Love Me for Me

Safe Haven #1

by Kate Laurens, Lauren Hawkeye

A fresh start...

It’s been three years since Serena King learned to say no—no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the extra weight she put on in self defense, and most of all no to the abuse that has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want... make her want everything.

A new guy...

Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions, a sexy dark haired badness who goes slow... deliciously slow. And despite the iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they’re together.

A dark past...

Serena never thought she could be involved in a relationship, but Alex makes her long for things she thought were out of her reach forever. When he finds out her secret... when he finds out what she did to keep herself sane... will he still want her, or he will treat her just like everyone else?

And Alex has a secret of his own.

Recommended for mature readers aged 17+ due to language and sexual content.

Genres: New Adult, Romance, College, Abuse, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, College Romance

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 26, 2013

About the author

Kate Laurens is a proud Canadian who loves beer, coffee, kickboxing and books. She loves to hear from her readers. She writes New Adult romance and falls a little bit in love with each hero that she meets in her stories.

I am no longer writing books under the name Kate Laurens.

Why? Well, simply because it took way too much time to promote three pen names. Instead, I have rebranded the Safe Haven series under another of my pen names, Lauren Hawkeye… and, never fear, the series will continue!

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ❤❤❤❤moved-me-to-tears-stars!


Welcome to How this book schooled Anna 101

*Major major spoilers ahead but I will try not to! this is an open-book lesson so proceed if you will: graded as pass/fail gauged on how bad I wailed like a new born baby

1) Read the blurb very carefully ! Two broken souls helping each other heal.... Not one mention that Alex was a foster-care kid. I'm a sucker for this. Anna's grade : AUTO-FAIL.

2) The MAJOR Mystery of Serena and why her soul was broken. Although this story was not the first of its kind .... It never is an easy pill to swallow. So at the big reveal : yeah my gag reflex was not so good. But since I mentally prepared because of my series of lightbulb moments. PASS

2) The OTHER mystery of Serena ok scratch that - mysteries - as in plural. Her reasonings and reactions to her MAJOR mystery. Broke my heart. Again my heart bled. Cut this girl a break! ( there is a *hint here )

3) Enter Alex : could a guy be any more perfect ?? he volunteers at an animal shelter! He cooks! He asks permission to proceed! He's not 100% healthy but he manages his disease. Plus he survived a foster home from hell. Anna fell for this hook line and sinker. PASS.
~I'm listening. But what you're saying isn't really what you really want, so I'm ignoring it~ ahhh this young grasshopper is learning the ropes early :)

4) are you familiar with Münchausen syndrome by proxy ? Yeah me either but this is what it is :
It refers to the abuse of another person, usually a child, by their caretaker for the sake of attention. The shit that happened. Yeah I got schooled. FAIL

5) WTF moments : there's no answers here. Trust me I've been looking for answers.
Not just WHAT the F. It's really WHY the F and WHO the F !!!!!! Why the F does the foster care system fail time and time again. Why the F is this ok ? WHO the F prescreens these monsters ? WHY the F do those people still have a job? Why the F would you not believe your own blood ? Why the F is that guy still your husband ? WHY the F is he not castrated? WHY the F is he alive. Yeah I failed here too. Don't keep score. Tears always win !!

6) happily ever after tears. This is a pass! Happy tears are a pass!
~ I got my tattoos to hide my scars. After I did, I wished I hadn't. Wounds leave scars. But scars show you survived

So I could go on and on but lesson learned. I got schooled here. Life and love are not always rainbows and unicorns. I know this is fiction but it was very believable and very real to me ! So that being said there better be some riding off into the sunset on a noble steed for these two for making my heart bleed !!!!!! And if there isn't I want to know WHY the F not ? And WHO the F should I smack ?

[Vikki ~ *squee* lite ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I though I would love this one. It hits all my buttons - abused heroine, troubled hero, saved by loved etc. but I just wasn't feeling it.

Somehow Alex had this psychic thing going on where he just knew the right way to deal with Serena before he even new what her issues were. I actually kept expecting it to come out that he knew somehow, because he was just too perfectly careful with her, pretty much from the moment they met.

We don't really get to know anything about Alex, except as it deals with his past. You know he plays football, but you never meet any of his friends, (outside of the ones attached to his past). You get the bare bones version of his story, but no explanation as to how he ended up in the situation he did, or what he's been doing in college, or what he's planning on doing after college. You know slightly more abut Serena, but not much. (And most if that is her BFF, who is gong to be the h in the next book)

Then there are then "I love you's" which are said after, I think three dates. The climax of the story, where Serena confronts her past was confusing. All the sudden, psychic Alex can't figure out from context who the problem is (which was baffling). (I also couldn't figure out why Serena was holding ut with that last piece if the puzzle after she revealed everything else.

Then there was Serena's inexplicable reaction to Alex after she confronts her past, and the equally unexplained and abrupt reconciliation.

Just didn't work for me.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena has gone off to college to try to start a new life for herself and try to forget her hurtful past. She is doing a good job of keeping her head down and keeping to herself until she meets Alex. Tattooed, mysterious Alex is hiding his own skeletons.

I really liked this book. Serena and Alex have amazing chemistry but both are afraid of being hurt. Their interactions were intense and incredibly sexually charged. Both characters were crafted out well with their actions being true to their pasts, and when they get together, sparks fly right off the pages.

