If you ever read this, I encourage you to keep writing, but maybe work on the editing part. Go back and read your story. Make sure it makes sense, that the correct words are used, and the spelling errors are gone. Most importantly, stick with a character's personality. Don't go from 0 to 100 in just a few chapters. If you want your character to truly be a psycho then make him a psycho from the start. Not have the switch flip when we're already halfway or 80 percent done with the book.
The only characters that I remotely like are Ceasar, Abby, Abby's brother, and even the guy friend with the stutter (even tho we're supposed to not like him all of a sudden because we get one mention that he used to be a bully to the MMC when they were in like 7th grade). I mean, is it bad that I'm rooting for the drug dealer with a heart of gold instead of the MMC? He's (ceasar) honestly the best character, imo and I wish I had more scenes with him. I'm not a fan of Ky, and honestly, I got sick and tired of Rubi's back and forth monologues. She goes from: she likes him but can't trust him, she hates him to she wants him. He's not much better either. One minute, he hates her, bullys her, gets others to bully her, and then the next he wants in her pants and won't let anyone else touch her without him going psycho and beating them up or threatening them. He went from a relatively stable bully with trust issues to someone who is now head of the drug ring in their area (yes at 18) and mentally unstable.
There's honestly good bones in this story, but that's it. It feels like it was created separately and then sewn together to try and have it make sense. A good editor could have helped a lot here to make this into something that could actually be a coherent and good story. Sadly, this is what we got. It's book one in a duet, and I'll be reading the second book because I can't not read it. It's a point of pride of mine to start what I finish, but I'm gonna be honest I don't have high expectations for it. I'm hoping I can just knock it out and then not ever pick this series up again. Do I feel bad for giving such a harsh review? Yes, I do, and I apologize to the author if I seem too mean, but there's just no way around it. If you ever read this, I encourage you to keep writing, but maybe work on the editing part. Go back and read your story. Make sure it makes sense, that the correct words are used, and the spelling errors are gone. Most importantly, stick with a character's personality. Don't go from 0 to 100 in just a few chapters. If you want your character to truly be a psycho then make him a psycho from the start. Not have the switch flip when we're already halfway or 80 percent done with the book.
January 31, 2024
EDIT: INCLUDES MY OPINIONS AFTER READING SECOND BOOK
Originally this book would have been given a semi-rocky 4 stars but now I think I'm gonna have to drop it down to 3.5 after reading the entire duet.
My rating is given generously because it was seriously so frustrating seeing the H (Ky) constantly entertaining other women all the way until like halfway (maybe a little over halfway) into the book and it wasn't even done in manner where he was trying to make Rubi (h) mad, it was just because he felt like it. And I really am okay with this trope with the catty mean girls with the H but not when its overly done. Typically with these types of books or just books in general I'm used to the H just being done with the "OW" after the heroine enters the scene and at most just using the "OW" to rile up the h but I just thought this was too dragged out for me. Like this man has a full on regular and I just didn't like how he defended them twice against the heroine and went as far as to kick the heroine out of his house in favor of the OW this was the worst part of this book and he didn't defend them just once but he did it like twice.
If this drama was toned down significantly I could say that this was one of my favorite books (disregarding the changes in the second book...). Rubi was honestly such a soft girl but forced to be tough on the outside given her circumstances and Ky was a total douche to her (because this IS a bully romance) but he had some moments during this time where his soft side for Rubi peered out. Like for example, when someone yelled at her cat and he was just hovering over her and threatened them if they touched her cat- SUCH A GOOD SCENE. And truly, if the OW drama was toned down like a notch or two, I'd have no complaints so if you happen to enjoy these scenes or if these don't normally bother you then disregard this.
THE REAL PROBLEM WITH THIS DUET
After reading the second book, it seems like either the author fired her editor or she was sick of these characters because the ending was so noticeably rushed and very anticlimactic. literally the “climax” of the story spanned like three pages (NOT EXAGGERATING) then boom- “epilogue” and all is well. lots of typos as well and it was odd seeing the complete 180 transition of ky. he was suddenly all "unhinged" and obsessed with Rubi like this was a stalker romance or something. it was like someone completely different wrote this second book- that or the author fired her editor or something 💀 it’s a shame really. this duet had lots of potential.
Originally this book would have been given a semi-rocky 4 stars but now I think I'm gonna have to drop it down to 3.5 after reading the entire duet.
