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He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!
Be a good girl, don't get pregnant, do well in school, and get into a respectable college. Khadejah Johnson grew up believing this was the formula for a perfect life; the way to her Prince on a white horse ready to take her to paradise. That's how it went for her sister Asia, who met and married her dream guy, so Khadejah had no reason to believe her ending would be any different. Her mother never told her that the fairy tale doesn't happen for everyone She didn't prepare her baby girl for the reality that Prince Charming may not come to whisk her away. And not every man is perfect like her father.
When Khadejah learns her high school love, an All-American basketball standout, has gotten another girl pregnant, she feels her fairy tale ending slowly slipping from her reach. In retribution for his betrayal she runs to the arms of Justice who is ten years her senior and has a shady past that stretches the distance of their years apart. Six years later and as many broken dreams and promises, Khadejah is raising their two children alone and learning that the world of dating can be a cruel place for a single woman with children.
In He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! we journey with Khadejah on her search for true love. Along the way we meet Aaron Baxter, a young upwardly mobile brother trying to find his place in Corporate America and life in suburbia; then there's Mylan Gaines, fun-seeking, talented, but not yet ready to settle down; J. Jordan Edwards, an up and coming Corporate Attorney who has been bitten by Jungle Fever, and then there's Terrance Newsome, NBA standout who will do anything to reclaim the love of his high school sweetheart.
Experience the joys of friendship, the value of family, and the determination of a young woman destined to one day have the love she has always dreamed of despite the many obstacles she must overcome. You'll laugh, cry, scream and rejoice along the way. There will be highs, lows, twists, and turns. With realistic portrayals that easily transports readers into Khadejah's life; you'll see your girlfriend, sister, mother, co-worker, and even yourself in the characters that make this debut novel one to remember.
When Khadejah learns her high school love, an All-American basketball standout, has gotten another girl pregnant, she feels her fairy tale ending slowly slipping from her reach. In retribution for his betrayal she runs to the arms of Justice who is ten years her senior and has a shady past that stretches the distance of their years apart. Six years later and as many broken dreams and promises, Khadejah is raising their two children alone and learning that the world of dating can be a cruel place for a single woman with children.
In He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! we journey with Khadejah on her search for true love. Along the way we meet Aaron Baxter, a young upwardly mobile brother trying to find his place in Corporate America and life in suburbia; then there's Mylan Gaines, fun-seeking, talented, but not yet ready to settle down; J. Jordan Edwards, an up and coming Corporate Attorney who has been bitten by Jungle Fever, and then there's Terrance Newsome, NBA standout who will do anything to reclaim the love of his high school sweetheart.
Experience the joys of friendship, the value of family, and the determination of a young woman destined to one day have the love she has always dreamed of despite the many obstacles she must overcome. You'll laugh, cry, scream and rejoice along the way. There will be highs, lows, twists, and turns. With realistic portrayals that easily transports readers into Khadejah's life; you'll see your girlfriend, sister, mother, co-worker, and even yourself in the characters that make this debut novel one to remember.
- GenresRomance
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2008
6 people are currently reading
516 people want to read
About the author
Tracy L. Darity
6 books101 followersAs a child, she had a creative imagination and a love for reading. In her early teens, she began writing short stories as a hobby. It was not until she attended the 1997 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, that she decided she wanted to fulfill her dream of becoming a novelist. The words of Tavis Smiley inspired her. She jotted down this message during his speech at one of the forums: “We all have a God-given talent, but if you don’t have the desire to define, develop, and deliver your talent, you will always be in the audience and never on stage.”
Tracy returned home from the festival energized and began penning her first novel. She didn’t complete the manuscript until late 1998. Over time, Darity became discouraged after receiving rejection letters from the publishing industry. She shelved her manuscript, but now and then, she would pull it out and do minor rewrites. The desire to have her work published still simmered deep inside. In 2004, the flame inside her reignited, and she decided to pursue self-publishing. As time passed, she began to feel discouraged again but refused to give up. She researched, talked with other self-published authors, and continued believing that her dream would one day become a reality.
In 2025, Darity will re-release her debut novel, "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!", as a four-part series. She is working on her fourth book, “When Sunday Comes...”, scheduled for release in 2025. Readers can also expect the follow-up sequel and final book of the "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!" series, titled "Khadejah," in 2026.
Tracy returned home from the festival energized and began penning her first novel. She didn’t complete the manuscript until late 1998. Over time, Darity became discouraged after receiving rejection letters from the publishing industry. She shelved her manuscript, but now and then, she would pull it out and do minor rewrites. The desire to have her work published still simmered deep inside. In 2004, the flame inside her reignited, and she decided to pursue self-publishing. As time passed, she began to feel discouraged again but refused to give up. She researched, talked with other self-published authors, and continued believing that her dream would one day become a reality.
In 2025, Darity will re-release her debut novel, "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!", as a four-part series. She is working on her fourth book, “When Sunday Comes...”, scheduled for release in 2025. Readers can also expect the follow-up sequel and final book of the "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!" series, titled "Khadejah," in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 12, 2013
HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT is the impressive debut from Tracy L. Darity. Khadejah’s character is a reflection of many women seeking loving relationships. The choices she made were sometimes advantageous and at others, just plain stupid. She is your best friend, sister, mother or any woman you know who won’t stop until they get it right. At 444 pages, it is a very lengthy book, which grasped my attention and held it to the end with no lull in the plot. This one is sure to appeal to lovers of romance.
October 31, 2009
Unless otherwise stated in the review, all book reviews come from www.Amazon.com. To read other reader comments I invite you to join Tracy's Book Club where you will also find links to audio and on-line interviews, can chat with other readers, and much more. www.TracyLDarity.ning.com.