The story was well written and held my attention through to the very last page. I am looking forward to more from Kate Laurens.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenna Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wish Goodreads did 1/2 stars. Someone needs to get on this.

Because this was a 3.5 for me but I upped it (rare for me to do) because I loved all the characters so much.

Love Me tackles so really complicated issues and I love me dark & twisty characters. Serena has traveled across the country to get away from her past and is determined to not repeat her past self-punishments, which includes boys for the wrong reasons. But Alex is right. Oh so right. I know the blurb describes him as a badass but he never really struck me as that. Yes, he's tatted up. Yes, he has a past. But he's kind of risen above his past. Their first date at the dog rescue felt a little cutsey to me and didn't seem to work. Like their chemistry hadn't quite clicked yet. But when it finally clicked...it clicked.

This is the first book by a new NA author and I could kind of tell. Like she hadn't quite hit her stride yet but she created a fantastic band of characters. I loved how the all interacted together. Kaylee and Serena's friendship was so...heart-wrenching as they both seem to hide from each other, neither feeling overly confident in themselves to share with the other.

The true heartbreak for me though and why I upped this to a 4 instead of rounding down was Serena's relationship with her mom. Oh man. Man alive...heartbreak. Utter heartbreak.

Can't wait for the rest of the series though. Can't wait. I can't wait to see more of these characters and to watch the author grow along with her characters. Gonna be awesome. (I say this because I've already read book two and just haven't gotten to the review...)

[Jacqueline's Reads]

I'm a sucker for tats... le sigh.



A fresh start...

It’s been three years since Serena King learned to say no—no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the extra weight she put on in self defense, and most of all no to the abuse that has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want... make her want everything.

A new guy...

Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions, a sexy dark haired badness who goes slow... deliciously slow. And despite the iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they’re together.

A dark past...

Serena never thought she could be involved in a relationship, but Alex makes her long for things she thought were out of her reach forever. When he finds out her secret... when he finds out what she did to keep herself sane... will he still want her, or he will treat her just like everyone else?

And Alex has a secret of his own.

[Tana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Me For Me by Kate Lauren's

This novel Love Me For Me is what we consider a new adult romance novel, Kate Lauren's writing is good, story flows well. I would say that it's a story you don't want to stop reading because you want to know what is going to happen and what secrets they are holding on too. I really liked Kate's writing style and got hooked into this story very easily.

We meet Serena and Alex who are both attending college, Alex appears to be drop dead gorgeous and when he talks to Serena she wonders if he is flirting with her. Serena has a past and has some deep dark secrets. Alex also has some secrets he would rather forget. When Alex decides to befriend Serena she is uneasy about this. She has moved far away from her home town hoping to forget her past and her parents. Alex can't seem to stop himself from wanting to be around Serena and pursues her with all he has.

Reading this story is at times was a bit heart breaking when you hear about both their pasts and how they both are trying hard to move on. Alex and Serena's relationship is bumpy and secrets are revealed, Can two people find love and trust when they had none growing up.

When Serena and Alex have to take a trip home can Serena for once stand up for herself, or will Alex come to her rescue?

So if you interested I would recommend you go a head and purchase yourself a copy, it's worth it. I would recommend Love Me For Me to anyone who enjoys the NA Romance genre. I have rated it 4 stars and will definitely checking out Kate Lauren's novels.

[Misty Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

**A 2.5 Review**

I get called names on a fairly regular basis. I don’t know if you have noticed or not, but I spend an exorbitant amount of time criticizing people’s livelihoods. Because of this (the criticizing) I usually shake of the name calling and contribute it to a “knee-jerk reaction.” But a few years ago (I’m going to say like 4 – I’ve slept since then) I was corned by a coworker (shortly after Tweeting “made another one cry today…2 points for me!”) and was smacked with the mother of all insults. I was called VOID. That’s it. One word. POW!

Now, for most of you this is going to sound lame or at the very least slightly ridiculous.

“Void? That’s the “mother of all insults?” Please…I could introduce you to four letter words that would make your toes curl.” To which I say: Awesome!!! Shoot me an email. But first…let me explain why the word “void” punches like Mike Tyson pre-crazy train.

Void (for this particular instance) is defined as: without contents, empty.

Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but me personally? I’d like to believe I have at least an inkling of something significant going on inside, whether it be happiness, pain or disappointment.

So I started thinking. About myself. (For the record, I don’t advise this…it’s pretty scary) and realized something…my coworker was right. (*Smacks head*) At the end of the day, I am one of the best listeners you will ever encounter. Want to vent for eight hours straight? Knock your lights out. I am a champion nodder. But don’t expect me to reciprocate. MY issues don’t leave the vault. If I have a problem I can’t solve I’m going to bottle them up until I dissolve into tears on the bathroom floor. THEN…I’m going to take that bathroom floor incident and shove it into the bottle with the original problem. If you didn’t see me cry it never happened right? (Tree..falling in the forest…blah blah blah.)

I know (probably more than most) that being externally “void” isn’t exactly healthy, but when it comes to books? Denial and child-like petulance make for cozy bed-fellows. Just ask Serena from “Love Me For Me.” She makes me look like Dr. Phil.