My rating is given generously because it was seriously so frustrating seeing the H (Ky) constantly entertaining other women all the way until like halfway (maybe a little over halfway) into the book and it wasn't even done in manner where he was trying to make Rubi (h) mad, it was just because he felt like it. And I really am okay with this trope with the catty mean girls with the H but not when its overly done. Typically with these types of books or just books in general I'm used to the H just being done with the "OW" after the heroine enters the scene and at most just using the "OW" to rile up the h but I just thought this was too dragged out for me. Like this man has a full on regular and I just didn't like how he defended them twice against the heroine and went as far as to kick the heroine out of his house in favor of the OW this was the worst part of this book and he didn't defend them just once but he did it like twice.
If this drama was toned down significantly I could say that this was one of my favorite books (disregarding the changes in the second book...). Rubi was honestly such a soft girl but forced to be tough on the outside given her circumstances and Ky was a total douche to her (because this IS a bully romance) but he had some moments during this time where his soft side for Rubi peered out. Like for example, when someone yelled at her cat and he was just hovering over her and threatened them if they touched her cat- SUCH A GOOD SCENE. And truly, if the OW drama was toned down like a notch or two, I'd have no complaints so if you happen to enjoy these scenes or if these don't normally bother you then disregard this.
THE REAL PROBLEM WITH THIS DUET
After reading the second book, it seems like either the author fired her editor or she was sick of these characters because the ending was so noticeably rushed and very anticlimactic. literally the “climax” of the story spanned like three pages (NOT EXAGGERATING) then boom- “epilogue” and all is well. lots of typos as well and it was odd seeing the complete 180 transition of ky. he was suddenly all "unhinged" and obsessed with Rubi like this was a stalker romance or something. it was like someone completely different wrote this second book- that or the author fired her editor or something 💀 it’s a shame really. this duet had lots of potential.
May 14, 2023
Rubi Murray is a troubled young soul that has been dealt a crappy hand at life, her parents weren't stand up people and so she ended up in the system. A system that has treated her just as poorly and failed her miserably more times than she can count. She did have one bright spot in her life though, her secret friend Ky Reeves, he was the only one that seemed to care. But with the way she left things between them all those years ago she isn't so sure he still feels the same way.
And now that her old neighborhood is about to become her new one again she just might find out the answer to her question... does Ky Reeves still care?
He Loves Me Not is a heart-wrenching story of two young people who fully understand what it means to be given up on, both have parents that weren't exactly cut out to be parents and their lack of care and concern has lead these two down paths that they never should have been on. Rubi has seen the ugly side of the system, been treated poorly and made to feel unloved and cared for, and all she really wants is to have someone in her life that truly cares.
But with the people that are currently in her life it's tough to trust the efforts they have put forth, as she feels like they are not genuine. Then she sees the boy she used to call her best friend wandering the halls of her new high school and it's a huge relief, maybe she will finally have someone she can count on... but she soon learns Ky isn't the boy she left behind. He instantly show his distaste, makes her feel his wrath, and shows her once again that people cannot be trusted.
Oh these two broke my heart, I felt every ounce of their pain, hoped when they hoped and cried when they cried... I really hope they find a little happiness in the next installment! I really enjoyed getting lost in the pages of this one, it tormented my heart, made me feel all the feels and left me aching for more!! Bring on the second installment STAT!! Highly recommend this one for readers who like their romances a little on the dark side, this one comes brimming with it!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
And now that her old neighborhood is about to become her new one again she just might find out the answer to her question... does Ky Reeves still care?
He Loves Me Not is a heart-wrenching story of two young people who fully understand what it means to be given up on, both have parents that weren't exactly cut out to be parents and their lack of care and concern has lead these two down paths that they never should have been on. Rubi has seen the ugly side of the system, been treated poorly and made to feel unloved and cared for, and all she really wants is to have someone in her life that truly cares.
But with the people that are currently in her life it's tough to trust the efforts they have put forth, as she feels like they are not genuine. Then she sees the boy she used to call her best friend wandering the halls of her new high school and it's a huge relief, maybe she will finally have someone she can count on... but she soon learns Ky isn't the boy she left behind. He instantly show his distaste, makes her feel his wrath, and shows her once again that people cannot be trusted.
Oh these two broke my heart, I felt every ounce of their pain, hoped when they hoped and cried when they cried... I really hope they find a little happiness in the next installment! I really enjoyed getting lost in the pages of this one, it tormented my heart, made me feel all the feels and left me aching for more!! Bring on the second installment STAT!! Highly recommend this one for readers who like their romances a little on the dark side, this one comes brimming with it!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 25, 2023
The 1 start goes for not objectifying the physical appearance of the MFC (which authors seem to do nowadays). This means that Rubi wasn't described as fat or slim or whatever. She was just a girl. An extremely stupid girl but a girl nevertheless....