Books and Beignets Book Club gives 4,5 Stars (http://www.booksandbeignetsbookclub.com/)
Love Full Circle, August 9, 2009 By Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club (Monroe, LA) "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" is author, Tracy L. Darity's first novel about love - relationships between couples, family and friends. The novel follows protagonist, Khadejah Johnson - as a teenager experiencing love (or lust) for the first time through her adult years as she still attempts to find love. Khadejah goes through many trials and tribulations as she finds her own way through life and experiences many ups and downs in relationships around her - her relationship with her best friend, Vanisa, her parents, her siblings - older sister, Anisa, and older brother, Joshua, an established businessman, who is extremely protective of his little sister and will come to her rescue in more ways than one. Khadejah has her share of interesting men who come and go in her life from her first love, high school basketball star, Terrance, who ultimately breaks her heart through infidelity; the infamous Justice, an older man with his own set of problems - many of them Khadejah will have to find out the hard way. Khadejah's relationship with Justice produces two beautiful daughters - one with autism. Fast-forward a few years, Khadejah is now in corporate America with another set of issues to address. In walks charismatic, Aaron, Khadejah's coworker, who has his own share of drama, both on and off the job. Throughout her relationships, her first love, Terrance, seems to be a constant mainstay in Khadejah's life as he attempts to reclaim love once lost. Though lengthy, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" is an interesting read and many readers will reminisce about their own present and past relationships - love lost and gained and more importantly - lessons learned from each of these relationships regardless of outcome. Review: 4.5 Beignets Reviewed by Sonya Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club
RawSistaz Book Reviews (http://www.rawsistaz.com/)
- Is It Really Love?, July 31, 2009 By The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews Khadejah Johnson is your typical high school teen just three months shy of graduating when HE LOVES ME, HE LOVE ME NOT opens. Terrance, the guy she is dating, is on the basketball team and has a pesky ex-girlfriend with whom he maintains an on-again, off-again relationship. When the ex-girlfriend becomes pregnant, Khadejah is deeply hurt and moves on to a relationship with a much older man. This is where her tales of heartache and joy begin as she navigates through relationships looking for Mr. Right. From the emotionally abusive relationship with the older man, Khadejah has two daughters one of which is autistic. With the demise of that relationship, her challenge is now finding men who are willing to date a woman with children, especially a child with special needs. She has several love interests that consists of an ambitious attorney, a thug, a corporate lawyer and always hiding in the shadows is her high school sweetheart, Terrance who is now a successful NBA player. Will she find her prince among this crew, or will she continue to kiss the wrong toads? HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT is the impressive debut from Tracy L. Darity. Khadejah's character is a reflection of many women seeking loving relationships. The choices she made were sometimes advantageous and at others, just plain stupid. She is your best friend, sister, mother or any woman you know who won't stop until they get it right. At 444 pages, it is a very lengthy book, which grasped my attention and held it to the end with no lull in the plot. This one is sure to appeal to lovers of romance. Reviewed by Paula Henderson of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
Readers With Attitude Gives 4 Stars (http://www.rwabookclub.com/)
Love like this..., July 19, 2009 By Readers With Attitude Bookclub This novel follows the life of a girl named Kadejah from when she was in high school until the age of 32. She went through her share of obstacles involving love and finding it in the wrong places. After her trials and tribulations she finally finds the right person to share her life with. The book was very interesting! You just don't know what's next. The information and wording flowed well together. All of the chapters were interesting and kept you wanting to know more. The only concerns I had were that there were some words that weren't proofread. One part of the book was supposed to be talking about Terrance but the name that showed was Jonathan. Also when Christian went to trial and the jury read the verdict there was nothing else said about what Christian faced. Other than that the book was a great read and I really enjoyed it. I have already recommended it to my friends and family! Reviewed by: Volonda [...:]
Urban Fire Books Gives 5 Stars (http://www.urbanfirebooksonline.com/)
Searching For Love...In All The Wrong Places, June 26, 2009 By L. Romich "Book Nympho" (Akron, oH) In HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT! by Tracy Darity, the story opens with Khadejah Johnson having three months to go before she graduates from high school. Here she begins dating Terrance Newsome, the school basketball star, who is destined to go to the pros. Things seem to be going well between the two...that is until his ex-girlfriend becomes pregnant. Khadejah is hurt from the betrayal, so runs into the arms of a sexy chocolate complexioned man. Thus, enter Justice whom is ten years older than Khadejah and has the reputation for having a fetish for teen girls. Justice runs the local night club Cassie's. Although Khadejah fails to heed to the countless warnings from family and friends to stay away from Justice, Khadejah embarks on a six year relationship with him. During this relationship she will embark on an emotional roller coaster ride, with his indiscretions and his shady ways. Eventually she gets the courage to walk away from the relationship. Later Khadejah meets Aaron Baxter, whom is trying to climb his way up the corporate ladder, no matter what he has to do. From there we meet Mylan Gaines, who has a thug swagger to him. Different than any man she has ever dated. Their relationship is mainly on the physical side, that is until she begins to catch feelings for him. Mylan is just not ready to settle down...or at least that's what he leads her to believe. Then somewhere in the mix, Terrence Newsome re-enters Khadejah's life. He will do anything to reclaim the love he once shared with her. HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT! is an awesome debut novel by Tracy Darity. This book reads like a true to life story. I guarantee you will recognize someone in one of these characters whether it be a family member or friend. In reading this there were so many twists to it, I just had to sit back and enjoy the journey that Ms. Darity decided to take me on. I laughed at some parts and got angry with Khadejah's character at others. Although the size of this book may look intimidating and you may be looking at it like, it is going to take me forever to read this, get that thought out of your head right now. The story flows with so much precision and it is so realistic that you will be flying through this novel. I appreciate that fact that the author did not try to drag this out to be a sequel. This was an excellent novel. A recommended read! This is one of those novels that you will always remember. Reviewed by Leona UrbanFireBooks