"A fresh start…

It’s been three years since Serena King learned to say no–no to the boys that were a desperate cry for help, no to the extra weight she put on in self-defense, and most of all no to the abuse that has haunted her since she was fifteen. Now a sophomore in college, all she wants is to be normal. The last thing she expects is a guy who can make her want, well, everything.

A new guy…

Alex Blackthorn is a bundle of contradictions, a sexy dark-haired badass who goes slow… deliciously slow. And despite the iron will that has gotten her through the last few years, Serena finds herself unable to ignore the heat that sizzles between them whenever they’re together.

A dark past…

Serena never thought she could be involved in a relationship, but Alex makes her long for things she thought were out of her reach forever. When he finds out her secret… when he finds out what she did to keep herself sane… will he still want her, or he will treat her just like everyone else?

And Alex has secrets of his own."

When 50 Shades first came out I refused to read it. Not because of its content (I couldn’t have cared less about the BDSM) but because everyone and their grandmother INSISTED I hop on the band-wagon. (I don’t do well with mainstream pop-culture throat shoving.) But after roughly 100 emails from followers asking for my “unfiltered opinion” I finally broke down and submitted (pun intended) to the masses. And…after a few days of marathon reading I finally had a response…

“The STORY is beautiful. The WRITING needs to be doused with kerosene and lit on fire.”

Naturally this didn’t sit well with people.

“That doesn’t make any sense!” “How is that even possible? Aren’t they the same thing?” “Are you sure you read the correct book?”

All valid questions (except the last one…I mean really? I’m not that dumb.) And ones that I think I can finally (after reading LMFM) successfully answer.

Love Me For Me (much like 50 Shades) is about two tortured souls just trying to find a happy place in the world. They both have secrets, they both have communication issues (Selena much more than Alex…admittedly) and they are both terrified of loving someone. (For one reason or another. In Selena’s case it is insecurity of her past.) The story of how these two come together, lean on each-other, and eventually trust each-other is haunting, thoughtful and beautiful. The problem is…the writing conveying the story is less than stellar.

As an imaginative person my mind is able to look past certain things like repetitiveness:

“The words were husky” (said approx 20 times)
“This man who could have had any girl and yet seemed to have chosen me” (said approx 10 times)
“My lids were at half mast” (said approx 8 times)
“Startled a laugh out of him” (said approx 8 times)
“This guy had me tied up in knots” (said approx 5 times)

But to a casual reader nuances like these become a thorn. Especially when a book has so few pages. (146)

Also a problem…underestimating the reader.

This genre has a formula, and that formula usually involves some deep dark secret. And while it’s ok to say it once “I won’t tell him my secret” It’s not necessary to reiterate it over and over. We get it. There is no need for the main character to continually repeat it. To herself or out loud. Doing this makes the reader feel small. Like we aren’t smart enough to pick up on the more “subtle” clues the author is throwing out.

But here is where things get complicated. The difference between “story” and “writing.”

If the bones (aka plot) of the story are strong enough…ANY reader can overlook poor editing and less than spectacular writing and see what is meant to be seen. And that is the feelings and intentions the STORY is trying to convey. In the case of Selena and Alex (and his perpetually gruff/husky voice – someone get that boy a glass of water.) the story was about forgiving and forgetting. Letting go and moving forward. Something I think all of us can relate to at one time or another. The bumps in writing along the way DON’T change the STORY, they just make it a little clumsy to get through.

Does that make sense? (Let’s hope so, because I’m not sure I can edit this post again.)

Overall, miles away from being the best book in this up and coming genre. But a good starter book for a new author. Let’s just hope she gets her sea legs soon, because if she drowns due to technicalities it would be a shame.

Take it or leave it. That’s my final verdict.

Happy Reading my fellow Kindle-ites and remember: Stories are what drives us, not typos.

[Desi · Rating 2 out of 5]

leído en oct 2015

Realmente no recuerdo nada de este libro, se que lo leí porque lo tenía marcado pero creo que pudo ser MEH por la puntuación que le dejé

[Maija · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source: I received a copy for review purposes

No matter how many New Adult books I read I can't get enough of them. They all have something special in them that makes them different from one another. If in Beautiful Disaster it was the drama, in Fallen Too Far it was the connection between the characters, then in Love Me For Me it's definitely the emotions, it's a very heartfelt and emotion-packed love story.


This book is an emotional roller-coaster, either taking you as high as love and happiness or as low as bitterness and fear, you can feel it all. It's not about the descriptions that made me feel like that, but the simple words that affected me deeply. Like, when Alex asked Serena if he could kiss her- it was just a kiss, but the building up to that moment made my heart thump double the normal speed.


The plot line:
Serena has her dark past and secrets that no one at the college really knows about. She escaped from her town to change her life, she has a fresh start. She's been away for three years and she's not going back. She's keeping herself in form, studying for classes and keeping up the good girl facade. But deep down- she`s still afraid.


When Serena meets Alex she thinks all he wants is have a little fun, but these thoughts soon change. After a college party, where Serena and Alex danced like there's no one around, she gets the feeling he's not like other guys. Alex seems to be the only man who's touch she isn't afraid of, who's proximity is comfortable and soothing to her. They both obviously have a connection, but there are secrets between them. Alex tells her about himself and reveals a little of his past, as if trying to tell Serena that she can tell him her secrets and why she's so closed off. But Serena has only told her secret to one person who didn't take her seriously, she doesn't want to loose Alex after she tells him.