Seriously, I'm just curious - when people write what is supposed to be a strong heroin who's been through horrendous experiences, do they stop to think that constantly putting her in situations that humiliate her, strip her of any decision making and make her dependent on other character is doing the complete opposite of making her strong?! She's supposed to be tough because of nasty people in her past, yet falls apart faced with little old school bullies... And I still can't get over the fact that she was almost raped but then her male friend did her a favor and took care of her ruined virginity problem and protected her from all the other dicks. The whole moment was told as if Rubi was out of it, didn't have a say, was simply an object with no will or voice!!!
The guy - Ky - uh! He went from bad to worse! The 'psycho' stuff sounded lame, like it's added on to make him appear bad but doesn't quite hit the mark. Ky hates Rubi because she left him and no, he doesn't want to know the why's, he just wants to hate her ... Also, he blames her for leaving and not finding a way to contact him back. If he was so hang up on her, why didn't he look for her?! Then a mean girls' prank goes bad and he gives up on his bullying and switches to possessiveness. He's one of those guys who thinks just because he likes a girl, she's his (whether she wants it or not). On multiple occasions he drags her in a corner and does what the nasty guy(s?!) from her past did to her. But that's ok, because Ky and Rubi had 5 mins of friendship back when they were 11! Plus Ky fingers her as a punishment for talking to other boys, not because he's a creep. And of course it's totally ok for him to fuck other girls while pining after his childhood friend...
All in all, both characters were hypocritical, difficult to like and not very consistent.
I wasn't fan of the writing either - things seem to change from one instance to another (they meet in Algebra but later on it's English?!).
Seriously, I'm just curious - when people write what is supposed to be a strong heroin who's been through horrendous experiences, do they stop to think that constantly putting her in situations that humiliate her, strip her of any decision making and make her dependent on other character is doing the complete opposite of making her strong?! She's supposed to be tough because of nasty people in her past, yet falls apart faced with little old school bullies... And I still can't get over the fact that she was almost raped but then her male friend did her a favor and took care of her ruined virginity problem and protected her from all the other dicks. The whole moment was told as if Rubi was out of it, didn't have a say, was simply an object with no will or voice!!!
The guy - Ky - uh! He went from bad to worse! The 'psycho' stuff sounded lame, like it's added on to make him appear bad but doesn't quite hit the mark. Ky hates Rubi because she left him and no, he doesn't want to know the why's, he just wants to hate her ... Also, he blames her for leaving and not finding a way to contact him back. If he was so hang up on her, why didn't he look for her?! Then a mean girls' prank goes bad and he gives up on his bullying and switches to possessiveness. He's one of those guys who thinks just because he likes a girl, she's his (whether she wants it or not). On multiple occasions he drags her in a corner and does what the nasty guy(s?!) from her past did to her. But that's ok, because Ky and Rubi had 5 mins of friendship back when they were 11! Plus Ky fingers her as a punishment for talking to other boys, not because he's a creep. And of course it's totally ok for him to fuck other girls while pining after his childhood friend...
All in all, both characters were hypocritical, difficult to like and not very consistent.
I wasn't fan of the writing either - things seem to change from one instance to another (they meet in Algebra but later on it's English?!).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Story **** World ***
Main Characters **** Side Characters ****
Emotions **** Reader Frustration ***
Slow burn **** Steam ***
Cons
- Ky really is a bad guy and not just acting out in pain. I hoped the book would reveal differently but it only revealed he does bad things, way beyond promiscuity. Even when in his head he wants good things for Rubi he still acts horribly.
- With her past how does he not trigger some major PTSD
- When Ty is first expecting Rubi at the house the instant reaction is to make her pay for coming to the house, though at that point he already knows she has had it tough (he says it to the guys). Ky's reaction is WAY over the top.
- Chris as one of the main three guys is not very developed
- Ky is all protective and possessive after the bathroom incident but still harasses her in school. Just stop
- The scene with the two girls, it cheapens everything about the way he supposedly feels about her
- I fear Ky's dad is correct about the family's motives towards Rubi
Pros
- I love Ty if he is really the guy he seems to be
- I laid in bed crying as she told some of her story. They made you really think about kids stuff in that life without glorifying it.
- Cesar, he may be a gang leader but he is so good to her and really loves her
- The hope I felt about Rubi and Ky until the fair. Until then my heart was 100% into their love story. Now I hope something changes.
I write this review with a love/hate of the book. I read it in <24 hours because I could not stop but at the same time I am left feeling let down. I will start the next one in a couple minutes though in the hopes that changes. There are some definite flashback triggers and bully triggers that involve sexual molestation and abuse.