Street Lit Clique Gives 5 Stars (http://www.streetlitclique.ning.com/)
Searching for love in all the wrong places..., June 22, 2009 By nicole098 "AVID-READER" (Greensboro,NC) - He Loves Me He Loves Me Not takes us into the life of Khadeja Johnson.From a young teenager having fun and about to graduate high school to growing up becoming a young woman going through alot of obstacles in her young life. Khadeja comes from a loving family.Seeing how happy her parents were,she thought it would be the same for her.Her first real boyfriend,Terrence gets his ex-girlfriend pregnant.Khadeja seeks comfort into the arms of Justice, a man ten years older than she is with a bad boy persona.Soon they are living together and Khadeja finds out about the other women.She wants out but finds it's easier said than done. Throughout the book Khadeja goes from one relationship to the next and so forth.Alot of men turn out to not be who she thought they were and it leaves Khadeja on an emotional roller coaster and ready to not look for a man.Will Khadeja find that special someone or will she let that special someone find her? This book was really long but I enjoyed it.It was fast paced,not predictable to me at all and well written for a debut novel.I think this is one of those books where women can relate to Khadeja.We have all been in Khadeja's shoes at one point or another in our lives. Reviewed by nicole098 Street Lit Clique
Urban Reviews Gives 3.5 Stars (http://www.urbanreviews.com/)
A Great Debut Novel, June 14, 2009 By Urban-Reviews.com (Urban-Reviews.com) - Khadejah Johnson grew up thinking that if she did well in school, went to college, and meet the perfect man that her life would be perfect. But Khadejah found out that life is not a fairytale when she finds out that her high-school sweetheart got another girl pregnant. Hurt and confused, she runs into the arms of a man that's ten years older than her. Khadejah thinks that this is the perfect but soon finds out that he's anything but. Fast forward around fourteen years later and Khadejah is now a single mother and is still on that rocky road to finding love. Aaron is an upwardly mobile man trying to climb the corporate ladder. Mylan is a man of many talents but he's not ready to settle down. J. Jordan Edwards is a corporate attorney trying to move past his latest relationship mistake. Terrance is a NBA basketball star trying to win back the love of his high school sweetheart. Will Khadejah find true love with any of these men? He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! is a thought-provoking novel by Tracy Darity. Darity brings us an entertaining coming of age tale about a woman who must learn some hard life lessons in order to find true love. You will see how Khadejah goes from being a naive teen to a woman who has realized her own self worth. This novel has a strong storyline and well developed characters. But there were a lot of parts to this story that could have been cut out to make this book flow more easily. There was way too much telling and not enough showing in this story. Khadejah and some of the other secondary characters had significant life changing events in this novel that were not shown but they were told to the reader instead either through conversation or narration. Had these events been shown and the more insignificant parts of the novel been omitted, the story would have read at a smoother and faster pace. There were also some minor editing issues that could not be ignored. With those issues aside, He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! is still a great debut novel by Tracy Darity. Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
O.O.S.A On-line Book Club Gives 4 Stars
Growing Up Can Be A Pain, March 29, 2009 By OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!" Tracy Darity follows the life of Khadejah Johnson. From an adolescent to adulthood she is taken on a rollercoaster ride in search of love and happiness. Khadejah goes through various stumbling blocks and challenges as well as experiencing what life has to offer. With loving family and friends in her corner, will she be able to have a peace of mind and the stability she's been searching for? "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not" was an incredible read. This debut novel was pretty hefty but it was well worth it. Tracy takes the reader through realistic scenarios that in some way we can relate to. My emotions got the best of me while reading this book. The characters were very enjoyable; you'll come to love Khadejah as your own daughter or sister and want nothing but the best for her. As women, young and old, we go through different experiences and adversities in our lives - some good and others not so well. But we push forth and strive for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Reviewed by: Tange
Author, Rhonda Y. C. Johnson Gives 5 Stars (http://www.rycjsbookpage.com)
Good Girl!, February 25, 2009 By RYCJ (PA) "Be a good girl, don't get pregnant, do well in school, and get into a respectable college. ...this was the formula for a perfect life." <--A beautiful premise for a lovely story. He Loves Me He Loves Me Not takes readers on a journey through Khadejah's life looking for love based on a premise she ultimately defines by experience. "Be a good girl," get good grades, go to college, finish college, find a suitable companion, marry when the time is right... all wonderful principles, except... just how are they applied when day-to-day conflict arises and intercedes? Khadejah provides those answers in a detailed heartwarming dialogue that will immerse readers in her story having them laughing, reflecting, and rejoicing long after the last page. Not only is this story built with warmth and passion, and told eloquently, this story opens a tremendous dialogue for parents raising children.