The writing:
This book is written really good- the writing is emotional, fast-paced, I like how realistic the whole story felt. It isn't two dimensional or cheesy, it really seems like a real life story. I enjoyed the build up in Serena and Alex's relationship, that they didn't jump each other's bones, but took baby steps before they ran to the finish line.

I liked Serena as the protagonist, she`s done everything to be normal, she has a lot of willpower that not a lot of characters have these days. She stood up to her mother (live piranha, trust me) and she had the guts to trust and overcome her fear. She`s like a real human being whose life I read about, not just a 2 dimensional character.


Bottom line:
It's not like I cried that much while reading Love Me For Me, it's more about how much my heart skipped at the simplest of words. I really enjoyed this book and I'm definitely going to read the sequels. If you enjoy New Adult Contemporary genre or are just starting with these genres, this book is right for you.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can a person who is completely broken from a traumatic past learn to trust and love again?

Love Me For Me is a powerfully intense story about two broken people who come together and help each other overcome their traumatic pasts, it is an emotional story that will pull at your heartstrings.

In the first book of the Safe Haven series, author Kate Laurens weaves a heart wrenching tale written in the first person narrative that follows twenty-two year old Serena King's journey to rebuild her life after a traumatic abusive experience in her teen years has left her completely broken. Serena escapes her traumatic past at home when she goes away to college in Connecticut. She protects a dark secret that she carries around by keeping to herself, afraid that if she lets anyone get close to her that they would be disgusted by her past. The one person that she needed the most has let her down, leaving her self-conscious and with low self-esteem. Outside of her American Lit class she meets sexy Alex Blackthorn, she doesn't understand why he would be interested in her, but an undeniable attraction to each other simmers below the surface. Alex is also hiding a traumatic secret from his past. Coming together, they learn to make each other stronger, put their pasts behind them, and move forward in their lives.

This is a poignant tale that is so intense, it takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride. You can't help but feel deeply moved by Serena and Alex's story. Their traumatic pasts are haunting and disturbing, but their amazing chemistry and emotional connection makes up for it with their intense and palpable attraction to each other, the sparks literally fly off the page with their sexually charged interactions. Both have so much emotional and traumatic baggage between them, it is simply heart wrenching to read about their pasts, but once they learn to trust each other and build upon their relationship by supporting each other, it was simply beautiful to see how they worked together to overcome their past and build a relationship.

The author does a wonderful job of addressing serious issues like sexual abuse, diabetes and low self-esteem within the story. I loved how she interweaves the traumatic issues with an emotional romance that was so sensual. Serena and Alex's story is so bittersweet yet compelling, the reader can't help but become captivated ... but alas ... the author leaves the reading wanting more with a subtle cliffhanger ending that will be revealed in the next installments of the series.

Love Me For Me is a wonderfully inspiring tale about rebounding from a traumatic past, learning to love yourself, trust and love again, rebuild and move forward in life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author via Reading Addiction Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

http://jerseygirlsizzlingbookreviews....

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

POR FAVOR. ¿DÓNDE PUEDO ENCONTRAR A UN CHICO ASÍ? LO NECESITO. DIOS. LO NECESITO. ALEEX, MI AMOR, DIOS, TE AMOOO.



Okay, dejando mi ataque de amor, sigamos con la historia. La historia en sí es un poco cliché, ya sabes, ella guarda un secreto, él también, ambos están rotos por el pasado y blah, blah, pero ya saben las historias clichés también tienen su encanto y su propia historia de amor, y esta fue hermosisima, me tope con un personaje masculino tierno, cálido, amable, malditamente sexy pero Dios como sabe llegar al corazón..

—Las heridas dejan cicatrices. Pero las cicatrices muestran que sobreviviste.

La historia de ambos son desgarradoras, pero saben salir adelante, con un poco mas empeño de él porque bueno, ella realmente esta rota.

¿Qué mas puedo decir? Espero muy impaciente la historia de Kaylee, ay mi chica.
Recomiendo mucho este libro si le gustan los personajes tiernos y llorar un poquito <3
No le puse el 5/5 porque bueno, podría haber habido un poquito mas de historia y eso, pero estuvo bien así que realmente es un 4.5

[JenniferJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very realistic story! Amazing actually as it could have been describing any number of people I know or knew at some point in my life. Selena has a few secrets about her past and the one person she should have been able to trust, (her mom), fails her by not believing in her which caused a drastic measure to take place in Selena that takes years to unwind and she wont trust or let anybody get that close to her to confide in again for fear of being treated same as her mother treated her only she soon learns that life has been tough on some of her new found friends as well and they are harboring secrets and hurts of their own.

I read this book literally start to finish in a matter of hours because it drew me in and I could really feel the pain and angst coming off the characters instead of being told so much how they were feeling. To a certain point even if the circumstances were different I think we all at some point in our life has suffered some of the pains and feelings that could drive one to act out as Selena had.

I was okay with the way it ended but I would enjoy seeing these characters make appearances in future books.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story by Kate Laurens. Serena's inability to share the painful events of her past (even with her best friend) and her fear of being treated differently/rejected/not believed should those events come to light was written so skillfully that you felt as if her anguish and fear was yours. And Alex, what can I say? Alex was wonderful and so perfect for Serena. He had a maturity beyond his years in the way he dealt with his own demons. The manner in which he cared for Serena made you fall in love with him so hard. Even though there were topics and scenes that could have been expanded upon (the ending was a bit abrupt for me), I enjoyed the story and will seek out more of Ms. Laurens' work.