Story **** World ***
Main Characters **** Side Characters ****
Emotions **** Reader Frustration ***
Slow burn **** Steam ***
Cons
- Ky really is a bad guy and not just acting out in pain. I hoped the book would reveal differently but it only revealed he does bad things, way beyond promiscuity. Even when in his head he wants good things for Rubi he still acts horribly.
- With her past how does he not trigger some major PTSD
- When Ty is first expecting Rubi at the house the instant reaction is to make her pay for coming to the house, though at that point he already knows she has had it tough (he says it to the guys). Ky's reaction is WAY over the top.
- Chris as one of the main three guys is not very developed
- Ky is all protective and possessive after the bathroom incident but still harasses her in school. Just stop
- The scene with the two girls, it cheapens everything about the way he supposedly feels about her
- I fear Ky's dad is correct about the family's motives towards Rubi
Pros
- I love Ty if he is really the guy he seems to be
- I laid in bed crying as she told some of her story. They made you really think about kids stuff in that life without glorifying it.
- Cesar, he may be a gang leader but he is so good to her and really loves her
- The hope I felt about Rubi and Ky until the fair. Until then my heart was 100% into their love story. Now I hope something changes.
I write this review with a love/hate of the book. I read it in <24 hours because I could not stop but at the same time I am left feeling let down. I will start the next one in a couple minutes though in the hopes that changes. There are some definite flashback triggers and bully triggers that involve sexual molestation and abuse.
November 17, 2023
2.6 stars
The way I binged this book a lot quicker than I thought I would is insane. I started this three hours ago and now here I am writing a review for this.
[ I also want to state at this time that this is an ARC I read and in exchange for getting it for free, I’m leaving an honest review of it here]
This was actually a really good read despite what my rating states (because I have been told anything below three stars is bad but if you go onto my profile on goodreads you’ll discover it’s a fairly average rating for me). The only thing that makes this novel a two star is perhaps the writing and execution, however I can see passed it enough that it lowkey doesn’t matter all too much.
That was poorly phrased however do you remember the days you were on Wattpad and you were looking for the rich boy poor girl dark romance and you came across one that’s actually adequately written? This is what the experience of what reading this novel was like. It’s not spectacular, but it’s not a bad enough read to the point that you won’t want to stick around for the next instalment. This was good, the spice was great without there actually being spice and there’s enough character-dynamic chemistry with the cast that you’ll perhaps see the fruits of it in the next instalment (which I’m dying to download soon).
My only cons to this is the beginning. It’s not difficult to get started however there’s a lot of backstory and/or over explanation that’s occurring that I think it’d be better to skip (I lowkey skipped it and still found there was still enough information throughout the novel for me to know that Ky and Rubi have had their hand at a shitty life).
Other than that, it’s fairly good. I wouldn’t rank this high but if you’d like a quick, dark and possessive read then go ahead. This is the one for you.
The way I binged this book a lot quicker than I thought I would is insane. I started this three hours ago and now here I am writing a review for this.
[ I also want to state at this time that this is an ARC I read and in exchange for getting it for free, I’m leaving an honest review of it here]
This was actually a really good read despite what my rating states (because I have been told anything below three stars is bad but if you go onto my profile on goodreads you’ll discover it’s a fairly average rating for me). The only thing that makes this novel a two star is perhaps the writing and execution, however I can see passed it enough that it lowkey doesn’t matter all too much.
That was poorly phrased however do you remember the days you were on Wattpad and you were looking for the rich boy poor girl dark romance and you came across one that’s actually adequately written? This is what the experience of what reading this novel was like. It’s not spectacular, but it’s not a bad enough read to the point that you won’t want to stick around for the next instalment. This was good, the spice was great without there actually being spice and there’s enough character-dynamic chemistry with the cast that you’ll perhaps see the fruits of it in the next instalment (which I’m dying to download soon).
My only cons to this is the beginning. It’s not difficult to get started however there’s a lot of backstory and/or over explanation that’s occurring that I think it’d be better to skip (I lowkey skipped it and still found there was still enough information throughout the novel for me to know that Ky and Rubi have had their hand at a shitty life).
Other than that, it’s fairly good. I wouldn’t rank this high but if you’d like a quick, dark and possessive read then go ahead. This is the one for you.
September 28, 2024
I rate this book 4.25🌟
For spice in would give it 4 🌶
FYI, this does have a cliffhanger ending. So you might want to have book 2 before you begin.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
* Acts of Violence
* Acts of Bullying
* Mental Illness
* Suicidal Thoughts
* Depression
* Death
This is my first read by this author, and I absolutely devoured this book! I had to order a physical copy so I could annotate.