A Place Of Our Own Book Club Gives 4 Stars (http://www.apooobooks.com/)
Lengthy but good!, February 23, 2009 By Donnica Copeland Tracy L Darity's He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!, journeys with Khadeja Johnson on her search for true love. Khadeja grew up in a loving home with her mother, father, brother, and sister. She saw her parents live happily ever after and just knew that was how her road would turn out. It starts with her first real boyfriend in high school. When he gets his ex-girlfriend pregnant, Khadeja then finds herself in the arms of a man ten years-older than her. Before long they are living together and she cannot find a way out. He has plenty of other women, but expects Khadeja to stay and be faithful. By the time she is able to escape his grip, she has two children. Now living as a single mother, Khadeja is trying to find a man that will love her and her children. She runs into man after man and experiences heartbreak after heartbreak. But along the way, she has the support of her family and friends. Darity depicts the life of a girl that grows into a woman. It is very relatable. At some point in a woman's life, we have gone through at least one of these situations. The character still comes out on top and a better woman than when she started. She learns a valuable lesson in each heart break. And we learn the lesson with her. While it was a rather lengthy read, I was glued to it from page to page. When you find yourself shouting and talking to the book, you know you have found a winner. Donnica Copeland APOOO BookClub Sista Talk Book Club
Tamela Gray - Avid Reader Gives 5 Stars
What a way to Come Out, Tracy!!!, January 21, 2009 By Tamela Gray I got my copy of "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not" on Friday evening and started reading it that night. By Monday evening I was done and wanting more. This book is a real page turner. It had me up at night not wanting to put it down. The author captivates you with her ability to make you feel as if you are that character or at least can relate to them. The characters in this novel are ones that all females can relate to and sympathize with, and men also can appreciate it(the book) as well. At one point in our lives we have been through what Dee, as she is called in the book, goes through. She goes through all kinds of adversities in her relationships, but through them all she is able to come out of them a better woman. By realizing that in order for her to have that healthy and lasting relationship she had listen to her spiritual side and love herself first. I strongly recommend you read "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not". It will have you crying as well as laughing until you cry. Don't miss out on an experience you won't forget. Purchase a copy today and you definitely won't be sorry. I promise you!!!! Tam Clearwater,FL
Books and Beignets Book Club gives 4,5 Stars (http://www.booksandbeignetsbookclub.com/)
Love Full Circle, August 9, 2009 By Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club (Monroe, LA) "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" is author, Tracy L. Darity's first novel about love - relationships between couples, family and friends. The novel follows protagonist, Khadejah Johnson - as a teenager experiencing love (or lust) for the first time through her adult years as she still attempts to find love. Khadejah goes through many trials and tribulations as she finds her own way through life and experiences many ups and downs in relationships around her - her relationship with her best friend, Vanisa, her parents, her siblings - older sister, Anisa, and older brother, Joshua, an established businessman, who is extremely protective of his little sister and will come to her rescue in more ways than one. Khadejah has her share of interesting men who come and go in her life from her first love, high school basketball star, Terrance, who ultimately breaks her heart through infidelity; the infamous Justice, an older man with his own set of problems - many of them Khadejah will have to find out the hard way. Khadejah's relationship with Justice produces two beautiful daughters - one with autism. Fast-forward a few years, Khadejah is now in corporate America with another set of issues to address. In walks charismatic, Aaron, Khadejah's coworker, who has his own share of drama, both on and off the job. Throughout her relationships, her first love, Terrance, seems to be a constant mainstay in Khadejah's life as he attempts to reclaim love once lost. Though lengthy, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" is an interesting read and many readers will reminisce about their own present and past relationships - love lost and gained and more importantly - lessons learned from each of these relationships regardless of outcome. Review: 4.5 Beignets Reviewed by Sonya Books and Beignets (BAB) Book Club
RawSistaz Book Reviews (http://www.rawsistaz.com/)
- Is It Really Love?, July 31, 2009 By The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews Khadejah Johnson is your typical high school teen just three months shy of graduating when HE LOVES ME, HE LOVE ME NOT opens. Terrance, the guy she is dating, is on the basketball team and has a pesky ex-girlfriend with whom he maintains an on-again, off-again relationship. When the ex-girlfriend becomes pregnant, Khadejah is deeply hurt and moves on to a relationship with a much older man. This is where her tales of heartache and joy begin as she navigates through relationships looking for Mr. Right. From the emotionally abusive relationship with the older man, Khadejah has two daughters one of which is autistic. With the demise of that relationship, her challenge is now finding men who are willing to date a woman with children, especially a child with special needs. She has several love interests that consists of an ambitious attorney, a thug, a corporate lawyer and always hiding in the shadows is her high school sweetheart, Terrance who is now a successful NBA player. Will she find her prince among this crew, or will she continue to kiss the wrong toads? HE LOVES ME, HE LOVES ME NOT is the impressive debut from Tracy L. Darity. Khadejah's character is a reflection of many women seeking loving relationships. The choices she made were sometimes advantageous and at others, just plain stupid. She is your best friend, sister, mother or any woman you know who won't stop until they get it right. At 444 pages, it is a very lengthy book, which grasped my attention and held it to the end with no lull in the plot. This one is sure to appeal to lovers of romance. Reviewed by Paula Henderson of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
Readers With Attitude Gives 4 Stars (http://www.rwabookclub.com/)
Love like this..., July 19, 2009 By Readers With Attitude Bookclub This novel follows the life of a girl named Kadejah from when she was in high school until the age of 32. She went through her share of obstacles involving love and finding it in the wrong places. After her trials and tribulations she finally finds the right person to share her life with. The book was very interesting! You just don't know what's next. The information and wording flowed well together. All of the chapters were interesting and kept you wanting to know more. The only concerns I had were that there were some words that weren't proofread. One part of the book was supposed to be talking about Terrance but the name that showed was Jonathan. Also when Christian went to trial and the jury read the verdict there was nothing else said about what Christian faced. Other than that the book was a great read and I really enjoyed it. I have already recommended it to my friends and family! Reviewed by: Volonda [...:]
Urban Fire Books Gives 5 Stars (http://www.urbanfirebooksonline.com/)