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked Alex. I mean, the cover of the book helped - I love this couple. I know I've seen them on about 100 other covers, but this one is unique and they never fail to make me smile and hope for a HEA for them. *sigh* Such a lovely cover.

I really liked Alex. His story was different from the typical NA format. He had a unique personality and I really appreciated how much patience he had but also that he didn't lose himself in Serena and her problems.

it's a great beginning. I'm curious to see where book 2 goes.

[Wolfie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Been there done that.
Damaged H meets damaged h, they fall in love, yada, yada, yada. This isn't a "bad" book. It's just the same ole story as so many other books I've read. It's also pretty short for what I paid for it. :(

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book : )

[sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Qué bonito! Sólo decir que me ha encantado de principio a fin. Y que es mantecoso, como a mí me gusta ;)

[Sara Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Amazing Stars!

Warning: If you haven't read this book, this review may potentially have some spoilers in it. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, so read at your own risk.

This is a great book! I loved it. I loved the characters, the plot, almost everything about this book. I also really, really absolutely love the cover!! It, and the title, is what really drew me in.

First of all, we have Serena. She was a great heroine. She was sensitive, secretive, shy, hesitant, and a little bit broken. But at the same time, she was strong, a fighter, ready to move on and leave her past behind. She felt really real to me. She didn't always make the right choices, like some book heroines do. She made mistakes and did things she regretted. I could really relate to her. I couldn't relate to her abuse personally, but I felt like the author did a good job at conveying her reluctance to share her burden with anyone and her frustration and anger at her mother for not believing her. Speaking of, her mother was absolutely awful. I hated her with a burning passion. What kind of mother doesn't believe her only child about something as serious as sexual abuse!? But back to Serena. There was one thing about her that I didn't really understand. She kept saying she put on weight as self-defense, but it wasn't really completely understand. Was she trying to make herself unattractive to her step- father? Or men in general? But she was sleeping around, so obviously she wasn't that unattractive, so it didn't work. Maybe it was just me, but I was a little confused. As for her relationship with Alex, I was so happy for her. I got tingles every time they were together. i was glad she found her safe haven, someone to care for her and love her even through the tough times. Although at the end when he stopped calling, and she saw him with another girl ,I was afraid she had pushed him away for good. Thankfully that was not the case. Serena was an awesome main character, and I loved all of her different sides and emotions. It made her really relatable to me.

Now for Alex. He was amazing. I mean how much hotter could he get? He was an athlete, had tattoos, liked taking things slow, and wasn't scared away by Serena's past? He was perfect. I loved him completely, but sometimes I felt like he was too good to be true. However that didn't make him any less awesome. I was glad that he didn't let Serena push him away that day when they were late for class. In my mind I was like, "Please go after her! Don't let her walk away!!" And then that hot dance at the party? Whew! But he totally lied. The next time they danced was at the charity, not in private. But, anywho. His past made me so sad for him. I just wanted to hug him. How could his foster mother do that to him?? And why, WHY, did no one say anything? I understand that the foster mother lied to the social workers and said that he did it to himself, but Georgeanne could have stood up for Alex and she and Alex could have ganged up against her. If anything, a story like that should have raised some red flags sooner than it did. But Alex didn't let that keep him down. As soon as it was over, he moved on and learned to let the past go in order to be happy. And he taught Serena to do the same thing. After he saved her, which was totally amazing, he gave her time and space and let her work through things on her own until he saw that she was ready to be with him. Not many college guys would be that compassionate and understanding. He was just a really great guy.

I really loved this book! It wasn't the absolute best book that I've ever read, but it was a great book that captured my attention from the very beginning and didn't let it go until I had finished. The only problems I have with this book are two things.

1.) That it was an insta-love/lust kinda story. Normally, I don't really mind books like that so much, but in this case it just seemed like it happened really fast. Alex was all about taking things kind of slow, but Serena was ready to jump him after only meeting him like, once. Which was just a little hard for me to believe because she was supposed to have been through abuse that emotionally scarred her. What kind of girl who has been assaulted like that looks at a guy and is ready to go all the way with him almost immediately, without really getting to know him first? Maybe that was just me, but I just didn't really understand that aspect.

2.) Bob didn't seem like an actual threat, to me, until the very end. We just didn't really get a good explanation of what had happened and why she was how she was until then. I mean, I know Serena had been dealing with the aftereffects of his abuse throughout the whole thing, but I thought it was kind of skimmed over until the scene in the bathroom at the very end of the book. I mean, if Bob supposedly wanted to exert control over her, wouldn't he constantly be trying to call her, text her, e-mail her, see her, etc.? But there wasn't any mention of Bob himself until the very end. Then it was kind of like, oh. He really is a real threat. And then we got an explanation about the lavender, which had been bothering me ever since it was mentioned.

Other than those couple of things, the book was a really enjoyable read! Like I said, it captured my attention and held it. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good love story about facing past struggles and learning to move on. This was a GREAT book overall!