Love the dual pov of Rubi and Ky. I love unhinged MMC's. I could relate to some of Rubi's feelings and some of the things she went through. I love it when I can connect with characters in such a way.
After Rubi was taken from her mother and stepfather, she has been bounced to many different foster families and has been through some of the worst things you hear that can happen. She always hoped one day she would dee the little boy she was friends with before she was forced to leave. When she realizes she now goes to the same Prep school, she realizes he's now a monster.
After Ky's mother left him and his dad when he was 11 and the girl he had befriended was forced to leave him, he has had a bad temper ever since. He doesn't trust women and has no interest in having a real girlfriend. When he sees that his childhood friend has returned, he begins to bully her.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
🖤 "The fate of everyone around you depends on what you allow and what they do to you... and I'm the judge."
🖤 "They could make a wrong decision because they didn't know better or judge without knowing the truth. It is why you shouldn't judge people. We all have demons and skeletons in our closet."
🖤 "People who are trying to hide their own insecurities sometimes prey on others to make themselves feel better."
For spice in would give it 4 🌶
FYI, this does have a cliffhanger ending. So you might want to have book 2 before you begin.
𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
* Acts of Violence
* Acts of Bullying
* Mental Illness
* Suicidal Thoughts
* Depression
* Death
This is my first read by this author, and I absolutely devoured this book! I had to order a physical copy so I could annotate.
Love the dual pov of Rubi and Ky. I love unhinged MMC's. I could relate to some of Rubi's feelings and some of the things she went through. I love it when I can connect with characters in such a way.
After Rubi was taken from her mother and stepfather, she has been bounced to many different foster families and has been through some of the worst things you hear that can happen. She always hoped one day she would dee the little boy she was friends with before she was forced to leave. When she realizes she now goes to the same Prep school, she realizes he's now a monster.
After Ky's mother left him and his dad when he was 11 and the girl he had befriended was forced to leave him, he has had a bad temper ever since. He doesn't trust women and has no interest in having a real girlfriend. When he sees that his childhood friend has returned, he begins to bully her.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
🖤 "The fate of everyone around you depends on what you allow and what they do to you... and I'm the judge."
🖤 "They could make a wrong decision because they didn't know better or judge without knowing the truth. It is why you shouldn't judge people. We all have demons and skeletons in our closet."
🖤 "People who are trying to hide their own insecurities sometimes prey on others to make themselves feel better."
December 3, 2023
This is a very well-written, and emotionally intense, dark bully romance. And there is a lot of bullying; almost more than feels redeemable, but my honest main concern was how if Ky was in therapy, no one had ever helped him process his "abandonment" by another 11-year-old child... wouldn't an adult person have explained to him how she couldn't have abandoned him because she didn't have autonomy and there was no way to tell WHY she was gone? That's just a terrible therapist (or a sign of not such great plotting, logically speaking). It makes for a very intense, and emotional situation for both characters, but it feels a bit forced. He could have felt abandoned, but it doesn't make sense that when he sees her again, he wouldn't have demanded to know why instead of immediately tormenting her as he did. So, for me, it misses the mark on all things logical. BUT.... it's still a good story; and honestly, I was legitimately teary-eyed for MOST of the flashback scenes for both children, and when an author can evoke such a lasting emotional response from me, I know it's a worth-while story even when it's toxic or the character's actions make me shake my head. But also, it is very, very teenager-ish, and for that reason some of the "power" and control and things that Ky is supposedly known for seems also illogical. But again, if you suspend disbelief and just live in the world you're given, and if you love dark, bully romances, then this is a top notch entry into the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2023
I devoured this book within a few hours and was not ready for it to end. One thing's for sure, it did not disappoint. This was one of the most emotional stories I have read thus far this year. My heart absolutely broke for what the main character Rubi went through, but one thing for sure, she is one tough cookie. This is one character that had me rooting for her from the very beginning and I just wanted to give her hugs and love because she deserved nothing less. There were times when I was reading this story and my eyes got teary. For me, there is nothing better than a story that can have me so enraptured that it pulls my heartstrings and have me so emotionally invested. There were characters that you will love to hate and hate to love, and, in a way, I can understand where Ky was coming from and by being hurt, he wanted to hurt Rubi, but everything was out of Rubi hands, he just needed to take a moment to listen. I love absolutely loved the flashbacks of memories from Ry and Rubi's childhood as I love a good friend to lover's romance story. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this duet and will be recommending it to all of my book loving friends, family, co-worker and whomever else I can recommend this story it. Just keep in mind that this story touches on some dark elements so I will recommend that readers heed the author's warning about this story.