Searching For Love...In All The Wrong Places, June 26, 2009 By L. Romich "Book Nympho" (Akron, oH) In HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT! by Tracy Darity, the story opens with Khadejah Johnson having three months to go before she graduates from high school. Here she begins dating Terrance Newsome, the school basketball star, who is destined to go to the pros. Things seem to be going well between the two...that is until his ex-girlfriend becomes pregnant. Khadejah is hurt from the betrayal, so runs into the arms of a sexy chocolate complexioned man. Thus, enter Justice whom is ten years older than Khadejah and has the reputation for having a fetish for teen girls. Justice runs the local night club Cassie's. Although Khadejah fails to heed to the countless warnings from family and friends to stay away from Justice, Khadejah embarks on a six year relationship with him. During this relationship she will embark on an emotional roller coaster ride, with his indiscretions and his shady ways. Eventually she gets the courage to walk away from the relationship. Later Khadejah meets Aaron Baxter, whom is trying to climb his way up the corporate ladder, no matter what he has to do. From there we meet Mylan Gaines, who has a thug swagger to him. Different than any man she has ever dated. Their relationship is mainly on the physical side, that is until she begins to catch feelings for him. Mylan is just not ready to settle down...or at least that's what he leads her to believe. Then somewhere in the mix, Terrence Newsome re-enters Khadejah's life. He will do anything to reclaim the love he once shared with her. HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT! is an awesome debut novel by Tracy Darity. This book reads like a true to life story. I guarantee you will recognize someone in one of these characters whether it be a family member or friend. In reading this there were so many twists to it, I just had to sit back and enjoy the journey that Ms. Darity decided to take me on. I laughed at some parts and got angry with Khadejah's character at others. Although the size of this book may look intimidating and you may be looking at it like, it is going to take me forever to read this, get that thought out of your head right now. The story flows with so much precision and it is so realistic that you will be flying through this novel. I appreciate that fact that the author did not try to drag this out to be a sequel. This was an excellent novel. A recommended read! This is one of those novels that you will always remember. Reviewed by Leona UrbanFireBooks
Street Lit Clique Gives 5 Stars (http://www.streetlitclique.ning.com/)
Searching for love in all the wrong places..., June 22, 2009 By nicole098 "AVID-READER" (Greensboro,NC) - He Loves Me He Loves Me Not takes us into the life of Khadeja Johnson.From a young teenager having fun and about to graduate high school to growing up becoming a young woman going through alot of obstacles in her young life. Khadeja comes from a loving family.Seeing how happy her parents were,she thought it would be the same for her.Her first real boyfriend,Terrence gets his ex-girlfriend pregnant.Khadeja seeks comfort into the arms of Justice, a man ten years older than she is with a bad boy persona.Soon they are living together and Khadeja finds out about the other women.She wants out but finds it's easier said than done. Throughout the book Khadeja goes from one relationship to the next and so forth.Alot of men turn out to not be who she thought they were and it leaves Khadeja on an emotional roller coaster and ready to not look for a man.Will Khadeja find that special someone or will she let that special someone find her? This book was really long but I enjoyed it.It was fast paced,not predictable to me at all and well written for a debut novel.I think this is one of those books where women can relate to Khadeja.We have all been in Khadeja's shoes at one point or another in our lives. Reviewed by nicole098 Street Lit Clique
Urban Reviews Gives 3.5 Stars (http://www.urbanreviews.com/)
A Great Debut Novel, June 14, 2009 By Urban-Reviews.com (Urban-Reviews.com) - Khadejah Johnson grew up thinking that if she did well in school, went to college, and meet the perfect man that her life would be perfect. But Khadejah found out that life is not a fairytale when she finds out that her high-school sweetheart got another girl pregnant. Hurt and confused, she runs into the arms of a man that's ten years older than her. Khadejah thinks that this is the perfect but soon finds out that he's anything but. Fast forward around fourteen years later and Khadejah is now a single mother and is still on that rocky road to finding love. Aaron is an upwardly mobile man trying to climb the corporate ladder. Mylan is a man of many talents but he's not ready to settle down. J. Jordan Edwards is a corporate attorney trying to move past his latest relationship mistake. Terrance is a NBA basketball star trying to win back the love of his high school sweetheart. Will Khadejah find true love with any of these men? He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! is a thought-provoking novel by Tracy Darity. Darity brings us an entertaining coming of age tale about a woman who must learn some hard life lessons in order to find true love. You will see how Khadejah goes from being a naive teen to a woman who has realized her own self worth. This novel has a strong storyline and well developed characters. But there were a lot of parts to this story that could have been cut out to make this book flow more easily. There was way too much telling and not enough showing in this story. Khadejah and some of the other secondary characters had significant life changing events in this novel that were not shown but they were told to the reader instead either through conversation or narration. Had these events been shown and the more insignificant parts of the novel been omitted, the story would have read at a smoother and faster pace. There were also some minor editing issues that could not be ignored. With those issues aside, He Loves Me He Loves Me Not! is still a great debut novel by Tracy Darity. Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews
O.O.S.A On-line Book Club Gives 4 Stars
Growing Up Can Be A Pain, March 29, 2009 By OOSA Online Book Club "O.O.S.A. Gets It Read!" Tracy Darity follows the life of Khadejah Johnson. From an adolescent to adulthood she is taken on a rollercoaster ride in search of love and happiness. Khadejah goes through various stumbling blocks and challenges as well as experiencing what life has to offer. With loving family and friends in her corner, will she be able to have a peace of mind and the stability she's been searching for? "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not" was an incredible read. This debut novel was pretty hefty but it was well worth it. Tracy takes the reader through realistic scenarios that in some way we can relate to. My emotions got the best of me while reading this book. The characters were very enjoyable; you'll come to love Khadejah as your own daughter or sister and want nothing but the best for her. As women, young and old, we go through different experiences and adversities in our lives - some good and others not so well. But we push forth and strive for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Reviewed by: Tange
Author, Rhonda Y. C. Johnson Gives 5 Stars (http://www.rycjsbookpage.com)
Good Girl!, February 25, 2009 By RYCJ (PA) "Be a good girl, don't get pregnant, do well in school, and get into a respectable college. ...this was the formula for a perfect life." <--A beautiful premise for a lovely story. He Loves Me He Loves Me Not takes readers on a journey through Khadejah's life looking for love based on a premise she ultimately defines by experience. "Be a good girl," get good grades, go to college, finish college, find a suitable companion, marry when the time is right... all wonderful principles, except... just how are they applied when day-to-day conflict arises and intercedes? Khadejah provides those answers in a detailed heartwarming dialogue that will immerse readers in her story having them laughing, reflecting, and rejoicing long after the last page. Not only is this story built with warmth and passion, and told eloquently, this story opens a tremendous dialogue for parents raising children.