[Janeth Rueda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Erase una ves una chica dañada que conoce a un chico fuerte y deportista. Él es la única persona que la entiende, pues ella no socializa, solo tiene una amiga pero ni ella conoce sus mas profundos secretos. Pero el poder del amor logra que por primera vez exprese sus sentimientos y todos los traumas por los que ha pasado.

Es la misma maldita premisa que ya he leído en suficientes libros.
No eres tu Kate Laurens, soy yo.

[Lyndsey Gollogly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't take long to read I felt compelled to finish it in one go. Luckily it's a short book. It flowed nicely which is why it's so easy to read. You're heart reaches out to Serena as she deals with her abusive past its a feel good ending seeing her get through the other side!
Recommended for those who enjoy a quick read.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5

Es un libro que aunque tiene una historia , no me ha dicho mucho.Para matar una tarde aburrida es pasable.

[CEILIDH · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[⛓️jeonzzuk⛓️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.90✨

[Keren Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how to proceed with this review. When I was first sent the email by RABT about participating in the tour, I read the synopsis and agreed as it seemed like the sort of thing I would enjoy. In a way I was right. Yet I later learned that it opened up old wounds. It didn't make me dislike the book, it actually made me empathise with Serena on a level I didn't think possible before I started reading.

Serena is at college. It's been a fresh start for her since getting the scholarship. She shares a dorm with her best friend, Kaylee. Serena is past the days of being a party girl though. She no longer sleeps with random boys, even if they are cute. It's been hard for her, getting where she is today. She has a past that she isn't proud of - there's a sordid secret she's never told anyone, bar one person. That person didn't believe her. So now she keeps herself to herself and doesn't let anyone get close.
When she first told her mother her secret, she hoped and prayed she would believe her. But her mother Felicity was blind to the facts. She point blank refused to believe her daughter. So Serena went off sleeping with any boy that paid her any attention. She put on weight as a defence mechanism. These were the only ways she thought she'd be able to cope.

One day, she's late to class and can't bring herself to enter because the tutor doesn't think well of being tardy. She looks up and sees a gorgeous boy who's also late for class. They decide to ditch together and go and grab a coffee whilst studying for the clqass they have skipped.

There's an air between them that crackles with electricity. But Serena has promised herself she is done with her days of meaningless sex. She can't give someone the "more" that most people can give, she feels that she comes with too much emotional baggage and therefore she cannot commit to anyone.

But Alex is gorgeous, kind, funny, and in no danger of going anywhere any time soon.

Serena wars with herself about wanting to open up to Alex, but she can't. She's never breathed a word of it since Felicity didn't believe her. There are times when her room-mate Kaylee looks at her as though she too has past experiences that she suffers silently. But Serena can't even share with her best friend what's tucked away in the darkest recess of her mind.

It might be okay for Serena to say that she can't tell anyone because no-one will understand. But in reality, she's just keeping those that care about her at arms length. If she told them the truth, they might just stand a chance of believing her.

Serena and Alex date but she keeps those walls built up around her. One night, as they are kissing, Serena finds that Alex has scars. He may well even have a secret of his own. She wants him to share with her his innermost secrets, but that makes her hypocritical if she won't open up to him.

What ensues is a beautiful, if tragic tale of a love that won't survive if some of their baggage isn't tossed overboard. Will Serena trust Alex enough to tell him the truth? Will Alex tell her his own secret? Everybody has inner demons, but it's only when we finally open up and share with those that love us that we find a weight has been lifted from our shoulders.
How do I know? Well I suffered from the same past as Serena. I dealt with it in exactly the same way as she did and admitting that might make you think I'm nothing but a dirty [bleep] - that's on you, feel free to take that opinion - but for me, it was a coping mechanism, the same as it was for Serena.
Two people who go through the same fate may not end up dealing with it in the same way. But for me, [my Mom] Alison didn't believe me about my step-dad either and in that way, Kate Laurens could have been describing me when she wrote Serena's character.

I have to say, this book touched me so much and at 76% through, warm salty tears raced their way down my cheeks. I was really feeling the emotional pain of these characters tortured souls.

Kate Laurens debut novel is a tale of a hurt little girl who shuts herself off to the world and when she grows up, finds it hard to know who she can place her trust in. Enter Alex, the handsome, loving man who wants her to open up but at the same time doesn't pressure her. He's kind, loyal, loving, caring, all the traits you could want in a man. He loves Serena entirely, wholeheartedly and would give anything to be able to help her fight the demons that haunt her.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! This was a heartbreaking tale, but no less fantastic with its dark concepts and actions. A great start to what I'm sure will be a wonderful new series in the new adult genre.