May 24, 2023
This book was constantly evolving and every time I thought I had things figured out, that changed and changed again. I love the characters, and although I wish Rubi stood up a bit more for herself and I was kinda rooting for her to choose violence and let them really find out, I understood why she couldn't, not saying I liked it. I like that Tyler is becoming the brother and somewhat of a protector for her, I hope his change along with their dads actions/feelings are genuine and not because of what Ky's dad said they need from her. I like Ceasars character and hope he gets a book of his own he seems like a good guy who needs the hea he doesn't think he deserves or will get. I really want to see Jen amber and their little crew get put in their place. Idk what to say about KY. He was a complete donkey the majority of the book. I knew things after the pool incident would change but I didn't anticipate how. I expected him to be the good guy, prince charming, beg for forgiveness, make everything up to her, be her champion and protectors, show her love and adoration. By the end of the book, I was wide eyed and speechless and idk what to think about KY, the revelations about him, his personality change and especially his willingness to turn on his friends, but I'm definitely ready to know what's next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 29, 2023
Plot/Storyline : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
Editing (grammar/typos) : ✏️✏️✏️
For anyone that is looking for a legitimate bully romance, this book does NOT disappoint.
The MMC (Ky) is a complete jerk face toward to the FMC (Rubi) once she re-enters his life after being away for 8 years not knowing the circumstances under her sudden departure. He is determined to break her after she broke his heart when they were children and it’s a complete shit show between the two of them and Ky’s group of friends.
But our FMC holds secrets of her own - the biggest one is revealed in book one.
This book does mention previous child abuse, drug use (addiction), previous attempt of rape, and of course bullying (mind games, degradation)
I absolutely bawled my eyes out during pivotal conversations and moments in this book.
There is no penetrative sex between Ky and Rubi in book one. - there is a reason for the delay which makes sense in book two. I would classify this as a slow-burn.
This book ends on a mini-cliffhanger (nothing to make you super anxious about) where we scratch the surface of Ky’s true character (spoiler alert: he’s a psycho if you haven’t come to that conclusion by the end of book one haha)
My only criticism with this book is that it is riddled with typos and inconsistent with the spelling of character names and verb tense which for me detracts my attention.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy bully romance and redemption arcs.
Spice : 🌶️🌶️
Editing (grammar/typos) : ✏️✏️✏️
For anyone that is looking for a legitimate bully romance, this book does NOT disappoint.
The MMC (Ky) is a complete jerk face toward to the FMC (Rubi) once she re-enters his life after being away for 8 years not knowing the circumstances under her sudden departure. He is determined to break her after she broke his heart when they were children and it’s a complete shit show between the two of them and Ky’s group of friends.
But our FMC holds secrets of her own - the biggest one is revealed in book one.
This book does mention previous child abuse, drug use (addiction), previous attempt of rape, and of course bullying (mind games, degradation)
I absolutely bawled my eyes out during pivotal conversations and moments in this book.
There is no penetrative sex between Ky and Rubi in book one. - there is a reason for the delay which makes sense in book two. I would classify this as a slow-burn.
This book ends on a mini-cliffhanger (nothing to make you super anxious about) where we scratch the surface of Ky’s true character (spoiler alert: he’s a psycho if you haven’t come to that conclusion by the end of book one haha)
My only criticism with this book is that it is riddled with typos and inconsistent with the spelling of character names and verb tense which for me detracts my attention.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy bully romance and redemption arcs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
This was unhinged and I’m genuinely astounded by how much I loved it. Rubi lowkey made me cry. Multiple times. Why is this kid’s life so depressing? Tyler’s a decent brother but it kind of pissed me off when he wasn’t standing up to Amber for her. Ky . . . He’s fucking unhinged. This man is what genuinely morally grey characters look like. I feel like people have mischaracterised what a morally grey character is — it’s not someone who’s actually a good person and acts a little mean. It’s this prick. I don’t know whether I love him or whether I’m concerned about him half the time. And, like, yes, he is a dick to Rubi at the start. A lot. But like . . . it’s literally a bully romance. And he thought she abandoned him. Like, I know the abandonment isn’t really that big of a deal but it was written that he’s been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and I swear people with BPD are more likely to have a fear of abandonment anyway? Also, I feel like he’s low-key obsessed with her cat. He keeps bringing him treats, he was fucking enamoured with it when he first saw it, and he literally threatened to break a guy’s face for touching her cat. While he supposedly hated her. I devoured this. I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would. I thought that I’d find it fun but I didn’t think I’d love it to the extent that I do and this is definitely one that I’m going to have to reread again this year.