A Place Of Our Own Book Club Gives 4 Stars (http://www.apooobooks.com/)
Lengthy but good!, February 23, 2009 By Donnica Copeland Tracy L Darity's He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!, journeys with Khadeja Johnson on her search for true love. Khadeja grew up in a loving home with her mother, father, brother, and sister. She saw her parents live happily ever after and just knew that was how her road would turn out. It starts with her first real boyfriend in high school. When he gets his ex-girlfriend pregnant, Khadeja then finds herself in the arms of a man ten years-older than her. Before long they are living together and she cannot find a way out. He has plenty of other women, but expects Khadeja to stay and be faithful. By the time she is able to escape his grip, she has two children. Now living as a single mother, Khadeja is trying to find a man that will love her and her children. She runs into man after man and experiences heartbreak after heartbreak. But along the way, she has the support of her family and friends. Darity depicts the life of a girl that grows into a woman. It is very relatable. At some point in a woman's life, we have gone through at least one of these situations. The character still comes out on top and a better woman than when she started. She learns a valuable lesson in each heart break. And we learn the lesson with her. While it was a rather lengthy read, I was glued to it from page to page. When you find yourself shouting and talking to the book, you know you have found a winner. Donnica Copeland APOOO BookClub Sista Talk Book Club
Tamela Gray - Avid Reader Gives 5 Stars
What a way to Come Out, Tracy!!!, January 21, 2009 By Tamela Gray I got my copy of "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not" on Friday evening and started reading it that night. By Monday evening I was done and wanting more. This book is a real page turner. It had me up at night not wanting to put it down. The author captivates you with her ability to make you feel as if you are that character or at least can relate to them. The characters in this novel are ones that all females can relate to and sympathize with, and men also can appreciate it(the book) as well. At one point in our lives we have been through what Dee, as she is called in the book, goes through. She goes through all kinds of adversities in her relationships, but through them all she is able to come out of them a better woman. By realizing that in order for her to have that healthy and lasting relationship she had listen to her spiritual side and love herself first. I strongly recommend you read "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not". It will have you crying as well as laughing until you cry. Don't miss out on an experience you won't forget. Purchase a copy today and you definitely won't be sorry. I promise you!!!! Tam Clearwater,FL
March 15, 2017
A lot of back and forth
Kadejah was a hot hot hot mess. This story chronicles her relationships from her senior year and a out fifteen years of bad choices, horrible relationships, a few good men and an ending that did not do.... I did not like the ending. I don't think the man she chose was her final choice...Although, Kadejah made her own drama, and probably settled rather than being with the man who truly loved her in the end.. This book had lots of six degrees of separation themes.... A long slow developed story, but it was nice..
Kadejah was a hot hot hot mess. This story chronicles her relationships from her senior year and a out fifteen years of bad choices, horrible relationships, a few good men and an ending that did not do.... I did not like the ending. I don't think the man she chose was her final choice...Although, Kadejah made her own drama, and probably settled rather than being with the man who truly loved her in the end.. This book had lots of six degrees of separation themes.... A long slow developed story, but it was nice..
July 22, 2013
What is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language? You guessed it...L-O-V-E! Everyone has had their fair share of the trials and tribulations, joys and pleasures of love. Sometimes the love is good, and sometimes it’s very, very, bad! In Tracy L. Darity’s novel, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not!, the ramifications of falling in love with the wrong men - and the growth that comes with this process - serve as the basis of a novel that spans ten years, two children, a divorce, and marriage!
The book begins by introducing Khadejah Johnson, a high-school senior from a tight-knit family. Khadejah’s mother and father expect great things from their daughter and had “…sacrificed much to ensure that money would be readily available for each child to attend college” (Darity 3). Khadejah fully expects to follow the traditional life path of career, marriage, and then children, but a betrayal by her first love - Terrance Newsome - propels her into the arms of Justice Williams, a man ten years her senior! Soon she realizes that Justice is not ready for commitment and even his own mother expresses disapproval of Justice’s treatment of Khadejah. Mrs. Williams asserts that Justice is “…obviously not ready for a real relationship” and cautions him to “…be satisfied with what you have” (91). But as they say love is blind and Khadejah continues to accept Justice’s flagrant mistreatment until she finally reaches her breaking point!