Summary:
Serena King has secrets. Devastating, life-altering secrets that she keeps buried deep so the feelings of shame, guilt, disgust, and pain won't show. It's been three years since she changed the path her life had taken when she was fifteen. Three years of building a new Serena. Now a sophomore in college, she wants a normal life, especially after meeting the one guy who can make her want...want everything. Alex Blackthorn has his own demons from his past of growing up in foster care. Despite his rough history and stereotypes of foster children, he is a decent, kind, caring man, that just happens to also be completely gorgeous. Serena meets Alex by chance when they are both late to a class they share. They decide to study together to make up for the missed class. Serena expects him to be like the boys she has come to know from her past of using anyone to fill the emptiness in her life. Alex is genuinely interested, but Serena can't figure him out. He is content to take things slow, frustratingly so, despite the passion he feels for her. There seems to be an inexplainable connection between them. Serena feels more comfortable with Alex than she has with anyone since turning fifteen. Thinking that a serious relationship between them is impossible due to her past, Serena is stunned to learn that Alex makes her want things she never thought she could have. Growing closer to him through the weeks that follow has made a positive impact on her outlook on life and how she has lived it up until then. Alex has even opened up about his tragic upbringing and the abuse he suffered. He trusted her, but Serena can't help but wonder what will happen when Alex learns her secret. Will he think she's dirty and tarnished? Will he leave her like everyone else has? Serena has a long, difficult road ahead in order to come to turns with her history, the demon hiding there, and how she coped. Can she trust Alex to handle her with care and love her for her?

Great story. Two damaged souls finding love and healing together, although Alex seemed a bit more content, just embarrassed. I did think the story would have been 10 times better if we had Alex's POV. I also think it would have given a bit more depth to the story, as well. The one thing I really didn't like and part of the reason my review isn't a four, is that the ending felt rushed. It could have been developed a bit more, I think, and an epilogue would not be bad. From the author's website, I understand there will be a novella about Alex and Serena, so maybe it will shed some light on their future, and maybe we will see more of them in Kaylee and Maddy's stories. I also didn't give a higher review due to spelling and grammar errors. A little more proofreading needed, but I can easily overlook this and it didn't detract from the story, for me. Just annoying. Worth it, though. The story gripped my heart. I hate abuse of any kind, but especially when it happens to children. It makes me hurt. I cant wait to find out about Kaylee. She seems like a great friend, and I'm eager to delve into her equally mysterious past. <3

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I have to say the author did such a great job explaining how the main characters were feeling that when their heart was pounding so was mine. I was addicted the minute I started reading. I was intrigued by the main character and wanted to immediately know more about her and what had happened to her. Everyone has skeletons in their past, some darker than others and most are too afraid to trust anyone with their secrets. That's one of the biggest points in this book; you have to learn to trust a person that is my lesson learned.

We meet Serena, who is a very guarded person and doesn't even want to let loose in college and have fun like her roommate Kaylee, but she has her reasons. There are hints throughout the book to make you wonder what really happened to her in the past but it doesn't escalate until her relationship with Alex gets more intense. Alex is a fellow student in one of her classes the she happens to notice and he in turn notices her. (Their initial meeting is part of the excerpt). He has his own share of problems and like many people in the world he too carries a lot of baggage. Alex begins to per sue Serena and there is something about them that matches so perfectly, as if they fit like a glove.

Please be aware this is a New Adult book and some content may be too detailed for those underage. The scenes with the two of them seem very intense and at the same time rushed as they have just met but they have this unbelievable attraction and connection with one another that it actually works between them and the author did a great job showing this connection.

The plot of this book was great and the location of where this book takes place is perfect. I miss college so much sometimes. College is a time when everyone is truly finding themselves and will go through experiences they never had before, this is the time when they start to grow up and gain that responsibility they will use in the future. Sure the main characters had to grow up a little sooner but even still they have some more growing up to do.

I will say this though the cover I don’t think was believable enough for me, I didn’t picture the two main characters looking like that at all. Don’t get me wrong it’s a really great cover but I just don’t see Alex and Serena there completely. The guy should have looked a little older since he is a senior and she is a sophomore. The tattoos on the guy is great though, that always brings a little of the bad boy element. I don’t want to give too much of the book away because really you should experience it on your own I just want to give you a feel for it, but it’s a quick and good read. The lesson learned is about trusting people, throw in some really great steamy scenes and a few punches and you’ve got yourself a good book.

The rest of the series looks promising as well so make sure you keep an eye out for those books as well.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story - I enjoyed the passion developing between Serena and Alex. The two of them had abusive pasts. Although the abuse was different, it still scared them inside the same.

Serena went to college to get away, start over, to bring her a new life. She tried hard to shut out her past. She didn't tell anyone. After all, if her own mother didn't believe her, why would anyone else?

Alex - wish they had his POV in this book - i'd love to hear his story - but what happened to him was tragic. No one person should have had to suffer through that in their life.

American Lit brought these two together. Being late to their class, knowing the teacher wouldn't let them in the classroom once the doors closed, they decided to go to Coffee to study for the class they're missing.

After they parted ways, Serena realized she didn't even get his name.
For a week she couldn't get him out of her mind.

When her BFF Kalcee asked Serena to go to a party that Friday night, Serena declined, as usual. Kaylee knew there was something about Serena, but didn't know what it was. She knew when to back off.
But Serena was feeling guilty. After all, she's in college to start over, live her life.

She changed her mind and went to the party with her friend.

At the party, Kaylee ran off with her on again/off again boyfriend, leaving Serena alone.

When she heard his voice, she know immediately who it was.

They talked, they danced. and Serena couldn't understand why she felt so comfortable in his arms, when she couldn't stand having anyone else touch her.

Alex knew there was something about Serena, and he know that it was bad. He tried to open up to her, telling her little bits of his past, showing her she could trust him. but she still wouldn't open up completely.

It wasn't that Serena didn't WANT to open up to Alex, she just couldn't. She couldn't dredge up that part of her life without bringing everything back. She wanted to bury it and keep it hidden.