May 1, 2023
This is a book with potential that will only be realised by an eagle eyed editor with a sharp pencil. We have elements of poor grammar, spelling and a chapter heading that signifies one character when in fact it is another. Why so sloppy when essentially this is a strong read?
Please be aware there are major triggers in this book so be kind to yourself and check those out before attempting to read.
When Ky (rich lonely boy) and Rubi (poor lost girl) meet as children they forge a friendship that changes their lives forever. Then Rubi has to leave and Ky essentially never forgives her, still bearing deep grudges when their paths cross again some 6 years later.
A good bully/romance story if done well can be edge of the seat stuff and this has great moments. Rubi's story is one of an extended hellish torment and Ky's - despite having all the privilege- is little better.
Ky begins a campaign of such high level bullying that it is uncomfortable to read. For more than 90% of the book, I found his character utterly irredeemable and his 'mummy issues' a poor excuse for his cruelty. I still do. Try as I might I can't find anything to like about him. I will try harder.
Rubi leaves me with whiplash. In some instances a badass survivor and the next a slave to Ky's vile, humiliating behaviour.
There are some interesting side. characters. Rubi's half brother, Tyler and her 'protector' Cesar.
This book ends on a hell of a cliff hanger and I am sufficiently invested to seek out book 2.
Many elements of this complex story and the heartbreaking past the MC's struggle with, deserve 5 stars, unfortunately, not enough care was taken at the proof reading stage to merit those at this point.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Please be aware there are major triggers in this book so be kind to yourself and check those out before attempting to read.
When Ky (rich lonely boy) and Rubi (poor lost girl) meet as children they forge a friendship that changes their lives forever. Then Rubi has to leave and Ky essentially never forgives her, still bearing deep grudges when their paths cross again some 6 years later.
A good bully/romance story if done well can be edge of the seat stuff and this has great moments. Rubi's story is one of an extended hellish torment and Ky's - despite having all the privilege- is little better.
Ky begins a campaign of such high level bullying that it is uncomfortable to read. For more than 90% of the book, I found his character utterly irredeemable and his 'mummy issues' a poor excuse for his cruelty. I still do. Try as I might I can't find anything to like about him. I will try harder.
Rubi leaves me with whiplash. In some instances a badass survivor and the next a slave to Ky's vile, humiliating behaviour.
There are some interesting side. characters. Rubi's half brother, Tyler and her 'protector' Cesar.
This book ends on a hell of a cliff hanger and I am sufficiently invested to seek out book 2.
Many elements of this complex story and the heartbreaking past the MC's struggle with, deserve 5 stars, unfortunately, not enough care was taken at the proof reading stage to merit those at this point.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the first book in the He Loved Me Not/He Loves Me Duet. This is the story of Rubi and Ky. These two meet as children from totally opposite social and financial families. However those differences did not make a difference when it came to their friendship. No way in this world is she ever going to tell Ky that her family refuses to accept him as her pretty little rich boy friend much less as her boyfriend. He is so important to her that she goes through the horrors that are her stepfathers abuse all to just have one more moment with Ky. The day that Ky receives a note that Rubi has left he can't help but be really angry and feel abandoned and it almost destroys him. He really deserves more that just some note with the silly dried daisy on it as a symbol of their friendship. How will he ever be able top pick up the pieces of his heart. Was this all a game to her? Or was there always more that neither one of them was ever able to confess? Well I can't tell you any of that really and this book just sucks you in so hard to this story you really never want it to end. I fell so hard for Rubi and Ky and I have to know what is going to happen right now!!! You do not want to miss this book.
This is the first book in the He Loved Me Not/He Loves Me Duet. This is the story of Rubi and Ky. These two meet as children from totally opposite social and financial families. However those differences did not make a difference when it came to their friendship. No way in this world is she ever going to tell Ky that her family refuses to accept him as her pretty little rich boy friend much less as her boyfriend. He is so important to her that she goes through the horrors that are her stepfathers abuse all to just have one more moment with Ky. The day that Ky receives a note that Rubi has left he can't help but be really angry and feel abandoned and it almost destroys him. He really deserves more that just some note with the silly dried daisy on it as a symbol of their friendship. How will he ever be able top pick up the pieces of his heart. Was this all a game to her? Or was there always more that neither one of them was ever able to confess? Well I can't tell you any of that really and this book just sucks you in so hard to this story you really never want it to end. I fell so hard for Rubi and Ky and I have to know what is going to happen right now!!! You do not want to miss this book.
May 15, 2023
5 Stars
I don't rate books by grammatical errors because those get fixed later and if you understand the meaning then why be so picky!