Now with two young children in tow, the lion's share of the story follows the ups and downs of Khadejah’s quest to find a loving relationship as a single mother. Like many women, the men that Khadejah attracts are a direct reflection of her current state of mind: when she’s at her loneliest after leaving Justice, she attracts Michael, a confused man; when she believes that having career success is most important, she attracts Aaron, the business man; and when her sexuality peaks, she attracts Mylan, the boy toy! Each man - despite their varying personalities -teaches Khadejah valuable life lessons regarding trust, confidence, and self worth, and they force her to understand that she must love and respect her self in order to be loved and respected by someone else.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not! is an exciting novel, as Tracy chronicles a woman’s mental, spiritual, and sexual transformation from girl to woman while also incorporating the man’s role in this growth. As I read, I found myself pleading with Khadejah to see the true colors of these men and to accept nothing but the best for her life! And I agreed with Khadejah’s best friend who stated that, “…people generally show you who they are. All you need to do is take off the blinders and see what you get” (226). In her, I saw myself and other women who - at one time or another – may have loved a man so dearly that nothing he did or said or showed us would cause us to leave! It was not until we let go of the notion that someone else is responsible for our happiness did we finally (hopefully) move on to more positive relationships.
Tracy’s well-crafted story of one woman’s personal relationship journey provided many life lessons for the reader. For me, though, the ultimate message in this novel is that we, as women, must develop our spiritual selves and learn who we are and what we want from life. Then and only then can we attract our true soul mate. It is a lesson that I know to be true!
Peace : )
The book begins by introducing Khadejah Johnson, a high-school senior from a tight-knit family. Khadejah’s mother and father expect great things from their daughter and had “…sacrificed much to ensure that money would be readily available for each child to attend college” (Darity 3). Khadejah fully expects to follow the traditional life path of career, marriage, and then children, but a betrayal by her first love - Terrance Newsome - propels her into the arms of Justice Williams, a man ten years her senior! Soon she realizes that Justice is not ready for commitment and even his own mother expresses disapproval of Justice’s treatment of Khadejah. Mrs. Williams asserts that Justice is “…obviously not ready for a real relationship” and cautions him to “…be satisfied with what you have” (91). But as they say love is blind and Khadejah continues to accept Justice’s flagrant mistreatment until she finally reaches her breaking point!
Now with two young children in tow, the lion's share of the story follows the ups and downs of Khadejah’s quest to find a loving relationship as a single mother. Like many women, the men that Khadejah attracts are a direct reflection of her current state of mind: when she’s at her loneliest after leaving Justice, she attracts Michael, a confused man; when she believes that having career success is most important, she attracts Aaron, the business man; and when her sexuality peaks, she attracts Mylan, the boy toy! Each man - despite their varying personalities -teaches Khadejah valuable life lessons regarding trust, confidence, and self worth, and they force her to understand that she must love and respect her self in order to be loved and respected by someone else.
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not! is an exciting novel, as Tracy chronicles a woman’s mental, spiritual, and sexual transformation from girl to woman while also incorporating the man’s role in this growth. As I read, I found myself pleading with Khadejah to see the true colors of these men and to accept nothing but the best for her life! And I agreed with Khadejah’s best friend who stated that, “…people generally show you who they are. All you need to do is take off the blinders and see what you get” (226). In her, I saw myself and other women who - at one time or another – may have loved a man so dearly that nothing he did or said or showed us would cause us to leave! It was not until we let go of the notion that someone else is responsible for our happiness did we finally (hopefully) move on to more positive relationships.
Tracy’s well-crafted story of one woman’s personal relationship journey provided many life lessons for the reader. For me, though, the ultimate message in this novel is that we, as women, must develop our spiritual selves and learn who we are and what we want from life. Then and only then can we attract our true soul mate. It is a lesson that I know to be true!
Peace : )
June 26, 2009
HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT!
by Tracy Darity
Searching For Love…In All The Wrong Places
In HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT! by Tracy Darity, the story opens with Khadejah Johnson having three months to go before she graduates from high school. Here she begins dating Terrance Newsome, the school basketball star, who is destined to go to the pros. Things seem to be going well between the two…that is until his ex-girlfriend becomes pregnant.
Khadejah is hurt from the betrayal, so runs into the arms of a sexy chocolate complexioned man. Thus, enter Justice whom is ten years older than Khadejah and has the reputation for having a fetish for teen girls. Justice runs the local night club Cassie’s. Although Khadejah fails to heed to the countless warnings from family and friends to stay away from Justice, Khadejah embarks on a six year relationship with him. During this relationship she will embark on an emotional roller coaster ride, with his indiscretions and his shady ways. Eventually she gets the courage to walk away from the relationship.
Later Khadejah meets Adrian Baxter, whom is trying to climb his way up the corporate ladder, no matter what he has to do. From there we meet Mylan Gaines, who has a thug swagger to him. Different than any man she has ever dated. Their relationship is mainly on the physical side, that is until she begins to catch feelings for him. Mylan is just not ready to settle down…or at least that’s what he leads her to believe. Then somewhere in the mix, Terrence Newsome re-enters Khadejah’s life. He will do anything to reclaim the love he once shared with her.
HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOW is an awesome debut novel by Tracy Darity. This book reads like a true to life story. I guarantee you will recognize someone in one of these characters whether it be a family member or friend. In reading this there were so many twists to it, I just had to sit back and enjoy the journey that Ms. Darity decided to take me on. I laughed at some parts and got angry with Khadejah’s character at others.
Although the size of this book may look intimidating and you may be looking at it like, it is going to take me forever to read this, get that thought out of your head right now. The story flows with so much precision and it is so realistic that you will be flying through this novel. I appreciate that fact that the author did not try to drag this out to be a sequel.