Like I said, cute story. It was serious, and deep, and sad. But the story itself, the reality of it, the sweetness of how Alex was able to get Serena to overcome her past...
just cute :D

They hinted about Kaylee in this story having a troubled past as well - Looks like her story will be coming out this summer. I'll read it :) I'm curious about her now :)

[Stephanie- The Boyfriend Bookmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for The Boyfriend Bookmark

Click here for review

I am still reeling from this book. I thought this book was going to be so different than what it was. This book was a struggle to get through. Not because it wasn’t good or didn’t capture my attention but because of the desperation of the characters. It was a tragically beautiful story about loving oneself and learning to love and trust another.
Serena spent many years crying for help and the love and understanding from her mother that she so much deserved and needed. She just needed her mom to believe her. It seems simple enough. She wasn’t a bad kid, she was traumatized and she needed her mom to hear her, not just listen, but to hear her. But after so many years, her mom was just turning her head to the issues at hand.
In walks Alex and he seems to spark some change in Serena. She trusts him, has faith in him and what she finally understands is that he trusts and understands her.
I was really moved by the subject matter in this book. Both characters had bad, and I mean really ugly, pasts and both had demons to overcome. But the question was could they both do it together or would it be better if they were apart?
This book tugged at my heart and was emotionally charged. But Alex and Serena dealt with their lives together and apart and only they would know which way worked best.
It was a great read and very emotional, it didn’t have the traditional angst and love-hunger that I have come to expect from most books, which considering the subjects in this book, it really couldn’t have it in the same ways it is there in other books.
It is hard to tell you that I thought this was a great book and I thought the characters, despite being terribly flawed, were amazing. It’s hard because the subject matter in this book is serious and I don’t want to overlook the sensitivity of the book. It was beautifully written and I cannot find another adjective to say that I loved it…but I did really enjoy it. I just wish there were other words to convey the sense of emotions this book brought out in me.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Jennifer Ricketts (Donnie Darko Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa! This was a really emotionally intense as well as a hottt book, and yep, I just used three t's! The story begins by introducing Serena, a college age girl who suffered abuse when she was a teenager. During that time, she engaged in various unhealthy behaviors in order to cope with the abuse - her promiscuity, for one. I think because she felt like an object, she allowed herself to be treated like one. She didn't feel like she should take care of herself. Once she begins attending college, she leaves those behaviors behind in the past.

Serena meets Alex, and sparks just flew between them right away! Alex seemed so real and yet too good to be true. I loved everything about him - the tattoos, the way he managed to slowly break through barrier after barrier that Serena had put up, and the determination he had to love her no matter what ways she came up with to try to stop him. I really loved finding out along with Serena what made him tick, piece by piece.

Here were two emotionally damaged people with a lot of baggage, but I had a lot of hope for them to be able to work through their issues and find love. They seemed to fit together in ways they never had with anyone else before. I think they understood each other on a deeper level than if they had been in a relationship with someone who hadn't had the past experiences they had. They knew what it was like to want to run away from the pain rather than face it, and they understood this about each other.

I flew through the book! The story between Serena and Alex was so bittersweet and compelling, I was completely hooked. This was so well written and realistic, it almost hurt at times to read about Serena and Alex's pain. I wanted to get revenge for them and hurt the people who had hurt them. They were two people who had been through so much, and I couldn't help but want them together. I could see the potential in both of them to let go of their pain and find happiness.

The next book in the series (yes, it's a series!!!) is about Serena's roommate Kaylee and her entanglements which are hinted at in this first book. I'm looking forward to finding out more about her and the past she's trying to drown with all of her partying.

*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Tishia (Paperback Opinion) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Me For Me is the first book in the Safe Haven series by Kate Laurens. It's a New Adult romance about a college girl named Serena. She has moved away from home to get away from the painful memories of her past. She's trying to make a fresh start and become the kind of person she wants to be. The abuse she endured as a teenager caused her to act out and do things she normally wouldn't do.

Serena is scared to get emotionally involved with men. She's afraid that they won't want her after finding out about her past. She meets a new guy though that she can't resist. Alex comes loaded with baggage like her. Serena has horrible self esteem, and just doesn't understand why Alex would be interested in her. There's a great connection between them though, and slowly they become close.

Both of these characters have gone through heart breaking scenarios, so there's a lot of emotion in this book. I will say now, if you can't handle reading about sexual abuse – then don't read this book. I liked how this wasn't just a light-hearted book. Not only do the characters deal with abuse, but Alex has diabetes that is an important issue in his life. It's not often that characters in books have illnesses that they have to deal with. It makes them seem more real to me.

The romance was good. Alex looks like a bad boy since he is covered in tattoos, but he's the complete opposite. He has such a kind heart and is so perfect for Serena. They have some great chemistry with some steamy moments.

Even though you find out about Alex's secrets, you still almost feel like you don't know him that well. The author didn't really give any other information about him. I think that having part of this book in his point of view would have helped this situation.

My only real gripe about this book is the ending. I'm trying not to give away any major spoilers, but it didn't make any sense to me that Serena would push Alex away. At that point, he knew everything there was to know and he was there for her. She finally felt whole with him in her life. Their reconciliation at the very end was very abrupt. I mean, it was a happily-ever-after but I was left wanting more. It seemed too rushed.