Any hoot, Carmen Rosales became a fast favorite of mine when I first discovered her with Hidden Scars. I loved that series and from then on, I just couldn't get enough of her books!
In He Loves Me Not, we get two kids, one from the wrong side of the tracks but that didn't stop them from being best friends but consequences always came with a price for one of them.
When Rubi suddenly left and left a vague note to Ky, he became very angry with her and he just couldn't get over her abandonment. So six years later at the age 18 she suddenly appears again but this time it turns out she is one of his best friends half-sister and they are all pissed about it and Ky is bound to make her life a living hell.
Rubi is ready for it. She doesn't want any problems, just want to keep head down and graduate but the boys make it impossible for her including the mean girls they hang out with.
But when a big turn of event occurs, and secrets are revealed, Ky starts to change his mind about Rubi and he repents for everything he's done to make Rubi's life a living hell.
This book certainly had me at my full attention. No interruptions, just myself immersed in this book. Another magnificent read by the one and only Carmen Rosales.
I don't rate books by grammatical errors because those get fixed later and if you understand the meaning then why be so picky!
Any hoot, Carmen Rosales became a fast favorite of mine when I first discovered her with Hidden Scars. I loved that series and from then on, I just couldn't get enough of her books!
In He Loves Me Not, we get two kids, one from the wrong side of the tracks but that didn't stop them from being best friends but consequences always came with a price for one of them.
When Rubi suddenly left and left a vague note to Ky, he became very angry with her and he just couldn't get over her abandonment. So six years later at the age 18 she suddenly appears again but this time it turns out she is one of his best friends half-sister and they are all pissed about it and Ky is bound to make her life a living hell.
Rubi is ready for it. She doesn't want any problems, just want to keep head down and graduate but the boys make it impossible for her including the mean girls they hang out with.
But when a big turn of event occurs, and secrets are revealed, Ky starts to change his mind about Rubi and he repents for everything he's done to make Rubi's life a living hell.
This book certainly had me at my full attention. No interruptions, just myself immersed in this book. Another magnificent read by the one and only Carmen Rosales.
May 15, 2023
♡❧❦❥☙ʜᴇ ʟᴏᴠᴇs ᴍᴇ ɴᴏᴛྉ♡❧❦❥☙
ʙʏ ᴄᴀʀᴍᴇɴ ʀᴏsᴀʟᴇs
💔💔💔💔
4/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
This is my first Camren Rosales book, but I’m definitely intrigued to read more! This is the first in the duet.
Rubi Murray and Ky Reeves met as children, and their differences didn’t matter to them. Ky is the only one who knows the truth to Rubi’s home life, that her stepdad abuses her. Rubi endures it for longer than she should have, just to be near Ky. One day Ky gets a handwritten note letting him know Rubi is gone.
Rubi is taken from her abusive, addicted parents, and put into foster care. For the next seven years, she simply survives, remembering Ky is the only thing that brings her joy.
Ky has abandonment issues, so when Rubi disappears, it only makes them worse. Ky obsesses over Rubi, their friendship, and why she left without a word. When fate brings them back together, he’s determined to make her pay.
This is a high school bully romance, that had me hooked from the beginning. I love that we get present, as well as flash backs from their childhood, it gave me more insight to both of them.
❗️make sure to check trigger warnings before you read
Includes
- bully high school romance
- Former childhood best friends
- Enemies to lovers
- Dual povs
- Spicy
- Best friends sibling
- Cliffhanger
ʙʏ ᴄᴀʀᴍᴇɴ ʀᴏsᴀʟᴇs
💔💔💔💔
4/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
This is my first Camren Rosales book, but I’m definitely intrigued to read more! This is the first in the duet.
Rubi Murray and Ky Reeves met as children, and their differences didn’t matter to them. Ky is the only one who knows the truth to Rubi’s home life, that her stepdad abuses her. Rubi endures it for longer than she should have, just to be near Ky. One day Ky gets a handwritten note letting him know Rubi is gone.
Rubi is taken from her abusive, addicted parents, and put into foster care. For the next seven years, she simply survives, remembering Ky is the only thing that brings her joy.
Ky has abandonment issues, so when Rubi disappears, it only makes them worse. Ky obsesses over Rubi, their friendship, and why she left without a word. When fate brings them back together, he’s determined to make her pay.
This is a high school bully romance, that had me hooked from the beginning. I love that we get present, as well as flash backs from their childhood, it gave me more insight to both of them.
❗️make sure to check trigger warnings before you read
Includes
- bully high school romance
- Former childhood best friends
- Enemies to lovers
- Dual povs
- Spicy
- Best friends sibling
- Cliffhanger
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