This was an excellent novel. A recommended read! This is one of those novels that you will always remember.
Reviewed by Leona
UrbanFireBooks
Amazon Rating: 5 stars
by Tracy Darity
Searching For Love…In All The Wrong Places
In HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOT! by Tracy Darity, the story opens with Khadejah Johnson having three months to go before she graduates from high school. Here she begins dating Terrance Newsome, the school basketball star, who is destined to go to the pros. Things seem to be going well between the two…that is until his ex-girlfriend becomes pregnant.
Khadejah is hurt from the betrayal, so runs into the arms of a sexy chocolate complexioned man. Thus, enter Justice whom is ten years older than Khadejah and has the reputation for having a fetish for teen girls. Justice runs the local night club Cassie’s. Although Khadejah fails to heed to the countless warnings from family and friends to stay away from Justice, Khadejah embarks on a six year relationship with him. During this relationship she will embark on an emotional roller coaster ride, with his indiscretions and his shady ways. Eventually she gets the courage to walk away from the relationship.
Later Khadejah meets Adrian Baxter, whom is trying to climb his way up the corporate ladder, no matter what he has to do. From there we meet Mylan Gaines, who has a thug swagger to him. Different than any man she has ever dated. Their relationship is mainly on the physical side, that is until she begins to catch feelings for him. Mylan is just not ready to settle down…or at least that’s what he leads her to believe. Then somewhere in the mix, Terrence Newsome re-enters Khadejah’s life. He will do anything to reclaim the love he once shared with her.
HE LOVES ME HE LOVES ME NOW is an awesome debut novel by Tracy Darity. This book reads like a true to life story. I guarantee you will recognize someone in one of these characters whether it be a family member or friend. In reading this there were so many twists to it, I just had to sit back and enjoy the journey that Ms. Darity decided to take me on. I laughed at some parts and got angry with Khadejah’s character at others.
Although the size of this book may look intimidating and you may be looking at it like, it is going to take me forever to read this, get that thought out of your head right now. The story flows with so much precision and it is so realistic that you will be flying through this novel. I appreciate that fact that the author did not try to drag this out to be a sequel.
This was an excellent novel. A recommended read! This is one of those novels that you will always remember.
Reviewed by Leona
UrbanFireBooks
Amazon Rating: 5 stars
March 29, 2009
Growing Up Can Be A Pain
Tracy Darity follows the life of Khadejah Johnson. From an adolescent to adulthood she is taken on a rollercoaster ride in search of love and happiness. Khadejah goes through various stumbling blocks and challenges as well as experiencing what life has to offer. With loving family and friends in her corner, will she be able to have a peace of mind and the stability she’s been searching for?
“He Loves Me He Loves Me Not” was an incredible read. This debut novel was pretty hefty but it was well worth it. Tracy takes the reader through realistic scenarios that in some way we can relate to. My emotions got the best of me while reading this book. The characters were very enjoyable; you’ll come to love Khadejah as your own daughter or sister and want nothing but the best for her. As women, young and old, we go through different experiences and adversities in our lives - some good and others not so well. But we push forth and strive for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Reviewed by: Tange
Tracy Darity follows the life of Khadejah Johnson. From an adolescent to adulthood she is taken on a rollercoaster ride in search of love and happiness. Khadejah goes through various stumbling blocks and challenges as well as experiencing what life has to offer. With loving family and friends in her corner, will she be able to have a peace of mind and the stability she’s been searching for?
“He Loves Me He Loves Me Not” was an incredible read. This debut novel was pretty hefty but it was well worth it. Tracy takes the reader through realistic scenarios that in some way we can relate to. My emotions got the best of me while reading this book. The characters were very enjoyable; you’ll come to love Khadejah as your own daughter or sister and want nothing but the best for her. As women, young and old, we go through different experiences and adversities in our lives - some good and others not so well. But we push forth and strive for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Reviewed by: Tange
July 19, 2009
I received this book that I won and was completely excited because I never win anything, let alone a book to read (one of my favorite hobbies).
I started reading right away....completely captivated by the storyline. I was however taken back by some racial remarks made in the book. I felt that it was not necessary to go there, really (I can site many locations in the book if need be). I was disappointed that the author took that route.
There were some errors on the grammer/spelling end, which made it difficult to read at times (ex: will not is spelled won't, not want).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't wait to see what happened to the main character and often found myself saying "girl! open your eyes..." Tracy L. Darity is a great storyteller! I would read her books again and highly recommend this book to others! Thank you for allowing me to read your book!
I started reading right away....completely captivated by the storyline. I was however taken back by some racial remarks made in the book. I felt that it was not necessary to go there, really (I can site many locations in the book if need be). I was disappointed that the author took that route.
There were some errors on the grammer/spelling end, which made it difficult to read at times (ex: will not is spelled won't, not want).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't wait to see what happened to the main character and often found myself saying "girl! open your eyes..." Tracy L. Darity is a great storyteller! I would read her books again and highly recommend this book to others! Thank you for allowing me to read your book!
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August 3, 2009THANKES FOR YOU
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March 30, 2010saya akan membeli buku lebih banya
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2012
Really good book! Long but kept me the reader wanting to know what was going to happen next!
Currently reading
February 14, 2013I tried for weeks, but I couldn't get into this book. I just didn't care enough about any of the primary characters to continue reading and see what happened to them.
September 14, 2014
Although I'm not an expert in this genre, I really liked it.
Specially, the way the author handles human relationships.
Specially, the way the author handles human relationships.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews